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

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

Deadly heat wave in Karachi, July 2015: Negligence or mismanagement?

[No abstract available

Profile of Mangrove Ecosystem in Bahoi Village North Minahasa Regency

This study was carried out in mangrove forest of Bahoi, Likupang district, North Minahasa regency. It was aimed at knowing the ecological condition of the mangrove forest. Study stations were selected by determining representatives from each zonation and site condition. Results showed that mangrove species in Bahoi was dominated by Rhizophora mucronata, R. apiculata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, B. cylindrical, and Sonneratia alba, with the highest density in station 1 shown by Rhizophora apiculata, 0.65 ind/m2, then station 2 and 3 by R. Mucronata, 0.93 and 0,63 ind/m2, respectively. The highest total density was recorded in station 2, 1.85 ind/40 m2, then station 1, 1.78 ind/40 m2, and station 3, 1.35 ind/40 m2, respectively. As conclusion, the ecological condition of mangrove ecosystem in Bahoi was categorized as good, and aware to be beneficial for the local community in ecological function as abrasion prevention and living environment of the aquatic biota and in economic function from ecotourism aspect, so that it was right to be managed in the form of ecotourism management

Echinoderms Community in Mokupa Beach Waters, Sub-district of Tombariri, Minahasa Regency

Echinoderms community of intertidal zone in Tasik Ria beach, Mokupa village, Tombariri Sub-district, Minahasa Regency was studied to reveal its structure. Methods implemented to study the community were density, relative density, diversity, dominance and evenness focusing on echinoderms species. Those methods including species abundance and diversity introduced by Shannon-Wiener (‘H). Results from 10 species identified with total of 193 individuals were recorded in the study. In general, the result showed that the area still has good condition as a habitat for echinoderm communities. Keywords: Community, diversity, dominance A B S T R A K Komunitas Echinodermata di zona intertidal rataan terumbu di daerah Tasik Ria Desa Mokupa Kecamatan Tombariri, Kabupaten Minahasa, Provinsi Sulawesi Utara, dianalisis untuk memahami struktur komunitas organisme Echinodermata, menggunakan analisis tentang kepadatan, kepadatan relatif, keanekaragaman, dominasi, dan kemerataan spesies. Penelitian ini difokuskan pada kelimpahan dan keragaman spesies termasuk keragaman Shannon-Wiener spesies (H') masing-masing. Hasilnya mencatat 10 spesies dan total 193 individu. Secara umum, menunjukan daerah tersebut memiliki kondisi yang masih stabil sebagai tempat hidup komunitas echinodermata