When suffering a stroke, the time to treatment is one of the key factors to increase the chance of desirable recovery. To ensure proper treatment, a diagnosis has to be made before treatment can begin. The potential consequences of treating a misdiagnosis can be severely harmful or even deadly. A Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) is an ambulance equipped with the necessary tools to diagnose and begin treatment of stroke before reaching a hospital, reducing the time to initial treatment. We contribute a model to identify suitable locations of MSUs within a geographical region. We propose a Multi-State Particle Swarm Optimization (MBPSO) algorithm variation to solve this problem. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of the model in a scenario created in the Southern Healthcare Region of Sweden in order to properly communicate and evaluate the model. The objective of our MBPSO variation is to find locations within a geographical region which are suitable for placing MSUs. The results of the solution shows that populations previously not covered by stroke care within one hour of an emergency call has the potential to be covered up to 81%.

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Os Sistemas de Armazenamento a Baterias (SAEB) têm demonstrado uma grande flexibilidade de aplicações em melhorias e resoluções de problemas em Sistemas de Distribuição de Energia Elétrica (SDEEs). Grandes variações no valor de tensão dentro de um período, seja diário ou semanal, são observados devido à predominante topologia radial dos SDEEs e o constante aumento da utilização de Geradores Distribuídos (GDs). Pelas características de operar como carga ou geração, os SAEBs podem ser utilizados para melhorar o perfil de tensão. No entanto, as restrições de operação desses dispositivos tornam dificultoso identificar bons momentos de atuação e barramentos de alocação para este propósito. Geralmente, essa atuação é tratada de uma forma dependente dos GDs, porém essa abordagem não permite que os SAEBs possam operar em momentos independentes a fim de melhorar o perfil de tensão do SDEE. Desta forma, neste trabalho é desenvolvida uma abordagem para o planejamento da alocação e atuação do SAEB, utilizando uma modificação no algoritmo Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) de forma que o SAEB possa atuar independente dos GDs e ser alocado em outras barras, com o objetivo de melhorar o perfil de tensão. As soluções são analisadas através de simulações de Monte Carlo para investigar o comportamento em diversas situações de curva de carga. Os resultados demonstram que a abordagem proposta busca encontrar boas alocações e atuações e que os parâmetros técnicos dos SAEBs, como capacidade de energia armazenada e potência nominal do inversor, influenciam diretamente nos resultados. / Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have demonstrated great flexibility of applications in improvements and problem-solving in Electrical Distribution Systems (DSs). Significant variations in the nominal voltage value within a period, either daily or weekly, are observed due to the predominant radial topology of the DSs and the constant increase of the use of Distributed Generators (DGs). By the characteristics of operating as load or generation, SAEBs can be used to improve the voltage profile. However, the restrictions of these devices make it difficult to identify good operating moments and allocation buses for this purpose. Generally, this operation is treated in a way dependent on the DGs, but this strategy does not allow the BESS to operate at independent moments to improve the voltage profile of the SDEE. Thus, in this work an approach is developed for SAEBs allocation and operation planning, using a modification in the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm so that the SAEB can operate independently of the GDs and be allocated in other bars, with the objective to improve the voltage profile. The solutions are analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the behavior in various load curve situations. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach seeks to find proper allocations and actions and that the technical parameters of SAEBs directly influence the results.

