103 research outputs found

    A PSO with Quantum Infusion Algorithm for Training Simultaneous Recurrent Neural Networks

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    Simultaneous recurrent neural network (SRN) is one of the most powerful neural network architectures well suited for estimation and control of complex time varying nonlinear dynamic systems. SRN training is a difficult problem especially if multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO) are involved. Particle swarm optimization with quantum infusion (PSO-QI) is introduced in this paper for training such SRNs. In order to illustrate the capability of the PSO-QI training algorithm, a wide area monitor (WAM) for a power system is developed using a multiple inputs multiple outputs Elman SRN. The SRN estimates speed deviations of four generators in a multimachine power system. Since MIMO structured SRNs are hard to train, a two step approach for training is presented with PSO-QI. The performance of PSO-QI is compared to that of the standard PSO algorithm. Results demonstrate that the SRN trained with the PSO-QI in the two step approach tracks the speed deviations of the generators with the minimum error

    Differential Evolution Particle Swarm Optimization for Digital Filter Design

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    In this paper, swarm and evolutionary algorithms have been applied for the design of digital filters. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and differential evolution particle swarm optimization (DEPSO) have been used here for the design of linear phase finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Two different fitness functions have been studied and experimented, each having its own significance. The first study considers a fitness function based on the passband and stopband ripple, while the second study considers a fitness function based on the mean squared error between the actual and the ideal filter response. DEPSO seems to be promising tool for FIR filter design especially in a dynamic environment where filter coefficients have to be adapted and fast convergence is of importance

    Particle Swarm Optimization with Quantum Infusion for the Design of Digital Filters

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    In this paper, particle swarm optimization with quantum infusion (PSO-QI) has been applied for the design of digital filters. In PSO-QI, Global best (gbest) particle (in PSO star topology) obtained from particle swarm optimization is enhanced by doing a tournament with an offspring produced by quantum behaved PSO, and selecting the winner as the new gbest. Filters are designed based on the best approximation to the ideal response by minimizing the maximum ripples in passband and stopband of the filter response. PSO-QI, as is shown in the paper, converges to a better fitness. This new algorithm is implemented in the design of finite impulse response (FIR) and infinite impulse response (IIR) filter

    Civil Service Management in Nepal: Evidence from a Survey of More than 1,200 Public Servants

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    Protocol for a feasibility study of group-based focused psychosocial support to improve the psychosocial well-being and functioning of adults affected by humanitarian crises in Nepal: Group Problem Management Plus (PM+)

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    Background The prevalence of common mental disorders increases in humanitarian emergencies while access to services to address them decreases. Problem Management Plus (PM+) is a brief five-session trans-diagnostic psychological WHO intervention employing empirically supported strategies that can be delivered by non-specialist lay-providers under specialist supervision to adults impaired by distress. Two recent randomized controlled trials in Pakistan and Kenya demonstrated the efficacy of individuallydelivered PM+. To make PM+ more scalable and acceptable in different contexts, it is important to develop a group version as well, with 6–8 participants in session. A study is needed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of both the intervention in a new cultural context and the procedures to evaluate Group PM+ in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Go to: Methods This protocol describes a feasibility trial to Group PM+ in Sindhuli, Nepal. This study will evaluate procedures for a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) with Village Development Committees (VDCs), which are the second smallest unit of government administration, as the unit of randomization. Adults with high levels of psychological distress and functional impairment will receive either Group PM+ (n = 60) or enhanced usual care (EUC; n = 60). Psychological distress, functional impairment, depression symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and perceived problems will be measured during screening, pre-treatment baseline, and 7–10 days after the intervention. Qualitative data will be collected from beneficiaries, their families, local stakeholders, and staff to support quantitative data and to identify themes reporting that those involved and/or effected by Group PM+ perceived it as being acceptable, feasible, and useful. The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention; to identify issues around implementation of local adaptation methods, training, supervision, and outcomes measures; and to assure that procedures are adequate for a subsequent effectiveness c-RCT. Go to: Discussion Outcomes from this trial will contribute to optimizing feasibility and acceptability through cultural adaptation and contextualization of the intervention as well as refining the design for a c-RCT, which will evaluate the effectiveness of Group PM+ in Nepal. Go to: Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03359486 Keywords: Low- and middle-income countries, Mental health, Non-specialists, Group interventions, Humanitarian emergencie

    Yield Evaluation of Nutrient-rich Potato Clones in High Hill of Nepal

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    A study was conducted to evaluate the yield of nutrient-rich potato clones in high-hill districts: Dolakha and Jumla of Nepal during the years 2013 and 2014, respectively. Fourteen potato clones were tested as on-station and on-farm experiments at both districts, and those fourteen clones were compared to ‘Lady Rosita' and ‘Jumli Local' respectively as the check varieties in the first year experiment, 2013. Eight promising clones were selected from the first year experiment, and were evaluated and compared with same local varieties in the consecutive year, 2014. Two clones namely; CIP 395112.32 (19.3 tha-1) and CIP 393073.179 (17.8 tha-1) exhibited superior marketable tuber yield than that of ‘Lady Rosita'(14.2 tha-1) in Dolakha and five CIP clones namely; 395112.32 (25.5 tha-1), 393073.179 (22.5 tha-1), 394611.112 (20.9 tha-1), 390478.9 (19.9 tha-1) and 395017.229 (17.0 tha-1) showed higher marketable tuber yield than ‘Jumli Local'(14.5 tha-1). Based on two years' phenotypic and tuber yield result, clones CIP 395112.32 and CIP 393073.179 are recommended to potato growers at high hills of Nepal for commercial cultivation.Journal of Nepal Agricultural Research Council Vol.3 2017: 6-1

    Cost-effectiveness of psychological intervention within services for depression delivered by primary care workers in Nepal: economic evaluation of a randomized control trial

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    Abstract Background Integrating services for depression into primary care is key to reducing the treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries. We examined the value of providing the Healthy Activity Programme (HAP), a behavioral activation psychological intervention, within services for depression delivered by primary care workers in Chitwan, Nepal using data from the Programme for Improving Mental Health Care. Methods People diagnosed with depression were randomized to receive either standard treatment (ST), comprised of psychoeducation, antidepressant medication, and home-based follow up, or standard treatment plus psychological intervention (T + P). We estimated incremental costs and health effects of T + P compared to ST, with quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and depression symptom scores over 12 months as health effects. Nonparametric uncertainty analysis provided confidence intervals around each incremental effectiveness ratio (ICER); results are presented in 2020 international dollars. Results Sixty participants received ST and 60 received T + P. Implementation costs (ST = 329,T+P=329, T + P = 617) were substantially higher than service delivery costs (ST = 18.7,T+P=18.7, T + P = 22.4) per participant. ST and T + P participants accrued 46.5 and 49.4 QALYs, respectively. The ICERs for T + P relative to ST were 4422perQALYgained(954422 per QALY gained (95% confidence interval: 2484 to 9550)slightlyabovethehighlycosteffectivethresholdand9550) – slightly above the highly cost-effective threshold – and −53.21 (95% confidence interval: −105.8to105.8 to −30.2) per unit change on the Patient Health Questionnaire. Conclusion Providing HAP within integrated depression services in Chitwan was cost-effective, if not highly cost-effective. Efforts to scale up integrated services in Nepal and similar contexts should consider including evidence-based psychological interventions as a part of cost-effective mental healthcare for depression
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