Alternative Method Research Articles

Novel approach for strengthening T-beams deficient in shear with near-surface mounted CFRP ropes in form of closed stirrups

Existing reinforced concrete buildings frequently require shear-strengthening to ensure structural integrity, and externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (EB-CFRP) have become a wide-applicable approach. However, slabs and geometric restrictions impede wrapping the element, necessitating incomplete U-shaped applications vulnerable to debonding failures. This experimental study introduces a novel approach for shear-strengthening nine full-scale T-beams using near-surface mounted CFRP ropes forming closed stirrups. Their effectiveness as shear reinforcement is investigated compared to an alternative method incorporating EB-CFRP sheets with CFRP rope anchorage. Test results indicate that both techniques enhance the beams’ strength and performance. The load capacity increased 2 times for the reference specimen and 1.4-1.9 times for the strengthened beam with FRP sheets. The displacement at the maximum load increased 5.2-7.8 and 6.6-7.5 times, respectively. The rope stirrup arrangement outperforms the rope anchorage system in mechanical and construction efficiency. A thorough protocol for executing these processes to mitigate construction-related defects is introduced.

UV Laser Copper Pad Surface Exposure for Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) of Interconnection

Microelectronics market demands strong miniaturization and high-quality packages solutions; therefore, companies and researchers start thinking about alternative methods to create more flexible and performing interconnections which are able to reduce package dimensions. Laser direct structuring (LDS) technology creates a conductive pattern on MID (Moulded Interconnected Device) with the combination of laser layout structuring and electroplating bath. LDS can be applied to leadframe based IC packages to realize interconnections in alternative to standard wires connection. Feasibility study on copper (Cu) pad covered by moulding compound is conducted varying laser parameters as power, frequency and scanning speed to obtain a 80μm diameter via on die. Die via is connected through a trace with a 200μm diameter via on lead to realize the interconnection path, filled with copper after plating process. UV 355nm wavelength laser is used to obtain a complete exposition of Cu surface without silicon damage. Visual inspection with optical microscope and SEM analysis method are performed to evaluate the integrity of metal pads and interconnection layout.

DAVSS: Development of Mobile Application for Documenting and Assessing Domestic Violence

This paper presents the development and evaluation of the Domestic Abuse and Violence Support System (DAVSS), a mobile application designed to address domestic violence issues in Malaysia. DAVSS integrates the essential 27-DASH (Danger Assessment for Separation and Harassment) questionnaire to assess the severity of domestic violence situations. The project follows the phased approach of the Waterfall Model, encompassing requirements, analysis, design, development, and testing stages.Usability testing was conducted to evaluate the DAVSS application, revealing overall user satisfaction. However, this assessment relied primarily on frequency analysis, prompting consideration for enhanced reliability through alternative measurement methods such as median and standard deviation approaches.The DAVSS application's Danger Assessment Test (DAT) algorithm, built upon the 27-DASH questions, represents a significant aspect of the system. Future work includes the validation of this rule-based algorithm using expert evaluation, potentially through Delphi techniques.Given the absence of dedicated domestic abuse mobile applications in Malaysia, DAVSS promises several advantages. It empowers victims to report incidents, locate shelters for protection, and facilitates shelter access through QR code integration. In conclusion, as domestic violence remains a pressing concern requiring increased support, the DAVSS mobile application emerges as a vital system that offers assistance to victims while breaking down barriers that may silence their voices.

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma asperellum CMT10 against Strawberry Root Rot Disease

Strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is one of the main diseases of strawberries and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Currently, the only accessible control methods are fungicide sprays, which could have an adverse effect on the consumers of the strawberries. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the application of traditional synthetic chemical fungicides. Trichoderma spp. are frequently used as biological agents to prevent root rot in strawberries. In order to provide highly effective biocontrol resources for controlling strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, the biocontrol mechanism, the control effects of T. asperellum CMT10 against strawberry root rot, and the growth-promoting effects on strawberry seedlings were investigated using plate culture, microscopy observation, and root drenching methods. The results showed that CMT10 had obvious competitive, antimycotic, and hyperparasitic effects on N. clavispora CMGF3. The CMT10 could quickly occupy nutritional space, and the inhibition rate of CMT10 against CMGF3 was 65.49% 7 d after co-culture. The inhibition rates of volatile metabolites and fermentation metabolites produced by CMT10 were 79.67% and 69.84% against CMGF3, respectively. The mycelium of CMT10 can act as a hyperparasite by contacting, winding, and penetrating the hyphae of CMGF3. Pot experiment showed that the biocontrol efficiency of CMT10 on strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora was 63.09%. CMT10 promoted strawberry growth, plant height, root length, total fresh weight, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.09%, 22.39%, 87.11%, 101.58%, 79.82%, and 72.33%, respectively. Overall, this study showed the ability of T. asperellum CMT10 to control strawberry root rot and its potential to be developed as a novel biocontrol agent to replace chemical fungicides for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.

