Average Power Research Articles

How we (used to) remember the Partisans. Culture of memory and art form during and after Yugoslavia

ABSTRACT This paper contends that, under certain socio-political circumstances and in given historical periods, some art forms become particularly powerful means of expressing collective ideas about a shared past. Might artistic forms themselves tell us something about the social function of collective memory, as well as about the society that “addresses” its past through them? In an attempt to answer this question, the paper will look at the distinctive artistic expressions for remembering the Yugoslav anti-fascist Partisan movement and World War II at three moments in time, during which the memory of World War II was respectively (1) institutionalized as a narrative of the Partisan struggle and victory (through monumental memorials), (2) then called into question and remolded into “dissident” literary narratives, to eventually become (3) a form of activist socio-cultural critique of both nationalist memorialization in post-Yugoslav states and contemporary capitalist realities (through choir singing).

Correlative single-molecule and structured illumination microscopy of fast dynamics at the plasma membrane

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy offers powerful means to uncover the functional organization of proteins in the plasma membrane with very high spatial and temporal resolution. Traditional TIRF illumination, however, shows a Gaussian intensity profile, which is typically deteriorated by overlaying interference fringes hampering precise quantification of intensities—an important requisite for quantitative analyses in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Here, we combine flat-field illumination by using a standard πShaper with multi-angular TIR illumination by incorporating a spatial light modulator compatible with fast super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM). This distinct combination enables quantitative multi-color SMLM with a highly homogenous illumination. By using a dual camera setup with optimized image splitting optics, we achieve a versatile combination of SMLM and SIM with up to three channels. We deploy this setup for establishing robust detection of receptor stoichiometries based on single-molecule intensity analysis and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Homogeneous illumination furthermore enables long-term tracking and localization microscopy (TALM) of cell surface receptors identifying spatial heterogeneity of mobility and accessibility in the plasma membrane. By combination of TALM and SIM, spatially and molecularly heterogenous diffusion properties can be correlated with nanoscale cytoskeletal organization and dynamics.

20.1 % Certified Efficiency of Planar Hole Transport Layer‐Free Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells by Spacer Cation Chain Length Engineering of 2D Perovskites

AbstractThe planar triple‐layer hole transport layer (HTL)‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have outstanding advantages of low cost and high stability, but are limited by low efficiency. The formation of a 3D/2D heterojunction has been widely proven to enhance device performance. However, the 2D perovskite possesses multiple critical properties associated with 3D perovskite, including defect passivation, energy level, and charge transport properties, all of which can impact device performance. It is challenging to find a powerful means to achieve comprehensive regulation and trade‐off of these key properties. Herein, we propose a chain‐length engineering of alkylammonium spacer cations to achieve this goal. The results show that the 2D perovskite formed by short‐chain alkylammonium cations primarily acts to passivate defects. With the increase in cation chain length, the 2D perovskite achieves a more matched energy level with 3D perovskite, enhancing the built‐in electric field and promoting charge separation. However, the further increase in chain length impedes the charge transport due to the insulativity of organic cations. Comprehensively, the 2D perovskite formed by tetradecylammonium cations achieves the optimal balance of defect passivation, interface charge separation, and charge transport. The planar HTL‐free C‐PSCs exhibit a new record efficiency of 20.40 % (certified 20.1 %).

Zinc Promoted Cross-Electrophile Sulfonylation to Access Alkyl-Alkyl Sulfones.

The transition metal-catalyzed multi-component cross-electrophile sulfonylation, which incorporates SO2 as a linker within organic frameworks, has proven to be a powerful, efficient, and cost-effective means of synthesizing challenging alkyl-alkyl sulfones. Transition metal catalysts play a crucial role in this method by transferring electrons from reductants to electrophilic organohalides, thereby causing undesirable side reactions such as homocoupling, protodehalogenation, β-hydride elimination, etc. It is worth noting that tertiary alkyl halides have rarely been demonstrated to be compatible with current methods owing to various undesired side reactions. In this work, a zinc-promoted cross-electrophile sulfonylation is developed through a radical-polar crossover pathway. This approach enables the synthesis of various alkyl-alkyl sulfones, including 1°-1°, 2°-1°, 3°-1°, 2°-2°, and 3°-2° types, from inexpensive and readily available alkyl halides. Various functional groups are well tolerated in the work, resulting in yields of up to 93%. Additionally, this protocol has been successfully applied to intramolecular sulfonylation and homo-sulfonylation reactions. The insights gained from this work shall be useful for the further development of cross-electrophile sulfonylation to access alkyl-alkyl sulfones.

