bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Maximum Voltage Angle on Inverter Performance Applied in Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
Authors: Masri Mahrizal , Badlisha R. , Irwanto Muhammad , Gomesh N. , Irwan Y.M. , Malek F. , Alam Hermansyah , Mamat M.R.
Published: September 2015

Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) sits between a power supply such as wall outlet and devices to prevent undesired feature that can occur within the power source such as outages, sags, surges and bad harmonics from the supply to avoid a negative impact on the devices. This paper presents a photovoltaic (PV) powered UPS using microcontroller PIC16F628A-I/P. It is a standby UPS whereas if the main power source fails to supply power to loads, a battery powered inverter turns on to continue supplying power. The battery is charged by the PV using solar charger and transfer switch controlled by the microcontroller. In this research, AC three-level waveform single phase inverter was developed and created by a microcontroller PIC16F627A-I/P with varied maximum voltage angle from 200 to 1800 and tested to a load of 240 V, 20 W AC aquarium water pump, and also analyzed effect of maximum voltage angle on the three-level single phase inverter performance. The result showed that maximum voltage angles of the inverter effected on root mean square value of AC voltage, current and power. If the maximum voltage angle was increased, therefore value of the AC voltage, current and power would increase. The maximum voltage angle would effect on the current total harmonic distortion (CTHD), the lowest CTHD of 15.448% was obtained when the maximum voltage angle was 1340.
Development of Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Performance at Ulu Pauh, Perlis
Authors: Afiqah N.N. , Syafawati N.A. , Idris S.S.H. , Haziah A.H. , Syahril M.D.
Published: September 2015

Theoretically, the solar tracking system describe as the device to get the optimize amount of sunlight according to sun movement. So, the shading effect issues can be minimized. This paper is presents the finding of photovoltaic (PV) harvesting energy via dual axis tracking system. The operation of two direct current (DC) motors motion was programme using PIC kit SK40C by using the Lab View Programming software. The first motor system delay timer is set at 15° rotation per hour and second motor system delay timers is set to rotate 180° after 12 pm. The field testing was initially set up at Perlis, Malaysia climate. An actual testing was used to collect the daily data. The result shows that, the output voltage with solar tracking system is 12.93% higher than without tracking system in the sunny day condition.
Modeling for the Aerodynamics Analysis of the Four Blades Movable Vanes Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VVAWT)
Authors: Hussein Suffer Kadhim , Abdul Quadir Ghulam , bin Ismail Khairul Azwan , Uzobomatove Ryspek
Published: September 2015

The power generated by a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) depends on the drag force generated by the individual blades and interactions between them in a rotating configuration. The present Analysis is on attempt to predict numerically the coefficient of drag and other aerodynamic parameters for a four blade Vane type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VVAWT) with different blades and vanes position. For numerical investigation, commercial available computational fluid dynamics CFD software GAMBIT and FLUENT are used. In this numerical analysis the Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model is used which is better than the other turbulence models available as suggested by some researchers. The computed results show good agreement with published experimental results.
Reviews on MATLAB DSTATCOM Simulation Models in Mitigating Power Quality Problems
Authors: Baharudin N.H. , Mansur T.M.N.T. , Idris Muhd Hafizi , Ali Rosnazri , Syed Hassan Syed Idris
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews the performance of detailed and average model for distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) in order to remove voltage flicker, regulate the voltage at point of common coupling (PCC), power factor correction and harmonics elimination. In these models, d-q theory is used to extract fundamental active and reactive power components of the load currents which will be required to estimate the reference source currents. Both models are evaluated and compared in MATLAB/Simulink based simulation platform.
Analysis on Load Model for Cost Optimization Using Embedded Meta EP-Firefly Algorithm for DG Installation
Authors: Rahim S.R.A. , Musirin Ismail , Othman Muhammad Murtadha , Hussain Muhamad Hatta
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the analysis on load models for cost optimization for distributed generation planning. The Embedded Meta EP – Firefly Algorithm technique is performed in order to identify the optimal distributed generation sizing. The result obtained show that the proposed technique has an acceptable performance to simulate the data and voltage dependent load models have a significant effect on total losses of a distribution system consequently will affect the cost of the system.
A Small Scale Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Fareq M. , Fitra M. , Irwanto Muhammad , Syafruddin Syafruddin , Gomesh Hs.N. , Irwan Y.M. , Rozailan M. , Suwarno Suwarno , Herman A.
Published: September 2015

