Robust Hybrid System Research Articles

Mechanical Performance of Puzzle-Shaped Shear Connectors Subjected to Fully Reversed Cyclic Stress

Recent innovations in composite dowels have led to the realization that robust hybrid systems can provide excellent strength and stiffness. In this contemporary era, puzzle-shaped and modified clothoid-shaped shear connectors are attracting interest, particularly in Europe. Their popularity stems from their outstanding shear capacities and their ease of manufacturing by virtue of having a single cutting line. Moreover, earlier studies based on pushout tests have proven this fact. Composite beams in buildings experience fully reversed cyclic stress between compression and tension during seismic events. When the concrete slab starts to crack under tensile stress, the shear capacity of the composite dowel can deteriorate considerably. Nevertheless, the influence of this cyclically applied stress on mechanical performance remains unclear. This study specifically examined puzzle-shaped shear connectors, with cyclic loading tests conducted using a component model of the composite beam, which can carry the various stress histories to the concrete slab. In all, findings obtained from 14 specimens with several influential factors clarified the cyclic behaviors and stress transfer mechanisms of puzzle-shaped shear connectors. Based on the experimentally obtained results, the applicability of existing evaluation equations was investigated with respect to the ultimate shear strength and shear force–slip displacement relation. Results indicate that those formulas overestimate the mechanical capacities of composite dowels under fully reversed cyclic stress. For that reason, this study has led to an evaluation formulation of mechanical performance that reflects the stress history effects. Ultimately, this study has proven that the proposed equations can assess the ultimate shear strength and shear force–slip displacement accurately while embracing simplicity.

Information gap decision theory with risk aversion strategy for robust planning of hybrid photovoltaic/wind/battery storage system in distribution networks considering uncertainty

In this paper, robust planning of hybrid photovoltaic/wind/battery storage (PV/WT/Battery) system is performed in the distribution network to minimize power losses cost, purchasing power cost from the hybrid system as well as purchasing power cost from the upstream network considering uncertainties of network demand and renewable generation using information gap decision theory (IGDT) based on risk aversion strategy (RAS). The decision variables are considered as the optimal installation location and capacity of the hybrid system components in the network as well as the uncertainty radius of the uncertain parameters, which is determined using the flow direction algorithm (FDA), which is inspired by the movement of surface water flow to the pond outlet. The planning problem is implemented with deterministic and robust-based IGDT approaches. The proposed methodology is performed on the IEEE 33- and 69-bus distribution networks. The deterministic results indicate that the optimal hybrid PV/WT/Battery system planning in the networks significantly reduces system costs by injecting the optimal renewable power into the network and the battery power reserve management. The better capability of the FDA in deterministic planning is confirmed compared to the particle swarm optimization (PSO), crow search algorithm (CSA), and moth-flame optimizer (MFO) in achieving lower system cost. Moreover, in the IGDT robust approach, the maximum uncertainty radius of the renewable generation and network load is determined for the different uncertainties budget. The IGDT effectiveness is proved compared with deterministic and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) methods. The total cost of the 33-bus network in deterministic, IGDT, and MCS is obtained at $ 17978.18, $ 20996.19, and $ 26178.02, respectively, and for the 69-bus network are achieved at $ 16846.26, $ 20215.39, and $ 20597.84, respectively. A comparison of the results showed that the MCS strongly depends on the defined scenarios, is very time-consuming, and is also not able to provide a level of cost assurance, the deterministic method is not able to determine the effect of uncertainties on system planning, but the IGDT can easily determine the cost of the system based on changes in uncertainty parameters. Also, planning based on the IGDT has resulted in the achievement of a robust hybrid system against forecasting errors caused by uncertainties.

Broadband photon–magnon coupling using arrays of photon resonators

We studied the broadband characteristics of photon–magnon coupling (PMC) between a yuttrium iron garnet (YIG) film and arrays of inverted split-ring resonators (ISRRs). To achieve photon–magnon interaction available in a wide frequency range, we optimized the geometries and dimensions of single ISRRs and their array structure by numerical simulations in order to manipulate the resonance frequencies, bandwidths, and signal gains. With those optimal ISRRs arrays, we then experimentally observed multiples of anti-crossing regions between the YIG's magnon mode and the coupled photon modes from |S21|-vs-frequency measurements under different strengths of externally applied static magnetic fields. It was found that the bandwidth of photon–magnon interaction increases up to Δƒ ∼ 2 GHz for the number of ISRRs with N = 4. On the basis of an electromagnetic classical model, we analytically derived coupling between a photon's multiple resonance modes and the magnon mode in broad-range frequencies, the data on which is in good agreement with the experimental observation of the anti-crossing dispersions of the ISRR–array–YIG hybrid. This robust hybrid system provides for more reliable control not only of multiples of photon and magnon couplings in a wide range of operating frequencies but also of the net coupling strength variable in the 30–90 MHz range at room temperature. This experimental finding reveals the potential for development of a new class of wideband resonators and offers guidelines for the optimal design of planar-geometry, broadband photon–magnon devices.

