Characterization and Tuning of Ultra High Gradient Permanent Magnet Quadrupoles

The application of quadrupole-devices with high field gradients and small apertures requires precise control over higher order multipole field components. We present a new scheme for performance control and tuning, which allows the illumination of most of the quadrupole-device aperture because of the reduction of higher order field components. Consequently, the size of the aperture can be minimized to match the beam size achieving field gradients of up to 500 T/m at good imaging quality. The characterization method based on a Hall probe measurement and a Fourier analysis was confirmed using the high quality electron beam at the Mainz Microtron MAMI

When workplace unionism in global value chains does not function well : exploring the impediments

Improving working conditions at the bottom of global value chains has become a central issue in our global economy. In this battle, trade unionism has been presented as a way for workers to make their voices heard. Therefore, it is strongly promoted by most social standards. However, establishing a well-functioning trade union is not as obvious as it may seem. Using a comparative case study approach, we examine impediments to farm-level unionism in the cut flower industry in Ethiopia. For this purpose, we propose an integrated framework combining two lenses, namely a vertical one (governance and structure of global value chains) and a horizontal one (socio-economic context). We identify 10 impediments that point to three major dimensions contributing to unionisation. These three dimensions include awareness of and interest from workers, legitimacy of trade unions, and capacity of trade unions to act. Furthermore, our results suggest that private social standards may, in certain cases, be counterproductive for the efficient functioning of trade unions. Although we argue that there is no ‘quick fix’ solution to weak workplace unionism at the bottom of global value chains, we stress the importance of considering the dynamics of, and interactions between, the impediments when designing potential support measures that mitigate negative impacts

Optimal placement and sizing of FACTS devices based on Autonomous Groups Particle Swarm Optimization technique

This paper presents the application of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices based on heuristic algorithms in power systems. The work proposes the Autonomous Groups Particle Swarm Optimization (AGPSO) approach fort he optimal placement and sizing of the Static Var Compensator (SVC) to minimize thetotal active power losses in transmission lines. A comparative study is conducted with other heuristic optimization algorithms such as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Time-varying Acceleration Coefficients PSO (TACPSO), Improved PSO (IPSO), Modified PSO(MPSO), and Moth-Flam Optimization (MFO) algorithms to confirm the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Computer simulations have been carried out on MATLAB with the MATPOWER additional package to evaluate the performance of the AGPSO algorithm on the IEEE 14 and 30 bus systems. The simulation results show that the proposed algorith moffers the best performance among all algorithms with the lowest active power losses and the highest convergence rate