Evaluating the robustness of an active network management function in an operational environment

This paper presents the integration process of a distribution network Active Network Management (ANM) function within an operational environment in the form of a Micro-Grid Laboratory. This enables emulation of a real power network and enables investigation into the effects of data uncertainty on an online and automatic ANM algorithm's control decisions. The algorithm implemented within the operational environment is a Power Flow Management (PFM) approach based around the Constraint Satisfaction Problem (CSP). This paper show the impact of increasing uncertainty, in the input data available for an ANM scheme in terms of the variation in control actions. The inclusion of a State Estimator (SE), with known tolerances is shown to improve the ANM performance

Testing and validation of an algorithm for configuring distribution grid sensor networks

The control of Smart Grids depends on a reliable set of measurement information such that distributed generation and demand can be effectively managed. The cost of procuring and installing sensors at multiple nodes in the grid is prohibitive and choosing the optimum strategy with regards to sensor location, accuracy, number and type is very important. This report describes the testing of a sensor placement algorithm developed to determine measurement strategies for distribution grids. This testing was performed on a laboratory microgrid at the University of Strathclyde. The ability of the algorithm to choose the optimal subset of measurements was tested by comparing the estimated power flow with the measured power flow of a fully instrumented grid. The chosen subset is found to have the close to the lowest overall error and all estimates agree with the rejected measurements within the calculated uncertainties

Light-powered autonomous and directional molecular motion of a dissipative self-assembling system

Biomolecular motors convert energy into directed motion and operate away from thermal equilibrium. The development of dynamic chemical systems that exploit dissipative (non-equilibrium) processes is a challenge in supramolecular chemistry and a premise for the realization of artificial nanoscale motors. Here, we report the relative unidirectional transit of a nonsymmetric molecular axle through a macrocycle powered solely by light. The molecular machine rectifies Brownian fluctuations by energy and information ratchet mechanisms and can repeat its working cycle under photostationary conditions. The system epitomizes the conceptual and practical elements forming the basis of autonomous light-powered directed motion with a minimalist molecular design

Choices from identical options in a virtual shopping aisle

Through an experiment in a virtual environment, in this work we studied the relationship between vertical and horizontal shelf location and the frequency with which shoppers select items. We tested a random distribution hypothesis of the picking up frequencies (PUFs) in relationship to item shelf position within an experimental framework with various constant hypothesized confounding variables. The equidistribution hypothesis was rejected in a test with 600 virtual shoppers, providing evidence for the existence of a gravitational force towards certain shelf locations. In particular, the PUFs resulted significantly higher for eye-level and waist-level locations when items were placed in the first half of the virtual gondola. On a theoretical level, our experiment also shows that the minimal physical effort principle is probably not a good explanation for the qualitative heterogeneity of shelf space and for the associated shelf position effects. Limitations and managerial implications of our work were also discussed

Artificial molecular-level machines with [Ru(bpy)3]2

A molecular-level machine is an assembly of a discrete number of molecular components (that is, a supramolecular structure) designed to perform mechanical-like movements (output) as a consequence of appropriate external stimuli (input). Like macroscopic machines, molecular-level machines are characterized by (i) the kind of energy input supplied to make them work, (ii) the kind of movement performed by their components, (iii) the way in which their operation can be controlled and monitored, (iv) the possibility to repeat the operation at will and establish a cyclic process, (v) the time scale needed to complete a cycle of operation, and (vi) the function performed. The most convenient way to supply energy to an artificial molecular-level machine is through a photochemical reaction.[Ru(bpy)3]2+(bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) can be used as a photosensitizer to power mechanical movements in machines based on pseudorotaxanes, rotaxanes and catenanes. Besides being used as an external photosensitizer,[Ru(bpy)3]2+can be incorporated in one of the machine components as a "light-fueled" motor. Three types of photochemically driven piston/cylinder systems and a photocontrollable molecular abacus are described. Other kinds of more sophisticated molecular-level machines based on rotaxanes and catenanes are proposed. The extension of the concept of machine to the molecular level is important not only for the sake of basic research, but also for the growth of nanoscience and the development of nanotechnology

A reflection of the use of the life cycle assessment tool for agri-food sustainability

In pursuit of agricultural sustainability and food security, research should contribute to policy-making by providing scientifically robust evidence. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an excellent candidate for generating that evidence, thereby helping the selection of interventions towards more sustainable agri-food. The purpose of this article is proposing a basis for discussion on the use of the LCA tool for targeting and monitoring of environmental policy interventions in agri-food. The problem of reducing the environmental burden in agri-food can be tackled by acting on the supply and/or demand sides and may benefit from the collaboration of supply chain stakeholders. Agri-food policies that most benefit from LCA-based data concern cross-border pollution, transaction costs following the adoption of environmental standards, adoption of less polluting practices and/or technologies, and business-to-consumer information asymmetry. The choice between the methodological options available for LCA studies (attributional, consequential, or hybrid models) depends on the purpose and scope of the study. The possibility of integrating the LCA with economic and social impact assessments-e.g., under the life cycle sustainability assessment framework-makes LCA an excellent tool for monitoring business or sectoral-level achievements with respect to UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

Bacterial Microbiota of Rice Roots: 16S-Based Taxonomic Profiling of Endophytic and Rhizospheric Diversity, Endophytes Isolation and Simplified Endophytic Community

Rice is currently the most important food crop in the world and we are only just beginning to study the bacterial associated microbiome. It is of importance to perform screenings of the core rice microbiota and also to develop new plant-microbe models and simplified communities for increasing our understanding about the formation and function of its microbiome. In order to begin to address this aspect, we have performed a 16S rDNA taxonomic bacterial profiling of the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere of two high-yield rice cultivars\u2014Pionero 2010 FL and DANAC SD20A\u2014extensively grown in Venezuela in 2014. Fifteen putative bacterial endophytes were then isolated from surface-sterilized roots and further studied in vitro and in planta. We have then performed inoculation of rice seedlings with a simplified community composed by 10 of the isolates and we have tracked them in the course of 30 days in greenhouse cultivation. The results obtained suggest that a set was able to significantly colonize together the rice endorhizospheres, indicating possible cooperation and the ability to form a stable multispecies community. This approach can be useful in the development of microbial solutions for a more sustainable rice production

Quiebra

La continuación de la explotación de la empresa en quiebra por las cooperativas de trabajo se presenta como una oportunidad que no se debe desaprovechar dado que permite la conservación y administración del activo falencial, lo que resulta en mayores posibilidades de cobro del dividendo concursal por parte de los acreedores y la oportunidad de mantener las fuentes de trabajo para los trabajadores, lo que impacta directamente en la situación socioeconómica del país. En el presente trabajo abordaremos la continuación de la explotación de la empresa por los trabajadores nucleados en cooperativas de trabajo, luego de decretada la quiebra. Está orientado al análisis de la evolución de las mismas en el derecho concursal argentino y al estudio de la doctrina y leyes vinculadas con el tema.Fil: Brunetti Martín, Melisa. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas.Fil: Carello, Alberto Antonio. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas.Fil: Molina Arrué, Javier Andrés. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas.Fil: Venturi, Eliana Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas

Sensitivity analysis of sensor networks for distribution grids

This speech explores the sensitivity analysis of sensor networks for distribution grid