Cardinal Points Research Articles

The module configuration optimization of vertical computer numerical control honing machine based on ideal outranking cardinal point.

To find the optimal one from all feasible module configuration schemes of high-end computer numerical control machine tools according to performance, cost, and delivery, this article studies the method of module configuration optimization. An ideal outranking cardinal point based on the module configuration optimization approach of vertical computer numerical control honing machine is proposed in this article. First, it establishes the multi-objective decision model of the module configuration optimization according to performance indicator function, cost indicator function, and delivery indicator function. Second, the feasible configuration schemes, which are obtained based on customer requirements, are transformed into the data matrix of decision attributes. Third, ideal outranking cardinal point is used to calculate the multi-objective decision model of the module configuration optimization. According to the comprehensive distance between the feasible configuration schemes and the ideal outranking cardinal point, and the inverse ideal outranking cardinal point, the optimal configuration scheme is selected. The feasibility and universality of the proposed approach is verified by a module configuration optimization case of vertical computer numerical control honing machine.

Investigation of the antibacterial efficiency of toothpastes used against dental pathogens

Toothpastes are dental as well as oral hygiene determiners, quality and quantity of toothpaste being the two cardinal points to control the dental health and also the oral hygiene. Dental health deteriorated for dental plaque, dental caries, and periodontal diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. Toothpaste kill and erase the bacteria from the surface of the teeth and oral cavity but all the toothpastes have not similar antibacterial activity. Four types of toothpaste: Colgate, Close-up, Dabur-Red and Glister were used to observe the comparative antibacterial efficiency considering quality and quantity or doses concentration in an investigation. Experiments were done several times, sound the effective results were observed from Dabur-Red toothpaste in comparison to other toothpastes. Future details research will also open a new avenue to formulate the quality and the dose’s concentration of the best toothpaste for next generation.

Virtual reconstruction of Sudzhuk-Kale fortress

The article presents the results of historical and architectural research into and a scientific hypothesis about the location and architectural and spatial organization of the lost medieval fortress in Novorossiysk. The problem is that information about this object contradicts the data that can currently underlie the correct interpretation and study of the fortress history. Confusion is caused by the fact that four fortifications on the territory of modern Novorossiysk locate in close proximity to each other. They are built almost at the same time. The article focuses on the Sudjuk Kale fortress. The results of archival research show the lack of accurate data on the location and spatial organization of the fortress. The comparative analysis includes the description of travelers and aerial photographs of different periods that clarify the entire structure and shape of the fortress components, and the data on the architecture and spatial organization of other medieval fortresses. The research results determine the structure, shape, size, material of the fortress walls, the presence of the moat around the fortress, four towers at the corners and four entrances at the cardinal points. The obtained results include the new data, computer model and virtual reconstruction of the Sudjuk-Kale fortress.

Variabilidade espacial do banco de sementes em área de Caatinga no Nordeste do Brasil

O banco de sementes no solo é uma das principais estratégias de sobrevivência em longo prazo das comunidades vegetais diante da sazonalidade e da irregularidade do regime pluviométrico em áreas áridas e semiáridas. Considerando a forte variação na riqueza e a densidade do banco de sementes nesses ambientes, este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a variação espacial do banco de sementes em uma área de Caatinga, no Nordeste do Brasil, determinando a sua composição florística e densidade de germinação. A área selecionada foi uma lagoa temporária no Cariri paraibano, com vegetação altamente antropizada, devido a diversos usos ao longo do tempo. Em cada ponto cardeal, tomando como referência o centro da lagoa, foram retiradas amostras de solo para o banco de sementes. Todo o material coletado foi distribuído em bandejas plásticas e irrigado diariamente. A determinação da densidade de sementes no banco do solo foi realizada pelo método de emergência de plântulas e expressa em sementes.m-². A flora do banco de sementes do solo da Caatinga foi representada neste estudo por 26 espécies e três morfoespécies, distribuídas em 11 famílias e 26 gêneros, dentre elas as famílias Poaceae e Asteraceae, com maior número de espécies. A principal forma de vida do banco de sementes foi herbácea e a densidade média da área de estudo foi de 2.942 sementes.m-2 (lagoa) e 3.826 sementes.m-2 (no entorno) e após o estresse hídrico foi de 732 sementes.m-2 e 1.208 sementes.m-2, nas áreas da lagoa e do seu entorno, respectivamente. A área do entorno da lagoa apresenta a maior densidade de plantas por m² e maior diversidade de espécies. Além disso, o sentido Norte, em ambas as áreas, apresentou menor densidade de sementes.m-².