Effectiveness of Mediation and Arbitration as Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods in Mexico

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze effectiveness of mediation and arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Mediation and arbitration offer efficient, cost-effective alternatives to litigation. Mediation involves facilitated negotiation sessions with a neutral mediator, fostering open communication and tailored solutions. Arbitration entails submitting disputes to a neutral arbitrator for a binding decision. Both methods ensure confidentiality, expertise, and enforceability, making them highly effective in resolving disputes outside of court.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of social exchange, justice theory & game theory may be used to anchor future studies on effectiveness of mediation and arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods. Practitioners in the field of alternative dispute resolution should prioritize enhancing their skills and competencies to effectively facilitate mediation and arbitration processes. Policymakers should prioritize the promotion of mediation and arbitration as viable alternatives to traditional litigation within legal frameworks and regulatory environments.

Multiple approaches to exploit ferulic acid bio-based epoxy monomer for green thermoset

Bio-based monomers are under investigation to replace fossil-based materials due to the concerns regarding climate change and depletion of fossil raw materials. Lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose represent the main interesting platform to use for developing new monomers due to their significant abundance. Ferulic acid is one of the moieties derived from lignin which can be suitable for many applications. In this study, the ferulic acid was epoxidated and it was investigated in cationic UV-curing. Due to the limited performance obtained during UV-curing, two alternative strategies were developed to overcome the initial problem of poor material properties. A thiol-ene epoxy system based on the ferulic epoxy derivative and a commercially available thiol as well as a thermally cured system based on pure cationic curing of ferulic acid diepoxy were chosen as alternative methods. The different curing processes were thoroughly investigated by means of FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and photo-DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). The thermo-mechanical properties of the thermosets employing DMA- (dynamic mechanical analysis) and tensile analysis were deeply evaluated. Finally, the possibility to use the best cured system as an adhesive was raised investigating the shear strength of metallic and composite joined samples using the single lap offset (SLO) test under compression.

135 Effects of intratesticular injectable zinc as an alternative castration method compared to banding one week post weaning in beef bulls: effects on health, inflammation, behavior, and growth during the backgrounding period

Abstract Castration is a widely practiced management strategy that results in temporary pain with adverse effects on growth performance. Therefore, humane alternatives must be investigated. Male beef calves (n = 81) were stratified by weaning weight and allocated to 1 of 8 pens. Pens were assigned randomly to treatment: 1) banded (B; n = 42) or 2) a 1 mL intratesticular Zn (100 mg Zn) injection (Z; n = 39). Two pens from each treatment were selected for blood collection (B, n = 22; Z, n = 19); the alternative pens were assigned to behavior measurements (5 calves/pen; B, n = 10; Z, n = 10). Behavior data were collected for 1 wk post-castration using accelerometers (HOBOware Lite software). Blood was collected daily on d 0 through d 7 post-castration, and every 28 d for the remainder of the backgrounding phase for complete blood cell counts, serum haptoglobin (Hp), and serum testosterone. Testicular width and BW were also measured. All blood and growth parameters were analyzed using the MIXED procedures of SAS while GLIMMIX was used for behavioral analysis. Body weights did not differ due to treatment throughout the 140-d backgrounding phase (P ≥ 0.39). Overall ADG was greater for Z calves compared with B calves (P = 0.05). Serum testosterone concentrations were greater in Z calves compared with B calves throughout the 140-d trial (P ≤ 0.02). Testicular width in Z calves peaked numerically on d 3 and declined to baseline measurements by d 113 (P = 0.67). Intratesticular Zn castrated calves spent more time lying flat on their side compared with B calves 1 d post-castration (P = 0.03) until d 3 and 4 where B calves spent more time lying on their side compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.02). Banded calves spent more time standing the first 2 d post-castration compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). On d 3, 4, 5, and 6, Z calves spent more time standing (P ≤ 0.01) while B calves spent more time laying on their sternum (P ≤ 0.03). Banded calves had decreased Hp concentrations on d 1, 2, 3, 7, and 28 compared with Z calves (P ≤ 0.01). Total white blood cell concentrations, both proportion and concentration of neutrophils, and proportion of lymphocytes were greater in Z calves compared with B calves on d 1, 2, and 3 (P ≤ 0.01). Although growth performance was not hindered by the Zn intratesticular injection castration method, it did cause behaviors indicative of pain and resulted in an acute inflammatory and immune response compared with banded calves. Therefore, castrating with an intratesticular injection of Zn may not be a sufficient alternative to conventional methods.

