Offshore Wind Energy's Role in the United States' Energy Transition

As the human population grows, the need for alternative and clean forms of energy is greater. The installation of offshore wind energy has been on the rise over the past decade, however the fossil fuel energy generation sectors, such as coal and natural gas, are still major players in the energy supply markets. Wind turbines emit sound and electromagnetic energy, whereas fossil fuel burning activities discharge large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is absorbed by the ocean. Many species are sensitive to auditory and electromagnetic disturbances caused by the different stages of offshore wind development, but many of the effects caused by the wind turbines appear to be less impactful and destructive compared to the formation of carbonic acid and rising ocean acidity levels. Marine species and ecosystems can display unique biological responses to different impacts. The goal of this research is three-fold: To inform the public of the environmental issues surrounding fossil fuel energy generation; to describe what is required to phase fossil fuels out, and to summarize the status of offshore wind energy as a resource to offset fossil fuels and its potential impacts

Outcomes of adding second hypoglycemic drug after metformin monotherapy failure among type 2 diabetes in Hungary

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>The objective of this observational study was to assess the status of glycemic control and associated patient-reported outcomes in ambulatory Hungarian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were prescribed either a sulfonylurea (SU) or a thiazolidinedione (TZD) in addition to the prior metformin (MF) monotherapy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Type 2 diabetics aged ≥ 30 years and who had added an SU or TZD to previous MF monotherapy at least 1 year prior to the visit date were identified during January 2006 to March 2007. Information on HbA1c (A1C), medication use and co-morbid conditions was extracted from the medical record up to 6 months prior to the addition of SU or TZD to MF (baseline), and a minimum of one year after the initiation of either SU or TZD. Glycemic control (A1C < 6.5%) was assessed using the last available A1C value in the medical record. Self-reported hypoglycemia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction were also assessed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 414 patients (82% SU+MF and 18% TZD+MF) with a mean age of 60.5 years (SD = 9.4 years) participated in the study. About 27% of patients reported hypoglycemic episodes, with about one-third reporting episodes that resulted into interruption of activities or required medical/non-medical assistance. Three quarters of patients were not at glycemic goal and BMI was the only factor significantly associated with failure to have an A1C level < 6.5%. Patients' HRQoL was significantly associated with self-reported hypoglycemic episodes (p = 0.017), and duration of diabetes (p = 0.045).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Nearly 75% of patients were not at A1C goal of < 6.5% despite using two oral anti-hyperglycemic medications. Approximately 9% of patients reporting hypoglycemia required some kind of medical/non-medical assistance. Greater BMI at baseline was associated with an A1C level ≥ 6.5%. Finally, self- reports of hypoglycemia and duration of diabetes were associated with low HRQoL.</p

Investigating biomass burning aerosol morphology using a laser imaging nephelometer

Particle morphology is an important parameter affecting aerosol optical properties that are relevant to climate and air quality, yet it is poorly constrained due to sparse in situ measurements. Biomass burning is a large source of aerosol that generates particles with different morphologies. Quantifying the optical contributions of non-spherical aerosol populations is critical for accurate radiative transfer models, and for correctly interpreting remote sensing data. We deployed a laser imaging nephelometer at the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory to sample biomass burning aerosol from controlled fires during the FIREX intensive laboratory study. The laser imaging nephelometer measures the unpolarized scattering phase function of an aerosol ensemble using diode lasers at 375 and 405 nm. Scattered light from the bulk aerosol in the instrument is imaged onto a charge-coupled device (CCD) using a wide-angle field-of-view lens, which allows for measurements at 4-175° scattering angle with ∼ 0.5° angular resolution. Along with a suite of other instruments, the laser imaging nephelometer sampled fresh smoke emissions both directly and after removal of volatile components with a thermodenuder at 250 °C. The total integrated aerosol scattering signal agreed with both a cavity ring-down photoacoustic spectrometer system and a traditional integrating nephelometer within instrumental uncertainties. We compare the measured scattering phase functions at 405 nm to theoretical models for spherical (Mie) and fractal (Rayleigh-Debye-Gans) particle morphologies based on the size distribution reported by an optical particle counter. Results from representative fires demonstrate that particle morphology can vary dramatically for different fuel types. In some cases, the measured phase function cannot be described using Mie theory. This study demonstrates the capabilities of the laser imaging nephelometer instrument to provide realtime, in situ information about dominant particle morphology, which is vital for understanding remote sensing data and accurately describing the aerosol population in radiative transfer calculations

Aerosol size distributions during the Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom): methods, uncertainties, and data products

