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Soil textural variability diminishes the effectiveness of conventional irrigation management. Variable rate irrigation (VRI) can address soil variability; however, users need guidance to prepare prescriptions for optimal water application. A study was conducted at Portageville, MO, USA, in 2016 and 2017 with the objective to compare yield and irrigation water use efficiency among three water-management treatments for cotton: rainfed, irrigated based on the USDA-ARS Irrigation Scheduling Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (ISSCADA) system, and irrigated based on a water balance method. Sand content in the top 533 mm soil layer was estimated from apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). Yield values measured near an ECaobservation were averaged to create a data set containing sand content and associated yield. Although the trend was for the rainfed treatment to have the lowest yield in both years, the yield differences among all treatments were not significant when sand content was not considered. A strong effect of sand content on cotton yield was observed in both seasons, although the slopes differed among the water management treatments in 2016. The ISSCADA system tended to have a higher irrigation water use efficiency in both seasons, but the difference was not significant in 2016 when total irrigation applications were low. The study is continuing at Portageville and other locations and the ISSCADA system is constantly being improved to better meet the needs of agricultural producers.

HighlightsThe ARSPivot software facilitates variable-rate irrigation management of a center pivot irrigation system.The software embodies a system capable of generating site-specific prescription maps based on weather, plant, and soil water information.ARSPivot’s graphical user interface (GUI) incorporates easy-to-use geographic information system (GIS) tools that help its users to make irrigation management decisions.Abstract. The ARSPivot software was developed for the seamless operation of a complex network consisting of a variable-rate irrigation (VRI) center pivot system and an Irrigation Scheduling Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ISSCADA) system that interfaces with weather, plant, and soil water sensing systems. ARSPivot’s graphical user interface (GUI) incorporates a built-in geographic information system (GIS) that maps a center pivot system and facilitates the analysis of data relevant to its operation. The GIS was developed following a minimalistic approach with the objective of making its geospatial data analysis tools accessible to a wide range of users (farmers, irrigation consultants, and researchers). The post-harvest analyses of two experiments carried out in the Texas High Plains during the summers of 2016 and 2017 using a three-span VRI center pivot are presented to illustrate the advantages of using ARSPivot as a decision support tool and how its GIS tools help its users make better informed decisions regarding irrigation management. In these experiments, the north-northwest (NNW) portion of a field planted with corn (Zea mays L.) was irrigated using VRI zone control, and the south-southeast (SSE) portion was irrigated using VRI speed control. Experimental plots in the NNW portion were assigned one of three irrigation levels (80%, 50%, or 30% replenishment of soil water depletion to field capacity in the top 1.5 m), and their irrigation was scheduled using either a plant stress-based algorithm implemented in the ARSPivot software or manual weekly neutron probe (NP) readings. Plots in the SSE portion were assigned a single irrigation level of 80%, and their irrigation was scheduled using either the plant stress method or a two-step hybrid approach in which soil water sensing was combined with the plant stress method to determine irrigation depths. Soil water sensing data for the ISSCADA system were provided by NP readings during the 2016 season and by sets of time-domain reflectometers (TDRs) installed at depths of 15, 30, and 45 cm during the 2017 season. No significant differences were found during either season in terms of mean dry grain yield and crop water productivity (CWP) obtained from plots irrigated at the 80% level in both sides of the field, regardless of the irrigation scheduling method or the type of VRI application method used for irrigation. No significant differences were found during either season between mean dry grain yield and CWP of plots in the NNW portion irrigated using the plant stress-based method and NP readings at the 80% irrigation level. The lack of significant differences documented the potential of the ARSPivot system as a plant and soil water sensing-based decision support software for site-specific irrigation management of corn using a VRI center pivot system. Keywords: Center pivot irrigation, Decision support system, Geographic information system, Precision agriculture, Software.

