Power quality estimation and classification using wavelets

Due to increase in the number of electric and electronic equipment along with the fast controlling power electronic devices, which has affected the main power quality events(PQ).These are namely short-circuits , notching, voltage sag and swell, harmonics and transient due to load switching. Whenever these disturbances occur, these last for few cycles and simple observation of waveforms in the bus-bar will not help to recognise the problem in there and henceforth will not be able to identify and sort out the problem. If such events occur for few more cycles/minute it may result to overvoltage and under-voltage, or long time power interruption or any other problem. Hence, an approach is developed for the detection and location of time and finally classifies the different power quality events including both the transients and steady state signals. By using one of the signal processing we can decompose namely wavelet decomposition by using “DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM (DWT)”.In a sampling frequency, we can samples those signals and any change on the smoothness is detected at finer resolution levels of decomposition. By the decomposition process we get the power coefficients or wavelet packets which are necessary performance indices of the signal. We are in generally using the a) THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and b) Energy of the signal to classify them in the PQ event analysis. The main purpose of the paper also focuses on using the MATLAB WAVELET TOOL GUIDE, for the study of De-noising and other purpose. Also we have to understand the mathematical tools used in the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) starting from the decomposition algorithm to the de-noising as well as thresh-holding of the PQ signals which are necessary in monitoring the classification schem

Towards actionable international comparisons of health system performance: expert revision of the OECD framework and quality indicators

Objective To review and update the conceptual framework, indicator content and research priorities of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Health Care Quality Indicators (HCQI) project, after a decade of collaborative work. Design A structured assessment was carried out using a modified Delphi approach, followed by a consensus meeting, to assess the suite of HCQI for international comparisons, agree on revisions to the original framework and set priorities for research and development. Setting International group of countries participating to OECD projects. Participants Members of the OECD HCQI expert group. Results A reference matrix, based on a revised performance framework, was used to map and assess all seventy HCQI routinely calculated by the OECD expert group. A total of 21 indicators were agreed to be excluded, due to the following concerns: (i) relevance, (ii) international comparability, particularly where heterogeneous coding practices might induce bias, (iii) feasibility, when the number of countries able to report was limited and the added value did not justify sustained effort and (iv) actionability, for indicators that were unlikely to improve on the basis of targeted policy interventions. Conclusions The revised OECD framework for HCQI represents a new milestone of a long-standing international collaboration among a group of countries committed to building common ground for performance measurement. The expert group believes that the continuation of this work is paramount to provide decision makers with a validated toolbox to directly act on quality improvement strategie

Early versus delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy for Indian HIV-Infected individuals with tuberculosis on antituberculosis treatment

BACKGROUND: For antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected adults suffering from tuberculosis (TB), there is uncertainty about the optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) after starting antituberculosis treatment (ATT), in order to minimize mortality, HIV disease progression, and adverse events. METHODS: In a randomized, open label trial at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, eligible HIV positive individuals with a diagnosis of TB were randomly assigned to receive HAART after 2-4 or 8-12 weeks of starting ATT, and were followed for 12 months after HAART initiation. Participants received directly observed therapy short course (DOTS) for TB, and an antiretroviral regimen comprising stavudine or zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz. Primary end points were death from any cause, and progression of HIV disease marked by failure of ART. FINDINGS: A total of 150 patients with HIV and TB were initiated on HAART: 88 received it after 2-4 weeks (early ART) and 62 after 8-12 weeks (delayed ART) of starting ATT. There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups after the introduction of HAART. However, incidence of ART failure was 31% in delayed versus 16% in early ART arm (p = 0.045). Kaplan Meier disease progression free survival at 12 months was 79% for early versus 64% for the delayed ART arm (p = 0.05). Rates of adverse events were similar. INTERPRETATION: Early initiation of HAART for patients with HIV and TB significantly decreases incidence of HIV disease progression and has good tolerability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2011/12/00226

Las tasas de interés y sus repercusiones en las microfinanzas en América Latina y el Caribe

Las instituciones microfinancieras (IMF) han tenido éxito proporcionando crédito a millones de prestamistas de bajos ingresos en grupos anteriormente excluidos de los servicios financieros formales, aunque a menudo lo han hecho cobrando tasas de interés que, en opinión de muchos, son excesivas. En este documento se analizan dichas tasas y sus factores determinantes con el fin de entender cómo aquellas se pueden disminuir. Utilizando datos financieros de alta calidad de 29 instituciones de siete países a lo largo de cuatro años, y sobre la base de la información recogida en visitas en el terreno a los clientes, se analizan los patrones de costo y eficiencia en las IMF. Así, se descubre que el perfeccionamiento de la eficiencia operativa es resultado del aumento de la competencia y de la antigüedad de la institución, o del aprendizaje a través de la práctica. Resulta alentador saber que nuestro análisis de regresión arroja patrones de utilidades para las IMF que cobran tasas de interés más bajas. También hemos constatado que poner límites a las tasas de interés disminuye el alcance de estas instituciones entre los pobres, las mujeres y los clientes rurales.