EFFECT OF SOIL PREPARATION METHOD ON SOIL TEMPERATURE

The success of the forest regeneration with planting is determined by many factors and one of them is soil preparation. Chosen soil preparation method impacts different environmental aspects and one of them is soil temperature and that is one of main abiotic factors determining the growth of roots.   Development of the root system is a key prerequisite for growth of newly planted trees. The aim of this research was to assess the impact of the soil preparation method on the surface (5 and 20 cm) temperature of the soil. The study was done in 8 young stand sites with different soil preparation methods, soil preparation design (orientation relative to cardinal points) and different forest types in central and north-western part of Latvia. Soil temperature measurements were taken at 5 cm and 20 cm depths in both sides of furrows and in spot mounds at every study site with hand held thermometer, in few young stands unprepared soil temperature was also measured. Mean values and standard error were calculated and the statistical significance was determined by:  the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, the Kruskal-Wallis Test and pairwise Wilcoxon test with a 95% confidence level. Our results show that soil preparation positively impact soil temperature compared to unprepared soil and soil temperature in spot mounds was significantly higher than in furrows during clear and hot (27-32°C) day at both depth and in overcast weather with moderate air temperature (20-23°C) in depth of 20 cm.

English

This study assessed the ecological fate of heavy metals within the vicinity of an area formally used as dump site in Igbogene, Bayelsa state. Soil auger was used to collect samples at 0 - 20 cm depth at 50, 100 and 150 m distances from the four cardinal points viz: North east and west and south east and west. The soil samples were sieved, ashed, digested and analyzed using atomic adsorption spectrometry. The heavy metals results ranged from 646.73 to 715.33 mg/kg (iron), 59.30 to 73.05 mg/kg (manganese), 83.20 to 114.18 mg/kg (zinc), 10.67 to 15.95 mg/kg (copper), 7.70 to 9.64 mg/kg (chromium), 11.56 to 14.48 mg/kg (cadmium), 10.09 to 13.86 mg/kg (lead), 4.57 to 6.33 mg/kg (nickel) and 3.52 to 4.92 mg/kg (vanadium). Statistically there was no significant variation (p>0.05) across the various distances for each of the metals studied, but apparent decline in values exist as the distance away from the landfill increased. In addition, each of the metals showed positive significant correlation with each other at p<0.01. Cluster analysis revealed two main clusters. These are samples from each of the latitude directions, southern direction (east and west) and northern direction (east and west).  Pollution indices were higher in sample obtained from the southern direction (west and east) compared to northern area (west and east) but generally it ranged from no pollution to moderate pollution. Positive quantification of contamination indicates that pollution due to anthropogenic activities occurred in few instances. The ecological risk index showed low risk/fate of the heavy metals studied area. Key words: Environmental risk, heavy metals, dumps site, pollution indices, wastes. &nbsp

Responses in growth and dynamics of the shade-tolerant species Theobroma subincanum to logging gaps in the Eastern Amazon

Aim of study: To assess responses of the shade-tolerant species Theobroma subincanum in relation to canopy gaps created by reduced impact logging (RIL).Materials and methods: A managed forest in themunicipality ofMoju, Pará state,Brazil, harvested in 1997 through RIL was monitored during 12 years (1998-2010). Nine logging gaps were selected and classified in small, medium, and large. Four 10 m x 50 m strips starting from the gap’s border towards the forest and following the directions of cardinal points were installed. Each strip was divided in five 10 m x 10 m plots. Density, diameter distribution (DBH ≥ 5 cm with intervals = 5 cm), and diameter growth were measured.Main results: No significant changes in seedling density of T. subincanum were found, and its diameter distribution followed the reverse “J” shape during all monitoring time. T. subincanum presented diameter growth of 0.15 cm year-1 with highest Periodic Annual Increment in diameter up to three years, and stabilization in nine years after RIL. The species responded to a growth gradient inversely proportional to the gap’s border distance (p = 0.001) but not to gap size and plots direction in cardinal points around the gap.Research highlights: Shade-tolerant species such as T. subincanum have sensible and positive growth responses to disturbances caused by RIL even when seedlings received low amounts of indirect sunlight. These positive responses should be considered in the management of production forests.Keywords: Ecological group; forest management; diameter distribution; reduced impact logging (RIL).