From 2016 to 2018 a DC-8 aircraft operated by the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) made four series of flights, profiling the atmosphere from 180&thinsp;m to &sim;12&thinsp;km above sea level (km&thinsp;a.s.l.) from the Arctic to the Antarctic over both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. This program, the Atmospheric Tomography Mission (ATom), sought to sample the troposphere in a representative manner, making measurements of atmospheric composition in each season. This paper describes the aerosol microphysical measurements and derived quantities obtained during this mission. Dry size distributions from 2.7&thinsp;nm to 4.8&thinsp;&micro;m in diameter were measured in situ at 1&thinsp;Hz using a battery of instruments: 10 condensation particle counters with different nucleation diameters, two ultra-high-sensitivity aerosol size spectrometers (UHSASs), one of which measured particles surviving heating to 300&thinsp;∘C, and a laser aerosol spectrometer (LAS). The dry aerosol measurements were complemented by size distribution measurements from 0.5 to 930&thinsp;&micro;m diameter at near-ambient conditions using a cloud, aerosol, and precipitation spectrometer (CAPS) mounted under the wing of the DC-8. Dry aerosol number, surface area, and volume, and optical scattering and asymmetry parameters at several wavelengths from the near-UV to the near-IR ranges were calculated from the measured dry size distributions (2.7&thinsp;nm to 4.8&thinsp;&micro;m). Dry aerosol mass was estimated by combining the size distribution data with particle density estimated from independent measurements of aerosol composition with a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer and a single-particle soot photometer. We describe the instrumentation and fully document the aircraft inlet and flow distribution system, the derivation of uncertainties, and the calculation of data products from combined size distributions. Comparisons between the instruments and direct measurements of some aerosol properties confirm that in-flight performance was consistent with calibrations and within stated uncertainties for the two deployments analyzed. The unique ATom dataset contains accurate, precise, high-resolution in situ measurements of dry aerosol size distributions, and integral parameters, and estimates and measurements of optical properties, for particles &lt;&thinsp;4.8&thinsp; &micro;m in diameter that can be used to evaluate aerosol abundance and processes in global models.</p

A hazai zöldség- és gyümölcságazat fejlődési kilátásai

A magyarországi zöldség- és gyümölcságazat felkészülése az uniós csatlakozásra nem volt igazán eredményes, uniós tagságunk eddigi tapasztalatai, eredményei is felemásak. A csatlakozásnak eddig több a negatív, az ágazat jövőjét veszélyeztető következménye, mint a pozitív hozadéka. A korábbi gyengeségek – alacsony szervezettség, elavult műszaki színvonal, hiányos logisztikai rendszerek, elaprózott birtokstruktúra, szélsőségesen differenciált termelési (gazdálkodási) színvonal – következtében itthon piacvesztés, strukturális feszültségek jöttek létre. Későn és lassan indult meg a gazdák összefogása, együttműködése, értékesítő tevékenységük megszervezése. A termelők gyenge piaci alkuereje kedvezőtlenül befolyásolta mind az értékesítést, mind a jövedelmezőséget. A magyar zöldség- és gyümölcságazat versenyképessége vegyes képet mutat: az erősségek mellett számos gyenge pont található, melyek veszélyeztetik a piacra jutási esélyeket. Az ágazat szerkezetátalakítása nem fejeződött be; a jelenlegi helyzet nem hasonlítható az évtizedeken át piacgazdaságon edződött nyugat-európai országokéhoz. A piaci verseny erősödése, a kereslet-kínálat összhangjának hiányosságai, az új piaci körülményekhez való alkalmazkodás a változtatások sorát igényli. A zöldség és gyümölcságazat fejlesztése azért indokolt, mert a közép-európai régió más országaihoz viszonyítva Magyarország jó adottságokkal rendelkezik. Mindkét ágazat egyik erőssége lehetne a kiterjedt belső piacra termelés. Lehetőséget jelent a biotermékek, különlegességek, „hungarikumok” termelése, a réspiacok igényeinek kielégítése. Egyelőre azonban versenyhátrány érvényesül, és számolni szükséges azzal, hogy az elkövetkező években tovább nő a friss áruk behozatala. Nemzeti, fogyasztói és gazdálkodói érdek, hogy mindkét ágazat 2013-ig a kívánatos fejlődési pályára álljon. Ennek eléréséhez azonban sok a teendő, több innováció, fejlesztés, eredményesebb együttműködés szükséges. Forrást a fejlesztésekhez az Új Magyarország Vidékfejlesztési Program támogatásai nyújthatnak. - The Hungarian fruit and vegetable sector’s preparation for EU accession was not particularly successful and the experiences and results to date of our EU membership have been uneven. There have so far been more negative consequences of accession, which threaten the sector’s future, than positive returns. As a result of earlier weaknesses – disorganisation, archaic technical standards, deficient logistical systems, a partitioned land ownership structure, and extremely differentiated production (farming) standards – market losses and structural tensions arose domestically. Collaboration and cooperation among farmers, and the organisation of their sales activities, began late and took off slowly. Producers’ weak position in market negotiations influenced both sales and income unfavourably. The Hungarian fruit and vegetable sector’s competitiveness presents a mixed picture: besides the strengths, numerous weaknesses can be found that endanger the chances of accessing the market. The structural transformation of the sector has not been completed and the current situation cannot be compared to that of West European countries with decades of market economy training. Growing market competition, deficiencies in the balance of supply and demand, and adaptation to new market conditions require a whole series of changes. Development of the fruit and vegetable sector is justified because, in comparison to other countries in the Central European region, Hungary has good attributes. One of the strengths of each sector could be producing for the expanded internal market. Production of organic, speciality and “Hungaricum” produce offers an opportunity to meet the demands of niche markets. For the moment, however, competitive disadvantage prevails and we must reckon with imports of fresh produce increasing in the coming years. It is in the national, consumer and farming interest that both sectors embark on the desired development path by 2013. Much needs to be done, however, to achieve this: more innovation, development and effective cooperation is required. Development resources could be offered by the New Hungary Rural Development Programme grants