Submitted by Marlucy Farias Medeiros (marlucy.farias@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-05-11T18:52:52Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniel_Lemes - 2018.pdf: 18189235 bytes, checksum: 1ee5df4451f15272b5fcd3e07ef614e8 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Dayse Pestana (dayse.pestana@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-05-14T12:00:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniel_Lemes - 2018.pdf: 18189235 bytes, checksum: 1ee5df4451f15272b5fcd3e07ef614e8 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-14T12:00:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniel_Lemes - 2018.pdf: 18189235 bytes, checksum: 1ee5df4451f15272b5fcd3e07ef614e8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-04-05 / The main goal of this work was to develop a MATLAB-based co de capable of finding the optimum values for amplitudes, phases and spacings of a non-uniformly spaced linear antenna array for a specified purpose. This tool allowed investigating the influence of the relative spacings between the elements of an antenna array in its radiation pattern. Two optimization methods were implemented: PSO (Particle swarm optimization), which is an evolutionary heuristic based on the social interaction and movement of swarms, and Taguchi’s method, which is based on orthogonal arrays to reduce the number of experiments needed to find the optimum value of a given variable. Different optimization goals were investigated, so that a comparison between these techniques has been done. The developed co de was applied to solve two practical problems. In the first one, a dual-band antenna array for base stations of mobile communication systems was modeled and its amplitudes, phases and spacings were optimized. By doing so, it was possible to mitigate the granting lobes that app eared in the pattern in the higher band, because the relative spacings between the elements could not be smaller than λ0. The pattern of this array was also shaped following a squared cosecant contour, in order to illuminate a pico-cell with uniform power. The results of the optimizations in both bands were validated using the commercial software Ansys HFSS and a study about the influence of the mutual coupling in the pattern was done. The second practical problem was to design an antenna array with beamshaping. By using the proposed code, it was possible to reduce the number of array elements from seven to four comparing to an uniformly spaced array. The optimization was split into two parts in order to mitigate the influence of the mutual coupling. A passive feeder for the optimized array was designed and a prototype was manufactured. The results were validated using HFSS and by measurements. The complete development of the array and of the feeder are detailed in this work. Finally, the design of a transmitter for adaptive beamshaping is described. The architecture nis capable to change the phase and power level of the signal, hence allowing to deliver the weights optimized by the proposed code to the antenna array. A modular concept was chosen in order to increase the flexibility of the transmitter. The device translates the input frequency from 500 MHz to 7 GHz, in order to deliver the weights to the antenna array. Eight transmitters were assembled and they were coupled to the antenna array in order to test their functionality. The patterns were measured in an anechoic chamber. All measured results of the transmitter are presented. / O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma ferramenta computacional em MATLAB capaz de otimizar as fases, as amplitudes e os espaçamentos de uma rede de antenas, a fim de satisfazer um determinado objetivo. De posse dessa ferramenta, foi possível analisar a influência do espaçamento relativo entre os elementos de uma rede no diagrama da mesma. Dois métodos de otimização foram implementados: PSO (Particle Swarm Opmitization), baseado na interação social e no movimento de um enxame, e o método de Taguchi, que utiliza matrizes ortogonais para diminuir o número de testes necessários para otimizar uma variável. Diferentes cenários foram analisados de forma a permitir uma comparação entre os dois métodos. O código desenvolvido foi aplicado a dois problemas práticos. No primeiro deles, uma rede de antenas dupla-faixa para emprego em estações rádio base de sistemas de comunicações móveis foi modelada e suas amplitudes, fases e espaçamentos foram otimizados. Como na banda mais alta o espaçamento entre os elementos não podia ser menor que λ0., fez-se necessário otimizar os espaçamentos para controle dos grating lobes. O diagrama dessa rede foi também conformado seguindo um contorno em cossecante ao quadrado, para iluminar uma certa região com potência uniforme. Os resultados de todas as otimizações em ambas bandas foram validados usando o software Ansys HFSS e um estudo sobre a influência do acoplamento mútuo foi feito. O segundo caso consistiu na otimização de uma rede de antenas com conformação de feixe. Foi possível diminuir o número de elementos de sete para quatro em comparação a uma rede com elementos uniformemente espaçados. A otimização foi dividida em duas partes para compensar o efeito do acoplamento mútuo. Para a rede otimizada, um sistema alimentador passivo foi desenvolvido e um protótipo foi fabricado. Os resultados foram validados com simulações no software comercial Ansys HFSS e, também, por medições. Todo o projeto da rede e do alimentador é detalhado neste trabalho. Finalmente, o desenvolvimento de um circuito transmissor para beamshaping adaptativo ´e detalhado. Tal sistema é composto por um defasador e um amplificador de ganho variável, com os quais é possível inserir as amplitudes e fases, otimizadas pelo código proposto, em uma rede de antenas. Desenvolveu-se um transmissor modular, a fim de aumentar a flexibilidade do sistema. A frequência de entrada do transmissor é de 500 MHz, que é transladada para 7 GHz antes de ser entregue à rede de antenas. Foram fabricados oito transmissores, os quais foram acoplados a uma rede de antenas para testar suas funcionalidades. Os diagramas de irradiação foram medidos em câmera anecóica. Todo o desenvolvimento e medições de cada componente do transmissor são também mostrados neste trabalho.

Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) are battery operated, remote controlled miniature flying vehicles. MAVs are required in military missions, traffic management, hostage situation surveillance, sensing, spying, scientific, rescue, police and mapping applications. The essential characteristics required for MAVs are: light weight, maneuverability, ease of launch in variety of conditions, ability to operate in very hostile environments, stealth capabilities and small size. There are three main classes of MAVs : fixed, rotary and flapping wing MAV’s. There are some MAVs which are combinations of these main classes. Each class has its own advantage and disadvantage. Different scenarios may call for different types of MAV. Amongst the various classes, flapping wing class of MAVs offer the required potential for miniaturisation and maneuverability, necessitating the need to understand flapping wing flight. In the case of flapping winged flight, the thrust required for the vehicle flight is obtained due to the flapping of the wing. Hence for efficient flapping flight, optimising the flap motion is necessary. In this thesis work, an algorithm for motion optimisation of plunging airfoils is developed in a parallel framework. An evolutionary optimisation algorithm, PSO (Particle Swarm Optimisation), is coupled with an unsteady flow solver to develop a generic motion optimisation tool for plunging airfoils. All the unsteady flow computations in this work are done with the HIFUN1 code, developed in–house in the Computational Aerodynamics Laboratory, IISc. This code is a cell centered finite volume compressible flow solver. The motion optimisation algorithm involves starting with a population of motion curves from which an optimal curve is evolved. Parametric representation of curves using NURBS is used for efficient handling of the motion paths. In the present case, the motion paths of a plunging NACA 0012 airfoil is optimised to give maximum flight efficiency for both inviscid and laminar cases. Also, the present analysis considers all practically achievable plunge paths, si- nusoidal and non–sinusoidal, with varying plunge amplitudes and slopes. The results show promise, and indicate that the algorithm can be extended to more realistic three dimension motion optimisation studies.

Darbe atlikta teorinė gyvenimo kokybės sampratos ir lėtiniu inkstų nepakankamumu sergančių pacientų gyvenimo bruožų analizė.Iškelta hipotezė, kad dialize gydomi pacientai blogai vertina visas pagrindines gyvenimo kokybės sritis. Gyvenimo kokybės klausimynu ir interviu pokalbio metodais buvo atliktas tyrimas, kurio tikslas - ištirti dialize gydomų pacientų gyvenimo kokybę. Tyrimo duomenys apdoroti statistinių programų paketu SPSS Statistics 17.0, Microsoft Excel ir turinio (angl. content) analizės metodu. Tyrime dalyvavo 100 dialize gydomų pacientų, iš kurių 5 pacientai dalyvavo interviu pokalbyje. Empirinėje dalyje nagrinėjamas dialize gydomų pacientų pagrindinių gyvenimo sričių (fizinės sveikatos, psichologinės, socialinių santykių, aplinkos sričių) vertinimas ir gyvenimo kokybės ypatumai. / The work carried out in the theoretical concept of quality of life and chronic renal failure patients living traits analyzed.The hypothesis that dialysis patients bad the quality of life of all the key areas.The quality of life questionnaire and interview techniques interview was conducted with the aim - to investigate dialysis patients quality of life. The data processing of the statistical software package SPSS 17.0, Microsoft Excel, and text content analysis.The study included 100 dialysis patients, of which five patients participated in the interview conversation.In the empirical part of dialysis patients major life domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment areas) Assessment of quality of life features.

