3,090 research outputs found
Grid-connected Microgrids to Support Renewable Energy Sources Penetration
Abstract Distributed generation systems and microgrids are instrumental for a greater penetration of renewables to achieve a substantial reduction on carbon emissions. However, microgrids performances and reliability strongly depend on the continuous interaction between power generation, storage and load requirements, highlighting the importance in developing a proper energy management strategy and the relative control system. In this work a Model predictive Control (MPC) strategy, based on a Mixed Linear Integer Programming framework, has been applied to a residential microgrid case. Theoretical results obtained confirm that grid connected microgrids have potential capabilities in grid balancing allowing for a larger penetration of fluctuating renewable energy sources and thus producing economic benefits for both end-user and grid operators. A microgrid test bench to reproduce previous microgrid model is also presented in the paper. The experimental setup has been used to validate results obtained from simulation. Results obtained confirm the potential of this solution and its real applicability
Impact of NNLO QED corrections on lepton-proton scattering at MUSE
We present the complete next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) pure pointlike
QED corrections to lepton-proton scattering, including three-photon-exchange
contributions, and investigate their impact in the case of the MUSE experiment.
These corrections are computed with no approximation regarding the energy of
the emitted photons and taking into account lepton-mass effects. We contrast
the NNLO QED corrections to known next-to-leading order corrections, where we
include the elastic two-photon exchange (TPE) through a simple hadronic model
calculation with a dipole ansatz for the proton electromagnetic form factors.
We show that, in the low-momentum-transfer region accessed by the MUSE
experiment, the improvement due to more sophisticated treatments of the TPE,
including inelastic TPE, is of similar if not smaller size than some of the
NNLO QED corrections. Hence, the latter have to be included in a precision
determination of the low-energy proton structure from scattering data, in
particular for electron-proton scattering. For muon-proton scattering, the NNLO
QED corrections are considerably smaller.Comment: Article to be submitted to the EPJ A Topical Collection: Radiative
Corrections: From Medium to High Energy Experiments. 23 pages, 9 figure
Impact of NNLO QED corrections on lepton-proton scattering at MUSE
We present the complete next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) pure pointlike QED corrections to lepton-proton scattering, including three-photon-exchange contributions, and investigate their impact in the case of the MUSE experiment. These corrections are computed with no approximation regarding the energy of the emitted photons and taking into account lepton-mass effects. We contrast the NNLO QED corrections to known next-to-leading order corrections, where we include the elastic two-photon exchange (TPE) through a simple hadronic model calculation with a dipole ansatz for the proton electromagnetic form factors. We show that, in the low-momentum-transfer region accessed by the MUSE experiment, the improvement due to more sophisticated treatments of the TPE, including inelastic TPE, is of similar if not smaller size than some of the NNLO QED corrections. Hence, the latter have to be included in a precision determination of the low-energy proton structure from scattering data, in particular for electron-proton scattering. For muon-proton scattering, the NNLO QED corrections are considerably smaller
Impact of NNLO QED corrections on lepton-proton scattering at MUSE
We present the complete next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) pure pointlike QED corrections to lepton-proton scattering, including three-photon-exchange contributions, and investigate their impact in the case of the MUSE experiment. These corrections are computed with no approximation regarding the energy of the emitted photons and taking into account lepton-mass effects. We contrast the NNLO QED corrections to known next-to-leading order corrections, where we include the elastic two-photon exchange (TPE) through a simple hadronic model calculation with a dipole ansatz for the proton electromagnetic form factors. We show that, in the low-momentum-transfer region accessed by the MUSE experiment, the improvement due to more sophisticated treatments of the TPE, including inelastic TPE, is of similar if not smaller size than some of the NNLO QED corrections. Hence, the latter have to be included in a precision determination of the low-energy proton structure from scattering data, in particular for electron-proton scattering. For muon-proton scattering, the NNLO QED corrections are considerably smaller
A mathematical model for mechanotransduction at the early steps of suture formation
Growth and patterning of craniofacial sutures are subjected to the effects of mechanical stress. Mechanotransduction processes occurring at the margins of the sutures are not precisely understood. Here, we propose a simple theoretical model based on the orientation of collagen fibres within the suture in response to local stress. We demonstrate that fibre alignment generates an instability leading to the emergence of interdigitations. We confirm the appearance of this instability both analytically and numerically. To support our model, we use histology and synchrotron x-ray microtomography and reveal the fine structure of fibres within the sutural mesenchyme and their insertion into the bone. Furthermore, using a mouse model with impaired mechanotransduction, we show that the architecture of sutures is disturbed when forces are not interpreted properly. Finally, by studying the structure of sutures in the mouse, the rat, an actinopterygian (\emph{Polypterus bichir}) and a placoderm (\emph{Compagopiscis croucheri}), we show that bone deposition patterns during dermal bone growth are conserved within jawed vertebrates. In total, these results support the role of mechanical constraints in the growth and patterning of craniofacial sutures, a process that was probably effective at the emergence of gnathostomes, and provide new directions for the understanding of normal and pathological suture fusion
