Distributed Apportioning in a Power Network for providing Demand Response Services

Greater penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in power networks requires coordination strategies that allow for self-adjustment of contributions in a network of DERs, owing to variability in generation and demand. In this article, a distributed scheme is proposed that enables a DER in a network to arrive at viable power reference commands that satisfies the DERs local constraints on its generation and loads it has to service, while, the aggregated behavior of multiple DERs in the network and their respective loads meet the ancillary services demanded by the grid. The Net-load Management system for a single unit is referred to as the Local Inverter System (LIS) in this article . A distinguishing feature of the proposed consensus based solution is the distributed finite time termination of the algorithm that allows each LIS unit in the network to determine power reference commands in the presence of communication delays in a distributed manner. The proposed scheme allows prioritization of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the network and also enables auto-adjustment of contributions from LIS units with lower priority resources (non-RES). The methods are validated using hardware-in-the-loop simulations with Raspberry PI devices as distributed control units, implementing the proposed distributed algorithm and responsible for determining and dispatching realtime power reference commands to simulated power electronics interface emulating LIS units for demand response.Comment: 7 pages, 11 Figures, IEEE International Conference on Smart Grid Communication

Eenhancement of solubility and dissolution rate of Furosemide by ternary solid dispersion technique

Purpose: This investigation was carried out to determine if a solid dispersion of furosemide in different carrier such as poloxamer 407P, PEG 6000, and PVPK30 would enhance the dissolution properties of the drug. Method: Solid dispersion of drug Furosemide, PEG 6000 and Poloxamer 407 and PVP K30 were prepared with a view to study the influence of polymer on solubility and dissolution of this poorly soluble drug furosemide. Solid dispersions of furosemide were prepared using different ratios of furosemide, PEG 6000, Poloxamer 407, pvpk30 as carrier by, solvent evaporation method. They were evaluated for percentage yield, drug content, FTIR spectral studies, DSC, XRD, solubility, and in-vitro dissolution. The dissolution studies were performed at 37 0.5oC and 50 rpm in simulated gastric fluid (0.1 N HCl). Result: The solubility profile indicated that there is increase in solubility of furosemide when polymer concentration is increased. The solid dispersion complex of drug (1:4:4 ratios) of drug: poloxamer 407: pvpk30 was giving better dissolution profile as compared to pure drug and other solid dispersions. This in turn can improve the bioavailability. FT-IR, DSC shows the compatibility of drug and carrier. Conclusion: Solid dispersion technique can be used to improve the dissolution of furosemide

Does Inner Awareness Always Accompany Outer Awareness During Perception?

In the present paper, we defend the thesis that outer-world-directed perceptual consciousness is always accompanied by an inner awareness (IAOA). This is contrary to the view that outer-world-directed conscious mental states are not accompanied by an inner awareness, which is held by Gennaro (2008) against Kriegel’s (2009a and 2009b) self-representationalism. We attempt to show why philosophers like Gennaro get it wrong when they deny the IAOA thesis by critically examining his arguments against it and by giving arguments in its favour.Ar vidinis žinojimas percepcijos metu visada lydi išorinį žinojimą

A Comparative study of Epidural 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine and Epidural 0.5% Isobaric Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for patients Undergoing Elective Infraumbilical and Lower Limb Surgeries