Highlights.Precision agriculture (PA) applications in irrigation are stymied by lack of decision support systems.Modern PA relies on sensor systems and near real-time feedback for irrigation decision support and control.Sophisticated understanding of biophysics and biological systems now guides site-specific irrigation.The internet of things (IOT) enables new ways to increase yield per unit of water used and nutrient use efficiency. Keywords: Crop water productivity, Decision support system, Internet of things, Remote sensing, SCADA, Soil water content.

HighlightsMulti-faceted research efforts converged to an automated irrigation decision support system (DSS).Low-cost, solar-powered, wireless plant abiotic and biotic stress sensors were developed to aid the DSS.Low-cost, accurate TDR soil water sensors and a wireless node and gateway system were developed for the DSS.Sensor systems and research-based algorithms were integrated into an automated irrigation DSS and control system.Abstract. Variable-rate irrigation (VRI) is now possible with every new center pivot irrigation system sold, either using sector (speed) control or both sector and zone (radial along the pipeline) control. However, decision support systems able to generate a prescription for spatially varying irrigation based on crop water need have lagged far behind VRI equipment. Irrigation based on crop water need has been shown to increase both crop water productivity and nutrient use efficiency, meaning that an effective VRI decision support system (DSS) could improve profitability while conserving resources. In this article, we report separately on a VRI DSS using sensor-based plant and soil water feedback as implemented in four U.S. states. This article describes the genesis and development of the Irrigation Scheduling Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (ISSCADA) system, of the integral plant and soil sensors, and of its wireless sensor network subsystems, as well as the role of multi-location research efforts and cooperative research and development agreements in the development of the needed plant and soil sensors and the ISSCADA and wireless sensor network systems. Keywords: Crop water productivity, Decision support system, Product development, Sensors, Variable-rate irrigation, VRI.

Los criterios y estándares de calidad asociados al personal docente en el plano nacional han suministrado información relevante sobre las competencias, llevando a definir un conjunto de líneas de investigación prioritarias para los organismos reguladores, con foco en el aseguramiento de la calidad en educación superior. Una de las líneas prioritarias es el desarrollo y uso de indicadores de desempeño sobre la docencia de pregrado y posgrado, que centren su acción en la observación permanente e indagación de cada uno de los componentes que le configuran. Algunos datos estadísticos relativos a estudiantes, docentes, recursos, infraestructura y resultados del proceso académico se entrecruzan, buscando comprender la complejidad inherente y constitutiva de la docencia, sin embargo, la investigación en esta área de la mano de universidades u otros organismos, aún parece ser escasa. La presente nota busca reflexionar, brevemente, con base en los datos, sobre el fenómeno de la valoración del desempeño docente y su imperativo protagónico en la calidad educativa en educación superior.

The growing installation of distributed energy resources (DER) in the network allows an active interaction between the transmission and distribution system operators. This interaction is possible mainly by the power electronic converters (PECs) incorporated in the DER, used as an interface with the network. The PECs, also known as smart inverters, offers excellent controllability features and allow DER to provide procurement services to the distribution and transmission network. This paper focuses on evaluating the reactive power control features of the smart inverter considering eight control local modes following the IEEE 1547-2018 standard. Moreover, it is proposed an optimal reactive power controller able to minimise the active power losses in the network by optimally adapting the reactive power injection/absorption of the smart inverter. This optimal controller ensures all the busbar voltages are inside the permissible limits, and the reactive power limits of the smart inverter are enforced. The Vestfold and Telemark distribution network model was implemented using DIgSILENT PowerFactory to evaluate the optimal and the eight local reactive power control modes. Simulation results show the proposed optimal reactive power control is the best option to offer the service of active power loss minimisation using smart inverters for the daily steady-state performance of the DSO network.