This paper describes a small scale energy transfer by using magnetic coil made ​​with enamel coil, which is installed on the transceiver side and function generator and RF power amplifier are installed as source to generated signal, and on the receiving side is using an enamel coil materials as antenna. In this experiment obtained energy as it travels from the transceiver can be received at the receiver side without any media or cable, the principle of electromagnetic fields used in this experiment. Number of coil inductive coupling has been compare. Number of turn 4, efficiency 91 % at 0 cm with 4.55 volt and the lower efficiency 70% at 5 cm with 3.1 volt. And number of turn 8, efficiency 97.8% at 0 cm with 4.89 volt and the lower efficiency 70% at 5 cm with 3.50 volt
Discrete Integral Sliding Mode Control for Motion Servo System
Authors: Ngadengon R. , Sam Y.M. , Osman J.H.S. , Tomari R.
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a discrete integral sliding mode control (DISMC) to control motion servo system. In DISMC, the order of the motion equation is equal to the order of original system. The past value of the disturbance is taken as the estimate of its present value. The controller is designed to be capable to achieve tracking even for the uncertain system. The designed controller will be compared with Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and discrete Proportional Integral derivative (PID) controller to observe the capability for controlling the system. Simulations demonstrate that the DISMC is highly robust to control although exist uncertainties in the system.
A Review of Shielding Performance for Anechoic Chamber
Authors: Mustapha Hafizah , Ismail K.H. , Daim T.J. , Jamil S.F.
Published: September 2015

Anechoic chambers are widely used in performing EMC measurements according to the established EMC standards. As in space area, EMC measurement is critically important to ascertain all of electrical and electronic components in the satellite body will function correctly without fail during launching and operation mode. Recognizing the needs and importance of performing the EMC measurements, the shielding performance of the chamber should be prioritized to ensure the interference of electromagnetic wave from outside going to inside the constructed chamber does not exist. As to maintain the shielding element, periodic checking and inspection should be well planned by conducting a specific test. This paper outlines a series of procedures that are developed while running the test. The test will characterize the shielding performance at four (4) frequency ranges using different types of antenna set. Typical test results are gathered and presented at the measured frequencies. Based on the results, it is concluded that the shielding performance of anechoic chamber is standing in good condition at three (3) ranges of frequencies except for frequency of 10 kHz to 200MHz. Several steps are recommended to remove or eliminate the random noise.
Review on Acceptance Test Performance of Mass Properties Measurement for Satellite Testing Requirement
Authors: Abdullah Nor Hafizah , Thanarasi Karthigesu , Ismail Maszlan
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on making some review and observation on the performance of equipment named Mass Properties Measurement System (MPMS) which capable to calculate the center of gravity (CG), moment of inertia (MOI) and Product of Inertia (POI) of a satellite. Before approving to receive such a huge machine/equipment consist of mechanical and electronic structure, National Space Agency (ANGKASA) which acts as a Malaysian Government Agency has to go through an Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) to compare with the factory acceptance result on its performance review. The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for this machine has been done earlier in United States (USA) as the equipment is manufactured in Connecticut, USA. This ATP is responsible on determining the requirements of a specification or contract are met or not by conducting test which is commonly applied for engineering and its various subdisciplines and the test have been witnessed by a Malaysian Research Institute; SIRIM Berhad, local and international contractors as well as the principal or manufacturer of the equipment itself and took place in ANGKASA, Banting, Selangor. It may involve chemical tests, physical tests, or performance tests by comparing the results with FAT [1].POI-1000M Rotary table, a rotor, deadweights, a compressor and a beam are the main components to be used for the acceptance performance test assisted by a control system for operators to calculate the desired measurements. Results confirmed that the ATP and FAT results are finally been compared and the equipment is successfully approved.
Reverberation Time Measurement for ANGKASA’s High Intensity Acoustic Chamber
Authors: Salim Nurliza , Tauhid Ahmad Noor Hidayah , Amir Tan Adhwa , Azhan Ibrahim Syahrim , Ismail Maszlan
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on the measurement of Reverberation Time of a high intensity acoustic chamber in Malaysia Space Center that will be used for satellite’s mechanical testing. 1/3 octave-band reverberation time characteristics are presented to validate the performance and capabilities of this chamber. The measurement was performed with reference to ISO 3382, Acoustics - Measurement of Reverberation Time in Auditoria standard. Results were successfully obtained and had shown that the chamber produced high Reverberation Time, up to 33 seconds.
Optimization of Lift Generation for a Spinning Surface through its Design and Speed
Authors: Asrokin Azharrudin , Ramly Mohammad Rizal
Published: September 2015

The rotational motion of a ball, be it a tennis ball, a golf ball or even a soccer ball, will yield a curving trajectory during airborne. We would best describe this phenomenon by its popular handle, the curve ball. The vortex generated by the ball is the one responsible for such behavior. Basically, the stronger the vortex, the more enhanced the arched flight we will get. Simply put, the ball is producing lift, thus the inclination to deviate to one side from otherwise a straight path. The same principle was employed to harness lift force in rotating cylinder. The question is, how strong the vortex should be and how much is too much. In this paper, we found that certain shape and speed (to make the surface rougher and yield stronger vortex) of the cylindrical surface will determine whether or not it generates better lift when the surface is rotating.
The Relationship between Managerial Commitment towards Manufacturing Capabilities: Investigating in an Electrical and Electronic Industries in Malaysia
Authors: bin Amlus Mohammad Harith , Abdullah Ahmad Zaidi , Ibrahim Amlus
Published: September 2015

