An efficient algorithm for optimal generation mix taking into account fuzziness of decision making and planning parameters

This paper presents an efficient computational algorithm for selecting the optimal generation mix under uncertain circumstances. Subjective, experiential or linguistic uncertainties are selected from among various uncertainties, i.e., we treat fuzziness in generation expansion planning. The fuzziness can be divided into: (1) the fuzziness of decision making; and (2) the fuzziness of some planning parameters, such as load growth, fuel price, and so on. Both classes of fuzziness are integrated into a fuzzy decision based on fuzzy sets theory, and then the optimal generation mix can be determined by the Fuzzy Dynamic Programming (FDP) technique. The proposed method, which is based on the dynamic programming technique, is extended by using the Bellman-Zadeh maximizing decision. In the method, each generation technology and generation capacity are selected as a stage and state, respectively. The proposed method can easily accommodate not only the fuzziness but also many constraints of generation expansion planning, such as integer solutions of unit capacities, condition of existing units, and so on. Furthermore, the arbitrary shape of membership function can be used. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are demonstrated on a typical power system model.     

950 keV, 3.95 MeV and 6 MeV X-band linacs for nondestructive evaluation and medicine

We are developing compact X-band linac X-ray sources for nondestructive evaluation and medicine. First, we develop a portable X-ray system by a 950 keV 9.4 GHz X-band linac to realize on-site inspection. We use a low power (250 kW) magnetron as an RF source for compactness of the whole system. Since the RF power source is quite small and the stored energy in the structure is also small, we faced the problem of beam loading and current/RF-power oscillation. We are analyzing the problem by the circuit model. We plan to use this system for erosion inspection of metal pipes of petrochemical complex. By adopting a side-coupling cavity design to avoid the oscillation, we have developed 6 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac for pinpoint dynamic tracking cancer therapy. Furthermore, we are manufacturing 3.95 MeV X-band (9.3 GHz) linac X-ray source with flexible waveguides for on-site bridge inspection. Updated results and situations are presented.     

Determination of preservative and antimicrobial compounds in fish from Manila Bay, Philippines using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and assessment of human dietary exposure

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination of four paraben preservatives (methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl) and two antimicrobial agents (triclosan and triclocarban) belonging to personal care products (PCPs) in 20 species of fish from Manila Bay (Philippines) was performed. Detection of PCPs with greater frequency indicates the ubiquitous contamination of Manila Bay. Concentrations of total paraben were one order of magnitude higher than the antimicrobials in almost all fish, except in Stolephorus indicus and Leiognathus equulus. A positive correlation was observed between parabens concentration and fish length (r = 0.31-0.49; p<0.05 to <0.001) and fish weight (r = 0.28-0.49; p<0.05 to <0.001), but not for the antimicrobials. The estimated dietary exposure values of the four parabens in the Philippines through fish is four orders of magnitude lower than the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 10mg/kg/day, but the values of antimicrobials are just half of the ADI of TCS. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCPs contamination in fish from Philippines.     

New approach to aortic dissection: development of an insertable aortic prosthesis

We have developed a new aortic prosthesis with which we can replace or reinforce the aorta using a simple percutaneous technique. We have named the new prosthesis the shape-memory aortic prosthesis (SAP); it consists of a spiral-shaped nitinol stent and polyurethane tube. It can be compressed inside a 14F catheter at a low temperature and regain its original shape at above 30 degrees C. As a preliminary study, SAP sutureless grafting into the descending aorta was performed on 10 mongrel dogs. We found that when the proper diameter of SAP was applied, it functioned satisfactorily for 3 months or more. A percutaneous placement technique pertinent to the SAP also was developed and tried on 4 animals. Our procedure was applied to Stanford type B dissection models to close the entry point successfully. This newly developed SAP has potential to be applied to emergency cases of human aortic dissections.     

Development of ‘UR-System 2’: a training system for recovery of motor function of plegic upper limb after stroke

We developed a new training system, called ‘UR-System 2’, for the recovery of motor function of a plegic upper limb after stroke. UR-System 2, which was redesigned based on knowledge gained from clinical tests using UR-System 1, was newly equipped with a function for testing the motor function of patients, such as isolated movement. In order to verify the effectiveness of UR-System 2, we conducted the following procedures: we verified the safety of training in healthy persons; we gathered standard data on pronation and supination of healthy forearms during tests; and, we verified that the test function was effective in evaluating the recovery effect of isolated movement in two hemiplegic patients.     

Nonlinear Interfacial Friction of 4He Films Absorbed on Grafoil

No Heading We measured the slippage of ⁴He films adsorbed on Grafoil using the quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) technique. The slippage of ⁴He films depended on the oscillating amplitude. In a large oscillating amplitude of a 5.0 MHz quartz crystal, ⁴He films underwent slipping gradually below a certain temperature. On the other hand, in a small oscillating amplitude, another additional increase appeared.PACS numbers: 67.20. +k, 81.40.Pq