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Commercial panels of microsatellite (STR) loci are focused on the use of DNA of the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and are often inapplicable for genotyping the DNA of the gray wolf (Canis lupus lupus). We propose a CPlex test system, including one hexa‐ and 12 tetranucleotide autosomal STR loci, as well as two sex loci, that is equally efficient in DNA identification of biological samples of the wolf and the dog. Analysis of molecular variance between samples revealed significant differentiation values (FST = 0.0784, p < 0.001), which allows to use the panel to differentiate wolf and dog samples. Population subdivision coefficients (θ‐values) were calculated for each of the 13 STR loci of the developed test system. It was shown that the values of the genotype frequency for dogs and wolves, without and with considering the θ‐value, differ by three orders of magnitude (for dogs 8.9 × 10−16 and 2.1 × 10−14 and for wolves 1.9 × 10−15 and 4.5 × 10−14, respectively). The use of population subdivision coefficients will allow to identify the most reliable results of an expert identification study and the power of exclusion provided by the STR loci of the CPlex test system makes it possible to achieve a reliable level of evidence in forensic DNA analysis of both wolves and dogs. The test system has been validated for use in forensic identification of the dog and wolf based on biological traces found at crime scenes, as well as for individual identification and establishing biological relationship of animals of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technologies occupy an important place in today's developing world. They are also strongly related to new trends in educational technologies. In this context, the digital accessibility of this new environment for people with various special needs is of particular concern. A novel tool for assessment of the technological ecosystem, designed to provide digital accessibility to people with special needs, is described in the paper. The overall structure and the initial test of the system are discussed in the paper. The conceptual framework of the ecosystem and its ontological model are described. Special attention is paid to the accessibility of digital learning and e-learning for people with special needs from a robotic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims at designing a robust wide-area damping controller (WADC) to address the problems associated with communication failures. The proposed controller is a state feedback-based controller, which uses generators' states as the controller inputs. The structure of the proposed controller's feedback gain matrix is a combination of two feedback gain matrices to achieve adequate robust performance over different disturbances and communication losses. These two feedback gain matrices are; full-scale feedback gain matrix and decentralized scale feedback gain matrix. Both models are designed by considering all generators' states are available at the controller input side. However, both matrices' structures are different from each other. The conventional LQR state feedback control technique is used to design the full-scale matrix. On the other hand, the decentralized scale matrix is computed using a structurally constrained H 2 -norm optimization technique to acquire the required structure. The full-scale model gives robust performance under different faults. Whereas, the decentralized scale matrix will result robust performance against communication failures. Therefore, to achieve superior performance under all conditions, the proposed controller can be used. To show the efficacy of the proposed controller, it is compared with different existing controllers and the results are illustrated. Simulation studies are conducted on well-known IEEE 39-bus and 68-bus test systems to validate the robustness of the proposed controller considering different faults and communication failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power system simulation is vital for designing and evaluating the performance of electrical system protection and control devices. Although several commercial simulators exist, most are expensive and not open-source code. It is essential to develop educational and research simulators that can prepare students, allow researchers to develop new methodologies, and assist system operators in making decisions. This paper aims to present a computer simulation platform called AnaDyn (dynamic analysis), a non-commercial and open-source platform. AnaDyn is an educational/research platform that allows dynamic (transient stability), quasi-steady-state simulation, modal, and power flow analysis. Short- and long-term studies of voltage, frequency, and rotor angle instability problems can be performed. The main characteristics of AnaDyn are quasi-steady-state simulation, in which the equations are not simplified; easy integration with other tools and toolboxes, since AnaDyn is developing in MATLAB; flexible modeling that allows the inclusion of new devices and controller tests. The detailed modeling of various power system devices, the description of the numerical solution method, and the interface are also presented in this work. The platform is validated by comparing a test system's results with those obtained with Brazil's most popular commercial software. The main potentials of quasi-steady-state simulation are also presented. The results indicate that AnaDyn is efficient for educational and research studies on the stability of short- and long-term electrical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algorithms and procedures of digital information systems testing, adjustment and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's fast-changing power systems, it is vital to have a protection system that can distinguish between power swing and fault conditions. With advanced protective devices (Digital Relays), an appropriate protection strategy can be established to identify power swing and fault conditions individually. The proposed algorithm uses the sliding window concept, which requires very little computational data unless any abnormal conditions exist in the power system. Modified Full Cycle Discrete Fourier Transform (MFCDFT) is more effective in the extraction of the