Convolutional Neural Network-based harmonic mitigation technique for an adaptive shunt active power filter

Owing to the use of nonlinear loads in the distribution side, there are power quality issues such as voltage swell/sag, harmonics, flickers, voltage imbalance, and outage. The harmonics in power system affect the quality of power and hence a suitable methodology is vital to mitigate the harmonics and compensation of reactive power. In this paper, CNN (Convolutional Neural Network)-based harmonic mitigation is performed. A 5-level cascaded H-bridge inverter is employed as a shunt active filter in which the reference current is generated by the SRF theory, incorporating CNN for harmonic extraction. The DC-link potential across capacitor is retained by means of ANN (Artificial Neural Network) controller whose behaviour is compared with a proportional controller as well as FLC. The gating pulse for the cascaded inverter is generated by means of PWM generator incorporated with Hysteresis Current Controller (HCC). By this control strategy, the harmonics in the current and voltage get mitigated; subsequently, the reactive power compensation is achieved with unity power factor. By implementing the five-level inverter, the THD and the settling time are minimized. The performance of the system is analysed using MATLAB for nonlinear load and the hardware is implemented with FPGA Spartan 6E. The THD of 0.93% is accomplished in simulation and 1.4% in the hardware execution

RIN Mitigation and Transmission Performance Enhancement with Forward Broadband Pump

We demonstrate that using a broadband, first order, and coherent pump laser enables effective and efficient forward-pumped distributed Raman amplification for long-haul transmission systems, thanks to the simultaneous suppression of ASE noise and RIN-related penalty. We show in both experiments and simulation that this scheme extends the reach of 10 × 120 Gb/s DP-QPSK WDM transmission by a minimum of 50%, compared with low RIN Bi-doped fibre laser and other commercially available pump lasers. Moreover, it requires very low forward pump power, and maintains uniform/symmetric signal power distribution which allows effective nonlinearity compensation

Nonlinear Fourier Transform for Analysis of Coherent Structures in Dissipative Systems

Using the cubic Ginzburg-Landau equation as an example, we demonstrate how the inverse scattering transform can be applied to characterize coherent structures in dissipative nonlinear systems. Using this approach one can reduce the number of the effective degrees of freedom in the system when the dynamic is dominated by the coherent structures, even if they are embedded in the dispersive waves and demonstrate unstable behavior

Analysis of laser radiation using the Nonlinear Fourier transform

Modern high-power lasers exhibit a rich diversity of nonlinear dynamics, often featuring nontrivial co-existence of linear dispersive waves and coherent structures. While the classical Fourier method adequately describes extended dispersive waves, the analysis of time-localised and/or non-stationary signals call for more nuanced approaches. Yet, mathematical methods that can be used for simultaneous characterisation of localized and extended fields are not yet well developed. Here, we demonstrate how the Nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) based on the Zakharov-Shabat spectral problem can be applied as a signal processing tool for representation and analysis of coherent structures embedded into dispersive radiation. We use full-field, real-time experimental measurements of mode-locked pulses to compute the nonlinear pulse spectra. For the classification of lasing regimes, we present the concept of eigenvalue probability distributions. We present two field normalisation approaches, and show the NFT can yield an effective model of the laser radiation under appropriate signal normalisation conditions

Facilitators and “deal breakers”: a mixed methods study investigating implementation of the goal setting and action planning (G-AP) framework in community rehabilitation teams

Background: High quality goal setting in stroke rehabilitation is vital, but challenging to deliver. The G-AP framework (including staff training and a stroke survivor held G-AP record) guides patient centred goal setting with stroke survivors in community rehabilitation teams. We found G-AP was acceptable, feasible to deliver and clinically useful in one team. The aim of this study was to conduct a mixed methods investigation of G-AP implementation in diverse community teams prior to a large-scale evaluation. Methods: We approached Scottish community rehabilitation teams to take part. Following training, G-AP was delivered to stroke survivors within participating teams for 6 months. We investigated staff experiences of G-AP training and its implementation using focus groups and a training questionnaire. We investigated fidelity of G-AP delivery through case note review. Focus group data were analysed using a Framework approach; identified themes were mapped into Normalisation Process Theory constructs. Questionnaire and case note data were analysed descriptively. Results: We recruited three teams comprising 55 rehabilitation staff. Almost all staff (93%, 51/55) participated in G-AP training; of those, 80% (n = 41/51) completed the training questionnaire. Training was rated as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ by almost all staff (92%, n = 37/41). G-AP was broadly implemented as intended in two teams. Implementation facilitators included - G-AP ‘made sense’; repetitive use of G-AP in practice; flexible G-AP delivery and positive staff appraisals of G-AP impact. G-AP failed to gain traction in the third team. Implementation barriers included - delays between G-AP training and implementation; limited leadership engagement; a poor ‘fit’ between G-AP and the team organisational structure and simultaneous delivery of other goal setting methods. Staff recommended (i) development of training to include implementation planning; (ii) ongoing local implementation review and tailoring, and (iii) development of electronic and aphasia friendly G-AP records. Conclusions: The interaction between G-AP and the practice setting is critical to implementation success or failure. Whilst facilitators support implementation success, barriers can collectively act as implementation “deal breakers”. Local G-AP implementation efforts should be planned, monitored and tailored. These insights can inform implementation of other complex interventions in community rehabilitation settings

