Dynamic feedback neuro-evolutionary networks for forecasting the highly fluctuating electrical loads

A computationally efficient and accurate forecasting model for highly dynamic electric load patterns of UK electric power grid is proposed and implemented using recurrent neuro-evolutionary algorithms. Cartesian genetic programming is used to find the optimum recurrent structure and network parameters to accurately forecast highly fluctuating load patterns. Fifty different models are trained and tested in diverse set of scenarios to predict single as well as more future instances in advance. The testing results demonstrated that the models are highly accurate as they attained an accuracy of as high as 98.95 %. The models trained to predict single future instances are tested to predict more future instances in advance, obtaining an accuracy of 94 %, thus proving their robustness to predict any time series.     

An Ultimatum Game Theory Based Approach for Basin Scale Water Allocation Conflict Resolution

Increasing water consumption via competitive demands has resulted in serious water conflicts and the subsequent environmental crisis in the Gavkhouni Watershed with the Gavkhouni swamp in the most downstream located in the central part of Iran. In this research, a two-player ultimatum game theory approach is adopted to not only address the water conflicts with the purpose of environmental reclamation of the drying swamp, but also to ensure economic satisfaction for the upstream landowners and farmers. The Ministry of Energy (MoE) and its subsidiary regional water authority represent the responsible organizations for providing water while the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is the primary body in charge of water consumption in the watershed. MoE and MoA are considered as two players in the game, whereas MoE has more power than MoA in terms of allocating water. Five strategies are studied namely: 1 and 2) decreasing water allocation to irrigated agriculture as much as the annual shortage of the Gavkhouni swamp with and without compensation to MoA (D-L), 3 and 4) decreasing water allocation to irrigated agriculture twice as much the annual shortage of the swamp with and without compensation for MoA (D-2 L) and 5) giving up Gavkhouni swamp’s reclamation plan (D). Moreover, three scenarios regarding the relations between environmental and agricultural utilities are designated. According to the results, D-2 L with paying compensation to MoA is chosen as the best alternative in scenario 1 when the environmental utility was assumed to be greater than the agricultural utility. Ultimatum Game Theory has no final solution for scenarios 2 and 3 where the environmental utility is considered to be equal and smaller than agricultural utility. The swamp’s annual environmental water shortage as 324 million cubic meters is supplied by application of both strategies D-L and D-2 L. Ultimatum Games are efficient in assessment of water conflicts to resolve them through careful and planned negotiations.     

Characterization and antibacterial property of Kapok fibers treated with chitosan/AgCl–TiO2 colloid

The aim of this research is to investigate the antibacterial activity of Kapok fibers modified with AgCl/TiO₂ and Chitosan colloid. A very simple, single-step (pad-dry-cure) method was used for the application of AgCl/TiO₂ and Chitosan colloid on kapok fibers, the chemicals used are easily available. Different blend ratios of chitosan and AgCl/TiO₂ colloid were applied to the bleached kapok fibers and antibacterial properties were assayed against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The treated kapok fibers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the bacterial growth was significantly reduced in the samples which had a higher concentration of chitosan and AgCl/TiO₂ colloid. However, a significant reduction in bacterial growth with the use of this colloid was observed.     

Transmission lines differential protection based on the energy conservation law

This paper proposes a differential protection scheme for transmission lines using the energy conservation law. The real power signals at both ends (sending and receiving) of the line are compared with a pre-specified value, if the resultant is more than this value, an internal fault is indicated in the transmission line zone.The proposed technique is evaluated using PSCAD/EMTDC program configurated to model the effect of faults on typical 500 kV transmission line. Extensive simulation studies show that this protection scheme has the ability to discriminate internal faults fast and accurately, and is more reliable than conventional biased differential protection scheme, and suitable for all types of lines. Details of the proposed relay design are given in the paper; also results of some performance studies are given.     

Electronic characterization and photocatalytic properties of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/CdO electrospun nanofibers

Titanium dioxide-cadmium oxide (TiO₂/CdO) nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning technique followed by a single-step calcination from a solution of titanium isopropoxide and cadmium acetate dihydrate. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique were employed to characterize the as-spun nanofibers as well as the calcined product. The specific surface area of the calcined product was calculated to be 65.3067 m² g⁻¹. X-ray powder diffractometry analysis was conducted on the samples to study their chemical composition as well as their crystallographic structure. The results obtained indicated that the prepared nanostructure product can eliminate all of the methyl orange dye within about 75 min, whereas the pristine titanium dioxide nanofibers could not eliminate more than 50% even after 180 min.     