fundamental phasors from the original complex signal by effectively removing the harmonics and DC components. An adaptive impedance characteristic-based MFCDFT is utilized for the discrimination of power swing and fault in this work. Several fault scenarios and power swings are generated on the test system concurrently and independently from the relay station at varied distances. PSCAD/EMTDC is utilized on a single-machine infinite bus system to analyze various test conditions. The simulation is utilized in this case to collect data from various test circumstances. After obtaining the data, the MFCDFT algorithm along with adaptive impedance estimation is performed using MATLAB code. After examining various test results, it is discovered that the suggested technique correctly recognizes power swings and various fault scenarios. It can also identify the difference between stable and unstable power swings. According to the results, the proposed technique is proficient at spotting fault and power swing conditions. In addition, the algorithm ensures dependable operation with quick detection and avoids maloperation under a typical swing condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a robust (1+PD)-PID cascade controller for the frequency stabilization of a multi-area Interconnected Power System (IPS). The operational performance of the proposed controller is studied by introducing a Step Load Disturbance (SLD) of 10% in area 1 of the considered power system model. For fine-tuning the proposed controller, the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BFOA) is employed. The superior performance of the proposed controller is validated against other controllers available in the literature. Furthermore, to enhance power system performance, a High-Voltage DC (HVDC) line is implemented in the test system model. The simulation results confirm the improvement in system performance with the incorporation of the HVDC line. To assess the robustness of the proposed controller, a sensitivity test is conducted, which validates its robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the development of a software system—a simulator for testing software systems using a binary protocol—is proposed. The purpose of the development is to achieve full testing of a wide class of software systems. They are directly related to the management of hardware systems, with which communication is based on a binary protocol. The developed simulator allows different types of messages to be simulated during real communication. In this way, it is possible to check how a given program system would react to correct and incorrect messages in the communication stage. This article presents a GUI system developed in the standard C++ programming language and the Qt platform, which makes it platform-independent. The system provides the ability to select preset commands via an external file or enter/correct commands in real-time. The commands may be different depending on the integration scope of the binary protocol. The connection between the developed simulator and the tested system is through RS 232 interface. Configuring settings and testing binary protocols through the developed application becomes fast and intuitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic unit commitment is one of the most powerful methods to address uncertainty. However, the existing scenario clustering technique for stochastic unit commitment cannot accurately select representative scenarios, which threatens the robustness of stochastic unit commitment and hinders its application. This paper provides a stochastic unit commitment with dynamic scenario clustering based on multi-parametric programming and Benders decomposition. The stochastic unit commitment is solved via the Benders decomposition, which decouples the primal problem into the master problem and two types of subproblems. In the master problem, the committed generator is determined, while the feasibility and optimality of generator output are checked in these two subproblems. Scenarios are dynamically clustered during the subproblem solution process through the multiparametric programming with respect to the solution of the master problem. In other words, multiple scenarios are clustered into several representative scenarios after the subproblem is solved, and the Benders cut obtained by the representative scenario is generated for the master problem. Different from the conventional stochastic unit commitment, the proposed approach integrates scenario clustering into the Benders decomposition solution process. Such a clustering approach could accurately cluster representative scenarios that have impacts on the unit commitment. The proposed method is tested on a 6-bus system and the modified IEEE 118-bus system. Numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in clustering scenarios. Compared with the conventional clustering method, the proposed method can accurately select representative scenarios while mitigating computational burden, thus guaranteeing the robustness of unit commitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vehicle vibration during operation in the urban rail transit aff ects the operation of the balise transmission system, resulting in the loss of beacons and the failure of the train positioning. Firstly, this paper analyzes the fundamentals of the balise fault caused by vehicle vibration theoretically. Then, a customized vibration test bench is designed and utilized to simulate vehicle vibration states during operation based on the structure of the balise transmission system and the status of vehicle movements. Finally, the simulations conducted using the vibration test system verify the reliability of the theory, enabling the provision of the corresponding preventive measures to reduce the loss of beacons and the failure of the train positioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main contribution of this paper is the development and demonstration of a novel methodology that can be followed to develop a simulation twin of a railway track switch system to test the functionality in a digital environment. This is important because, globally, railway track switches are used to allow trains to change routes; they are a key part of all railway networks. However, because track switches are single points of failure