text:
Risk Analysis Using Multi-Source Data for Distribution Networks Facing Extreme Natural Disasters
School of Information Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing, 102617, China
* Corresponding Author: Jun Yang. Email:
Energy Engineering 2023, 120(9), 2079-2096. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2023.028653
Received 30 December 2022; Accepted 15 March 2023; Issue published 03 August 2023
Distribution networks denote important public infrastructure necessary for people’s livelihoods. However, extreme natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and mudslides, severely threaten the safe and stable operation of distribution networks and power supplies needed for daily life. Therefore, considering the requirements for distribution network disaster prevention and mitigation, there is an urgent need for in-depth research on risk assessment methods of distribution networks under extreme natural disaster conditions. This paper accesses multi-source data, presents the data quality improvement methods of distribution networks, and conducts data-driven active fault diagnosis and disaster damage analysis and evaluation using data-driven theory. Furthermore, the paper realizes real-time, accurate access to distribution network disaster information. The proposed approach performs an accurate and rapid assessment of cross-sectional risk through case study. The minimal average annual outage time can be reduced to 3 h/a in the ring network through case study. The approach proposed in this paper can provide technical support to the further improvement of the ability of distribution networks to cope with extreme natural disasters.Keywords
As an important part of the electric power system, the distribution network is an important public infrastructure integral to people’s livelihoods , and is a key element for ensuring the quality of power supply , improving the operational efficiency, and enhancing the reliability of the power supply  and customer service. Earthquakes, typhoons, mudslides, and other extreme natural disasters are extremely destructive and can cause severe failures, thus threatening the safe and stable operation of distribution networks and power supplies needed for daily life. For instance, in September 2016, Typhoon Meranti caused enormous damage to distribution networks and power outages in many areas.
China’s distribution network has a weak foundation, a natural structure, and power supply vulnerability compared to the transmission network. The unbalanced development and a low level of intelligence make the distribution network more susceptible to faults and outages caused by internal and external factors. with the urbanization progress, the scales of distribution networks have increased, as well as the risk of extreme natural disasters triggering large scale blackouts. However, existing analysis and control methods of distribution networks cannot achieve real-time, accurate, and complete access to disaster data, making it difficult to support accurate assessment, resource deployment and optimal decision-making at the macro level effectively. This restricts the effective implementation of emergency repair commands, rapid restoration of power supplies, and differentiated transformation of weak links. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the risk control level of the distribution networks and enhance its ability to respond to extreme natural disasters effectively.
Continuous improvement in intelligence of distribution grid has resulted in the accumulation of a large amount of operation data on the distribution grid, and the increasing maturity and practicality of new-generation information technology, such as big data and artificial intelligence, provide effective technical means for distribution grid risk management. The data-driven risk control technology of the distribution networks has a feasible data and algorithm foundation. Thus, it is necessary to ensure the consistency, accuracy and completeness of a model and data acquisition to improve the accuracy of the distribution network’s fault diagnosis and risk assessment.
This paper aims to solve key problems such as poor quality of distribution network basic data and a lack of means for disaster damage analysis and evaluation, to achieve cross-system, multi-link data integration and quality improvement. In this way, accurate fault diagnosis and disaster damage analysis of the distribution networks could be realized, and effective technical support could be provided to improve the risk management capability of the distribution networks.
The main contributions of this work can be summarized as follows:
1) An approach for multi-source data integration in distribution networks is proposed in this study. Compared with traditional approach, the unified modeling, information integration, and rapid data exchange between heterogeneous systems is realized, thus providing the necessary scientific data for fault handling of distribution network. 2) A data-driven risk assessment approach considering the complex network structures and special environments of distribution networks is proposed in this study, thus effectively promoting the accuracy and reliability of risk assessment.
The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Section 2 review and analyze the related work on this topic. Section 3 proposes a multi-source data interaction and data quality improvement method. Section 4 describes data quality evaluation and measurement calibration methods. Section 5 proposes fault judgment and disaster damage analysis methods based on multi-source data. The case study using a 10-kV distribution network model is given in Section 6 and the conclusions are stated in Section 7.
This section review and analyze the related work in terms of multi-source data fusion and disaster analysis for distribution networks.
Regarding the issue of multi-source data fusion in distribution networks, many studies have made feasibility arguments from the perspective of information integration, such as IEC61850-based intelligent substation automation , IEC61850-based automatic fault location and isolation for distribution automation , IEC61968-based information interaction bus for distribution networks , bidirectional communication interface between users and smart grids, and information visualization display research. Based on the IEC61968-11, Nanrui Group defined a standard and unified data exchange model, developed a standardized interface between systems, and gradually performed information interaction and function integration with the energy management system (EMS), production management system (PMS), geographic information system (GIS), marketing management system, 95598 customer service system, electricity information acquisition system, and other systems according to the foundation of the power grid information construction. Data quality significantly affects the accuracy of analysis results, so to achieve the risk control of distribution networks based on multi-source data, it is necessary to solve the data quality problems first , for instance, the untimely uploading of protection switch action information, inconsistent time scales, and missing data. Further to compensate for the lack of real-time measurement data, state estimation algorithms have been designed in the literature for distribution networks . In , a physical probabilistic network model was proposed for determining the switch states of distribution networks based on data obtained from the electricity information acquisition system deployed in smart grids, and trust propagation algorithms were modified to achieve state estimation based on the graph-theoretic model. In , a multi-layer state estimation method based on low-voltage measurements in smart meters was proposed, using an uncertainty propagation theory to integrate different types of data. A Bayesian state estimation method based on deep learning was introduced in . The Monte Carlo simulations were used to train deep neural networks to consider stochastic power injection in the distribution system, and the Bayesian methods were employed to detect and filter out invalid data. In , a learning architecture for distribution network state estimation that uses a large amount of historical data to simulate the network state offline was introduced, and a real-time state estimation was achieved. However, the exact mapping relationship between the measured data and the network state was difficult to obtain. In , a PD-IoT multi-source data processing and fusion architecture based on edge intelligence of PD-IoT is proposed. The unification of dimension and magnitude under various distribution network data acquisition systems are realized though Box–Cox transform and PCA algorithm. The other typical distribution network state estimation algorithms include a least squares-based state estimation algorithm, a decoupled state estimation algorithm based on measurement transformation, an artificial intelligence-based distribution network state estimation, and an expert system-based distribution network state estimation.
Considering the distribution network risk assessment, researchers from Iowa State University introduced risk theory into the power system, a concept that has attracted widespread attention . Based on the traditional state analysis method, the Monte Carlo method and other methods, various algorithms for risk assessment have been developed to improve risk assessment efficiency , and many risk assessment index systems have been proposed . In , the authors developed an active distribution network risk assessment and early warning mechanism to achieve a complete assessment of multiple risk indicators. The proposed model considered a variety of risk factors, including both internal and external factors. Further, in , a method for distribution network analysis in a winter storm environment was presented to assess the disaster damage to poles of various materials. In , a GIS-driven proactive risk-based management tool integrating outage records, historical weather information, and fault event management was introduced, and a risk model was established based on Bayesian learning for determining the economic impact of natural disasters and defined by a time-series space-time correlation equation. A three-layer risk trust strategy for power systems that makes full use of multi-source data to ensure the reliability index of distribution systems was proposed in . In , a data-model hybrid driven resilience assessment framework that considers the impact of multiple factors is established to accurately find the weak links of the transmission system and improve the system resilience. The optimal promotion strategy is selected according to the construction difficulty, resilience improvement ability, and cost analysis. An investigation in  posited a reinforcement learning-based Bayesian model tool for smart grids that use indicators such as network architecture and vulnerability models, and employed two learning methods, where Bayesian models was used to calculate the optimal recovery strategy for damage caused by weather effects. According to domestic research in China, distribution network risk assessment methods can be categorized into three main types: analytical methods, simulation methods, and hybrid methods that combine the first two types. The computational complexity of the analytical method increases significantly with the number of fault weights and system states. In addition, the computational time of a simulation method increases sharply with the error accuracy requirements. In , the authors applied a complex network theory to realize the active distribution network risk assessment and established a set of multi-level operation risk rapid assessment systems based on an automation system, thus effectively improving the speed of the power system operation risk assessment; and compensating for the deficiency of power flow calculations in multi-level operation risk assessment. In , a distribution network fault line grading evaluation method for a typhoon environment, which constructs an index system based on typhoon disaster loss historical fault data, was proposed. This method combines data mining methods to construct a principal component analysis model and a single-level analysis model, calculates the weights of each index separately, and finally uses a comprehensive subject-objective assignment strategy to determine the weights, which is followed by intelligent evaluation and grading of typhoon fault lines. However, due to the complexity of actual distribution networks, theoretical models are difficult to apply directly to an actual network.
(1) Analysis of the existing research on multi-source data integration in distribution networks
Distribution networks in China has shown unbalanced development and a low level of intelligence, requiring the integration and synchronization of data obtained from decentralized systems. Therefore, it is necessary to guarantee the comprehensiveness, accuracy and consistency of multi-source data acquisition. However, research in this field has still been in the initial stage of deepening the application of multi-source data in distribution networks. Therefore, the unified modeling, information integration, and rapid data exchange between heterogeneous systems and the inconsistent time scale of multi-source data requires further in-depth research.
(2) Analysis of the existing research on distribution network disaster risk assessment
