• Energy Research
• CH close
• IN close
• English close

This “Backpocket” series for parliamentarians on climate change, environment and health in the Western Pacific region will provide parliamentarians with brief talking points and suggested ways to achieve co-benefits of action in the areas of air pollution, chemical safety, climate change, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable primary health care facilities, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in healthcare facilities. The series will provide them with a brief snapshot of the key facts and where to find further useful information.

(Sixteenth meeting, 26 January 1967)

Ethanol-water systems enhance permeation of ionic solutes through human stratum corneum. Optimum enhancement of salicylate ion permeation has been observed with ethanol volume fractions near 0.63. The mechanism of action of ethanol-water systems enhancing skin permeation was investigated by in vitro skin permeation studies combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments. The increased skin permeation of the ionic permeant by the ethanol-water systems may be associated with alterations involving the polar pathway. Polar pathway alterations may occur in either or both the lipid polar head and proteinaceous regions of the stratum corneum. Ion-pair formation may also contribute to increased permeation. However, the decreased permeation of salicylate ion observed at higher volume fractions of ethanol may be attributed to decreased uptake of permeant into the stratum corneum.

Thin-film silicon solar cells are one possible answer to the increasing energy demand of today. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) plays a crucial role therein - as absorber layers, but also as doped layers to build p-i -n junctions. This thesis is devoted to a-Si:H, with the main focus on thin-film silicon solar cells, but also with applications for opto-electronic devices, detectors, and other types of solar cells such as heterojunction solar cells. We discuss models of a-Si:H and develop further the representation of defects by amphoteric states. Using a simple model, we show - in agreement with layer-by-layer simulations and experimental results - that trapped electrons tend to dominate the electric field deformation in the initial state, whereas positively charged defects dominate in the degraded state. Experimentally, we define the deposition parameter space accessible by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and explore that space by varying the deposition temperature, pressure, excitation frequency, power, and H2/SiH4 ratio for intrinsic absorber layers. This leads to a catalog of a-Si:H absorber layers with tunable properties and we incorporate these materials into solar cells. For every pressure, we find an optimum hydrogen dilution where the light-induced degradation of solar cells is minimal and comparable for all pressures. Using narrow-bandgap absorbers, we demonstrate short-circuit current densities of Jsc=18.2 mA/cm2 with a 300-nm-thick absorber layer and extract more than 20 mA/cm2 from a cell with a 1000-nm-thick absorber layer. Using wide-bandgap absorbers, we achieve open-circuit voltages (Voc) of 1.04 V and Voc-fill factor products of 739mV. For such materials, we find an increased Voc dependence on substrate roughness. This is investigated by transmission electron microscopy and is attributed to porous a-Si:H material grown above peaks on the textured substrates. Depositing absorber layers in a triode reactor, we achieve efficiencies of 10.0% after light soaking. Further, we describe observations of a reversible, light-induced Voc increase of solar cells with thin p-type layers, and decrease with thick p-type layers, with a magnified effect on rough substrates. Based on layer measurements and simulations, we attribute the Voc increase to the degradation of the p-layer and the Voc decrease to the degradation of the absorber layer.

This article presents a set of measures for evaluating a social development programme such as the non-conventional energy programme. The specific case discussed and evaluated here is that of the solar cooker programme. Subsequently, the attempt is to identify key decision areas and raise some questions which may help focus better on the marketing problems confronting the programme.

This article concerns a long term in situ monitoring of an existing district heating (DH) that is supplied by gas boilers equipped with heat recovery system and a borehole heat exchanger field connected to a heat pump (HP). The original goal of this concept is to be able to stop the gas boilers during summer and use only the HP for DH heat supply. The monitored annual energy flows of the system show that gas supplies 94% of the DH energy demand, while geothermal energy supplies 1.5% and electricity 4.5%. In fact, HP heat source is mainly waste heat from the gas boiler (82%) and only 18% from geothermal energy. In reality, the gas boilers are not stopped in summer because several issues associated with heat demand (domestic hot water - DHW) were underestimated: i) DHW demand is not a base load, in fact it has three characteristic loads peak ii) Legionella bacteria management and its associated high temperatures cannot be underestimated; iii) DH substations architecture is key to achieve temperature levels in the DH that are compatible with the HP operation iv) lower flow rate in DH compared to flow rate in HP condenser leads to decrease in HP production. Finally, a numerical model allowed to analyse different scenario from the following was observed: firstly, the DH extension significantly increases gas needs, which in turn increases waste heat recovered from gas, which is then used instead of geothermal energy; secondly, resizing of the HP power enables an increase of geothermal energy of +270 MWh/yr, meaning that geothermal energy has the potential to cover 16% of the annual heat demand. This research, based on long term in situ monitoring, allows acquiring knowledge on energy innovation when applied in real field conditions: this knowledge is further developed via a feedback process between academics and field workers.

