Chilled Water Storage Feasibility with District Cooling Chiller in Tropical Environment

The difficulties of efficiently operating a chiller cooling system are manifest in the high-energy consumption under partial-cooling loads. The performance of a chiller cooling system declines when operating away from the optimal design conditions, which is typically 75% of chiller capacity. One pathway has been found to overcome this problem using multiple smaller chillers within the same chiller plant, accompanied by a smart control system that is designed and constructed based on the cooling demand profile. Thermal energy storage integration with chiller cooling system is proposed to shave the cooling peak demand. This can be achieved by storing chilled water during the lower electricity-tariff period by the thermal energy storage system, which will then be discharged during the higher tariff-rate, thus, aiming for sustainable operating cost. The present paper studies the feasibility of sensible thermal energy storage to be integrated with two chillers, of 30-ton capacity each, under hot-and-humid climates. A computational model validated with experimental results is developed for three chiller cooling system case scenarios. The smart control scenario, as well as the thermal energy storage scenario results, showed great potential for energy and electricity cost saving. In addition, the carbon dioxide emissions reduction is calculated based on the amount of energy saving

Analysing social network structures and thematic engagement on X audio spaces

The rise of audio-based platforms such as X Spaces introduces synchronous, ephemeral modes of interaction that differ from traditional text-based social media. This study investigates user connectivity and thematic engagement by analysing a substantial dataset of X Spaces events. We model participation as a bipartite user-Space network, projected into user-user connections to assess community structure and interaction patterns. Our network analysis confirms broad-scale network characteristics and provides novel insights into local structures and user influence. Beyond structural analysis, we examine how users engage thematically across modalities by comparing creator-assigned topics, conversation-derived topics extracted from transcribed audio summaries, and textual posts. Our results reveal that user interests are only weakly aligned across modalities, indicating distinct communicative roles for audio and text. We also introduce a hybrid method combining BERT embeddings, spaCy similarity, and expert validation to assess the alignment between creator-assigned topics and actual conversation content. While most Spaces exhibit high topic coverage, 44% introduce additional themes, suggesting that live audio conversations often diverge from their predefined scope. These findings contribute to understanding interest expression, structural cohesion, and topical drift in emerging audio-based social platforms

Future and potential spending on health 2015-40 : development assistance for health, and government, prepaid private, and out-of-pocket health spending in 184 countries

Background The amount of resources, particularly prepaid resources, available for health can affect access to health care and health outcomes. Although health spending tends to increase with economic development, tremendous variation exists among health financing systems. Estimates of future spending can be beneficial for policy makers and planners, and can identify financing gaps. In this study, we estimate future gross domestic product (GDP), all-sector government spending, and health spending disaggregated by source, and we compare expected future spending to potential future spending. Methods We extracted GDP, government spending in 184 countries from 1980-2015, and health spend data from 1995-2014. We used a series of ensemble models to estimate future GDP, all-sector government spending, development assistance for health, and government, out-of-pocket, and prepaid private health spending through 2040. We used frontier analyses to identify patterns exhibited by the countries that dedicate the most funding to health, and used these frontiers to estimate potential health spending for each low-income or middle-income country. All estimates are inflation and purchasing power adjusted. Findings We estimated that global spending on health will increase from US$9.21 trillion in 2014 to$24.24 trillion (uncertainty interval [UI] 20.47-29.72) in 2040. We expect per capita health spending to increase fastest in upper-middle-income countries, at 5.3% (UI 4.1-6.8) per year. This growth is driven by continued growth in GDP, government spending, and government health spending. Lower-middle income countries are expected to grow at 4.2% (3.8-4.9). High-income countries are expected to grow at 2.1% (UI 1.8-2.4) and low-income countries are expected to grow at 1.8% (1.0-2.8). Despite this growth, health spending per capita in low-income countries is expected to remain low, at $154 (UI 133-181) per capita in 2030 and$195 (157-258) per capita in 2040. Increases in national health spending to reach the level of the countries who spend the most on health, relative to their level of economic development, would mean $321 (157-258) per capita was available for health in 2040 in low-income countries. Interpretation Health spending is associated with economic development but past trends and relationships suggest that spending will remain variable, and low in some low-resource settings. Policy change could lead to increased health spending, although for the poorest countries external support might remain essential.Peer reviewe

Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Background: The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 comparative risk assessment (CRA) is a comprehensive approach to risk factor quantification that offers a useful tool for synthesising evidence on risks and risk outcome associations. With each annual GBD study, we update the GBD CRA to incorporate improved methods, new risks and risk outcome pairs, and new data on risk exposure levels and risk outcome associations. Methods: We used the CRA framework developed for previous iterations of GBD to estimate levels and trends in exposure, attributable deaths, and attributable disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), by age group, sex, year, and location for 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or groups of risks from 1990 to 2017. This study included 476 risk outcome pairs that met the GBD study criteria for convincing or probable evidence of causation. We extracted relative risk and exposure estimates from 46 749 randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, household surveys, census data, satellite data, and other sources. We used statistical models to pool data, adjust for bias, and incorporate covariates. Using the counterfactual scenario of theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL), we estimated the portion of deaths and DALYs that could be attributed to a given risk. We explored the relationship between development and risk exposure by modelling the relationship between the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and risk-weighted exposure prevalence and estimated expected levels of exposure and risk-attributable burden by SDI. Finally, we explored temporal changes in risk-attributable DALYs by decomposing those changes into six main component drivers of change as follows: (1) population growth; (2) changes in population age structures; (3) changes in exposure to environmental and occupational risks; (4) changes in exposure to behavioural risks; (5) changes in exposure to metabolic risks; and (6) changes due to all other factors, approximated as the risk-deleted death and DALY rates, where the risk-deleted rate is the rate that would be observed had we reduced the exposure levels to the TMREL for all risk factors included in GBD 2017. Findings: In 2017,34.1 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 33.3-35.0) deaths and 121 billion (144-1.28) DALYs were attributable to GBD risk factors. Globally, 61.0% (59.6-62.4) of deaths and 48.3% (46.3-50.2) of DALYs were attributed to the GBD 2017 risk factors. When ranked by risk-attributable DALYs, high systolic blood pressure (SBP) was the leading risk factor, accounting for 10.4 million (9.39-11.5) deaths and 218 million (198-237) DALYs, followed by smoking (7.10 million [6.83-7.37] deaths and 182 million [173-193] DALYs), high fasting plasma glucose (6.53 million [5.23-8.23] deaths and 171 million [144-201] DALYs), high body-mass index (BMI; 4.72 million [2.99-6.70] deaths and 148 million [98.6-202] DALYs), and short gestation for birthweight (1.43 million [1.36-1.51] deaths and 139 million [131-147] DALYs). In total, risk-attributable DALYs declined by 4.9% (3.3-6.5) between 2007 and 2017. In the absence of demographic changes (ie, population growth and ageing), changes in risk exposure and risk-deleted DALYs would have led to a 23.5% decline in DALYs during that period. Conversely, in the absence of changes in risk exposure and risk-deleted DALYs, demographic changes would have led to an 18.6% increase in DALYs during that period. The ratios of observed risk exposure levels to exposure levels expected based on SDI (O/E ratios) increased globally for unsafe drinking water and household air pollution between 1990 and 2017. This result suggests that development is occurring more rapidly than are changes in the underlying risk structure in a population. Conversely, nearly universal declines in O/E ratios for smoking and alcohol use indicate that, for a given SDI, exposure to these risks is declining. In 2017, the leading Level 4 risk factor for age-standardised DALY rates was high SBP in four super-regions: central Europe, eastern Europe, and central Asia; north Africa and Middle East; south Asia; and southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania. The leading risk factor in the high-income super-region was smoking, in Latin America and Caribbean was high BMI, and in sub-Saharan Africa was unsafe sex. O/E ratios for unsafe sex in sub-Saharan Africa were notably high, and those for alcohol use in north Africa and the Middle East were notably low. Interpretation: By quantifying levels and trends in exposures to risk factors and the resulting disease burden, this assessment offers insight into where past policy and programme efforts might have been successful and highlights current priorities for public health action. Decreases in behavioural, environmental, and occupational risks have largely offset the effects of population growth and ageing, in relation to trends in absolute burden. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will probably continue to drive the increasing trends in non-communicable diseases at the global level, which presents both a public health challenge and opportunity. We see considerable spatiotemporal heterogeneity in levels of risk exposure and risk-attributable burden. Although levels of development underlie some of this heterogeneity, O/E ratios show risks for which countries are overperforming or underperforming relative to their level of development. As such, these ratios provide a benchmarking tool to help to focus local decision making. Our findings reinforce the importance of both risk exposure monitoring and epidemiological research to assess causal connections between risks and health outcomes, and they highlight the usefulness of the GBD study in synthesising data to draw comprehensive and robust conclusions that help to inform good policy and strategic health planning