Advances in environmental and agricultural management are increasingly enabled by unattended data acquisition using internet‐of‐things (IOT) approaches. These approaches combine advanced sensors and wireless data transmission to automatically convey field data to the internet. Users, either human or machine, then can access and act upon the data from nearly anywhere in the world. Particularly in the case of machines automatically acting on the data, robustness, reliability and accuracy of data are crucial to preventing unintended outcomes of machine operations and continued supply of key services. Low‐cost, low‐power, and solar‐powered systems are important to enable market entry of advanced decision support systems based on IOT data acquisition approaches. The polar vortex outbreak of February 2021 in the central United States provided an extreme test of such a node and gateway system for automatic data acquisition and telemetry to the internet over the cellular telephone network. The system, codesigned by USDA‐ARS and Acclima, performed admirably despite air temperatures reaching a minimum of −24 °C, temperatures < 0 °C for 8 d and < −7 °C for 6 d, two snowstorms, and overcast conditions. The six nodes, gateway, and 36 sensors continued to function reliably with a data transmission failure rate of

The use of phasor measurement units (PMU) allows us to obtain synchronized measurements of various points in the network and whit them analyze the stability of power systems. This chapter presents an algorithm based on participation factors to estimate generator clustering and to evaluate its application on controlled islanding on a power system, with distributed generation, using the data from PMUs after a severe disturbance. The proposed islanding detection method uses the data obtained from PMUs to represent the dynamics of the entire power system and form a measurement matrix, updated using a sliding window, containing the angles of the voltage phasors. Then, a covariance matrix is computed, and the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of this matrix are obtained. Subsequently, the most energetic eigenvalue is identified, and its participation factors are calculated. The participation factors are used as a contribution measurement of each generator into the most energetic eigenvalue, i.e., they will show the contribution made by each one after a disturbance. The clusters will be formed by generators sharing the same participation level. Controlled islanding condition of the system will be evaluated by using the clustering schemes proposed in the literature.

There are different definitions for Smart Grid, one of them is: Smart Grids is that it employs a wide variety of distributed energy resources (DER). In such conditions, the increasing local generation requires a new type of approach for protection. Ensuring the function of a relay to satisfy the requirements of the development of the smart grid and perform the protection task with high reliability, involves solving different technical aspects. In order to remove the fault with a minimum area of interruption, it requires the setup of multiple protection relays and their technical coordination. In order to meet the above requirements, protection devices based on various hardware platforms, different techniques and the on-site operational management of these devices have been proposed. An interesting feature proposed for the Smart Grid is self-healing. This means that the system is capable of continuing the power supply after any kind of disturbances. Self-healing is, in fact, a broad concept including the stability of transmission grids, but here the focus is on the protection of MV distribution networks. In this context, one way to achieve the self-healing functionality is to switch over to island operation in case of a fault in some parts of the network. The successful use of the local generation for achieving controlled island operation in some fault cases requires the use of suitable telecommunication between different parts of the system. In addition to this, there is a need to adapt the protection configuration to the system state. Especially critical in this respect is the power generated by the local sources and the loading in various parts of the network. Depending on the load/generation balances the size of suitable islands to be used in fault cases may be different at different times.

Variable rate irrigation (VRI) sprinklers on mechanical move irrigation systems (center pivot or lateral move) have been commercially available since 2004. Although the number of VRI, zone or individual sprinkler, systems adopted to date is lower than expected there is a continued interest to harness this technology, especially when climate variability, regulatory nutrient management, water conservation policies, and declining water for agriculture compound the challenges involved for irrigated crop production. This article reviews the potential advantages and potential disadvantages of VRI technology for moving sprinklers, provides updated examples on such aspects, suggests a protocol for designing and implementing VRI technology and reports on the recent advancements. The advantages of VRI technology are demonstrated in the areas of agronomic improvement, greater economic returns, environmental protection and risk management, while the main drawbacks to VRI technology include the complexity to successfully implement the technology and the lack of evidence that it assures better performance in net profit or water savings. Although advances have been made in VRI technologies, its penetration into the market will continue to depend on tangible and perceived benefits by producers. Keywords: Center pivots, Crop water use efficiency, Irrigation, Management zones, Moving sprinkler irrigation systems, Precision irrigation, Sensor based systems.

