Branch and bound algorithm for transmission system expansion planning using a transportation model

A method for optimal transmission network expansion planning is presented. The transmission network is modelled as a transportation network. The problem is solved using hierarchical Benders decomposition in which the problem is decomposed into master and slave subproblems. The master subproblem models the investment decisions and is solved using a branch-and-bound algorithm. The slave subproblem models the network operation and is solved using a specialised linear program. Several alternative implementations of the branch-and-bound algorithm have been rested. Special characteristics of the transmission expansion problem have been taken into consideration in these implementations. The methods have been tested on various test systems available in the literature.

Shape controlled synthesis of CaMoO4 thin films and their photoluminescence property

CaMoO4 (CMO) disordered and ordered thin films were prepared by the complex polymerization method (CPM). The films were annealed at different temperatures and time in a conventional resistive furnace (RF) and in a microwave (MW) oven. The microstructure and surface morphology of the structure were monitored by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM). Order and disorder were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical reflectance. A strong photoluminescence (PL) emission was observed in the disordered thin films and was attributed to complex cluster vacancies. The experimental results were compared with density functional and Hartree-Fock calculations. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Production and evaluation of lettuce seedlings and plants in hydroponic floating system

The investigation was conducted under greenhouse conditions at UNESP, Brazil, to evaluate the effects of the commercial substrates Plantmax and Sunshine and its mixtures with charred rice hulls, and the effects of floating and conventional seedling production systems in lettuce cultivation. The experiment was a randomized block experimental design, in 4 x 4 factorial treatment arrangement with two replications. Seedlings produced in the floating system were more precocious in relation to the conventional system. From transplant to harvest, the seedling production systems had similar mean time of production.

Competition and regulation in the banking system of Central America and Mexico: a comparative study

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Knowledge generation and protection: intellectual property, innovation and economic development

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Observation of tags and hybrid layer of a single bottle conventional adhesive system and a self-etching adhesive system, on sound dentin.

This experimental light microscopy study investigated the formation of a hybrid layer and resin tags on sound dentin, after utilization of conventional and self-etching adhesive systems. After restorative procedures, the specimens were decalcified in a formic acid and sodium citrate solution, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 6-microm thickness and stained by the Brown & Brenn method for analysis and measurement by light microscopy (AXIOPHOT) (400x). The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance, at a significance level of 5%. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the conventional adhesive allowed the formation of a thicker hybrid layer than the self-etching adhesive, with similar penetration into the dentinal tubules (resin tags).

Fractional order and dynamic simulation of a system involving an elastic wide plate

Numerous researchers have studied about nonlinear dynamics in several areas of science and engineering. However, in most cases, these concepts have been explored mainly from the standpoint of analytical and computational methods involving integer order calculus (IOC). In this paper we have examined the dynamic behavior of an elastic wide plate induced by two electromagnets of a point of view of the fractional order calculus (FOC). The primary focus of this study is on to help gain a better understanding of nonlinear dynamic in fractional order systems. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.

Versatile and easy-to-assemble measurement system for impedance-based structural health monitoring

In this paper we present a versatile and easy-to-assemble measurement system for structural health monitoring (SHM) based on the electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique. The hardware of the proposed system consists only of a common data acquisition (DAQ) device with external resistors and allows real-time data acquisition from multiple sensors. Besides the low-cost compared to conventional impedance analyzers, the hardware and the software are simple and easier to implement than other measurement systems that have been recently proposed.

Evolution and analysis of the planning system and procedures of the Dominican Republic

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Capabilities and gender: a sum or system of inequalities? The case of Chile

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Cooperación entre los países y regiones en desarrollo en el sistema de la CEPAL = Co-operation among developing countries and regions within the ECLA system

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Recreational anglers and fishing guides from an estuarine protected area in southeastern Brazil: Socioeconomic characteristics and views on fisheries management

The Iguape and Cananéia Lagoon-Estuarine Complex is a biodiversity hotspot in southeastern Brazil. In recent decades, the region has become an important destination for recreational fishing. The objective of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of visiting anglers and fishing guides working in the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Environmental Protected Area and their views on fisheries management. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted between January 2009 and January 2010. We interviewed 278 anglers, who were predominantly male (93%) with a mean age of 47 years and from the state of São Paulo. The targeted species were snooks (Centropomus undecimales and Centropomus parallelus) and weakfishes (Cynoscion leiarchus and Cynoscion acoupa). Only half the anglers had the mandatory fishing license, and many of them lacked knowledge about catch quotas and minimum size requirements for specific species. The fishing guides (n = 80) were all male, with a mean age of 39 years and extensive experience. Most of the guides believe that the study area is somewhat degraded due to the removal of riparian vegetation, siltation, pollution, and especially the depletion of fish stocks. The opinions of the stakeholders (anglers and guides) converge on the high priority needs of the fishery and possible management actions regarding recreational fishing, such as improved fisheries enforcement (first in order of importance), proper training of fishing guides, zoning of fishing areas, and the definition of a maximum size limit. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

The effect of the solute on the structure, selected mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of Ti-Zr system alloys for dental applications

New titanium alloys have been developed with the aim of utilizing materials with better properties for application as biomaterials, and Ti-Zr system alloys are among the more promising of these. In this paper, the influence of zirconium concentrations on the structure, microstructure, and selected mechanical properties of Ti-Zr alloys is analyzed. After melting and swaging, the samples were characterized through chemical analysis, density measurements, X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness, and elasticity modulus. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests were performed on cultured osteogenic cells. The results showed the formation essentially of the α′ phase (with hcp structure) and microhardness values greater than cp-Ti. The elasticity modulus of the alloys was sensitive to the zirconium concentrations while remaining within the range of values of conventional titanium alloys. The alloys presented no cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in the studied conditions. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

América Latina y el Caribe: el manejo de la escasez de agua = Latin America and the Caribbean: the management of water scarcity

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