Identification of genes involved in male sterility in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) which could be used in a genic hybrid breeding system.

Wheat is grown on more land than any other crop in the world. Current estimates suggest that yields will have to increase sixty percent by 2050 to meet the demand of an ever‐increasing human population; however, recent wheat yield gains have lagged behind other major crops such as rice and maize. One of the reasons suggested for the lag in yield potential is the lack of a robust hybrid system to harness the potential yield gains associated with heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor. Here, we set out to identify candidate genes for a genic hybrid system in wheat and characterize their function in wheat using RNASeq on stamens and carpels undergoing meiosis. Twelve genes were identified as potentially playing a role in pollen viability. CalS5‐ and RPG1‐like genes were identified as pre‐ and post‐meiotic genes for further characterization and to determine their role in pollen viability. It appears that all three homoeologues of both CalS5 and RPG1 are functional in wheat as all three homoeologues need to be knocked out in order to cause male sterility. However, one functional homoeologue is sufficient to maintain male fertility in wheat.

Design of inorganic–organic hybrid photocatalytic systems for enhanced CO2 reduction under visible light

The photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to renewable hydrocarbon fuels by solar energy is important in solving both energy and environmental problems. In this study, highly robust hybrid systems (H-Bi2WO6/MnP, F-Bi2WO6/MnP, and T-Bi2WO6/MnP) for visible-light reduction of CO2 to CO were developed. A Mn complex was anchored to Bi2WO6 particles via bisphosphonate functional groups. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction with this catalytic system under visible-light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation was investigated. CO was the only product, i.e., no other products were detected in the present system. The addition of water or triethylamine significantly enhanced the CO2 conversion activity of the hybrid photocatalytic system. The addition of 25% (v/v) water enhanced the photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency of H-Bi2WO6/MnP. A turnover number of 301 for 8 h was achieved, compared with 255 for F-Bi2WO6/MnP and 212 for T-Bi2WO6/MnP. The Mn complex played an important role in achieving highly selective conversion of CO2 to CO. A possible mechanism, namely a “Z-scheme”, for CO2 reduction is proposed. These results confirm that the H-Bi2WO6 semiconductor is an essential component in our heterogeneous hybrid system. It effectively acts as a photosensitizer, an electron reservoir, and an electron transport mediator.

A systematic approach of bottom-up assessment methodology for an optimal design of hybrid solar/wind energy resources – Case study at middle east region

In the current study, an algorithm-based data processing, sizing, optimization, sensitivity analysis and clustering approach (DaSOSaCa) is proposed as an efficient simultaneous solar/wind assessment methodology. Accordingly, data processing is performed to obtain reliable high quality meteorological data among various datasets, which are used for hybrid photovoltaic/wind turbine/storage/converter system optimal design for consequent sites in a large region. The optimal hybrid systems are consequently simulated to meet hourly power demand in various sites. The solar/wind fraction and net present cost of the systems are then used as the technical and economic clustering variables, respectively. The clustering results are finally used as input to obtain novel hybrid solar/wind GIS maps. Iran is selected as the case study to validate the proposed methodology and detail its applicability. Ten minute annual global horizontal radiation, wind speed, and temperature data are analyzed, and the optimal, robust hybrid systems are simulated for various sites in order to classify the country. The generated GIS maps show that Iran can be efficiently clustered into four technical and five economic clusters under optimal conditions. The clustering results prove that Iran is mainly a solar country with approximately 74% solar power fraction under optimum conditions. A macroeconomic evaluation using DaSOSaCa also reveals that the nominal discount rate is recommended to be greater than 20% considering the current economic situation for the renewable energy sector in Iran. An environmental analysis results show that an average 106.68tonCO2-eq/year is produced for such hybrid systems application in Iran during a cradle to grave life cycle. Thus, Iran energy sector can be eminently promoted to an environmentally efficient stage with regard to the proposed classification plan and economic considerations.