The analysis of the current research on the risk assessment technology of distribution networks has shown that, although extensive research has been conducted, there are still certain deficiencies. First, the accuracy of risk assessment models is low, which affects the reliability of a large-scale risk assessment. Second, the risk assessment theory mostly related to the main network’s method without considering the complex network structures and special environments of distribution networks. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problems of global analysis and spatial and temporal multi-dimensional disaster damage in distribution networks through data-driven active fault diagnosis, providing decision support for disaster damage recovery and emergency management.
Considering the requirements of distribution network disaster analysis, a multi-source data interaction and data quality improvement method is proposed as follows.
The functions of a distribution network disaster analysis system include quasi-real-time monitoring of the distribution networks, substation outage and resumption statistics, switch tripping monitoring, and real-time statistics and monitoring of disaster losses. The required data are obtained from the distribution management system (DMS), PMS, electricity information acquisition system, and the meteorological systems. These data include graphic and model file, operation and business data, equipment information, and meteorological information. The specific data requirements are presented in Table 1.
As illustrated in Fig. 1, a provincial distribution management system is divided into a production control safety region and an information management safety region according to the system security requirement. The multi-source data of each system are integrated and shared in different ways, for instance, via FTP, Web service, or intermediate database, to meet the interaction requirements of various applications and facilitate information-sharing across different security partitions and regional scopes.
(1) Distribution network graphic and model file
The distribution network graphic and model files include data from the DMS, and denote the basis of real-time monitoring, statistical analysis, and visualization of the distribution networks. The information is interacted through FTP with a regular incremental push.
(2) Distribution network operation data
The operation data pushed by the DMS mainly include real-time cross-section data (i.e., information on equipment and the corresponding voltage, current, active and reactive powers), switch tripping data, and terminal online data. The real-time cross-section data are transferred with FTP, and other data are sent with Web service.
The operational data transferred via the PMS are mainly distribution network outage data, and these data are interacted via an intermediate database.
(3) Distribution network business data
The business data obtained by the DMS include remote control data, equipment variation data, feeder automation data, command tickets, power outage data, variation information, remote signal identification data. These data are transferred via Web service for information interaction.
The business data obtained from PMS mainly include the maintenance and emergency repair data of the distribution networks, and these data are exchanged through the intermediate database.
(4) Distribution network equipment data
Data related to the distribution network equipment include the information on the equipment ledger and its geographic data, which are obtained from the PMS. The distribution equipment ledger data regularly interact with an intermediate database, and the geographic information data are sent via Web service.
(5) Meteorological data
The meteorological data include temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall, typhoon, and earthquake. These data are stored in an intermediate database and restored via regular push.
In the distribution network data collection process, due to the problems of collection environment, collection equipment, and transmission channel, real-time data can be mixed with a large amount of invalid and uncollected data, which affects the accuracy and credibility of the distribution network operation monitoring significantly. Therefore, it is essential to improve data quality.
The data quality is quantitatively characterized by a value from zero to one. The closer the value is to one, the higher the data quality is; zero indicates that data are not credible, and one means data are credible.
(1) Voltage data quality evaluation
In an open-loop distribution network, each bus voltage should obey the two following laws:
Law 1: The voltage of each bus should be within the rated voltage range limits; namely, it should be less than the maximum voltage allowed but larger than the minimum allowable voltage. The specific expression is as follows:
According to law 1, voltage data quality evaluation principle 1 can be defined as follows. When the bus voltage meets the upper and lower voltage constraints, the quality evaluation indicator is
Law 2: The voltage decreases gradually in the power flow direction, and the voltage value of a specific distribution area is smaller than the voltage value of its upstream area and larger than the voltage value of its downstream area, which can be described as follows:
If there is no bus bar in the distribution area, the bus bar voltage refers to the feeder’s voltage. The voltage of a distribution area containing the substation outlet switch is defined as the substation bus voltage value, and its quality evaluation index is one. When there are many measurement points along the downstream direction of the distribution area, the value of
According to law 2, the second principle of voltage quality evaluation is as follows. When the voltage in the distribution area meets the upstream and downstream voltage limit conditions, the quality evaluation indicator is a certain value. However, when the constraints are not met, the quality evaluation indicator is zero. Assume the bus voltage data quality evaluation indicator is denoted by
According to the bus voltage quality evaluation principles 1 and 2, the sum of the two quality evaluation indicators is used as a total bus voltage quality evaluation indicator, which can be expressed as follows:
(2) Switch telemetry data quality evaluation
The switch telemetry includes active and reactive powers and currents flowing through the switch, and the switch telemetry needs to satisfy the following laws.
Law 3: If the number of closed out-domain switches in a distribution area is greater than one, the telemetry of each out-domain switch in this distribution area needs to be smaller than its in-domain switch telemetry, which is expressed by
According to switch telemetry law 3, switch telemetry quality evaluation principle 1 is defined as follows. When the distribution area out-domain switch telemetry is smaller than the corresponding in-domain switch telemetry, and the minimum distribution area closed out-domain switch number is larger than one, the out-domain switch quality evaluation index is
The telemetry quality evaluation index of the substation outlet switch is specified as one, which means that the measurement is credible.
Law 4: The incoming switch telemetry value in a distribution area should be equal to the sum of all outgoing switch telemetry values, which is given by
According to law 4, switch telemetry quality evaluation principle 2 is defined as follows. When the difference in switch tide between regions in and out of the distribution area is less than a certain error
If the switch telemetry value is zero and the switch is split, the measurement quality evaluation index is one. The initial value of the virtual switch measurement is zero and the measurement quality index is zero.
(3) Switch signal quality evaluation
An incorrect switching signal can lead to an incorrect distribution network topology model. Therefore, an accurate switch signal identification crucial, and the following rule should be satisfied: if the current flows through the switch of a distribution area, its switch state should be closed.
According to the aforementioned law, the switch signal quality evaluation principle can be defined follows. When the switch telemetry quality evaluation index of a distribution area is a non-zero value, the telemetry value is also a non-zero value, then the telemetry status of this switch is closed, and its telemetry quality evaluation index is one. However, if the switch telemetry quality evaluation index is a non-zero value, the telemetry status of this switch is split, the telemetry value is zero, its telemetry quality evaluation index is one. Further, if the switch telemetry quality evaluation index is a non-zero value, the switch telemetry quality evaluation index is also a non-zero value, then the switch telemetry state is split, the telemetry value is non-zero, and its telemetry quality evaluation index is −1. Finally, if the switch telemetry quality evaluation index is zero, the switch telemetry state is indefinite, and its telemetry quality evaluation index is zero. The switch telemetry quality evaluation index is denoted by
The distribution network measurement calibration includes the identification of invalid data and the completion of missing data. Detailed descriptions of the switch telemetry data calibration, signal identification, and bus voltage data calibration are given in the following:
(1) Switch telemetry calibration
First, a quality evaluation of switch telemetry is performed for each distribution area in the direction from parent to child, and the telemetry quality evaluation index of each switch is calculated. Next, starting from the root node of the feeder, the switch telemetry data are corrected and complemented according to the parent–child hierarchical relationship in a distribution area as follows. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1: If the telemetry quality evaluation index of a switch in the distribution area is one, then that the telemetry value of the switch is reliable.
Step 2: If the telemetry quality evaluation index of four switches in the distribution area is zero, these switches are denoted load-out domain switches, and the evaluation indices of the other switches are non-zero value. This indicates that the telemetry value of an invalid switch is greater than the value of the incoming domain switch, and each invalid measurement is corrected by the average value approximation.
Step 3: If the telemetry quality evaluation index of the incoming switch in the distribution area is zero, and all other switch quality evaluation indices are non-zero values, the telemetry value of the incoming switch represents the sum of downstream switch measurement.
Step 4: If the quality evaluation index of the switch in the distribution area is non-zero value lower than one, the area has a measurement deviation from the actual value.
Step 5: If the minimum distribution area contains both outgoing and incoming problematic domain switches, or a problematic load outgoing domain switch and a problematic connected outgoing domain switch, and the quality evaluation indices of the outgoing and incoming domain switches are not equal to one, the incoming domain switch problem can be converted to the outgoing domain switch problem of the upstream parent minimum distribution area, and the connected outgoing domain switch problem can be converted to the parent–child hierarchical relationship region inbound domain switching problem with the downstream child minimum distribution and can be processed by Steps 2–5.
(2) Switch signal identification
After the identification correction process and complementing of switch telemetry, the switch signal identification correction can be performed as follows:
Step 1: Perform the switch signal quality evaluation by the above-described method for each distribution area from parent to child.
Step 2: When the switch signal quality evaluation indicator is one, the current switch status is credible.
Step 3: When the switch signal quality evaluation index is −1, then the switch correction state should be opposite to the current state, the current switch state should be reversed and corrected, and the switch signal quality evaluation index should be changed to one.
Step 4: When the switch signal corrects the variation, the switch signal in the distribution area associated with the complementary variation switch needs to be corrected again using the above described method.
(3) Busbar voltage identification correction
When the signal of all switches is corrected, the busbar voltage identification correction can be performed as follows:
Step 1: Fill up the voltage of a distribution area where the busbar voltage is not collected and where there is no busbar in order from parent to child, and specify that the voltage of the distribution area is the voltage of its upstream parent distribution area.
Step 2: Evaluate the bus voltage quality for each distribution area.
Step 3: When the voltage quality evaluation indicator is one, it means that the current bus voltage value is credible.
Step 4: When the voltage quality evaluation index is zero, then the voltage value satisfies neither the voltage rating constraint nor the parent–child area voltage constraint. If the parent area voltage of the region is a non-zero value, it is replaced by an approximate parent area voltage value. If the sub-region voltage value of the region is a non-zero value, it is replaced by an approximate maximum sub-region voltage value with the measured quality evaluation index. If the parent and child areas’ voltage values of the region are both non-zero values, they are replaced by the approximate average value of the parent and child voltage values.
Step 5: When the voltage quality evaluation indicator is zero, then the voltage value meet neither the parent area voltage constraint nor the rated value constraint, and the voltage quality evaluation indicator can be set to zero. If the correction indicator is approximately the original indicator, the original value is replaced by the corrected voltage measurement value, and the measurement quality indicator is modified accordingly; otherwise, the measurement value is not changed.
