Related Issues Research Articles

Analysis of British Foreign Policy Forming the Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) Security Alliance in 2021

Security has become a significant issue in international relations because it involves aspects of territorial protection, peacekeeping, economic stability, and other elements that influence the lives of countries worldwide. In international relations, security involves a deep understanding of threats, conflicts, and strategies to maintain peace and stability at regional and global levels. This research aims to analyze state behavior in the context of security cooperation, focusing on the UK's participation in the AUKUS security alliance formed in 2021. The UK's decision to join AUKUS was driven by two main factors, namely national role conceptions and role prescriptions. This research pays special attention to the uniqueness of Britain's participation in this alliance, considering its geographical position in the North Atlantic region, not in the Indo-Pacific region, which is the main focus of AUKUS. This analysis will provide valuable insight for the Indonesian Government in addressing security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region related to forming the AUKUS alliance. By understanding the motivational factors driving UK participation, this research can contribute to formulating more effective policies addressing regional and global security challenges.

Mom, dad, put down your phone and talk to me: how parental phubbing influences problematic internet use among adolescents

BackgroundThe positive association of parental phubbing with internalising and externalising problems among adolescents has gained academic traction. To date, limited research has investigated the association of parental phubbing and adolescents’ Problematic Internet Use (PIU). Furthermore, the mechanism underlying this association is largely unknown. These gaps limit our understanding of family-related issues affecting PIU among adolescents. The present study explores whether there is a relation between parental phubbing and PIU and investigates the mechanisms underlying this relation among adolescents.MethodsThe participants were 495 junior high schoolers aged 11–15 years. Participants completed questionnaires on their experiences with PIU, parental phubbing, parent–child relationships, and basic psychological needs satisfaction.ResultsThe results showed a direct and indirect positive association between parental phubbing and PIU. Furthermore, parental phubbing indirectly influenced PIU and was mediated by the parent–child relationship and basic psychological needs satisfaction, respectively. Moreover, the parent–child relationship and basic psychological needs satisfaction were sequentially mediated.ConclusionsOur study highlights the crucial role of parents in the development of adolescent PIU and provides theoretical and practical guidelines for PIU prevention and intervention.

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy European Patient Survey: Assessing Patient Reported Disease Burden and Preferences in Clinical Trial Participation.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness leading to permanent disability. There are no curative treatments, however, there are several upcoming clinical trials testing new therapies in FSHD. This study aimed to explore the disease burden and patient preferences of people with FSHD to ensure that clinical trials can be designed to include outcome measures that are relevant and important to patients. A survey was developed with a steering committee clinicians and physiotherapists with relevant experience in the disease, patient representatives, a registry expert and industry consultants. Themes of the survey included; participant demographics, disease progression and impact on function, factors encouraging or discouraging clinical trial participation, and positive outcomes of a clinical trial. 1147 participants responded to the online survey, representing 26 countries across Europe and a range of disease severities. The study highlighted the key symptoms causing concern for FSHD patients - muscle weakness and mobility issues - reflecting what participants want targeted for future therapies. The need for clear information and communication throughout clinical trials was emphasised. Factors most encouraging trial participation included access to new investigational therapies, access to trial results and benefits for the FSHD community. Factors most discouraging trial participation included travel related issues and fear of side effects. The results from this study identify the patient reported burden of FSHD and should provide researchers and industry with areas of therapeutic research that would be meaningful to patients, as well as supporting the development of patient centric outcome measures in clinical trials.

Role of ureteral stent material and coating to prevent ureteral stent related issue: A systematic review and meta analysis.