> Les pays riches doivent faire beaucoup plus, beaucoup plus vite. L'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies en septembre 2021 réunira les pays à un moment critique pour organiser une action collective pour faire face à la crise environnementale mondiale. Ils se réuniront à nouveau lors du sommet sur la biodiversité à Kunming, en Chine, et de la conférence sur le climat (Conférence des Parties (COP)26) à Glasgow, au Royaume-Uni. Avant ces réunions cruciales, nous - les rédacteurs en chef des revues de santé du monde entier - appelons à une action urgente pour maintenir les augmentations moyennes de la température mondiale en dessous de 1,5 ° C, arrêter la destruction de la nature et protéger la santé. La santé est déjà affectée par l'augmentation de la température mondiale et la destruction du monde naturel, un état de fait sur lequel les professionnels de la santé attirent l'attention depuis des décennies.1 La science est sans équivoque ; une augmentation mondiale de 1,5 ° C au-dessus de la moyenne préindustrielle et la perte continue de la biodiversité risquent de causer des dommages catastrophiques à la santé qu'il sera impossible d'inverser.2 3 Malgré la préoccupation nécessaire du monde concernant la COVID-19, nous ne pouvons pas attendre que la pandémie passe pour réduire rapidement les émissions. Reflétant la gravité du moment, cet éditorial apparaît dans des revues de santé à travers le monde. Nous sommes unis pour reconnaître que seuls des changements fondamentaux et équitables dans les sociétés inverseront notre trajectoire actuelle. Les risques pour la santé des augmentations supérieures à 1,5 °C sont maintenant bien établis.2 En effet, aucune augmentation de température n'est « sûre ». Au cours des 20 dernières années, la mortalité liée à la chaleur chez les personnes âgées de plus de 65 ans a augmenté de plus de 50 %.4 Des températures plus élevées ont entraîné une augmentation de la déshydratation et de la perte de la fonction rénale, des tumeurs malignes dermatologiques, des infections tropicales, des problèmes de santé mentale, des complications de grossesse, des allergies et une morbidité et une mortalité cardiovasculaires et pulmonaires.5 6 Les préjudices affectent de manière disproportionnée les plus vulnérables, notamment les enfants, les populations plus âgées, les minorités ethniques, les communautés les plus pauvres et les personnes ayant des problèmes de santé sous-jacents.2 4 Le réchauffement climatique contribue également à la baisse de ... > Las naciones ricas deben hacer mucho más, mucho más rápido. La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas en septiembre de 2021 reunirá a los países en un momento crítico para organizar la acción colectiva para abordar la crisis ambiental mundial. Se reunirán nuevamente en la cumbre de biodiversidad en Kunming, China, y en la conferencia climática (Conferencia de las Partes (COP)26) en Glasgow, Reino Unido. Antes de estas reuniones fundamentales, nosotros, los editores de revistas de salud de todo el mundo, pedimos medidas urgentes para mantener el aumento promedio de la temperatura global por debajo de 1,5 ° C, detener la destrucción de la naturaleza y proteger la salud. La salud ya se está viendo perjudicada por el aumento de la temperatura global y la destrucción del mundo natural, una situación a la que los profesionales de la salud han estado prestando atención durante décadas.1 La ciencia es inequívoca; un aumento global de 1,5 ° C por encima del promedio preindustrial y la continua pérdida de biodiversidad corren el riesgo de causar daños catastróficos a la salud que serán imposibles de revertir.2 3 A pesar de la preocupación necesaria del mundo por el COVID-19, no podemos esperar a que la pandemia pase para reducir rápidamente las emisiones. Como reflejo de la gravedad del momento, este editorial aparece en revistas de salud de todo el mundo. Estamos unidos en el reconocimiento de que solo los cambios fundamentales y equitativos en las sociedades revertirán nuestra trayectoria actual. Los riesgos para la salud de aumentos superiores a 1,5 °C están ahora bien establecidos.2 De hecho, ningún aumento de temperatura es "seguro". En los últimos 20 años, la mortalidad relacionada con el calor entre las personas mayores de 65 años ha aumentado en más del 50%.4 Las temperaturas más altas han provocado un aumento de la deshidratación y la pérdida de la función renal, neoplasias malignas dermatológicas, infecciones tropicales, resultados adversos para la salud mental, complicaciones del embarazo, alergias y morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular y pulmonar.5 6 Los daños afectan de manera desproporcionada a los más vulnerables, incluidos los niños, las poblaciones mayores, las minorías étnicas, las comunidades más pobres y las personas con problemas de salud subyacentes.2 4 El calentamiento global también está contribuyendo a la disminución de ... > Wealthy nations must do much more, much faster. The United Nations General Assembly in September 2021 will bring countries together at a critical time for marshalling collective action to tackle the global environmental crisis. They will meet again at the biodiversity summit in Kunming, China, and the climate conference (Conference of the Parties (COP)26) in Glasgow, UK. Ahead of these pivotal meetings, we—the editors of health journals worldwide—call for urgent action to keep average global temperature increases below 1.5°C, halt the destruction of nature and protect health. Health is already being harmed by global temperature increases and the destruction of the natural world, a state of affairs health professionals have been bringing attention to for decades.1 The science is unequivocal; a global increase of 1.5°C above the preindustrial average and the continued loss of biodiversity risk catastrophic harm to health that will be impossible to reverse.2 3 Despite the world's necessary preoccupation with COVID-19, we cannot wait for the pandemic to pass to rapidly reduce emissions. Reflecting the severity of the moment, this editorial appears in health journals across the world. We are united in recognising that only fundamental and equitable changes to societies will reverse our current trajectory. The risks to health of increases above 1.5°C are now well established.2 Indeed, no temperature rise is 'safe'. In the past 20 years, heat-related mortality among people aged over 65 has increased by more than 50%.4 Higher temperatures have brought increased dehydration and renal function loss, dermatological malignancies, tropical infections, adverse mental health outcomes, pregnancy complications, allergies, and cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity and mortality.5 6 Harms disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, including children, older populations, ethnic minorities, poorer communities and those with underlying health problems.2 4 Global heating is also contributing to the decline in … > يجب على الدول الغنية أن تفعل أكثر من ذلك بكثير، وأسرع بكثير. ستجمع الجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة في سبتمبر 2021 البلدان في وقت حرج لحشد العمل الجماعي لمعالجة الأزمة البيئية العالمية. وسيجتمعون مرة أخرى في قمة التنوع البيولوجي في كونمينغ، الصين، ومؤتمر المناخ (مؤتمر الأطراف 26) في غلاسكو، المملكة المتحدة. قبل هذه الاجتماعات المحورية، ندعو - نحن محرري المجلات الصحية في جميع أنحاء العالم - إلى اتخاذ إجراءات عاجلة للحفاظ على متوسط الزيادات في درجات الحرارة العالمية أقل من 1.5 درجة مئوية، ووقف تدمير الطبيعة وحماية الصحة. الصحة تتضرر بالفعل من ارتفاع درجات الحرارة العالمية وتدمير العالم الطبيعي، وهو وضع يلفت الانتباه إليه المهنيون الصحيون منذ عقود. 1 العلم لا لبس فيه ؛ زيادة عالمية قدرها 1.5 درجة مئوية فوق متوسط ما قبل الصناعة واستمرار فقدان التنوع البيولوجي خطر ضرر كارثي على الصحة سيكون من المستحيل عكسه. 2 3 على الرغم من الانشغال العالمي الضروري بـ COVID -19، لا يمكننا الانتظار حتى ينتقل الوباء لتقليل الانبعاثات بسرعة. مما يعكس شدة اللحظة، تظهر هذه الافتتاحية في المجلات الصحية في جميع أنحاء العالم. نحن متحدون في الاعتراف بأن التغييرات الأساسية والعادلة في المجتمعات هي وحدها التي ستعكس مسارنا الحالي. أصبحت المخاطر الصحية للزيادات التي تزيد عن 1.5 درجة مئوية ثابتة الآن. 2 في الواقع، لا يوجد ارتفاع في درجة الحرارة "آمن". في السنوات العشرين الماضية، زادت الوفيات المرتبطة بالحرارة بين الأشخاص الذين تزيد أعمارهم عن 65 عامًا بأكثر من 50 ٪.4 وقد أدت درجات الحرارة المرتفعة إلى زيادة الجفاف وفقدان وظائف الكلى، والأورام الخبيثة الجلدية، والالتهابات الاستوائية، والنتائج السلبية للصحة العقلية، ومضاعفات الحمل، والحساسية، واعتلال القلب والأوعية الدموية والرئوية والوفيات .5 6 تؤثر الأضرار بشكل غير متناسب على الفئات الأكثر ضعفًا، بما في ذلك الأطفال وكبار السن والأقليات العرقية والمجتمعات الفقيرة وأولئك الذين يعانون من مشاكل صحية كامنة .2 4 يساهم التدفئة العالمية أيضًا في انخفاض...