The main purpose of distribution network fault judgment is to analyze the fault outage mode and its scope through outage events, as well as measurement information combined with equipment operation status and topology analysis results. Thus, the power loss area can be analyzed based on a distribution network topology tree. Disaster damage analysis including disaster definition, damage statistics and monitoring can further be achieved  base on the result of fault judgment.
The fault point location can be determined based on a distribution network parent-child hierarchical relationship, which mainly includes three evaluation steps. First, the fault judgment is performed based on outage events; then, the fault judgment is conducted based on the phase loss of a public transformer; finally, the fault judgment is performed based on the loss of the bus voltage. The three steps are described in the following:
(1) Fault judgment based on power outage events
A fault point can be located based on the outage event and related public transformer measurement information, combined with the equipment operation status data and topology analysis results; also, the possible outage range can be generated.
(2) Fault judgment based on the phase loss of public transformers
For public transformers, if the phase voltage of one or two phases changes from a non-zero value to zero, it can be judged as a phase loss. Therefore, the distribution transformers with the same phase loss, and the location of the equipment causing these distribution transformers should be determined to find a fault using the topology information.
(3) Fault judgment based on the busbar or station-wide outage
If the line voltage of the substation 10-kV bus decreases from a normal value to zero, the judgment will be triggered. After a certain judgment delay, the line voltage and the outgoing switch current of all feeders corresponding to this bus are analyzed, and they are all zeros, it is judged that the bus is out of power. In addition, all transformers on the feeders connected to this busbar will be judged to be in the outage range.
However, if all 10-kV buses of a substation are in the outage status, it is judged that the entire station is out of power. Then, all transformers on the feeders supplied by the substation are judged to be in the outage range.
Real-time access to distribution network models, graphics, and data can be realized through data fusion of multiple system. Then, real-time monitoring of the distribution network operation status and real-time statistics and the analysis of disaster losses down to the township or street granularity can be realized. The disaster analysis process includes the disaster definition process, disaster statistics, data comparison, and disaster monitoring.
(1) Disaster definition
To provide a flexible disaster customization function, the disaster definition is performed to provide the time and scope bases for disaster statistical analysis. This process includes the definition of the start and end times, disaster impact area, disaster type, and recovery period days.
It should be noted that defining a historical disaster starts with disaster data statistics. However, a future disaster is defined based on the predicted disaster time, disaster impact area and disaster type. When the disaster starting time comes, the disaster statistics operation also starts. Query, modification and deletion operations are performed to define disasters. After a disaster definition is obtained, a re-statistic operation is conducted. The time and scope of disaster can be adjusted in real time, and the statistical operation results are modified according to the new definition.
(2) Disaster damage statistics based on multi-source data
Outage scope analysis method was adopted in both distributed and centralized ways, combining the DMS for outage analysis. The real-time statistics on the scope of the disaster impact and disaster recovery progress under major disaster scenarios are obtained by real-time processing of planned outage data, fault outage data, real-time telegrams and location data. The outage, restoration line, and distribution transformer are all counted. In addition, the system conducts multi-level statistical analysis and real-time monitoring at provincial, municipal, county and township levels.
It should be noted that multi-level outage and resumption statistics are obtained for provinces, cities, counties, and townships. Based on the disaster definition, the system obtains quasi-real-time and historical statistics of power outages and resumptions at specified values of time and space of the disaster. It also employs statistical methods for disaster-related and affected outages. Since only the power outage during the disaster period is considered, accurate classification of disaster loss statistics can be achieved. The flowchart of the described process is presented in Fig. 2.
The main classification process of outage types is as follows:
1) Based on the administrative division, the outage records are divided into different levels such as provinces, cities and counties.
2) Detailed information on the installation location of distribution transformers in villages or at the township-level areas is provided to determine the township-level division of outage records.
3) Based on the outage resumption message, it is identified whether the action switch belongs to the incoming switch or the first switch under no load after the incoming switch, and it is determined whether this outage record is a trunk line outage record.
4) Information on important and lifeline users is obtained based on the PMS to distinguish whether the affected area in the outage record is an important or lifeline user.
(3) Disaster damage data comparison
Based on real-time disaster data, the system performs a disaster damage data comparison for 10-kV lines, trunk lines, branch lines, distribution transformers, and users in different areas of the same disaster, visually reflecting the severity of a disaster in different cities and providing data for provincial repair dispatching. At the municipal level, a comparison of the disaster damage data of 10-kV lines, trunk lines, branch lines, distribution lines, and important users in different counties experiencing the same disaster to provide a basis for municipal emergency repair dispatching.
Further, based on historical disaster data, the system compares the disaster loss data at the local and municipal levels. Multiple disasters can be selected, and disaster loss data of 10-kV lines, trunk lines, branch lines, distribution lines, and important users in different disasters can be compared to explore the effect of season, path and other factors of disasters, and provide a data for subsequent disaster prevention and mitigation.
(4) Disaster monitoring
The system provides a data display of power outage, restoration, unrestored power, and restoration ratio and displays the bar graph and curve display functions for provincial, local, and county-level disaster data. It compares the power outage and restoration data using bar graphs forms to control the impact of disasters. In addition, it displays the restoration ratio of regional power outage data through curve graphs to reflect the restoration of the power supply in each region. By displaying the cumulative, historical, and current curves at one point every 5 min, it intuitively monitors the three-level outage and restoration situation of trunk lines, branch lines, distribution transformers and customers, thus providing multi-dimensional and multi-level display data for disaster monitoring themes.
A 10-kV distribution network model was constructed, as illustrated in Fig. 3, where W1 and W2 denote power sources; QS1, QS2, …, QS5 are isolation switches, where QS5 is a tie switch, which is normally in the open state. Line 1 is from W1 to QS5. Line 2 is from W2 to QS5. FU1, FU2, …, FU6 denote fuses, and A, B, …, F are concentrated load points. The reliability parameters of the components are presented in Table 2.
When the distribution network’s state was “normal operation”, Lines 1 and 2 operated in an open-loop manner according to the ring network. When the distribution network’s state is “associated line maintenance”, namely, when any of Lines 1 and 2 was maintained, the other line operated as a radial connection. Different operational modes corresponded to different average fault time r. The case of simultaneous maintenance or failure of the two lines was not considered in the calculation example due to the low probability.
The parameters were set as follows. The current carrying capacity of the 10-kV insulated conductor line was 505 A, and the power capacity was 9.093 MVA. The rated capacity of the line is 9 MVA. At time t0, the powers of load points A, B, and C were 2.2, 1.7, and 1.1 MW, while the corresponding power factors were 0.95, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. The powers of load points D, E, and F are 2.2, 1.7, and 1.1 MW, while the power factors are 0.95, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. When load points B and C were transferred to Line 2, the minimum voltage of the network was 9.20 kV, and the maximum load was 8.94 MVA. However, when load point C was transferred to Line 2, the minimum voltage of the network was 9.72 kV, and the maximum load was 6.97 MVA. During the open-loop operation, the minimum voltage of the network was 9.93 kV, and the maximum load was 5.51 MVA.
(1) Fault analysis of the ring network
When the distribution network’s state was “normal operation”, if the 2-km section of the lines failed, loads B and C could be powered by the interconnection line. The outage time for opening QS1 and closing QS5 was 1 h.
When the 3-km section of the trunk line failed, load point A could recover the power supply by pulling off QS1 within 1 h. Thus, load point B could be powered only after the line was repaired, namely, after 4 h. Load point C was powered by the tie line within 1 h by opening QS2 and closing QS5.
In the case of fault in the 1-km section of the trunk line, load points A and B could recover power supply from the main power supply in 1 h by opening QS2. Load point C needed to be repaired in this section after 4 h.
The failure rate of load point A was 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.75 = 2 times/a.
The average time of each failure at load point A was (0.5 × 4 + 0.5 × 1 + 0.25 × 1 + 0.75 × 4)/2 = 2.88 h.
The average annual outage time of load point A was λ × r = 2 × 2.88 = 5.75 h/a.
Similarly, the failure outage data of the other load points were obtained, and the results are shown in Table 3.
In a ring network, the average annual outage time of load points A and D is 5.75 h/a, which is the longest among all the load points. The shortest average annual outage time of 3 h/a is in the load points C and F.
(2) Fault analysis of the radial network
When the distribution network operation scenario is an “associated line maintenance”, the fault outage data of each load point can be calculated similarly, as shown in Table 4.
In the case of fault in the 1-km section of the trunk line, load points A and B could recover power supply from the main power supply in 1 h by opening QS2. Load point C needed to be repaired in this section after 4 h.
The failure rate of load point C was 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 1.5 times/a.
The average time of each failure at load point C was (0.5 × 4 + 0.5 × 4 + 0.25 × 4 + 0.25 × 4)/1.5 = 4 h.
The average annual outage time of load point C was λ × r = 1.5 × 4 = 6 h/a.
Similarly, the failure outage data of the other load points were obtained, and the results are shown in Table 4.
In a radial network, the average annual outage time is larger than in ring network. The longest average annual outage time is 6.25 h/a in load points B and E, which is 0.5 h/a higher than in ring network. As a result, it can be indicated that the stability of ring network is better than radial network, especially facing natural disasters.
The safe and stable operation of distribution networks is severely threated by natural disasters resulting in power failures. Continuous improvement in intelligence of distribution grid has resulted in the accumulation of a large amount of operation data on the distribution grid. A data-driven approach is proposed in this paper, which integrates graphic and model files, operational and business data, and equipment and meteorological data from DMS, PMS, and electricity information acquisition systems. It proposes a multi-source data interaction method and a data quality improvement method; achieves fault judgment based on the outage events, phase loss of public transformers and busbar loss of voltage; and designs a multi-source data-based approach. The approach with the functions of disaster definition, disaster damage statistics, disaster comparison and data monitoring is designed based on multi-source data. The proposed system can achieve real-time and accurate acquisition of disaster loss information and accurate analysis and evaluation of disaster loss in a distribution network. The feasibility of the designed method was verified by case study for a 10-kV distribution network. The maximal average annual outage time of load point A was 5.75 h/a in ring network and 6.00 h/a in radical network. The results will be more significant as the data becomes richer, which can provide technique support for the improvement of stability in distribution networks.
Funding Statement: The authors received no specific funding for this study.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to report regarding the present study.
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Cite This Article
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