Different thermal-based plant feedback systems have been used for irrigation management of cotton and grain crops in the Texas High Plains region, producing yields that are similar or better than irrigation scheduling using the neutron probe. However, there are limited studies using plant feedback systems to actively scheduling irrigations for corn. In this 2-year study, a drought tolerant and a conventional hybrid were managed under a variable rate center pivot irrigation system. The main treatments were manual and plant feedback irrigation scheduling based on weekly neutron probe readings and an integrated crop water stress index (CWSI), respectively. In each main treatment, three irrigation treatment levels were established. Crop responses were compared between irrigation methods and levels. Results demonstrated that overall grain and biomass yields and grain WUE for the plant feedback-control plots were similar to those from the manual-control plots for both years. These results indicate that a plant feedback system using a CWSI could be used to manage corn in a semi-arid region and over a large-sized field. The plant feedback system could provide convenience and time savings to farmers who manage multiple center pivot fields.

The integration of renewable resources is quickly growing in the Nordic power system (NPS), and it has led to increasing challenges for the operation and control of the NPS. Nordic countries require that the first-generation power plants have a more flexible operation regime to overcomes power imbalances coming from fluctuations of the demand and supply. This paper assesses optimal frequency support of variable-speed hydropower plants installed in Telemark and Vestfold, Norway, considering future scenarios of NPS. The total kinetic energy of the NPS is expected to be significantly reduced in the future. This paper looks into the implementation of hydropower units with a variable-speed operation regime and battery energy storage systems (BESS), equipped with fast-active power controller (FAPC) technology, to provide fast frequency response after a system frequency disturbance. The frequency support was formulated as an optimization process; therefore, the parameter of the FAPC was optimally calculated for future scenarios of low inertia in NPS. Three main futures scenarios were developed for technology penetration in the Vestfold and Telemark area in Norway. The simulation results showed that the integration variable-speed hydropower units and BESS technologies improved the frequency response even in low-kinetic energy scenarios.

This study aims to create a cost function for residential subdivisions based on three key variables: population density, area, and slope. The cost function was developed by minimizing the capital cost of representative residential water distribution networks through a genetic algorithm and a heuristic search method known as the greedy algorithm. To test the proposed cost function and determine if a more efficient design would reduce cost, two subdivisions in Tucson, Arizona, were compared to an equivalent theoretical oblong network. The greedy algorithm required a fraction of the time demanded by the genetic algorithm and arrived at subdivision network costs that were consistently equal to or lower than the best solutions found by the genetic algorithm. Both optimization methods obtained results indicating that area has the greatest effect on cost and that the effect of population density is negligible when dealing with small areas.

This work presents a postoptimization methodology for refining the solutions found by adaptive search algorithms used in the design of large water distribution networks. The approach uses two heuristics to search for an optimal combination of pipes that, after a reduction of their diameters, will maximize cost savings while continuing to meet design constraints. Adaptive search methods are often used to design urban water distribution networks when the number of pipes in the network is insignificant. For complex, real-world networks, however, such methods are computationally demanding, and they have difficulty finding near-global optima. To identify a solution as close to the global optimum (and in which no pipe can be reduced without violating pressure constraint), requires a high-speed computer potentially running for a long time and also probably some good fortune. The postoptimization approach presented in this paper is shown to be an efficient complement to heuristic search algorithms used in...

Optimal water distribution system (WDS) design including the layout and pipe sizes is invariably complex, even when hydraulic constraints alone are considered. The addition of water quality (WQ) constraints adds to the computational demands. Using conventional WQ models to evaluate the feasibility of the many networks that must be analyzed can extend the optimization process beyond acceptable limits. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can approximate disinfectant concentrations in a fraction of the time required by deterministic WQ models, and thus have been used for WDS pipe optimization as fast surrogates of these models. This study seeks to improve the performance of ANNs applied to the optimal design of WDSs by comparing their outcomes on the basis of ANN architecture and data used for ANN training, two factors that affect their speed and accuracy. ANNs were trained to forecast the disinfectant concentration at the relevant nodes of two case studies: A simple WDS (common in the literature of WD...