5 p. ; The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to transform our world. They are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity. It is critical that no one is left behind. In 2015, all the countries in the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It sets out 17 Goals, which include 169 targets. These wide-ranging and ambitious Goals interconnect. SDG 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It has 13 targets measured through 26 indicators. However, a person’s health and well-being are affected not only by disease and treatment, but also by social and economic factors such as housing, poverty and education. Health targets can therefore also be found across the other SDGs. Since 2015, the WHO European Region has been malaria free. However, keeping the malaria-free status of the Region with sustained political commitment and strong vigilance is now critical. Climate change has altered pathogen transmission patterns, and displaced people are on the move. These factors have raised the risk of malaria reintroduction where it was present before, and of its emergence where there is no natural immunity. This fact sheet contains an overview of the issues, facts and figures, details of initiatives, and commitments to monitor and prevent the return of malaria.

Govt. of India has accorded high priority on research and development to cope with climate change in agricultural sector. The Prime Minister’s National Action Plan has identified agriculture as one of eight national missions. The project so far has benefitted several stakeholders across the nation. National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) is a network project of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) aimed at enhancing resilience of Indian agriculture to climate change.

During the systematic scaling for double stars in nuclear emulsions exposed to 3 Gev. Pion beam an event was recorded and from analysis it can be interpreted as due to the annihilation of an anti proton produced in the emulsion. The details of the event along with a micro photograph are given below.