tier: cub

shelf: software-docs

text:
OC-System supplies partitions to urban center Lippulaiva
In the Lippulaiva project carried out by Skanska, OC-System was responsible for the installation and delivery of the partitions in commercial storage facilities, residential storage facilities and parking facilities. Lippulaiva is an urban center located in Espoonlahti, featuring restaurants, shops, a daycare center, library and more.
“Lippulaiva has been an extensive and varied project for us, thus also a very interesting one. We always manufacture and install structures in a flexible manner, according to the customer’s requirements. In this project, the partitions were mass-customized to suit the location. We used solid cassette element walls, wire mesh partitions and combinations of the two, and created large overall solutions,” Managing Director Riku Räisänen explains.
Extensive project also involved product development
“In this project, we used a new structure we have never made before. The cassette structure has been used in different models, but it was a new solution for this model,” chairman of the OC-System board Pauli Räisänen explains.
The residential storage facilities were made with solid partition structures. This means that you cannot see inside the storage units, unlike with wire mesh partitions. This makes the storage facilities less attractive to burglars.
“This was a challenging and interesting long-term project for us,” Pauli Räisänen sums up.
“The project expanded along the way as new needs were discovered. However, we were able to flexibly respond to the order and schedule changes in good cooperation with Skanska,” Riku Räisänen adds.
Read more about the topic in Industry Radar: https://issuu.com/branschaktuelltsverigeab/docs/industryradar_1_2022_issuu/1