Real-time observation of dissipative soliton formation in nonlinear polarization rotation mode-locked fibre lasers

Formation of coherent structures and patterns from unstable uniform state or noise is a fundamental physical phenomenon that occurs in various areas of science ranging from biology to astrophysics. Understanding of the underlying mechanisms of such processes can both improve our general interdisciplinary knowledge about complex nonlinear systems and lead to new practical engineering techniques. Modern optics with its high precision measurements offers excellent test-beds for studying complex nonlinear dynamics, though capturing transient rapid formation of optical solitons is technically challenging. Here we unveil the build-up of dissipative soliton in mode-locked fibre lasers using dispersive Fourier transform to measure spectral dynamics and employing autocorrelation analysis to investigate temporal evolution. Numerical simulations corroborate experimental observations, and indicate an underlying universality in the pulse formation. Statistical analysis identifies correlations and dependencies during the build-up phase. Our study may open up possibilities for real-time observation of various nonlinear structures in photonic systems

Patient-Reported Measures for Person-Centered Coordinated Care: A Comparative Domain Map and Web-Based Compendium for Supporting Policy Development and Implementation

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported measure (PRM) questionnaires were originally used in research to measure outcomes of intervention studies. They have now evolved into a diverse family of tools measuring a range of constructs including quality of life and experiences of care. Current health and social care policy increasingly advocates their use for embedding the patient voice into service redesign through new models of care such as person-centered coordinated care (P3C). If chosen carefully and used efficiently, these tools can help improve care delivery through a variety of novel ways, including system-level feedback for health care management and commissioning. Support and guidance on how to use these tools would be critical to achieve these goals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based guidance and support for the use of P3C-PRMs in health and social care policy through identification of PRMs that can be used to enhance the development of P3C, mapping P3C-PRMs against an existing model of domains of P3C, and integration and organization of the information in a user-friendly Web-based database. METHODS: A pragmatic approach was used for the systematic identification of candidate P3C-PRMs, which aimed at balancing comprehensiveness and feasibility. This utilized a number of resources, including existing compendiums, peer-reviewed and gray literature (using a flexible search strategy), and stakeholder engagement (which included guidance for relevant clinical areas). A subset of those candidate measures (meeting prespecified eligibility criteria) was then mapped against a theoretical model of P3C, facilitating classification of the construct being measured and the subsequent generation of shortlists for generic P3C measures, specific aspects of P3C (eg, communication or decision making), and condition-specific measures (eg, diabetes, cancer) in priority areas, as highlighted by stakeholders. RESULTS: In total, 328 P3C-PRMs were identified, which were used to populate a freely available Web-based database. Of these, 63 P3C-PRMs met the eligibility criteria for shortlisting and were classified according to their measurement constructs and mapped against the theoretical P3C model. We identified tools with the best coverage of P3C, thereby providing evidence of their content validity as outcome measures for new models of care. Transitions and medications were 2 areas currently poorly covered by existing measures. All the information is currently available at a user-friendly web-based portal (p3c.org.uk), which includes all relevant information on each measure, such as the constructs targeted and links to relevant literature, in addition to shortlists according to relevant constructs. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed compendium of P3C-PRMs has been developed using a pragmatic systematic approach supported by stakeholder engagement. Our user-friendly suite of tools is designed to act as a portal to the world of PRMs for P3C, and have utility for a broad audience, including (but not limited to) health care commissioners, managers, and researchers.BACKGROUND: Patient-reported measure (PRM) questionnaires were originally used in research to measure outcomes of intervention studies. They have now evolved into a diverse family of tools measuring a range of constructs including quality of life and experiences of care. Current health and social care policy increasingly advocates their use for embedding the patient voice into service redesign through new models of care such as person-centered coordinated care (P3C). If chosen carefully and used efficiently, these tools can help improve care delivery through a variety of novel ways, including system-level feedback for health care management and commissioning. Support and guidance on how to use these tools would be critical to achieve these goals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop evidence-based guidance and support for the use of P3C-PRMs in health and social care policy through identification of PRMs that can be used to enhance the development of P3C, mapping P3C-PRMs against an existing model of domains of P3C, and integration and organization of the information in a user-friendly Web-based database. METHODS: A pragmatic approach was used for the systematic identification of candidate P3C-PRMs, which aimed at balancing comprehensiveness and feasibility. This utilized a number of resources, including existing compendiums, peer-reviewed and gray literature (using a flexible search strategy), and stakeholder engagement (which included guidance for relevant clinical areas). A subset of those candidate measures (meeting prespecified eligibility criteria) was then mapped against a theoretical model of P3C, facilitating classification of the construct being measured and the subsequent generation of shortlists for generic P3C measures, specific aspects of P3C (eg, communication or decision making), and condition-specific measures (eg, diabetes, cancer) in priority areas, as highlighted by stakeholders. RESULTS: In total, 328 P3C-PRMs were identified, which were used to populate a freely available Web-based database. Of these, 63 P3C-PRMs met the eligibility criteria for shortlisting and were classified according to their measurement constructs and mapped against the theoretical P3C model. We identified tools with the best coverage of P3C, thereby providing evidence of their content validity as outcome measures for new models of care. Transitions and medications were 2 areas currently poorly covered by existing measures. All the information is currently available at a user-friendly web-based portal (p3c.org.uk), which includes all relevant information on each measure, such as the constructs targeted and links to relevant literature, in addition to shortlists according to relevant constructs. CONCLUSIONS: A detailed compendium of P3C-PRMs has been developed using a pragmatic systematic approach supported by stakeholder engagement. Our user-friendly suite of tools is designed to act as a portal to the world of PRMs for P3C, and have utility for a broad audience, including (but not limited to) health care commissioners, managers, and researchers

