Circulating virus load determines the size of bottlenecks in viral populations progressing within a host

For any organism, population size, and fluctuations thereof, are of primary importance in determining the forces driving its evolution. This is particularly true for viruses—rapidly evolving entities that form populations with transient and explosive expansions alternating with phases of migration, resulting in strong population bottlenecks and associated founder effects that increase genetic drift. A typical illustration of this pattern is the progression of viral disease within a eukaryotic host, where such demographic fluctuations are a key factor in the emergence of new variants with altered virulence. Viruses initiate replication in one or only a few infection foci, then move through the vasculature to seed secondary infection sites and so invade distant organs and tissues. Founder effects during this within-host colonization might depend on the concentration of infectious units accumulating and circulating in the vasculature, as this represents the infection dose reaching new organs or “territories”. Surprisingly, whether or not the easily measurable circulating (plasma) virus load directly drives the size of population bottlenecks during host colonization has not been documented in animal viruses, while in plants the virus load within the sap has never been estimated. Here, we address this important question by monitoring both the virus concentration flowing in host plant sap, and the number of viral genomes founding the population in each successive new leaf. Our results clearly indicate that the concentration of circulating viruses directly determines the size of bottlenecks, which hence controls founder effects and effective population size during disease progression within a host

L'avancement des recherches en géoprosodie et le Project AMPER

Depuis 2001, l'Atlas Multimédia Prosodique de l’Espace Roman (AMPER) réunit des dizaines d'équipes de différents laboratoires d'Europe et d'Amérique qui visent à la description et à la comparaison des traits prosodiques des variétés linguistiques romanes. C'est grâce à la rencontre de plusieurs chercheurs (dialectologues, phonéticiens, sociolinguistes, philologues etc.) et à leur décision d'accepter de partager un même paradigme expérimental que les recherches en géoprosodie romane (souhaitées par Contini, 1992) ont commencé à recevoir des contributions importantes avec un objectif commun et dans un cadre structuré. L'adhésion au projet, qui ne s'est pas fixé une date limite pour la cloture des travaux, est ouverte aux contributions de tous les spécialistes du domaine. Ses dimensions et sa popularité dans certains secteurs de la recherche académique internationale, auxquelles a aussi contribué le Laboratori de fonètica de la UB, ont attiré l'attention même de chercheurs qui travaillent dans d'autres cadres théoriques. Si les travaux en cours ne manquent pas de détailler les particularités locales détectées dans des espaces régionaux, une étude qui fasse le point sur la variabilité globale reste encore un objectif ambitieux. Nous essayons de résumer ici quelques unes des réflexions préalables présentées en d'autres occasions, de dresser un bilan sur l'état des travaux et de discuter de nouvelles propositions pour le classement et l'évaluation des données déjà disponibles.Since 2001, the Atlas Multimédia Prosodique de l’Espace Roman (AMPER) has glued several research teams from various laboratories, in Europe and America, aiming to give a description and a comparison of the prosodic features of Romance linguistic varieties. Thanks to the participation of a number of researchers (dialectologists, phoneticians, sociolinguists, philologists and so on) and to their decision to share the same experimental paradigm, studies in Romance geoprosody (fostered by Contini, 1992) began to receive important contributions in view of a common target and within a structured framework. The project does not have a deadline for its achievement and is open to contributions from all involved fields. Its dimensions and its popularity, to whom the Laboratori de fonètica de la UB contributed as well, in certain areas of the international academic research, drew the attention of researchers working within different theoretical frameworks. Even though works in progress are highlighting local peculiarities in regional domains, a general review on global variability is still an ambitious aim. We summarise in this paper some preliminary reflections already presented elsewhere, in order to sketch a balance on the state of the art of the project and to discuss new ideas concerning both the classification and the evaluation of available data

Review on Multi-Objective Control Strategies for Distributed Generation on Inverter-Based Microgrids