shelf: health

text:
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shelf: finance

title: How to navigate this strange housing market

text:
Is it a good or bad time to buy or sell a house. What are interest rates going to do? What’s the economy going to do?
Uncertainty, economists tell us, causes people to pull back, which can mean disinvestment or just not invest. That seems to have happened when it comes to buyers and sellers. And it’s not just Phoenix or Scottsdale real estate that’s affected; it’s pretty much the entire nation.
Those owners who have been thinking about selling but waited to see if it would go up more are now putting up signs and adding homes for sale to the market like there s no tomorrow. The days of multiple offers over asking and two-day sales appear to be over, at least for a while. But while asking prices have been lowered much more often, prices remain historically high.
Should you buy now or wait for them to fall? If you do, what’s going to happen to interest rates? Are you going to have to pay more in monthly payments because of rising lender costs if you wait?
Should you put your house up for sale now, before prices fall more, or see what happens in the economy?
Here are the options for buyers
Do nothing right now. Wait to see if prices come down before interest rates go through the roof. While rate have rocketed up in the past couple of months, they remain historically low, and even if there is a recession in the near future, mortgage rates don’t usually climb during a recession. You might catch the sweet spot.
Or not. While asking prices have come down, more houses are for sale, and the frenzy has cooled, sale prices have not moved as dramatically. Maybe they will, although we’re not seeing predictions to that effect. So buying now just might be buying in the dip, when some sellers fear the worst and will bargain. If the higher interest rates and recession fears work to stabilize the market, we might be back to normal appreciation in the low to mid single digits. If so, waiting won’t help.
If nothing else, get ready to be a fast buyer if the opportunity comes along. Get qualified, identify your down payment, talk to a lender, and get your Realtor your parameters. Then if the right deal comes along, you are prepared.
Put the house up for sale right now to try to catch the end of a great time for sellers. Even with more sellers doing so, inventory is still low and rents are still rising. Do you want to take a chance of a quickly recovering economy (think Ukraine, gas prices, supply chain, inflation, Covid, politics, etc.)?
Test the market. Put it up but with a hard number you won’t go under, and if you can’t get that, take it off. It’s no small headache doing all the fix-up and clean-up to get ready for a sale, and there are expenses and other headaches to consider. But that’s an option.
Fix it up. Make the house you’re in now your dream home, if it has the bones to make that possible. Don’t overspend for your neighborhood, though.
Rent it out. That’s not for everyone, and it’s not always stable income. But professional property managers can handle much of the workload (and the critical emergency calls), if you can handle the uncertainty. Rents, by the way, still seem to be rising.


shelf: education

text:
Do gifted education programs encourage social inequality?
“Gifted” is the term used by psychologists and educators to designate children with extraordinary academic abilities. Giftedness has typically been associated with having high IQ scores. Gifted education programs are loosely defined as being “above the norm.” So, gifted students are those who, compared to their age group, score above average. Gifted education programs have also traditionally been hubs for white children from middle to high classes to flourish.
Discrepancies in how schools define giftedness only serve to further the sense of inequality. Continuing socioeconomic inequities, such as; class, race, disabilities and gender, have had an impact on which students receive access to gifted programs. IQ test scores are effected by socioeconomic factors. As Noodle points out, children coming from higher status, higher income households, generally are more likely to be exposed to the type of tasks that aid them in developing the cognitive wiring that is valued in schools.
Fortunately, when school-wide testing is used to identify gifted students, it has been reported that the representation of poor and minority students has increased. Likely because without such widespread testing, far fewer poor and minority children are assessed in the first place.
Parents with the higher financial means and status are more likely to push for gifted education classes. However, districts that mainly serve impoverished communities or children of color, non-mandatory “extras” like gifted education are likely to be less available.
Senator Barbara Mikulski has successfully advocated for restoring federal funding to a program aimed at increasing the enrollment of underrepresented students in gifted education programs.
Our comprehension of giftedness and gifted education programs are works in progress and will be indefinitely subject to reassessment and adjustment.


shelf: home-craft

title: Tomato Bread Pudding

text:
Tomato Bread Pudding
This food blogging thing is really fun! For my money, there is nothing I like more than request cooking. I mean, when somebody asks for it and I have to cook it.
"Since you are so adept at making it up, I thought I'd ask for help with a quest I've been on for a couple of years. It's what I'd call a tomato bread pudding, a savory dish but erring to custard rather than bread. I've made several versions and all have been disappointing. But I continue to have this mind/mouth vision of a creamy savory custard paired with soft slices of tomato held intact with custard/tomato-soaked bread. I see it slicing, like a tart except no crust."
Fortunately, I had on hand all the ingredients I needed and I couldn't wait to get to the kitchen to give it a try. I think the result is pretty close to the request....but I'll have to wait for Alanna to try it for the final verdict.
Tomato Bread Pudding
1-1/2 C heavy cream
1 C canned whole tomatoes, cut up
1/2 C juice from canned tomatoes
6 oz can tomato paste
1 large egg
2 egg yolks
1 day-old French baguette (about 7 oz)
1 tomato, sliced in 6 slices
1 medium onion, chopped
1 T butter
2 T fresh oregano, minced
2 T fresh thyme, minced
1 T fresh sage, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt, hot sauce, to taste
Using a 7" diameter deep tart pan to measure, cut pieces of crust from the bread about 1/2"' thich, as wide as the loaf and about 2/3 as long as the pan is tall. Butter the pan and stand these pieces in sort of a fence around the perimeter of the pan, with the cut sides facing inward. Cut the rest of the bread in 1/2" cubes and place them in the well created by the bread "fence." Compress the cubes into the pan with your fingers. The bread cubes when compressed should be about even with the top of the bread fence pieces.
Sauté the onion in 1 T butter slowly, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
Mix herbs together.
Beat the egg and yolks briefly with a fork and then mix well with the cream, cooked onions, canned tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, garlic and 3/4 of the herbs. Correct seasoning.
Pour cream / tomato mixture over the bread, to cover the bread. (There may be some left over, depending on the size of the pan and how tightly packed the bread is. Any leftover custard can be cooked as directed below with or without bread in buttered ramekins, if you like, or used as an enrichment for a soup.)
Allow pudding to sit for 30 minutes, then set in a pan of boiling water that reaches halfway up the sides of the tart pan and bake in a preheated 350º oven 45 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, lay the tomato slices over the top of the pudding and sprinkle with the remaining herbs.
Paint tomato slices with olive oil when the pudding comes out of the oven and then allow pudding to rest about 30 minutes before unmolding.
To be honest, I haven't yet figured out what sort of sauce is best with this. I'm thinking a dollop of sour cream, possibly with a some herbs mixed in, but I'd appreciate some suggestions. A rich cheesy white sauce, like a mornay, might be nice, but the dish is already fairly rich. Perhaps if served with a nice roast chicken, instead of stuffing or potatoes, some gravy or seasoned pan juices would be the perfect sauce. I could also see this dish on the side with braised shortribs and a salad, or maybe paired with a mushroom ragout. Anyway, suggestions on this front are welcome!
Note: for a related dish and a few follow-up notes on this experimental dish, see the post Tomato Flan. Also, as with most of the dishes published on stephencooks.com, this is a work in progress: ingredient amounts are approximate and may change as I test this further, but normally this polishing of recipes takes years in my kitchen, not days -- the bottom line is, if you try it, you're on your own! See my Site Notes for additional information about related topics. Also, if you do try it and come up with an improvement, please let me know so we can all benefit.
The comments to this entry are closed.


shelf: history-culture

title: Lk howie kim

text:
In the ever-evolving world of fashion and design, innovation and experimentation are paramount. Lenskart, a renowned eyewear brand, exemplifies these qualities by continually pushing the boundaries of creative collaboration.
This Halloween, Lenskart teamed up with Howie Kim, a Singapore-based visual artist celebrated for his eccentric and bizarre art style to create a daring eyewear capsule collection celebrating Halloween with a twist.
Embracing the haunting spirit of Halloween, the Bongdirk’s Nightmare goes beyond the ordinary, drawing inspiration from Howie Kim's eccentric art style. We collaboratively delved into the project to explore the realms of macabre cinematography within Howie Kim's universe.
Drawing visual inspiration from the distinctive aesthetics of the Goosebumps series and the nostalgic appeal of Scooby-Doo, the campaign pays homage to those who grew up in the '90s. The film revolves around the portrayal of four eyewear pieces inspired by Halloween, for which four distinct 3D worlds were crafted. This approach creates a mood that is daring, nostalgic, and playfully eerie. The homage to '90s pop culture, combined with Howie Kim's bizarre art style, sets a tone that is both unconventional and intriguing.
The animation, designed to seamlessly switch between products, incorporates slick camera movements for a cinematic feel. The sound design, featuring 80s-inspired horror synthwave music, further heightens the macabre moments, guiding viewers deeper into Howie Kim's world. This unique blend of nostalgia, macabre cinematography, and playful eeriness defines the mood of "Bongdirk’s Nightmare." It invites the audience into a surreal and whimsical journey, where Halloween becomes a canvas for unconventional creativity and expressive storytelling.
UNIVERSE OF BONGDIRK
Inspired by Howie Kim's iconic Bongdirk character and horror films, each frame is meticulously designed to capture the essence of Bongdirk’s greatest fears. The eyewear collection invites curious and daring beings to enter the alien-bear’s lucid trip into a dark and whimsical fantasy. Elements include knives through hearts, syringes, and the iconic Bongdirk character, creating a bizarre and spooky atmosphere.
Taking a dive into classic slasher films, where a deranged slasher villain crushes hearts. Bongdirk, in his nightmares, takes a knife through his heart, reflected through the temples of the Slasher eyewear.
Inspired by frightful scenes in horror films, Bongdirk’s fears are unlocked further as he is surrounded by floating eyeballs and gigantic snakes, trying to find his way out of his nightmare.
Entering a medical horror film scenario, portraying the fear of needles and deranged murderous doctors. Bongdirk finds himself trapped in the terrors of his greatest nightmare, strapped to a surgical table, with his head injected with mysterious red liquids.
Drawing inspiration from the well-known horror film "The Shining," Bongdirk encounters his eerie doppelgänger in the hallways, reminiscent of the Grady twins, inviting him to come and play.


shelf: civic-law

text:
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Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but our compassionate attorneys provide the legal expertise and support needed for a smooth transition.
We prioritize the well-being of children by helping families create fair and sustainable custody agreements that protect their best interests.
Life changes, and your legal agreements should too. We assist in modifying child custody, spousal support, and other post-divorce arrangements.
Our team is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ families through every legal challenge, including adoption, parenting rights, and estate planning.
We provide expert guidance on legal matters related to reproductive technology, surrogacy, and family building to help you plan for the future.
Your will is the foundation of your estate plan, guiding how your assets are distributed and who will carry out your instructions.
A trust allows you to manage and distribute assets with greater control, privacy, and efficiency.
Probate can be complex, but with proper planning and experienced support, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
"I highly recommend SKH & Laurel Hook Attorney at Law. Laurel Hook won my case confidently by her exceptional and amazing work. Laurel strongly made an outstanding arguments in my trial, which resulted in a success, and now my case can be referred to in family law cases in the future. Laurel Hook and her associates are my "DREAM TEAM" and my victory came true because of them."
"Anna Friedhoff and her team have been absolutely top-notch throughout my very high-conflict divorce. She is calm and collected under pressure and thinks fast and creatively on her feet. Her team is Johnny-on-the-spot and communicative. The entire office has been very professional. I highly recommend them."
"Laurel Hook and her team at SKH are amazing. After working with Laurel we were beyond pleased with the resolution of our complex, family court matter. Hands down we recommend you seek her for representation should you ever need someone. She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, proactive, and she is the person you want to have with you for the things that matter most."
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We take pride in providing individualized legal strategy. Our firm works best with clients who value strategic, long-term planning and professionalism. Apply below to see if we’re a fit.


shelf: science-engineering

title: Peleng 8mm f3 5 fisheye and a 8mm computar c mount lens on the panasonic gf1

text:
After purchasing my Panasonic GF1, I thought it’d be fun to exploit the small form-factor and smaller sensor and try some of the c-mount lenses that are out there on the micro 4/3rds camera. I purchased an adapter off of ebay that had both c-mount and M42 threads. I tried it with a TV lens that I bought off of ebay, and then an 8mm lens that I already had for my canon.
computar 8mm f/1.6:
I tried the 8mm computar first:
It’s a fixed-aperture lens that only cost about $5 or $10 from ebay. I didn’t have high hopes – just wanted something to play with.
Here’s a sample image taken with that lens:
The image circle isn’t very large, and it’s not very sharp. oh well. The lens could still be useful for video – the GF1 gives a 2x or 4x digital zoom option, and with 2x digital zoom there’s no vignette. the 2x digital zoom results in an 32mm 35mm-equivalent focal length though, which isn’t much wider than the standard 20mm f/1.7 kit lens.
peleng 8mm f/3.5 fisheye:
The Peleng is a little larger than the computar. I had to buy some cheapo M42 extension tubes to get the flange/sensor distance within a correct range. I used the wikipedia table to guesstimate how much more distance I needed, and the 9mm + 16mm extension tubes did the trick just fine.
It’s a bulky lens, and turning the aperture and focusing rings isn’t so easy on such a small-bodied camera. You have to grip the body really tightly in order to turn the damped focusing ring and the detented aperture ring. Luckily, at 8mm and f/3.5, everything’s basically in focus.
Photos with the fisheye are still fun in a fisheye sort of way:
and it’s still plenty-wide. The grill belongs to the Primo’s Parilla truck in Emeryville.
I think I took this photo near f/3.5, but I don’t remember. Sharpness is pretty much the same across the entire image, since the sensor is already only capturing part of the image circle. I’ll post 100% crops anyways:
There’s some standard sharpening and so on in lightroom.
here’s a corner crop:
and I’ll throw in a shot with the peleng on a 5D Mark I for crop-factor comparison:
The 8mm computar lens isn’t very useful at all, but it was fun to play with. The peleng on the GF1 is a pretty interesting combination with fisheye distortion, a wide field of view and sort of cumbersome handling. The image quality looks fine to me.


title: Api ms win core psm key l1 1 0.dll

text:
If you see an error message about api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll on your computer, rest assured you are not alone in this situation. There are different reasons why this error pops up, but usually, it’s due to a program installing this dll file on your system. Although it might be tempting to download the missing dll file from a random website, it’s not recommended. We recommend using a trustworthy PC cleaner and registry cleaner like SpyZooka to fix the issue. Remember, it’s best to avoid third-party sources for dll files on your computer.
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So, what exactly is api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll? This file is a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that’s designed to enhance the efficiency of software applications and the operating system by providing shared access to a common set of functions. If this file is missing or corrupted, it can cause various errors and issues on your PC. While it’s possible to manually replace the missing dll file, this can be a complex and risky process that’s best left to the experts.
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What is api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll
Common Error Messages
If you receive an error message saying that api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll is missing or not found on your computer, it means that the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file is either corrupted or missing. This error message can occur when you try to run a program or application that requires api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll to function properly.
What causes a api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll error message?
The most common cause of a api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll error message is a missing or corrupted DLL file. This can happen due to a number of reasons, such as malware infections, hardware failures, software conflicts, or improper shutdowns.
Is api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll safe or harmful?
Api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll is a legitimate system file that is used by the Windows operating system. It is generally safe and essential for the proper functioning of your computer. However, if the DLL file is corrupted or missing, it can cause errors and issues with your system.
It is important to note that some malware programs may use similar file names to disguise their presence on your system. Therefore, if you are experiencing issues with api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll, it is recommended that you scan your computer for malware and viruses to ensure that your system is secure.
Overall, if you are experiencing issues with api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll, it is important to take immediate action to resolve the problem. This may involve repairing or replacing the DLL file, scanning your system for malware, or seeking professional assistance from a computer technician.
How to Solve api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll Error Messages
If you’re encountering an error message related to api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll, it can be frustrating and confusing. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue. Here are some solutions to try:
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Malware or viruses may display fake DLL error messages on your computer to trick you into clicking them or buying something to fix them. Running a full antivirus scan can help remove these threats and solve the DLL error.
4. Run Windows System File Checker and DISM
System File Checker and DISM are built-in tools from Windows that can help solve DLL errors in the Windows operating system. Running these tools can help repair any corrupted system files that may be causing the DLL error.
5. Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers can sometimes be related to a DLL error. Checking that all your drivers are up to date with SpyZooka is another option to help solve DLL errors.
6. Reinstall the Program
If all else fails, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the program to reinstall the correct DLL and solve your DLL error messages. Make sure to follow the correct steps for uninstalling the program before reinstalling it.
By following these steps, you can solve api-ms-win-core-psm-key-l1-1-0.dll error messages and get your PC running smoothly again.