and safety-critical, their inability to operate correctly can cause significant delays and concomitant costs. In order to better understand the dynamic behaviour of switches during operation, this paper has developed a full simulation twin of a complete track switch system. The approach fuses finite element for the rail bending and motion, with physics-based models of the electromechanical actuator system and the control system. Hence, it provides researchers and engineers the opportunity to explore and understand the design space around the dynamic operation of new switches and switch machines before they are built. This is useful for looking at the modification or monitoring of existing switches, and it becomes even more important when new switch concepts are being considered and evaluated. The simulation is capable of running in real time or faster meaning designs can be iterated and checked interactively. The paper describes the modelling approach, demonstrates the methodology by developing the system model for a novel "REPOINT" switch system, and evaluates the system level performance against the dynamic performance requirements for the switch. In the context of that case study, it is found that the proposed new actuation system as designed can meet (and exceed) the system performance requirements, and that the fault tolerance built into the actuation ensures continued operation after a single actuator failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A version 2.0Z testing system using the double whisker photoelectric method was developed. Twenty-five kinds of carding cashmere samples were tested by double whisker photoelectric method. The accuracy and stability of the 2.0Z test system were verified by comparing the test results of the hand row method in GB 18267-2013. The results show that there are differences among samples and the sample size of hand-row method is small, so the random error is high, while the results of the double whisker photoelectric method are relatively stable. The double whisker photoelectric method 2.0Z test system has a high consistency with the hand row method. In particular, the average deviation of the mean length index is less than 2 mm, and the correlation coefficient is greater than 0.8. The double whisker photoelectric method 2.0Z test system has a high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing power demand growth and extreme weather conditions push utilities to search for a more sustainable and resilient power distribution infrastructure. Dispatchable distributed generators (DGs) can contribute to achieving the goals. This paper reveals a general framework for allocating dispatchable DGs with their suitable location, capacity, and type in the test distribution networks to bring sustainability and resilient planning synergy. A multiobjective optimization approach has been presented to minimize payback year (PBY) for DGs, enhance the network's operational efficiency, and promote system resiliency by satisfying various operating constraints. The proposed planning model is structured to give the best possible solution in compliance with changes in seasonal peak demands. The efficacy of the proposed scheme has been tested on a 28-bus Indian distribution system and an IEEE 33-bus test system, and results concerning the number of customers served, and priority customers restored are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major problem in lubricated piston ring/cylinder liner contact sliding systems is the tribological failure mechanisms known as scuffing. In order to evaluate and better understand this damage phenomenon in these tribological systems, a tilted linear tribometer (TE77) for application-oriented reciprocating model tests was developed and validated with scuffed field engine parts. With precise oil lubrication, original engine parts, such as CKS-coated piston rings (chromium-based coating with included aluminum oxides), original liners and fully formulated lubrications, were tested under conditions similar to the most critical part of the internal combustion engines (ICEs), known as fired top dead center (FTDC). Various in situ measurements during the tests allowed for a detailed investigation of the damage processes (crack transformation) on the tribological components. For the coated piston ring, vertical cracks were attributed to residual stresses, while horizontal cracks resulted from shear stresses. The crack transformation and wear results from other studies were confirmed for the liner. The results from FIB (Focused Ion Beam) cuts, along with EDS and SEM analyses, revealed that Fe (deriving from material transfer) acts as a catalyst on the CKS layer for the tribopads and that zinc sulfides are not present everywhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new time-domain multi-objective function approach for solving load frequency control issue in an interconnected power system. The performance of interconnected power system in each area is validated for overshoot and settling time values of frequency change and tie-line power exchange. An objective function is created with the goal of enhancing proportional integral derivative (PID) controller settings by reducing overshoot and achieving faster time-domain settling times. The efficiency of the proposed time-domain multi-objective function is evaluated in a twoarea thermal power plant using a nature-inspired cuckoo search optimization (CSA) technique. By comparing the time-domain simulation results of the test system with the existing integral error-based objective functions IAE, ISE, ITAE, and ITSE, the proposed objective function is validated. Further, a sensitivity analysis were carried out to analyze the robustness of the proposed multi-objective function under various uncertain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel compact 2-DOF compliant positioner is developed for the purpose of achieving good characteristics such as high natural frequency, high displacement amplification ratio, good linear motion, and compact structure based on its symmetrical structure. To be specific, the developed stage is proposed according to an advanced six-lever displacement amplifier arranged at an inclination angle of the rigid bar utilizing right circular hinges and a parallel guiding mechanism with integrated flexure leaf hinges