Comparison of outcomes of salvage robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for post-primary radiation vs focal therapy
Objectives: To compare salvage robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) outcomes in patients who underwent radiation and those who underwent focal ablation as primary therapies. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 126 patients who underwent salvage RALPbetween 2008 and 2018. Of these, 94 (74.6%) received radiation and 32 focal ablation (25.4%) as primary therapy. These groups were compared with regard to clinical, oncological and functional outcomes. KaplanâMeier curves and regression models were used to identify survival estimations and their predictors. Results: Before surgery, more patients were potent in the focal ablation group compared to the radiation group (46.9% vs 22.6%; P = 0.013). Peri-operative characteristics and complication rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Postoperative catheterization duration was shorter in the focal ablation group (mean 10 vs 16 days; P = 0.018). At final pathology, the focal ablation group had higher non-organ-confined disease (71% vs 50%; P = 0.042) and positive surgical margin (PSM) rates (43.8% vs 17%; P = 0.004) as compared to the radiation group; however, 5-year biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival rates were similar (59% vs 56%; P = 0.761). Postoperative 1-year full (no pads/day) and social (0â1 pad/day) continence rates were significantly higher in the focal ablation as compared to the radiation group (77.3% vs 39.2%, P = 0.002, and 87.5% vs 51.3%, P = 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed primary focal ablation and nerve-sparing to be predictors of postoperative continence. Erectile function was preserved in 13% and 27% of preoperatively potent patients in the radiation and focal ablation groups, respectively (P = 0.435). No predictors were identified for postoperative potency. Conclusions: Radiation was associated with inferior functional outcomes after salvage RALP. Focal therapies were associated with higher non-organ-confined disease and PSMrates, with no significant difference in short-term BCR-free survival
When are battery electric vehicles economically convenient? A sensitivity analysis based on multi-carrier residential energy system renovation modelling
Proteomic analysis of apricot fruit during ripening
Ripening of climacteric fruits involves a complex network of biochemical and metabolic
changes that make them palatable and rich in nutritional and health-beneficial compounds.
Since fruit maturation has a profound impact on human nutrition, it has been
recently the object of increasing research activity by holistic approaches, especially on
model species. Here we report on the original proteomic characterization of ripening in
apricot, a widely cultivated species of temperate zones appreciated for its taste and aromas,
whose cultivation is yet hampered by specific limitations. Fruits of Prunus armeniaca
cv. Vesuviana were harvested at three ripening stages and proteins extracted and resolved
by 1D and 2D electrophoresis. Whole lanes from 1D gels were subjected to shot-gun analysis
that identified 245 gene products, showing preliminary qualitative differences between
maturation stages. In parallel, differential analysis of 2D proteomic maps highlighted 106
spots as differentially represented among variably ripen fruits. Most of these were further
identified by means of MALDI-TOF-PMF and nanoLCâESIâLITâMS/MS as enzymes involved
in main biochemical processes influencing metabolic/structural changes occurring during
maturation, i.e. organic acids, carbohydrates and energy metabolism, ethylene biosynthesis,
cell wall restructuring and stress response, or as protein species linkable to peculiar
fruit organoleptic characteristics. In addition to originally present preliminary information
on the main biochemical changes that characterize apricot ripening, this study also
provides indications for future marker-assisted selection breeding programs aimed to
ameliorate fruit quality
Balancing the Effects of COVID-19 Against Potential Progression and Mortality in High-risk Prostate Cancer
Trends in clinical and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy before and after the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation against PSA screening: a decade of experience
Objective: To assess the influence of the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening on oncological and functional outcomes following robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analysed patients who underwent RALP between 2008 and 2018 with a minimum of 12-month follow-up from a prospectively collected institutional review board-approved database. The impact of the USPSTF recommendation against PSA screening on our surgical outcomes was assessed using a logistic regression model using two groups comprising patients treated before/after the USPSTF statement and indicating time trends for each successive year. Results: The mean preoperative PSA increased from 6.0 to 7.4 ng/mL after the USPSTF recommendation. We detected statistically significant time-trend changes after 2012, including an increase in the positive slope of Gleason â„3 + 4 or â„pT3 disease. We detected a fall in bilateral full nerve-sparing and an increase in partial nerve-sparing. The total positive surgical margin (PSM) rate increased after the USPSTF recommendation; however, PSM rates pertinent to each pathological stage did not change significantly after 2012. There was a significant negative trend change in the postoperative 12-month continence and potency rates, indicating a breakpoint in functional outcomes after 2012. We detected a 1.7-fold increase in 12-month biochemical recurrence (BCR) rates. The 12-month BCR, potency and continence rates were maintained in young (<55 years) patients with a Sexual Health Inventory for Men score >22 and low-volume disease. Conclusion: Since the USPSTFâs recommendation in 2012, we have seen a significant increase in the incidence of high-risk disease that has forced us to modify our approach to the procedure and the grade of nerve-sparing used, leading to a wider resection, in order to reduce PSMs. This has led to a decrease in postoperative functional recovery. Patients with favourable characteristics had good outcomes before and after the USPSTFâs recommendation, implying that the quality of surgery did not change over time
- âŠ