What’s ethnicity got to do with it? Religious and racial politics in Europe

ABSTRACT Drawing on sociology, anthropology, constitutional law, and political philosophy, this issue explores how the concept of ethnicity functions as a salient category for understanding the experiences of minorities in Europe today. It considers ethnicity as a powerful means of self-identification and the assertion of differences between as well as within ethnic groups. This issue engages the tension between group-based stigmatization on the one hand, and the reality of increasingly fragmented forms of identification under the influences of de-institutionalization and individualization. It also hones in on the ethnicization and racialization of nationhood under the influence of right-wing identity politics, and the exploitation of ethnic differences for political and electoral purposes. In its engagement with socio-legal studies, this issue considers a number of strategies for alleviating the pressure on ethnic minorities, for example through the use of private sector duties as well as potential innovations of anti-discrimination infrastructures.

The role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation

AbstractCollaborative argumentation has been recognized as a powerful means to facilitate conceptual change of scientific concepts for which students have robust misconceptions. However, eliciting and maintaining collaborative argumentation that yields such productive outcomes is known to be difficult. Specifically, social‐motivational antecedents have not yet been explored. Over 13 weeks, we conducted a controlled experiment to examine the role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation in the context of scientific concept learning while fully considering the effects on conceptual change, argumentative discourse, and perceptions of conflicts. Three types of achievement goals were identified among 94 undergraduates: mastery goal‐dominant (a focus on developing competence and task mastery), two goals‐balanced (pursuing mastery and performance goals simultaneously) and performance goal‐dominant (a focus on demonstrating competence relative to others). Eighteen homogeneous groups participated in four collaborative argumentation activities concerning four scientific topics of varying controversy levels. The results showed that for highly controversial topics, mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students exhibited greater conceptual change than performance goal‐dominant students over a longer period. Dialogue protocol analysis further revealed a combined pattern of argumentative discourse (i.e., both deliberative argumentation and co‐consensual construction frequently occurred, while disputative argumentation rarely occurred) among mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students concerning highly controversial topics. Responses to stimulated recall interviews also indicated that perceptions of conflicts among the three types of students differed in terms of five aspects: their first impression of disagreements, their feelings in response to peer disagreement, their reasons for changing or maintaining to their original ideas, the meaning of group consensus, and the degrees to which they accepted group consensus. This study sheds light on the role of social‐motivational antecedents, deepening our understanding of whether different achievement goals might orient students to different perceptions of conflicts, triggering different argumentative discourse, producing different conceptual change.

Selenium-induced anion vacancy and active site migration stimulating remarkable sulfide Na-Ion storage

Heterojunctions and controllable anionic vacancies are perceived to be powerful means of ameliorating the performance of sodium-ion batteries assignable to their unique physical and chemical properties. However, the mechanism by which heterojunction and vacancy structures affect sodium-ion battery storage remains to be systemically explored. In this study, the Se doped CoS2@CoS1.035@Carbon (Se-CoS2@CoS1.035@C) heterostructure with anion vacancy was synthesized by a one-step calcination. These heterostructures with lower metal oxidation states and anionic vacancies exhibit exceptional Na+ storage performance (554.3 mA h g−1 after 1500 cycles at 5.0 A g−1). Both electrochemical tests and theoretical calculations demonstrate excellent pseudocapacitive behavior and enhanced Na+ adsorption during discharge because of anionic vacancies and Se doping. Additionally, introducing weaker Co-Se bonds and extending Co-S and Co-Se bonds reduce binding energies, which effectively accelerates the conversion reaction. Our findings provide a feasible way to rationally design and facilely prepare heterostructured anode materials with rich anionic vacancies for sodium-ion batteries.

ANALYSIS OF THE CONCLUSION OF THE PLENUM OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IN RELATION TO THE VIOLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION BY THE PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA AND INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE

From 2013 until the present, the dispute on the separation of competencies between the leaders of the state government has been ongoing in political life, as well as on an international scale in the field of foreign relations. The field of foreign relations is of national importance and is directly related to the state’s image and foreign policy. The conclusion of the international treaties, as well as the appointment of the ambassadors and representation of the state, has become the subject of dispute at various times. State representation by the President in foreign relations has led to a Constitutional Reference submitted by the Parliament of Georgia to the Constitutional Court of Georgia, alleging a violation of the Constitution by the President for the first time in the country’s history. As a result, according to the conclusion of the Constitutional Court of Georgia dated October 16, 2023, President Ms. Zurabishvili violated the Constitution of Georgia by exercising representation powers without the consent of the Government. Based on the above, this thesis will analyze the meaning of the representation power in foreign relations, the President’s constitutional status, and the President’s role in foreign relations, acting as the socalled “neutral arbitrator”. This thesis will include a discussion on the roles of the Parliament and the Constitutional Court of Georgia in the political-legal process of Presidential impeachment proceedings. It will also examine the conclusions and decisions of Constitutional Courts in various states regarding alleged constitutional violations by Presidents and disputes over competence.

