Integration of solar energy and optimized economic dispatch using genetic algorithm: A case-study of Abu Dhabi

© 2017 IEEE. The United Arab Emirates is focusing on cultivating Renewable Energy (RE) to meet its growing power demand. This also brings power planning to the forefront in regards to keen interests in renewable constrained economic dispatch. This paper takes note of UAE's vision in incorporating a better energy mix of Renewable Energy (RE), nuclear, hybrid system along with the existing power plants mostly utilizing natural gas; with further attention for a sound economic dispatch scenario. The paper describes economic dispatch and delves into the usage of Genetic Algorithm to optimize the proposed system of thermal plants and solar systems. The paper explains the problem formulation, describes the system used, and illustrates the results achieved. The aim of the research is in line with the objective function to minimize the total costs of production and to serve the purpose of integrating renewable energy into the traditional power production in UAE. The generation mix scenarios are assessed using genetic algorithm using MATLAB simulation for the optimization problem

Microemulsion Formulation of Botanical Oils as an Efficient Tool to Provide Sustainable Agricultural Pest Management

Microemulsion formulation is among the most suitable carrier for the delivery of bioactive and, therefore, has excellent potential for industrial applications. The microemulsion system is thermodynamically and kinetically stable. Due to the smaller droplet size of the microemulsion system, the bioactive covers a larger surface of the target pest. Botanicals and essential oils, in particular, are green options to control various soil and seed-borne pathogens. Each oil contains several bioactive constituents that practically avoid microbe-resistance against it. Nevertheless, to improve the handling and shelf-life of botanicals, microemulsion formulation is the best option available. The current chapter provides the insight of a microemulsion system and explores the possibility of botanical oil-based biopesticides for a sustainable agro-ecosystem. We believe that botanical oil microemulsion could be a better alternative to synthetic pesticides and opens a new corridor for the promotion of the greener way of plant protection in India and across the globe

Teachers’ accounts of their perceptions and practices of providing written feedback to Nursing students on their assignments

Written feedback can facilitates students’ learning in several ways. However, the teachers’ practice of written feedback may be affected by various factors. This study aimed to explore the nurse teachers’ accounts of their perceptions and practices of providing written feedback. A descriptive exploratory design was employed in the study. A purposive sample of 12 teachers from nursing institutions in Karachi, Pakistan, participated in the study. Using a semi-structured guide, in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants, between January-September, 2013. The interviews were tape recorded and transcribed verbatim and were manually content analyzed. The analysis of findings led to three sections: teachers’ conceptions about written feedback, teachers’ practices of providing written feedback, and factors that affect the teachers’ practices of providing written feedback to their students. The findings indicated that although the teachers realize the importance of written feedback and its impact on students’ learning, several factors, including teachers’ competence and commitment, students’ receptivity, and contextual barriers, affected their practices. To actualize the potential power of teachers’ written feedback in students’ learning, both teachers and institutional administrators need to realize the importance of written feedback. Moreover concerted efforts including teachers’ development and policies are required to overcome the factors that negatively influence the practices of written feedback

Blue Economy in Bangladesh: Proposed Model and Policy Recommendations

Rapid economic growth coupled with a rising population is putting immense pressure on the environment, ecology and natural resources in Bangladesh. In order to ensure the optimum opportunities for a productive and healthy life for the people while maintaining the balance in nature and ensuring sustainability for future generations, the country has to have balanced socio-economic development. Geographically Bangladesh is blessed by the Bay of Bengal and Blue Economy is very much suitable for Bangladesh by considering the maritime area and its connection with the people of Bangladesh as well as its economy. However, the aim of the paper is to look at the contemporary situation in Bangladesh in the context of the Blue Economy and its relevance for Bangladesh through some effective strategies. Effective implementation of strategies will play the major role for obtaining the sustainable economic development in Bangladesh. Moreover, the key role of the current study is that it focuses on Sustainable Blue Economy Bangladesh, as there is a vacuity in contemporary literature on this topic in the context of Bangladesh. The article concludes with an analysis of the policy recommendations to obtain Sustainable Blue Economy in Bangladesh. Keywords: Blue Economy; Sustainable Blue Economy; Sustainable Development; Strategies; Bangladesh

Intraoperative squash cytology and histopathological correlation of primary temporal lobe lesions: a 6 year study at tertiary care centre of Kashmir, India

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors constitute about 1-2% of all the tumors. They are the 6th most common tumors in adults and 2nd most common among childhood tumors. Gliomas are the most common CNS neoplasms. In addition to gliomas temporal lobe has predilection for some peculiar tumor subtypes having good prognosis, including pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA), low grade astrocytic tumors and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) in children.Methods: Study was conducted in the department of pathology Sher-e-Kashmir institute of medical sciences (SKIMS) Soura, Srinagar Kashmir India. This was six-year study.Results: Temporal lobe tumors were commonly seen in 3rd to 4th decade of life accounting for 37.9% of the cases followed by 4th to 5th decade (27.5%). The mean age of presentation being 40±10 yrs. Males outnumbered females with a male: female ratio of 1.7:1. Intraoperative squash smears were mostly reported as High grade gliomas (WHO Grade III-IV) accounting to a total of 42 cases (36.2%). On histopathology frequent temporal lobe tumor seen was Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) 17.4%, followed by pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and oligodendroglioma accounting for 14.6% of cases each. On comparing the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative squash smears to that of Histopathological diagnosis an overall accuracy of 86.2% was observed.Conclusions: Intra operative squash technique in CNS tumors is universally accepted method. In temporal lobe lesions, on adequate sampling and careful examination, squash cytology has fairly good diagnostic accuracy rate of 86.2% when compared to histopathology

