Analysis of the dynamic performance of self-excited induction generators employed in renewable energy generation

Incentives, such as the Feed-in-tariff are expected to lead to continuous increase in the deployment of Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) in the distribution network. Self-Excited Induction Generators (SEIG) represent a significant segment of potential SSEG. The quality of SEIG output voltage magnitude and frequency is investigated in this paper to support the SEIG operation for different network operating conditions. The dynamic behaviour of the SEIG resulting from disconnection, reconnection from/to the grid and potential operation in islanding mode is studied in detail. The local load and reactive power supply are the key factors that determine the SEIG performance, as they have significant influence on the voltage and frequency change after disconnection from the grid. Hence, the aim of this work is to identify the optimum combination of the reactive power supply (essential for self excitation of the SEIG) and the active load (essential for balancing power generation and demand). This is required in order to support the SEIG operation after disconnection from the grid, during islanding and reconnection to the grid. The results show that the generator voltage and speed (frequency) can be controlled and maintained within the statuary limits. This will enable safe disconnection and reconnection of the SEIG from/to the grid and makes it easier to operate in islanding mode

[The In Vitro Rumen Fermentability on the Processed Vegetable Waste]

This experiment was objected to study the in vitro rumen fermentability on the processed vegetable waste. The study was accomplished by two experiments. The first experiment was aimed to select the best processing for vegetable waste. The vegetable wastes from a traditional market in Semarang City were fermented using Lactobacillus bulgaricus and rumen bolus with cassava waste, rice bran, and maize grain as additives. In each combined treatment of innoculant and additive was fermented in anaerob conditon for 0, 1, 2, and 3 weeks, respectively. In each combined treatment of innoculant, additive, and fermentation time was analyzed for its moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content. Among the combined treatments were then selected the best processing for vegetable waste ac-cording to the use of L. bulgaricus and rumen bolus, respectively. The selection was determined on the basis of a numerical score for each parameter observed. The results showed that the combination of rice bran of additive and one week of fermentation was the best for fermentation using L. bulgaricus (SSLB). Likewise, the the combination of rice bran of additive and two weeks of fermentation was the best for fermentation using rumen bolus (SSBR). In the second experiment, the processed vegetable wastes from the result of first experiment (SSLB and SSBR) were compared to Pennisetum purpureum (RG), unprocessed vegetable waste from the garbage collecting terminal in Semarang City (SSTPA), and unprocessed vegetable waste from traditional market (SSPT) on the basis of their in vitro rumen fermentability. Parameters of the in vitro rumen fermentability were dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility, rumen production of VFA and N-NH 3 . The test of in vitro rumen fermentability was conducted using cattle rumen liquid and artificial saliva. The results showed that the DM and OM digestibility of RG was lower (P<0,05) than that of SSPT, but there was no siginificant different among SSTPA, SSLB, and RG in their DM and OM digestibility. The in vitro rumen VFA production among RG, SSTPA, SSLB, and SSBR were not different significantly. The in vitro rumen VFA production of SSPT was higher (P<0,05) than that of RG, SSTPA, SSLB, and SSBR. The in vitro rumen NH 3 production among SSPT, SSLB, and SSBR were not different significantly. The in vitro rumen NH 3 production of RG and SSTPA were lower (P<0,05) than that of SSPT, SSLB, and SSBR. The fermen-tation using L.bulgaricus with rice bran for one week was appropriate in processing the vegetable waste. The results could be utilized for further study focusing on the substitution of Pennisetum purpureum with the processed vegetable waste in a ruminant ration. Keywords : processing, vegetable waste, rumen, in vitr

Binding mode of the activity-modulating C-terminal segment of NS2B to NS3 in the dengue virus NS2B–NS3 protease

The two-component dengue virus NS2B–NS3 protease (NS2B–NS3pro) is an established drug target but inhibitor design is hampered by uncertainties about its 3D structure in solution. Crystal structures reported very different conformations for the functionally important C-terminal segment of the NS2B cofactor (NS2Bc), indicating open and closed conformations in the absence and presence of inhibitors, respectively. An earlier NMR study in solution indicated that a closed state is the preferred conformation in the absence of an artificial linker engineered between NS2B and NS3pro. To obtain direct structural information on the fold of unlinked NS2B–NS3pro in solution, we tagged NS3pro with paramagnetic tags and measured pseudocontact shifts by NMR to position NS2Bc relative to NS3pro. NS2Bc was found to bind to NS3pro in the same way as reported in a previously published model and crystal structure of the closed state. The structure is destabilized, however, by high ionic strength and basic pH, showing the importance of electrostatic forces to tie NS2Bc to NS3pro. Narrow NMR signals previously thought to represent the open state are associated with protein degradation. In conclusion, the closed conformation of the NS2B–NS3 protease is the best model for structure-guided drug design