BACKGROUND: The quest for searching newer and safer anaesthetic agents has always been one of the primary needs in anaesthesiology practice. Regional anaesthesia techniques have seen numerous modifications over the last two decades with the advent of many newer and safer local anaesthetics Keeping these factors in mind, S (−)-enantiomer of bupivacaine, levobupivacaine has been developed. The advantages of levobupivacaine over bupivacaine are decreased cardiovascular toxicity and there is also a relatively decreased motor nerve fiber penetration and block, thereby a decreased post operative motor blockade and thus early ambulation of the patients can be achieved. The present study compared the effects of addition of epidural dexmedetomidine 50 micrograms to epidural 0.5% levobupivacaine for infraumbilical and lower limb surgeries. METHODS: Sixty patients of either sex belonging to ASA I & II in the age group of 25-45 years scheduled for infraumbilical and lower limb surgeries were randomly divided into 2 groups (30 each) to receive 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine 20 ml epidurally with 0.5 ml distilled water (Group A) and 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine 20 ml plus 0.5 ml dexmedetomidine containing 50 micrograms (Group B). This study evaluated the following parameters like time of onset of sensory blockade at T10 level, maximum sensory blockade achieved and time taken to achieve the same, onset time of motor blockade, degree of motor blockade, time taken to achieve maximal motor blockade, hemodynamic changes in pulse rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, side effects and complications, intraoperative sedation scores, duration of analgesia, sensory & motor blockade, and any postoperative adverse reactions. RESULTS: The data obtained from the above parameters were statistically analysed using SSPS version 16 software. Student t test was used for parametric data and Chi-square test for non parametric data. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Maximal sensory level was achieved with addition of dexmedetomidine ranging from T4 to T6.Also the onset time of motor blockade was shortened with group A showing 19.33 minutes and group B showing only 14.5 minutes.The maximal motor blockade achieved was also intense (Bromage 3) with the addition of dexmedetomidine. Duration of analgesia, sensory and motor blockade were prolonged when levobupivacaine is combined with dexmedetomidine epidurally. Changes in hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure & heart rate) were very minimal in the dexmedetomidine group. Adverse effects experienced in general were statistically insignificant in both the groups. Mean sedation score in group B (Dexmedetomidine group) was predominantly found to be 2 as per Ramsay sedation score. None of the patients in group B had deep sedation or profound respiratory depression

Relation between Stochastic Resonance and Synchronization of Passages in a Double-Well System

We calculate, numerically, the residence times (and their distribution) of a Brownian particle in a two-well system under the action of a periodic, saw-tooth type, external field. We define hysteresis in the system. The hysteresis loop area is shown to be a good measure of synchronization of passages from one well to the other. We establish connection between this stochastic synchronization and stochastic resonance in the system.Comment: To appear in PRE May 1997, figures available on reques

Misao višega reda i problem subjektivnosti koja se pomiče

In this paper, we argue that the two versions of the higher–order thought theory of consciousness, viz. Rosenthal’s extrinsic higher–order thought and Gennaro’s intrinsic higher–order thought, fail to explain the subjective character of a conscious mental state. Both these theories face what we call the problem of shifting subjectivity. Since these theories explain the consciousness of mental states in terms of a representational relation between two unconscious mental states with the help of a two–tiered representational structure divided into a higher–order thought and a lower–order mental state (which is the target of the higher–order thought), they fail to explain the subjective character of conscious mental states, which is intrinsic to them. In their account, the subjective character intrinsic to conscious mental states seems to shift from the target state to the higher–order mental state, which is separate from the target state. The objection is strong against Rosenthal’s extrinsic higher–order thought theory, which clearly makes a distinction between a world–directed mental state and the higher–order thought representing it. However, although Gennaro’s intrinsic higher–order thought theory is an attempt to preserve the intuition that consciousness is intrinsic to conscious mental states, it faces the problem of shifting subjectivity in the case of introspective consciousness.U radu autori iznose tvrdnju da dvije verzije teorije svjesnosti tzv. misli višega reda, Rosenthalova ekstrinzična misao višega reda i Genarrova intrinzična misao višega reda, ne obrazlažu subjektivni karakter svjesnoga mentalnoga stanja. Obje teorije susreću se s takozvanim problemom subjektivnosti koja se pomiče. S obzirom da te teorije tumače svjesnost mentalnih stanja pomoću dvoslojne reprezentacijske strukture podijeljene na misao višega reda i mentalno stanje nižega reda (koje je meta misli višeg reda), one ne uspijevaju obrazložiti subjektivni karakter svjesnoga mentalnoga stanja koji im je intrinzičan. Prema njihovu tumačenju, subjektivni karakter intrinzičan svjesnim mentalnim stanjima pomiče se, čini se, sa stanja mete na mentalno stanje višega reda, koje je odvojeno od stanja mete. Autori upućuju ozbiljnu primjedbu na Rosenthalovu teoriju ekstrinzične misli višega reda, koja jasno razlikuje svijetu usmjereno mentalno stanje od misli višega reda, koja ga predstavlja. Međutim, iako Gennarova teorija intrinzične misli višega reda predstavlja pokušaj očuvanja intuicije da je svjesnost intrinzična svjesnim mentalnim stanjima, ona se susreće s problemom subjektivnosti koja se pomiče u slučaju introspektivne svjesnosti