Organ-specific toxicity evaluation of stearamidopropyl dimethylamine (SAPDMA) surfactant using zebrafish embryos

Surfactants are widely used in the industry of detergents, household products, and cosmetics. SAPDMA is a cationic surfactant that is used mostly in cosmetics, conditioning agents and has recently gained attention as a corrosion inhibitor in the sea pipelines industry. In this regard, literature concerning the ecotoxicological classification of SAPDMA on aquatic animals is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the potential ecotoxicity of SAPDMA using the aquatic zebrafish embryo model. The potential toxic effects of SAPDMA were assessed by different assays. This includes (i) mortality/survival assay to assess the median lethal concentration (LC50); (ii) teratogenicity assay to assess the no observed effect concentration (NOEC); (iii) organ-specific toxicity assays including cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity (using locomotion assay), hematopoietic toxicity (hemoglobin synthesis using o-dianisidine staining), hepatotoxicity (liver steatosis and yolk retention using Oil Red O (ORO) stain); (iv) cellular cytotoxicity (mitochondrial membrane potential) by measuring the accumulation of JC-1 dye into mitochondria. Exposure of embryos to SAPDMA caused mortality in a dose-dependent manner with a calculated LC50 of 2.3 mg/L. Thus, based on the LC50 value and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Acute Toxicity Rating Scale, SAPDMA is classified as “moderately toxic”. The No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) concerning a set of parameters including scoliosis, changes in body length, yolk, and eye sizes was 0.1 mg/L. At the same NOEC concentration (0.1 mg/L), no organ-specific toxicity was detected in fish treated with SAPDMA, except hepatomegaly with no associated liver dysfunctions. However, higher SAPDMA concentrations (0.8 mg/L) have dramatic effects on zebrafish organ development (eye, heart, and liver development). Our data recommend a re-evaluation of the SAPDMA employment in the industry setting and its strictly monitoring by environmental and public health agencies

Fortalecimiento de los valores a través de la asignatura Preparación para la Defensa II / Strengthening moral values through the Subject "Preparation for Defense-2"

En la preparación del profesional de la salud reviste gran importancia el enfrentamiento a desastres ya sean naturales o provocados por el hombre. Es por ello que se hacen esfuerzos porque estos profesionales culminen sus estudios de pregrado con la máxima preparación física, política y humana. Se trabajó con el objetivo de proponer tareas docentes en las unidades temáticas 8 y 9 de la asignatura Preparación para la Defensa II para el fortalecimiento de valores en los estudiantes de 4to año académico de la carrera de Medicina. El sistema de valores en esta asignatura se fortalece a través de tareas docentes propuestas por el profesor en las actividades docentes. La formación de valores se hace imprescindible a la hora de enfocar dicha preparación si se trata de lograr un profesional capaz de actuar en cada momento con la capacidad y pertinencia que este requiera desde cada disciplina o asignatura. El accionar del médico, la enfermera u otro personal asistencial ha puesto el nombre de Cuba en múltiples ocasiones en la cúspide de la solidaridad.Palabras clave: valores, estrategia, enseñanza. ABSTRACT During the training of health professionals facing disasters either natural or those caused by man are of great importance. Efforts are undertaken for the health professionals to end the pre-graduate studies having the highest physical, political and humane preparation. This paper was aimed at suggesting teaching tasks in the subject matters 8 and 9 of the Subject "Preparation for Defense-2" to strengthen moral values in medical students enrolled in 4th academic year. The system of values in this subject is strengthened by means of teaching tasks proposed by the professors in the teaching-learning activities. The formation of moral values is indispensable to approach such preparation, or when a health professional is able to deal with each circumstance having the adequate and required capacity and pertinence from every discipline or subject taught. The performance of doctors, nurses or other health personnel in medical missions has placed Cuba at the pinnacle of solidarity. Key words: social values, strategies, teaching