The object of this research is to optimize the overall power system performance using FACTS devices. Particularly, it is intended to improve the reliability, and the performance of the power system considering steady state operating condition as well as the system subjected to small and large disturbances. The methodology proposed to achieve this goal corresponds to an enhanced particle swarm optimizer (Enhanced-PSO) that is proven in this work to have several advantages, in terms of accuracy and computational effort, as compared with other existing methods. Once the performance of the Enhanced PSO is verified, a multi-stage PSO-based optimization framework is proposed for optimizing the power system reliability (N-1 contingency criterion). The algorithm finds optimal settings for present infrastructure (generator outputs, transformers tap ratios and capacitor banks settings) as well as optimal control references for distributed static series compensators (DSSC) and optimal locations, sizes and control settings for static compensator (STATCOM) units. Finally, a two-stage optimization algorithm is proposed to improve the power system performance in steady state conditions and when small and large perturbations are applied to the system. In this case, the algorithm provides optimal control references for DSSC modules, optimal location and sizes for capacitor banks, and optimal location, sizes and control parameters for STATCOM units (internal and external controllers), so that the loadability and the damping of the system are maximized at minimum cost. Simulation results throughout this research show a significant improvement of the power system reliability and performance after the system is optimized.

FundaÃÃo Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnolÃgico / The main aim of this work is to apply the finite element method (FEM), modeled in short circuit current conduction problems at industrial frequency, calculating grounding resistance and verifying whether a particular project is within the safety specifications. The work optimization techniques for soil modeling are used and the FEM is applied as a way to aid substation commissioning, simulating the Fall of Potential method (FOP) as well as step and touch potential experimenting. The research presents the optimal model of soil found by the minimization of the error between the apparent resistivity curve extracted from electrical soil resistivity measurements. The method of Wenner and a theoretical curve of apparent resistivity for a model of "N" horizontal layers is used as well as the algorithm Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO); a fairly consolidated optimization, a metaheuristic, which recorded an excellent performance when applied to a solution of this problem. Various soil stratification were performed using optimization techniques, and the results of case studies that use graph method, extracted from literature were confronted with this method. The model of grounding problems using the FEM was presented as an alternative solution to the project using the IEEE Std 80, being possible to determine the spatial distribution of the electric potential at all points of the soil, which was modeled as heterogeneous, so getting to know the regions of the project which have the highest potential levels of step and touch. The FEM was also applied to determine the exact location of potential probe in the ground resistance measurement test which was validated through field experiments and through results extracted from literature. The method was also applied to the determination of the potential levels of step and touch existing in a substation, being the testing simulated and proven through field experiments. / Este trabalho tem como objetivo principal, aplicar o mÃtodo dos elementos finitos (FEM), modelados em problemas de conduÃÃo de corrente de curto-circuito à frequÃncia industrial, calculando a resistÃncia de aterramento e verificando se um determinado projeto està dentro das especificaÃÃes de seguranÃa. SÃo utilizadas tÃcnicas de otimizaÃÃo para a modelagem do solo e aplicado o FEM como forma de auxÃlio ao comissionamento de subestaÃÃes, simulando o mÃtodo da queda de potencial e ensaios de potenciais de passo e de toque. à apresentado o modelo Ãtimo do solo, encontrado atravÃs da minimizaÃÃo do erro entre a curva de resistividade aparente extraÃda de mediÃÃes de resistividade elÃtrica do solo atravÃs do mÃtodo de Wenner e uma curva de resistividade aparente teÃrica para um modelo de âNâ camadas horizontais. O referido modelo utiliza o algoritmo Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), uma metaheurÃstica de otimizaÃÃo bastante consolidada e que apresenta uma excelente performance quando aplicada à resoluÃÃo deste problema. Foram realizadas diversas estratificaÃÃes do solo utilizando tÃcnicas de otimizaÃÃo. Quanto ao resultado de estudos de caso foram utilizados mÃtodos grÃficos extraÃdos da literatura e confrontados com este mÃtodo. O modelo de problemas de aterramento utilizando o FEM foi apresentado como soluÃÃo alternativa ao projeto utilizando a norma IEEE Std 80, sendo possÃvel determinar a distribuiÃÃo espacial do potencial elÃtrico em todos os pontos do solo, que foi modelado como heterogÃneo, conhecendo-se assim as regiÃes do projeto que possuem os maiores nÃveis de potenciais de passo e de toque. O FEM tambÃm foi aplicado na determinaÃÃo da localizaÃÃo exata da sonda de potencial no ensaio de mediÃÃo de resistÃncia de aterramento, sendo validado atravÃs de ensaios de campo e atravÃs de resultados extraÃdos da literatura. O referido mÃtodo tambÃm foi aplicado na determinaÃÃo dos nÃveis de potencias de passo e de toque existentes em uma subestaÃÃo, sendo os ensaios simulados e comprovados atravÃs de experimentos de campo.