Development and Implementation of Integrated Road Traffic Injuries Surveillance – India (IRIS-India): A Protocol

Road traffic accidents stand as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity across the globe. The reasons for the high burden of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in developing countries are increasing in the number of motor vehicles, poor enforcement of traffic safety regulations, inadequacy of health infrastructure and poor transport facility. However, the systematic collection of road traffic data is not well developed in many developing countries including India and under-reporting of RTIs and deaths are common. Hence, surveillance of RTIs is recommended to assess the burden, to identify high-risk groups, to establish an association with probable risk factors and to plan interventions to control the RTIs. The broad objective of this study is to establish an electronic-based comprehensive and integrated RTI surveillance system, to assess the burden of RTIs, its risk factors and outcomes across rural and urban settings in India. This study with the support of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is progressing in three cities (Chennai, Delhi and Jaipur) and two rural areas (Chittoor and Tehri-Garhwal). At each centre, major sources of data can be categorized under two categories including health facilities and community. In urban areas, one trauma centre, one private hospital and a community of 10000-population are included in the study. In rural areas, a district hospital, a private nursing home and two sub-centres areas of different primary health centres at each site are included for the surveillance. Passive surveillance is done at the trauma centres/district hospitals, while active surveillance is done in private hospitals/nursing homes, sub-centres and communities. Before establishing the surveillance system, situational analysis has been undertaken. Surveillance-related software was developed during the preparatory stage. This electronic surveillance platform allowed to gather data electronically across multiple sites. This internet-enabled surveillance platform has several modules to capture and analyse the data. The present study provides a model of surveillance including both passive and active surveillance to cover maximum number of RTIs. This study further provides the first comprehensive epidemiology of RTIs. The results of these studies will contribute to the setting of research and investment priorities to tackle the burden of RTIs

Development and Implementation of Integrated Road Traffic Injuries Surveillance – India (IRIS-India): A Protocol

Road traffic accidents stand as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity across the globe. The reasons for the high burden of road traffic injuries (RTIs) in developing countries are increasing in the number of motor vehicles, poor enforcement of traffic safety regulations, inadequacy of health infrastructure and poor transport facility. However, the systematic collection of road traffic data is not well developed in many developing countries including India and under-reporting of RTIs and deaths are common. Hence, surveillance of RTIs is recommended to assess the burden, to identify high-risk groups, to establish an association with probable risk factors and to plan interventions to control the RTIs. The broad objective of this study is to establish an electronic-based comprehensive and integrated RTI surveillance system, to assess the burden of RTIs, its risk factors and outcomes across rural and urban settings in India. This study with the support of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is progressing in three cities (Chennai, Delhi and Jaipur) and two rural areas (Chittoor and Tehri-Garhwal). At each centre, major sources of data can be categorized under two categories including health facilities and community. In urban areas, one trauma centre, one private hospital and a community of 10000-population are included in the study. In rural areas, a district hospital, a private nursing home and two sub-centres areas of different primary health centres at each site are included for the surveillance. Passive surveillance is done at the trauma centres/district hospitals, while active surveillance is done in private hospitals/nursing homes, sub-centres and communities. Before establishing the surveillance system, situational analysis has been undertaken. Surveillance-related software was developed during the preparatory stage. This electronic surveillance platform allowed to gather data electronically across multiple sites. This internet-enabled surveillance platform has several modules to capture and analyse the data. The present study provides a model of surveillance including both passive and active surveillance to cover maximum number of RTIs. This study further provides the first comprehensive epidemiology of RTIs. The results of these studies will contribute to the setting of research and investment priorities to tackle the burden of RTIs