Comparisons of the execution times and memory requirements for high-speed discrete fourier transforms and fast fourier transforms, for the measurement of AC power harmonics

Conventional wisdom dictates that a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) will be a more computationally effective method for measuring multiple harmonics than a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) approach. However, in this paper it is shown that carefully coded discrete transforms which distribute their computational load over many frames can be made to produce results in shorter execution times than the FFT approach, even for large number of harmonic measurement frequencies. This is because the execution time of the presented DFT actually rises with N and not the classical N2 value, while the execution time of the FFT rises with Nlog2N

Evolution of Music by Public Choice

Music evolves as composers, performers, and consumers favor some musical variants over others. To investigate the role of consumer selection, we constructed a Darwinian music engine consisting of a population of short audio loops that sexually reproduce and mutate. This population evolved for 2,513 generations under the selective influence of 6,931 consumers who rated the loops’ aesthetic qualities. We found that the loops quickly evolved into music attributable, in part, to the evolution of aesthetically pleasing chords and rhythms. Later, however, evolution slowed. Applying the Price equation, a general description of evolutionary processes, we found that this stasis was mostly attributable to a decrease in the fidelity of transmission. Our experiment shows how cultural dynamics can be explained in terms of competing evolutionary forces

A REVIEW AND EVALUATION OF WEATHER-CROP YIELD MODELS

The purpose of this paper is the relatively limited one of reviewing the literature for models which develop specific relationships between climatic variables and crop yields. Following a review of recent weather-crop yield modeling efforts we evaluate these models and suggest some conceptual models and data base improvements if we are to adequately project the impacts on crop production of expected future climatic change. Our review and evaluation centers on weather-crop yield models applicable to the central grain belt of the U.S., mainly the Corn Belt and Great Plains production regions.Crop Production/Industries,

Benchmarking and optimisation of Simulink code using Real-Time Workshop and Embedded Coder for inverter and microgrid control applications

When creating software for a new power systems control or protection device, the use of auto-generated C code via MATLAB Simulink Real-Time Workshop and Embedded Coder toolboxes can be a sensible alternative to hand written C code. This approach offers the benefits of a simulation environment, platform independence and robust code. This paper briefly summarises recent experiences with this coding process including the pros and cons of such an approach. Extensive benchmarking activities are presented, together with descriptions of simple (but non-obvious) optimisations made as a result of the benchmarking. Examples include replacement of certain Simulink blocks with seemingly more complex blocks which execute faster. "S functions" are also designed for certain key algorithms. These must be fully "in-lined" to obtain the best speed performance. Together, these optimisations can lead to an increase in execution speed of more than 1.4x in a large piece of auto-generated C code. An example is presented, which carries out Fourier analysis of 3 signals at a common (variable) frequency. The overall speed improvement relative to the baseline is 2.3x, of which more than 1.4x is due to non-obvious improvements resulting from benchmarking activities. Such execution speed improvements allow higher frame rates or larger algorithms within inverters, drives, protection and control applications

Integration of a mean-torque diesel engine model into a hardware-in-the-loop shipboard network simulation using lambda tuning

This study describes the creation of a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environment for use in evaluating network architecture, control concepts and equipment for use within marine electrical systems. The environment allows a scaled hardware network to be connected to a simulation of a multi-megawatt marine diesel prime mover, coupled via a synchronous generator. This allows All-Electric marine scenarios to be investigated without large-scale hardware trials. The method of closing the loop between simulation and hardware is described, with particular reference to the control of the laboratory synchronous machine, which represents the simulated generator(s). The fidelity of the HIL simulation is progressively improved in this study. First, a faster and more powerful field drive is implemented to improve voltage tracking. Second, the phase tracking is improved by using two nested proportional–integral–derivative–acceleration controllers for torque control, tuned using lambda tuning. The HIL environment is tested using a scenario involving a large constant-power load step. This provides a very severe test of the HIL environment, and also reveals the potentially adverse effects of constant-power loads within marine power systems

Ductile mandrel and parting compound facilitate tube drawing

Refractory tubing is warm drawn over a solid ductile mandrel with a powder parting compound packed between mandrel and the tubes inner surface. This method applies also to the coextrusion of a billet and a ductile mandrel

ALTERNATIVES FOR FINANCING MUNICIPAL SERVICES: THE CASE OF UNIT-PRICED TRASH DISPOSAL

New policy is being developed that incorporates not only innovative means of disposal, including the integration of source reduction and recycling, but also innovative approaches to funding disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). This study was conducted to determine if a higher marginal price for MSW disposal affected per capita waste generation in New Hampshire towns, how the existence of a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program influenced per capita MSW generation, and to attempt to determine which towns were most likely to adopt a PAYT program in the future. The results showed that average household size, existence of a capital improvement plan, and marginal price to dispose of waste were statistically significant influences, regardless of the variation of price in the PAYT program. Towns with PAYT programs currently being implemented produce 0.18 tons of MSW less waste per capita per year than towns without PAYT programs.Public Economics,

Nomenclature for naming loci, alleles, linkage groups and chromosomes to be used in poultry genome publications and databases

International audienc

Quantum hierarchic models for information processing

Both classical and quantum computations operate with the registers of bits. At nanometer scale the quantum fluctuations at the position of a given bit, say, a quantum dot, not only lead to the decoherence of quantum state of this bit, but also affect the quantum states of the neighboring bits, and therefore affect the state of the whole register. That is why the requirement of reliable separate access to each bit poses the limit on miniaturization, i.e, constrains the memory capacity and the speed of computation. In the present paper we suggest an algorithmic way to tackle the problem of constructing reliable and compact registers of quantum bits. We suggest to access the states of quantum register hierarchically, descending from the state of the whole register to the states of its parts. Our method is similar to quantum wavelet transform, and can be applied to information compression, quantum memory, quantum computations.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX, 1 eps figur