An efficient improvement of the AESOPS algorithm for power systemeigenvalue calculation

This paper describes a simple but efficient modification to improve the well known PEALS/AESOPS algorithm for power system eigenvalue calculation. The modified algorithm is a Newton-Raphson iteration scheme which converges significantly faster than AESOPS. The algorithm is linked to the operational transfer matrix equation method. An efficient operational matrix based formula is suggested to calculate the sensitivity of an electromechanical eigenvalue with respect to the transfer function of a power system stabilizer. Results for a 21 generator power system are described     

THE DETECTION OF A SINGLE ADDITIVE OUTLIER OF UNKNOWN POSITION

Abstract. Kudo (On the testing of outlying observations. Sankhya 17 (1956), 67–73) has derived an optimal invariant detector of a single additive outlier of unknown position in the context of an underlying Gaussian process consisting of independent and identically distributed random variables. We show how this author's arguments can be extended to derive an invariant detector of an additive outlier of unknown position for an underlying zero-mean Gaussian stochastic process. This invariant detector depends on the parameters of this process; its properties are analysed further for the particular case of an underlying zero-mean Gaussian AR( p ) process. It provides an upper bound on the performance of any invariant detector based solely on the data and it may be 'bootstrapped' to provide an invariant detector based solely on the data. A plausibility argument is presented in favour of the proposition that the bootstrapped detector is nearly optimal for sufficiently large data length n. The truth of this proposition has been confirmed by simulation results for zero-mean Gaussian AR(1) and AR(2) processes (for certain sets of possible outlier positions). The bootstrapped detector is shown to be closely related to the detector based on the approximate likelihood ratio criteria of Fox (Outliers in time series. J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser. B 34 (1972), 350–63) and the leave-one-out diagnostic of Bruce and Martin (Leave- k -out diagnostics in time series. J. Roy. Statist. Soc. Ser B 51 (1989), 363–424). It is also shown how the case of an underlying Gaussian process with arbitrary mean can be reduced to the case of an underlying zero-mean Gaussian process.     

Percutaneous bile duct drainage; experiences with a new type of endoprosthesis]

Self expandable stents were placed percutaneously in 105 patients with malignant biliary obstruction. Stent diameter was 1 cm; length, 3.5-10.5 cm. Of the 60 patients with common bile duct obstruction, 50 died 0.2-12 months (median 3 months) after stent insertion. Two patients developed recurrent jaundice and cholangitis after 6 and 12 months, respectively. One patient underwent reintervention. Ten patients, one after a successful reintervention, were alive without jaundice 1-8 months (median 5 months) after stent placement. Of the 45 patients with hilar lesions, 26 died 0.7-18 months (median 5 months) after stent placement, five of them with signs of cholangitis. Nineteen are alive 1-21 months (median 7 months) afterwards. Reinterventions were carried out in 13 patients (29%). The most common cause of stent malfunction was tumour overgrowth. Stent-related complications were seen in three patients.     

Homogenization of mesoscopic theories: Effective properties of model membranes

A new mathematical framework for modeling diffusion in nanoporous materials or on surfaces exhibits heterogeneity in properties over large length scales and retains molecular scale information, typically captured only by molecular simulations (kinetic Monte Carlo). It first uses newly developed mesoscopic equations derived rigorously from underlying master equations by coarse-graining statistical mechanics techniques. Homogenization techniques are then used to derive the leading-order effective mesoscopic models that are subsequently solved by spectral methods. These solutions are also compared to direct numerical simulations for selected 2-D model membranes with defects, when attractive adsorbate-adsorbate interactions affect particle difSsion. Both the density and dispersion of defects significantly alter the macroscopic behavior in terms of fluxes and concentration patterns, especially when phase transitions can occur. In the presence of adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, permeation through a nanoporous film can depend on the face of a membrane exposed to the high-pressure side. Homogenization techniques also could offer a promising alternative to direct numerical simulations, when complex, large-scale heterogeneities are present.     

On optimum time-hopping patterns

Time-hopping patterns can be constructed from simple difference sets. By studying such constructions, it has been proven that whenever n-2, n-1, or n+1 is a prime power, then time-hopping patterns that have n terms can be constructed and are of length less than n². By computation it is shown that such patterns can have length less than n²-n^1.44 for all n⩽150. It is also shown that time-hopping patterns for n terms can have length less than n²+O(n^1.55) for all n     

Diagnosis and reduction of conducted noise emissions

A systematic method for the diagnosis and reduction of conducted noise emissions is described. The method consists of a device for determining whether the differential- or common-mode component of conducted noise is dominant along with a simplified equivalent circuit of the power supply filter for each component. The procedure consists of first using the device to determine which noise-component is dominant in a particular frequency range and then using the simplified equivalent circuits to determine whether an anticipated change in value of an element in the power supply filter will be effective     

Linking service climate and customer perceptions of service quality: test of a causal model

A set of foundation issues that support employee work and service quality is conceptualized as a necessary but not sufficient cause of a climate for service, which in turn is proposed to be reflected in customer experiences. Climate for service rests on the foundation issues, but in addition it requires policies and practices that focus attention directly on service quality. Data were collected at multiple points in time from employees and customers of 134 branches of a bank and analyzed via structural equation modeling. Results indicated that the model in which the foundation issues yielded a climate for service, and climate for service in turn led to customer perceptions of service quality, fit the data well. However, subsequent cross-lagged analyses revealed the presence of a reciprocal effect for climate and customer perceptions. Implications of these results for theory and research are offered.     

Seismic qualification of motor operated valves—alternate approach

This paper presents a potential alternate method for determining operating capacity of motor-operated valves subjected to seismic and other applicable loadings. As a result of programs at nuclear facilities to ensure the operational capability of MOVs (under NRC GL89-10), extensive analytical focus to develop the structural capability of valves has ensued. In the past, seismic qualification of valves typically addressed the strength of the topwork structure to resist inertial loading from excitation of the large valve actuator mass. These evaluations paid little or no consideration to the loading resulting from valve closing forces. The focus of the recent efforts is to develop the maximum operational capability of the valve, in terms of thrust, with consideration of seismic and other services loading as applicable. The alternate method outlined in this paper presents a series of thrust capacity curves, with reduction factors for seismic loading which can be applied and developed to determine safe thrust loadings without performing extensive analytical effort. A similar approach was put forward by the SQUG GIP approach to MOVs to ensure the safe operation of valves based on past earthquake experience. However, the GIP approach cannot be used to determine safe operational loads and thus has limited use in the necessary analysis required for GL89-10 programs at nuclear facilities.     

Professionals in mutual help groups: Impact on social climate and members' behavior.

This study assessed the impact of professional involvement in mutual help groups for the mentally ill. Social climate data and behavioral data on members in groups led either by a mental health professional (n?=?36) or an indigenous group member (n?=?70) were compared. The results of the study indicated a more formal, psychologically directed approach in the professionally led groups. Although professional involvement in mutual help groups does not necessarily produce different member outcomes, it does seem to affect both the perceptions and the behavior of members. Professionals should be cautious when they get involved in mutual help groups to avoid professionalizing them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)