Impact of distributed PV generation on relay coordination and power quality

Distributed generation (DG) has gained popularity among electricity end users who are determined to contribute to a cleaner environment by conforming to green and sustainable energy sources for various daily needs. The power system impact of such trends (e.g. roof-top solar-PV) need thorough investigation, such as impact on fault current levels on the distribution network. Varying fault current levels could adversely affect the operation of protection relays, which may lead to localized blackouts. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid localised blackouts due to mal-operation of protective relays under high penetration of DGs in distribution network. The focus of this research is to study the importance and implications of protective relays and over-current protection in the presence of distributed generation; where the impact of distributed generation on distribution network is identified. Relay coordination is observed to determine their operation characteristics to avoid mal-operation with the presence of DGs (e.g. solar-PV). This paper uses the UK generic distribution network model to simulate different scenarios in DIgSILENT Power Factory. The resulting power quality measures, such as voltage levels, short-circuit current levels and frequency are presented and discussed in the paper. The research highlights that small-scale DG penetration allows for existing protection infrastructure to continue operation and expensive upgrades for overall network are not required as fault levels remain the same

Role of Decomposers in Agricultural Waste Management

In this chapter, agricultural waste residue management by bio-organisms is discussed along with different types of decomposition processes. Tons of agricultural wastes are produced every year. These agricultural wastes create major environmental problems without effective means of management methods. There are many technologies being used for the decomposition, which mainly include anaerobic decomposition, compositing, fermentation, etc. All these decomposition processes depend upon the different soil-inhabiting microbes. These microbes are the key components of agri-residue decomposition process. Every step of decomposition requires different microbes. Various sets of catalytical enzymes are involved for the catabolic procedures of organic matter. By successive catabolic reactions, all the organic matters are mineralized into soil essential constituents, which will be the most effective sources of macro- and micronutrients for the soil fertility. Working efficiency of these microbes depends upon different parameters like moisture, temperature, pH, etc. The vitality and efficiency of microbes can be enhanced by using various inert carriers. If the efficiency of these soil microbes enhances by various factors, then the rate of decomposition could be enhanced to handle this ever-increasing problem of agriculture residue in near future

Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Concentration on 100% Cotton Knit Fabric Bleaching

This paper focuses on the effect of different concentration of hydrogen peroxide (an oxidizing bleaching agent) on 100% single jersey cotton knit fabric. Five different concentrations (25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45%) of hydrogen peroxide solution (5% stock solution) were adopted for this experiment. For each individual concentration, bleaching was performed in three different quantities (6gm/L, 8gm/L and 10gm/L) at the same temperature (100˚C) and same time (60 minute) cycle. 5gm samples were taken where 1:10 material and liquor ratio was maintained in each operation. Spectrophotometer (data color 650) was used to test the reflectance of all bleached samples, and their bursting strengths were measured by an Auto burst instrument following ISO 13938-1 method. The effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration on various physical properties such as weight loss, absorbency, GSM, bursting strength, and whiteness was studied to minimize the cost of bleaching process by optimizing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. As majority of industries have concerned to alineate the production cost with maximum quality assurance which has been obtained through bleaching at 30% concentration

Physical stability and bio-efficacy enhancement of Neem kernel aqueous extract by optimized amount of botanical synergist for the control of early stages of mosquitoes

The aim of present study is to enhance the stability of physic-chemical characteristics of neem kernel aqueous extract by botanical stabilizer system. There are variety of bioactive constituents are present in neem which give broadspectrum of insecticidal activity. Neem aqueous extract is commonly used and found very effective in pest control applications without harming the environment. However, due to hydrolytically unstable characteristics of neem active ingredients which results its lesser bioactivity and limits its usage in aqueous form.  To overcome this un-stability issue oil extracted botanical stabilizer (Prosopis juliflora) were used in various ratios. In 70: 30 ratios, neem aqueous extract was found stable without any turbidity, p H change and fungal growth. Active ingredient, Azadirachtin was found stable with very less degradation i.e only 20-30 % degradation. This may possibly be due to inhibition of hydrolytic reactions. Bio-efficacy evaluation data also showed improved and stable mosquito larvae mortality % i.e 75-90% with 8 µg/g LD50 value. The approach used in this study could be very useful in long term stability of neem kernel extract in various geographical conditions without adding toxic solvents or chemical compositions

Physical Stability and Bio-Efficacy Enhancement of Neem Kernel Aqueous Extract by Optimized Amount of Botanical Synergist for the Control of Early Stages of Mosquitoes

297-303The aim of present study is to enhance the stability of physico-chemical characteristics of neem kernel aqueous extract by botanical stabilizer system. There are variety of bioactive constituents are present in neem which give broad-spectrum of insecticidal activity. Neem aqueous extract is commonly used and found very effective in pest control applications without harming the environment. However, due to hydrolytically unstable characteristics of neem active ingredients which results its lesser bioactivity and limits its usage in aqueous form. To overcome this un-stability issue oil extracted botanical stabilizer (Prosopis juliflora) (Junglee kikar)) were used in various ratios. In 70-30 (NKP-KP) composition (NKP- Neem kernel powder; KP- Kiker powder), neem aqueous extract was found stable without any turbidity, pH change, and fungal growth. Active ingredient, Azadirachtin was found stable with very less degradation i.e only 20–30% degradation. This may possibly be due to inhibition of hydrolytic reactions. Bio-efficacy evaluation data also showed improved and stable mosquito larvae mortality per cent i.e 75–90% with 8 µg/g LD50 value. The approach used in this study could be very useful in long term stability of neem kernel extract in various geographical conditions without adding toxic solvents or chemical compositions