Sine augmented scaled arithmetic optimization algorithm for frequency regulation of a virtual inertia control based microgrid.

The biggest challenge associated with a renewable energy source (RES) based microgrids is to maintain their frequency stability. In solving this challenge, virtual inertia control (VIC) could be viewed as an unavoidable part of alternating current (AC) microgrids. For VIC, a phase-locked loop (PLL) is essential for obtaining information regarding the changes in the frequency of the microgrid. However, implementation of PLL might cause greater oscillation in frequency because of its system dynamics. Such type of issues can be resolved by using a multistage proportional integral derivative (PID) controller which restricts the undesirable frequency measurement and thus helps in improving the stability of the microgrid. In this paper, a novel Sine augmented scaled arithmetic optimization algorithm is proposed in purpose to tune the parameters of the aforementioned controller. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is validated through contrastive simulation results, and the impact of a few standard strategies such as a change in system boundaries and various steps of RESs penetration are also demonstrated.

Predictors for detecting chronic respiratory diseases in community surveys: A pilot cross-sectional survey in four South and South East Asian low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Our previous scoping review revealed limitations and inconsistencies in population surveys of chronic respiratory disease. Informed by this review, we piloted a cross-sectional survey of adults in four South/South-East Asian low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) to assess survey feasibility and identify variables that predicted asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We administered relevant translations of the BOLD-1 questionnaire with additional questions from ECRHS-II, performed spirometry and arranged specialist clinical review for a sub-group to confirm the diagnosis. Using random sampling, we piloted a community-based survey at five sites in four LMICs and noted any practical barriers to conducting the survey. Three clinicians independently used information from questionnaires, spirometry and specialist reviews, and reached consensus on a clinical diagnosis. We used lasso regression to identify variables that predicted the clinical diagnoses and attempted to develop an algorithm for detecting asthma and COPD. RESULTS: Of 508 participants, 55.9% reported one or more chronic respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of asthma was 16.3%; COPD 4.5%; and 'other chronic respiratory disease' 3.0%. Based on consensus categorisation (n = 483 complete records), "Wheezing in last 12 months" and "Waking up with a feeling of tightness" were the strongest predictors for asthma. For COPD, age and spirometry results were the strongest predictors. Practical challenges included logistics (participant recruitment; researcher safety); misinterpretation of questions due to local dialects; and assuring quality spirometry in the field. CONCLUSION: Detecting asthma in population surveys relies on symptoms and history. In contrast, spirometry and age were the best predictors of COPD. Logistical, language and spirometry-related challenges need to be addressed.

Development of an educational intervention to reduce the burden of adult chronic lung disease in rural India: Inputs from a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide with a substantial burden of the disease being borne by the low and middle income countries (LMICs). Interventions to change health behaviour which aim to improve the quality of life and reduce disease burden due to CRD require knowledge of the problem and factors influencing such behaviour. Our study sought to appreciate the lived experiences of people with CRD, their understanding of the disease and its risk factors, and usual practice of health behaviour in a rural low-literate community in southern India. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected between September and December 2018 through eight focus group discussions (FGDs), five in-depth interviews and four key-informant interviews from patients and community members. Community engagement was undertaken prior to the study and all interviews and discussions were recorded with permission. Inductive coding was used to thematically analyse the results. RESULTS: Major themes included understanding of chronic lung disease, health behaviours, lived experiences with the disease and social norms, attitudes and other factors influencing health behaviour. DISCUSSION: Poor understanding of CRDs and their risk factors affect health seeking behaviour and/or health practices. Stigma associated with the disease and related health behaviours (e.g. inhaler use) creates emotional challenges and mental health problems, besides influencing health behaviour. However barriers can be circumvented by increasing community awareness; communication and connection with the community through community based health care providers can turn challenges into opportunities for better health care.

To ponder beyond hype!!!

To date, no treatment strategies for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) have been proved to be completely effective, and one of the most accepted medical lines of therapy advised in every stage of OSMF is antioxidants. One of the antioxidant drugs has increasingly earned popularity, which is due to its less expensive market price than other available antioxidants formulations. The presence of copper in its composition questions its ability to be effective in the management of OSMF. Moreover, we would like to emphasize that the presence of copper adds on to the disease burden and antioxidants with copper in its composition should not be advised as an antioxidant of choice for the management of OSMF.