Optimization Models in WindFarm Design: The case of a routing-location problem

Wind energy can lead to a great socio-economic impact in Europe nowadays, while the installed capacity of wind power is estimated to be doubled by 2030.In order to generate power from the wind, a set of wind turbines is needed. A set of turbines is called a wind farm. The turbines of a wind farm are all connected via cables to the main power station. For an optimal design of wind farms, accurate models are needed. Computational models on wind farm design vary in the existing literature and they have been developed by engineers and scientists with different backgrounds in order to meet all requirements. This thesis investigates the contribution of Operations Research scientists to these mathematical models. More specifically, an Integer Linear Model from literature has been taken as a starting point. This model aims to minimize the cabling costs for offshore farms. In order to understand the existing model, the structure has been modified and more requirements are considered. Besides the objective to optimize the cable routing, a sub-problem arose to facilitate the model by relaxing a specific type of constraints (i.e. the planarity constraint). The addition of a node in the existing grid turns out to be beneficial for specific cases, taking into account the fixed costs arising from the installation and maintenance.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech. TIN2015-66680-c2-2-

Enhancing public awareness and promoting co-responsibility for marine litter in Europe: The challenge of MARLISCO

Marine litter is a pervasive and complex societal problem but has no simple solution. Inadequate practices at all levels of production–use–disposal contribute to accumulation of waste on land and at sea. Enhanced societal awareness but also co-responsibility across different sectors and improved interactions between stakeholders are necessary. MARLISCO was a European initiative, which developed and implemented activities across 15 countries. It worked towards raising societal awareness and engagement on marine litter, through a combination of approaches: public exhibitions in over 80 locations; a video competition involving 2100 students; and a legacy of educational and decision-supporting tools. 12 national participatory events designed to facilitate dialogue on solutions brought together 1500 stakeholders and revealed support for cross-cutting, preventive measures. Evaluation during implementation shows that these activities are effective in improving individuals' perceptions about the problem but also commitment in being part of the solution. This paper summarises MARLISCO's approach and highlights a selection of outcomes

An endocytic signal for the potassium channel KCNK3

Membrane trafficking is a major cellular mechanism for the regulation of surface expression of plasma membrane proteins. Recently, a carboxyl terminus motif, FREKLAYAIA, has been shown to control the internalization of the dopamine transporter (DAT), a critical protein in synaptic transmission. Sequence comparison across BLAST identified a similar carboxyl motif, SREKLQYSIP, in the leak potassium channel KCNK3. The current study tested whether this motif was necessary and sufficient for the internalization of the channel. Our results suggest that the carboxyl terminus of KCNK3 is sufficient for the internalization of an endocytic deficient reporter molecule (Tac), and that the SREKLQYSIP motif may be necessary for this internalization

Circular Bioeconomy in Action: Collection and Recycling of Domestic Used Cooking Oil through a Social, Reverse Logistics System

The inappropriate disposal of millions of tons of domestically produced used cooking oil (UCO), either down domestic household drains or in landfill, causes significant detrimental effects on the environment but also constitutes the loss of a valuable resource, since used cooking oil is a sought-after feedstock for biodiesel production. This paper presents findings from a social reverse logistics system, called InnovOleum, for collecting and recycling domestic used cooking oil through schools. The disruptive, social aspect of InnovOleum derives from the provision of funds from the sale of the collected used cooking oil to be invested within the participating schools in ongoing environmental education and green infrastructure and technology. To date, over 200,000 Euros have been distributed to schools for this purpose. No other schemes with similar potential to fully harness the environmental and social benefits from the collection and conversion of domestically produced used cooking oil have been found in literature. This publication can therefore significantly contribute to the knowledge base and facilitate the transfer of this scheme elsewhere

Implementation of sustainable tourism in Puerto Rico.

This project, prepared for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, assessed and documented desired incentives and evaluated the environmental, social, and economic implications of expanding sustainable tourism in Puerto Rico. Sustainable tourism is defined as tourism that conserves environmental resources while preserving local culture and ensuring economic stability for all stakeholders. We collected and analyzed the data obtained through background research, reference interviews and distributed questionnaires. In addition we created six coast analyses on sustainable practices. Based on our results, we formed conclusions and recommendations for the PRTC to use to promote sustainable tourism in Puerto Rico

The Acid-Sensitive, Anesthetic-Activated Potassium Leak Channel, KCNK3, Is Regulated By 14-3-3beta-Dependent, PKC-Mediated Endocytic Trafficking

The acid-sensitive neuronal potassium leak channel, KCNK3, is vital for setting the resting membrane potential and is the primary target for volatile anesthetics. Recent reports demonstrate that KCNK3 activity is downregulated by PKC; however, the mechanisms responsible for PKC-induced KCNK3 downregulation are undefined. Here, we report that endocytic trafficking dynamically regulates KCNK3 activity. Phorbol esters and Group I mGluR activation acutely decreased both native and recombinant KCNK3 currents with concomitant KCNK3 surface losses in cerebellar granule neurons and cell lines. PKC-mediated KCNK3 internalization required the presence of both 14-3-3beta and a novel potassium channel endocytic motif, as depleting either 14-3-3beta protein levels or ablating the endocytic motif completely abrogated PKC-regulated KCNK3 trafficking. These results demonstrate that neuronal potassium leak channels are not static membrane residents, but are subject to 14-3-3beta-dependent regulated trafficking, providing a straightforward mechanism to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity by Group I mGluRs