A prática esportiva continuada a partir de um evento de extensão Voltado aos servidores da Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Trabalho apresentado no 31º SEURS - Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul, realizado em Florianópolis, SC, no período de 04 a 07 de agosto de 2013 - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.Os Jogos dos Servidores da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) – JOSUEM – são realizados anualmente pela Coordenadoria de Desportos e Recreação (CDR). Seu objetivo é despertar nos servidores o interesse e gosto pela prática esportiva sistemática e contínua, bem como realizar um congraçamento entre os servidores dos diversos setores e campi da Universidade. Nesse ano, em sua 23ª edição, os Jogos apresentam uma novidade importante em sua organização. Ao invés de serem realizados de maneira pontual, durante um único mês, os JOSUEM a partir do ano de 2013 passaram a ter um caráter permanente, ou seja, são disputados no decorrer de todo o ano. Até o momento podemos observar um maior envolvimento, participação e engajamento dos servidores a partir desse novo modelo de prática esportiva continuada

Synthesis, biological evaluation, and utility of fluorescent ligands targeting the μ-opioid receptor

Fluorescently labeled ligands are useful pharmacological research tools for studying receptor localization, trafficking, and signaling processes via fluorescence imaging. They are also employed in fluorescent binding assays. This study is centered on the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of fluorescent probes for the opioid receptors, for which relatively few non-peptidic fluorescent probes currently exist. The known μ-opioid receptor (MOR) partial agonist, buprenorphine, was structurally elaborated to include an amidoalkylamine linker moiety that was coupled with a range of fluorophores to afford new fluorescent probes. All compounds proved to be selective MOR antagonists. Confocal fluorescence microscopy studies revealed that the probe incorporating a sulfonated cyanine-5 fluorophore was the most appropriate for imaging studies. This ligand was subsequently employed in an automated fluorescence-based competition binding assay, allowing the pKi values of several well-known opioid ligands to be determined. Thus, this new probe will prove useful in future studies of MOR receptor pharmacology

Integral membrane protein structure determination using pseudocontact shifts.

Obtaining enough experimental restraints can be a limiting factor in the NMR structure determination of larger proteins. This is particularly the case for large assemblies such as membrane proteins that have been solubilized in a membrane-mimicking environment. Whilst in such cases extensive deuteration strategies are regularly utilised with the aim to improve the spectral quality, these schemes often limit the number of NOEs obtainable, making complementary strategies highly beneficial for successful structure elucidation. Recently, lanthanide-induced pseudocontact shifts (PCSs) have been established as a structural tool for globular proteins. Here, we demonstrate that a PCS-based approach can be successfully applied for the structure determination of integral membrane proteins. Using the 7TM α-helical microbial receptor pSRII, we show that PCS-derived restraints from lanthanide binding tags attached to four different positions of the protein facilitate the backbone structure determination when combined with a limited set of NOEs. In contrast, the same set of NOEs fails to determine the correct 3D fold. The latter situation is frequently encountered in polytopical α-helical membrane proteins and a PCS approach is thus suitable even for this particularly challenging class of membrane proteins. The ease of measuring PCSs makes this an attractive route for structure determination of large membrane proteins in general.This work was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council BBSRC [BB/K01983X/1].This paper was originally published in the Journal of Bimolecular NMR (Crick DJ, Wang JX, Graham B, Swarbrick JD, Mott HR, Nietlispach D, Journal of Biomolecular NMR 2015, doi:10.1007/s10858-015-9899-6)