[EN] Microgrids have emerged as a solution to address new challenges in power systems with the integration of distributed energy resources (DER). Inverter-based microgrids (IBMG) need to implement proper control systems to avoid stability and reliability issues. Thus, several researchers have introduced multi-objective control strategies for distributed generation on IBMG. This paper presents a review of the different approaches that have been proposed by several authors of multi-objective control. This work describes the main features of the inverter as a key component of microgrids. Details related to accomplishing efficient generation from a control systems' view have been observed. This study addresses the potential of multi-objective control to overcome conflicting objectives with balanced results. Finally, this paper shows future trends in control objectives and discussion of the different multi-objective approaches.Gonzales-Zurita, Ó.; Clairand, J.; Peñalvo-López, E.; Escrivá-Escrivá, G. (2020). Review on Multi-Objective Control Strategies for Distributed Generation on Inverter-Based Microgrids. Energies. 13(13):1-29. https://doi.org/10.3390/en13133483S1291313Ross, M., Abbey, C., Bouffard, F., & Joos, G. (2015). Multiobjective Optimization Dispatch for Microgrids With a High Penetration of Renewable Generation. IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Energy, 6(4), 1306-1314. doi:10.1109/tste.2015.2428676Murty, V. V. S. N., & Kumar, A. (2020). Multi-objective energy management in microgrids with hybrid energy sources and battery energy storage systems. Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems, 5(1). doi:10.1186/s41601-019-0147-zKatircioğlu, S., Abasiz, T., Sezer, S., & Katırcıoglu, S. (2019). Volatility of the alternative energy input prices and spillover effects: a VAR [MA]-MGARCH in BEKK approach for the Turkish economy. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 26(11), 10738-10745. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-04531-5Olivares, D. E., Mehrizi-Sani, A., Etemadi, A. H., Canizares, C. A., Iravani, R., Kazerani, M., … Hatziargyriou, N. D. (2014). Trends in Microgrid Control. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 5(4), 1905-1919. doi:10.1109/tsg.2013.2295514Akinyele, D., Belikov, J., & Levron, Y. (2018). Challenges of Microgrids in Remote Communities: A STEEP Model Application. Energies, 11(2), 432. doi:10.3390/en11020432Benamar, A., Travaillé, P., Clairand, J.-M., & Escrivá-Escrivá, G. (2020). Non-Linear Control of a DC Microgrid for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 10(2), 593. doi:10.18517/ijaseit.10.2.10815Lakshmi, M., & Hemamalini, S. (2018). Nonisolated High Gain DC–DC Converter for DC Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 65(2), 1205-1212. doi:10.1109/tie.2017.2733463Yin, C., Wu, H., Locment, F., & Sechilariu, M. (2017). Energy management of DC microgrid based on photovoltaic combined with diesel generator and supercapacitor. Energy Conversion and Management, 132, 14-27. doi:10.1016/j.enconman.2016.11.018Chen, D., Xu, Y., & Huang, A. Q. (2017). Integration of DC Microgrids as Virtual Synchronous Machines Into the AC Grid. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 64(9), 7455-7466. doi:10.1109/tie.2017.2674621Abhinav, S., Schizas, I. D., Ferrese, F., & Davoudi, A. (2017). Optimization-Based AC Microgrid Synchronization. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 13(5), 2339-2349. doi:10.1109/tii.2017.2702623Liu, Z., Su, M., Sun, Y., Li, L., Han, H., Zhang, X., & Zheng, M. (2019). Optimal criterion and global/sub-optimal control schemes of decentralized economical dispatch for AC microgrid. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 104, 38-42. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.06.045Khatibzadeh, A., Besmi, M., Mahabadi, A., & Reza Haghifam, M. (2017). Multi-Agent-Based Controller for Voltage Enhancement in AC/DC Hybrid Microgrid Using Energy Storages. Energies, 10(2), 169. doi:10.3390/en10020169Asghar, F., Talha, M., & Kim, S. (2017). Robust Frequency and Voltage Stability Control Strategy for Standalone AC/DC Hybrid Microgrid. Energies, 10(6), 760. doi:10.3390/en10060760Lotfi, H., & Khodaei, A. (2017). Hybrid AC/DC microgrid planning. Energy, 118, 37-46. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2016.12.015Kerdphol, T., Rahman, F., & Mitani, Y. (2018). Virtual Inertia Control Application to Enhance Frequency Stability of Interconnected Power Systems with High Renewable Energy Penetration. Energies, 11(4), 981. doi:10.3390/en11040981Rodrigues, Y. R., Zambroni de Souza, A. C., & Ribeiro, P. F. (2018). An inclusive methodology for Plug-in electrical vehicle operation with G2V and V2G in smart microgrid environments. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 102, 312-323. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.04.037Ghosh, S., & Chattopadhyay, S. (2020). Three-Loop-Based Universal Control Architecture for Decentralized Operation of Multiple Inverters in an Autonomous Grid-Interactive Microgrid. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 56(2), 1966-1979. doi:10.1109/tia.2020.2964746Mohapatra, S. R., & Agarwal, V. (2020). Model Predictive Control for Flexible Reduction of Active Power Oscillation in Grid-Tied Multilevel Inverters Under Unbalanced and Distorted Microgrid Conditions. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 56(2), 1107-1115. doi:10.1109/tia.2019.2957480Ziouani, I., Boukhetala, D., Darcherif, A.-M., Amghar, B., & El Abbassi, I. (2018). Hierarchical control for flexible microgrid based on three-phase voltage source inverters operated in parallel. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 95, 188-201. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.08.027Golshannavaz, S., & Mortezapour, V. (2018). A generalized droop control approach for islanded DC microgrids hosting parallel-connected DERs. Sustainable Cities and Society, 36, 237-245. doi:10.1016/j.scs.2017.09.038Safa, A., Madjid Berkouk, E. L., Messlem, Y., & Gouichiche, A. (2018). A robust control algorithm for a multifunctional grid tied inverter to enhance the power quality of a microgrid under unbalanced conditions. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 100, 253-264. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.02.042Andishgar, M. H., Gholipour, E., & Hooshmand, R. (2017). An overview of control approaches of inverter-based microgrids in islanding mode of operation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 80, 1043-1060. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.05.267Li, Z., Zang, C., Zeng, P., Yu, H., Li, S., & Bian, J. (2017). Control of a Grid-Forming Inverter Based on Sliding-Mode and Mixed ${H_2}/{H_\infty }$ Control. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 64(5), 3862-3872. doi:10.1109/tie.2016.2636798Hossain, M. A., Pota, H. R., Squartini, S., & Abdou, A. F. (2019). Modified PSO algorithm for real-time energy management in grid-connected microgrids. Renewable Energy, 136, 746-757. doi:10.1016/j.renene.2019.01.005Shokoohi, S., Golshannavaz, S., Khezri, R., & Bevrani, H. (2018). Intelligent secondary control in smart microgrids: an on-line approach for islanded operations. Optimization and Engineering, 19(4), 917-936. doi:10.1007/s11081-018-9382-9Safari, A., Babaei, F., & Farrokhifar, M. (2019). A load frequency control using a PSO-based ANN for micro-grids in the presence of electric vehicles. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 42(6), 688-700. doi:10.1080/01430750.2018.1563811Miveh, M. R., Rahmat, M. F., Ghadimi, A. A., & Mustafa, M. W. (2016). Control techniques for three-phase four-leg voltage source inverters in autonomous microgrids: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 54, 1592-1610. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.079Rokrok, E., Shafie-khah, M., & Catalão, J. P. S. (2018). Review of primary voltage and frequency control methods for inverter-based islanded microgrids with distributed generation. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 3225-3235. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.022Bouzid, A. M., Guerrero, J. M., Cheriti, A., Bouhamida, M., Sicard, P., & Benghanem, M. (2015). A survey on control of electric power distributed generation systems for microgrid applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 44, 751-766. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2015.01.016Vásquez, V., Ortega, L. M., Romero, D., Ortega, R., Carranza, O., & Rodríguez, J. J. (2017). Comparison of methods for controllers design of single phase inverter operating in island mode in a microgrid: Review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 76, 256-267. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.03.060Shen, X., Wang, H., Li, J., Su, Q., & Gao, L. (2019). Distributed Secondary Voltage Control of Islanded Microgrids Based on RBF-Neural-Network Sliding-Mode Technique. IEEE Access, 7, 65616-65623. doi:10.1109/access.2019.2915509Arbab-Zavar, B., Palacios-Garcia, E., Vasquez, J., & Guerrero, J. (2019). Smart Inverters for Microgrid Applications: A Review. Energies, 12(5), 840. doi:10.3390/en12050840Bullich-Massagué, E., Díaz-González, F., Aragüés-Peñalba, M., Girbau-Llistuella, F., Olivella-Rosell, P., & Sumper, A. (2018). Microgrid clustering architectures. Applied Energy, 212, 340-361. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.12.048Kerdphol, T., Rahman, F., Mitani, Y., Hongesombut, K., & Küfeoğlu, S. (2017). Virtual Inertia Control-Based Model Predictive Control for Microgrid Frequency Stabilization Considering High Renewable Energy Integration. Sustainability, 9(5), 773. doi:10.3390/su9050773Hajiakbari Fini, M., & Hamedani Golshan, M. E. (2018). Determining optimal virtual inertia and frequency control parameters to preserve the frequency stability in islanded microgrids with high penetration of renewables. Electric Power Systems Research, 154, 13-22. doi:10.1016/j.epsr.2017.08.007Jung, J., & Villaran, M. (2017). Optimal planning and design of hybrid renewable energy systems for microgrids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 75, 180-191. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2016.10.061Baharizadeh, M., Karshenas, H. R., & Guerrero, J. M. (2018). An improved power control strategy for hybrid AC-DC microgrids. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 95, 364-373. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.08.036Serban, I., & Ion, C. P. (2017). Microgrid control based on a grid-forming inverter operating as virtual synchronous generator with enhanced dynamic response capability. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 89, 94-105. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.01.009Tavakoli, M., Shokridehaki, F., Marzband, M., Godina, R., & Pouresmaeil, E. (2018). A two stage hierarchical control approach for the optimal energy management in commercial building microgrids based on local wind power and PEVs. Sustainable Cities and Society, 41, 332-340. doi:10.1016/j.scs.2018.05.035Cagnano, A., De Tuglie, E., & Cicognani, L. (2017). Prince — Electrical Energy Systems Lab. Electric Power Systems Research, 148, 10-17. doi:10.1016/j.epsr.2017.03.011Zhang, H., Meng, W., Qi, J., Wang, X., & Zheng, W. X. (2019). Distributed Load Sharing Under False Data Injection Attack in an Inverter-Based Microgrid. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 66(2), 1543-1551. doi:10.1109/tie.2018.2793241Yang, L., Hu, Z., Xie, S., Kong, S., & Lin, W. (2019). Adjustable virtual inertia control of supercapacitors in PV-based AC microgrid cluster. Electric Power Systems Research, 173, 71-85. doi:10.1016/j.epsr.2019.04.011Rahman, F. S., Kerdphol, T., Watanabe, M., & Mitani, Y. (2019). Optimization of virtual inertia considering system frequency protection scheme. Electric Power Systems Research, 170, 294-302. doi:10.1016/j.epsr.2019.01.025Farrokhabadi, M., Canizares, C. A., Simpson-Porco, J. W., Nasr, E., Fan, L., Mendoza-Araya, P. A., … Reilly, J. (2020). Microgrid Stability Definitions, Analysis, and Examples. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 35(1), 13-29. doi:10.1109/tpwrs.2019.2925703Yoldaş, Y., Önen, A., Muyeen, S. M., Vasilakos, A. V., & Alan, İ. (2017). Enhancing smart grid with microgrids: Challenges and opportunities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 72, 205-214. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.064Rajesh, K. S., Dash, S. S., Rajagopal, R., & Sridhar, R. (2017). A review on control of ac microgrid. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 71, 814-819. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2016.12.106Marzal, S., Salas, R., González-Medina, R., Garcerá, G., & Figueres, E. (2018). Current challenges and future trends in the field of communication architectures for microgrids. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 3610-3622. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.101Singh, A., & Suhag, S. (2018). Trends in Islanded Microgrid Frequency Regulation – A Review. Smart Science, 7(2), 91-115. doi:10.1080/23080477.2018.1540380Hou, X., Sun, Y., Lu, J., Zhang, X., Koh, L. H., Su, M., & Guerrero, J. M. (2018). Distributed Hierarchical Control of AC Microgrid Operating in Grid-Connected, Islanded and Their Transition Modes. IEEE Access, 6, 77388-77401. doi:10.1109/access.2018.2882678SHI, R., ZHANG, X., HU, C., XU, H., GU, J., & CAO, W. (2017). Self-tuning virtual synchronous generator control for improving frequency stability in autonomous photovoltaic-diesel microgrids. Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy, 6(3), 482-494. doi:10.1007/s40565-017-0347-3Toub, M., Bijaieh, M. M., Weaver, W. W., III, R. D. R., Maaroufi, M., & Aniba, G. (2019). Droop Control in DQ Coordinates for Fixed Frequency Inverter-Based AC Microgrids. Electronics, 8(10), 1168. doi:10.3390/electronics8101168Shuai, Z., Fang, J., Ning, F., & Shen, Z. J. (2018). Hierarchical structure and bus voltage control of DC microgrid. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82, 3670-3682. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.096Agundis-Tinajero, G., Segundo-Ramírez, J., Visairo-Cruz, N., Savaghebi, M., Guerrero, J. M., & Barocio, E. (2019). Power flow modeling of islanded AC microgrids with hierarchical control. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 105, 28-36. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2018.08.002Ali, A., Li, W., Hussain, R., He, X., Williams, B., & Memon, A. (2017). Overview of Current Microgrid Policies, Incentives and Barriers in the European Union, United States and China. Sustainability, 9(7), 1146. doi:10.3390/su9071146Cui, Y., Geng, Z., Zhu, Q., & Han, Y. (2017). Review: Multi-objective optimization methods and application in energy saving. Energy, 125, 681-704. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2017.02.174Yazdi, F., & Hosseinian, S. H. (2019). A novel «Smart Branch» for power quality improvement in microgrids. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 110, 161-170. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2019.02.026Bassey, O., Butler-Purry, K. L., & Chen, B. (2020). Dynamic Modeling of Sequential Service Restoration in Islanded Single Master Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 35(1), 202-214. doi:10.1109/tpwrs.2019.2929268Chang, E.-C. (2018). Study and Application of Intelligent Sliding Mode Control for Voltage Source Inverters. Energies, 11(10), 2544. doi:10.3390/en11102544Das, D., Gurrala, G., & Shenoy, U. J. (2018). Linear Quadratic Regulator-Based Bumpless Transfer in Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 9(1), 416-425. doi:10.1109/tsg.2016.2580159Nguyen, H. K., Khodaei, A., & Han, Z. (2018). Incentive Mechanism Design for Integrated Microgrids in Peak Ramp Minimization Problem. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 9(6), 5774-5785. doi:10.1109/tsg.2017.2696903Xiao, Z., Guerrero, J. M., Shuang, J., Sera, D., Schaltz, E., & Vásquez, J. C. (2018). Flat tie-line power scheduling control of grid-connected hybrid microgrids. Applied Energy, 210, 786-799. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.07.066Baghaee, H. R., Mirsalim, M., Gharehpetian, G. B., & Talebi, H. A. (2018). A Decentralized Robust Mixed $H_{{2}}/ H_{{{\infty }}}$ Voltage Control Scheme to Improve Small/Large-Signal Stability and FRT Capability of Islanded Multi-DER Microgrid Considering Load Disturbances. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(3), 2610-2621. doi:10.1109/jsyst.2017.2716351Panda, S. K., & Ghosh, A. (2020). A Computational Analysis of Interfacing Converters with Advanced Control Methodologies for Microgrid Application. Technology and Economics of Smart Grids and Sustainable Energy, 5(1). doi:10.1007/s40866-020-0077-xZhang, L., Chen, K., Lyu, L., & Cai, G. (2019). Research on the Operation Control Strategy of a Low-Voltage Direct Current Microgrid Based on a Disturbance Observer and Neural Network Adaptive Control Algorithm. Energies, 12(6), 1162. doi:10.3390/en12061162Zhu, K., Sun, P., Zhou, L., Du, X., & Luo, Q. (2020). Frequency-Division Virtual Impedance Shaping Control Method for Grid-Connected Inverters in a Weak and Distorted Grid. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 35(8), 8116-8129. doi:10.1109/tpel.2019.2963345Samavati, E., & Mohammadi, H. R. (2019). Simultaneous voltage and current harmonics compensation in islanded/grid-connected microgrids using virtual impedance concept. Sustainable Energy, Grids and Networks, 20, 100258. doi:10.1016/j.segan.2019.100258Shi, K., Ye, H., Song, W., & Zhou, G. (2018). Virtual Inertia Control Strategy in Microgrid Based on Virtual Synchronous Generator Technology. IEEE Access, 6, 27949-27957. doi:10.1109/access.2018.2839737Fathi, A., Shafiee, Q., & Bevrani, H. (2018). Robust Frequency Control of Microgrids Using an Extended Virtual Synchronous Generator. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 33(6), 6289-6297. doi:10.1109/tpwrs.2018.2850880Amoateng, D. O., Al Hosani, M., Elmoursi, M. S., Turitsyn, K., & Kirtley, J. L. (2018). Adaptive Voltage and Frequency Control of Islanded Multi-Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 33(4), 4454-4465. doi:10.1109/tpwrs.2017.2780986Sopinka, A., & Pitt, L. (2013). British Columbia Electricity Supply Gap Strategy: A Redefinition of Self-Sufficiency. The Electricity Journal, 26(3), 81-88. doi:10.1016/j.tej.2013.03.003Baghaee, H. R., Mirsalim, M., Gharehpetian, G. B., & Talebi, H. A. (2018). Decentralized Sliding Mode Control of WG/PV/FC Microgrids Under Unbalanced and Nonlinear Load Conditions for On- and Off-Grid Modes. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(4), 3108-3119. doi:10.1109/jsyst.2017.2761792Gholami, S., Saha, S., & Aldeen, M. (2018). Robust multiobjective control method for power sharing among distributed energy resources in islanded microgrids with unbalanced and nonlinear loads. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 94, 321-338. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.07.012Mousazadeh Mousavi, S. Y., Jalilian, A., Savaghebi, M., & Guerrero, J. M. (2018). Autonomous Control of Current- and Voltage-Controlled DG Interface Inverters for Reactive Power Sharing and Harmonics Compensation in Islanded Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 33(11), 9375-9386. doi:10.1109/tpel.2018.2792780Fani, B., Zandi, F., & Karami-Horestani, A. (2018). An enhanced decentralized reactive power sharing strategy for inverter-based microgrid. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 98, 531-542. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2017.12.023Khayat, Y., Naderi, M., Shafiee, Q., Batmani, Y., Fathi, M., Guerrero, J. M., & Bevrani, H. (2019). Decentralized Optimal Frequency Control in Autonomous Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 34(3), 2345-2353. doi:10.1109/tpwrs.2018.2889671Arcos-Aviles, D., Pascual, J., Marroyo, L., Sanchis, P., & Guinjoan, F. (2018). Fuzzy Logic-Based Energy Management System Design for Residential Grid-Connected Microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 9(2), 530-543. doi:10.1109/tsg.2016.2555245Alyazidi, N. M., Mahmoud, M. S., & Abouheaf, M. I. (2018). Adaptive critics based cooperative control scheme for islanded Microgrids. Neurocomputing, 272, 532-541. doi:10.1016/j.neucom.2017.07.027Buduma, P., & Panda, G. (2018). Robust nested loop control scheme for LCL‐filtered inverter‐based DG unit in grid‐connected and islanded modes. IET Renewable Power Generation, 12(11), 1269-1285. doi:10.1049/iet-rpg.2017.0803Batiyah, S., Sharma, R., Abdelwahed, S., & Zohrabi, N. (2020). An MPC-based power management of standalone DC microgrid with energy storage. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 120, 105949. doi:10.1016/j.ijepes.2020.105949Baghaee, H. R., Mirsalim, M., Gharehpetan, G. B., & Talebi, H. A. (2018). Nonlinear Load Sharing and Voltage Compensation of Microgrids Based on Harmonic Power-Flow Calculations Using Radial Basis Function Neural Networks. IEEE Systems Journal, 12(3), 2749-2759. doi:10.1109/jsyst.2016.2645165Benhalima, S., Miloud, R., & Chandra, A. (2018). Real-Time Implementation of Robust Control Strategies Based on Sliding Mode Control for Standalone Microgrids Supplying Non-Linear Loads. Energies, 11(10), 2590. doi:10.3390/en11102590California Carbon Market Watch: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Golden State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, Year One—2012–2013. 2014https://www.issuelab.org/resource/california-carbon-market-watch-a-comprehensive-analysis-of-the-golden-state-s-cap-and-trade-program-year-one-2012-2013.htmlExploring the Best Possible Trade-Off between Competing Objectives: Identifying the Pareto Fronthttps://pythonhealthcare.org/2018/09/27/93-exploring-the-best-possible-trade-off-between-competing-objectives-identifying-the-pTeekaraman, Y., Kuppusamy, R., & Nikolovski, S. (2019). Solution for Voltage and Frequency Regulation in Standalone Microgrid using Hybrid Multiobjective Symbiotic Organism Search Algorithm. Energies, 12(14), 2812. doi:10.3390/en12142812Zeng, Z., Li, H., Tang, S., Yang, H., & Zhao, R. (2016). Multi‐objective control of multi‐functional grid‐connected inverter for renewable energy integration and power quality service. IET Power Electronics, 9(4), 761-770. doi:10.1049/iet-pel.2015.0317Wu, Y., Guerrero, J. M., Vasquez, J. C., & Wu, Y. (2019). Bumpless Optimal Control over Multi-Objective Microgrids with Mode-Dependent Controllers. Energies, 12(19), 3619. doi:10.3390/en12193619Sedighizadeh, M., Esmaili, M., & Eisapour-Moarref, A. (2017). Voltage and frequency r

