Energy Optimization Using a Pump Scheduling Tool in Water Distribution Systems

Water distribution management system is a costly practice and with the growth of population, the needs for creating more cost-effective solutions are vital. This paper presents a tool for optimization of pump operation in water systems. The pump scheduling tool (PST) is a fully dynamic tool that can handle four different types of fixed speed pump schedule representations (on and off, time control, time-length control, and simple control [water levels in tanks]). The PST has been developed using Visual Basic programming language and has a linkage between the EPANET hydraulic solver with the GANetXL optimization algorithm. It has a user-friendly interface which allows the simulation of water systems based on (1) a hydraulic model (EPANET) input file, (2) an interactive interface which can be modified by the user, and (3) a pump operation schedule generated by the optimization algorithm. It also has the interface of dynamic results which automatically visualizes generated solutions. The capabilities of the PST have been demonstrated by application to two real case studies, Anytown water distribution system (WDS) and Richmond WDS as a real one in the United Kingdom. The results show that PST is able to generate high-quality practical solutions

Investigating EFL university teachers’ classroom management competency

The current paper aims to investigate university EFL teachers’ classroom management competency. Classroom management is essential for establishing an atmosphere favorable to learning as it comprises the techniques and processes handled by teachers to create an atmosphere that encourages both teaching and learning. The paper focuses on three aspects of classroom management competency, namely establishing rapport with students, managing time, and controlling the class. To bring about the set aims, a 15-item Likert scale questionnaire was administered to a sample of 37 EFL university teachers at the Department of English Language at the University of Zakho, Nawroz University, and University of Duhok during the academic year 2021-2022.  The collected data were analyzed using the one-sample t-test on SPSS software.  The findings demonstrated that teachers were competent in establishing rapport with students and possessed the competency to manage time effectively and control the class successfully. It is expected that such findings would make EFL teachers insightful to cope and catch up with modern professional teaching competencies.      

Optimal operation of water distribution systems using a graph theory–based configuration of district metered areas

Optimal operation of large water distribution systems (WDS) has always been a tedious task especially when combined with determination of district metered areas (DMAs). This paper presents a novel framework based on graph theory and optimisation models to design DMA configuration and identify optimal operation of large WDS for both dry and rainy seasons. The methodology comprise three main phases of preliminary analysis, DMA configuration and optimal operation. The preliminary analysis assists in identifying key features and potential bottlenecks in the WDS and hence narrow down the large number of decision variables. The second phase employs a graph theory approach to specify DMAs and adjust their configuration based on similarity of total water demands and pressure uniformity in DMAs. Third phase uses several consecutive single-objective and multi-objective optimisation models. The decision variables are pipe rehabilitation, tank upgrade, location of valves and pipes closure, and valve settings for each DMA. The objective functions are to minimise total annual cost of rehabilitation, water age and pressure uniformity. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through its application to large real-world WDS of E-Town. The results show that the proposed methodology can determine a desirable DMA configuration mainly supplied directly by trunk mains

Association between work-relate musculoskeletal disorder and ergonomic risk factors among nursing professionals in Ranya and Qaladiza Districts

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability among the professional nursing, due to the number and variety of risk factors associated with the work environment. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and its association with ergonomic risk factors. A self-administered questionnaire and observational method was used to collect information from 420 individuals and then the data were computerized and analyzed by using SPSS version 21. The overall prevalence of WRMSDs among Ranya and Qaladiza districts nurses was 74%. The neck pain was the most prevalent site of WRMSDs (48.4%) compared to other body parts. Logistic regression analysis indicated that significant risk factors for WRMSDs symptoms were older nurses aged >39.5 years old (OR=3.076, 95% CI: 1.200, 7.884), medium RULA risk level (OR= 255.096, 95% CI: 24.078, 2702.681), very high RULA risk level (OR=151.675, 95% CI: 17.536, 1311.891), low RULA risk level (OR=9.277, 95% CI: 1.064, 80.893). Prevention strategies and health education which emphasizes on psychosocial risk factors and how to improve working conditions should be introduced