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The Development of smart grids offers new opportunities to improve the efficiency of operating and controlling distribution systems. It allows network operators to optimize the use of dispersed generation resources and enables real-time communication between customers and utility service providers to allow optimization and balancing of energy usage. Such an improvement in the flexibility and control of the distribution network is only possible if the control center operator has more accurate knowledge of the real-time situation of the network. The Korean Smart Distribution Management System (KSDMS) project was started in 2009 to achieve advanced distribution operation for potential smart grid systems in Korea. In this paper, we summarize two KSDMS design strategies for situational awareness in real-time distribution operation. One is the preparation of standardized data acquisition networks. In the KSDMS, numerous data related to the voltage, current, faults, power quality and load profiles of the network are gathered using a standardized communication method based on IEC 61850. The other is a real-time security analysis tools for smart distribution systems, designed to provide the distribution operator with accurate real-time situational information and predictive operation. We present a database design which can be used commonly for all security analysis programs in KSDMS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Among various low-angle tracking methods, the three-dimensional beamspace domain maximum likelihood (3-D BDML) estimation proposed by Zoltowski is a computationally attractive and optimal method that can be processed in the reduced beamspace domain. However, the estimation performance of 3-D BDML deteriorates in the presence of interference or an additional target, especially at low altitudes, because the dimension of the signal and noise exceeds the dimension provided by the three beams. This study proposes a new low-angle tracking method for two objects in a 3-D beamspace domain using a linearly constrained adaptive array. The increased signal dimension owing to the interference or the additional target is reduced in the beamspace domain by using the beamforming weight that is designed to remove the largest principal component in the covariance matrix. Numerical simulation results are provided to show the estimation performance of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that focused on strategic enterprise resource planning (ERP) in a health-care system using a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) model. Study highlights include definition of ERP and MCDM, establishment of goal decomposition and prioritization, and an operational measurement matrix for the financial resource goal.

The immune system has pattern recognition capabilities based on reinforced learning, memory, and affinity maturation interacting between antigens (Ags) and antibodies (Abs). This article deals with an adaptation of artificial immune system (AIS) into genetic-algorithm (GA)-based multi-objective optimization. The present study utilizes the pattern recognition from an AIS and the evolution from a GA. Using affinity measures between Ags and Abs, GA based immune simulation discovers a generalist Ab that represents the common pattern among Ags. Non-dominated Pareto-optimal solutions are obtained via GA-based immune simulation in which dominated designs are considered as Ags, whereas non-dominated designs are assigned to Abs. This article discusses the procedure of identifying Pareto-optimal solutions through the immune system-based pattern recognition. A number of mathematical function problems that are described by discontinuity or disconnection in the shape of Pareto surface are first examined as test examples. Subsequently, engineering optimization problems such as rotating flywheel disc and ten-bar planar truss are explored to support the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To treat cutting oil wastewater produced in metal surface treatment industry, Ultrasonication (US)-Fenton process, which is one of the advanced oxidation processes, was used. The optimum conditions to treat non-biodegradable pollutants using the US-Fenton process were that the application rates of H2O2 and FeSO4 were 10% and 3 g/L, respectively, the value of pH was 3, and the ultrasonication time was 30 min. It identified non-degradable pollutants such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) in the cutting oil wastewater. TLC analysis of two compounds of treated water by the coagulation process was similar to that of raw water. However, TLC analysis of two compounds of US-Fenton process was different from that of raw water, meaning that US-Fenton process decomposed the EDTA and TEA. To study the possibility of application with the US-Fenton process to pilot plant, the pollutants treatment efficiency of three different methods, such as US-Fenton process, activated sludge process and coagulation process, in continuous experiments were compared. The removal rate of pollutants by the US-Fenton process according to the effluent time was higher than any other processes. The removal rates of COD, SS, T-N and T-P by US-Fenton process were 98, 93, 75 and 95%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beat-frequency dependency of the optical heterodyne mixing characteristics of a transferred-substrate A1InAs/GaInAs double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) have been investigated from 1 to 25 GHz in 1-GHz steps at a center wavelength of 1319 nm. The experimental results show a high-speed but low-responsivity response followed by a low-speed but high-responsivity response. The 3-dB bandwidth of the low-speed response is 3 GHz. Various ways of increasing the high-frequency responsivity are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42: 74–77, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20213 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an application of linear programming discriminant analysis (LPDA) to classify and to predict the symptomatic status of HIV/AIDS patients. We applied LPDA as well as several traditional discriminant analysis methods to the AIDS Cost and Services Utilization Survey data set in order to demonstrate the use of LPDA to classify the symptomatic status of HIV/AIDS patients. The potential benefit of LPDA in terms of the classification accuracy was also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that developed an integer goal programming model (GP) which aids in allocating a health-care system's information resources pertinent to strategic planning. Literature reviews and problem statement; Model development; Conclusion.