Highly Robust Hybrid Photocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Reduction: Tuning and Optimization of Catalytic Activities of Dye/TiO2/Re(I) Organic–Inorganic Ternary Systems

Herein we report a detailed investigation of a highly robust hybrid system (sensitizer/TiO2/catalyst) for the visible-light reduction of CO2 to CO; the system comprises 5'-(4-[bis(4-methoxymethylphenyl)amino]phenyl-2,2'-dithiophen-5-yl)cyanoacrylic acid as the sensitizer and (4,4'-bis(methylphosphonic acid)-2,2'-bipyridine)Re(I)(CO)3Cl as the catalyst, both of which have been anchored on three different types of TiO2 particles (s-TiO2, h-TiO2, d-TiO2). It was found that remarkable enhancements in the CO2 conversion activity of the hybrid photocatalytic system can be achieved by addition of water or such other additives as Li(+), Na(+), and TEOA. The photocatalytic CO2 reduction efficiency was enhanced by approximately 300% upon addition of 3% (v/v) H2O, giving a turnover number of ≥570 for 30 h. A series of Mott-Schottky (MS) analyses on nanoparticle TiO2 films demonstrated that the flat-band potential (V(fb)) of TiO2 in dry DMF is substantially negative but positively shifts to considerable degrees in the presence of water or Li(+), indicating that the enhancement effects of the additives on the catalytic activity should mainly arise from optimal alignment of the TiO2 V(fb) with respect to the excited-state oxidation potential of the sensitizer and the reduction potential of the catalyst in our ternary system. The present results confirm that the TiO2 semiconductor in our heterogeneous hybrid system is an essential component that can effectively work as an electron reservoir and as an electron transporting mediator to play essential roles in the persistent photocatalysis activity of the hybrid system in the selective reduction of CO2 to CO.

Slow translocation of polynucleotides and their discrimination by α-hemolysin inside a single track-etched nanopore designed by atomic layer deposition

We report the formation of a hybrid biological/artificial nanopore by the direct insertion of non-modified α-hemolysin at the entrance of a high aspect ratio (length/diameter) biomimetic nanopore. In this robust hybrid system, the protein exhibits the same polynucleotide discrimination properties as in the biological membrane and the polynucleotide dwell time is strongly increased. This nanopore is very promising for DNA sequencing applications where the high DNA translocation velocity and the fragility of the support are the main bottlenecks.

Hand Written Bangla Numerals Recognition for Automated Postal System

Recognition of handwritten Bangla numerals finds numerous applications in postal system automation, passports and document analysis and even for number plate identification. However, the recognition rate requires high and reliable accuracy for practical applications. This paper delineate a robust hybrid system for recognition of handwritten Bangla numerals for the automated postal system, which performed feature extraction using k-means clustering, Baye's theorem and Maximum a Posteriori, then the recognition is performed using Support Vector Machine . Recognition of handwritten numerals, such as postal codes, reveal all kinds of local and global deformations: distortions, different writing styles, thickness variations, wide variety of scales, limited amount of rotation, added noise, occlusion and missing parts. This paper shows that the proposed method is better than other system. Keywords - K-means clustering, Bayes' theorem, MAP, PCA, SVM and OCR.

Hybrid Biological/Solid-State Nanopores

Biomolecular translocation through the bacterial nanopore α hemolysin (αHL) has been suggested as a possible platform for next generation sequencing technology. In this method, a single protein pore is inserted in an otherwise impermeable lipid membrane and an applied electric field is used to drive charged biomolecules like DNA through it. Information like nucleotide sequence could then conceivably be read from the molecule as it translocates linearly to the other side. One challenge to the incorporation of this system into wafer-scale device architectures, however, is its reliance on a delicate lipid bilayer for mechanical support. The solid-state (SS) nanopore- composed of a single, fabricated aperture in a thin, solid-state membrane- offers a potential solution with demonstrated durability and integration potential. But, this system lacks the atomically resolved interior structure and genetic engineering ability of the protein pore. Here we present a potential solution that consists of a combination of the two systems, wherein a single αHL protein pore is inserted directly into a SS nanopore with orientation control, yielding a robust hybrid system.

Antioxidant Nanoreactor Based on Superoxide Dismutase Encapsulated in Superoxide-Permeable Vesicles

We designed and tested an antioxidant nanoreactor based on encapsulation of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase in amphiphilic copolymer nanovesicles, the membranes of which are oxygen permeable. The nanovesicles, made of poly(2-methyloxazoline)-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(2-methyloxazoline), successfully encapsulated the protein during their self-assembling process, as proved by confocal laser-scanning microscopy and fluorescence-correlation spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and circular dichroism analyses showed that no structural changes appeared in the protein molecules once inside the inner space of the nanovesicles. The function of this antioxidant nanoreactor was tested by pulse radiolysis, which demonstrated that superoxide dismutase remains active inside the nanovesicles and detoxifies the superoxide radical in situ. The membrane of our triblock copolymer nanovesicles plays a double role, both to shield the sensitive protein and to selectively let superoxide and dioxygen penetrate to its inner space. This simple and robust hybrid system provides a selective shielding of sensitive enzymes from proteolytic attack and therefore a new direction for developing drug delivery applications.