Programming utopia: artificial intelligence, judgement, and the prospect of jurisgenesis

ABSTRACT There has been much handwringing about artificial intelligence’s application to law. Much of it regards AI’s potential incompatibility with restrictions on the unauthorized interpretation of law. However, the arguments commonly offered in defence of these restrictions fail to justify curtailing a technology that promises to narrow the ‘justice gap’ and deliver us to a more egalitarian future. Despite this failure, however, I contend that utopian visions of ‘robot lawyers’ nevertheless cast a dystopian shadow, as the increased use of AI encroaches on the space of human judgement. At stake in this encroachment, I contend, is the possibility of jurisgenesis, the interpretive activity by which law’s material power and normative meaning are bound. Preserving this possibility, I conclude, requires that discussions of law and AI must include not only scholars of law and of machine learning, but also humanists, who concern themselves with the connection between our law and our humanity.

Abstract PO-031: Systematic discovery of chemotherapy response biomarkers in Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas

Abstract Background. Identifying which patients will benefit from individual therapies remains a general challenge in oncology. Predictive biomarkers of drug sensitivity, when known, can increase the rate of success of trials, and allow stratification of patients for targeted combination therapies, as recent shown by the GUIDANCE-01 trial in Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas (PTCL) could particularly benefit from this approach, being heterogeneous diseases against which many therapies are active in unpredictable subsets of patients. A central challenge of biomarker discovery is finding true determinants of drug response, which may be multiple genes, among thousands of molecular features that may accidentally correlate. Here, we aim to mitigate this challenge by combining functional genetic screens and gene expression profiling in diverse PTCL cultures, to enable the systematic discovery of drug sensitivity biomarkers. Methods. To discover genes whose expression directly modifies drug sensitivity, we conducted genome-wide CRISPR screens with PTCL cells under treatment with five therapies with clinical activity in PTCL: Romidepsin, Pralatrexate, Gemcitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Bortezomib. To discover genes whose basal expression significantly correlates with specific drug sensitivities, we measured RNAseq and drug response functions for a diverse panel of 27 PTCL cultures. Genes in the intersection of both experiments are causally related to and correlate with drug responses in PTCL, and have the statistical benefit of detection by independent methods. Results. Functional genetic screens on therapy provided mechanistic insights for each drug of interest, and identified genes whose perturbation affects drug sensitivity. Whereas hundreds of genes nominally correlate with drug sensitivity in cell line panels, for each drug a shortlist of only 5 to 20 genes are both CRISPR hits and correlate with response across PTCL cultures. For each drug tested, multi-gene sensitivity scores constructed from hits stratify PTCL cultures into statistically distinct sensitive and non-sensitive subgroups (Mann Whitney P-Values <0.01). These genes’ relationships to drug mechanisms were often supported by prior studies, including functions in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and solute carriers required for cellular entry of specific therapies, such as SLC19A1 for Pralatrexate and SLC43A2 for Oxaliplatin. Conclusions. Combining functional genetic screens and correlative drug sensitivity measurements narrowed the search for predictive biomarkers of drug sensitivity, and may be a general means of refining biomarker hypotheses for validation in clinical datasets. Although chemotherapy sensitivity is commonly polygenic, multi-gene scores based on few mechanistically-related genes were able to significantly distinguish drug sensitive from resistant PTCLs. These approaches provide novel hypotheses for drug-gene relationships that may serve as the basis for molecular subtyping of individual lymphomas for precision regimens. Citation Format: Adam C Palmer, Jacob C Pantazis. Systematic discovery of chemotherapy response biomarkers in Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Meeting on Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2024 Jun 19-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-031.