In this paper a novel algorithm for unblocking distance relays during power swing is described. The algorithm is based on the participation factors drawn from a variance-covariance matrix, which is built by incremental currents after a fault takes place. By modal analysis techniques, the eigenvalues and participation factors are calculated and they are used for identifying a three-phase fault condition under power swing conditions. The algorithm's performance is verified through simulation by electromagnetic transient software under different conditions. The analyzed scenarios demonstrate that the proposal algorithm correctly identifies a fault when the distance relay is blocked during a power swing.

Recent advances made by scientists with the USDA-ARS Conservation & Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX, can provide farmers with site-specific irrigation scheduling tools based on plant stress to assist the management of center pivot irrigation systems. The integration of these tools into the operation of center pivot Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) systems offers potential environmental benefits resulting from better control of water applied to the field. This paper describes the Graphical User Interface (GUI) of a friendly software developed for the seamless operation of multiple center pivots and weather, plant, and soil sensing systems that support their irrigation scheduling. The GUI simplifies the analysis of the large amounts of data that are periodically processed by the software by incorporating tools commonly found in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For example, a scaled representation of center pivots and their management zones is drawn in the main panel of the GUI. Information is arranged in layers and a hierarchical tree view allows users to select which layers are displayed in the GUI. The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection is used to geo-reference all information and users can modify the magnification of elements in the GUI. Background satellite images can be automatically imported using the Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API), and a query tool is provided to assist with the search and classification of management zones. A post-harvest analysis of an experiment carried out near Bushland during the summer of 2015 using a three-span VRI center pivot is presented to illustrate the advantages of using this software as a decision support tool for irrigation management.

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 32 años que presentó síntomas de fibrilación ventricular mientras estaba practicando una maratón. El estudio diagnóstico puso de manifiesto la existencia de un origen anómalo de la arteria coronaria derecha en el seno coronario izquierdo, con trayecto no intramural entre la aorta y la arteria pulmonar. La reparación quirúrgica consistió en la realización de una anastomosis laterolateral de la coronaria derecha al seno aórtico derecho. El postoperatorio del paciente transcurrió con normalidad. El origen aórtico anómalo de las coronarias es una alteración congénita rara asociada a un mayor riesgo de muerte súbita. En muchos casos la enfermedad es asintomática hasta producirse el infarto o la arritmia ventricular. Cuando la coronaria sigue un trayecto intramural la corrección mediante el unroofing es la técnica más empleada. Si no hay trayecto intramural y la translocación no es posible, la técnica descrita constituye una alternativa válida.We report the case of a 32-year-old patient with ventricular fibrillation while running marathon. Diagnostic tests showed the existence of an anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left aortic sinus, with a non intramural course between aorta and pulmonary artery. Surgical repair was performed using a side-to-side anastomosis between the right coronary artery and the right aortic sinus. The patient recovered uneventfully. Anomalous aortic origin of coronary arteries is a rare congenital defect associated with increased risk of sudden death. Often myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia are the first manifestations of the disease. Unroofing procedure is the commonest technique if the coronary has an intramural course. If there is not an intramural course and coronary reimplantation cannot be performed, this technique may be an acceptable therapy.

Summary form only given. A systematic analytical procedure based on the concept of the analytic signal (AS) of Gabor is used to determine the time-varying attributes of torsional oscillations, namely the instantaneous amplitude and the instantaneous frequency. Methods for implementing the AS using the numeric Hilbert transform are given and criteria for characterizing nonlinear effects are discussed. The proposed methodology is demonstrated on the IEEE first benchmark model (FBM) for subsynchronous resonance studies. The AS analysis is performed on output data files generated by nonlinear simulations using the EMTP, but the method is general and is applicable to any nonlinear, nonstationary signal. Numerical results include the determination of the instantaneous frequency of torsional oscillation signals following large perturbations. Comparison of numerical results obtained by the proposed method with linear analysis techniques is provided.