To What Extent Does Indigenous Local Knowledge Support the Social–Ecological System? A Case Study of the Ammatoa Community, Indonesia

Recognition of multiple knowledge systems is essential to facilitate collaboration and mutual learning between different actors, integration across social and ecological systems, and sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify how local knowledge from the indigenous people in developing countries contributes toward supporting the social–ecological system. We use a case study of the Ammatoa community, one of the indigenous communities in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This study shows how their social and ecological practices are combined to develop their customary area and how the Ammatoa’s customary values contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15 and 12 of the United Nations, i.e., leveraging local resources for livelihood and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Examples of practices elaborated in this paper are protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, halting biodiversity loss, and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Furthermore, the Ammatoa’s customary values form a sustainable system that not only affects their social aspects, but also their economy and surrounding environment. This research can be used to develop relevant environmental-related interventions related to SDGs 15 and 12 from indigenous peoples’ perspectives. © 2022 by the authors

To What Extent Does Indigenous Local Knowledge Support the Social–Ecological System? A Case Study of the Ammatoa Community, Indonesia

Recognition of multiple knowledge systems is essential to facilitate collaboration and mutual learning between different actors, integration across social and ecological systems, and sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify how local knowledge from the indigenous people in developing countries contributes toward supporting the social–ecological system. We use a case study of the Ammatoa community, one of the indigenous communities in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This study shows how their social and ecological practices are combined to develop their customary area and how the Ammatoa’s customary values contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15 and 12 of the United Nations, i.e., leveraging local resources for livelihood and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Examples of practices elaborated in this paper are protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, halting biodiversity loss, and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Furthermore, the Ammatoa’s customary values form a sustainable system that not only affects their social aspects, but also their economy and surrounding environment. This research can be used to develop relevant environmental-related interventions related to SDGs 15 and 12 from indigenous peoples’ perspectives

Interest Rates and Implications for Microfinance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been successful in providing credit to millions of low-income borrowers in groups previously excluded from formal financial services, but they often charge interest rates that many claim are excessive. We examine microfinance interest rates and their determinants in order to understand how these rates might be lowered. Using high-quality financial data from 29 institutions in seven countries over a period of four years, and drawing on information from field visits with clients, we explore patterns of cost and efficiency in MFIs. We find that improved operational efficiency comes with increased competition and institutional age, or learning by doing. Encouragingly, our regression analysis shows patterns of profit-making MFIs charging lower interest rates. We also find that interest rate caps reduce the outreach of these institutions to the poor, women, and rural clients.Financial Sector :: Financial Markets, Financial Sector :: Financial Services, interest rates, efficiency, microfinance

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Not AvailableFishermen communities, in general and inland fishermen in particular are one of the most marginalised and vulnerable group in India with extreme poverty and very low economic base. The present study was conducted to investigate the economic vulnerability of the fishermen households of two beels (floodplain wetlands) in West Bengal (Kholshi and Akaipur) and one beel in Assam (Deepor) based on a sample of 185 fishermen households. By employing the methodology developed by Bene (2009) it was found that the average vulnerability scores were 0.21, 0.14 and 0.33 for Kholsi, Akaipur and Deepor beels, respectively on a scale of 0 to 1. The study showed that in flood plain wetlands with well managed cooperative society, optimum and scientific stocking, income diversification and participatory management, agricultural land holdings can significantly lower economic vulnerability of the fishermen households. The study suggests the Government to facilitate creation of supplementary income generating opportunities and integrated agricultural activities in the vicinity of the wetlands. There is potential for developing eco-tourism with suitable infrastructure in beels like Deepor, which may help to provide supplementary employment to fishermen

Not Available

Not AvailableFishermen communities, in general and inland fishermen in particular are one of the most marginalised and vulnerable group in India with extreme poverty and very low economic base. The present study was conducted to investigate the economic vulnerability of the fishermen households of two beels (floodplain wetlands) in West Bengal (Kholshi and Akaipur) andone beel in Assam (Deepor) based on a sample of 185 fishermen households. By employing the methodology developed by Bene (2009) it was found that the average vulnerability scores were 0.21, 0.14 and 0.33 for Kholsi, Akaipur and Deepor beels, respectively on a scale of 0 to 1. The study showed that in flood plain wetlands with well managed cooperativesociety, optimum and scientific stocking, income diversification and participatory management, agricultural land holdings can significantly lower economic vulnerability of the fishermen households. The study suggests the Government to facilitate creation of supplementary income generating opportunities and integrated agricultural activities in the vicinity of thewetlands. There is potential for developing eco-tourism with suitable infrastructure in beels like Deepor, which may help to provide supplementary employment to fishermen.Not Availabl

To What Extent Does Indigenous Local Knowledge Support the Social–Ecological System? A Case Study of the Ammatoa Community, Indonesia

Recognition of multiple knowledge systems is essential to facilitate collaboration and mutual learning between different actors, integration across social and ecological systems, and sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify how local knowledge from the indigenous people in developing countries contributes toward supporting the social–ecological system. We use a case study of the Ammatoa community, one of the indigenous communities in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. This study shows how their social and ecological practices are combined to develop their customary area and how the Ammatoa’s customary values contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15 and 12 of the United Nations, i.e., leveraging local resources for livelihood and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Examples of practices elaborated in this paper are protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, halting biodiversity loss, and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Furthermore, the Ammatoa’s customary values form a sustainable system that not only affects their social aspects, but also their economy and surrounding environment. This research can be used to develop relevant environmental-related interventions related to SDGs 15 and 12 from indigenous peoples’ perspectives.Water Resource