Common ground

This project explores the potentials for landscape architects to work with public leisure space to promote socio-spatial integration. In order to explore this topic, the project aims to propose a site approach for promoting sociospatial integration through cross-group interactions in public leisure space. Through a literature review, this project finds that cross-group interactions in public leisure space can be considered a powerful tool for increasing socio-spatial integration. The literature indicates that this process decreases social divide by strengthening mental bonds, sense of belonging and psychological well-being. Furthermore, several theoretical approaches for promoting cross-group interactions through the physical configuration of public space are found in the literature review. These findings are synthesized into a matrix of socio-spatial design principles (SDP), which functions as a theoretical framework for the Common Ground approach. Most knowledge found through the literature review on how public leisure space can promote socio-spatial integration were tangible enough to fit into the design principles of the SDP. However, some found theories also pertain to the process of producing space for socio-spatial integration. Based on this knowledge, a process-oriented step focusing on public participation and engaged action was created within the approach, called Participatory prototyping. In this step, prototypes in scale 1:1 of certain design elements are placed on site to create discussion, social engagement and a spatial understanding of the design proposal. In order to practically apply and synthesize different theories found in the literature review, the Common Ground approach was created within this project combining theory, analysis and public participation to read, understand and design public leisure spaces. The purpose of using the approach is to promote cross-group interactions and socio-spatial integration. The five steps of the Common Ground approach are: 1) Site portrait, 2) Socio-spatial site analysis, 3) Design, 4) Participatory prototyping, 5) Adaptions. This project evaluates the Common Ground approach by testing it in Ögårdsparken, Malmö. The SDP was used throughout the approach for reading and designing the site. For example, the socio-spatial site analyses in step 2 provided a social interpretation of the park's spatial configuration. The analyses were in line with descriptions about social use in the park given by park visitors and experts, indicating that the SDP was a productive tool for interpreting socio-spatial tendencies in public leisure space. Site users' reflections on how to promote cross-group interactions in the park strongly correlated with findings from the SDP, indicating that the matrix may have practical applications. Furthermore, Participatory prototyping in scale 1:1 proved an efficient way to create social engagement and cross-group interactions on site, in addition to gathering insights about the project. By synthesizing knowledge found through all steps of the approach, a final proposal for the park could be produced. The Common Ground approach was used to read, engage and design Ögårdsparken for socio-spatial integration. In addition to a all steps informing a design proposal for increased socio-spatial integration, performing the approach in Ögårdsparken resulted in knowledge about the site's socio-spatial qualities through applying the SDP and social engagment from many user groups through the method Participatory prototying. As such, this project finds the approach to be a productive way to promote socio-spatial integration and cross-group interactions on site. Future applications and adjustments to the approach may illuminate more ways to work towards this goal

Preparing to work in level 2 BIM: an innovative approach to a training and educational need

The well-known (probably the best known) objective of the UK Government’s 2011 Construction Strategy was for ‘fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016’. This deadline has passed, and a number of reports have followed, commenting on how far the construction industry has progressed in its response. It is clear that some organisations consider themselves to be well-advanced in terms of their digital capabilities, whilst others lag behind. What should be remembered though, is that meeting this objective is not only about the software capabilities of individuals and their firms, but about BIM collaboration within projects. The paper outlines an innovative training offering that prepares project teams for working in such an environment. Virtual Project is a structured 3-day course that offers, to senior and middle management, the experience of multi-disciplinary collaboration, exploring as the ‘8 pillars’ of guidance for working at Level 2 BIM and experiencing some of the available technology for the design, construction and operation of built assets. Case studies are presented that illustrate the development of Virtual Project and responses from the participants, and the outcomes are mapped against the UK Government’s Learning Outcomes Framework, as well as the published work of the BIM Academic Forum. There are reflections on the challenges encountered, such as running the course overseas, and opportunities, such as its delivery in an e-learning environment