IDENTIFICACIÓN Y EVALUACIÓN DE LA INCIDENCIA DE INSECTOS Y HONGOS BENÉFICOS ASOCIADOS A Diaphorina citri KUWAYAMA (HEMIPTERA: LIVIIDAE) EN PLANTAS TRASPATIO (Citrus spp. y Murraya paniculata) DEL CANTÓN CATAMAYO (LOJA - ECUADOR)

En los últimos años, la citricultura mundial se ha encontrado amenazada por la presencia del psílido asiático de los cítricos, Diaphorina citri, un insecto perjudicial por ser portador de la bacteria “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (las)”, causante de la enfermedad Huanglongbing (HLB), que ha provocado la devastación de plantaciones y la reducción de la producción de cítricos en todo el mundo. En el año 2017 se reportó la presencia de D. citri en plantas traspatio del cantón Catamayo, en la provincia de Loja, por lo que la presente investigación tuvo por objetivo identificar los enemigos naturales (depredadores, parasitoides y hongos) asociados a D. citri, y evaluar su incidencia en campo. Para ello, se realizaron muestreos en plantas traspatio (Citrus spp. y Murraya paniculata) del cantón Catamayo. Los muestreos se efectuaron a una altura de 1,5 m de las plantas en los cuatro puntos cardinales de la misma. Se colectaron larvas y adultos de depredadores, ninfas parasitadas y adultos de parasitoides, y adultos de D. citri para el aislamiento de hongos. Como resultado de la identificación en el laboratorio, se determinó la presencia de 11 especies depredadoras (principalmente Cheilomenes sexmaculata y Chrysopa spp.), dos especies de parasitoides (Diaphorencyrtus sp. y Tamarixia radiata) y cuatro especies de hongos (Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp. y Alternaria sp.). Diaphorencyrtus sp. tuvo una tasa de parasitismo del 7,76 %. Estas especies podrían utilizarse para establecer programas de control biológico, aprovechando su potencial como reguladores de poblaciones de ninfas de Diaphorina citri.

High-Density Adaptive Ten Ten: Proposal for Electrode Nomenclature for High-Density EEG.

High-density EEG (HD-EEG) systems and electrical source imaging techniques have revolutionized our ability to assess the potential sources of epileptiform activity and other EEG features. Nonetheless, clinical use of HD-EEG is hampered by the lack of a standardized electrode nomenclature system and the inherent difficulties encountered in visually reviewing recordings. Inefficient visual review of HD-EEG remains a major barrier to incorporating these techniques into routine clinical care. Extension of the 10-10 is first defined by the addition of 2 reference curves: the -10% and -20% axial reference curves. Electrode positions over the face are named based on facial bony structures (N = nasion, Z = zygomatic prominence, M = mandible) and over the back of the head on posterior landmarks (I = inion, S = subinion, B = Base). Then, following the 10% incremental distance rule, we define additional electrode positions. Electrodes with nonstandard positions are clustered around the closest 10-10 electrode, deemed their cardinal point. The 256-electrode Geodesic Sensor Net mapped to 96 of the 120 extended 10-10 cardinal electrodes. Electrode position nomenclature that builds upon the international standard 10-10 system allows electroencephalographers to identify spatial areas of interest in HD-EEG relative to positions in routine use. A standard viewing montage for HD-EEG and its application with electrical source imaging boost efficiency when reviewing data and improve accuracy in recognizing epileptiform discharges. Additionally, our proposed system is not limited to a specific HD-EEG system, electrode count, or electrode layout.

