Integration of demand side and supply side energy management resources for optimal scheduling of demand response loads – South Africa in focus

© 2018 Elsevier B.V. The energy crisis of 2008 in South Africa, due to electricity demand surpassing supply and a depleted electricity reserve margin has exposed the need for more synergy between home energy management systems (HEMS) and supply side energy management systems (SSEMS). Demand side management (DSM) techniques have been investigated and proven to be viable means of regulating electricity demand from the consumer side. However, the viability of DSM is dependent on the participation of willing consumers. In this paper, a combined energy management system (CEMS) is proposed to provide a platform for incorporating the demands and constraints of consumers (time of dispatch, reduction of electricity costs, etc.) and suppliers (reduced operations cost, reduced emissions, etc.). The proposed CEMS utilizes dynamic pricing (DP) and a standard deviation biased genetic algorithm (SDBGA) in minimizing the DSM window to be allocated to the DSM loads of consumers based on the multi-objective constraints. The Medupi power plant which has been modelled to utilize carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology is used in carrying out the dispatch of the participating DSM loads (cloth washers, cloth dryers and dish washers) for 100,000 random residential customers. Results show that in dispatch option 1 (in which the user is in control of the start time), a lower cost of electricity of ZAR 373,218.40 is obtained compared to ZAR 416,280.20 by dispatch option 2 (in which the utility selects dispatch time for participating DSM loads) for the consumers. However, dispatch option 2 achieves a better minimized DSM window (14.94 MW), lower operating cost (about 1.6% lower than dispatch option 1), higher plant capacity utilization (87.92% efficiency) and a more evenly distributed profile

Effect of green business practices on organizational performance of selected manufacturing firms in Nigeria

This study presents an empirical investigation of the effect of green  business practices on organizational performance of selected  manufacturing firms in Nigeria. This study was also motivated by the  urgent need to solve the environmental problems caused by the activities of profit driven entrepreneurs in developing economy as well as  exploring the benefits to organizations. The study was guided by one key objective, from which appropriate research question and hypothesis were formulated. The specific objective of this study was to determine the extent to which green business practices affect the manufacturing firm„s productivity in Nigeria. This study adopted the survey design. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the 10 manufacturing firms in Nigeria. A sample size of 543 respondents was determined from the population of 5705 drawn from management, middle and lower cadre of the selected manufacturing firms using Cochran (1977) statistical formula. A stratified sampling technique was also used to determine the proportional allocation of questionnaire to management cadre, middle cadre and lower cadre. Designed questionnaire and personal interview were used for primary data collection. The questionnaire was structured on 5-point Likert scale. The validity of the instrument was ascertained using content validity. The instrument was checked for reliability using test re-test method through Cronbach alpha, with a value of 0.90, which shows consistency in the items of survey. Data were analyzed and the hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. Probability level of significance was given at 5%. Data were presented using simple  percentages. Findings revealed that green business initiatives had  significant and positive effect on the selected manufacturing firm„s  productivity (r=.756, F=346.024; T=18.602;p=.000). In conclusion, the implementation of green business practices, principles and processes  will lead to very positive outcome that will be visibly manifested in the  organization and the environment.Keywords: Green business practice; Ecopreneur; Developing economy; Productivity; Performance; Manufacturing firms

Energy (in)justice in off-grid rural electrification policy: South Africa in focus

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Generally speaking, increasing rural marginalisation in sub-Saharan Africa has sat alongside a rise in energy poor homes in rural off-grid communities. Even measures meant to improve electricity access have exacerbated the energy access gap between grid connected and off-grid homes. For example, the South African Non-Grid Electrification Policy Guidelines for electrifying off-grid, rural poor homes promote the adoption of Solar Home Systems (SHS), which are expected to produce 7.5 kWh/month on average. However, for poor homes within grid coverage, the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) programme allocates 50 kWh/month. This paper investigates the resulting disparity in terms of electricity cost (ZAR/kWh), including associated costs for heating, cooking and other needs. It does so through the energy justice framework, highlighting the mismatch in policy formulation (procedural injustice), resource distribution (distributive injustice) and spatial distribution (injustice in the recognition of population groups’ special needs). Through a combination of mathematics and social science perspectives, it then moves beyond a critique of the current SHS system to proposes a new one: a hybrid generation approach with a flexible pricing scheme and centralized system of operation that is both ethically compliant and capable of improving electricity access to off-grid communities with standards comparable to grid access

Examining energy sufficiency and energy mobility in the global south through the energy justice framework

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd The widespread adoption of the energy justice framework notwithstanding, arguments offered have not been able to provide tangible definitions of sufficientarianism and energy mobility. Considering widening disparities on what constitutes sufficient energy (electricity) access between the global north (North America, Europe, Australia) and the global south (sub-Saharan Africa, SSA), this paper highlights the influence of ’western reality’ on the energy narrative. This paper also attempts to propose a model that evaluates off-grid electrification projects (in the global south) and their ability to guarantee sufficientarianism by examining the prospects of such projects in providing connected households access (energy security and sustainability of energy supply) and mobility (transition from a lower to higher energy level through the purchase of additional electrical equipment). Furthermore, this paper explores and provides arguments on energy bullying (by industrialized nations on developing countries mostly in SSA) while also offering suggestions for improvements in Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. In essence, this paper formulates the endemic problems of energy access and energy mobility (plaguing the global south) as a justice problem and further provides insight into the exacerbation of injustice and bullying exhibited by the global north. Examples from South Africa have been utilized as case study

Ocular problems among public service retirees in a Southern Nigerian Metropolitan City