A multi-agent based system for intrusion detection

This article describes a framework for intrusion detection using agent-based technology. Agents are ideally qualified due to their reactivity, interactivity, autonomy and intelligence. The system discussed is implemented in a TCP/IP LAN (local area network) environment. It represents a step towards a complete multi-agent based system for networking security.     

A direct automated procedure for frictionless contact problems

The solution of elastostatic bodies in frictionless contact is obtained by an automated direct method which exploits the theory of linear elasticity and circumvents the need for the inclusion of artificial interface elements, mathematical programming techniques or computation of contact pressure. The method is simple and economical to use and can be easily appended to existing numerical schemes such as the finite element method. The formulation and numerical algorithm are presented for body combinations which are independent of relative tangential displacements along the contact surface. The method is illustrated through an elementary example amenable to hand calculation. Numerical results for more realistic problems are given and compared to known solutions. It is concluded that the method provides a powerful means for both the analysis and design of contacting bodies when used in conjunction with a finite element computer program.     

Novel self-assembled amphiphilic poly(ε-caprolactone)-grafted-poly(vinyl alcohol) nanoparticles: hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs carrier nanoparticles

In the present study, we have aimed to produce nanoparticles (NPs) possessing the capability of carrying both of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and reveal significant release for both drug types. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) copolymer (PCL-g-PVA) has been prepared and shaped in nano-particulate form to be adequate for carrying the drugs. Stannous octoate (Sn(II)Oct₂) was used to catalyze PVA and ε-caprolactone monomer to chemically bond. Moreover, this catalyst enhanced side chain polymerization reaction for the utilized ε-caprolactone monomer to form poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The formed PCL was attached as branches with PVA backbone. ¹H NMR has confirmed formation of PCL and grafting of PVA by this new polymer. Moreover, the vibration modes in the functional groups of PCL-g-PVA have been detected by FT-IR. The thermal alteration in the grafted polymer was checked by TGA analysis. The successfully synthesized grafted copolymer was able to self-aggregate into NPs by direct dialysis method. The size, morphology and charges associated with the obtained NPs were analyzed by DLS, TEM and ELS, respectively. PCL-g-PVA NPs were investigated as drug carrier models for hydrophobic and hydrophilic anti cancer drugs; paclitaxel and doxorubicin. In vitro drug release experiments were conducted; the loaded NPs reveal continuous and sustained release form for both drugs, up to 20 and 15 days for paclitaxel and doxorubicin, respectively. However, in a case of using pure drugs only, both drugs completely released within 1–2 h. The overall obtained results strongly recommend the use these novel NPs in future drug delivery systems.     

Investigation of the mechanical properties of electrodeposited nickel and magnetron sputtered chromium nitride coatings deposited on mild steel substrate

Electrodeposition and magnetron sputtering techniques have been employed for the deposition of Ni and bilayer NiCrN coatings, respectively, on mild steel substrate. Ni electrodeposition was performed using sulfate Watt’s bath, while magnetron sputtering was performed on electrodeposited Ni using DC power 350 W and base pressure of 3 × 10^?5 Torr in order to prepare bilayer NiCrN coatings. Structural and mechanical properties of Ni and bilayer NiCrN coatings have been investigated using various characterization techniques such as SEM-EDX, XRD, hardness, adhesion testing, etc. SEM analysis reflects the formation of spherical/nodular particles of varying sizes in NiCrN coating whereas Ni coating shows irregular, agglomerated, and non-uniform distribution of particles. Formation of hard CrN phase in NiCrN coating has been confirmed by XRD and EDX. NiCrN coating exhibits better hardness in comparison with Ni coating due to the formation of nitride phase. Micro scratch testing of bilayer NiCrN coating shows better interlayer adhesion and adhesion with mild steel substrate. The combination of electrodeposition and magnetron sputtering can produce inexpensive NiCrN coating containing hard CrN phase with better mechanical properties for automotive applications.     

Innovative concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system with combined hydrogen and MgO based storage

The intermittency of renewable energy resources which only have localized availability with low energy density, is the main reasons for our reliance on conventional fossil fuels. If steady supply and high energy quality can be achieved then solar energy potential is enough to meet the global energy demand. Heat and electricity both are equally important forms of derived energies. In this paper, an innovative configuration of solar energy system for simultaneous need of electricity and high grade thermal energy, is presented and discussed along with the long term energy storage solution. The proposed CPV/T system, with hydrogen based electrical and MgO based thermal storage, can produce electricity and high-temperature thermal energies at efficiency of 30% and 70% respectively. The CPV-Hydrogen configuration achieved Solar to Hydrogen efficiency of 19%. On the other hand, the MgO based TES system obtained 80% material storage efficiency at 400 °C which can be easily achieved with the concentrated thermal energy density of 240 Suns.