Les pays industrialisés cherchent aujourd’hui à réduire leur consommation d'énergie et à utiliser des matières premières de substitution, notamment renouvelables dont le bois fait partie. Pour promouvoir son usage, le développement de méthodes favorisant son recours dans les systèmes constructifs pour la construction multiétage est nécessaire.La conception d’un bâtiment est multicritère. Des objectifs contradictoires sont à optimiser simultanément. Des solutions de compromis Pareto-optimaux sont par exemple recherchées entre l’atteinte des meilleures performances d’usage et la limitation de l’impact environnemental du bâtiment. Ces travaux portent ainsi sur le développement d’une méthode d’optimisation multiobjectif de systèmes constructifs bois adaptés au multiétage.Des objectifs de maximisation du confort vibratoire des planchers et de minimisation des besoins de chauffage, d’inconfort thermique, de potentiel de réchauffement climatique et d’énergie grise sont pris en compte. La méthode repose sur un algorithme d’optimisation multiobjectif par essaim particulaire capable de proposer un ensemble de solutions non-dominées constituant le front de Pareto. L’espace des solutions est contraint par des exigences réglementaires nécessaires à la sécurité de l’ouvrage. L’ensemble des fonctions-objectif est modélisé sous forme de fonctions analytiques. Les sorties d’intérêt du modèle de simulation thermique dynamique sont substituées par des métamodèles.La méthode développée est mise en oeuvre sur un cas d’étude. Les résultats obtenus offrent une grande diversité dans un panel de 20 000 solutions optimales. Ces résultats constituent un support de discussion entre les différents acteurs d’un projet de construction. / Industrialised countries are seeking to reduce their energy consumption and to use alternative raw materials, including renewables such as wood. To promote its use, multi-storey timber constructive systems need the development of new design methods.Building required a multicriteria design where conflicting objectives must be optimised simultaneously. Research solutions have to achieve the best Pareto-compromise between use performance and environmental impact of the building. This work aims to develop a multiobjective optimisation method of timber multi-storey building.The objectives of maximising floor vibration comfort and minimising heating needs, thermal discomfort, global warming potential and embodied energy are taken into account. A multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to obtain a set of non-dominated solutions which is the Pareto front. The solution space is constrained by regulatory requirements necessary for the safety of the structure. All objective-functions are modelled as analytic functions. Dynamic thermal simulation model outputs are replaced by metamodels.The developed method is implemented on a case study. The results offer a great diversity in a panel of 20 000 optimal solutions. These results provide a basis for discussion between the different actors of a construction project.

Recently, continuous-valued optimization problems have received a great amount of focus, resulting in optimization algorithms which are very efficient within the continuous-valued space. Many optimization problems are, however, defined within the binary-valued problem space. These continuous-valued optimization algorithms can not operate directly on a binary-valued problem representation, without algorithm adaptations because the mathematics used within these algorithms generally fails within a binary problem space. Unfortunately, such adaptations may alter the behavior of the algorithm, potentially degrading the performance of the original continuous-valued optimization algorithm. Additionally, binary representations present complications with respect to increasing problem dimensionality, interdependencies between dimensions, and a loss of precision. This research investigates the possibility of applying continuous-valued optimization algorithms to solve binary-valued problems, without requiring algorithm adaptation. This is achieved through the application of a mapping technique, known as angle modulation. Angle modulation effectively addresses most of the problems associated with the use of a binary representation by abstracting a binary problem into a four-dimensional continuous-valued space, from which a binary solution is then obtained. The abstraction is obtained as a bit-generating function produced by a continuous-valued algorithm. A binary solution is then obtained by sampling the bit-generating function. This thesis proposes a number of population-based angle-modulated continuous-valued algorithms to solve binary-valued problems. These algorithms are then compared to binary algorithm counterparts, using a suite of benchmark functions. Empirical analysis will show that the angle-modulated continuous-valued algorithms are viable alternatives to binary optimization algorithms. Copyright 2012, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Pamparà, G 2012, Angle modulated population based algorithms to solve binary problems, MSc dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-02242012-090312 / > C12/4/188/gm / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Computer Science / unrestricted