Generally, manufacturing capabilities are the important factor in running and developing business. Hence, this research is aimed to identifying the relationships of critical factors and make sure the companies can survive in the northern region of Malaysia esspecially in Electrical and Electronic area. Those identified factors are managerial commitment and manufacturing capabilities in term of agility. Through the survey, a total of 119 companies representing various industries in Northern Region of Malaysia had responded. The hypotheses involved were tested using correlation and regression techniques. The results of the study support all the hypotheses. The multiple regression analysis indicates that there are significant relationships among the factors on each criterion to manufacturing capabilities. It is believed that results of this study will be beneficial for shareholders and directors of electrical and electronic companies to apply these manufacturing capabilities.
Die inkarnering van die missio Dei as praktykmodel vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
Authors: Van der Merwe J. Christo
Published: September 2015

The incarnation of the missio Dei practice model for the Dutch Reformed Church of Africa. The decline of the church in the West is of great concern to many today. The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCA), experiences the same tendency. We are living in a time when survival is on the mind of most mainline congregations and denominations. The question is what shall we do to turn this situation around? The answer is to be found in the rediscovery of what it means for the church to be missional. The knowledge about how the early church functioned helps us to rediscover the character of early Christian mission, much of what is drawn together in the concept of incarnational mission. This article examines incarnational mission as the understanding and practise of Christian witness that is rooted in and shaped by the life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. Understanding mission incarnationally in this manner is an integrative way to approach the church’s missionary vocation and to avoid the typical Western reduction of mission to one of the many programms of the church. The article, by exploring the meaning of incarnational mission, endeavours to be both constructive with regard to the biblical and theological understanding of the message, and polemical with regard to the context and history of mission, especially in the Western tradition. This article follows Darrell Guder in arguing that the historical ‘happenedness’ of Jesus’ life both enables and defines Christian witness. In exploring the missional ignificance of the incarnation, the article tries to avoid any dilution of the centrality of the incarnation event.
Density-dependent calibration of multisensor capacitance probes in coarse soil
Authors: Zettl Julie D. , Huang Mingbin , Barbour S. Lee , Si Bing C.
Published: September 2015

Zettl, J. D., Huang, M., Barbour, S. L. and Si, B. C. 2015. Density-dependent calibration of multisensor capacitance probes in coarse soil. Can. J. Soil Sci. 95: 331–336. Coarse-textured reconstructed soils are utilized extensively in the reclamation of mining waste. Accurate and continuous sensing of soil water content is required to understand soil water dynamics and evaluate the hydraulic characteristics of these soils. The EnviroSCAN (Sentek Pty. Ltd, Australia) is a semi-permanent multisensor capacitance probe (MCP) capable of continuous measurement of volumetric water content (θv) and has been used to monitor reclamation soil cover performance. Calibration of these probes is required to improve the accuracy of field measurements. In this study, field and laboratory measurements were undertaken over a range of water contents and bulk densities to refine the relationship between θvand scaled frequency (SF) measured by the MCP. The manufacturer's calibration equation tended to underestimate θvunder wet conditions (θv>0.35 cm3cm–3). Our experimental data showed that bulk density (ρb) did affect the MCP calibration and consequently a new calibration equation that includes the effect of ρbis developed using laboratory measurements and validated using field measurements. This equation provided the highest degree of correlation and the smallest standard deviation of prediction to measured values of θvfor laboratory and field measurements, respectively. This calibration improves the application of the EnviroSCAN for coarse-textured soils such as those utilized in this study.
Comparison of Mono- to Diphosphate Ester Ratio in Inhibitor Formulations for Mitigation of Under Deposit Corrosion
Authors: Brown Bruce , Saleh Amr , Moloney Jeremy
Published: September 2015