to attain the above-mentioned characteristics and reduce the decoupling mobility error. First, to quickly assess the initial quality response, an integration method of kinetostatic analysis, the Lagrange method, and finite element analysis was applied to evaluate and verify the quality characteristic of the stage. The experimental result showed that the error between the analytical method and the FEA method was 1.3%, which was relatively small and reliable for quickly assessing the primary quality response of the proposed positioner. Next, to boost the important output characteristics of the developed positioner, the integration approach of the response surface method and NSGA-II algorithm was utilized to find the optimal design variables. Finally, a prototype was manufactured based on the CNC milling method to validate the experimental and FEA analysis results. The attained results show that the optimal results of safety factor and output displacement were 2.4025 and 248.9 µm. Moreover, the FEA verification results were 2.4989 and 242.16 µm, with errors for safety factor and output displacement between the optimal result and the FEA result of 3.86% and 2.78%, respectively. In addition, the simulation and experimental results of the first natural frequency were 371.83 Hz and 329.59 Hz, respectively, and the error between the FEA result and experimental result for the first natural frequency was 11.36%. Furthermore, the achieved results show that the relationship between input displacement and output displacement of the experimental result and the FEA result of the developed structure achieved a good linear connection. These results suggest that the proposed positioner will be a potential structure employed in precise positioning systems and nanoindentation testing positioning systems for checking bio-specimens' behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are connected in series during use. State of charge (SOC) difference between two batteries will exist after charging/discharging owing to the capacity or resistance difference between them. This is also seen as SOC inconsistency. SOC inconsistency may cause battery electrical abuse. In this manuscript, a battery testing system, scanning electron microscope, heat furnace, and so on were employed to investigate the influence of SOC inconsistency on electrical performance and thermal runaway (TR) characteristics in 2 serials 1 parallel (2S1P) LIB pack after cycling. The results indicated that the cell with higher SOC in an inconsistent 2S1P pack was overcharged to 4.63 V during first charging, and the cell with lower SOC was over‐discharged to 1.90 V during first discharging. The cell with higher SOC became both overcharged and over‐discharged gradually with cycles. The cell with lower SOC became neither overcharged nor over‐discharged gradually. The electrical performance and TR characteristics of the cell with higher SOC became worse, while that of the cell with lower SOC did not change obviously. The state of health for cells with higher SOC decreased from 100% to 58% after 80 cycles. The time interval between current interrupt device activation and onset temperature of TR for cells with higher SOC was reduced by 183 s, and the maximum surface temperature increased by 34°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing cladding crisis within the United Kingdom has elevated the need for designers and risk assessors to have the knowledge and tools to evaluate the fire safety of proposed and existing cladding systems. This paper documents efforts to develop a test that could be used to evaluate the fire safety hazards of cladding products that were either proposed for use in design or that were found on existing buildings. Specifically, the products of interest were composite products (i.e., those comprised of multiple layers). The conceptual approach of the European harmonised system was used as a basis for investigating whether a small‐scale test could be used to evaluate product fire hazards. A relevant fire scenario was identified, this was linked to candidate large‐scale reference tests, and this was linked to performance in a candidate small‐scale test. The candidate test showed remarkable agreement with the reference large‐scale test, however, many issues were also identified. It was found that, even when specifically intended to accommodate composite products, the small‐scale test was unable to always evaluate hazards. Thus the authors were left with the conclusion—regardless of the testing system, there are always products that will not fit the testing system, however hard one tries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mugla Journal of Science & Technology is the property of Mugla Journal of Science & Technology 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.)

In order to develop the target object mobile platform for vehicle Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system test, this article studied the configuration design, strength analysis, fatigue life estimation and path tracking of test scene. Through the analysis of the test scenarios stipulated in C-NCAP Management Regulation (2024 Edition), the moving path of the target was extracted, and the expected trajectory was obtained according to the boundary conditions, then the trajectory tracking results were obtained through dynamic simulation. The comparison shows that the simulation results are basically consistent with the specified requirements, indicating that the designed mobile platform can meet the needs of AEB testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the inefficiency and instability of automatic transplanting machines, a dual-row seedling pick-up device and its corresponding control system were developed. Existing seedling end-effectors are primarily mechanically controlled, and the seedling needles can easily cause damage to the interior of the bowl. In order to reduce the damage inflicted by the end-effectors to the bowl, this paper conducted a mechanical analysis of the end-effector. At the same time, a buffer optimization analysis was conducted on the operation of the end-effector, and a flexible pneumatic end-effector for seedling picking was designed. The control system combined the detection of multiple sensors to monitor the process of seedling picking and throwing. By coordinating