This paper proposes an Optimal Power Flow (OPF) algorithm by Direct Load Control (DLC) programs to optimize the operational cost of smart grids considering various scenarios based on different constraints. The cost function includes active power production cost of available power sources and a novel flexible load curtailment cost associated with DLC programs. The load curtailment cost is based ...

The advent of 3D printers has been embraced globally within few years of its emergence. The surge in the acceptability of rapid manufacturing RM technology can be attributed to the depletion and cost of natural resources, waste reduction and sustainability criterion of manufactured parts. This rapidly evolving 3D printing technologies is predicted to grow exponentially especially for the manufa...

The ageing population of the United States is generating an increasing demand for care and foreign-born workers will supply an important part of that demand. This article discusses the ways in which U.S. healthcare and immigration policies affect the supply of the foreign born to professional and lesser skilled, direct care jobs. The U.S. market for long term care is shifting away from hospital...

1 Introduction Demand response (DR) refers to a set of dynamic demand mechanisms that aim to manage electricity consumption in response to supply-side signals. DR can be used for the purpose of demand regulation (e.g. to maintain voltage and frequency within safety limits) as well as for energy balance (e.g. to shift demand to off-peak periods, to curtail demand during emergency situations, or ...