title: When to see an emergency dentist in nyc

text:
Toothache is one of those pains that can be incredibly debilitating. It can start as a dull, throbbing sensation and quickly escalate into sharp, shooting pain that disrupts your daily life. Whether it’s a mild discomfort or an excruciating experience, it’s essential to understand what causes a toothache and when it’s time to seek professional help, especially from an emergency dentist in NYC.
Common Causes of Toothache
Tooth pain can stem from a variety of dental issues, each with distinct causes. One of the most common reasons for a toothache is tooth decay, where the protective enamel wears down, exposing the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to discomfort or severe pain. Another cause could be gum disease, which includes conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis. These diseases cause inflammation and soreness in the gums, which can sometimes be mistaken for tooth pain but are equally disruptive. More serious conditions such as a tooth abscess, which occurs when an infection spreads to the root of the tooth, can result in sharp, intense pain, swelling, and even fever.Tooth Pain from Injury and Other Factors
Sometimes, tooth pain may arise from injury or trauma. A cracked or broken tooth, whether due to an accident, a sports injury, or even biting into something hard, can lead to sudden and severe discomfort. Additionally, people who suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, may experience toothaches due to the excessive pressure exerted on their teeth during sleep, which can also lead to cracks or fractures over time. Impacted wisdom teeth are another common source of tooth pain. These teeth often don’t have enough room to emerge properly, causing pain and swelling as they push against other teeth or become infected.When to Seek an Emergency Dentist
While not every toothache signals an emergency, there are certain situations where seeking immediate help from an NYC emergency dentist is crucial. One of the main indicators is severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, suggesting a deeper issue requiring urgent care. Swelling or inflammation around the face, jaw, or gums can also point to serious problems, such as an abscess or infection, that need immediate attention. Additionally, bleeding gums—particularly if the bleeding is excessive or persistent—could be a sign of a dental emergency. If you experience trauma, like a knocked-out or broken tooth, it’s vital to seek professional help quickly, as prompt intervention can often save the tooth. Finally, if you develop fever or chills alongside tooth pain, this could indicate that the infection has spread and needs urgent treatment.Why You Should Choose an Emergency Dentist in NYC
In a fast-paced city like New York, dental emergencies often strike unexpectedly. Whether it’s a sudden injury or unbearable pain in the middle of the night, knowing where to find an emergency dentist in NYC is essential for timely relief. Emergency dentists specialize in providing fast, effective care, ensuring you don’t have to suffer through intense pain or risk the condition worsening. Immediate treatment can prevent further complications, such as infections spreading or damage to surrounding teeth, and in some cases, save you from needing more invasive procedures down the line. Additionally, NYC emergency dentists often offer the convenience of 24/7 services, making sure that help is available whenever a dental crisis strikes.Steps to Take in a Dental Emergency
If you find yourself in the midst of a dental emergency, there are a few steps you can take while waiting to see a dentist. For toothaches, rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause irritation. In the case of a knocked-out tooth, try to place the tooth back into its socket if possible. If that’s not feasible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container of milk or holding it between your gums and cheek until you reach the dentist. Taking swift action and knowing where to turn for help—such as contacting an NYC emergency dentist—can make all the difference in saving your smile and alleviating pain effectively.


title: Polands presidential candidate mentzen proposes strategic bitcoin reserve to tackle debt

text:
Slawomir Mentzen, a 2025 presidential candidate in Poland, has pledged to make the country a crypto haven with favorable regulations and tax policies.
Countries like the US and Poland are exploring Bitcoin adoption as a potential solution to rising national debt.
With increasing adoption and positive market sentiment, Bitcoin is poised to break the $100,000 mark.
Could Poland become the next Bitcoin-powered nation? Slawomir Mentzen, a candidate in Poland’s 2025 presidential race, seems determined to make it happen. Inspired by leaders like Donald Trump, who have championed pro-crypto policies, Mentzen has vowed to transform Poland into a global hub for digital assets.
With the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio climbing—currently at 49.3% and projected to surpass 60%—Mentzen believes Bitcoin could offer a much-needed solution.
Would regulations pose a challenge for them too? Read on to know more – after all, this could fuel Bitcoin’s next big leap!
A Bold Promise for Crypto Growth
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier today, Mentzen, who personally holds 33.7 BTC worth over $3 million, declared his strong support for cryptocurrency.
“If I become the President of Poland, our country will become a cryptocurrency haven, with very friendly regulations, low taxes, and a supportive approach from banks and regulators,”
EU Regulations Could Complicate Plans
While Mentzen’s vision is ambitious, experts caution that Poland’s membership in the European Union could limit its ability to enact crypto-friendly policies. The EU recently implemented MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) and DAC8 frameworks, which set strict rules for digital assets and Web3 technologies, potentially constraining Poland’s options.
Bitcoin’s strong upward trend is unstoppable discover just how high it could go with the latest Bitcoin price prediction!
Global Trend: Bitcoin Adoption as a Financial Strategy
Mentzen’s proposal aligns with a broader global trend where nations are considering Bitcoin as a tool to address economic challenges. Inspired by El Salvador’s success with Bitcoin, other countries are exploring similar strategies.
In the United States, lawmakers are making progress on the Bitcoin Act, which could open new opportunities for state-level investment in cryptocurrency. Just last week, Pennsylvania introduced a bill proposing that up to 10% of treasury funds—including the State General Fund, Rainy Day Fund, and State Investment Fund—be allocated to Bitcoin investments.
Bitcoin’s Momentum Shows No Signs of Slowing
The growing adoption of Bitcoin by governments and institutions continues to fuel optimism in the crypto market. Major players like MicroStrategy and BlackRock have bolstered the trend, with products like BlackRock’s IBIT bringing Bitcoin further into the mainstream.
Bitcoin’s Fear and Greed Index recently hit 83%, reflecting extreme optimism. Analysts predict that Bitcoin could break through $100,000 if it sustains a close above $91,000 in the coming weeks.
As traditional systems falter under mounting debt, the rise of Bitcoin could redefine what economic resilience truly means. We’re looking forward to it.


text:
(check the podcast that grew out of this post)
So here's silent reading (SSR - "sustained silent reading") in my reading group this afternoon. Tried this out yesterday, and today the kids were much more comfortable, started getting into it, maybe a little novelty had worn off. What were they reading? Blogs! Who wrote them? Kids!
I'd been thinking lately how my own reading habits had changed in the last couple of years, with the huge increase in blogs, online news, and so on. When was the last time I actually sat down and read a book? The last time I flew back east to see my family. Yikes! I used to feel guilty about this until I took a closer look at the net of my reading. I read so MUCH more now than I ever used to. But it's a different kind of reading.
In third grade it's a constant struggle with many kids to get them to sit down and cuddle up with a book. The "goal" is that they latch on to a chapter book, get hooked, and want to read, read, read. Read what? More chapter books, I guess.
So my kids were (many of them) struggling to have this type of reading be a major turn on, despite lots of encouragement, rewards, and modeling from me. And I noticed that my modeling had slipped lately. Silent reading time was one of the only times of the day when I could sit down at my desk, check my email, read through my Bloglines. Feeling guilty, and somehow feeling it was the right thing to do, I've turned them loose on blogs - to read. Now this is very different from our blogging time in class. Many wanted to know if they could comment on blogs, even work on their own posts. Nope, I said, this is reading time. OK, fine.
The classroom was the quietest and most focused I have seen in a long time during silent reading. Could have heard a pin drop, were it not for the new agey, light classical instrumental background music I always have going at this time. So, what did they gravitate to?
A few of the things I saw them reading: their own blogs, their classmates' blogs, Gordon Brune's kids, Doug Noon's kids, my blog (yes, this one), Wesley Fryer's blog, even. Those were easily reachable, via comment links or hyperlinks I had set up. And this was just day two. They are still exploring, seeing what is out there. It will be a while before they settle into favorites, and return to them on a regular basis. So much is made of young kids creating content, that I think it's real easy to overlook the positive aspects of young kids consuming content - created by their peers - and who knows who else?
I will likely not do this every day. There is still value in cuddling up with a book. But that is not they way I read anymore. By the time they grow up, I bet their reading preferences will be worlds away from where they and I are now. My hunch is it will not be cuddling up with a chapter book.