the lifting cylinder and clamping cylinder, the system effectively reduced seedling pot damage while improving seedling picking efficiency. By setting the operating parameters of the servo motor, the goal of low-speed and high-efficiency seedling picking was achieved. To evaluate the performance of the control system, the linear displacement sensors and acceleration testing systems were used to analyze the performance of the seedling throwing. The results showed that the seedling picking efficiency could reach 180 plants min−1, with no significant difference between the actual measured moving distance and the theoretical setting distance. The positioning error remained stable between 0.5 and 0.9 mm, which met the requirements for seedling picking accuracy. The buffer optimization design reduced the peak acceleration of the end-effector from −22.1 m/s2 to −13.4 m/s2, and the peak value was reduced by 39.4%, which proved the significant effectiveness of the buffer design. A performance test was conducted using 128-hole seed trays and 33-day-old cabbage seedlings for seedling picking and throwing. When the planting frequency reached 90 plants/row·min−1, the average success rate of picking and throwing seedlings was 97.3%. This indicates that the various components of the designed seedling pick-up device work in good coordination during operation, and the control system operates stably. Technical requirements for the automatic mechanical transplanting of tray seedlings were achieved, which can provide reference for research on automatic transplanting machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the major causes of antimicrobial resistance, β‐lactamase develops rapidly among bacteria. Detection of β‐lactamase in an efficient and low‐cost point‐of‐care testing (POCT) way is urgently needed. However, due to the volatile environmental factors, the quantitative measurement of current POCT is often inaccurate. Herein, we demonstrate an artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted mobile health system that consists of a paper‐based β‐lactamase fluorogenic probe analytical device and a smartphone‐based AI cloud. An ultrafast broad‐spectrum fluorogenic probe (B1) that could respond to β‐lactamase within 20 s was first synthesized, and the detection limit was determined to be 0.13 nmol/L. Meanwhile, a three‐dimensional microfluidic paper‐based analytical device was fabricated for integration of B1. Also, a smartphone‐based AI cloud was developed to correct errors automatically and output results intelligently. This smart system could calibrate the temperature and pH in the β‐lactamase level detection in complex samples and mice infected with various bacteria, which shows the problem‐solving ability in interdisciplinary research, and demonstrates potential clinical benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny 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 Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny 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.)

Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is an important image quality metric. Traditional displays generate images on a flat display, whereas Near‐Eye‐Displays (NEDs) project virtual images with amplitude and wave‐front phase information. Poorly designed NED MTF test systems can introduce uncorrectable measurement errors, in contrast to well‐designed systems with aberration‐free optical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local backlight dimming (LBD) technology has attracted significant interest for liquid crystal displays. In automotive, notebook PC, and virtual reality applications, LBD should treat the trade‐off between power saving and visual quality enhancement. However, it requires the cost of the high logic complexity to consider the optimal solution at a higher resolution of the image. This paper proposes the adaptive local backlight dimming control, which can reduce the power consumption of backlight and improve the quality of the display. The proposed method analyzes an image contents with a low complexity algorithm, and it applies a local boosting to achieve a target intensity in backlight control. In performance evaluation using FPGA test system, the designed local dimming processor achieved 7.54% higher power‐saving rate with visual quality enhancement in high‐contrast region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrophysiological recordings from single neurons are crucial for understanding the complex functioning of the brain and for developing eventual therapeutic interventions. For electrophysiology, the accuracy and fidelity of invasive implantations of small devices remains unmatched. This study introduces an innovative, cost- efficient, 3D-printed headcap with embedded microdrive (THEM) system designed to streamline the manual labor-intensive in-vivo electrode implantation process for efficient and precise multi-region brain neural probe implantations. A custom bregma-referenced headcap design and fabrication, embedded microdrive integration, and upper support structure for probe packaging are described. With the Sprague Dawley rat as test species and medial prefrontal cortex and CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus as targets, surgeries and electrophysiological recordings were conducted to test the capability of the THEM system as compared to conventional surgical methods. By shifting manual stereotaxic alignment work to pre-surgical preparation of a fully assembled headcap system, incorporating fully preassembled upper support framework for packaging management, and easy customization for specific experiment designs and probe types, our system significantly reduces the surgical time, simplifies multi-implant procedures, and enhances procedural accuracy and repeatability. The THEM system demonstrates a significant improvement over conventional surgical implantation methods and offers a promising tool for future neuroscience research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly variable pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes the hazardous COVID-19 infection, has been persistent in the human population since late 2019. A prompt assessment of individual and herd immunity against the infection can be accomplished by using rapid tests to determine antiviral antibody levels. The