Swarm Intelligence Based Multi-phase OPF For Peak Power Loss Reduction In A Smart Grid

Recently there has been increasing interest in improving smart grids efficiency using computational intelligence. A key challenge in future smart grid is designing Optimal Power Flow tool to solve important planning problems including optimal DG capacities. Although, a number of OPF tools exists for balanced networks there is a lack of research for unbalanced multi-phase distribution networks. In this paper, a new OPF technique has been proposed for the DG capacity planning of a smart grid. During the formulation of the proposed algorithm, multi-phase power distribution system is considered which has unbalanced loadings, voltage control and reactive power compensation devices. The proposed algorithm is built upon a co-simulation framework that optimizes the objective by adapting a constriction factor Particle Swarm optimization. The proposed multi-phase OPF technique is validated using IEEE 8500-node benchmark distribution system.Comment: IEEE PES GM 2014, Washington DC, US

Vulnerability of public buildings subjected to earthquake by finite element modelling

Tremors in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia due to Sumatra and Philippine earthquakes have been reported several times. Engineers are concerned of the seismic vulnerability of public buildings due to lack of earthquake consideration in Malaysia’s building design procedure. This study addresses the vulnerability of public buildings in Malaysia subjected to earthquakes from Sumatra and Philippines. A case study has been conducted on low rise to medium rise reinforced concrete buildings, which are mostly categorized as moment resisting frames. The buildings are analyzed using Finite Element Modeling (FEM) under different types of analyses including Free Vibration Analysis (FVA), and Time History Analysis (THA) considering low to medium earthquake intensities. The study indicates that more than 50% of the buildings produced dynamic amplification factors of slightly more than one indicating not much of a dynamic response to the buildings. The performances of the structure are shown by the yield point at beam-column connections where the internal forces at beam elements exceed the design capacity of the beams. In the non-linear analysis, the largest damage index is still under the intermediate level where no structural damage is indicated, but some non-structural damage are expected

Kinerja Industri Kerajinan Ukir di Kota Palembang

This Research bent on to know characteristic, and performance of crafting industry carves specific Palembang. Data that used is primary and data secondary. Method of data intake uses method of survey with technique of descriptive and quantitative method analysis. Research Result shows characteristic woodcraft industry is seen from education level a large part of SLTP (38,67 percents), SLTA (56,35 percents). Fee is paid every day, every week, and contract and per production. Earnings gyrates Rp.400 thousand Rp600 thousand (38,67 percents). Source Modal 92 percents capital by it self and only 8 percents use debit capital. Job of Number of hours the average of 8 hour every day, meanwhile workday amount 7 day a weeks. Performance of woodcarving crafting industry that seen from productivity, value added, and efficiency shows good enough performance. Such as those which has been discussed at previous part total productivity crafting industry carves as high as 2,52. However if seen from labor productivity only as high as Rp.2.458.523.4 and capital productivity as high as Rp.0,33. Meanwhile seen from value added that can be created by [crafting/ diligence] industry as high as 390, 91 million every year. Other Indicator in seeing performance of crafting industry carves that is mounts efficiency is obtained/got bacillus 1.52

Analisis Penghitungan Inflasi Berdasarkan Berdasarkan Produk Domestik Regional Bruto (PDRB) Sumatera Selatan Periode 2001 - 2011

This research aims to analyze the inflation calculation is based on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of South Sumatra 2001-2011. The data used in this study is secondary data, that is data of GDP at current prices, constant prices GDP and Inflation in South Sumatra. In this study used two data analysis tools, namely the qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis explains the good development of the South Sumatra GDP based on current prices and constant prices and inflation that occurred during the period 2001 - 2011 in the form of tables and linked to relevant theory. Quantitative analyzes using mathematical approaches, such as using the formula GDP growth and inflation projections and formulas of these variables. Results showed during the period of 2007 to 2011 GDP at current prices and constant prices has increased (positive growth), despite constant price GDP growth is not as sharp as partumbuhan GDP at current prices. Average growth of GDP at current prices was 13.62% while the constant price GDP consume is 5.33% per year ah