Ureteral stents require materials that balance bulk and surface properties. Achieving both can be challenging, as ideal bulk properties may not align with optimal surface properties. Thus, researching coatings and biomanufacturing methods for ideal materials is essential. A systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA Guidelines, involved literature searches across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ClinicalKey, and Cochrane. From 417 screened articles, eight studies were deemed eligible for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The selected articles underwent bias assessment using ROB Tools 2. The systematic review analyzed 1.356 participants. Findings revealed that firm ureteral stents significantly increased risk of infection, hematuria, and lower body pain. On the contrary, soft stents reduced infection (OR: 0.62; p=0.004), hematuria (OR: 0.60; p<0.001), and lower body pain (OR: 0.63; p=0.0002). However, infection reduction effect was uncertain due to heterogeneity. Coated vs non-coated material analysis found no difference in encrustation (OR: 1.26; p=0.52) or infection (OR: 1.67; p=0.99). Stent firmness did not affect encrustation on double J stent (OR: 0.97; p=0.17). Softer materials like silicone are preferred for ureteral stents to reduce symptoms like hematuria and lower body pain. Coatings like silver nanoparticles and triclosan, while enhancing antimicrobial properties, did not effectively lower infection risk.

(218) The Intimometer: A Brief Psychometric Self-Report Questionnaire

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE) can severely affect the quality of life and wellbeing of both couple members. Sexual health care providers, including andrologists and sexologists, should perceive ED/PE as a collaborative health issue for men and their sexual partners. Thus, this study was designed to better understand the contribution of sexual partners in the treatment of men with ED/PE. Objective We aimed to evaluate the advisability of female (or male, in the case of homosexual patient) partner involvement in the prescription of specific pharmacological therapies in ED/PE patients. Methods We developed a brief psychometric self-report questionnaire tool, Intimometer. This tool consists of two modules (patient and partner versions) for each sexual dysfunction (ED and PE). Each module has 6 items that evaluate the degree of comfort/discomfort about communication, sharing, and partner involvement during the process of drug prescription and intake. The tool can be administered during the first andrological visit to either a single individual (only patient version) or to both members of the couple. The single module can be administered in less than 3 minutes. Each item scores from 0 (extremely unlikely) to 4 (extremely likely), and the total score is computed by the sum of the modules’ items. The total score ranges from 0 to 24, with higher scores endorsing the partner's comfort during treatment of ED/PE. Also, color codes were assigned for responses, low scores (red light) and high scores (green light) or combination of single results (couple administration). Results We hypothesize one cut-off score to identify two categories of responses. A low score signifies that the patient feels uncomfortable sharing drug information, choice, and intake and the involvement of the partner could potentially be harmful during medical treatment. On the contrary, a high score shows the involvement of the partner could improve the treatment’s efficacy and/or compliance, with a high chance of success. The combination of the single results (red, yellow and green) helps to identify the best treatment choice. The red light indicates that prior to medical prescription, the couple undergoes a psycho-sexological assessment to unveil conditions to continue with medical treatment. Yellow light indicates contemporary to medical prescription, psycho-sexological assessment might manage relational issues that could worsen pharmacological treatment. And green light denotes that the instrument could be re-administered after 4 weeks since the first administration, to verify any changes in patient/partner’s perception of medical treatment. Moreover, a re-test is highly recommended in patients whose scores are low or medium. Nevertheless, patients and couples who are classified as “red” or “yellow” light could present any other psychological complications (performance anxiety, fear of rejection, anger towards partner) which can be evaluated by psycho-sexologists. Conclusions This instrument could be beneficial to physicians while prescribing medical therapy and prevent any possible patient dropout and resultant therapy failure, especially in PE and ED patients. The involvement of sexual partners in the diagnostic process, education, counseling, and treatment choice is pivotal in improving the overall quality of life and sexual experiences for couples. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: 2Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

(147) Analysis of Sexual Dysfunction Development among Male and Female Living Kidney Donors