Mitigation of localized under deposit corrosion (UDC) in upstream oil and gas pipelines is an important research topic for both industry and academia. In a research program to better define the various inhibitor components that provide mitigation of UDC, this initial research investigates the effect of varied ratios of mono- to dinonylphenol phosphate esters (PE) by testing a set of specifically formulated inhibitors. Inhibitors with three mono- to di-PE ratios were tested in the presence and absence of 2-mercaptoethanol (ME). Using two 1.25 in (3.18 cm) diameter API 5L X65 pipeline steel samples and 250 μm silica sand, UDC testing was conducted for 28 d in a CO2 saturated solution at 70°C and 1 bar (100 kPa) total pressure. Analysis has shown that localized corrosion (pit penetration rate) increased for ME-free nonylphenol PE as the concentrations of di-PEs and mono-PEs approached equivalency. The nonylphenol PE inhibitor with a 50:50 mono- to di-PE ratio at 100 ppm concentration failed to protect the surface of the sample under the individual sand grains. Even the base product inhibitor package with no PE provided better mitigation under these test conditions than the 50:50 mono- to dinonylphenol PE. However, it was observed that the addition of ME provided a dramatic improvement in the mitigation of UDC for each mono- to di-PE ratio of the nonylphenol PE tested. From this research, it is seen that the mono- to di- PE ratio is important to consider when developing corrosion inhibitors containing PEs.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides from US urban areas: estimation from Ozone Monitoring Instrument retrievals for 2005–2014
Authors: Lu Z. , Streets D. G. , de Foy B. , Lamsal L. N. , Duncan B. N. , Xing J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Satellite remote sensing of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can provide valuable information for estimating surface nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Using an exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) method and taking into account the effect of wind on observed NO2 distributions, we estimate 3-year moving-average emissions of summertime NOx from 35 US (United States) urban areas directly from NO2 retrievals of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) during 2005–2014. Following conclusions of previous studies that the EMG method provides robust and accurate emission estimates under strong-wind conditions, we derive top-down NOx emissions from each urban area by applying the EMG method to OMI data with wind speeds greater than 3–5 m s−1. Meanwhile, we find that OMI NO2 observations under weak-wind conditions (i.e., < 3 m s−1) are qualitatively better correlated to the surface NOx source strength in comparison to all-wind OMI maps; therefore, we use them to calculate the satellite-observed NO2 burdens of urban areas and compare with NOx emission estimates. The EMG results show that OMI-derived NOx emissions are highly correlated (R > 0.93) with weak-wind OMI NO2 burdens as well as with bottom-up NOx emission estimates over 35 urban areas, implying a linear response of the OMI observations to surface emissions under weak-wind conditions. The simultaneous EMG-obtained effective NO2 lifetimes (~ 3.5 ± 1.3 h), however, are biased low in comparison to the summertime NO2 chemical lifetimes. In general, isolated urban areas with NOx emission intensities greater than ~ 2 Mg h−1 produce statistically significant weak-wind signals in 3-year average OMI data. From 2005 to 2014, we estimate that total OMI-derived NOx emissions over all selected US urban areas decreased by 49 %, consistent with reductions of 43, 47, 49, and 44 % in the total bottom-up NOx emissions, the sum of weak-wind OMI NO2 columns, the total weak-wind OMI NO2 burdens, and the averaged NO2 concentrations, respectively, reflecting the success of NOx control programs for both mobile sources and power plants. The decrease rates of these NOx-related quantities are found to be faster (i.e., −6.8 to −9.3 % yr−1) before 2010 and slower (i.e., −3.4 to −4.9 % yr−1) after 2010. For individual urban areas, we calculate the R values of pair-wise trends among the OMI-derived and bottom-up NOx emissions, the weak-wind OMI NO2 burdens, and ground-based NO2 measurements, and high correlations are found for all urban areas (median R= 0.8), particularly large ones (R up to 0.97). The results of the current work indicate that using the EMG method and considering the wind effect, the OMI data allow for the estimation of NOx emissions from urban areas and the direct constraint of emission trends with reasonable accuracy.
Stratospheric sulfate geoengineering enhances terrestrial gross primary productivity
Authors: Xia L. , Robock A. , Tilmes S. , Neely R. R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Stratospheric sulfate geoengineering could impact the terrestrial carbon cycle by enhancing the carbon sink. With an 8 Tg yr−1 injection of SO2 to balance a Representative Concentration Pathway 6.0 (RCP6.0) scenario, we conducted climate model simulations with the Community Earth System Model, with the Community Atmospheric Model 4 fully coupled to tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry (CAM4-chem). During the geoengineering period, as compared to RCP6.0, land-averaged downward visible diffuse radiation increased 3.2 W m−2 (11 %). The enhanced diffuse radiation combined with the cooling increased plant photosynthesis by 2.4 %, which could contribute to an additional 3.8 ± 1.1 Gt C yr−1 global gross primary productivity without nutrient limitation. This increase could potentially increase the land carbon sink. Suppressed plant and soil respiration due to the cooling would reduce natural land carbon emission and therefore further enhance the terrestrial carbon sink during the geoengineering period. This beneficial impact of stratospheric sulfate geoengineering would need to be balanced by a large number of potential risks in any future decisions about implementation of geoengineering.
Oxygen minimum zones in the tropical Pacific across CMIP5 models: mean state differences and climate change trends
