Full AC analysis of value of DER to the grid and optimal DER scheduling

This paper presents part of the work ComEd and Quanta Technology have performed to quantify the locational and temporal value of DER to avoid distribution grid upgrade investments. It focuses on the formulation of a robust and efficient algorithm for DER optimal dispatch on a distribution feeder to mitigate the violation of current and voltage limits using the allocated cost of capacity and locational marginal value of real and reactive DER injection/withdrawal.     

Matrix Transformation in Boron Containing High-Temperature Co–Re–Cr Alloys

An addition of boron largely increases the ductility in polycrystalline high-temperature Co–Re alloys. Therefore, the effect of boron on the alloy structural characteristics is of high importance for the stability of the matrix at operational temperatures. Volume fractions of ε (hexagonal close-packed—hcp), γ (face-centered cubic—fcc) and σ (Cr₂Re₃ type) phases were measured at ambient and high temperatures (up to 1500 °C) for a boron-containing Co–17Re–23Cr alloy using neutron diffraction. The matrix phase undergoes an allotropic transformation from ε to γ structure at high temperatures, similar to pure cobalt and to the previously investigated, more complex Co–17Re–23Cr–1.2Ta–2.6C alloy. It was determined in this study that the transformation temperature depends on the boron content (0–1000 wt. ppm). Nevertheless, the transformation temperature did not change monotonically with the increase in the boron content but reached a minimum at approximately 200 ppm of boron. A probable reason is the interplay between the amount of boron in the matrix and the amount of σ phase, which binds hcp-stabilizing elements (Cr and Re). Moreover, borides were identified in alloys with high boron content.     

Recovery of gold cyanide using inherently conducting polymers

Removal of gold from basic solutions containing [Au(CN)₂]^? has been demonstrated using the inherently conducting polymer polypyrrole. Polymers containing sulfonated aromatic dopants have been found to display a significant ability to remove gold from such solutions. Experiments performed in solutions containing both gold and copper cyanide complexes indicate that the recovery process is not highly selective. However, the polypyrroles used display significantly faster rates of gold recovery than activated carbon. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

细菌驱动微转子马达

日本国家高级工业科学与技术研究所的一个研究组正在利用快速移动的细菌来驱动微转子马达，这是第一个在无机材料中加进了细菌的微机械器件。这种生物分子马达能比传统的马达更有效的将化学能转化为机械能，还能在大型结构中发挥自修复和自组织的潜能，有望用在微型机器人和微小电子系统中。     

Social dominance mediates the association of testosterone and neurobehavioral disinhibition with risk for substance use disorder.

This investigation determined the influence of testosterone and neurobehavioral disinhibition (ND) on risk for substance use disorder (SUD). Testosterone level during puberty was hypothesized to promote social dominance associated with norm-violating behavior that, in turn, predisposes individuals to use of illicit drugs and, subsequently, SUD. Using a prospective paradigm, the authors recruited 179 boys (mean age=11.62 years, SD=0.88) and followed up when participants were ages 12-14, 16, 19, and 22. Results indicated that social dominance/norm-violating behavior (SD/NVB) at age 16 mediated the association between testosterone level (ages 12-14) and SUD (age 22). In addition, SD/NVB mediated the association between ND and SUD. These findings suggest that development of SUD is influenced by androgen-dependent and neurobehavioral processes via a social motivational style characterized by SD/NVB. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Contractor Prebid Planning Principles

Planning is an essential function of project management. Yet, many small- and medium-sized contractors do a relatively poor job of operational planning. Better prebid plans will reduce costs, shorten schedules, and improve labor productivity. Unfortunately, the published literature offers little guidance for smaller contractors on what constitutes effective planning. Most papers describe planning as a macrolevel process for owners. Most emphasize scope definition for industrial projects. This paper describes a microlevel planning process for contractors. It consists of eight steps which are: (1) assess contract risks; (2) develop a preliminary execution plan; (3) develop site layout plans; (4) identify the sequences that are essential-to-success; (5) develop detailed operational plans; (6) develop proactive strategies to assure construction input into design; (7) revise the preliminary plan; and (8) communicate and enforce the plan. The entire process is illustrated with a case study project and is fully illustrated with figures which show how to integrate the work of multiple contractors, keep key resources (crews or equipment) fully engaged with no downtime, provide time buffers so the work of follow on crews can be efficiently done, expedite the schedule using multiple work stations and concurrent work, ways to communicate the work plan to the superintendent and foremen, and how to assess the feasibility of various work methods. The steps are easy to understand and implement. They will yield immediate positive results.     

Developing competency-based methods for near-real-time air combat problem solving assessment

Air combat scenarios present unique problems where the solution is not obvious. An advanced networked simulation environment can be used to train high-level cognitive air combat skills such as problem solving. A problem in the development of principled and construct oriented assessment is related to determining the level of specificity of the assessment. We present a detailed discussion of the definition of critical competencies associated with combat mission problem solving performance, and we describe our approach to develop and implement an embedded performance assessment system that maps outcomes to these competencies. Finally, we discuss the implications for our approach for comprehensive assessment and discuss our goals for an evaluation of the competency-based approach to assessment.     

Morphological responses in thermally conditioned linear low density polyethylene

An octene-modified linear low density polyethylene has been used to examine the mechanisms involved during thermal annealing. Annealing temperatures ranged from 60 to 100°C. Annealing results in crystallinity increments and these respond to two concurrent effects. One involves the segregation from crystalline regions of low molecular weight moieties in the polymer's molecular weight distribution; the other is lamellar thickening, leading to the formation of more highly perfected crystalline domains. In the present polymer, the two effects were found to be in balance at annealing temperatures near 80°C leading to the optimum distribution of crystalline regions in the amorphous portions of the polymer. The effect of thermal conditioning on mechanical properties of the polymer was illustrated in terms of the initial modulus and the polymer's yield strength. The twin mechanisms of molecular fractionation and lamellar thickening were found to influence both of the mechanical property parameters.     

Effects of luminance,wavelength and purity on the color attributes: Brief review with new data and perspectives

A color stimulus may be characterized by three psychophysical dimensions (luminance, dominant wavelength, and purity), whose corresponding color attributes are lightness, hue, and chroma/colorfulness. The 3 × 3 matrix gives nine basic effects of the psychophysical dimensions on the color attributes (e.g. the effect of luminance on hue), but there are 49 possible combinations as more complex effects (e.g. the effect of luminance on hue and chroma, i.e. on chromaticity). Researching and quantifying such effects enables modelling of the underlying neural mechanisms and of color appearance. Using a simple nomenclature to identify the effects (e.g. Ph denotes the effect of Purity on hue), this paper briefly reviews and interrelates 15 of the commonest effects, giving new data or new graphical perspectives to clarify or fill gaps in the literature. Contrast and no‐contrast effects (stimuli viewed simultaneously or singly, respectively) are differentiated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 208–222, 2007