Techno-Realism: Navigating New Challenges in the Contemporary Role of Technology in Politics

This paper aims to introduce a new theory, techno-realism, which is derived from political realism, to help comprehend the complex connections between technology and politics. According to techno-realism, technology serves as a means of power, with the innate drive for survival in human nature shaping the formation of identity. The research question at the core of this study revolves around the extent to which technology influences contemporary political science and whether it truly serves as a means of power. Three concepts are introduced: identity establishment, technology as the central source of power, and non-state actors in politics. The primary case study focuses on the complexity of the issue in Xinjiang, examining the application of cyberpolitics in the region. The second case study explores technology’s role in Indonesia’s political power struggle, as evidenced by its 2024 elections and the abuse of information and electronic transaction law effectiveness to control freedom of speech. Additionally, this paper introduces a case study on the Indo-Pacific regional power dynamics in confronting “digital authoritarianism”. This paper underscores the imperative for a new theoretical framework, adapted from political realism, which despite being subject to considerable criticism, has the potential for further development, placing technology at the core of analysis. Recognising the central roles of technology, identity formation, and non-state actors, techno-realism offers valuable insights for navigating complex political landscapes and informing strategic responses to emerging challenges. However, further research is needed to understand completely its applicability and limitations across different contexts, as demonstrated by the case studies presented in this paper.

UAV remote sensing monitoring of winter wheat tiller number based on vegetation pixel extraction and mixed-features selection

Tiller number serves as a crucial indicator of total yield in agriculture. Accurately monitoring tiller numbers is essential for guiding variable fertilization to optimize inputs and enhance final yields. Currently, most of the existing winter wheat tillering sensing monitoring methods cannot meet the three requirements of fast, accurate and efficient at the same time. In order to improve the monitoring accuracy and efficiency, this paper proposes a fast UAV remote sensing method for winter wheat tiller number estimation, combined with self-adaptive segmentation framework and multi-feature selection method. The self-adaptive segmentation framework is designed from the perspective of amplifying the difference of spectral information of ground objects. This framework fully considers the influence of complex environment, especially vegetation coverage, on parameter setting while using mathematical function means and polarization ideas. It aims to solve the problem of insufficient applicability of traditional segmentation methods under different environmental conditions. Subsequently, an optimized grey wolf search algorithm CMI-IGWO with multi-strategy fusion is proposed. Its novel evaluation criteria and iterative mechanism provide important algorithm support for the determination of the best inversion feature combination. The search algorithm combines statistics and information theory, comprehensively considers the linear and nonlinear relationships between variables, and guides the gray wolf to select the optimal features. Experiments show that the mixed features covering spectral, texture, color and shape information can make the final tiller number prediction model work best, achieving an R2 value exceeding 0.75. It affirms the efficacy and robustness of the proposed method in estimating winter wheat tiller numbers, providing valuable guidance for precise topdressing. This study provides a new feasible solution for predicting crop tiller number with high accuracy and efficiency using UAV remote sensing technology.

Association between frailty and meaning in life of older adults in nursing home: the mediating effect of psychological resilience

BackgroundMeaning in life is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being, often overlooked despite its clinical significance. This warrants further investigation, especially regarding its relationship with frailty and psychological resilience.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the status and relevance of frailty, psychological resilience, and meaning in life among older adults in Chinese nursing homes. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of psychological resilience between frailty and meaning in life, providing insights to improve the meaning in life for older adults in nursing homes.MethodsBetween August 2022 and November 2022, 302 older adults in Chinese nursing homes were selected using convenience sampling. The study utilized the Socio-demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Source of Meaning Scale for Older Adults. A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted, and SPSS 27.0 was employed for analyzing correlations between frailty, psychological resilience, and meaning in life. The mediating effect of psychological resilience was assessed using Model 4 in the Process plug-in.ResultsOlder adults in nursing homes exhibited a frailty total score of 4.00 (2.00, 5.00), with a prevalence of 28.5%. Psychological resilience scored 66.00 (51.75, 76.00), and meaning in life scored 149.00 (132.00, 158.25). Frailty showed a negative correlation with both meaning in life and psychological resilience, while meaning in life demonstrated a positive correlation with psychological resilience. Psychological resilience exhibited a partial mediating effect, accounting for 51.04% of the total effect between frailty and meaning in life.ConclusionFrailty incidence is high among older adults in nursing homes, with psychological resilience at a general level and meaning in life in the upper middle level. Psychological resilience plays a crucial role as a partial mediator between frailty and meaning in life. Timely assessment of frailty, targeted interventions, and improvements in psychological resilience are essential for enhancing the meaning in life and promoting successful aging.