Authors: Cabré A. , Marinov I. , Bernardello R. , Bianchi D.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We analyse simulations of the Pacific Ocean oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) from 11 Earth system model contributions to the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5, focusing on the mean state and climate change projections. The simulations tend to overestimate the volume of the OMZs, especially in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere. Compared to observations, five models introduce incorrect meridional asymmetries in the distribution of oxygen including larger southern OMZ and weaker northern OMZ, due to interhemispheric biases in intermediate water mass ventilation. Seven models show too deep an extent of the tropical hypoxia compared to observations, stemming from a deficient equatorial ventilation in the upper ocean, combined with too large a biologically driven downward flux of particulate organic carbon at depth, caused by particle export from the euphotic layer that is too high and remineralization in the upper ocean that is too weak. At interannual timescales, the dynamics of oxygen in the eastern tropical Pacific OMZ is dominated by biological consumption and linked to natural variability in the Walker circulation. However, under the climate change scenario RCP8.5, all simulations yield small and discrepant changes in oxygen concentration at mid depths in the tropical Pacific by the end of the 21st century due to an almost perfect compensation between warming-related decrease in oxygen saturation and decrease in biological oxygen utilization. Climate change projections are at odds with recent observations that show decreasing oxygen levels at mid depths in the tropical Pacific. Out of the OMZs, all the CMIP5 models predict a decrease of oxygen over most of the surface and deep ocean at low latitudes and over all depths at high latitudes due to an overall slow-down of ventilation and increased temperature.
Comparative study of vent and seep macrofaunal communities in the Guaymas Basin
Authors: Portail M. , Olu K. , Escobar-Briones E. , Caprais J. C. , Menot L. , Waeles M. , Cruaud P. , Sarradin P. M. , Godfroy A. , Sarrazin J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Understanding the ecological processes and connectivity of chemosynthetic deep-sea ecosystems requires comparative studies. In the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico), the presence of seeps and vents in the absence of a biogeographic barrier, and comparable sedimentary settings and depths offers a unique opportunity to assess the role of ecosystem-specific environmental conditions on macrofaunal communities. Six seep and four vent assemblages were studied, three of which were characterised by common major foundation taxa: vesicomyid bivalves, siboglinid tubeworms and microbial mats. Macrofaunal community structure at the family level showed that density, diversity and composition patterns were primarily shaped by seep- and vent-common abiotic factors including methane and hydrogen sulfide concentrations, whereas vent environmental specificities (higher temperature, higher metal concentrations and lower pH) were not significant. The type of substratum and the heterogeneity provided by foundation species were identified as additional structuring factors and their roles were found to vary according to fluid regimes. At the family level, seep and vent similarity reached at least 58 %. All vent families were found at seeps and each seep-specific family displayed low relative abundances (< 5 %). Moreover, 85 % of the identified species among dominant families were shared between seep and vent ecosystems. This study provides further support to the hypothesis of continuity among deep-sea seep and vent ecosystems.
Evaluation of improved land use and canopy representation in BEIS v3.61 with biogenic VOC measurements in California
Authors: Bash J. O. , Baker K. R. , Beaver M. R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) participate in reactions that can lead to secondarily formed ozone and particulate matter (PM) impacting air quality and climate. BVOC emissions are important inputs to chemical transport models applied on local to global scales but considerable uncertainty remains in the representation of canopy parameterizations and emission algorithms from different vegetation species. The Biogenic Emission Inventory System (BEIS) has been used to support both scientific and regulatory model assessments for ozone and PM. Here we describe a new version of BEIS which includes updated input vegetation data and canopy model formulation for estimating leaf temperature and vegetation data on estimated BVOC. The Biogenic Emission Landuse Database (BELD) was revised to incorporate land use data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land product and 2006 National Land Cover Database (NLCD) land coverage. Vegetation species data is based on the US Forest Service (USFS) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) version 5.1 for years from 2002 to 2013 and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2007 census of agriculture data. This update results in generally higher BVOC emissions throughout California compared with the previous version of BEIS. Baseline and updated BVOC emissions estimates are used in Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) simulations with 4 km grid resolution and evaluated with measurements of isoprene and monoterpenes taken during multiple field campaigns in northern California. The updated canopy model coupled with improved land use and vegetation representation resulted in better agreement between CMAQ isoprene and monoterpene estimates compared with these observations.
Brief Communication: Upper air relaxation in RACMO2 significantly improves modelled interannual SMB variability in Antarctica
Authors: van de Berg W. J. , Medley B.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The regional climate model RACMO2 has been a powerful tool for improving SMB estimates from GCMs or reanalyses. However, new yearly SMB observations for West Antarctica show that the modelled interannual variability in SMB is poorly simulated by RACMO2, in contrast to ERA-Interim, which resolves this variability well. In an attempt to remedy RACMO2 performance, we included additional upper air relaxation (UAR) in RACMO2. With UAR, the correlation to observations is similar for RACMO2 and ERA-Interim. The spatial SMB patterns and ice sheet integrated SMB modelled using UAR remain very similar to the estimates of RACMO2 without UAR. We only observe an upstream smoothing of precipitation in regions with very steep topography like the Antarctic Peninsula. We conclude that UAR is a useful improvement for RCM simulations, although results in regions with steep topography should be treated with care.
Governance of Fracking in Africa
Authors: Corrigan Caitlin , Murtazashvili Ilia
Published: September 2015