Reflexivity as a tool for medical students to identify and address gender bias in clinical practice: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT Objectives Gender bias interferes with medical care for both men and women, leading to health inequalities. Reflexivity is used in medical education to improve health provision. This study aims to understand if a reflective approach integrated in medical practice enables raising awareness of gender bias during medical school teaching. Methods We conducted this study in general ambulatory medicine in Lausanne Hospital, Switzerland with 160 Master’s students. Through group discussions and reflection questionnaires, students were asked to discuss clinical cases they encountered focusing on potential gender bias. We analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach. Results The reflection on the clinical reasoning steps from a real case identified gender bias at each stage of the clinical case management. The analysis revealed two factors that facilitated gender reflexivity: guidance from a gender expert and peer-to-peer exchange. Conclusions Our study shows that a reflective approach integrated in medical practice enables raising awareness of gender bias during medical teaching. It provides students with a systematic method they can apply in their future clinical work, thus improving care processes and experiences towards more equitable care

Quality Evaluation of Sediments from 24 Tributaries of the Po River, Italy

Sediment samples from 24 tributaries of the Po River (Italy) were screened for selected trace elements (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) and extractable organic compounds; a proxy for contamination by organic microcontaminants. The toxicity of sediment extracts was evaluated using a battery of biotests (Dugesia gonocephala, Paracentrotus lividus, and Tamnocephalus platyurus). Contamination by trace elements (including very high Hg pollution - 4 to 16ppm total Hg - in one sub-basin) reached potentially harmful levels only in the sediments of four tributaries; while contamination by organic microcontaminants was present in most sub-basins. Sediments from most study sites did actually show signs of anthropogenic stress and were able to elicit a toxic response. A more detailed evaluation of sediment quality in the Po River tributaries seems to be urgently needed for developing the necessary remediation strategies. Research priorities should include more thorough testing of sediment toxicity, determination of metal background levels in the various sub-basins and a more detailed identification of the organic micropollutants of possible concer

Queens Library HealthLink: Fighting Health Disparities through Community Engagement

Queens, New York is a diverse urban environment and home to many recent immigrants and low-income populations, which are known to have lower access to healthcare and are thus at higher risk for a wide range of negative health outcomes. Queens residents face serious cancer disparities, with late-stage cancer detection rates for breast, colorectal and prostate cancers far surpassing national averages. Developed to address such disparities, Queens Library HealthLink (HealthLink) is a four-way partnership that seeks to increase access to cancer screening, care and education in medically underserved neighborhoods in Queens. Through 20 of the 62 Queens Public Libraries, HealthLink organizes community members into Cancer Action Councils that develop and tailor interventions suited to community needs, assets and priorities, as well as perform evaluation of their work. This article describes the partnership, its program outcomes and case examples of successful initiatives in order to present HealthLink’s relevance to other urban public libraries as a model for reaching broad, underserved audiences with health information and services