The article illustrates the use of a goal-programming model to resolve making a terminal site location problem. A comprehensive facility location analysis is usually required and consists of three separate stages. The first stage involves a preliminary survey to see if a change in the location of the current facilities is warranted by shifts in market demand. The second stage of the analysis seeks to determine a broad region within the trucking firm's service area in which to locate. Once the region is determined, the third stage of the analysis involves the selection of a specific site within the selected region. This stage usually requires a comparative analysis of specific site locations on the basis of dozens of criterion factors. The most dominant criterion factors are referred to as objective factors. The results in this article are based on a consulting job performed for the operations manager of the liquid food division of the Truck Transport Inc. of East St. Louis, Illinois. The model is formulated, examined and analyzed based on the information provided by the liquid food division's operations manager.

This note describes a simulation with GPSS of hospital operating-room and recovery-room usage, given a variation in patient load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the development of a human resource planning (HRP) model for hospital laboratory personnel. External and organizational factors impacting the demand and supply of clinical laboratory personnel in an urban academic health center are identified by a Delphi process. These factors are structured into a hierarchy for the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Computer software, Expert Choice, was used in model hierarchy development and judgmental elicitation process. The model result can be applicable to eliciting the perceptions, insights, and understanding of health-care decision-makers for strategic human resource planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of a goal programming (GP) model as an aid to strategic planning and allocation for limited human resources in a health-care organization. The purpose of this study is to assign the personnel to the proper shift hours that enable management to meet the objective of minimizing the total payroll costs while patients are satisfied. A GP model is illustrated using the data provided by a health-care organization in the midwest area. The goals are identified and prioritized. The model result is examined and a sensitivity analysis is performed to improve the model applicability. The GP model application adds insight to the planning functions of resource allocation in the health-care organizations. The proposed model is easily applicable to other human resource planning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an application of neural networks to classify and to predict the health status of HIV/AIDS patients. A neural network model in classifying both the well and not-well health status of HIV/AIDS patients is developed and evaluated in terms of validity and reliability of the test. Several different neural network topologies are applied to AIDS Cost and Utilization Survey (ACSUS) datasets in order to demonstrate the neural network's capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment has been performed with the Fermilab 30-inch bubble chamber and Downstream Particle Identifier to study inclusive charged pion production in the high energy interactions of π, K, p and $$\bar p$$ with thin foils of magnesium, silver and gold. The laboratory rapidity and transverse momentum distributions are presented separately for π and π production. Comparisons are made with data from hadron-proton interactions and the A dependence of the cross sections in the different kinematic regions is discussed. We investigate the dependence of the cross sections on the number of observed protons ejected from the nucleus. By using our π A data from two different beam energies, we study the energy dependence of these spectra. Comparisons are made with the VENUS string model Monte Carlo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study is to determine and evaluate utilization levels of the operating room and recovery room facilities of a hospital under different policy considerations governing patient flows. The utilization rates are examined under constraints that apply to the particular hospital from which the empirical data was obtained; however, the model and approach were designed with general applications in mind. The range of values for critical timing measurements is obtained from a model employing the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The model is programmed in GPSS and was run on an IBM 360/165. An optimal policy that satisfies the "real world" constraints of an active hospital is sought. The output from the model is interpreted. It is revealed that increases in facility utilization can be made while meeting the constraints dictated by normal hospital routine, thus offering the possibility of reducing costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the increased need for operating-room and recovery-room facilities and space, based on an increased bed complement. The problem is formulated into three primary questions: (1) How many more surgical procedures will be performed because of the increased bed capacity? (2) How much operating-room time and space will the surgical procedures require? (3) How much recovery-room time and space will the surgical procedures require? To answer these questions, a simulation model of the lengths of stay in the operating room and the recovery room is constructed by the Monte Carlo method, it is tested statistically and its results interpreted. This simulation model can facilitate planning, decision-making, and managerial control by providing management information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Il Nuovo Cimento: A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)