Abstract Introduction The need for kidney donations in patients with end-stage kidney disease has continued to exceed the number of deceased donor transplants, signifying the need for the continued growth, sustainability, and success of living kidney donation. Following donation, living kidney donors have excellent survival rates with mixed data regarding long-term outcomes of renal failure, hypertension, and proteinuria. However, no studies to our knowledge have looked at differences in the development of long-term sexual dysfunction following living kidney donation, a potentially serious quality of life issue. Objective To analyze differences in five-year sexual dysfunction outcomes among male and female living kidney donors using the US Collaborative Network within the TriNetX database, a federated network of EMR data from multiple healthcare organizations across the United States. Methods We used the TriNetX database to perform a propensity score-matched cohort study comparing five-year outcomes of sexual dysfunction development among adult (≥18) male living kidney donors (Male) and female living kidney donors (Female) from December 2013 to December 2022. Living kidney donors were defined as the presence of one diagnostic code and one procedural code. Patients were excluded from the study if they had any instance of diagnosed transplant status (by ICD-10) or transplantation procedures (by CPT) prior to the kidney donor status. Patients were matched on age, sex, race, ethnicity, marital status, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, personal history of genitourinary disease, presence of urogenital implants, mood disorders, BMI, tobacco and alcohol use, and problems related to lifestyle and socioeconomic circumstances. Primary outcomes analysis included 5-year hazard ratio of diagnosed decreased libido, sexual dysfunction (composite of new diagnosed male ED, vaginismus/dyspareunia, infertility, orgasmic disorders, arousal/desire disorders, or unspecified), UTI, and STDs. Secondary outcomes included sex counseling or problems in relationship with spouse or partner. Results There were 2,821 patients in each cohort after matching (Male, Female). Mean age of the cohort was 42.7 ± 12.7, 73.3% were White, and 10.8% were Hispanic/Latino (p &amp;gt;0.05). At 5-years, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the Male donor cohort had a significantly higher hazard ratio (HR) than Female donors for sexual dysfunction (HR: 3.006, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.761,5.131). Between the cohorts, 39 (1%) Male patients developed ED and ~10 (&amp;lt;1%) Female patients developed vaginismus/dyspareunia within 5 years. No significant difference was found for the development of sexual arousal disorders/desire disorders (0.17% vs 0.06%, p = 0.052), orgasmic disorders (0.03% vs 0.03%, p = 0.99), decreased libido (0.48% vs 0.85%, p =0.94) and STD’s (0.72% vs 0.89%, p = 0.70). For secondary outcomes, no significant difference was found for the 5-year hazard of need for sex counseling or interpersonal relationship issues. Conclusions In our analysis of this large, real-world database, we found that male living kidney donors had higher rates of sexual dysfunction development 5-years post-living kidney donation. While living kidney donation is a safe, viable, and excellent alternative to deceased kidney donation, clinicians and living donors should both be aware about the potential association of developing sexual dysfunction post-donation. Disclosure No.

The Scenario of Human Resources in Public Libraries: A Pakistani Perspective

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the human resources of public libraries in Pakistan. It was observed that LIS professionals administered most libraries; nevertheless, a sizable number of libraries were managed by personnel with no professional background. There needed to be more staff in public libraries, including LIS, IT, and nonprofessional staff. In the information age and global economy, our libraries fall short of preparing the population for the future, let alone the present. The concerned authorities should enhance the library’s workforce; professionals should administer the library to offer better services and IT experts should be hired to solve IT related issues.

Identification of toxic metal contamination in surface sediments of the Xiaoqing River under a long-term perspective (1996–2020): Risks, sources and driving factors

The contamination of sediments by toxic metals poses a significant threat to both river ecosystems and human health. In this study, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), biotoxicity evaluation method, and potential ecological risk index (RI) were employed to analyze the contamination level, biotoxicity risk, and potential ecological risk of toxic metals in surface sediments of the Xiaoqing River. To identify toxic metal sources, Spearman correlation and principal component analysis with multiple linear regression analysis (PCA−MLR) were employed. Additionally, redundancy analysis (RDA) was utilized to investigate potential driving factors affecting toxic metal accumulation in sediments. The results revealed that the levels of the five investigated metals (Cr, Pb, As, Hg, and Cd) showed constant fluctuations during the period 1996–2020. The midstream was found to be more polluted than the upstream and downstream. In the research area, Hg was identified as the primary contaminant with high levels of contamination, posing a biotoxicity risk and potential ecological risk. Pollution sources were identified for two periods: A (1996–2010) and B (2011–2020), with industrial, agricultural, traffic, and natural sources being the main contributors. During period A, industrial sources accounted for the highest proportion (40.8%), followed by agricultural sources (36.6%), and geological natural sources (22.6%). During period B, agricultural sources accounted for the highest proportion (42%), followed by industrial and traffic sources (32.4%), and geological natural sources (25.6%). The distribution of toxic metals in the basin was significantly influenced by water pH, sediment organic matter, population density, and per capita GDP. The study results provide fundamental data for preventing pollution and managing water resources contaminated with toxic metals in the sediments of the Xiaoqing River in Jinan. Additionally, it serves as a reference for analyzing related ecological and environmental issues in the basin.