This paper examines the differences between the United States (U.S.) and European (EU27) freight railways. The inherent or structural factors influencing the railways modal share will be evaluated. It was found that nearly all of the disparity in modal share can be explained by structural or inherent differences, like the competitiveness of non-surface modes, shipment distances (both influenced by geography), and commodity mix (namely, coal). More striking are the differences in productivity, to move the same number of tons seven times, more trains are required in Europe compared with the U.S.. Operational revenues per ton-mile are around two times higher in Europe, while the operational expenses in the U.S. are four times lower than in Europe. It is argued that setting a goal for modal share similar to the U.S. is not realistic for the EU27. A key concern for European freight railways should be the reduction of operational costs, by increasing the trains’ sizes.Distinct policy answers were given to the railroads’ crisis in the post WWII years. Soon after 1980 when reforms were introduced in the U.S. there was a revival of the sector. The same has not happened in Europe, where questions regarding infrastructure financing or the coordination of network investments and operational needs remain.

The study of urbanization, and the water distribution networks that supply water to urban areas, has led to new approaches for evaluating the distribution systems that serve residential subdivisions. The present study aims to expand the evaluation method commonly applied by using Genetic Algorithms to add the actual hydraulic constraints required by Tucson Water in Arizona to an optimization model. Furthermore, an alternative calculation method utilizing a heuristic pre-optimization tool coupled with a greedy algorithm is compared to the genetic algorithm results. The improved model is capable of achieving a near optimal solution, one that is comparable to the genetic algorithm results and should minimize the cost of constructing and operating a water distribution network. Preliminary results show that population density has little effect on the total cost and that area is the driving factor in cost. In addition, the slope increases the rate at which these 2 parameters increase the cost, making high density areas much more cost effective with respect to the operation of water distribution systems. Finally, the main assumption, which considers residential subdivisions as rectangular networks, is explored by comparing the generated networks against their realistic counterparts. Results showed that the realistic networks cost more than the generated networks.

Achieving an optimal design for a typical water distribution system (WDS) essentially involves determining which combination of pipes and arrangements will produce the most efficient and economical network. Solving the problem is a complex process, one well suited to computationally intensive heuristic methods. Including water quality constraints can pose a special challenge due to the demanding, extended-period simulations involved. Employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) can reduce the amount of computation time needed. ANNs can in fact approximate disinfectant concentrations in a fraction of the time required by a conventional water quality model. This study presents a methodology for improving the accuracy of ANNs applied to the optimal design of a WDS by means of a probabilistic approach based on the fast finding of a network similar to the optimal WDS. This work also presents a methodology to find such a network. ANNs trained with the probabilistic dataset generated using the proposed approach were shown to be more accurate than their counterparts trained with a random dataset.

Preface.- Section I.- 1. The Genus Chenopodium - A Potential Food Source E. de la Cruz Torres et al.- 2. Thin Cell Layer Technology in Micropropagation of Jatropha curcas L. D. Tan Nhut et al.- 3. New Achievements in Panax vietnamensis Research D. Tan Nhut et al.- Section II.- 4. Molecular Biology and Physiology of the Resurrection Glacial Relic Haberlea rhodopensis M. Benina et al.- 5. Cell Morphometry as Predictor of Protein Legume In Vitro Growth S.J. Ochatt.- 6. Application of TILLING for Orphan Crop Improvement K. Esfeld et al.- Section III.- 7. Neglected Oil Crop Biotechnology S. Tiwari, S. Kumar.- 8. Prospects for Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Improvement through Biotechnology E.N. Jellen et al.- 9. Biotechnology of Eruca sativa Mill. S.M.H. Slater.- 10. Biotechnology of Stylosanthes A. Chandra.- 11. Biotechnology of Miscanthus S.J. Dalton.- Section IV.- 12. Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) M. Sujatha, S.D. Gupta.- 13. Plant Regeneration and Genetic Transformation in Jatropha M. Sujatha et al.- 14. Genetic Transformation of Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.) R. Pati, M. Muthukumar.- 15. Genetic Transformation of Taro X. He et al.- 16. Bioprospecting and Genetic Engineering of Mangrove Genes to Enhance Salinity Tolerance in Crop Plants A.B. Das. Index.