microneutralization assay (MN) is one of the most widely used diagnostic methods that has been proposed to assess the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of virus-specific humoral immunity in COVID-19 convalescents or vaccine recipients. However, some aspects of the assay, such as sensitivity and time cost, need improvement. Here, we developed an express test, which may be potentially used in clinical practice for the assessment of serum-caused SARS-CoV-2 inhibition in infected cell cultures. It implies the detection and counting of coronaviral fluorescent-forming units (FFU) and includes two sequentially used developing components: biotinylated mouse monoclonal antibodies against the recombinant N protein of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1) and the recombinant EGFP-streptavidin fusion protein. Due to the universal specificity of the antibodies, our analytical tool is suitable for the detection of various strains of SARS-CoV-2 when determining both the infectious titer of viruses and the titer of serum virus-neutralizing antibodies. The developed two-component test system is characterized by high sensitivity, a reduced number of analytic stages and low assay cost, as well as by flexibility, since it may be modified for detection of other pathogens using the appropriate antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy systems encompass a diverse range of generation and storage solutions on the user side, where decentralized management schemes to maximize the overall social welfare are preferred considering their dispersed ownership. However, either security or privacy problems occur in recently proposed schemes. Here we report a decentralized framework leveraging the strengths of blockchain and parallelizable mathematical algorithms to overcome these potential drawbacks. The system owners bid cost functions and operating constraints through masked but coupled management subproblems, which are redistributed by the blockchain to be verifiably solved by competent peers. Such processes are iteratively executed as decisions and shadow prices are exchanged among participants, until an equilibrium is reached. The interactive framework ensures decentralized, privacy-preserving, and secure management of multiple energy sources, and reduces the total cost by 3.0 ~ 7.5% in the test system. Our results benefit the energy prosumers and promote a more active and competitive power grid. Decentralized management of distributed energy sources for lower energy costs is of high interest. Here, authors show how privacy and security concerns are addressed under a decentralization framework through blockchain and parallelizable algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To sustain the clean energy transition without interruption and to ensure the reliable operation of the transmission system, it is required to have enough additional transmission capacity in the future horizons. The transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem is a core issue in deciding additional transmission capacity in the planning activities. TEP aims to find the best expansion plan while satisfying technical and economic constraints. In this study, a new binary version of the original FBI algorithm called the BFBI (binary forensic-based investigation) algorithm is developed to solve the binary TEP problem. The effectiveness and performance of the developed BFBI are assessed by implementing it in two different test systems: the standard Garver 6-bus test system and the modified 400 kV Turkish grid. Seasonal scenarios are created for 5- and 10-year planning periods to cover all possible generation and load conditions and to assess the impact of the increased share of RES on the grid in the TEP studies conducted for the modified 400 kV Turkish grid created as a bulk realistic grid. The TEP problem is solved by including investment, reliability, and operational costs in two different objective functions for cases while considering the N-1 contingency criterion. The efficacy and robustness of the BFBI algorithm are justified by comparing it with well-known algorithms such as GA and PSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power system operators are faced with the problem of unit commitment belonging to mixed integer programming, which becomes very complicated, as units become large-scale and highly constrained. Because unit commitment problem is a binary problem with commitment and de-commitment, a discrete/binary optimization algorithm with superior performance is required. This paper proposes a novel hybrid binary bat algorithm for unit commitment problem, which consists of two process. To begin with, the proposed binary bat algorithm is applied to determining the commitment schedule of unit commitment problem. Specifically, an improved crossover operator based on exponential-logic-modulo map is proposed to enhance the convergence and maintain the diversity of populations. To prevent the algorithm from falling into a local optimum, a local mutation strategy performs local perturbation. Chaotic map is responsible for updating some parameters to increase the performance of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, Lambda-iteration method is adopted to solve economic load dispatch in continuous space. Constraint handling is performed using the heuristic constraint produce. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by benchmark functions and test systems. Additionally, the simulation results are compared with other well-established heuristic and binary approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research emphasizes a meta-heuristic modified ant lion optimizer (MALO) optimization approach for the simultaneous utilization of DSTATCOM devices and distributed photovoltaic (PV) sources with network reconfiguration in a radial power distribution scheme. In a radial power distribution network with network reconfiguration, the majority of the research is based on constant power model analysis. However, it is noticed that load models have a substantial impact on the distributed PV sources and the DSTATCOM device's optimal size and position. The effect of the constant power (CP) and polynomial (ZIP) with load growth load models for the simultaneous insertion of distributed PV sources and DSTATCOM devices with network