A Classic Maya Mystery of a Medicinal Plant and Maya Hieroglyphs

The Maya employed the k’an |K’AN| glyph in Late Classic (~750 CE) hieroglyphs on murals and polychrome pottery as an adjective meaning precious, yellow. On cacao drinking vessels, the k’an glyph was suggested as a descriptor for a flavoring ingredient, allspice, Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. (Myrtaceae). However, our previous consensus ethnobotanical fieldwork with Q’eqchi’ Maya healers of Belize revealed another candidate among antidiabetic plants, Tynanthus guatemalensis Donn. Sm. (Bignoniaceae), which was the healers’ top selection for treatment of diabetes and an exceptionally active extract in an antidiabetic assay for inhibition of protein glycation. Traits of T. guatemalensis observed after cross sectioning the liana were: (1) a cross-shaped xylem organization similar to the k’an glyph; (2) an allspice-like aroma; and (3) yellow color. Based on taxonomy and ethnobotany, confirmation of the allspice-like aromatic compound eugenol, and antidiabetic activity, we determined the plant described by the k’an glyph to be T. guatemalensis (chib’ayal in Q’eqchi’), not P. dioica (allspice). In contemporary Q’eqchi’ tradition, the section of the chib’ayal vine with its cross is associated with the eighth day of their Tzolk’in calendar, which is called the “nawal” (energy) of “q’anil” (ripe, full yellow). This day is represented with a different glyph from the k’an glyph, but notably has a cross representing the four cardinal points. The identification of a potent medicinal plant used in the late classic as well as contemporary times may suggest the long-term preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge in Maya culture for pharmacologically significant plants.

Learning a Path from Real Navigation: The Advantage of Initial View, Cardinal North and Visuo-Spatial Ability.

Background: Spatial cognition research strives to maximize conditions favoring environment representation. This study examined how initial (egocentric) navigation headings interact with allocentric references in terms of world-based information (such as cardinal points) in forming environment representations. The role of individual visuo-spatial factors was also examined. Method: Ninety-one undergraduates took an unfamiliar path in two learning conditions, 46 walked from cardinal south to north (SN learning), and 45 walked from cardinal north to south (NS learning). Path recall was tested with SN and NS pointing tasks. Perspective-taking ability and self-reported sense of direction were also assessed. Results: Linear models showed a better performance for SN learning and SN pointing than for NS learning and NS pointing. The learning condition x pointing interaction proved SN pointing more accurate than NS pointing after SN learning, while SN and NS pointing accuracy was similar after NS learning. Perspective-taking ability supported pointing accuracy. Conclusions: These results indicate that initial heading aligned with cardinal north prompt a north-oriented representation. No clear orientation of the representation emerges when the initial heading is aligned with cardinal south. Environment representations are supported by individual perspective-taking ability. These findings offer new insight on the environmental and individual factors facilitating environment representations acquired from navigation.

Confucius Institutes: A Planetary Philosophical Gift

The article discusses the philosophical component of the Chinese project for the harmonization of cultures promoted by modern Confucius Institutes. The author research the formation of the Confucian culture of Tao, the creation by Confucius (551–479 BC) of the first Chinese philosophical school as well as the dictionary of universals of Confucian culture. In Confucianism, on the basis of the archetype of the Tao culture, a model of “moderate prosperity” ( xiaokang ) is built. This model involves the implementation of five programs: the global foreign policy program (pacification of all four cardinal points around the Middle Country), the cultural program (the Middle Country is chosen as the meeting place for all peoples), the internal political capital-government program (the calming and integration of internal provinces around the Capital of the Middle Country), the moral and ethical program (peace of mind and peace of the people of the Middle Country), the program of state unity (ensuring the integrity of the Middle Country). The key role in the xiaokang project is played by the perfection of man, the achievement of a harmonious balance of physical and mental virtues, the formation of personality of junzi as the ideal person of future civilization. Although the concept of xiaokang appeared in separate medieval treatises of the epochs of Jin (265–420) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, the xiaokang returns to the forefront of Chinese history at the end of the 19 th century during the movement for the modernization of the country. Xiaokang is interpreted by the reformers of China, in particular, Kang Youwei, as a necessary stage in building a society of “great unity” ( datong ). The “Architect of Chinese Reforms,” Deng Xiaoping, introduced the concept of “modestly prosperous family” ( xiao kang zhi jia ), the xiaokang of the “Four Chinese Modernizations.” The project of the formation of “community with shared future for mankind,” currently implemented by China, is based on a Confucian vision of the development of society and the world. In 1994, the International Confucian Association was created in China, and, since 2004, the deployment of a network of Confucius Institutes around the world began. The author concludes that Confucian culture has a supra-ethnic value because it opens the prospect of a new type of globalization, when cultures, preserving their originality but complementing each other by archetypes, form a single universal human paradigm.

