Methodology for the evaluation of resilience of ICT systems for smart distribution grids

Ensuring resilient operation and control of smart grids is fundamental for empowering their deployment, but challenging at the same time. Accordingly, this study proposes a novel methodology for evaluating resilience of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems for smart distribution grids. Analysing how the system behaves under changing operating conditions a power system perspective allows to understand how resilient the smart distribution grid is, but the resilience of the ICT system in charge of its operation affects the overall performance of the system and does, therefore, condition its resilience. With the aim of systematising the evaluation of ICT systems’ resilience, this study proposes to combine a standardized modelling of Smart Grids, the Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM), with a data structured diagram, the Entity Relationship Model (ERM). The architecture of smart distribution grids is analysed through SGAM. Then, their technical characteristics and functionalities are defined and represented in a ERM diagram. Finally, the attributes or properties of the system components are used to formulate resilience indicators against different types of disturbances. This methodology is then applied to analyse the resilience of a ICT platform being developed in EMPOWER H2020 project.Postprint (published version

Oxidative stress in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: player and/or early predictor for disease progression?

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), caused by mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 genes, is the most common hereditary renal disease. Renal manifestations of ADPKD are gradual cyst development and kidney enlargement ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. ADPKD also causes extrarenal manifestations, including endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Both of these complications are linked with reduced nitric oxide levels related to excessive oxidative stress (OS). OS, defined as disturbances in the prooxidant/antioxidant balance, is harmful to cells due to the excessive generation of highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen free radicals. Next to endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, there is cumulative evidence that OS occurs in the early stages of ADPKD. In the current review, we aim to summarize the cardiovascular complications and the relevance of OS in ADPKD and, more specifically, in the early stages of the disease. First, we will briefly introduce the link between ADPKD and the early cardiovascular complications including hypertension. Secondly, we will describe the potential role of OS in the early stages of ADPKD and its possible importance beyond the chronic kidney disease (CKD) effect. Finally, we will discuss some pharmacological agents capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and OS, which might represent potential treatment targets for ADPKD

Thermostatted dual-channel portable capillary electrophoresis instrument

A new portable CE instrument is presented. The instrument features the concurrent separation of anions and cations in parallel channels. Each channel has a separate buffer container to allow independent optimization of separation conditions. The microfluidics circuit is based on off-the-shelf parts, and can be easily replicated; only four valves are present in the design. The system employs a miniature automated syringe pump, which can apply both positive and negative pressures (-100 to 800 kPa). The application of negative pressure allows a semi-automatic mode of operation for introducing volume-limited samples. The separations are performed in a thermostatted compartment for improved reproducibility in field conditions. The instrument has a compact design, with all components, save for batteries and power supplies, arranged in a briefcase with dimensions of 52 x 34 x 18 cm and a weight of less than 15 kg. The system runs automatically and is controlled by a purpose-made graphical user interface on a connected computer. For demonstration, the system was successfully employed for the concurrent separation and analysis of inorganic cations and anions in sediment porewater samples from Lake Baldegg in Switzerland and of metal ions in a sample from the tailing pond of an abandoned mine in Argentina

Fouilles archéologiques sur le site de l'ancien Parking 58-Bruxelles : premiers résultats

Fouilles archéologiques sur le site de l’ancien Parking 58 - Bruxelles Premiers résultat

Contactless conductivity detection for analytical techniques Developments from 2014 to 2016

The development of capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection for the two-year period from mid-2014 to mid-2016 is covered in this review. This includes a survey of fundamental studies and further developments of the measuring technique reported as well as a discussion of new applications. These mostly concern capillary electrophoresis carried out in conventional capillaries as well as on microchip electrophoresis devices. The main focus is on the determination of small non-UV-absorbing organic ions and inorganic ions in different types of samples of clinical, nutritional or environmental interest. Outside of electrophoresis contactless conductivity detection is finding uses in detection in column chromatography, flow-injection analysis and industrial applications

Determination of Iodide and Idoxuridine at a Glutaraldehyde-Cross-Linked Poly-L-Lysine Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode

The detection limit (about 0.017 mu g mL(-1)) for voltammetric determination of iodide (peak at +0.87 V vs. Ag/AgCl at pH 2) at a glutaraldehyde-cross-linked poly-L-lysine modified glassy carbon electrode involving oxidation to iodine was found to be several orders of magnitude lower than that for the voltammetric determination on a bare glassy carbon electrode. This method was applied successfully to the determination of iodide in two medicinal formulations. Idoxuridine was determined indirectly at the same electrode by accumulating it first at -0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl. At this potential the C-I bond in the adsorbed idoxuridine is reduced giving iodide, which is then determined at the modified electrode. The method was successfully applied to the determination of idoxuridine in a urine sample

Sensitivity analysis by design of experiments

peer reviewe

Biomechanical and Mechanobiological Modelling of Orthodontic Tooth Movement (Biomechanische en mechanobiologische modellering van orthodontische tandbewegingen)

Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry which many people come in contact with at one point in their life, making it a worthy research topic. This work investigates whether computer models describing tooth movement could be useful as a tool in clinical practice and research.In the first part of this work, a biomechanical model of orthodontic tooth movement is presented and the potential of this model is investigated by simulating several motion patterns and by performing a sensitivity analysis on its parameters. In the second part of this work, a more complex mechanobiological model of orthodontic tooth movement is developed. An extensive stability and parameter analysis is performed and the ability of the mechanobiological model to predict tooth movement in pathological conditions is studied by means of three case studies.The results presented in this work concerning the development of a biomechanical model of orthodontic tooth movement, suggest that development of such a model for the use in clinical practice will be very difficult. On the other hand, the results obtained with the mechanobiological model developed in this work are promising and show that the model can serve as a basis for further research, potentially leading to a quantitatively validated mechanobiological model of orthodontic tooth movement.status: publishe