Distributed Generation unit and Capacitor Placement for Multi-objective Optimization

Distributed Generation (DG) and capacitor placement and the tap setting of ULTC transformers can be used individually to improve the voltage profile and loss reduction. In this article, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) is applied to optimize the multi-objective function for DG and capacitor placement with tap setting of ULTC. The objective function consists the loss reduction, voltage improvement and increasing the available transfer capability (ATC) of the distribution network. To show the effectiveness of the proposed method, it is applied to IEEE 41 bus radial distribution network. The results show that this method has a better effect on improving the objective functions.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v2i5.159

Biology of Diaphorina citri (Hem.: Liviidae) and parasitism by Psyllaephagus stenopsyllae (Hym.: Encyrtidae) in Baluchestan, Iran

پسیل آسیایی مرکبات، Diaphorina citri Kuwayama، یکی از آفات مهم و ناقل بیماری گرینینگ مرکبات می‌باشد. در این پژوهش، ویژگی‌های زیستی این آفت در شرایط آزمایشگاهی و میزان پارازیتیسم آن توسط زنبور Psyllaephagus stenopsyllae (Tachikawa) مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. طول دوره قبل از تخم‌گذاری و دوره تخم‌گذاری به‌ترتیب 51/0 ± 9 و 23/0 ± 7/15 روز بود. میانگین تعداد تخم گذاشته‌شده توسط حشره ماده 7/50 ± 25/230 عدد و میانگین طول دوره پورگی 7/18 ± 83/14 روز بود. میانگین درصد پارازیتیسم توسط P. stenopsyllae، 6 ± 7 درصد تعیین شد

Effects of imidacloprid, dichlorvos, pymetrozine and abamectin, on life table parameters of the predatory bug, Orius albidipennis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae)

Effects of four pesticides (imidacloprid, dichlorvos, pymetrozine and abamectin) were evaluated on life table parameters of Orius albidipennis (Reuter). Pesticides were used at the concentrations recommended by the manufacturers. The bioassays were carried out using drum-cell method, in a growth chamber at 27 ± 1ºC, R.H. of 65 ± 5% and 16 h photo phase. The net reproductive rate (R0) value for the populations treated with imidacloprid, dichlorvos, pymetrozine, abamectin and tap water as control was, 2.91 ± 0.48, 18.85 ± 2.55, 10.16 ± 1.21, 8.00 ± 1.05, 43.40 ± 7.64; the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) was 0.040 ± 0.005, 0.097 ± 0.018, 0.086 ± 0.012, 0.078 ± 0.010, 0.148 ± 0.006: the mean generation time (T) was 25.60 ± 1.12, 25.94 ± 1.85, 26.37 ± 0.25, 25.61 ± 0.21, 25.20 ± 1.16; the doubling time (DT) was 18.04 ± 2.76, 7.72 ± 1.60, 8.23 ± 1.11, 9.24 ± 1.37, 4.68 ± 0.18, and the finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.041 ± 0.006, 1.102 ± 0.019, 1.090 ± 0.013, 1.081 ± 0.011, 1.160 ± 0.007, respectively. Imidacloprid and dichlorvos, which revealed the most and the least effects on the life table parameters, were the most and the least harmful among the chemicals tested

Two Inputs Five-Level Quasi-Z-Source Inverter

This paper combines quasi-Z-source into a typical five-level inverter, which includes two dc voltage sources, two quasi-Z-sources and five switching devices. In this structure, the output voltage amplitude is not limited to dc voltage source and it can be increased by quasi-Z-source. Besides, due to nature of Z-source families, this new structure is reliable and higher efficiency. Also, in this inverter, two quasi-Z-networks can be controlled independently. This paper also proposes new switching algorithms for proposed five-level dual quasi-Z-Source inverter based on pulse width modulation (PWM) and selective harmonic elimination method (SHEM) algorithms .The performance of proposed inverter and switching algorithm are validated with simulation results using MATLAB/SIMULINK software and experimental results based PCI-1716 data acquisition system

Accuracy and efficiency of conventional ground sprayers in Iran

Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps, is a key pest of wheat and barley in Iran. At present, infested areas are treated with ground sprayers. A survey was conducted to evaluate the efficiency and calibration accuracy of ground hydraulic sprayers in Iran. The results showed that the motorized lance sprayer and manually operated sprayer were the most conventional sprayers, and fenitrothion EC 50% and deltamethrin EC 2.5% were the conventional insecticides against sunn pest in Kermanshah province. The mean efficacy percentage was 88% and 35% against nymphs and overwintered adults, respectively. In motorized lance sprayers, there were 5% and 90% overdosage of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively; while, in manually carried sprayers, there were 5% and 25% overdosage of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively. Applied dosages were 5-20% and 25-90% more than recommended dosages of fenitrothion and deltamethrin, respectively. Errors in effectiveness and applied dosage were higher in motorized lance sprayer than manually carried sprayers