A hazai zöldség- és gyümölcságazat fejlÅ‘dési kilátásai

A magyarországi zöldség- és gyümölcságazat felkészülése az uniós csatlakozásra nem volt igazán eredményes, uniós tagságunk eddigi tapasztalatai, eredményei is felemásak. A csatlakozásnak eddig több a negatív, az ágazat jövÅ‘jét veszélyeztetÅ‘ következménye, mint a pozitív hozadéka. A korábbi gyengeségek – alacsony szervezettség, elavult műszaki színvonal, hiányos logisztikai rendszerek, elaprózott birtokstruktúra, szélsÅ‘ségesen differenciált termelési (gazdálkodási) színvonal – következtében itthon piacvesztés, strukturális feszültségek jöttek létre. KésÅ‘n és lassan indult meg a gazdák összefogása, együttműködése, értékesítÅ‘ tevékenységük megszervezése. A termelÅ‘k gyenge piaci alkuereje kedvezÅ‘tlenül befolyásolta mind az értékesítést, mind a jövedelmezÅ‘séget. A magyar zöldség- és gyümölcságazat versenyképessége vegyes képet mutat: az erÅ‘sségek mellett számos gyenge pont található, melyek veszélyeztetik a piacra jutási esélyeket. Az ágazat szerkezetátalakítása nem fejezÅ‘dött be; a jelenlegi helyzet nem hasonlítható az évtizedeken át piacgazdaságon edzÅ‘dött nyugat-európai országokéhoz. A piaci verseny erÅ‘södése, a kereslet-kínálat összhangjának hiányosságai, az új piaci körülményekhez való alkalmazkodás a változtatások sorát igényli. A zöldség és gyümölcságazat fejlesztése azért indokolt, mert a közép-európai régió más országaihoz viszonyítva Magyarország jó adottságokkal rendelkezik. Mindkét ágazat egyik erÅ‘ssége lehetne a kiterjedt belsÅ‘ piacra termelés. LehetÅ‘séget jelent a biotermékek, különlegességek, „hungarikumok†termelése, a réspiacok igényeinek kielégítése. EgyelÅ‘re azonban versenyhátrány érvényesül, és számolni szükséges azzal, hogy az elkövetkezÅ‘ években tovább nÅ‘ a friss áruk behozatala. Nemzeti, fogyasztói és gazdálkodói érdek, hogy mindkét ágazat 2013-ig a kívánatos fejlÅ‘dési pályára álljon. Ennek eléréséhez azonban sok a teendÅ‘, több innováció, fejlesztés, eredményesebb együttműködés szükséges. Forrást a fejlesztésekhez az Új Magyarország Vidékfejlesztési Program támogatásai nyújthatnak. - The Hungarian fruit and vegetable sector’s preparation for EU accession was not particularly successful and the experiences and results to date of our EU membership have been uneven. There have so far been more negative consequences of accession, which threaten the sector’s future, than positive returns. As a result of earlier weaknesses – disorganisation, archaic technical standards, deficient logistical systems, a partitioned land ownership structure, and extremely differentiated production (farming) standards – market losses and structural tensions arose domestically. Collaboration and cooperation among farmers, and the organisation of their sales activities, began late and took off slowly. Producers’ weak position in market negotiations influenced both sales and income unfavourably. The Hungarian fruit and vegetable sector’s competitiveness presents a mixed picture: besides the strengths, numerous weaknesses can be found that endanger the chances of accessing the market. The structural transformation of the sector has not been completed and the current situation cannot be compared to that of West European countries with decades of market economy training. Growing market competition, deficiencies in the balance of supply and demand, and adaptation to new market conditions require a whole series of changes. Development of the fruit and vegetable sector is justified because, in comparison to other countries in the Central European region, Hungary has good attributes. One of the strengths of each sector could be producing for the expanded internal market. Production of organic, speciality and “Hungaricum†produce offers an opportunity to meet the demands of niche markets. For the moment, however, competitive disadvantage prevails and we must reckon with imports of fresh produce increasing in the coming years. It is in the national, consumer and farming interest that both sectors embark on the desired development path by 2013. Much needs to be done, however, to achieve this: more innovation, development and effective cooperation is required. Development resources could be offered by the New Hungary Rural Development Programme grants.termelés, versenyképesség, szervezettség, kilátások, fejlesztési feladatok, production, competitiveness, organisation, prospects, development tasks, Agribusiness, Crop Production/Industries,

Commodity Production and Value Categories in a Socialist Economy

One of the most difficult and most widely discussed questions on commodity production in a socialist economy is the question of the reason for the preservation of commodity relations and value categories.