Social integration genom meningsfulla möten i det offentliga rummet

Denna uppsats undersöker huvudsakligen hur Malmö Stad arbetar med det offentliga rummet för att främja meningsfulla möten och social integration. Genom en dokumentstudie och intervju med respondent från organisationen söktes svar på uppsatsens frågeställning. Uppsatsens teoretiska ramverk består av en litteraturstudie och presenterar teorier kring det offentliga rummet, social integration och meningsfulla möten. I teoridelen presenteras även strategier som påfunnits i litteraturstudien för att främja social integration och meningsfulla möten i det offentliga rummet. Det teoretiska ramverket användes för att analysera Malmö Stads arbete med det offentliga rummet. För att besvara frågeställningen ”Hur arbetar Malmö Stad med det offentliga rummet för att främja meningsfulla möten och social integration?” presenteras i resultatdelen hur Malmö Stad ser på möten i det offentliga rummet. Därefter presenteras påfunna strategier i arbetet med det offentliga rummet för att främja meningsfulla möten och social integration. Resultatet visar att Malmö Stad arbetar med det offentliga rummet på flera olika sätt för att främja meningsfulla möten och social integration. Angående utformningen av stadens offentliga rum pekar resultaten på att Malmö Stads förhoppning är att dessa ska stimulera delaktighet, demokrati och möten mellan olika människor. Resultatet av undersökningen pekar även bland annat på att det är det offentliga rummets tillitsskapande potential som är centralt för att främja social integration enligt organisationen. Vidare har ett antal strategier som används av Malmö Stad i arbetet för att främja social integration och meningsfulla möten i det offentliga rummet påfunnits i resultatet. Dessa sammanfattas i listform nedan: -Att utforma och planera platser för gemensam aktivitet -Att fokusera på bekväma platser i gestaltningsprocessen som möjliggör gemensam identitet -Att planera och utforma det offentliga rummet för att länka samman olika delar av staden. -Att genom uppsikt, livfullhet och tydliga territoriella markörer, skapa en känsla av trygghet i det offentliga rummet -Att använda sig av medborgarsamverkan i skapandeprocessen -Att utforma flexibla eller löst programmerade platser för olika behov och intressen -Att satsa på grön- och parkområden i stadens fortsatta utvecklingsprocess Sammanfattningsvis besvarades uppsatsen frågeställning ”Hur arbetar Malmö Stad med det offentliga rummet för att främja meningsfulla möten och social integration?” genom en empirisk undersökning som analyserades med hjälp av teoretiska resonemang. Stadens fortsatta arbete med det offentliga rummet kan eventuellt stärkas av att utnyttja den teori som uppsatsen presenterar. Vidare kan Malmö Stads arbete bidra till en allmän större förståelse för hur möten som främjar social integration kan möjliggöras med hjälp av det offentliga rummet.This paper’s principal goal is to study in which ways the City of Malmö works with public space to facilitate meaningful contact and social integration. This goal was achieved by conducting a study of the city’s official documents and performing an interview with a respondent from the municipal organization. Theories concerning public space, social integration, meaningful contact and strategies using the public space to facilitate meaningful contact and social integration were collected through a literature review. These theories were later used to analyze the City of Malmö’s work with public space. In order to answer the paper’s main question “How does the City of Malmö work with public space to facilitate meaningful contact and social integration?” in a structured way, the result of the study is divided into subcategories. Firstly, the organization’s views on public space, social integration and meaningful contact is presented. Thereafter the study goes on to present strategies for facilitating meaningful contact and social integration through public space which were encountered through the study. The results show that the City of Malmö works with public space to facilitate meaningful contact and social integration in a range of ways. The results indicate that Malmös public spaces are meant to inspire participation, democracy and interactions between different people. Furthermore, the results show that “trust-building” is a central way in which public space is thought to facilitate social integration according to the City of Malmö. A number of strategies used by the municipality to facilitate social integration and meaningful contact through public space were also discovered: -To plan and design spaces for shared activities -The use of comfortable places that facilitate the construction of a shared identity -To plan and shape the public space in a way that links different parts of the city. -To strive for visibility, liveliness and clear territorial markers as a way of creating security in the public space. -To use public participation in the design process. -To create flexible or loosely programmed places to accommodate different needs and interests. -To focus on parks and green areas in the city’s development process. In conclusion, the paper’s main question “How does the City of Malmö work with public space to facilitate meaningful contact and social integration?” was answered through analyzing an empirical study by comparison with the paper’s literature review. The theory presented in this paper may possibly contribute to further strengthening the City of Malmö’s continued work with public space. Furthermore, the organization’s work may contribute to a better general understanding for how meaningful contact that contributes social integration can be made possible through use of public space

To what extent does the knowledge gap between client’s expectations and project construction team deliverables adversely impact commercial (Office Buildings) BIM projects?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an evaluation methodology that has the potential to achieve an adequate communication of information between different construction project stakeholders and clients. Due to the amount of information involved in construction projects and the requirement in control of time, cost and waste, BIM can be perceived as a future-proofed design, construction and Facilities Management (FM) process. Having been involved in various projects working to Level 2 BIM standards over the past 3 years the author has seen a gap in terms of client’s expectations of BIM deliverables and those which are actually produce by the project teams. This is most evident during the building to operations phase at project handover. A better way of communicating the BIM process to client should be implemented, exploiting its full potential, not only through the duration of design and construction phase of the building, but more importantly for the operation and maintenance of the building assets following handover to the client. Literature review was conducted investigating the gaps in communication and client and design and construction team stakeholder perspectives on the BIM process. A prototype solution, aiming to help and bridge the communication gap was derived. The objective of this research, which involved literature review, stakeholder interviews and proposed focus group discussions was to develop a prototype solution with the aim of helping to bridge the gap between client expectations and project team delivery