Concerns about the environmental and ecological consequences of hydraulic fracturing have accompanied the shale boom in developed countries at the forefront of shale exploration and production. These environmental and ecological consequences may be of even greater concern in developing countries with less governance capacity. We present a conceptual framework that specifies several variables that are expected to contribute to sustainable hydraulic fracturing. We use the framework to characterize prospects for sustainable hydraulic fracturing in South Africa and Botswana. The framework and evidence clarifies the institutional capacity and institutional challenges confronting the sub-Saharan African countries as extraction of natural resources using hydraulic fracturing begins in earnest.
A PARTE SUTIL DA ESCRITA NA EXPERIENCIA DE LUGAR - INVENTADO
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Santos Vinicius Oliveira
Published: September 2015

Aspectos da escrita, presentes no processo de produção textual da pes- quisa em arte, abrem a possibilidade de reflexão a partir da experiência da escrita em articulação com problemas no uso de procedimentos artísticos contemporâneos. A partir de relações entre o processo da escrita com o uso das metodo- logias de produção científica, o local que a escrita elabora é evidenciado na leitura da monografia de pós graduação A Arte Zen e o Caminho do Vazio: Uma investigação sobre o conceito zen-budista de Não-Eu na criação de arte, monografia em arte escrita por Claudio Miklos.
Pharmacy Naloxone Standing Order and Community Opioid Fatality Rates Over Time
Authors: Xuan Ziming , Walley Alexander Y. , Yan Shapei , Chatterjee Avik , Green Traci G. , Pollini Robin A.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Despite the proliferation of pharmacy standing-order naloxone dispensing across many US states before the change to over-the-counter status, few policy analyses have evaluated the implementation of pharmacy naloxone standing orders in addressing opioid overdose fatality among communities.

Objective

To determine whether the implementation of pharmacy standing-order naloxone was associated with lower opioid fatality rates compared with communities without pharmacies with standing-order naloxone.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective multisite study was conducted with an interrupted time series analysis across 351 municipalities in Massachusetts over 24 quarters (from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2018). Standing-order naloxone dispensing data were collected from 2 sources for all major chain pharmacies and many independent pharmacies, covering 70% of retail pharmacies in Massachusetts. Municipalities had various standing-order naloxone implementation inceptions during the study period. Data were analyzed from December 2021 to November 2023.

Exposure

The main exposure was measured by the first quarter with standing-order naloxone dispensation as the actual implementation inception.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary study outcome was municipal opioid fatality rate per 100 000 population obtained from the Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics.

Results

The median (IQR) population size across 351 municipalities was 10 314 (3635 to 21 781) people, with mean (SD) proportion of female individuals was 51.1% (2.8 percentage points). Pharmacies from 214 municipalities (60.9%) reported dispensing standing-order naloxone over the study period. At the baseline of the first quarter of 2013, municipalities that eventually had standing-order naloxone had greater quarterly opioid fatality rates compared with those that never implemented standing-order naloxone (3.51 vs 1.03 deaths per 100 000 population; P < .001). After adjusting for municipal-level sociodemographic and opioid prevention factors, there was significant slope decrease of opioid fatality rates (annualized rate ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78-0.91; P < .001) following standing-order naloxone dispensing, compared with the municipalities that did not implement standing-order naloxone. There were no significant level changes of opioid fatality rates in the adjusted models. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar and significant findings.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that community pharmacy dispensing of naloxone with standing orders was associated with a relative, gradual, and significant decrease in opioid fatality rates compared with communities that did not implement the standing-order naloxone program. These findings support the expansion of naloxone access, including over-the-counter naloxone as part of a multifaceted approach to address opioid overdose.
Negative Life Events and Emotional Symptoms From Ages 2 to 30 Years
Authors: Copeland William E. , Keen Ryan , Tong Guangyu , Shanahan Lilly
Published: August 2024

Importance

Exposure to different types of negative life events, including traumatic events, is common across the lifespan and associated with increased mental health symptoms.

Objective

To assess whether vulnerability to negative life events varies across 5 developmental periods from preschool to young adulthood.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study analyzed data from 3 community-representative studies set in the southeastern US (1992-2015) with harmonized assessment approaches that included a total of 13 775 assessments of individuals aged 2 to 30 years with up to 21 years of follow-up. Data analysis occurred from July 2023 to June 2024.

Exposures

Each study assessed lifetime exposure to (1) traumatic events (ie, severe events associated with posttraumatic stress disorder) and (2) recent stressful events (eg, loss of a friend or moving). All assessments were completed with structured interviews with participants and/or their caregivers.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was emotional symptoms (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms). Associations of both categories of life events with emotional symptoms were compared across preschool (<7 years), childhood (7-12 years), adolescence (13-17 years), late adolescence (18-22 years), and young adulthood (23-30 years).