High-Entropy Transition Metal Phosphorus Trichalcogenides for Rapid Sodium Ion Diffusion.

High-entropy strategies are regarded as a powerful means to enhance performance in energy storage fields. The improved properties are invariably ascribed to entropy stabilization or synergistic cocktail effect. Therefore, the manifested properties in such multicomponent materials are usually unpredictable. Elucidating the precise correlations between atomic structures and properties remains a challenge in high-entropy materials (HEMs). Herein, atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy annular dark field (STEM-ADF) imaging and four dimensions (4D)-STEM are combined to directly visualize atomic-scale structural and electric information in high-entropy FeMnNiVZnPS3. Aperiodic stacking is found in FeMnNiVZnPS3 accompanied by high-density strain soliton boundaries (SSBs). Theoretical calculation suggests that the formation of such structures is attributed to the imbalanced stress of distinct metal-sulfur bonds in FeMnNiVZnPS3. Interestingly, the electric field concentrates along the two sides of SSBs and gradually diminishes toward the two-dimensional (2D) plane to generate a unique electric field gradient, strongly promoting the ion-diffusion rate. Accordingly, high-entropy FeMnNiVZnPS3 demonstrates superior ion-diffusion coefficients of 10-9.7-10-8.3 cm2 s-1 and high-rate performance (311.5 mAh g-1 at 30 A g-1). This work provides an alternative way for the atomic-scale understanding and design of sophisticated HEMs, paving the way for property engineering in multi-component materials.

Exploring the Experience of Romantic Relationships and Sexuality Education in Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Young Individuals

AbstractPurpose The literature indicates that sexuality education provided in schools/colleges in the United Kingdom (UK) may not be appropriate for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There appears to be a lack of understanding of the subject regarding young people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a dual diagnosis (ASD co-occurring with ADHD). Research also suggests that compared to neurotypical peers, young people with ASD tend to receive less support on sexuality from their parents, who often feel that they lack the appropriate skills to help their children with some sex-related issues. Some young people with ASD and ADHD also report lacking an understanding of the social nuances of dating and intimacy, which is crucial for navigating romantic relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study explored sexuality education and romantic relationships in young people based on a semi-structured interview approach to the topic. Thematic Analysis (TA) was employed to analyze the data. Findings Six themes were developed from the participants’ narratives: Societal ideology about sexuality; Substandard school-based sexuality education; The role of adults in sexuality education; Pornography, as a very powerful alternative means of sexuality education; Young people and romance—a complicated world to navigate; Experience of abuse in the young neurodivergent population is a serious matter. Findings revealed that many neurodivergent and neurotypical young people received basic sex education in their schools/colleges and homes and encountered challenges navigating romantic relationships. Neurodivergent young people reported experiencing greater challenges related to their understanding of and building romantic relationships than their neurotypical peers. Originality/value To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first exploration of romantic relationships and sexuality education in neurotypical young people as well as three groups of neurodivergent young people (with ASD, ADHD, and ASD co-occurring with ADHD).

Networking for the turnaround of an underperforming school: understanding the role of multiple external providers in China

PurposeWhile recognizing networking as a powerful means of school turnaround, most studies focus on governments’ and schools’ roles in promoting collaborative turnaround rather than the complexity of external providers and their behaviors. This study explores multiple external providers’ complex roles in networked school turnaround.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative case study approach and collected data through document analysis, observation and interviews in a Shanghai public junior secondary school’s turnaround network.FindingsThis study revealed three patterns in external providers’ interactions with the school (direction leader, solution supplier and method instructor) corresponding to three types of external providers (universities, private enterprises and public institutions). While providing support at different levels (i.e. macro, meso and micro), different external providers shared common strategies for addressing policy requirements and school needs and co-constructing turnaround strategies.Originality/valueThis study offers new insights into external providers’ supporting roles in Chinese school turnaround and expands the scant international knowledge base on external providers in educational improvement.

Power Components Mean Values Determination Using New Ip-Iq Method for Transients

This paper deals with the quasi-instantaneous determination (in a single-step response time) of apparent, active, and reactive (i.e., blind and distortion) power mean values including the total power factor, total harmonic distortion, and phase shift of fundamentals of a power electronic and electrical system (PEES) using the ip-iq method, which is the main contribution of the paper. The power components’ mean values are investigated during the transient and steady states. The power components’ mean values can be determined directly from phase current and voltage quantities, using an integral calculus over one period within the next calculation step and using moving average and moving rms techniques (or digital filtering). Consequently, the power factor can be evaluated with known values of a phase shift of fundamentals (using a Fourier analysis). The results of this study show how a distortion power component during transients is generated even under a harmonic supply and linear resistive–inductive load. The paper contains a theoretical base, modeling, and simulation for the three and single phases of the transients in power electronic systems. The worked-out results can be used to determine and size any PES. The presented approach brings a detailed time waveform verified by simulations in Matlab/Simulink 2022a and the Real-time HW Simulator Plecs RT Box 1.