Development and Initial Validation of the Pain Progress Measure

Introduction: Current numerical rating scales for pain mostly measure symptom intensity. There is a need to develop outcome measures reflecting the multifaceted nature of pain. The purpose of this study is to describe the development and validation of the Pain Progress Measure (PPM), which is an outcome measure intended to capture the holistic nature of pain. Methods: The author developed 15 pain assessment items related to the biopsychosocial theory of pain. For content validity, 14 expert panelists were purposely selected to assess items as either essential, or useful but not essential, and not essential. The number of essential items was then taken to get the content validity ratio (CVR). Internal consistency reliability was established through Cronbach\u27s alpha. Results: Mean content validity ratio (CVR= 0.69) was above the critical value of .57, and therefore showed that the PPM has good validity. There were 10 items shown with good CVR, but 5 items did not reach the critical values. Cronbach\u27s alpha shows a coefficient of 0.883, demonstrating good reliability. Pearson-R correlation of 0.94 demonstrates an excellent inter-rater reliability. Discussion: Pain Progress Measure (PPM) items below CVR critical value were removed to create the shortened version of the PPM. The shortened version without items below CVR critical value showed a higher mean CVR. The Pain Progress Measure is a valid and reliable tool for holistically quantifying the pain of patients undergoing physical rehabilitation interventions to decrease pain symptoms. Further research is recommended to expand on other psychometric properties such as concurrent validity, confirmatory factor analysis, and test-retest reliability

The Role of Nano Particles Additives on The Wear Properties of Al-Pb alloy

The Al-Pb alloy is one of the important alloys, especially for bearings materials. The main problem of Al-Pb alloy is the difference in melting point and immiscibility between aluminum and lead. In this research mechanical alloying method was used to produce Al- 10%Pb- 4.5%Cu by mixing the constituent in a ball mill under argon atmosphere for two hours at 150 rpm , then it was pressed with different applied loads (44100, 49000, 53900, 58800 and 63700N) and at three sintering temperatures (350, 450 and 550℃). The results show that sintering temperature was  the main factor affecting on the microstructure of alloy. The grain size was reduced with increasing sintering temperature and applied load. The results revealed that the best hardness and compressive strength was obtained with 58800N applied load and 450℃ sintering temperature due to the formation of CuAl2 as well as good distribution of Pb. Alumina in a form of micro and nano particles size resulted in a decline in hardness and wear resistance, while micro Al2O3 improved compressive strength and then decreased at high concentration (2wt. %). The addition of micro and nano SiC resulted in  reduced hardness. Micro SiC improves wear resistance and slightly improved the compressive strength while nano SiC increased to some extent the compression strength and reduced wear resistance. The grains size decreased with the increase of the percentage of Al2O3 and SiC (micro and nano) until 1.5% Al2O3 and 1%SiC addition. X-ray diffraction indicated the formation of new Al-Cu intermetallic compound (Cu9Al4) in the alloy containing Al2O3 or SiC associated with disappears of CuAl2. Keywords: Mechanical alloying, Sintering, SEM, EDS, hardness, compressive strength, Wear.

The Syrian Conflict and Its Effect on the Real Local Production Growth and Unemployment in Jordan

The study aims at identifying the Syrian conflict, and its effect on the Jordanian real local production growth. It also aims at identifying the influence of the Syrian refugee crisis on both the Jordan labor market, and unemployment. The study makes an effort at clarifying the state and the challenges of the Jordan market as a result of the migration of the Syrian workers. To achieve the purpose of this study, it follows the methodology that represents the information source and the total numbers of the local production, growth and unemployment. The Okun Law that clarifies the relation between the growth in the real local production and unemployment has been applied. The study has achieved that the effect of the Syrian crisis was as the following: 1-     It entirely affects the local production growth by reducing the whole numbers of production. 2-     It generally affects the unemployment proportion as a result of reducing the national indicators. 3-     The number of male Syrian refugees who affected the Jordan market was larger than female number. The study has come up with some important recommendations like finding developmental plans compatible with the Syrian conflict, encouraging the national employment, and triggering the legal framework in confronting the illegal employment in the light of growth stability in the local production at the level of 2.5%. Key words: The Syrian conflict, the real local production, unemployment, Okun la

Case Study on the Impact of Artificial Light on Lighting Performance Quality for Architecture Studios

A well-lit learning space is crucial to ensure the comfort of its occupants, especially for an architecture student who spends long hours in a studio to design, sketch, draw and build prototypes.  This paper presents the results from a study conducted on the illuminance level of the architecture studios in the city campus of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Malaysia that were once laboratories. Measurements had been done using the Lux meter. Illuminance contours were generated using SigmaPlot and Dialux software for all the five rooms and compared with the requirements stipulated in the Malaysian Standard, Australia/New Zealand Standard and Illumination Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) standard for a room with similar function. A survey was also conducted among undergraduate architecture students who were using the studios daily to gauge their perception on the lighting condition and comfort level. The outcome of this study can be considered for future architecture studio lighting design to improve the students’ learning experience