Modeling the emergence of North African knapweed (Centaurea diluta), an increasingly troublesome weed in Spain

AbstractNorth African knapweed (Centaurea diluta Aiton) is an annual weed that is widespread in southern Spain and is of increasing concern in dryland cropping systems. Despite its expanding range in Spain, there is limited information on the emergence timing and pattern of this species, knowledge of which is critical for developing more timely and effective management strategies. Therefore, there is a need to develop simple and reliable models to predict the timing and emergence of this annual weed under dryland conditions. A multi-location field experiment was established across Spain in 2016 to 2017 to assess the emergence of C. diluta. At each of 11 locations, seeds were sown in the fall, and emergence was recorded. Overall emergence averaged 39% in the first year across all sites and 11% in the second year. In both years, the main emergence flush occurred at the beginning of the growing season. A three-parameter Weibull function best described seedling emergence of C. diluta. Emergence models were developed based on thermal time (TT) and hydrothermal time (HTT) and showed high predictability, as evidenced by root mean-square error prediction values of 10.8 and 10.7, respectively. Three cardinal points were established for TT and HHT at 0.5, 10, and 35 C for base, optimal, and ceiling temperatures, respectively, while base water potential was estimated at −0.5 MPa.

Life Cycle of Nitzschia palea (Kützing) W. Smith (Bacillariophyta)

The diatom Nitzschia palea is a widespread eurybiontic alga that inhabits the benthos of freshwater ponds and watercourses, soils and caves. This species has a potential for biotechnological applications; therefore, knowledge on its biology is important. Although the species has been studied quite extensively, comprehensive information on its life cycle properties, including cardinal points, is still lacking. In this contribution, based on our own observations and literature data, we supplement and summarize the available information on the species’ life cycle, including data on morphology, morphometry, teratological structures of valves and cardinal points. We also revealed a uniparental inheritance of the mitochondrial gene cox1 in N. palea. The data obtained will be important for phylogeography studies of the species, as well as provide fundamental basis for the technology of long-term maintenance of N. palea in culture.

Ecological Monitoring of the Unal Depression, Northern Ossetiya–Alania, Using Techniques of Biogeochemical Indication

The paper presents analysis of the accumulation of toxic and vital chemical elements in discrete links of the food chain under conditions of a biogeochemical province in relation to the accumulation of phytochelatins and metallothioneins in the leaves of white birch (Betula pubescens). Gradients of metal concentrations are determined in the soils with increasing distance from the Unal tailing dump and the effects of these gradients on the concentrations of the elements in birch leaves. Correlations are determined between the concentrations of toxic elements in the pulp and leaves separately for the native sample and water washout. A strong correlation was found between the total dissolved concentration of all metals and the total metallothionein and glutathione concentrations. It is hypothesized that the biochemical system of glutathione is more closely related to the accumulation of metals by plants than the system of metallothioneins. Estimates are made whether it is possible to apply the method of bioindication of the ecological state of a territory by determining the fluctuating asymmetry of birch leaves. This bioindication parameter was evaluated separately for each of the cardinal points. It is demonstrated that a high total concentrations of the metals in soils and birch leaves is correlated with an increase in the fluctuating asymmetry of the leaves and the concentration level of sulfur-bearing biological active compounds. The bioindication technique is however still far from perfect and is difficult to apply and, hence, requires further studies.

FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS OF SECTORAL ZONING INTRACITY MUNICIPALITY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF MINSK)

The authors study the spatial orientation factor in the development trajectory of administrative regions in the context of sectoral administrative division (for example, Minsk, Republic of Belarus). Due to the lack of a methodology in the Western architectural tradition for studying the factor of cardinal points in the formation of unique characteristics of administrative regions, the authors turn to ancient and modern scientific sources containing such information, including the functional topological model. The analysis showed that in the case of Minsk, urban functions show signs of sectoral differentiation depending on the factor of cardinal points at the level of district names, with the placement of industries, sleeping areas, higher education institutions, research institutes.