Ressenti des femmes après traitement prophylactique par héparine de bas poids moléculaire après une césarienne

ObjectiveTo assess women's experiences with skin-related side effects following subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections after a cesarean section, and to analyze their impact on treatment adherence. MethodA questionnaire was developed in collaboration with Cesarine, a patients’ association, to explore various aspects of LMWH administration, including prevention methods, cutaneous side effects, treatment compliance, perceived constraints, apprehension, and understanding of treatment benefits. Additionally, women's opinions on an alternative oral administration approach were solicited, taking into consideration breastfeeding contraindication. The questionnaire was on the Facebook® page and blog of the association. ResultsOne hundred and sixty-four women participated in the survey. Among them, 139 women (84.8%) reported bruising, while 117 (71.3%) reported pruritus, erythema, or nodules at the injection site. Treatment discontinuation was observed in 36 cases (22%), decided mostly by the women themselves (77.8%). The main reasons cited for discontinuation were discomfort during injection (71.4%), skin reactions (31.4%), and a perceived lack of effectiveness (54.3%). Furthermore, 88 women (53.7%) wanted to quit the treatment prematurely, citing similar reasons. Thirty-three women (20.1%) reported oversights. For most women, the treatment was perceived as burdensome and caused apprehension. An alternative oral administration method was of interest to 131 women (79.9%). However, only 28 (17.8%) would have accepted if the medication was incompatible with breastfeeding. ConclusionCutaneous side effects of LMWH injections, as well as injection process itself, have a negative impact on adherence in the postpartum period following a c-section. These findings highlight the need to explore alternative to improve women's compliance and comfort.

Edge interface microenvironment regulation of CoOOH/commercial activated carbon nano-hybrids enabling PMS activation for degrading ciprofloxacin

Peroxymonosulfate (PMS) is widely employed to generate oxygen-containing reactive species for ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation. Herein, cobalt oxyhydroxide @activated carbon (CoOOH@AC) was synthesized via a wet chemical sedimentation method to activate PMS for degradation of CIP. The result suggested AC can support the vertical growth of CoOOH nanosheets to expose high-activity Co-contained edges, possessing efficient PMS activation and degradation activity and catalytic stability. In the presence of 3.0 mg of optimal CoOOH@AC and 2 mM PMS, 96.8 % of CIP was degraded within 10 min, approximately 11.6 and 9.97 times greater than those of CoOOH/PMS and AC/PMS systems. Notably, it was disclosed that the optimal CoOOH@AC/PMS system still exhibited efficient catalytic performance in a wide pH range, different organics and common co-existing ions. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance indicated that both radical and non-radical processes contributed to the degradation of CIP, with 1O2 and direct electron transfer accounting for the non-radical pathway and SO4•− and •OH serving as the main radical active species. Finally, possible CIP degradation pathways were proposed based on high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This study provided an alternate method for wastewater treatment based on PMS catalyzed by cobalt-based hydroxide.

Validation of a Portable Fluorescence Spectroscopy System to Monitor Heat Damage in Industrially Processed Milk.

Heat treatments play a critical role in ensuring the safety and preservation of milk, but it can affect its nutritional and sensory properties. The present paper proposes the use of a portable system based on fluorescence spectroscopy as an alternative method for the quantification of four thermal damage markers at once (hydroxymethylfurfural, sulfhydryl groups, ascorbic acid, and riboflavin). The obtained prediction models using autofluorescent compounds (tryptophan, dityrosine, Maillard compounds, and riboflavin), validated with skimmed milk processed under several industrial conditions, granted the development of a portable and/or online system, allowing for the real-time monitoring of thermal damage and control of the heat treatment process. The results of this study will certainly contribute to the development of new process analytical technologies for the dairy industry, enabling quality control and adjustment of the manufacturing process to ensure safe and high-quality products.

First record of Trypanosoma (Ornithotrypanum) infecting Neotropical birds.

