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With the increase in demand for energy, penetration of alternative sources of energy in the power grid has increased. Photovoltaic (PV) energy is the most common and popular form of energy sources which is widely integrated into the existing grid. As solar energy is intermittent in nature, to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power supply to the prosumers, it is essential to forecast the solar irradiance. Accurate solar forecasting is necessary to facilitate large-scale modelling and deployment of PV plants without disrupting the quality and reliability of the power grid as well as to manage the power demand and supply. There are various methods to predict the solar irradiance such as numerical weather prediction methods, satellite-based approaches, cloud-image based methodologies, data-driven methods, and sensor-network based approaches. This study gives an overall review of the different resources and methods used for forecasting solar irradiance in different time horizons and also gives an extensive review of the sensor networks that are used for determining solar irradiance. The various error metrics and accessible data sets available for the sensor networks are also discussed that can be used for validation purposes.

Background:The objectives of the study was to assess the efficacy of mifepristone in priming the cervix/inducing labor over next 96 hrs in term pregnancy. Methods: In this single blind randomized controlled trial 200 women with term pregnancy beyond 39 weeks and Bishop' score <6 were randomly allocated into two groups. Tab Mifepristone 400 mg orally was given to women in study group (n=100) and no intervention in control group (n=100). On follow up one case was lost in control group. All women were observed for change in the bishop's score or onset of labor in next 96 hrs. If Bishop's score was <6, the choice of induction was left on the clinician/patient. Results: Mean induction to delivery interval, duration of active phase and improved Bishop score were 79.35±53.43 hr, 2.47±1.23 hr, 6.68±1.69 for study group versus 148±65.66 hr, 3.09±1.45 hr, 5.8±2.15 for control group (p value is <0.001) respectively. Seventy one (71%) women in study group and 39 (39.3%) women in control group delivered vaginally within 96 hrs without any need of augmentation. There were 9 (9%) caesareans in study group and 24 (24.2%) caesareans in control group but no instrumental delivery in both groups. There was no statistically difference in perinatal outcomes between two groups. Conclusions: Mifepristone is an effective drug for cervical ripening and initiation of labor when given in term pregnancy beyond 39 weeks with poor Bishop's score (<6) and appearing to reduce need for other agent for augmentation of labor.

Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ART in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Methods All pregnant females who were tested and found positive for HIV from April 2015 to March 2017 were included in this study and started on TLE regimen (Tenofovir 300 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg, Efavirenz 600 mg). After delivery these newborns were given syrup Nevirapine 2 mg/kg for 6 weeks of life if mother was started on ART before 12 weeks of gestation and was continued upto 12 weeks if mother was started on ART later than 12 weeks of gestation. Infants were tested with PCR and Rapid test for HIV was done at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of life. Result Out of 66 HIV-positive mothers (26 diagnosed in our institute and 40 referred patients), 53 delivered in our hospital. Out of these 53 deliveries, 3 were stillbirth, so 50 babies were registered. Out of 50 registered babies, 2 babies died in follow-up (one at the age of 12 months due to malnutrition and other at the age of 4 months due to diarrhea). Five babies were referred to nearby ART centers. So, we followed 43 babies out of which two were found to be positive for HIV (transmission rate of HIV was 4.6%). ConclusionThe risk of transmission of HIV from mother-to-child had declined with the use of combination ART, and the emergence of drug resistance was reduced. The ART used during pregnancy appears to be well tolerated and safe.

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