Background: Advancing age is a recognized risk factor for blindness and visual impairment worldwide. More than 82% of all blind people are 50 years or older. This therefore places a huge public health and socioeconomic burden on the populace, often leading to social dependence.Aim: To determine the pattern, profile, and risk factors of eye diseases among retired public servants in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria.Materials and Methods: Participants were retired public servants who consented to ocular examinations at their pension pay points in Port Harcourt during the 2012 World Sight Day. Visual acuity, ocular examinations including fundoscopy and intraocular pressure measurements were recorded and subsequently analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: Five hundred and ninety‑two persons were studied; 455 males and 137 females (F: M = 1:3.3). The Mean age was 68.7 ± 7.6 years (range: 56–97 years). Using World Health Organization/ International Agency for Prevention of Blindness criteria for visual assessment 239 (40.4%) had good vision, 203 (34.3%) had moderate visual impairment, 48 (8.1%) had severe visual impairment, while 102 subjects (17.2%) were blind. Cataract was the leading cause of blindness 56 (54.9%), followed by glaucoma 18 (17.7%), uncorrected refractive error 19 (18.6%), and diabetic retinopathy 9 (8.8%).Conclusion: Visual impairment and blindness are common causes of ocular morbidity among retirees of public service in Port Harcourt. It is therefore advocated that special eye health care intervention by governments and nongovernmental agencies be extended to these groups of people.Keywords: Metropolitan city, ocular problems, retiree

Policy discussion for sustainable integrated electricity expansion in South Africa

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Emerging reports have shown that despite Eskom's continued investment in increasing electricity supply capacity to grid connected and off-grid households, there has been a steady decline in electricity consumption (kWh/month/individual) and household income (ZAR/month). This paper presents an integrated electricity expansion model (IEEM) for South Africa that seeks to incorporate demand side management (DSM) in providing a roadmap for improving and increasing energy (electricity) access that is sustainable, viable, ethically compliant and cost effective. In modelling IEEM, a modified genetic algorithm (MGA) would be utilized in simulating the dispatch of DSM loads (residential houses only) across the country. This paper advances traditional grid expansion planning by presenting smart policy discussions on the usefulness of IEEM in reducing associated network losses, enhancing utilization of local energy sources and minimizing expansion and plant operations costs. This paper also discusses the impact of the IEEM on the quality of life (QoL) of households and quality of service (QoS) of the utility. Electricity consumption data have been adopted from the existing literature and appropriately modified

DEVELOPMENT AND IN-VITRO EVALUATION OF MATRIX-TYPE TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF LOSARTAN POTASSIUM

Objective: Since last decade drugs through skin has received great attention of many researchers. The aim of present study was designed to develop a suitable matrix type transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) of Losartan potassium. Methods: Four transdermal patches formulations of Losartan potassium were prepared by using different polymers using blends of different polymers like polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP K30) and ethylcellulose (EC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and chitosan. Physical studies including thickness, folding endurance moisture content, tensile strength and flatness were performed on all formulations. In-vitro diffusion study of 10 hrs was performed by means of Franz diffusion cell. Results: Thickness of four prepared patches lies in the range of 0.30 to 0.33 mm. Percent moisture content was found to be in the range of 2.56 to 3.44. The cumulative percent drug release after 10 hrs in between 38.41 to 80.41%. Stability study performed on selective batch, TP1 for 12 weeks at different temperature indicates stability of transdermal patches at room temperature. Conclusion:Present study concluded that Losartan potassium can be formulated into the transdermal matrix type patches to sustain its release characteristics. Polymeric composition of batch TP1 (PVP K30: Chitosan: 70:30) was found to be the best choice for manufacturing transdermal patches of Losartan potassium among the formulations studied.       Peer Review History: Received 2 April 2017;   Revised 12 May; Accepted 13 May, Available online 15 May 2017 Academic Editor:  Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:        Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Asmaa Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Khalifa, Pharos University, Alexandria, Egypt, [email protected] Dr. Dalia Kamal Zaffar Ali, Modern University for technology and information, Egypt, [email protected] Similar Articles: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF MATRIX TYPE TRANSDERMAL PATCHES OF PIOGLITAZONE HYDROCHLORID

Effects of decaying leaf litter and inorganic fertilizer on growth and development of maize (Zea mays L.)

The effects of decaying leaf litter of Tithonia diversifolia and Vernonia amygdalina as organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15) and their combination effects on the growth and development of maize were studied in a screen house. Twenty-four experimental bags filled with 20 kg of loamy soil were laid out in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replications for each treatment which included: 250 g of decaying leaves of T. diversifolia as mulch (T1), 250 g of decaying leaves of V. amygdalina (T2), 1.52 g of NPK (inorganic) fertilizer (T3), a mixture of 250 g of decaying leaves of T. diversifolia and 1.52 g of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (T4), a mixture of V. amygdalina and 1.52 g of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (T5) and control (T6). The significant growth as well as maize yields were obtained from T3 treated maize seedlings, and this was closely followed by T4 treated seedlings. The study showed that the decaying leaf litter as an organic fertilizer in maize production in a screen house conditions did not give better yield than NPK treatment alone

Justice, poverty, and electricity decarbonization

Drawing from examples in Germany, California, and Australia, we show that large scale integration of renewable energy in existing electricity grids does not necessarily lead to cheaper electricity, the strengthening of energy security, or the enhancement of economic equity. Indeed, efforts to integrate renewable energy into the grid can thwart efforts to reduce chronic poverty. Planners around the world need to be cautious, pragmatic and realistic when attempting to similarly decarbonize their energy systems