Patient influence in home-based reablement for older persons: qualitative research

Abstract Background Reablement services are rehabilitation for older people living at home, being person-centered in information, mapping and the goal-setting conversation. The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge about conversation processes and patient influence in formulating the patients’ goals. There are two research questions: How do conversation theme, structure and processes appear in interactions aiming to decide goals of home-based reablement rehabilitation for the elderly? How professionals’ communication skills do influence on patients' participation in conversation about everyday life and goals of home-based reablement? Methods A qualitative field study explored eight cases of naturally occurring conversations between patients and healthcare professionals in a rehabilitation team. Patients were aged 67–90 years old. The reablement team consisted of an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nurse and care workers. Data was collected by audio recording the conversations. Transcribed text was analyzed for conversational theme and communication patterns as they emerged within main themes. Results Patient participation differed with various professional leadership and communication in the information, mapping and goalsetting process. In the data material in its entirety, conversations consisted mainly of three parts where each part dealt with one of the three main topics. The first part was “Introduction to the program.” The main part of the talk was about mapping (“Varying patient participation when discussing everyday life”), while the last part was about goal setting (“Goals of rehabilitation”). Conclusions Home-based reablement requires communication skills to encourage user participation, and mapping of resources and needs, leading to the formulation of objectives. Professional health workers must master integrating two intentions: goal-oriented and person-centered communication that requires communication skills and leadership ability in communication, promoting patient influence and goal-setting. Quality of such conversations is complex, and requires the ability to apply integrated knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to communication situations

Goal Setting with ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) and Multidisciplinary Team Approach in Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke-associated impairments display a wide variety of clinical signs and symptoms. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team with different experts working closely together is necessary for effective stroke rehabilitation

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of sediments in popular tourist beaches of the Kerala State, southern India: Implications on textural and mineralogical affinities and mitigation

Beaches form one of the most contaminated sedimentary environments by a myriad variety of anthropogenic activities, including tourism and recreational activities. The concentrations of metals and their pollution levels were studied for four tropical tourist beaches in Kerala state, Southern India. Bulk geochemical and mineralogical analyses of 16 sediment samples were performed to determine the environmental status and the environmental risk level using various geochemical indices. Based on the enrichment of TiO2 and SiO2 concentrations, the samples were grouped into ilmenite-rich samples (IRS) and quartz-rich samples (QRS) respectively and the geochemical signatures are significantly different. Mineralogically, the IRS group is dominated by ilmenite, quartz, sillimanite, zircon and rutile while the QRS group consists of quartz, spinel and calcite and garnets are common in both groups of sediments. Despite the variation in the trends of pollution indices, it has been found that Kovalam beach sediments are enriched with W, Th and U where, IRS with enrichment of W, U and Th while QRS only enriched with W and Th and not U. The mineralogical affinity of W with secondary tungsten-bearing minerals has been documented by the XRD analysis and these metals are mainly controlled by the geogenic sourced minerals. However, in terms of ecological risk, Pb, As and Cu have a considerable to moderate risk in both groups of sediments. Overall, both group of sediments shows a moderate risk. Based on the biological effect assessment the elements of concern are Pb and Zn in IRS and possible effect by the Cr, Cu and As in IRS and only by Cu in QRS. Though the prevalence of geogenic and anthropogenic processes and influences of metal enrichments are documented by the study, their relative influences, mobility and bioavailability need to be systematically studied