Fortalecimiento de los valores a través de la asignatura Preparación para la Defensa II / Strengthening moral values through the Subject "Preparation for Defense-2"

En la preparación del profesional de la salud reviste gran importancia el enfrentamiento a desastres ya sean naturales o provocados por el hombre. Es por ello que se hacen esfuerzos porque estos profesionales culminen sus estudios de pregrado con la máxima preparación física, política y humana. Se trabajó con el objetivo de proponer tareas docentes en las unidades temáticas 8 y 9 de la asignatura Preparación para la Defensa II para el fortalecimiento de valores en los estudiantes de 4to año académico de la carrera de Medicina. El sistema de valores en esta asignatura se fortalece a través de tareas docentes propuestas por el profesor en las actividades docentes. La formación de valores se hace imprescindible a la hora de enfocar dicha preparación si se trata de lograr un profesional capaz de actuar en cada momento con la capacidad y pertinencia que este requiera desde cada disciplina o asignatura. El accionar del médico, la enfermera u otro personal asistencial ha puesto el nombre de Cuba en múltiples ocasiones en la cúspide de la solidaridad.Palabras clave: valores, estrategia, enseñanza. ABSTRACT During the training of health professionals facing disasters either natural or those caused by man are of great importance. Efforts are undertaken for the health professionals to end the pre-graduate studies having the highest physical, political and humane preparation. This paper was aimed at suggesting teaching tasks in the subject matters 8 and 9 of the Subject "Preparation for Defense-2" to strengthen moral values in medical students enrolled in 4th academic year. The system of values in this subject is strengthened by means of teaching tasks proposed by the professors in the teaching-learning activities. The formation of moral values is indispensable to approach such preparation, or when a health professional is able to deal with each circumstance having the adequate and required capacity and pertinence from every discipline or subject taught. The performance of doctors, nurses or other health personnel in medical missions has placed Cuba at the pinnacle of solidarity. Key words: social values, strategies, teaching

Short report: Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in northern Egypt

application/pdfIn view of the worldwide importance of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and the limited data on the seroprevalence of these parasites in Egypt, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in rabbits, cattle, and humans. We used ELISA methods based on surface antigen 2 of T. gondii (TgSAG2t) and surface antigen 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1t). High seroprevalence of T. gondii (51.49%) was detected in pregnant women, and antibodies to N. caninum were also detected in human samples (7.92%). Anti-T. gondii or N. caninum antibodies were detected in cattle (TgSAG2t: 10.75%; NcSAG1t: 20.43%). In rabbits, only one sample was N. caninum positive (1.85%). The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cattle affects the development of the livestock industry and is also an important infective source for human infection in Egypt. Copyright © 2009 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.journal articl

Can integrated care help in meeting the challenges posed on our health care systems by COVID-19? Some preliminary lessons learned from the european VIGOUR project

The COVID-19 pandemic puts health and care systems under pressure globally. This current paper highlights challenges arising in the care for older and vulnerable populations in this context and reflects upon possible perspectives for different systems making use of nested integrated care approaches adapted during the work of the EU-funded project VIGOUR

Agroecology and Health: Lessons from Indigenous Populations.

Purpose of reviewThe article aims to systematize and disseminate the main contributions of indigenous ancestral wisdom in the agroecological production of food, especially in Latin America. For this purpose, it is necessary to ask whether such knowledge can be accepted by academia research groups and international forums as a valid alternative that could contribute to overcome the world's nutritional problems.Recent findingsAlthough no new findings are being made, the validity of ancestral knowledge and agroecology is recognized by scientific research, and by international forums organized by agencies of the United Nations. These recommend that governments should implement them in their policies of development, and in the allocation of funds to support these initiatives. Agroecology and ancestral knowledge are being adopted by a growing number of organizations, indigenous peoples and social groups in various parts of the world, as development alternatives that respond to local needs and worldviews. Its productive potential is progressively being recognized at an international level as a model that contributes to improve the condition of people regarding nutritional food