A Mixed Integer Stochastic Optimization Model for Settlement Risk in Retail Electric Power Markets

Recent changes in the U.S. electric power markets have contributed to volatility in hourly prices and loads. In this paper we consider the position of the electric power retailer who typically contracts with suppliers and end-users and must provide future load requirements to the suppliers. As part of this energy supply chain, the retailer is faced with great uncertainty in both market prices as well as end-user loads. Based on actual data for the PJM market covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, we develop a probabilistic optimization model to optimize the net profits for the retailer for a forecast time horizon (typically one or more hours) given the cumulative performance in previous time periods (hours). The resulting model is formulated as a mixed integer linear program with binary variables due to the disjunctive nature of certain forward load estimation bandwidth tolerance constraints. In addition, we also provide an existence result to this optimization model. Lastly, we present a numerical example of the optimization model to validate its workings and provide some insight into model sensitivities.     

Effect of extrusion conditions on physical and chemical properties of high protein glutinous rice-based snack

Two glutinous rice-based snack formulations were designed using a linear-programming model to minimize total cost to meet the FAO/WHO/UNU. (1985). Energy and protein requirements. Report of a joint FAO/WHO/UNU expert consultation. Technical report series 724. Geneva: WHO requirements for lysine and sulphur amino acids. Effects of protein concentration, feed moisture content and barrel temperature on the chemical and physical properties of the extruded product were investigated. Response surfaces for the parameters were generated using a second-degree polynomial. The high protein nutritious snack was obtained using glutinous rice flour, vital wheat gluten and toasted soy grits. A factorial design was employed to investigate the influence of feed protein content (20 and 30 g/100 g wb), feed moisture (20, 25, and 30 g/100 g wb) and barrel temperature (150 and 180 °C) on the physical and chemical properties of extrudates. Results showed that increasing feed moisture and reducing barrel temperature reduced non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and enhanced lysine retention. The protein and moisture content of raw material and barrel temperature had no significant influence on cysteine and methionine content. The conditions providing high expansion, low bulk density, and low shear strength of extruded snack were feed moisture of 20 g/100 g wb and 180 °C.     

Effects of Kaempferia parviflora extracts on reproductive parameters and spermatic blood flow in male rats

Krachaidum (KD, Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex. Baker), a native plant of Southeast Asia, is traditionally used to enhance male sexual function. However, only few scientific data in support of this anecdote have been reported. The present study investigated the effects of feeding three different extracts of KD (alcohol, hexane, and water extracts) for 3-5 weeks on the reproductive organs, the aphrodisiac activity, fertility, sperm motility, and blood flow to the testis of male rats. Sexual performances (mount latency, mount frequency, ejaculatory latency, post-ejaculatory latency) and sperm motility were assessed by a video camera and computer-assisted sperm analysis respectively, while blood flow to the testis was measured by a directional pulsed Doppler flowmeter. The results showed that all extracts of KD had virtually no effect on the reproductive organ weights even after 5 weeks. However, administration of the alcohol extract at a dose of 70 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for 4 weeks significantly decreased mount and ejaculatory latencies when compared with the control. By contrast, hexane and water extracts had no influence on any sexual behavior parameters. All types of extracts of KD had no effect on fertility or sperm motility. On the other hand, alcohol extract produced a significant increase in blood flow to the testis without affecting the heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure. In a separate study, an acute effect of alcohol extract of KD on blood flow to the testis was investigated. Intravenous injection of KD at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg BW caused dose-dependent increases in blood flow to the testis. The results indicate that alcohol extract of KD had an aphrodisiac activity probably via a marked increase in blood flow to the testis.     

Dust exposure and lung function of workers in the brick and clay pottery factories in the Northeast of Thailand

This study aimed to determine the particulate matter concentrations (PM10) in workplace air and personal dust, and their effects on the respiratory health of exposed workers. The lung function of 449 exposed workers was examined. The concentration of PM10 in workplace air and personal dust exposure was measured. Spirometry was used to evaluate the lung function capacity included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory volume ratio (FEV%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF). The forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of the FVC (FEF 25-75%) was determined. The PM10 concentration in workplace air (6 study sites) and personal dust (4 study sites) exceeded the standard (REL) of 0.12 mg/m3. The results of this study showed a decrease in the mean values and percent predicted value of FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF and FEF 25-75%. The lung capacity of participants revealed that 24.50%, 4.45% and 7.13% had mildly, moderately restrictive and small airway disease. The respiratory symptoms were dyspnoea (22.49%), wheezing (10.69%), chest pain (10.69%) and chronic cough (2.90%). Factors influencing lung capacity included mask usage (Adj.OR: 0.44 CI: 0.25-0.79 p-value: 0.006) and chest pain (Adj.OR: 2.68 CI: 1.14-6.30 p-value: 0.024).