This paper establishes a centralized model to activate residential demand response in order to improve distribution network Reliability. The model aims at minimizing the damage cost imposed by load curtailments following occurrence of unexpected events. In this model, distribution system operator (DSO) and responsive customers have already signed a contract authorizing the DSO alters the operation of responsive appliances whenever system Reliability is jeopardized. The model addresses consumers’ preferences and guarantees that the operation of appliances is displaced within the bounds defined by the owners. Once an unexpected event occurs, the DSO commits responsive appliances to avoid likely violations in the network operational limits and costly load curtailments. The proposed model is mathematically formulated in the form of mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and its capability is depicted via applying to a real-world distribution network with some residential consumers. The comparison of service Reliability indices after and before utilizing demand response potentials illustrates the effectiveness of the model.

There are relatively few literatures about Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) in Reliability aspects, particularly in composite system Reliability evaluation. Reliability of the power system could be studied by some indices that help to compare power system under different conditions from Reliability point of view. The actual benefits of the FACTS can be quantitatively estimated using suitable models and techniques. Corrective control as an alternative for the system reinforcement is proposed in this paper as a suitable way to ease the challenges related to building new transmission lines or reconstruction of power grid. Static Var Compensator (SVC) as a member of FACTS family has been used as corrective control. A test case with three scenarios is considered for comparing the effect of SVC on the Reliability of the power system. It will be seen that the correct SVC replacement has a great influence on the Reliability indices of power grid and losses could be diminished.

Electric distribution systems are wide separate parts of power systems. These networks are interface between load and transmission, generation systems with respect to radial configuration of distribution feeders. The main methods for improvement in Reliability of distribution systems are installation of switching devices such as sectionalize rand tie point. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a new and efficient algorithm for sectionalizer and tie point allocation simultaneously. A genetic algorithm based approach for determining optimal location and number of sectionalizers and tie points in distribution networks is presented. Costs of switches, lines and outage cost are considered in cost function. Test results verify the feasibility of applying the proposed method to manipulate the combinatorial switching device allocation in distribution networks.

Background: In spite of many advantages in Lenke classification of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the latest study of Richards et al showed that the King classification is better than had been reported recently and the Lenke classification system of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is less reliable than previously reported.Methods: In this study, we performed a multi-surgeon comparison of these two classification systems. After teaching and discussing all available data of these classification systems with four spine surgeons, a pilot classification was performed. Then, they independently evaluated preoperative radiographs (standing posteroanterior, lateral, and two supine side-bending views) of 99 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The results were determined by calculating the average percentage of intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Reliability was quantified using kappa statistics.Findings: The King classification demonstrated good intraobserver and interobserver Reliability, with an intraobserver agreement of 85.8% (kappa coefficient, 0.80). Interobserver percentage of agreement averaged 80.8% (kappa coefficient, 0.74). The complete Lenke classification, combining curve type, lumbar modifier, and sagittal thoracic modifier, demonstrated good Reliability for both intraobserver and interobserver measurements. The intraobserver percentage of agreement averaged 85.8% (kappa coefficient, 0.82). The interobserver percentage of agreement averaged 80.8% (kappa coefficient, 0.77).Conclusion: In this study, with each investigator performing the radiographic measurements, the King and Lenke classifications were almost similar (the Lenke classification had slightly better results). Such better results might be due to more training of this complex classification system. So, because of greater coverage of idiopathic scoliosis curve and usefulness of Lenke classification system, we prefer using this classification system in our center.

In this paper, a new method for pricing of Distributed Generations (DG) based on contribution of each zone of distribution network to Reliability Enhancement is proposed. In the proposed method, some flaws such as zero Reliability price allocation to DGs and non-zero merchandising surplus are eliminated. In order to determine the share and price of each zone, cooperation game theory is utilized. For Reliability evaluation of distribution network, Markov chain in used in which the operation of DGs in islanded mode is considered as well.

Chnology scaling becomes increasingly aggressive, lifetime Reliability has emerged as a critical challenge for modern digital circuits, exacerbated by manufacturing process variations and aging effects. This paper introduces GenSO, a Genetic algorithm-based multi-objective Sequential circuit Optimization framework designed to enhance the lifetime Reliability of sequential circuits modeled as Finite State Machines (FSMs), while simultaneously addressing initial delay and power consumption. The framework leverages a cross-layer approach, utilizing a gate-level delay degradation model that accounts for process variations and aging to estimate circuit lifetime Reliability. A novel metric, termed Guardband-Aware Reliability (GAR), is proposed to provide a fair assessment of FSM lifetime Reliability in relation to the guardband and timing yield specified by the designer. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is then employed to optimize delay, power consumption, and lifetime Reliability in FSM-based sequential circuits. Experimental results demonstrate that GenSO successfully identifies non-dominated solutions for sequential circuit designs, achieving simultaneous optimization of initial delay, power consumption, and lifetime Reliability. With a 15% delay overhead for a 6-year lifetime and a 10% variation ratio, GenSO improves circuit Reliability by an average of 64.34%, significantly outperforming state-of-the-art Reliability optimization frameworks, which typically achieve less than 30% improvement in lifetime Reliability.

Background: Evaluation of the craniofacial bones is the oldest method to measure the facial proportion ratio in orthodontics.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of emboss Enhancement on the Reliability of landmark identification in digital lateral cephalometric images.Materials and Methods: Ten digital lateral cephalograms were selected from the archive of an oral and maxillofacial radiology center. Using DIGORA software, these images were saved in two formats; common images and 3D emboss images. On these images, 32 skeletal, dental, and soft tissue landmarks were marked at least twice with a 2-week interval by four observers (two radiologists and two orthodontists). In order to determine the position of the marked landmarks (in x and y coordinates), a software was designed. The statistical analysis was performed in SPSS software and the Reliability of each observer was obtained by means of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).Results: In three skeletal landmarks [Orbit (Or), condyl top (Cond), and pogonion (Pog)], the Enhancement caused significant reduction in the Reliability, and in four skeletal [Anterior Nasal Spine (ANS), B, A, and Basion (Ba)], two dental (U1 root, L1 incisal), and one soft tissue landmark (Menton soft tissue), the Enhancement increased the Reliability of landmark detection between the two phases of the study. Totally, ICC of embossed images in both x and y coordinates were greater than the typical images, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the effect of Enhancement on the improvement of the Reliability of landmark identification was higher in the x-axis than the y-axis.Conclusions: Using embossed images is only effective in increasing the Reliability of detection in a few numbers of cephalometric landmarks.