Power quality improvement based on hybrid coordinated design of renewable energy sources for DC link channel DSTATCOM

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of power quality for static synchronous compensator on the distribution power system (DSTATCOM) when a different types of energy sources are used to supply the dc link channel of DSTATCOM. These types of power supplies have a different effect on the compensation of DSTATCOM due to operation nature of these sources. The dynamic response of the DSTATCOM has been investigated that produced by individual and hybrid energy sources to evaluate the influence of these sources in terms of time response, compensation process and reduce the harmonics of current for source. Three cases have been considered in this study. First the photovoltaic (PV) cells alone second the battery storage alone and third a hybrid coordinated design between (PV cells with battery storage) is used. A boost Dc-Dc circuit has been connected to a photovoltaic cell with Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) while a Dc-Dc buck-boost circuit is used with a battery. High coordination between PV and battery circuits in the hybrid system is used in order to improve the performance. A synchronous reference frame (SRF) with unit vector has been used to control the STATCOM circuit. The simulation results show that the hybrid design has the superiority response compared to the individual sources

Land suitability modelling using geographical information system (GIS) and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM)

There has been growing concern that the development activities have high potential to cause environmental problems. The decision-makers are trying hard to reinforce new policies and procedures towards sustainable development projects. Finding adequate land for any new business or development activity is a key factor considered in sustainable theories. Big projects involve numerous factors, and this makes land selection as a complex activity; thus, it is not easy to find the best suitable land parcel for development projects. Therefore, this chapter highlights the significance and effectiveness of GIS and MCDM in resolving various land suitability issues. The integration of GIS and various MCDM approaches is successfully seen in resolving land suitability problems in the world

Adoption of Prefabrication in Small Scale Construction Projects

The construction industry is facing numerous difficulties in managing construction waste, quality, environment, permanence, safety, and greater construction cost. Dynamic change is needed today to overcome new challenges in the construction industry. Adoption of prefabrication is one of the possible solutions to such problems. This paper explores the advantages in prefabrication adoption with its possible disadvantages (barriers) through the qualitative study. This paper is an addition to the existing literature of prefabrication specially for developing countries where the acceptance rate of new approaches is difficult. It covers private residential project and a public housing project. This study also aims to evaluate the current status of prefabrication adoption in small-scale construction projects. A set of the questionnaire is used to collect the data and Average Index (AI) method using SPSS has been used to analyze the results. Shorter construction time, Low site waste and better supervision are the main advantages. Higher initial construction cost and Strict & difficult design changes are the key disadvantages. It is analyzed that the conventional construction method is more frequently used when compared with prefabrication concept

Almost Oscillatory Solutions of a Three-Dimensional Half-Linear Neutral differential System of the Second Order

في هذا البحث تمت دراسة التذبذب والسلوك المقارب لنظام تفاضلي محايد ثلاثي الأبعاد نصف خطي من الدرجة الثانية ، حيث تم تصنيف جميع الحلول غير المتذبذبة إلى 16 فئة مختلفة ، ومن ثم تم إعطاء الشروط الكافية لإثبات ذلك. أن معظم هذه الفئات غير نشطة وغير متواجدة ، أي فارغة ، أما بالنسبة للفئات الباقية ، فقد ثبت أن جميع حلولها المحدودة ، سواء كانت متذبذبة أو غير متذبذبة ، تتقارب إلى الصفر عندما  ، وكلها الحلول الغير مقيدة ، اما ان تكون متذبذبة أو غير متذبذبة تذهب إلى  عندما  يتم إعطاء بعض الأمثلة لتوضيح النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها.In this research, the oscillation and the asymptotic behavior of a half-linear three-dimensional neutral differential system of the second order have been studied, where all the non-oscillating solutions have been classified into 16 different classes, and then sufficient conditions were given to prove that most of these classes  are inactive and non-occurring, that is empty, as for the rest classes, it has been proven that all its bounded solutions, either oscillating or non-oscillating, converge to zero when , and all unbounded solutions, are either oscillating or non-oscillating, goes to  as . Some examples are given to illustrate the obtained result

Acetaminophen induced Steven Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap

Steven Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis are rare but severe form of hypersensitivity inflammatory reactions to multiple offending agents including drugs. Acetaminophen is extensively used due to its analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. It is rendered to be relatively safe, with hepatotoxicity considered to be the major adverse effect. However, very few cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis have been reported with acetaminophen usage in the past. We present the case of a 40 years old lady who developed an overlap of the two condition after taking several doses of acetaminophen for fever. She presented with widespread maculopapular rash, stinging in the eyes, oral mucosal ulcerations and high grade fever. She was successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy along with the supportive treatment. This case addresses the fact, that severe hypersensitivity reactions can occur with acetaminophen which can be potentially life threatening

Analyzing the mediating role of Brand association for Brand awareness and loyalty

Brands are of top priority and interest for many companies and marketing Professionals. Marketing managers are continuously realizing the power of the brands. In today’s competitive environment measuring the exact association of brands is most desirable goal for the organizations. The aim of research is to test empirically the mediating role of brand association for brand awareness and brand loyalty of customers and non-customers. In order to investigate the mediating role of the brand association for customers and non-customers, primary data were collected through a survey from both customers and non-customers of a mobile phone. Findings of the study confirm the mediating role of the brand association for awareness and loyalty for both customers and non-customers. Statistical Results show that Brand associations mediating role does not differ for customers and non-customers, across the product categories whereas the level of the association influents the level of the loyalty for a product

Association of hypoadiponectemia with smokeless/dipping tobacco use in young men

Background: Low levels of adiponectin, an adipocytokine with anti-diabetic, antiatherogenic and cardioprotective properties, is associated with increased risk of coronary disease in young men. Previous studies have demonstrated that smokeless tobacco is linked with a reduction of plasma adiponectin levels. However, the influence of smokeless tobacco (dipping tobacco) on plasma adiponectin levels still remains unknown. This study was conducted to assess the plasma adiponectin levels in young men who were using dipping tobacco. Methods: This was a community based study, which consisted of 186 young lean healthy males aged 20 to 35 years. Among these, 96 men were dipping tobacco users (BMI = 23.07 ± 2.68) and 90 were non-dipping tobacco users (BMI = 23.67 ± 1.46). Serum adiponectin levels were assessed by Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: A statistically significant difference in the mean adiponectin level between tobacco dipper and non-dipper groups was observed (p = 0.0001). A significant difference between the two groups was also observed in baseline parameters including triglyceride and random blood sugar levels (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in other clinical parameters. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggest that dipping tobacco use was significantly associated with low level of adiponetin in community dwelling young males. This emphasizes the importance of developing community intervention to reduce the use of dipping tobacco, which will reduce the tobacco associated disease burden in the community and will improve public health