POLYPYRROLE SYNTHESIS VIA CARBOXYMETHYLCELLULOSE-IRON COMPLEXES

Polypyrrole (PPy) was chemically synthesised at two pH levels (pH = 2 and unadjusted pH, i.e. 6.6) using pre-formed carboxymethylcellulose-iron (CMC-Fe) complexes. The CMC-Fe complexes were prepared at a fixed CMC concentration, i.e. 5.5x10-5 mol/L, and with an increasing FeCl3 amount (from 4x10-3 to 5x10-2 mol/L). The quantity of iron bound to CMC was determined by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) method. In order to understand the interactions between CMC and iron, speciation of the systems was simulated by Phreeqc software. SEM analysis showed that, in some conditions (particularly at pH = 2), Py polymerised within the CMC-Fe complexes, forming particles with size ranging between 300 and 600 nm. In order to evaluate polymer electric conductivity, films were prepared by direct casting of the PPy-CMC-Fe dispersions with and without addition of film-forming CMC, and bulky PPy-CMC-Fe pellets were obtained by compression. Despite the different arrangement PPy-CMC-Fe particles in dry films, the amount of iron bound to CMC during the formation of CMC-Fe complexes was found to be the dominant parameter affecting polymer conductivity

INFLUENCIA DEL MÉTODO TOMATIS® EN LA REDUCCIÓN DE LA SINTOMATOLOGÍA EN UN NIÑO AUTISTA

Pioneering Qualitative research project focused in the observation and analysis of a 8 years old autist kid reactions, with careful attention when submitted to Tomatis® method, a technique for processing acoustic messages through auditory stimulation by means of especially designed musical themes listening sessions and “Tooballo®” usage. In observations in situ before, during and after the listening of Tomatis® stimulation and Tooballo® usage were applied SCAS (Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale), that measures a wide anxiety spectrum in kids, and Vanderbilt TDHA by means of parental diagnosis evaluation to measure hyperactivity level. A focal group with parents of autistic kids of CAPADD Foundation, regarding the following subject: “Strategic procedures implemented by parents in order to cope with their autistic children’s crisis”. Significant evolutionary maturing level was acquired, anxiety characteristics decreased and important progress was achieved in writing and reading skills.Esta investigación cualitativa se enfocó en la observación y análisis de las reacciones de un niño de 8 años que presenta autismo, frente a la aplicación del método “Tomatis®”, que sirve para procesar mensajes acústicos mediante estimulación auditiva. Se utilizaron sesiones de escucha con temas musicales especializados y la aplicación del “Tooballo®”. Se realizaron observaciones in situ antes, durante y después de sesiones de estimulación Tomatis® y uso del Tooballo®. Asimismo, se aplicó al inicio, durante y al final el método de la SCAS (Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale), el cual mide la ansiedad en niños y la evaluación (parental) del diagnóstico Vanderbilt de TDHA, que mide el nivel de hiperactividad. También se realizó un grupo focal con familiares de niños con autismo, con el tema: “Estrategias que utilizaron los padres para afrontar las crisis de sus hijos con autismo”. Tras la implementación del método Tomatis® y el empleo del Tooballo® el sujeto de esta investigación logró un nivel notable de maduración evolutiva, disminuyeron los rasgos de ansiedad y progresó significativamente en el proceso de la lectura y escritura

Embracing the Unreliability of Memory Devices for Neuromorphic Computing

The emergence of resistive non-volatile memories opens the way to highly energy-efficient computation near- or in-memory. However, this type of computation is not compatible with conventional ECC, and has to deal with device unreliability. Inspired by the architecture of animal brains, we present a manufactured differential hybrid CMOS/RRAM memory architecture suitable for neural network implementation that functions without formal ECC. We also show that using low-energy but error-prone programming conditions only slightly reduces network accuracy