Delayed resonator for complete vibration suppression of primary structures with nonlinear stiffness

Delayed resonator (DR) is an active vibration absorber and is known for its complete vibration suppression capability by manipulating the feedback loop delay. This work aims to extend the DR concept from the widely considered linear applications to suppress vibrations on primary structures with nonlinear stiffness, based on the motivation that absolute linearity does not exist and nonlinearity is inherent in many structures to be protected. The nonlinearity stems from the commonly seen nonlinear symmetrical restoring forces. Threefold objectives are pursued: (1). To generalize the tuning mechanism of the DR and the dynamical analysis of the system to the nonlinear case. (2). To evaluate the effect of such nonlinearity on system dynamics and vibration suppression. (3). To enhance control performance by properly constructing nonlinearity and, accordingly, to establish the design criteria. Without loss of generality, a widely considered three-spring-two-link model is borrowed as an example for constructing the stiffness nonlinearity. Then, an exclusive resultant-based calculation procedure is introduced to efficiently handle the delay-coupled nonlinear dynamics. Besides, the feedback tuning for complete vibration suppression and the related stability issues are tackled, showing that the nonlinearity can significantly extend the operable frequency band while posing no extra demands on the control law. Based on the parameters of an actual experimental setup, numerous comparisons between linear and nonlinear cases are performed to demonstrate how the DR settles a nonlinear primary structure and, furthermore, how such nonlinearity can affect control performance and how it can be utilized to enhance vibration suppression.

Investigating the Influence of Heavy Metals and Environmental Factors on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Based on Nutrient Intake: Machine Learning Analysis of Data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

This study delves into the complex interrelations among nutrient intake, environmental exposures (particularly to heavy metals), and metabolic syndrome. Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), machine learning techniques were applied to analyze associations in a cohort of 5719 participants, categorized into four distinct nutrient intake phenotypes. Our findings reveal that different nutrient intake patterns are associated with varying levels of heavy metal exposure and metabolic health outcomes. Key findings include significant variations in metal levels (Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni) across the clusters, with certain clusters showing heightened levels of specific metals. These variations were associated with distinct metabolic health profiles, including differences in obesity, diabetes prevalence, hypertension, and cholesterol levels. Notably, Cluster 3, characterized by high-energy and nutrient-rich diets, showed the highest levels of Pb and Hg exposure and had the most concerning metabolic health indicators. Moreover, the study highlights the significant impact of lifestyle habits, such as smoking and eating out, on nutrient intake phenotypes and associated health risks. Physical activity emerged as a critical factor, with its absence linked to imbalanced nutrient intake in certain clusters. In conclusion, our research underscores the intricate connections among diet, environmental factors, and metabolic health. The findings emphasize the need for tailored health interventions and policies that consider these complex interplays, potentially informing future strategies to combat metabolic syndrome and related health issues.

Insight to the psychosocial factors of survivors of suicidal hanging.

The incidence of hanging has increased over the last ten years and is the most common method of suicide. Because of its multifactorial causation, the reason behind hanging remains unfolded unless the victims leave a suicidal note. In the present study, the psychodynamic factors of hanging were assessed among the survivors of suicidal hanging. The cross-sectional study was conducted at S.C.B Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India, over a period of three years. Eighty-two individuals admitted in medicine ward of this tertiary care hospital to receive treatment for the complications as a sequel of hanging and willing to participate in study were included after obtaining informed consent. The information was recorded in a pre-designed pro forma. Subjects from rural areas (87.8%) and low socio-economic backgrounds (67.1%) attempted suicide more often. Most of the victims were in the age group of 21-30 years, followed by less than 20 years. The most common cause of attempted suicide by hanging was family-related issues, and mainly by immediately available materials like dupattas, saree, lungi, and other fabrics. Females in rural areas and males from urban areas attempted suicide by hanging in significantly higher proportions (P = 0.041). Most people commit suicide at a younger age due to failure to cope with the different stressful situations. The most common reason for attempted suicide by hanging was family-related issues. Early intervention in family disputes in developing countries, especially in younger individuals, may help to curb suicide.

Galaxy morphology classification based on Convolutional vision Transformer (CvT)

Context. The classification of galaxy morphology is among the most active fields in astronomical research today. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, deep learning is a useful tool in the classification of the morphology of galaxies and significant progress has been made in this domain. However, there is still some room for improvement in terms of classification accuracy, automation, and related issues. Aims. Convolutional vision Transformer (CvT) is an improved version of the Vision Transformer (ViT) model. It improves the performance of the ViT model by introducing a convolutional neural network (CNN). This study explores the performance of the CvT model in the area of galaxy morphology classification. Methods. In this work, the CvT model was applied, for the first time, in a five-class classification task of galaxy morphology. We added different types and degrees of noise to the original galaxy images to verify that the CvT model achieves good classification performance, even in galaxy images with low signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns). Then, we also validated the classification performance of the CvT model for galaxy images at different redshifts based on the low-redshift dataset GZ2 and the high-redshift dataset Galaxy Zoo CANDELS. In addition, we visualized and analyzed the classification results of the CvT model based on the t-distributed stochastic neighborhood -embedding (t-SNE) algorithm. Results. We find that (1) compared with other five-class classification models of galaxy morphology based on CNN models, the average accuracy, precision, recall, and F1_score evaluation metrics of the CvT classification model are all higher than 98%, which is an improvement of at least 1% compared with those based on CNNs; (2) the classification visualization results show that different categories of galaxies are separated from each other in multi-dimensional space. Conclusions. The application of the CvT model to the classification study of galaxy morphology is a novel undertaking that carries important implications for future studies.

A Theological Study of the Impact of an Interreligious Marriage: Self-Adjustment in Couples from Different Religions

In the world in which we currently live, individuals of different religions may be involved in many dating relationships. Interfaith couples do not have a comfortable space in this set-up because of their different backgrounds and beliefs. Consequently, interfaith relationships come under much pressure from their environment, such as friendships and families. Problems often found in relationships between interfaith couples are obtaining approval from parents and family, the views of people around them, and conflicts resulting from interfaith relationships relating to issues of faith. Differences in religion and belief should factor in conflict between couples in interfaith relationships. Self-adjustment is very important to do and strive for to achieve happiness and find peace. This research undertaken was qualitative research using phenomenological methods. The data collection methods used were interviews and observation. The data collection technique used a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique consisted of preparing and processing data, reading all the data, coding, describing the coding results into themes being analyzed, presenting themes in narrative form, and interpreting the data. The research showed that the subjects were less able to adapt to the environment in interfaith marriages. The subject's emotional and social self-adjustment means that the subjects choose to undergo a relationship without thinking about the possibilities of what might happen in the future and ignore the opinions of the environment so that harmony and peace in the relationship are maintained. Future researchers can examine other factors regarding adjustment to interfaith relationships to discover new things experienced by students and others in interfaith relationships. Psychologically and sociologically, interfaith marriages can trigger and strengthen existing disputes. In addition, interfaith marriages are also considered to cause psychological and educational problems for children because they are confused about which religion to follow. Thus, allowing interfaith marriages often creates inconsistencies with the relevant legal provisions relating to guardianship, inheritance, and other related issues in such marriages.

Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation announces partnership to address physician burnout and MH

Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, the only nonprofit organization exclusively focused on health worker mental health and well‐being, on Feb. 27 announced an exclusive partnership with Jackson + Coker Locum Tenens to focus on physician and advanced practitioner burnout and well‐being, the Foundation annouced. Through this strategic alliance and as part of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation's “ALL IN: Caring for Caregivers Program,” the two organizations are uniting around a mission to eliminate the stigma and barriers associated with physicians and advanced practitioners seeking support for mental health, burnout and related issues that can occur in the high‐paced, pressure‐filled environments in which they provide critical and transforming care to those in need. In addition to helping make it professionally safe to seek support, the partnership champions and advocates for work environments in which physicians and advanced practitioners feel valued and supported, cultures that embrace their whole health and well‐being, and settings that enable them to deliver safe, quality patient care. Through this relationship, Jackson + Coker reinforces its commitment to physician and advanced practitioner well‐being and positive outcomes for all. By participating in the “ALL IN: Caring for Caregivers Program,” Jackson + Coker commits to.

Climate Governance and multilevel policy practices in Thailand and Malaysia

Objectives: This paper investigates Thailand and Malaysia climate governance policy in practice within their multi-level governance structures. Thailand presents a unique case of a unitary state with a degree of deconcentration and decentralization, while Malaysia showcases a federal state with a high degree of centralization. Methodology: The paper collected and analyzed both primary and secondary data. In-depth interviews with government officials, NGOs, and international organizations were conducted online and onsite in Thailand and Malaysia from May 2022 to September 2023. Interview data was triangulated with secondary data from key national policy documents on climate change and related issues. This paper examines the contributions and hindrances of multi-level governance on climate governance and highlights some lessons learned from both countries. Results: It concludes that multi-level government systems provide opportunities for various stakeholders to engage in decision-making and create policy innovation. However, the administration of decision-making in these systems can be constrained by tensions within these systems, between tendencies towards the centralization of decision-making, and little engagement between subnational governments and local-level stakeholders. Conclusions: Overall, we assert that clear direction and guidance at the national level complemented by mechanisms that engage local stakeholders in administration and civil society is essential to achieve overarching climate action goals regardless of the administrative system.

Mezhgosudarstvennye otnosheniya v sfere protivodejstviya ekonomicheskoj prestupnosti pri provedenii gosudarstvennyh zakupok tovarov (rabot, uslug)

The article deals with topical issues of interstate relations in the effective counteraction to economic crime during public procurement of goods, works, and services for the needs of government authorities. The article also reveals the criminal legal aspects of the formation and development of the criminal legislation of Russia on the inevitable responsibility of perpetrators for these criminally punishable acts.

Parenting young children during COVID-19: Parenting stress trajectories, parental mental health, and child problem behaviors.

Parenting stress reflects a discrepancy between a parent's perception of their resources, the demands of their child's needs, and the caregiving relationship and contexts (Abidin, 1992). Parenting stress can increase the risk of issues in the parent-child relationship, as well as child behavioral and emotional outcomes (Neece et al., 2012; Spinelli et al., 2021). Chronic stressors, such as living through the COVID-19 pandemic, have the potential to increase the demands of parenting and thus parenting stress. Using latent growth curve modeling, we examined parenting stress trajectories of 298 American parents with young children (Mage = 15.02 months, range = 1-34 months) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined the effects of parental mental health on parenting stress, and the effects of parental mental health and parenting stress on child problem behaviors using data gathered through the Prolific survey platform. Parental mental health, measured by depressive symptoms Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10, anxiety symptoms Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and overall stress levels 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, was related to higher initial parenting stress index-short form. Changes in parenting stress over time were linked with higher levels of children's problem behaviors (CBCL). Child temperament was also related to initial parenting stress. Lower levels of household income were linked with higher levels of parental mental health symptoms and higher rates of parenting stress increases over time. These results highlight the importance of considering the well-being of all family members in child outcomes, and the ways in which different experiences and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic affect parental and child well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Enhanced proportional integral controller for DSTATCOM with particle swarm optimization algorithm in power system

Power system expansion planning is supported by using distributed generation (DG) instead of installing new main power system generators. The portability and autonomous operation of the DG make it capable of integrating into the distribution system. Power electronics devices for home loads, mainly electric vehicles, mobile phones, and laptops, introduce harmonics and related power quality issues to the distribution system. This load creates power quality issues like an increase in total harmonic distortion (THD) and a reduction in power factor. This paper uses the DG to supply important power electronics devices for the mitigation of power quality problems in distributed systems with non-linear loads, such as electric vehicles, called the “distributed static compensator (DSTATCOM)”. Wind and photovoltaic (PV) generators supply power to a common DC source. To improve power quality D-STATCOM powered by PV and wind energy systems at the DC link is incorporated. The direct axis/quadrature axis method (DQ method) controls the real and reactive components of the power. Proportional integral (PI) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) based PI controller parameter estimation are developed, and results are compared for power quality performance. In terms of improving power quality, the PSO-based parameter estimate of the PI controller performs better than the traditional PI controller.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div class="extension_reset_css AnnotateNet_widget AnnotateReviewNotesButton" style="display: none; z-index: 2147483644;" data-id="ExtensionWidget"&gt;&lt;div class="extension_reset_css AnnotateNet_widget annotateclickable" style="z-index: 8; display: none;" title="Resize" data-id="Widget"&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

Challenges Of The Industrial Relations Court In The Reform Era In Creating Fast, Accurate, Fair And Cheap Court

The Industrial Relations Court is a special court with absolute competence in dealing with industrial relations disputes arising from work relations between workers/laborers and employers. As the last resort in resolving employment conflicts if non-litigation channels fail, this court is expected to provide a fast, precise, fair and inexpensive resolution process for the parties so that it becomes the best solution. However, in practice, the existence of the industrial relations court has not fully become a mechanism that can realize the urgency of the court's existence since its inception. Various obstacles often arise and are even unavoidable in relation to the substance and mechanisms that hinder the realization of the initial intention of establishing the overarching law, namely Law Number 2 of 2004 concerning Settlement of Industrial Relations Disputes. This research explains the various challenges faced by the Industrial Relations Court since its formation until the post-reform period. The research method of implementing literature studies and the type of research is normative law by compiling and reviewing various normative provisions regarding industrial relations courts and problems in their application. Industrial relations courts face various challenges related to their substance and mechanisms, for example when they are at the decision implementation stage, it is quite difficult to carry out the execution because they are guided by the execution procedures in civil courts which are quite expensive and time consuming. Meanwhile, industrial relations issues are ideally oriented towards fast processes and low costs. On the other hand, from the data on registered dispute cases, the worker/laborer mostly acts as a plaintiff, meaning that even if the plaintiff in this case wins, the court decision is not yet able to fully grant the worker/laborer their maximum rights.

Influence of Taekwondo Training as a Martial Art Sport on Enhancing Mental Wellness of Security Officers in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate whether or not training in taekwondo as a martial art sport has a positive impact on the mental health of Kenyan security officers.&#x0D; Methodology: The study used a desk top approach where literature was sought from different sources. The research was carried out with consideration given to previous theoretical literature, both published and unpublished.&#x0D; Findings: Problems with mental wellness is a serious societal and work related issue that has numerous ramifications, including far-reaching social and economic impact in Kenyan security officers. However, a significant number of security officers do not seek help when they are experiencing issues with their mental wellness. Research in this area is scant, but there are suggestions that training in Taekwondo as martial arts sport may be an effective sports-based intervention for mental wellness, and that it may provide an affordable alternative to psychological therapy to security officers both public and private.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Uncertainty regarding the validity and trustworthiness of previous research is unfortunately caused by the limited number of studies that are relevant to the topic at hand, in addition to other methodological issues.