A protocol for distributed simulation on a microcomputer network

The computer industry has evolved very rapidly from single-user computers to computer networks where users are able to share both local and remote files. Networks of microcomputers facilitate the integration of all information processing for distributed applications such as database processing and electronic mail. One management application of promising potential for computer networks is distributed simulation. Simulation analysis can be useful to essentially all problem-solving and decision-making on the job.

To implement a particular distributed application, computer communication between processors must be considered. Unlike expensive multiprocessor computers, networks of less-expensive microcomputers do not have pre-established communication paths between processors. This paper addresses how this obstacle may be overcome by using communication protocols based on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model. Protocol services needed to support a distributed simulation environment will be identified, and their implementation through a prototype will then be investigated and evaluated.     

Effect of handle height on lower-back loading in cart pushing and pulling

This paper presents results of a study conducted to estimate lower back loadings in cart pushing and pulling. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory using a cart. Six subjects with different weights (ranging from 50 to 80 kg) were tested for three different pushing and pulling forces (98, 196 and 294 newtons), three different heights of exertion (660, 1090 and 1520 mm high) and two different moving speeds (1.8 and 3.6 km/h). It was found that, in general, pushing a cart results in lesser lower-back loading than pulling. Subject body weight affected the lower-back loadings more significantly in pulling (50% increase as body weight increased from 50 kg to 80 kg) than in pushing (25% increase). Handle height of 1090 mm was found to be better than other handle heights in pushing while 1520 mm handle height was better for pulling in reducing lower-back loadings.     

Lower back muscle forces in pushing and pulling

In the investigation of lower back stress, the muscle forces of the erector spinae and the rectus abdominis are often calculated using the two-dimensional biomechanical model. These muscle forces are used to estimate the compressive forces at L5/S1 disc. This paper presents a study of the muscle forces predicted by a two-dimensional biomechanical model during pushing and pulling and myoelectric activity from the corresponding muscles. The goal was to investigate whether a simple two muscle torso model would reasonably estimate the muscle actions in pushing and pulling tasks. Six subjects participated in the experiment. EMG (rms) value was used as an indicator of muscle forces. The results show high correlation between the predicted muscle forces and the measured root-mean-square EMG values in trunk pushing and pulling (r2 = 0.93) and hand pushing and pulling (r2 = 0.96) in an erect posture with hips braced but low in hand pushing and pulling using a free posture (r2 = 0.37).     

Clearance of FGF‐23 during continuous renal replacement therapy

FGF‐23 is a 32 kDa protein that is a key regulator of phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism. Emerging evidence also demonstrates that FGF‐23 increases within 24 hours of acute kidney injury (AKI) and may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We conducted this study to evaluate FGF23 clearance during continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in critically ill patients with AKI. We demonstrate that plasma clearance of FGF‐23 during CVVH is ～11 mL/min and the mean sieving coefficient is 0.27 ± 0.1. Future studies will need to clarify FGF‐23's role in adverse outcomes among AKI patients, and whether therapies aimed at reducing FGF‐23 levels may be beneficial.     

Further enhancements in the symmetrical components based improved fault impedance estimation method Part II. Performance evaluation

An approach that can be used for further enhancing the symmetrical components based improved fault impedance estimation method has been proposed by the authors in Part-I of this companion paper. The PC based alternative transients program (ATP) was used to model a six bus system and generate fault data. The performance of the proposed method was assessed using the generated fault data. The results of performance assessment studies are presented and discussed in this paper. The proposed method was also applied for calculating an exact fault location. It is also shown in the paper that the proposed method provides highly accurate fault location estimates based on the distance relaying information.     

Further enhancements in the symmetrical components based improved fault impedance estimation method Part I. Mathematical modelling

This paper develops an approach that can be used for further enhancement of the symmetrical components based improved fault impedance estimation method that has previously been proposed by the authors. In addition to discussing the mathematical basis of the new approach, enhanced and computationally efficient performance equations are presented. In view of the recent advancements in optical transducers and high speed optical fibre communications, the new technique uses sequence components of voltage and current samples obtained from both the ends of the protected transmission line. It is also shown in the paper that the new performance equations are independent of fault resistance. The PC based Alternative Transients Program was used to model a six bus system and to generate fault data. The results of performance assessment studies on this new method are presented and discussed in Part-II of this companion paper.     

Fault impedance estimation algorithm for digital distance relaying

Fault impedance is one of the major parameters that must be estimated accurately in digital distance relaying application. In this paper, a new algorithm is proposed based on symmetrical components theory. The proposed algorithm has computational advantage over previously suggested symmetrical components based algorithms. A procedure for applying shunt fault conditions to the sequence equations to estimate fault impedance of the protected transmission line is discussed. The Alternative Transient Program (ATP) that is available on personal computers was used in evaluating the proposed algorithm. ATP models a power system and simulates many fault conditions on a selected transmission line. Fault data obtained were used in calculating fault impedance using the proposed algorithm. Fault impedance estimates were inserted in relay characteristics to determine suitability of the proposed algorithm for first zone distance protection. Sample results of these studies which show stable fault distance estimates are presented and discussed in the paper