Synthesis of multiarea grid power systems

This dissertation presents improved development in the formation of a generalized transmission loss (B)-matrix for a multiarea grid power system. In the procedure, the individual tie powers of each area are replaced by the net interchange, sneak and circulating powers. The latter two variables are directly eliminated in the power reference frame using actual impedances, unlike current methods that require the elimination of sneak and circulating currents, the formation of complex tie current model and the complex tie power model. Consequently, manipulation of large complex current, power and impedance matrices is avoided reducing both computer time and memory requirement. Further, the procedure not only provides a model for predicting individual tie powers, given generator and net interchange powers, but also provides coefficients that reflect the changes in the tie power flows with respect to the changes in generator and net interchange flows. The dissertation also presents a modified pool lambda dispatch method that could be used on-line for optimal coordination of generating sources in a multiarea grid power system. The classical fuel cost minimization problem is modified with the addition of a constraint equation that forms the basis for the definition of a common pool reference running cost. The solution algorithm is in a closed form rather than iterative and explicitly provides the individual area running costs in terms of the pool reference cost and the desired generation of each area. Thus, individual areas can be dispatched in a multiarea grid power system in the same manner as individual generators are dispatched in a single area. Finally, a procedural method of selecting and designing an acceptable optimum power system configuration from a group of system alternatives, in terms of a generalized conductance (G)-matrix is presented. Analysis of an arbitrary N area power system by the method presented herein can be very economical, since the dimension (2N-1)X(2N-1) of the (G)-matrix is substantially smaller than the actual network. Once optimal (G)-matrix is identified, the actual network in reference frame one, can be designed by a reverse transformation, reflecting the constraints set by members of the power pool

Factors affecting the interface shear strength of pavement layers

Flexible pavement structures are built in layers with a certain degree of bonding at the interface, which is affected by several factors which could be either material related, or construction related. The tack coat material type, residual application rate, tack coat coverage, and pavement surface type are attributed as material related factors. On the other hand, cleanliness, moisture, and vertical confinement pressure could be classified as construction related factors. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of these factors on the pavement interface bonding in terms of interface shear strength. Five types of tack coats, four of which were asphalt emulsions; CRS-1, SS-1h, SS-1, and Trackless, and one paving grade asphalt binder, PG 64-22, were considered at three residual application rates; 0.14 (0.031) l/m2 (gal/yd2), 0.28 (0.062) l/m2 (gal/yd2), and 0.70 (0.155) l/m2 (gal/yd2). The selected tack coats were applied on four different pavement surface types; existing HMA, new HMA, milled HMA, and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC). In addition, for each pavement surface type, a “no tack coat” condition was included in the analysis. The influence of moisture and cleanliness were evaluated by careful application of water and dirt respectively. To simulate these test conditions, test specimens were obtained from the test sections designed and constructed at the Louisiana DOTD Pavement Research Facility using conventional tack coat application method and paving equipment. Specimens were extracted from the research facility and were tested in the laboratory at 25 (77) oC (oF) under two vertical confinement pressures, 0 (0) kPa (psi) and 138 (20) kPa (psi), using a direct shear test device. The study yielded several important conclusions. The results strongly supported the need of applying tack coats for improving pavement interface bond strength. Except for the milled surface, the rest of the surfaces failed to adhere with the HMA overlay, in absence of a tack coat. Trackless emerged as the most effective tack coat, while SS-1 and CRS-1 were among the least effective tack coat materials. On a general basis, an increase in the residual application rate showed an increase in the interface bond strength, which is why an optimum application rate could not be established within the application rate range considered in the study. Among the four pavement surface types, milled HMA surface provided the highest bond strength with the HMA overlay. The presence of dirt at the interface remarkably improved the pavement interface bond strength. Presence of moisture did not have any consequential influence on the interface bond strength. Irrespective of tack coat material type, residual application rate, and pavement surface type, interfaces subjected to 138 (20) kPa (psi) vertical confinement pressure a provided higher shear strength than those to 0 (0) kPa (psi). However, the effect of confinement diminished with an increase in the residual application rate

Studies on Compounds of Medicinal Interest

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Attitudes Toward Gay Marriage: A Comparison of Competing Explanatory Models

For my thesis, I conducted a study to investigate the nature of attitudes toward same-sex marriage. Throughout this work, I will cover the relevant information on the past and present of same-sex marriage, as well as a review of research done in the area of polling about it. The main focus of my research was to find out the underlying factors of opinions on homosexual marriage. Using polling data fi’om the 2009 General Social Survey, I was able to put together a series of regression analyses that tested the dependent variable, opinions about allowing same-sex marriage, with various independent variable, which were a set of demographic factors as well as other factors, such as political party affiliation, religiosity, tolerance toward issues concerning homosexuality, tolerance toward unpopular groups, and scientific knowledge, I did this to see if accounting for certain factors would render others insignificant in looking at opinions on same-sex marriage. I found that there is not one main factor that is mostly likely to influence opinion on same-sex marriage; rather all of the factors provide their own independent contribution to opinions. Each factor remains significant even after taking all of the factors into account. The nature of opinion on same-sex marriage is very complicated and is influenced by a number of different factors