Different interpretations of sufficiency in climate-protection strategies: a typology based on 40 pioneering municipalities in Germany

Sufficiency is a crucial strategy for achieving climate targets by reducing energy and resource consumption in absolute terms through changed practices. While most climate-protection concepts focus almost exclusively on the technological strategies of efficiency and consistency (e.g., renewable energies), sufficiency is being increasingly considered in public policy as a social-organizational strategy, especially at the municipal level. However, given the diverse facets of this theoretical concept, the interpretations of the character of sufficiency vary widely. Using examples from the 40 German Masterplan municipalities, our qualitative study examines these different interpretations of sufficiency in municipal climate-protection concepts. In this study we analyze the general meaning and relevance of sufficiency in the concepts mentioned, work out the central dimensions of sufficiency and use them to distinguish between the different concepts, and present a typology, which allows the basic distinction between four municipal sufficiency types: technophiles, privatizers, vision builders, and frameworkers. The results show that sufficiency is gaining importance for municipal climate protection and can contribute to alternative future visions. However, sufficiency remains mostly subordinated to technological solutions and is hardly woven into the specific sectoral strategies and concrete measures. Furthermore, the transformative trajectories are limited through depoliticized understandings of sufficiency in many cases. We therefore argue for a more political, cross-sectoral, and transformative interpretation of sufficiency as a guiding principle in public climate policy that links tangible framework conditions for sufficiency practices with visions for alternative futures.

An innovative dry-lab test rig for mechanical-hydraulic power take-off of wave energy conversion system

A dry-lab test rig is a powerful means to reduce costs in the design process of a wave energy conversion system (WECs). A dry-lab test rig technique allows the use of real components inside a simulation of a mathematical model. This paper presents the development of an innovative dry-lab test rig for the mechanicalhydraulic power take-off (MHPTO) unit of WECs. The development of a drylab test rig of MHPTO involves several processes, such as three-dimension (3D) modelling, component purchasing, structure fabrication, component installation, and operational testing. The developed dry-lab test rig consists of two main parts, such as the simulated wave emulator plant and the real MHPTO unit plant. The simulated wave emulator plant was developed in this test rig to replicate the interaction motion between the ocean wave motion and the wave absorber device. The developed dry-lab test rig was tested using five different irregular wave input conditions to ensure it could perform under the five different wave input conditions. The overall results demonstrate that the developed dry-lab test rig was successfully performed in all sea states. From the results, the profile of electrical power produced by the real MHPTO unit can be clearly obtained in each sea state.

Reflexive Event-B: Semantics and Correctness the EB4EB Framework

The Event-B method enables correct by construction modeling of systems. It relies on set theory and first-order logic, to describe a series of refined system models expressed as a set of events modifying state variables. Invariants and theorems are introduced to express system properties submitted to the proof system associated with Event-B. While Event-B has proven its efficiency for the proof of this type of property, it does not offer powerful means allowing the explicit description of properties other than safety and specific forms of reachability. Checking other properties such as deadlock-freeness, liveness, or event scheduling requires ad hoc modeling techniques and external tools such as model checkers or other proof systems. This article presents <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">EB4EB</i> , a new modeling framework offering the capability to introduce formally defined Event-B extensions, in particular new proof obligations corresponding to new properties. It is based on metamodeling techniques. It includes a theory (a metatheory) modeling Event-B and offers means for explicit manipulation of Event-B features and an extension mechanism to explicitly formalize and prove other properties. This reflexive framework relies on a trace-based semantics of Event-B and introduces a set of Event-B theories defining data types, operators, well-defined conditions, theorems, and proof rules to define Event-B constructs and their semantics. Deep and shallow instantiation mechanisms are set up to instantiate the obtained metatheory. The EB4EB framework and its instantiation mechanisms are developed in Event-B using the Rodin platform ensuring correctness and internal consistency of the defined theories. Lamport's clock example, instantiating EB4EB in both shallow and deep mechanisms, is used to evaluate the proposed approach.