Adaptive search methods are often used to design urban water distribution networks when the number of pipes in the network is insignificant. For complex, realworld networks, however, such methods are computationally demanding and they have difficulty finding near-global optima. To identify a solution as close to the global optimum (and in which no pipe can be reduced without violating pressure constraints), requires a high-speed computer potentially running for a long time and also probably some good fortune. This work presents a methodology for refining the solutions found by adaptive search algorithms used in the design of large waterdistribution networks. The approach employs two heuristics to search for an optimal combination of pipes that, after a reduction of their diameters, will maximize cost savings while continuing to meet design constraints. The post-optimization approach presented here is shown to be an efficient complement to heuristic search algorithms used in the design of real-world networks.

An accurate water quality modeling tool will be essential for many municipalities that must design or upgrade distribution systems. If network models are to remain effective tools for designing, operating, and managing drinking water distribution systems, it will become necessary to expand existing water quality algorithms so as to properly account for mixing at pipe junctions and unsteady dispersion along pipe links. While these upgrades would present new challenges for water quality modeling in water distribution networks, they would also provide an urgently needed second-generation modeling capability. In this study, we focus primarily on integrating both junction mixing and axial dispersion phenomena with the following steps: First, we use hydraulic calculations in a selected network to provide the database for the water quality simulations that involve incomplete mixing at junctions. Second, we employ a one-dimensional dispersion-advection model, integrated with recently developed coefficients, to produce transient water quality results for the network. The results are then quantitatively compared with those obtained based on the conventional assumptions; i.e., complete mixing and advection-only solute transport. Overall, this study outlines ongoing research efforts aimed at implementing the nodal mixing and dispersive behavior of soluble matter in steady and unsteady pipe flow regimes into the water quality model.

When considering new marine species for Mediterranean aquaculture, blackspot seabream emerges as a potential candidate. However, there are scarce data on the nutritional requirements and optimal growth conditions of this species. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein on growth, nutrient utilization and body composition of blackspot seabream (23 g). Five isolipidic diets (12%) with graded levels of protein (20–60%) were distributed, twice a day, to duplicate groups of fish, until satiation. Growth increased significantly with increasing dietary protein up to 40%, but higher protein levels induced a similar daily growth index (1.4). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased with increasing levels of dietary protein (4.2–1.6). No significant differences were detected in protein of whole body blackspot seabream among treatments, but fat percentage decreased with increasing dietary protein. Dry matter and energy digestibility showed a concomitant increase with the reduction in dietary wheat meal, attaining maximal values with high protein diets. These results suggested that the most favourable values for growth and FCR are obtained with diets containing 40% protein. However, the excessive lipid deposition reveals that more nutritional studies are necessary before the species can be established in aquaculture.

Nowadays, transmission system operators require higher degree of observability in real-time to gain situational awareness and improve the decision-making process to guarantee a safe and reliable operation. Digitalization of energy systems allows utilities to monitor the system dynamic performance in real-time at fast time scales. The use of such technologies has unlocked new opportunities to introduce new data driven algorithms for improving the stability assessment and control of the system. Motivated by these challenges, a group of experts have worked together to highlight and establish a baseline set of these common concerns, which can be used as motivation to propose innovative analytics and data-driven solutions. In this document, the results of a survey on 10 transmission system operators around the world are presented and it aims to understand the current practices of the participating companies, in terms of data acquisition, handling, storage, modelling and analytics. The overall objective of this document is to capture the actual needs from the interviewed utilities, thereby laying the groundwork for setting valid assumptions for the development of advanced algorithms in this field.