Results

Analyses were based on 13 775 assessments of 3258 participants (1519 female [weighted percentage, 50.0%]). Recent stressful events were associated with emotional symptoms across each developmental period, ranging from a low in preschool (B =0.14; SE = 0.05) to a high in young adulthood (B = 0.57; SE = 0.12) in cross-sectional analyses and ranging from a low in childhood (B = 0.10; SE = 0.06) to a high adolescence (B = 0.19; SE = 0.05) in longitudinal analyses. Lifetime traumatic events were associated with emotional symptoms across each developmental period, ranging from a low in preschool (B = 0.18; SE = 0.05) to a high in adolescence (B = 0.28; SE = 0.04) in cross-sectional analyses and ranging from a low in childhood (B = 0.09; SE = 0.06) to a high in late adolescence (B = 0.21; SE = 0.05) in longitudinal analyses. Associations had overlapping 95% CIs across the different developmental periods with one exception: stressful events had a larger-magnitude cross-sectional association with emotional symptoms in young adulthood than in other developmental periods. Results were consistent with additive, rather than interactive, associations of traumatic and stressful events with emotional symptoms at each developmental period.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 3 community-representative samples, vulnerability to traumatic and stressful events was generally similar across the first 3 decades of life; both types of events had an independent association with emotional functioning. These findings suggest response to stressful events is similar from childhood to adulthood.
Structural modeling and characterization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosisMmpL3 C‐terminal domain
Authors: Berkowitz Naomi , MacMillan Allison , Simmons Marit B. , Shinde Ujwal , Purdy Georgiana E.
Published: August 2024

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cell envelope provides a protective barrier against the immune response and antibiotics. The mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) family of proteins export cell envelope lipids and siderophores; therefore, these proteins are important for the basic biology and pathogenicity of Mtb. In particular, MmpL3 is essential and a known drug target. Despite interest in MmpL3, the structural data in the field are incomplete. Utilizing homology modeling, AlphaFold, and biophysical techniques, we characterized the cytoplasmic C‐terminal domain (CTD) of MmpL3 to better understand its structure and function. Our in silico models of the MmpL11TB and MmpL3TB CTD reveal notable features including a long unstructured linker that connects the globular domain to the last transmembrane (TM) in each transporter, charged lysine and arginine residues facing the membrane, and a C‐terminal alpha helix. Our predicted overall structure enables a better understanding of these transporters.
Considerations for the Use of the DNA Damage Marker γ‐H2AX in Disease Modeling, Detection, Diagnosis, and Prognosis
Authors: Hosking Holly , Pederick Wayne , Neilsen Paul , Fenning Andrew
Published: August 2024

Background

DNA double‐strand breaks are known to be the most lethal kind of DNA damage as they cause genomic instability. Visualization and quantification of these breaks are possible via staining of the phosphorylated histone H2A variant H2AX at serine 139 with the anti‐phospho‐histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX) antibody.

Methods

The literature was searched with the following keywords: DNA damage, double‐strand break, PBMC, DNA repair, H2AX, γ‐H2AX.

Discussion

This review discusses various methods for the quantification of γ‐H2AX and the use of γ‐H2AX in cell culture, tissue biopsies, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The current research into basal DNA damage as quantified by γ‐H2AX is discussed in relation to cancer.

Conclusions

This review suggests that γ‐H2AX has the potential for use in the prediction of cancer risk when applied to healthy tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Edible Ultralong Organic Phosphorescent Excipient for Afterglow Visualizing the Quality of Tablets
Authors: Peng Yayun , Yao Xiaokang , Hu Xiwen , Wu Beishen , Pei Xiangyu , Yang Yuhan , Dong Zaiqing , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei , Cai Ting
Published: August 2024

Stimuli‐responsive ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials that in response to external factors such as light, heat, and atmosphere have raised a tremendous research interest in fields of optoelectronics, anticounterfeiting labeling, biosensing, and bioimaging. However, for practical applications in life and health fields, some fundamental requirements such as biocompatibility and biodegradability are still challenging for conventional inorganic and aromatic‐based stimuli‐responsive UOP systems. Herein, an edible excipient, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCC), of which UOP properties exhibit intrinsically multistimuli responses to excited wavelength, pressure, and moisture, is reported. Impressively, as a UOP probe, SCC enables nondestructive detection of hardness with superb contrast (signal‐to‐background ratio up to 120), while exhibiting a response sensitivity to moisture that is more than 5.0 times higher than that observed in conventional fluorescence. Additionally, its applicability for hardness monitoring and high‐moisture warning for tablets containing a moisture‐sensitive drug, with the quality of the drug being determinable through the naked‐eye visible UOP, is demonstrated. This work not only elucidates the reason for stimulative corresponding properties in SCC but also makes a major step forward in extending the potential applications of stimuli‐responsive UOP materials in manufacturing high‐quality and safe medicine.
Evaluation of oil transesterification in a packed‐bed reactor containing lipase immobilized in starch–alginate jet cutting beads
Authors: Almeida Francisco Lucas Chaves , Sampaio Klicia Araujo , Prata Ana Silvia , Forte Marcus Bruno Soares
Published: August 2024

