A new toolbox for the identification of diagonal Volterra kernels allowing the emulation of nonlinear audio devices

Numerous audio systems are nonlinear. It is thus of great importance to study them and understand how they work. Volterra series model and its subclass (cascade Hammerstein-Wiener model) are usual ways to modelize nonlinear systems. However the identification methods of these models are still considered as an open topic. Therefore we have developed a new optimized identification tool ready for use and presented as a Matlab toolbox. This toolbox provides the parameters of the optimized sine sweep needed for the identification method, it is able to calculate the parameters of the Hammerstein model and to emulate the output signal of a nonlinear device for a given input signal. To evaluate the toolbox, we modelize a guitar distortion effect (the Tubescreamer) having a total harmonic distortion (THD) comprised in the range 10-23\%. We report a mean error of less than 0.7\% between the emulated signal and the signal coming from the distortion effect

Power processing unit for hall-effect thrusters on "Meteor-M №3 spacecraf"

The development results of power processing unit (PPU-M) for hall-effect thrusters on "Meteor-M №3" spacecraft are considered. The structure, weight, dimensions and main technical characteristics of the system in the paper are presented. The work peculiarity of the system is unstable input voltage of both power bus and control bus that increases the ripple voltages and currents at the input and the output and causes the additional requirements to the circuit design. A comparative analysis of the system characteristics and European analogs was carried out, and then a conclusion on the basis of available data that the characteristics of the system are not inferior to European analogs was mad

A Decision Support System for Planning and Operation of Maintenance and Customer Services in Electric Power Distribution Systems

This chapter aims to present the design and development of a decision support system (DSS) for the analysis, simulation, planning, and operation of maintenance and customer services in electric power distribution system (EPDS). The main objective of the DSS is to improve the decision‐making processes through visualization tools and simulation of real cases in the EPDS, in order to allow better planning in the short, medium, and long term. Therefore, the DSS helps managers and decision‐makers to reduce maintenance and operational costs, to improve system reliability, and to analyze new scenarios and conditions for system expansion planning. First, we introduce the key challenges faced by the decision‐makers in the planning and operation of maintenance and customer services in EPDS. Next, we discuss the benefits and the requirements for the DSS design and development, including use cases modeling and the software architecture. Afterwards, we present the capabilities of the DSS and discuss important decisions made during the implementation phases. We conclude the chapter with a discussion about the obtained results, pointing out the possible enhancements of the DSS, future extensions, and new use cases that may be addressed

Resource Planning to Service Restoration in Power Distribution Systems

Whenever there are extreme weather events, electric power distribution systems are generally affected largely because they are highly subject by their constructive nature: overhead networks. In this context, the management of maintenance actions is generally referred to as emergency service order, usually associated with a lack of supply and requiring human intervention. The key issue for the resource planning refers to an estimation of service time that allows for more assertive planning possible. This chapter proposes a predictive modelling of emergency services for resource planning when considering the geographic dispersion of such services and also the time windows that comprise the amount of service time demanded. After presenting the methodological procedures, a case study depicts the application of the proposed method in order to support proactive service routing

POLES-JRC model documentation

This report is a public manual of the POLES-JRC model, the in-house tool of the European Commission for global and long-term analysis of GHG mitigation policies and evolution of energy markets. The model includes a comprehensive description of the energy system and related GHG emissions for a large set of significant economies and residual regions, covering the World and including international bunkers. Through linkage with specialized tools it also provides a full coverage of GHG emissions, including from land use and agriculture, as well as of air pollutants emissions. The POLES-JRC model builds on years of development of the POLES model while adding specific features developed internally to the JRC. The model version presented in this report is used in particular to produce the JRC Global Energy and Climate Outlook (GECO) series.JRC.C.6-Economics of Climate Change, Energy and Transpor

Investigating acceptability of a training programme in precision medicine for frontline healthcare professionals: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND Precision Medicine offers tailored prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management to patients that considers genomics, lifestyle and environmental factors. If implementation of Precision Medicine is to advance, effective, focused upskilling of frontline healthcare professionals through quality continuing professional development is needed. This study reports on an evidence-based approach to needs assessment to investigate the current level of knowledge of Precision Medicine, acceptable content for training, the perceived potential of a more precision approach to patient care and motivation to participate in a training programme among pharmacists, advanced practice nurses and general practitioners. Investigating perceived needs can avoid a top-down approach and support a design that is fit for purpose to targeted professions. METHODS This study reports on 2 focus groups (n = 12) delivered in French and German with equal professional participation of the targeted professions. The research objectives were investigated in two phases. During the first phase, a literature review and expert consultations were conducted to develop a definition of PM, patient cases and content for training. In a second phase, these investigations were further explored using focus groups to investigate acceptable learning objectives, the potential of PM to relevant professions and motivation of participants. Quantitative investigations using rating scales and visual analogues were incorporated. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed by intelligent verbatim and translated to English. NVivo was used for data analysis and interpretation following a hybrid approach using the Framework Method and thematic analysis. The analytical framework, Implementation Science, was applied to organise and present research data. RESULTS Precision Medicine is considered a new topic area, largely unfamiliar to frontline healthcare professionals.. There was acceptance of a more precision approach to care among all participants with perceived positive implications for patients. Valuable insight was gathered on acceptable content and form for training. All participants expressed concerns on readiness within their professions which included an insufficient system infrastructure, a lack of time to attend needed training, a lack of clarity for use in practice and the time needed to build a support network. CONCLUSIONS A precision approach to patient care is on the horizon for health care professionals not only in hospital settings but also at the community level. Our results conclude that an adaptable and flexible training programme in PM is timely, contextually relevant and conducive to the needs of targeted health professions for successful implementation. A training programme in PM will require support across sectors and stakeholders, supporting insurance models, educated patients and integrated care supported by innovative technology. Implementation Science outcomes are a useful strategy towards design of an effective training programme that can have measurable impact in practice