Melioidosis: acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis

Melioidosis is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei) mostly found in endemic areas like Southeast Asia. Herein, we presented a case of melioidosis in a 32-year-old man who presented with respiratory distress, was a known case of type 2 diabetes not on any treatment presented to the emergency department (ED) with a history of pustules over skin, shortness of breath, and fever. He was initially misdiagnosed and treated as pulmonary tuberculosis in another hospital prior to his latest presentation. Melioidosis is a severe infection that can be misdiagnosed due to variable presentation and low awareness among healthcare workers of the disease. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion, especially in patients who are coming from endemic areas with appropriate risk factors such as diabetes mellitus. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics for a long duration, and outpatient follow-up is vital to reduce the risk of recurrence

The cognitive reflection test : a measure of intuition reflection, numeracy, and insight problem solving, and the implications of understanding real-world judgments and beliefs

The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) has quickly become a popular measure of individual differences in propensity to reflect versus rely on intuition (Frederick, 2005). The test consists of three questions, and it has been found to be associated with many different every day beliefs, such as religious beliefs, and performance on heuristics and biases tasks. As such, it has dominated recent theorizing about individual differences in intuitive/reflective thinking propensities. However, it is unclear whether these questions primarily measure individual differences in reflective versus intuitive thinking propensities, versus numeracy, or even another cognitive skill such as cognitive restructuring (i.e. the ability to reframe problems). The present research examined the extent to which the CRT performance can be attributed to individual differences in intuitive/reflective thinking propensities, versus other factors such as numeracy and/or insight problem solving ability, by observing whether presenting the correct answers in multiple-choice format without the "intuitive" answers would make the problems trivially easy or if many participants would still be unable to solve the problems correctly. Furthermore, it sought to determine whether the CRT's associations with other judgments and beliefs (e.g. religiosity, paranormal beliefs, etc.) can be explained by its assessment of intuition/reflection or one of these other factors. Results indicate that performance on the CRT is multiply determined, with numeracy and insight problem solving ability also being primary factors. Furthermore, numeracy in particular could help explain some differences in everyday beliefs. Keywords: Cognitive Reflection, Intuition, Numeracy, Insight, Beliefs, JudgmentsDr. Laura Scherer, Thesis Supervisor.Includes bibliographical references (pages 55-60)

Comparison of Induction Therapy Using Antithymocyte Globulin and Using Basiliximab for Live Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Centre Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: Acute rejections (AR) have a negative impact on long-term graft survival and are the major predictor of chronic rejection. Induction therapy is used to reduce AR and prevent delayed graft function (DGF). Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and basiliximab are mainly used for this purpose. In this prospective, cohort study, we analysed and compared the safety and efficacy of ATG and basiliximab in induction therapy for live donor kidney transplant recipients.Methods: Graft survival, AR-free survival, renal function, DGF and tolerability were compared in patients who underwent live-donor transplantation between January 2014 and August 2014 at Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.Results and Discussion: A total of 85 live-donor kidney transplant recipients who enrolled were followed up for 12 mo. The incidence of AR was greater in the basiliximab group, as compared with the ATG group (25.6% versus 7.1%, p <0.05). The incidence of antibody treated AR was also greater (18.6% versus 2.4 %, p < 0.05). Patient survival rate and graft survival rate were 95.2% and 92.9% in the ATG group, respectively, compared with 90.4%and 90.7% in the basiliximab group, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was higher in the ATG group compared with the basiliximab group (71.4% versus 48.3%, p<0.05).Conclusion: The incidence of AR and antibody-treated AR was significantly higher in the basiliximab group than in the ATG cohort. However, ATG was associated with significantly higher incidence of adverse events and leucopenia than basiliximab. Both the strategies were achieved similar patient and graft survival

Experimental Investigation on Effective Copper Conduction Path Thickness for Multilayer Absorber Plate Type Solar Still

Solar still is a best alternative solution against most of the conventional water distillation system. The multilayer absorber plate type solar still is the more effective technique to enhance the passive solar still productivity. The experiment has been carried out to find out the best thickness of copper conduction path for the multilayer absorber plate type solar still. The results have concluded that the productivity of solar still is reduced with increasing the conduction path thickness and water depth. The maximum productivity of distilled water has been produced in the multilayer absorber type solar still with 0.5cm thick copper conduction path and 1cm water depth

One step pre-hardening micropropagation of Bambusa balcooa Roxb.

Bamboo’s fast growth and ability to sequester atmospheric carbon consequently mitigate climate change.Abellon’s mission is to reduce CO2 from the environment by growing bamboo on marginal land and using this biomass for bioenergy. Bambusa balcooa Roxb. micropropagation protocol is established for a consistent supply of quality plantlets. Surface sterilization of nodal explants using 0.1% mercuric chloride followed by initiation in liquid and solid media with and without Gentamycin (3.0-8.0 mg/L) containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 0.01% myo-inositol, 3% sugar, 25 mg/L citrate 50 mg/L ascorbate, and 3.5 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) as growth regulator. Shoots were multiplied using MS medium augmented with 3% sugar, 6% agar, 0.01% myo-inositol with 3 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). Shoot clusters were rooted in MS supplemented with 4 mg/L NAA, pre-hardened in half MS, acclimatized using coco peat, and vermicompost while at net house using vermicompost, soil, sand, and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) culture. 97% bud break was achieved from initiation while overall success ratio for establishment was 85%. Sub-culturing shoots showed proliferation rate of 3.5-fold. Rooting was successfully achieved with 83% rate.Acclimatization rate at primary and secondary hardening was 72%. The uniqueness of the study lies as bamboo confines to tropical region, however; we have described B. balcooa mass multiplication protocol using explants from arid region with one step pre-hardening process. The protocol achieved multiplication rate of 3.5-fold, overall survival rate 74.66% using vermicompost and VAM for acclimatization of B. balcooa