There has been a growing interest in ecofriendly enzymatic processes. However, enzyme solubility limits the application of many biocatalysts in continuous systems, requiring the development of cost‐effective strategies for enzyme immobilization. Based on this premise, this study investigated the application of lipase immobilized in starch–alginate beads for oil transesterification in a tubular reactor. An economical derivative was produced by immobilizing Eversa Transform 2.0 in 50:50 (w/w) starch–alginate beads using the jet‐cutting technique. The biocatalyst had a particle size of about 500 μm and activity of 138.67 ± 18.53 U g−1. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed nitrogen content ranging from 6.38% to 7.29%, with uniform distribution of lipase throughout the beads. Nitrogen isotherms were characteristic of mesoporous materials, with an average pore diameter of 48.09 Å and low surface area (0.69 m2 g−1). A face‐centered central composite design was used to study soybean oil transesterification. In the best four runs, the process achieved a mean triglyceride conversion of 45%. High ester productivity levels (2.05 × 10−2% ester g−1 biocatalyst min−1 or 1.5 × 10−4% ester U−1 min−1) were obtained. Biocatalyst reuse led to a twofold increase in ester concentration (14.57% vs 7.7%). These findings confirm the successful development of a low‐cost biocatalyst suitable for use in continuous reactions.
Recent Progresses of Battery Thermal Management Systems Based on Phase Change Materials
Authors: Xiao Changren , Zhang Jiangyun , Zhang Guoqing , Yang Chengzhao , Jiang Wenzhao , Chen Youpeng , Tu Chaoqun
Published: August 2024

Battery thermal management system (BTMS) based on phase change materials (PCMs) is simple in structure while presenting outstanding performance, but the core bottleneck hindering the industrialization of which is the poor performance of PCMs’ pivotal properties. Apart from that, under extreme conditions, single passive phase change temperature‐control technology apparently could not meet the demands. Therefore, modification strategies to improve PCM's pivotal properties suitable for BTMS are thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, the optimization of as‐mentioned passive systems by integrating them with other active heating or cooling devices to obtain advanced active and passive full‐temperature responsive capability is also summarized. Profound opinions concerning about the prospect and challenges of PCM‐BTMS are given. It is expected to provide some innovative ideas for the advancement of such promising technology.
Meta‐analysis of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound in differential diagnosis of breast adenosis and breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Na , Sun Limin , Chen Xing , Song Hanxing , Wang Wenyu , Sun Hui
Published: August 2024

This systematic review and meta‐analysis study aimed to determine the total capacity of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions and breast cancer. For collecting papers, four groups of keywords were searched in five databases. The required information was extracted from the selected papers. In addition to the descriptive findings, a meta‐analysis was also conducted. Thirty‐three of thirty‐six studies (91.67%) on the differential diagnosis of various degrees and types of breast lesions showed that CEUS has proper performance. The pooled values related to the sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were computed by 88.00 and 76.17.
Sharpening cooking skills in week‐long intensives at Hawai’i's Diamond Head, a conversation with Chef Roy Yamaguchi and Professor Grant Itomitsu
Authors: May Rachel
Published: August 2024

This fall, Kapi’olani Community College launches a collaboration between its Culinary Institute of the Pacific, and the world‐renowned Culinary Institute of America, a program supported with $2 million in grants from the DBEDT and the Hawai’i State Legislature. The program kicks off this fall, offering intensive week‐long courses for industry professionals who want to develop their skills at a world‐class center located at one of the most iconic settings in the nation: Oahu's Diamond Head, known by native Hawaiins as Lē’ahi, a volcano designated as a national monument.
How effective are church‐based weight‐loss interventions among Black adults? A systematic review
Authors: Williams Lovoria B. , Abu Farsakh Bassema , Karle Erika R. , Almogheer Zainab S. , Coughlin Steven , Kim Yeary Karen H.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Churches are frequently used to reach Black adults to effect weight loss. However, there has been no recent review, to our knowledge, inclusive of solely Black adults in church settings. We sought to comprehensively examine the methodological approaches and weight‐loss outcomes of church‐based weight‐loss lifestyle interventions conducted among Black adults to provide insights on literature gaps and offer suggestions for future research.

Methods

Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched for trials conducted in churches that reported weight outcomes at any time point. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guided manuscript development.

Results

A total of 15 studies (N = 2285) from 2007 to 2023 met inclusion criteria, and 33% were high‐quality randomized trials. The majority were pilot studies (60%) conducted in the Southern United States. Most reported significant postintervention weight loss. The follow‐up time points varied from 2 to 12 months. Methodological approaches included the following: cultural adaptations (93%); theory‐guided (93%); delivered by community health workers (80%); and delivered in person in a group format (100%). Only one study offered individual‐level attention beyond texts/emails. Most participants were well‐educated female individuals.

Conclusions

Weight‐loss interventions among Black church settings effect statistically significant weight loss, albeit in a small way. Limitations include pilot studies and small samples. More rigorously designed studies are warranted.