Insights from system leaders about operationalising a knowledge translation department in the Oman Ministry of Health

Background: Oman has prioritised enhanced efforts for supporting evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM), including establishing a knowledge translation department in the Omani Ministry of Health (MOH). Aim and objective: Our aim was to gather insights to guide the process of activating this department. Methods: We conducted a document review and in-depth, semi-structured interviews with policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders who are familiar with the Omani system. Findings: We conducted 17 interviews, which highlighted that policymakers in Oman use multiple sources of data and evidence to inform policymaking about health systems. However, several challenges to using evidence were identified, including low quality and limited availability of local evidence, system fragmentation, low interest in research, and lack of skills, capacity and time for finding, synthesising and using research evidence. Five possible activities for the department were refined with participants: building capacity, finding evidence, sparking action, embedding supports, and evaluating innovations. Participants viewed each of these activities as equally important and they should be pursued simultaneously. However, when asked to rank the most important option, participants identified capacity building as the most important to enable cultural changes needed within the MOH. Discussion and conclusions: This study provides insights for activating the knowledge translation department in the Omani MOH. Fully operationalising the department will require convening a codesign process to reach consensus on the scope of the activities undertaken by the department. Implementation will also require capitalising on the relevant experience of highly qualified staff and existing infrastructure as well as continuing to foster a supportive climate for EIPM. © Policy Press 2022

Examining and Contextualizing Approaches to Establish Policy Support Organizations – A Mixed Method Study

Background: There has been an increase in the number of policy support organizations (PSOs) that have been created to foster the systematic use of evidence in health system policymaking. Our aim was to identify approaches for establishing a PSO or similar entities by soliciting insights from those with practical experience with developing and operationalizing PSOs in real-world contexts. Methods: We used a sequential mixed method approached. We first conducted a survey to identify the views and experiences of those who were directly involved in the establishment of PSOs that have been developed and implemented across a variety of political-, health-and research-system contexts. The survey findings were then used to develop a purposive sample of PSO leaders and refine an interview guide for interviews with them. Results: We received 19 completed surveys from leaders of PSOs in countries across the WHO regions and that operate in different settings (eg, as independent organization or within a university or government department) and conducted interviews with 15 senior managers from nine PSOs. Our findings provide in-depth insights about approaches and strategies across four stages for establishing a PSO, which include: (i) building awareness for the PSO; (ii) developing the PSO; (iii) assessing the PSO to identify potential areas for enhancement; and (iv) supporting maturation to build sustainability in the long-term. Our findings provide rich insights about the process of establishing a PSO from leaders who have undertaken the process. Conclusion: While all PSOs share the same objective in supporting evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM), there is no single approach that can be considered to be the most successful in establishing a PSO, and each country should identify the approach based on its context. © 2022 The Author(s)

Toxicity of Three Insecticides to Lysiphlebus fabarum, a Parasitoid of the Black Bean Aphid, Aphis fabae

The toxicity of three insecticides to Lysiphlebus fabarum (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae), a parasitoid of Aphis fabae Scopoli (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was investigated using IOBC/wprs protocols. Abamectin 1.8 EC, imidacloprid 350 SC, and pymetrozine 25 WP were tested under laboratory conditions at recommended field rates. Immature stages of the parasitoid were exposed to materials by briefly dipping mummified aphids into insecticide solutions/suspensions or water (controls). Abamectin, imidacloprid, and pymetrozine caused 44.8, 58.5, and 14.5% mortality of mummies, respectively. Insecticides were also applied to broad bean foliage until run-off using a hand sprayer and the contact toxicity of residues was investigated after 1, 5, 16 and 30 day periods of outdoor weathering by caging adult wasps on treated plants for 24 h. One day-old residues of abamectin, imidacloprid, and pymetrozine produced 52.5, 90.0 and 57.0% mortality, respectively, and 5 day-old residues produced 28.1, 77.0 and 18.6% mortality. Sixteen day-old residues produced 8.8, 22.4 and 13.6% mortality, whereas 30 day-old residues produced 0.0, 3.2 and 1.1% mortality, respectively. On the basis of these results, abamectin and pymetrozine were classified as short-lived compounds (Class A) and imidacloprid as a slightly persistent compound (Class B)