reconfiguration is examined in this research work for power system planning. The penetration levels of distributed PV sources considered for the investigation are 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The principal objective of this research is to reduce network total power losses, enhance the voltage magnitude profile at all buses, and reduce the overall operating cost while adhering to equality and inequality constraints. The proposed algorithm is verified on 118-node test systems. The investigation is carried out for planning network upgrading to a high-voltage distribution system (HVDS) on 317 nodes in the rural Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) radial distribution scheme. The simulated results obtained with this method are validated with the BAT algorithm and techniques available in the literature. It is observed that in the IEEE 118-bus system, via the simultaneous placement and sizing of PV sources considering a 25% penetration level and DSTATCOM devices during network reconfiguration, the total power loss reduction is 41.47% and 42.98% for the constant power model and ZIP with the load growth model. For the 317-bus system, the total power loss reduction observed for 11 kV is 49.77% and 59.34% for the constant power model and ZIP model with load growth. Similarly, for the 22 kV system, the power loss reduction observed is 51.69% and 55.75% for the constant power model and ZIP with the load growth model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) elevates the power of conventional mass spectrometry (MS) to multidimensional space, elucidating both chemical composition and localization. However, the field lacks any robust quality control (QC) and/or system suitability testing (SST) protocols to monitor inconsistencies during data acquisition, both of which are integral to ensure the validity of experimental results. To satisfy this demand in the community, we propose an adaptable QC/SST approach with five analyte options amendable to various ionization MSI platforms (e.g., desorption electrospray ionization, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization [MALDI], MALDI‐2, and infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization [IR‐MALDESI]). Methods: A novel QC mix was sprayed across glass slides to collect QC/SST regions‐of‐interest (ROIs). Data were collected under optimal conditions and on a compromised instrument to construct and refine the principal component analysis (PCA) model in R. Metrics, including mass measurement accuracy and spectral accuracy, were evaluated, yielding an individual suitability score for each compound. The average of these scores is utilized to inform if troubleshooting is necessary. Results: The PCA‐based SST model was applied to data collected when the instrument was compromised. The resultant SST scores were used to determine a statistically significant threshold, which was defined as 0.93 for IR‐MALDESI‐MSI analyses. This minimizes the type‐I error rate, where the QC/SST would report the platform to be in working condition when cleaning is actually necessary. Further, data scored after a partial cleaning demonstrate the importance of QC and frequent full instrument cleaning. Conclusions: This study is the starting point for addressing an important issue and will undergo future development to improve the efficiency of the protocol. Ultimately, this work is the first of its kind and proposes this approach as a proof of concept to develop and implement universal QC/SST protocols for a variety of MSI platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nondestructive spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) technique determines the shear wave velocities along the wide wavelength range using Rayleigh-type surface waves that propagate along pairs of receivers on the surface. The typical configuration of source-receivers consists of a vertical source and three vertical receivers arranged in a linear array. While this approach allows for effective site characterization, laterally variable sites are often challenging to characterize. In addition, in a traditional SASW test configuration system, where sources are placed in one direction, the data are collected more on one side, which can cause an imbalance in the interpretation of the data. Data interpretation issues can be resolved by moving the source to opposite ends of the original array and relocating receivers to perform a second complete set of tests. Consequently, two different Vs profiles can be provided with only a small amount of additional time at sites where lateral variability exists. Furthermore, the testing procedure can be modified to enhance the site characterization during data collection. The advantages of performing SASW testing in both directions are discussed using a real case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A false data injection attack (FDIA) is the main attack method that threatens the security of smart grids. FDIAs mislead the control center to make wrong judgments by modifying the measurement data of the power grid system. Therefore, the effective and accurate detection of FDIAs is crucial for the safe operation of smart grids. However, the current deep learning-based methods do not fully exploit the short-term local characteristics and long-term dependencies of power grid data and have poor correlation with past and future time series information, resulting in a lack of credibility in the detection results. In view of this, an FDIA detection model combining a bidirectional temporal convolutional network and bidirectional gated recurrent unit with an attention mechanism (A-BiTG) was proposed. The proposed model utilizes a bidirectional time convolutional network (BiTCN) and bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) to consider past and future temporal information in the grid. This enhances the ability of the model to capture long-term dependencies and extract features, while also solving the model's problem of exploding and vanishing gradients. In addition, an attention mechanism (AM) was added to dynamically assign weights to the extracted feature information and retain the most valuable features to improve the detection accuracy of the model. Finally, the proposed method was compared with existing methods on the IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 