title: Makin meatballs

text:
Food has become a bit of a challenge here at Casa Jaquandor of late, as The Wife has found it necessary to adopt a gluten-free diet. For the most part, we find that eating gluten-free is not that hard, as long as you are (a) diligent in checking the ingredients of what you eat, and (b) curious and willing to explore foods you’re unfamiliar with. The Wife is very wide in her tastes and willing to try new foods, so while some favorites have slipped beyond our grasp, we’ve found other things to eat and we continue to look for ways to get back some stuff that’s been ruled out. (I, personally, am not on a gluten-free diet, but it’s often easier to just go that way, simply because it seems silly to make two meals every night.)
Anyway, one thing we’ve been stymied on is meatballs. We’ve always loved spaghetti and meatballs. We have found gluten-free spaghetti, but gluten-free meatballs have been a bit more difficult. So I figured it was time to take matters into my own hands.
Now, meatballs are one of those things I’ve always thought I should be making myself anyway, but never did because I was just lazy about it. This was the time, though, so I bought a package of hot italian sausage links and removed the meat from the casings. Then I mixed the meat by hand with a cup of gluten-free panko crumbs, about half a cup of grated Parmesan, two eggs, and about a half cup of milk. After that, it was a simple matter of shaping the meatballs and baking them at 400 degrees for about twenty-five minutes. The result? Wonderful meatballs that The Wife can eat! We had a few of them for dinner, and now the rest are in the freezer. (My total yield was about 36 meatballs.)


title: Press Play to start

text:
Press Play to start
Yoon Moon is eagerly awaiting her chance to star in a movie – after a few years of maternity leave and a difficult divorce, she is ready for new challenges. When her friend Roger offers her a role, she jumps at the opportunity. But the new film, an Asian variation on the adventures of Jason Bourne, is not a walk in the park – Yoon has to undergo tough physical training and quickly master martial arts, all the while keeping an eye on her insubordinate son… Then, an unexpected turn of events will force her to test her newly acquired skills in practice.
Tan Chui Mui, a prominent member of the Malaysian New Wave and a chameleon filmmaker, started developing the idea for Barbarian Invasion after a few years of maternity leave. Making the film was her chance to regain control over her body and meet with her good friends from the film circles.
Barbarian Invasion combines auteur cinema with a full-blooded martial arts genre film. On the one hand, it is intimate and personal, on the other, excitingly metacinematic and captivating for everyone who appreciates a good screen fight – this picture is one of the biggest discoveries of the season.
Tan Chui Mui
Director, producer, actress, journalist, editor, scriptwriter, author of short and full-length films awarded at international festivals, active on the independent film scene. In 2005, together with Amir Muhammad, James Lee, and Tat Liew Seng, she founded the Da Huang Pictures studio with the goal of "making the films that filmmakers want to make" and supporting young artists. The studio was an impulse for the rise of the Malaysian New Wave.
2006 Miłość wszystko zwycięża / Love Conquers All
2009 All My Failed Attempts
2010 Rok bez lata / Wu zhi xia nian / Year Without a Summer
2021 Inwazja barbarzyńców / Barbarian Invasion


title: New look pioneer park unveiled in cootamundra

text:
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke was on hand to help unveil the revitalised Pioneer Park in Cootamundra, following upgrades made possible thanks to a $222,700 investment by previous Federal and State Coalition Governments.
Ms Cooke joined with Mayor Gil Kelly, along with CGRC staff members and other stakeholders for the occasion. Ms Cooke said the enhancements ensure the park provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors well into the future.
“The work that has been undertaken means this is the perfect spot for visitors and families to come and spend time together while enjoying the fresh air and great outdoors,” Ms Cooke said.
“Congratulations to all involved in creating and maintaining this wonderful asset; as the town and region continues to grow, it’s important that we have the facilities in place to help cater for that growth, and that allow us all to take full advantage of living in one of the best regions in the entire state,” she said.
Ms Cooke said the upgrades have been made possible thanks to a $202,212 investment by the previous Federal and State Coalition Governments.
“The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has also been able to utilise $20,500 in Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grants allocated by the previous NSW Coalition Government, to go towards controlling weeds in the park and on the popular bike track,” Ms Cooke said.
CGRC Mayor Gil Kelly thanked all those involved in the project.
“It all started with an onsite meeting including stakeholders from the Friends of Pioneer Park Group, the Aboriginal Working Party Group, NSW Rural Fire Service, the Mountain Bike Club, the Bush Walking Club, Coota Signs, as well as council representatives,” Mayor Kelly said.
“All that planning and hard work has resulted in new restroom facilities, picnic facilities including a barbecue area, new chairs, new fencing and lighting, as well as creating a bush regeneration area with fresh native plantings,” he said.
Mayor Kelly explained that in addition to new track signage, other signs had also been installed to draw attention to the native flora and fauna in the area, together with the historical aspects of the park.


text:
Why Hiring an Algorithm Engineer is Crucial for Your Business
The Role of an Algorithm Engineer
An algorithm engineer is a specialized software engineer who focuses on creating algorithms that solve specific problems.
Their work involves a deep understanding of mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge.
Here are some key responsibilities of an algorithm engineer:
- Designing algorithms to solve complex problems.
- Implementing algorithms in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
- Testing and optimizing algorithms for performance and accuracy.
- Collaborating with data scientists and other engineers to integrate algorithms into larger systems.
- Staying updated with the latest advancements in algorithm research and technology.
Industries Benefiting from Algorithm Engineers
Algorithm engineers are in high demand across various industries.
Here are some sectors where their expertise is particularly valuable:
In the finance industry, algorithm engineers develop trading algorithms that can execute trades at high speeds and with precision.
These algorithms analyze market data to identify trends and make informed trading decisions.
For example, high-frequency trading firms rely heavily on algorithm engineers to maintain a competitive edge.
In healthcare, algorithm engineers work on developing algorithms for medical imaging, diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
For instance, machine learning algorithms can analyze medical images to detect anomalies, assisting radiologists in diagnosing diseases more accurately and quickly.
E-commerce platforms use recommendation algorithms to enhance user experience and increase sales.
Algorithm engineers design these algorithms to analyze user behavior and preferences, providing personalized product recommendations.
Amazon’s recommendation system is a prime example of how effective algorithms can drive sales and customer satisfaction.
Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Algorithms
Netflix’s Recommendation System
Netflix is renowned for its sophisticated recommendation system, which accounts for over 80% of the content watched on the platform.
The company employs algorithm engineers to develop and refine algorithms that analyze user viewing habits, ratings, and preferences.
This personalized approach has been instrumental in retaining subscribers and reducing churn rates.
Google’s Search Algorithm
Google’s search algorithm is a cornerstone of its success.
Algorithm engineers at Google continuously work on improving the algorithm to deliver relevant and accurate search results.
By analyzing user queries and web content, Google’s algorithm ensures that users find the information they need quickly and efficiently.
Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Algorithm Engineers
Several statistics underscore the growing importance of algorithm engineers in the modern business landscape:
- According to a report by LinkedIn, “Artificial Intelligence Specialist,” which includes algorithm engineers, was the top emerging job in 2020, with a 74% annual growth rate.
- The global algorithmic trading market is projected to reach $18.
8 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 11.
23% from 2019 to 2024, as per a report by MarketsandMarkets. - A study by McKinsey & Company found that companies leveraging AI and algorithms in their operations are 23% more likely to outperform their competitors in terms of profitability.
Challenges in Hiring Algorithm Engineers
Despite the high demand, hiring algorithm engineers can be challenging due to several factors:
- Talent Shortage: The rapid growth in demand for algorithm engineers has led to a shortage of qualified professionals.
Companies often face stiff competition in attracting top talent. - Technical Expertise: Algorithm engineers require a unique blend of skills, including proficiency in programming, mathematics, and domain-specific knowledge.
Finding candidates with the right combination of skills can be difficult. - Retention: Retaining skilled algorithm engineers can be challenging, as they are often presented with lucrative offers from competing firms.
Strategies for Hiring Algorithm Engineers
To successfully hire algorithm engineers, companies can adopt the following strategies:
- Competitive Compensation: Offering competitive salaries and benefits is crucial to attracting top talent in this field.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Providing remote work options and flexible schedules can make your company more appealing to potential candidates.
- Professional Development: Investing in training and development programs can help attract candidates who are eager to learn and grow in their careers.
- Collaborative Culture: Fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment can make your company more attractive to algorithm engineers who thrive in such settings.