Parasites play a pivotal role in ecosystem health, influencing human and zoonotic diseases, as well as biodiversity preservation. The genus Trypanosoma comprises approximately 500 species mostly found in wildlife animals. This study focuses on identifying trypanosomes found in the white-necked thrush (Turdus albicollis) and the yellow-legged thrush (Turdus flavipes) in the Neotropics. First, we demonstrate the utility of an 18S rDNA sequence-structure phylogeny as an alternative method for trypanosome classification, especially when gGAPDH sequences are unavailable. Subsequently, the sequence-structure phylogeny is employed to classify new trypanosome sequences discovered in wild birds, placing them within the Ornithotrypanum subgenus. This marks the first identification of Ornithotrypanum in Neotropical birds, contributing to the understanding of the distribution and ecological adaptation of avian trypanosomes. Beyond taxonomy, this study broadens our comprehension of the ecological implications of avian trypanosomes in the Neotropics, emphasizing the need for continued research in this field. These findings underscore the importance of alternative classification methods, which are essential to unravel the complex interactions between parasites, wildlife hosts, and their ecosystems.

The Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of POLE-Mutated Endometrial Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Endometrial cancer shows high histological and molecular heterogeneity. The POLE mutation is a significant molecular alteration in endometrial cancer, leading to the identification of a specific subtype known as POLE-mutated endometrial cancer. This subtype exhibits a high tumor mutation burden, abundant lymphocyte infiltration, and a favorable prognosis, making it a promising candidate for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the clinical and pathological characteristics, outcomes, treatment advancements, pathogenic POLE gene detection, and alternative testing methods for POLE-mutated endometrial cancer.

Exploring the Efficacy of Pellitorine as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Argulus: Impacts on Antioxidant Levels and Immune Responses in Goldfish (Carassius auratus).

Argulus spp. infestation is a significant challenge for aquaculture, currently, there are no approved medications available to efficiently manage this parasite. Consequently, mechanical removal of parasites using forceps and natural substances like herbs are being explored as alternative treatment methods. Pellitorine (PLE) is a naturally occurring compound found in several plant species. It is classified as an alkaloid and belongs to the class of compounds known as amides. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PLE in preventing Argulus spp. infestations in goldfish (Carassius auratus) and to determine the optimal dosage of PLE for the detachment of Argulus spp. The findings of this study revealed that PLE enhanced the immune response of goldfish by promoting superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in Argulus-infected goldfish. Additionally, PLE induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and cellular damage in the Argulus. PLE at a dosage of 5mg/mL was able to detach 80% of the argulus from goldfish within 12h. Therapeutic index was found to be 5.99, suggesting that PLE is the safest drug. Therefore, our findings suggest that PLE can be a suitable and effective treatment option for preventing Argulus infestations in goldfish. The results of this study can guide the use of PLE at an optimal dosage to control Argulus infestation in goldfish.

Synthesizing Contrast-Enhanced MR Images from Noncontrast MR Images Using Deep Learning.

Recent developments in deep learning methods offer a potential solution to the need for alternative imaging methods due to concerns about the toxicity of gadolinium-based contrast agents. The purpose of the study was to synthesize virtual gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR images from noncontrast multiparametric MR images in patients with primary brain tumors by using deep learning. We trained and validated a deep learning network by using MR images from 335 subjects in the Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2019 training data set. A held out set of 125 subjects from the Brain Tumor Segmentation Challenge 2019 validation data set was used to test the generalization of the model. A residual inception DenseNet network, called T1c-ET, was developed and trained to simultaneously synthesize virtual contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (vT1c) images and segment the enhancing portions of the tumor. Three expert neuroradiologists independently scored the synthesized vT1c images by using a 3-point Likert scale, evaluating image quality and contrast enhancement against ground truth T1c images (1 = poor, 2 = good, 3 = excellent). The synthesized vT1c images achieved structural similarity index, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and normalized mean square error scores of 0.91, 64.35, and 0.03, respectively. There was moderate interobserver agreement between the 3 raters, regarding the algorithm's performance in predicting contrast enhancement, with a Fleiss kappa value of 0.61. Our model was able to accurately predict contrast enhancement in 88.8% of the cases (scores of 2 to 3 on the 3-point scale). We developed a novel deep learning architecture to synthesize virtual postcontrast enhancement by using only conventional noncontrast brain MR images. Our results demonstrate the potential of deep learning methods to reduce the need for gadolinium contrast in the evaluation of primary brain tumors.

For better or for worse? Visualizing previous intensity levels improves emotion (dynamic) measurement in experience sampling.

It is a long known reality that humans have difficulty to accurately rate the absolute intensity of internal experiences, yet the predominant way experience sampling (ESM) researchers assess participants' momentary emotion levels is by means of absolute measurement scales. In a daily-life experiment (n = 178), we evaluate the efficacy of two alternative assessment methods that should solicit a simpler, relative emotional evaluation: (a) visualizing a relative anchor point on the absolute rating scale that depicts people's previous emotion rating and (b) phrasing emotion items in a relative way by asking for a comparison with earlier emotion levels, using a relative rating scale. Determining five quality criteria relevant for ESM, we conclude that a visual "Last" anchor significantly improves emotion measurement in daily life: (a) Theoretically, this method has the best perceived user experience, as people, for example, find it the easiest and most accurate way to rate their momentary emotions. Methodologically, this type of measurement generates ESM time series that (b) exhibit less measurement error, produce person-level emotion dynamic measures that are (c) often more stable, and in a few cases show stronger (d) univariate and (e) incremental relations with external criteria like neuroticism and borderline personality (e.g., emotional variability). In sum, we see value in the addition of a relative "Last" anchor to absolute measurement scales of future ESM studies on emotions, as it structures the ambiguous rating space and introduces more standardization within and between individuals. In contrast, using relatively phrased emotion items is not recommended. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of static magnetic field-prolonged supercooling preservation on blueberry quality

Although refrigeration and freezing are commonly used methods for preserving blueberries, refrigeration is only suitable for short-term preservation (storage at 4 °C for approx. 1 month), whereas ice crystals that form during freezing can lead to a degradation of blueberry quality. However, supercooling, which combines the advantages of freeze-free low-temperature storage, offers a novel alternative preservation method. In this study, we demonstrate that 10 mT static magnetic field treatment reduces the nucleation temperature of blueberries to below −6 °C and enhances their supercooling. The combination of static magnetic and temperature fields was found to prolong the effective storage of supercooled blueberries for up to 35 days, during which time, we detected no ice nucleation. Compared with refrigeration and freezing, the firmness of the supercooled-preserved blueberries increased by 24.1% and 31.2%, respectively, with corresponding reductions of 3.8% and 4.69% in weight loss. These changes were associated with a retardation of the decline in organic acid and soluble solid contents, along with the maintenance of high total phenolic and anthocyanin contents, antioxidant capacity, and the activities of polyphenol peroxidases and peroxidases. Collectively, our findings in this study indicate that supercooling would be an effective new approach for the preservation of blueberries.

Slickline-Deployed Fiber-Optic Cable Provides First Production Profile for High-Temperature Gas Well

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215512, “Slickline-Deployed Fiber-Optic Cable Provides First-Ever Production Profile for High-Temperature Gas Well,“ by Stuart Berry, SPE, Expro, and Danu Dirya, SPE, and Graeme Cowie, SPE, TotalEnergies, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ Distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) allowed the continuous gathering of flow-profile information from a high-temperature, high-rate gas well. The objective of the case study described in the complete paper is to demonstrate that thermal inversion modeling can be used to produce a production-flow profile in an environment where conventional production logging is not possible. As a result of deploying DFOS, data can be acquired at more-realistic rates. Through performing of thermal inversion of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) data and analysis of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data, a more-accurate flow profile was achieved. Introduction Culzean is a high-pressure/high-temperature gas condensate field in the central North Sea. The main productive interval for the field is the Triassic Joanne sandstone deposited in a semiarid continental fluvial environment. The Jurassic Pentland sandstone deposited by meandering fluvial systems also contains significant resources. Initial reservoir pressure was 936 bar; the temperature was 170°C. The development consists of six production wells, five from the Joanne and one from the Pentland. While the reservoir interval is relatively thick, the depositional environment created a very layered reservoir with significant variability in reservoir quality. Flow-profile data over the reservoir has traditionally been acquired using production-logging tools with spinner velocity and pressure and temperature measurements. Production-log deployment can be problematic in high-rate wells, particularly when tubing is restricted because of pipe deformation or deposits in the tubing. In the Culzean field, several wells were selected for flow-profile monitoring. Previous slickline operations indicated that conventional production logging would be ineffective. Modeling showed significant tool-lift risk, meaning that the well could only be flowed at approximately 25% of its normal operating rate. A previous attempted production-logging campaign in the well resulted in no valid data acquisition but incurred a direct cost of $700,000 and a deferral of 10 days production estimated at a cost of $10.8 million. An alternative acquisition method was investigated to obtain production-profile data while minimizing risks associated with conventional production-log deployment. DFOS provides a continuous measurement over the entire length of the well for temperature and acoustic noise. A high-temperature slickline DFOS wire could allow Culzean well data acquisition under flowing conditions. Technology Selection Data acquisition was divided into a shut-in phase and a flowing phase. For the shut-in phase, a simplified production-logging toolstring was used to measure any crossflow over the reservoir section. The flowing phase would consist only of DAS data over the reservoir section, with a simple pressure/temperature memory tool in the sump of the well. The DFOS data would gather shut-in data before opening the well up to flow. For the conventional tool shut-in string, an inline caged spinner was selected.