Evaluation of Solar Radiation Transposition Models for Passive Energy Management and Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Incident solar radiation modelling has become of vital importance not only in architectural design considerations, but also in the estimation of the energy production of photovoltaic systems. This is particularly true in the case of buildings with integrated photovoltaics (PV) systems having a wide range of orientations and inclinations defined by the skin of the building. Since solar radiation data at the plane of interest is hardly ever available, this study presents the analysis of two of the most representative transposition models used to obtain the in-plane irradiance using as input data the global and diffuse irradiation on the horizontal plane, which can be obtained by satellite-based models or ground measurements. Both transposition models are validated with experimental measurements taken in Murcia (southeast of Spain) and datasets provided by the photovoltaic geographical information system (PVGIS) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for vertical surfaces facing the four cardinal points. For the validation, the mean bias deviation, root mean square error and forecasted skill were used as indicators. Results show that the error rate decreases slightly for clear days. Better results are also obtained by dismissing data with low solar elevation angles so as to avoid shadowing effects from the surroundings in the early and late hours of the day, which affects mainly the performance of the transposition models for west and east surfaces. The results highlight the potential of equator-facing façades in winter time when the received irradiation can be twice as much as the one collected by the horizontal plane. It is also noteworthy that the operating conditions of all façades are mainly low irradiance and medium temperature at these locations.

Study of Various Osteometric Parameters of Human Mandible in Adult and Elderly Age Groups

The cardinal points of identity establishment can be met out with the help of mandibular anthropometry, when the bone is available for examination. A number of metric and non- metric parameters help in estimating the age from the mandible; which accurately differentiates various stages of life cycleThe main aim of this study is to study the various osteometric parameters of human mandible in adult and elderly age groups; and to determine their significance and utility for the purpose of identification in forensic sample.For the purpose, 200 mandibles were measured anthropometrically. The data was collected in master chart and statistically analysed.Height of the mandibular body, thickness of the mandibular body and maximum ramus height were found to be statistically significant parameters. Hence, these parameters could be used for allocation of a mandible to adult or elderly age group. It is also recommended to include other morphometric parameters of mandibles in the study to increase the accuracy and precision.

Describing the concept of infinite among art, literature, philosophy and science: a pedagogical-didactic overview

In this work an interesting overview concerning the human attempts in the description of the concept of infi nite is presented. This peculiar concept represents a cardinal point in the history of human culture, because man, with different modalities, has always compared with it. Historically the main followed streams were two: the rational and the irrational approaches. In the fi rst approach we fi nd disciplines such as philosophy, mathematics and physics; thesecond is the domain of literature, arts and religion. Some activities for developing ideas about the intuitive concept of the infi nity at the level of compulsory education will be also given.

A Simplified Simulation Procedure and Analysis of a Photovoltaic Solar System Using a Single Diode Model

A single diode model for a photovoltaic solar module is the most ideal and quick way of analyzing the module characteristics before implementing them in a solar plant. Solar modules manufacturers provide information for three critical points that are essential in I-V, P-V or P-I curves. In this study, we propose four separate simulation procedures to estimate the five-model parameters of an analogous single diode equivalent circuit by utilizing three cardinal points of the photovoltaic module I-V curve, described from experimental data using a solar simulator and manufacturer’s datasheet. The main objective is to extract and use the five unknown parameters of a single diode model to describe the photovoltaic system using I-V ad P-V plots under different environmental conditions. The most influential parameters that greatly alter the cardinal points defined at short circuit point (SCP), the maximum power point (MPP) and the open circuit point(OCP) are the ideality factor (n) and the diode saturation current (Io). For a quick and fast convergence, we have determined the optimal ideality factor (no) and optimal saturation current (Ioopt) as the primary parameters by first assuming the optimal values of Rsh, Rs and Iph at standard test conditions (STC). Further, we evaluated the effects of Iph, Rs and Rsh on I-V and P-V curves by considering the values of n below no. We have evaluated different iterative procedures of determining Rsh and Rs at open-circuit, short-circuit point and the maximum-power points. These procedures have been classified into four approaches that guarantees positive shunt and series resistance for n ≤ no. These approaches have been categorized by deriving the saturation current as a dependent variable at each cardinal point with or without Rs and Rsh pair. The values obtained for the five parameters have been used to simulate the photovoltaic solar module characteristic curves with great precision at different air temperatures and irradiances, considering the effect of Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT).