Standard Parameter Values Research Articles

Effects of particle gradation and geometry on the pore characteristics and water retention curves of granular soils: a combined DEM and PNM investigation

Pore characteristics play central roles in the transport of water and gas through granular soils, which is relevant to a wide range of geotechnical and geoenvironmental applications. In this study, a numerical procedure combining the discrete element method and pore network model is presented to relate the physically representative pore structure to the particle geometric features, and rapidly predict the macroscopic flow properties of granular assemblies. This numerical procedure is applied to investigate the effects of particle gradation and geometry on the pore characteristics and water retention curves of granular soils under isotropic compression. The results indicate that a larger uniformity coefficient (Cu) of particle diameters results in a lower porosity. The porosity first decreases and then increases as the aspect ratio (AR) of the particles increases from 1.00 to 2.50 and reaches the minimum at AR = 1.75. As Cu ranges from 1.00 to 2.16, the standard deviations and mean values of pore geometry and connectivity parameters, including pore and throat diameters, pore spacings, and coordination numbers, present linear correlations. The logarithm of air entry pressure decreases linearly with the increasing logarithm of mean pore diameter in response to the variations in both Cu and AR. A higher pore diameter variance induced by a smaller Cu produces a lower fitting parameter m in the van Genuchten equation for water retention curves.

Prognostički značaj dijametra desne komore, plućnog arterijskog pritiska i biomarkera kod bolesnika sa akutnom srčanom insuficijencijom

The aim of the paper was to examine the echocardiographic parameters of the right ventricle (RV), its diameter and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP); to determine their relationship to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin and (TnI) and high-sensititity C-raective protein (hsCRP), and to evaluate their prognostic significance to one-year mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The study included a total of 225 patients (pts) (70.29 ± 9.74 years) who were admitted to Intensive care unit due to the signs and symptoms of AHF. The values of standard biochemical parameters, BNP, TnI and hsCRP were determined during the first 24 hours after admission. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination. During a one-year follow-up, 78 (34.70%) patients died. As compared with the group of survivors (n = 147), the group of non-survivors had higher values of BNP (853.10 ± 384.92 vs. 1399.68 ± 464.44 pg/mL, p < 0.001), TnI (0.59 ± 2.04 vs. 2.00 ± 8.29 ng/ml, p < 0.05), right ventricular diameter and PAP (p < 0.001). BNP was positively correlated with TnI (r = 0.311), PAP (r = 0.255) and right ventricular diameter (r = 0.304, p < 0.001 for all correlations). The cut-off value of BNP ≥ 1062.04 pg/ml, PAP ≥ 44.5 mmHg and TnI ≥ 0.04 ng/ml were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Our results have shown that BNP, PAP and TnI are strong and independent predictors of one-year mortality in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure.

Diagnostics of hydraulic actuators is a way to increase the technical availability of combines and reduce maintenance and repair costs

The importance of diagnosing hydraulic drives for increasing the technical readiness of combines and reducing maintenance and repair costs is substantiated. The methodological approach and results of the study on the creation of a system for technical diagnostics of the hydraulic steering drive of combines are presented. The list and standard values of diagnostic parameters (nominal, permissible, and limit values) are established. The physical processes that occur during the operation of the hydraulic drive are analyzed. The nature of changes in the structural parameters of hydraulic units and their impact on the operational performance of the steering of combines is determined. An assessment of the reasonable diagnostic parameters characterizing the general technical condition of the hydraulic steering drive and separately of hydraulic units and their elements is given. The expediency of using a particular diagnostic parameter is determined using the following criteria: reliability of technical diagnostics; labor intensity (duration) of diagnostics; adaptability of the object to diagnostics; versatility and cost of technical diagnostic tools; completeness and depth of diagnostics.

A Machine Learning Approach towards Automatic Water Quality Monitoring

Increasing rate of water pollution and consequently waterborne diseases are the engrossing evidence towards danger to living organisms. It becomes a great challenge these days to preserve our flora and fauna by controlling various unexpected pollution activities. Although the invention of many schemes and programmes regarding water purification has done a tremendous job, but still there is something that has been lagging. With increase in population, industrialization and global warming situation is getting worse day by day. It becomes very difficult to get safe drinking water and appropriate quality water for other domestic usage and agriculture purpose. Major reasons for water pollution include undesirable increase in impurities. These may cause eutrophication of the water body, change in taste, discolouration and odour of water, water borne diseases, increase in water toxic nature etc. For water to be serviceable it should be aesthetically acceptable, chemically safe, bacteria free; organic substances and radioactive elements should be absent. So, there is an urgent need to look into this situation and take the corrective and necessary actions to overcome this situation. The government is paying an attention to this problem and finding the ways to control the situation. However, major areas are not developed to the point and water quality estimation is totally dependent upon sampling at location and testing in laboratories. Manual sampling and measurements are prone to human errors and these techniques may create ambiguities in predicted output. In this paper we have presented Machine Learning (ML) approach for calculating the Water Quality Index (WQI) and classification of water quality to estimate water characteristics for usage. For analysis, decision tree method is used to estimate water quality information. The standard values of parameters are selected as per guidelines provided by World Health organization (WHO). Results calculated using ML techniques showed prominent accuracy over traditional methods. Accuracy achieved is also significant, i.e. 98 %. Likewise, projection of gathered data was done utilizing web interface and web app to alert the authorities about contamination.

Development and Validation of Stability-Indicating Assay Method by RP-HPLC for Simultaneous Estimation of Rosuvastatin Calcium and Fenofibrate in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

A Simple, precise, and accurate stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method has been established for the simultaneous estimation of rosuvastatin calcium and fenofibrate in combined bulk and tablet formulation. The chromatographic separation was performed on reverse phase Princeton (C18) (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5µ) column with mobile phase as a mixture of water (pH adjusted to 3.0 with orthophosphoric acid) and acetonitrile in the ratio (40:60) v/v at the flow rate 1.0 ml/min. Detection was carried out at wavelength 240 nm. The retention time under the optimized condition of Rosuvastatin calcium and Fenofibrate was found to be 2.485 & 3.905 minutes respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 6-16 µg/ml and 87-232 µg/ml for rosuvastatin calcium and fenofibrate with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 and 0.9994 respectively. Relative standard deviation values for all key parameters were less than 2.0%. The percentage recovery was found to be 99.66-100.37% and 99.13-100.44% for rosuvastatin calcium and fenofibrate respectively. The developed reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was found to be simple, specific, sensitive, rapid, linear, accurate, precise, and economical, and could be used for regular quality control of rosuvastatin calcium and fenofibrate in bulk and tablet formulations. 
 Keywords: Rosuvastatin calcium, Fenofibrate, RP-HPLC, Method validation, ICH guidelines.

Algorithm of Calculation of Indicators of an Assessment of Conformity of Functions of the City to Standard Values of Parameters

In this paper, we consider a computational algorithm that allows us to follow specific sequences in order to meet the needs of the population in a residential area. As an integral indicator, the degree of satisfaction of the needs of the population is used, which characterizes the actual level of consumption of any services in comparison with the norm of their rational consumption. The theoretical premise of the study was the fundamental principle of urban development of a favorable environment for human development. The methodological basis of the study was a vector representation of the state of the system.

Simplified Analysis of Measurement Data from A Rapid E. coli qPCR Method (EPA Draft Method C) Using A Standardized Excel Workbook.

Draft method C is a standardized method for quantifying E. coli densities in recreational waters using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The method includes a Microsoft Excel workbook that automatically screens for poor-quality data using a set of previously proposed acceptance criteria, generates weighted linear regression (WLR) composite standard curves, and calculates E. coli target gene copies in test samples. We compared standard curve parameter values and test sample results calculated with the WLR model to those from a Bayesian master standard curve (MSC) model using data from a previous multi-lab study. The two models’ mean intercept and slope estimates from twenty labs’ standard curves were within each other’s 95% credible or confidence intervals for all labs. E. coli gene copy estimates of six water samples analyzed by eight labs were highly overlapping among labs when quantified with the WLR and MSC models. Finally, we compared multiple labs’ 2016–2018 composite curves, comprised of data from individual curves where acceptance criteria were not used, to their corresponding composite curves with passing acceptance criteria. Composite curves developed from passing individual curves had intercept and slope 95% confidence intervals that were often narrower than without screening and an analysis of covariance test was passed more often. The Excel workbook WLR calculation and acceptance criteria will help laboratories implement draft method C for recreational water analysis in an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable manner.

Assessment of Compliance with Regulatory Requirements of Life Support Facilities of Modern Neighborhoods

It is proposed to evaluate the level of comfort of the urban environment on the basis of a methodology for quantifying the feasibility of city functions: livelihoods, providing entertainment and recreation, creating conditions for power, charity, gaining knowledge, realizing creative needs, strengthening connections with nature. It is proposed to introduce a system of quality indicators of planning and design solutions for the territories of urban housing estates as indicators that quantitatively reflect the level of implementation of city functions and their components. The study developed an algorithm for calculating indicators characterizing the correspondence of city functions to the standard values of parameters adopted for assessing the quality of the state of its elements. The numerical implementation of the indicator calculation algorithm is performed for the city’s Life Support function, which plays a key role in dramatically improving the comfort of the urban environment. For a more complete analysis of the effectiveness of urban decisions aimed at increasing human potential and satisfying the rational needs of a person, as well as for the comprehensive consideration of comfort characteristics, it seems possible to carry out a scientific substantiation of an extended list of indicators for the implementation of city functions and the accessibility of socially significant everyday objects.

GROSS MORPHOMETRICAL STUDY ON BURSA OF FABRICIUS IN DEVELOPING BRONZE TURKEY (MELEAGRIS GALOPAVO)

The aim of the study was an evaluation of the age related development of bronze turkey's bursa of Fabricius. The obtained data gave information about the standard actual values of the metric parameters in the investigated organ. The bursa of sixty healthy clinically bronze turkeys (30 males and 30 females) was studied metrically by ruler, graph paper and automatic balance. The birds were distributed in 10 age related groups at the 1, 7, 14, 28, 35, 49, 56, 90, 120 and 240 days. Each group consisted of 6 turkeys. The absolute and relative weight, length, perimeter and diameter of the organ were determined. During the period the absolute weight of the bronze turkeys' bursa increased by 76.5 times, the absolute length – 3.5 times. The relative weight of the organ was with the highest values at the 14 days of age. The relative length reached peak values at the 1 day. The relative perimeter was highest at 7 days. The obtained results gave a motivation to make the conclusion that the development of the bronze turkey bursa of Fabricius weight and length were highest from hatching to the sexual maturity.

Oxidative stress in alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies have investigated the oxidative stress parameters in alopecia areata (AA) patients with variable results. This study aims to analyze the association between oxidative stress and AA based on current literature. A systematic review of the existing literature was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases by two authors independently. Mean and standard deviation values of oxidative stress parameters of AA patients and healthy controls were extracted for quantitative analysis. A total of 18 studies were included in the analysis. Patients with AA had impaired oxidative balance with elevated levels of serum malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and total oxidant capacity and lower levels of serum superoxide dismutase, paraoxonase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. Levels of oxidative parameters were significantly higher in severe AA compared to mild/moderate AA. Heterogeneity in the baseline characteristics of the included studies and limited available data for most parameters were the limitations of this study. Current evidence suggests that AA is associated with oxidative stress. More studies are needed to strengthen this association. Moreover, studies evaluating the role of antioxidant use in AA may be rewarding.

TNB383B.0001: A Multicenter, Phase 1, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Andexpansion Study of TNB-383B, a Bispecific Antibodytargeting BCMA in Subjects with Relapsed or Refractorymultiple Myeloma

Introduction Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with an estimated incidence in 2019 of ~32,000 in the United States. Although median survival is greater than 8 years, treatment options are limited for patients who relapse on or are refractory to standard treatment regimens containing proteasome inhibitors, immune-modulating drugs and anti-CD38 antibodies (triple refractory). Novel therapies are critical to the treatment of these patients. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) and T-cell redirecting Bispecific Antibodies (T-BsAbs) targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) -a protein found exclusively on the surface of plasma cells- have shown efficacy against relapsed/refractory MM in early phase clinical trials. However, toxicity from over-activation of T-cells still hinders these approaches. Utilizing Teneobio's proprietary next generation sequencing (NGS)-based discovery tool incorporating in silico analysis of heavy chain only/fixed light chain antibody sequences (HCA/Flic, respectively) to enrich for antigen specific antibodies, we made a high affinity αBCMA HCA and a library of αCD3 Flic antibodies that showed a >2 log range of EC50s for T cell activation in vitro. TNB-383B combines a high affinity αBCMA HCA with a low-activating αCD3 Flic; in preclinical studies TNB-383B showed equivalent anti-tumor efficacy but significantly reduced cytokine secretion compared to BCMA-targeted T-BsAbs incorporating a strongly-activating αCD3 (similar in strength to the αCD3s used in other T-BsAbs currently in clinical trials). A Phase 1 study investigating the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary activity of TNB-383B in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is ongoing and described. This trial represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported clinical trial of a HCA/Flic hybrid antibody in humans. Study Design TNB383B.0001 (NCT03933735) is an open-label, multi-center study of TNB-383B in patients with RRMM. The study is divided into escalation (Arm A, N=24) and expansion (Arm B, N=48) arms. Subjects who have received 3 or more prior lines of therapy with exposure to a PI, an IMiD, and an anti-CD38 antibody are eligible for this study. Documentation of BCMA expression by tumor cells is not required for entry, although prior treatment with a BCMA-targeted agent is an exclusion criterion. Other key inclusion/exclusion criteria include EGFR of >30ml/min, ANC ≥1000/mm3 and platelets ≥50,000/mm3 and minimal bone marrow biopsy requirements on-study. Subjects must be admitted for 48 hours following the 1st dose in Cycle 1 (21-day cycle length), but TNB-383B may be administered on an outpatient basis thereafter. Dose Escalation TNB-383B is administered as an intravenous infusion. Dose escalation is proceeding via a 3+3 design with fixed (as opposed to weight based) doses per protocol. Arm B will be initiated once the maximum tolerated dose (MTD, or recommended phase 2 dose, RP2D) has been selected. Patients will be treated until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or other discontinuation criteria are met. One patient has been enrolled thus far. Statistical Methods and Study Endpoints In Arm A occurrence of dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) will drive identification of the MTD (or RP2D in line with standard practices. In Arm B accrual will be suspended if more than 33% of subjects experience a DLT event. Adverse events, laboratory profiles, physical exams, and vital signs will be assessed throughout the study. Adverse events will be graded according to the NCI CTCAE, version 5.0. Concentrations of TNB-383B and Anti-Drug Antibodies (ADA) will be determined at designated time points throughout the study. Values for standard pharmacokinetic parameters of TNB-383B including the maximum observed serum concentration (Cmax), the time to Cmax, area under the concentration-time curve, clearance, and terminal half-life will be determined using non-compartmental methods. The activity endpoints (determined using the IMWG uniform response criteria) include overall response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival. The relationship between biomarkers, including soluble BCMA and A Proliferation Inducing Ligand (APRIL; the endogenous ligand for BCMA), and activity will be assessed. Disclosures Buelow: Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Rodriguez:Takeda, Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Vij:Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria. Nath:Teneobio, Inc.: Consultancy. Snyder:Teneobio, Inc.: Consultancy. Pham:Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Patel:Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership. Iyer:Teneobio, Inc.: Employment, Equity Ownership.

Has Fiscal Policy Saved the Great Recession?

In a fixed-regime setting, it is known since Leeper (1991) that both monetary dominance (mix of active monetary and passive fiscal policies) and fiscal dominance (mix of active fiscal and passive monetary policies) regimes yield a determinate unique equilibrium. This paper shows that in a regime-switching context, switches from monetary dominance to fiscal dominance regimes (and vice-versa) render the overall economy indeterminate for standard parameter values. We apply our results to the important case of the exit from the zero lower bound (ZLB), where monetary policy is inherently passive. Contrary to the fixed regime prediction, the economy switching between the ZLB in a fiscally led regime and a monetary dominance regime is robustly indeterminate, making the coordination of agents' beliefs hard because both monetary and fiscal policies are overall strongly passive.

Event-triggered sequential fusion estimation with correlated noises

This paper focuses on the event-triggered sequential fusion estimation for the multi-sensor systems with correlated noises. An event-triggered communication mechanism is introduced to reduce unnecessary energy waste. Considering that measurement noise of different sensors is correlated with each other and also correlated with the system noise of the previous step, an event-triggered sequential fusion estimation algorithm is proposed in the sense of linear minimum covariance. The standard values of the correlation parameters are defined to ensure convergence of the designed fusion algorithm and an upper bound of the estimation error covariance is given. A numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented fusion algorithm.

Statistical complexity of the time dependent damped L84 model.

We consider the concept of statistical complexity to writing the time-dependent damped systems applying the snapshot attractors. This allows us to understand the behavior of these dynamical systems by the probability distribution of the points on the Poincaré section at a given time making a difference between the regular, random, and structural complexity on finite simulation. We interpreted the statistical complexity on the snapshot attractor and determined it in the L84 model, especially the chaotic behavior of the system and on the neighbor range of standard parameter values considering the effect of periodic damping.

Revisiting electroweak phase transition with varying Yukawa coupling constants

We revisited the scenario of electroweak baryogenesis in the presence of large Yukawa couplings, in which it was found previously that a strongly first order electroweak phase transition can occur with the Higgs mass at its observed value of 125 GeV. Given the sensitivity of the running of the Higgs quartic coupling on the Yukawa coupling constants, we find that the addition of order one Yukawa couplings beyond the top quark drastically lowers the scale at which the Higgs potential becomes unstable. Specifically, even with only one additional order one Yukawa coupling, the scalar potential becomes unstable already at the TeV scale, assuming the Standard Model values for the Higgs sector parameters at the electroweak scale. Furthermore, by assuming the Standard Model values for the Higgs sector parameters at the TeV scale, the quartic coupling constant is driven to be larger than its Standard Model value at the electroweak scale. This in turn predicts a much lighter Higgs mass than the measured value of 125 GeV. In this scenario, the strength of the electroweak phase transition is also significantly weakened.

Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis of Selective Rho Kinase Inhibitors as Neuro-regenerator Agents.

To understand the role of Rho (serine/threonine) kinases in the treatment of neurological segments, attempts have been made to find potent inhibitors of Rho enzyme by a 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model. QSAR studies were executed on urea-based scaffolds from aniline and benzylamine analogues, which were aligned for generation of a chemometric-based model. Multivariate statistical approaches were applied including linear and nonlinear analysis such as multiple linear regression, partial least square and artificial neural network for the generation of model, and also an application of (in silico) absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion studies was performed to ascertain the novelty and drug-like properties of the intended molecules. Ligand based analysis was implemented and showed excellent statistical relevance such as S value=0.38, F value=48.41, r=0.95, r²=0.91, and r²cv=0.86. Five illuminating variables, i.e., vesicle-associated membrane protein (VAMP) polarization YY component (whole molecule), VAMP dipole Y component (whole molecule), VAMP dipole Z component (whole molecule), Kier ChiV6 path index (whole molecule), and moment of inertia 2 size (whole molecule), were found and they have a profound influence on the potency of the compounds. The values of standard statistical parameters reveal the predictive power and robustness of this model and also provide valuable insight into the significance of five descriptors. The acquired physicochemical properties (electronic, topological, and steric) show the important structural features required for activity against Rho kinase. After performing Lipinski's rule of five on urea-based derivatives no molecule was violating the rule. Therefore, these features can be effectively employed for the modeling and screening of active neurological agents as novel Rho kinase inhibitors.

Utility and Predictive Value of Human Standard Semen Parameters and Sperm DNA Dispersion for Fertility Potential

Because the assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) plays a key role in male fertility, our study was designed to find the relationships between SDF and standard semen parameters. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that 18% SDF is a prognostic parameter for discriminating between men with normal and abnormal standard semen parameters (n = 667). Men with > 18% SDF had significantly lower quality semen, a higher prevalence of abnormal semen characteristics, and a higher odds ratio for abnormal semen parameters compared to men with ≤ 18% SDF. An ROC analysis provided predictive values for age and semen parameters to distinguish between men with SDF > 18% and men with ≤ 18% SDF. SDF was positively correlated with male age and teratozoospermia index but negatively with sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa, sperm morphology, progressive motility, and vitality. Our study shows that 18% SDF has a predictive value for distinguishing between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. Men with >18% SDF have a higher risk for abnormal semen parameters, while age and obtained semen parameters have a predictive value for SDF. There is a relationship between SDF and conventional sperm characteristics, and thus, SDF can be incorporated into male fertility assessment.

Application of IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 to simulate butyric acid, propionic acid, mixed acid, and ethanol type fermentative systems using a variable acidogenic stoichiometric approach

IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) is the most widely recognised and popular mathematical model for anaerobic digestion processes. However, the application of ADM1 to acidogenic fermentation is limited by its use of constant stoichiometry to describe the formation of products via carbohydrate fermentation. This study presents a modification of ADM1 using a variable acidogenic stoichiometric approach in which the hydrogen partial pressure (pH2) and pH are used to predict and regulate the acidogenic process. The fermentation of ethanol and its kinetics were introduced into the model structure. Experimental data from mixed acid-type fermentation in a 28.4 L anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) fed with a sucrose solution with a chemical oxygen demand of 4000 mg L−1 were used to calibrate the model parameters. Two case studies involving continuous ethanol-type fermentation in an ABR and a continuous stirring tank reactor (CSTR) were used to validate the approach. The modified model achieved good predictions of the experimental data collected from butyric acid, propionic acid, mixed acid, and ethanol-type fermentation in the ABR and CSTR using the standard ADM1 parameter values without any parameter fitting beyond implementation of the variable acidogenic stoichiometry. The pH2 and pH thresholds in butyric acid, propionic acid, mixed acid, and ethanol-type fermentation could be predicted using this model, which was shown to be a valid mathematical tool for the regulation of fermentation type.

Physico-Chemical Analysis, Classification of Ground Water, and Impact of Water Quality on the Health of People in Khushab City, Pakistan

A study was carried out to analyze the ground water samples from fifty sites within the urban settlements of Khushab city, Pakistan in order to to understand the distribution of contaminants and its impact on public health in the studied area. All the water samples were analysed using physico-chemical parameters : pH, Electric Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Ca+ , Mg+, Cl- and NO3-by using standard analytical methods. Salinity hazard was evaluated by using EC values inferred from the water samples. Water samples were classified on the basis of TDS and TH.Arc GIS software was used to plot the spatial distribution of contamination, concluded from the observed physico-chemical parameters throughout the study area. A door to door survey was also conducted to get the feedback from 100 people living in the houses, working in offices and shops to know the issues of water quality along with the level of satisfaction for the present water quality.Results showed that pH value ranging between 6.8 and 8.7, EC between 260 and 10290 S/cm, TDS between 179 and 9410 mg/l, Ca+2 between 1.2 and 11.8 mg/l, Mg+2 between 0.3 and 39.4 mg/l, TH between 6.23 and 216.86 mg/l, Cl- between 0.3 and 344.7 and NO3 between 12 and 62 mg/l. Results showed certain sites indicating poor water quality through deviation from WHO standard values of certain physico-chemical parameters. This showed that ground water at particular sites within the study area was unfit for drinking purpose and its prolonged utilization could cause serious health issues. More than 62% people reported their dissatisfaction regarding water quality and 80% agreed that water quality has drastically declined. Results were also correlated with the data collected from the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital which demonstrated that residents of Khushab city were suffering from the water borne diseases like Hepatitis, Cholera, Gastro, and Kidney stone etc. Almost 40,000 patients from Khushab city and the surrounding villages who suffered from water borne diseases visited the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital in the year 2014. It has been concluded from the study that the ground water of the study area has declined and needs proper and urgent attention from the government and water must be processed through state of the art purification treatment plants, before supplying to people for drinking and domestic purposes.

Harmonic emission level assessment method based on parameter identification analysis

In this study, a new method for harmonic emission level assessment is proposed. The method is based on parameter identification analysis. The quantitative relationship between standard deviation values of equivalent parameters and harmonic emission levels is studied and discussed through theoretical derivations. The complete harmonic emission level assessment method is then proposed on the basis of quantitative analysis and validated by means of simulation studies and field tests. The method has the ability of distinguishing the active injection contents in load harmonic currents and determining the actual harmonic responsibilities of the customers in power systems. On-line power quality monitoring applications and incentive management schemes can be designed by the proposed method.