A practical methodology for distributed energy resources (DER) valuation in distribution networks

Under most NEM policies, DER customers sell excess electricity at full retail price. Although this structure helped the widespread growth of DER, it is argued to subsidize DER at the expense of non-DER customers. In that regard, value-based compensation emerged, and as of 2022, at least 12 states have conducted studies to investigate alternative NEM compensation methods to inform new policy decisions. DER can provide various benefits to the distribution system, including energy, reliability, resilience, environmental, societal, and investment deferral. Each benefit has an individual value, and calculating these values is challenging. This paper presents a practical methodology to calculate the DER location value. The proposed approach utilizes established utility planning and reliability criteria. It analyzes the distribution system's current status, capturing any planning or reliability criteria violations, and determines the utility upgrade investment costs to remediate them. The proposed approach then determines the size, locational, and temporal profile of the DER that can be added to the distribution network and defer any of the utility upgrade investment costs, thus obtaining the value to the system and assigning a monetary value. The results provide a nodal distribution value of DER to the distribution system.

Solution of the inverse problem of estimating particle size distributions

In this work, we describe two alternative methods for solving the ill-conditioned inverse problem that allows estimating the particle size distribution (PSD) from turbidimetry measurements. The first method uses the inverse Penrose matrix to solve the inverse problem in its discrete form. The second method consists of replacing an ill-posed problem with a collection of well-posed problems, penalizing the norm of the solution, and it is known as the Tikhonov regularization. Both methods are used to solve a synthetic application of the inverse problem by solving the direct problem using a theoretical expression of the distribution of particles sizes function f(D) and considering soft industrial latex particles (NBR), with average particle diameters of: 80.4, 82.8, 83.6, and 84.5 nm; and three illumination wavelengths in the UV-Vis region: 300, 450, and 600 nm. The estimated solution obtained by the inverse Penrose matrix is different from the original solution due to the inverse problem is ill-conditioned. In contrast, when using Tikhonov’s regularization, the estimate obtained is close to the original solution, which proves that the particle size distribution is adequate.

Polymorph Identification for Flexible Molecules: Linear Regression Analysis of Experimental and Calculated Solution- and Solid-State NMR Data.

The Δδ regression approach of Blade et al. [ J. Phys. Chem. A 2020, 124(43), 8959-8977] for accurately discriminating between solid forms using a combination of experimental solution- and solid-state NMR data with density functional theory (DFT) calculation is here extended to molecules with multiple conformational degrees of freedom, using furosemide polymorphs as an exemplar. As before, the differences in measured 1H and 13C chemical shifts between solution-state NMR and solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR (Δδexperimental) are compared to those determined by gauge-including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) calculations (Δδcalculated) by regression analysis and a t-test, allowing the correct furosemide polymorph to be precisely identified. Monte Carlo random sampling is used to calculate solution-state NMR chemical shifts, reducing computation times by avoiding the need to systematically sample the multidimensional conformational landscape that furosemide occupies in solution. The solvent conditions should be chosen to match the molecule's charge state between the solution and solid states. The Δδ regression approach indicates whether or not correlations between Δδexperimental and Δδcalculated are statistically significant; the approach is differently sensitive to the popular root mean squared error (RMSE) method, being shown to exhibit a much greater dynamic range. An alternative method for estimating solution-state NMR chemical shifts by approximating the measured solution-state dynamic 3D behavior with an ensemble of 54 furosemide crystal structures (polymorphs and cocrystals) from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) was also successful in this case, suggesting new avenues for this method that may overcome its current dependency on the prior determination of solution dynamic 3D structures.