118-bus test systems. The results show that the proposed detection model is more robust and superior under different noise environments and FDIA signals with different intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Test coverage is a critical aspect of the software development process, aiming for overall confidence in the product. When considering cloud-native systems, testing becomes complex, as it becomes necessary to deal with multiple distributed microservices that are developed by different teams and may change quite rapidly. In such a dynamic environment, it is important to track test coverage. This is especially relevant for end-to-end (E2E) and API testing, as these might be developed by teams distinct from microservice developers. Moreover, indirection exists in E2E, where the testers may see the user interface but not know how comprehensive the test suits are. To ensure confidence in health checks in the system, mechanisms and instruments are needed to indicate the test coverage level. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such mechanisms for cloud-native systems. This manuscript introduces test coverage metrics for evaluating the extent of E2E and API test suite coverage for microservice endpoints. It elaborates on automating the calculation of these metrics with access to microservice codebases and system testing traces, delves into the process, and offers feedback with a visual perspective, emphasizing test coverage across microservices. To demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach, we implement a proof-of-concept tool and perform a case study on a well-established system benchmark assessing existing E2E and API test suites with regard to test coverage using the proposed endpoint metrics. The results of endpoint coverage reflect the diverse perspectives of both testing approaches. API testing achieved 91.98% coverage in the benchmark, whereas E2E testing achieved 45.42%. Combining both coverage results yielded a slight increase to approximately 92.36%, attributed to a few endpoints tested exclusively through one testing approach, not covered by the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the precision and efficiency of the tractor-failure-rate and equipment-quality inspection, the present study introduces a wireless rapid detection method for assessing tractor quality. For this study, which was based on the symmetrical structural characteristics of tractors, we designed a magnetic suction accelerometer. The test system was composed of a wireless router, a magnetic suction accelerometer sensor, a data-acquisition terminal, and other components. This test system aimed to test the equipment quality of the tractor at idle speed before leaving the factory. The experiment found that the vibration characteristics of the tractor had a symmetrical pattern on the left and right sides of the front and rear axle at idle. When the idle speed of the tractor was 800 r/min and 1000 r/min, the predominant vibration direction of both sides of the front axle of the tractor was the Y direction, while the predominant vibration direction of the rear axle was the Z direction. The experimental results showed that the proposed wireless rapid detection method of tractor quality and the designed acceleration sensor had good testing accuracy. The present study could provide a novel rapid detection method for the failure detection of power machinery in the agricultural field and for inspection before leaving the factory. The implementation of the method could improve the detection efficiency, and reduce the detection cost and the incidence of failure during actual use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of the upgrade presented in this paper was an older analogue-based universal testing machine preferably designed for tensile testing. The objective of the upgrade was to create a new digitized measurement chain capable of also operating in the mode of simple fatigue tests with cyclic tensile stresses. The upgrade of the equipment mainly included the processes of calibration, creation of related calibration jigs, creation of transformation dependencies and digitization, creation or completion of missing parts of chain-signal conditioning modules, A/D converters, special jigs, etc., as elements of the experimental hardware. The degree of correctness of the calibration and of the transformation dependencies created was verified by regression analysis, and this was verified by simple correlation analysis. The correctness of the proposed modifications, was verified on the basis of the fatigue tests performed for cyclic loading. Thus, it was possible to design, develop and functionally verify a new measurement chain based on an older universal testing machine. Thus, a partially digitized pulsator was created for the possibility of fatigue testing in a technically or functionally limited mode, mainly for educational purposes as a temporary replacement for the order of magnitude more expensive commercially produced test systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small‐radius curved bridges are mostly used for overpass ramps, that are spatially irregular and usually have very complex seismic behavior. It is not easy to reproduce such behavior because of the need for large‐scale shaking tables. The hybrid test is one of the most effective approaches for solving this problem by considering the structural elements of interest as physically tested substructure while the rest is numerically simulated. In this paper, a hybrid test system was first developed based on the OpenFresco framework, where one of the piers was considered as the tested substructure, and the rest was simulated by OpenSees. A novel spatial loading device (SLD), configured as the Stewart pattern, was then developed to achieve the boundary conditions between substructures. The control schemes to perform the force‐displacement mixed control, conduct the geometric transformation while considering the load point offset, and achieve an external displacement control were proposed and validated through several rounds of hybrid testing. The experimental results indicate that the experimental system including loading control subsystem and hybrid control subsystem can realize the loading command accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]