Impact of mechanical deformation on space charge in XLPE

In this paper we report the effect of mechanical deformation on space charge dynamics in crosslinked polyethylene. Thin films were peeled from a 66 kV commercial XLPE cable. Space charge measurements under dc electric fields have been monitored using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. It has been found that charge dynamics in deformed XLPE are different from that from undeformed XLPE at lower voltages. At low applied electric field, space charge is dominated by heterocharge in the deformed XLPE while homocharge governs charge formation in undeformed XLPE. However, at high electric field, there is no significant difference between them. Space charge is dominated by homocharge in both deformed and undeformed XLPE. The results indicated that through deformation, molecular chains rearrange so small molecules such as crosslinking by-products, initially being trapped, can be released. Under the influence of the applied electric field they can be ionised to form heterocharge in the sample

Impact of mechanical deformation on space charge in XLPE

In this paper we report the effect of mechanical deformation on space charge dynamics in crosslinked polyethylene. Thin films were peeled from a 66 kV commercial XLPE cable. Space charge measurements under dc electric fields have been monitored using the pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) technique. It has been found that charge dynamics in deformed XLPE are different from that from undeformed XLPE at lower voltages. At low applied electric field, space charge is dominated by heterocharge in the deformed XLPE while homocharge governs charge formation in undeformed XLPE. However, at high electric field, there is no significant difference between them. Space charge is dominated by homocharge in both deformed and undeformed XLPE. The results indicated that through deformation, molecular chains rearrange so small molecules such as crosslinking by-products, initially being trapped, can be released. Under the influence of the applied electric field they can be ionised to form heterocharge in the sample

Cost Analysis of Pico hydro Turbine for Power Production

Background: Turbine played a significant role in the hydro system and a determinant of the quality and quantity production of electric power in each power system. Objective: In this paper, several types of pico hydro water turbines are reviewed and compared. The water head, water flow rate and the current market price are the basic aspects considered in discussing the turbines selection. Results: Most of the small hydro turbines currently available are mostly suitable for low head high flow or high head low flow condition. By the assumption that the percentage of turbine efficiency is consistent for all conditions of water resources, the ability of water turbine to produce high output during low head low flow condition is low. Conclusion: The effectiveness of a turbine does not only depends on the productivity of the turbine to generate output power, but must also be seen in terms of cost and economical investment

Gender differences in association between measures of central obesity and falls in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Malaysia

Acknowledgements This study was partially funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2019/SKK02/UM/01/1). We would like to thank all MELoR investigators for helping in the data collection. The MELoR study is now the Transforming Cognitive Frailty to Later Life SelfSufficiency (AGELESS) study, which is funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia Long Term Research Grant Scheme.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Fresh and hardened properties of concrete containing effective microorganisms

Nowadays, concrete is popularly used in many areas and applications in construction industry. If designed and manufactured properly it can be one of the most durable construction materials. However, during the life span of the structure the surrounding environment where the structure is built may pose long-term durability problem to concrete such as cracks and corrosion of steel reinforcement. Thus, researchers around the world continue searching for any possible means to improve concrete qualities. This paper presents study on the effects of Effective Microorganism on fresh and hardened properties of concrete. The percentage of Effective Microorganisms (EM) used in this study was 10% and incorporated in the concrete mix by replacing the water content. In this research work, a number of control and EM concrete cube samples were cast, cured in water and tested at the ages of 3, 7 and 28 days. The workability of fresh concrete was measured through the slump test. The effect of EM on hardened concrete was assessed through compression test and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. The experimental result shows that the workability of concrete with EM was 67% higher than the control concrete. This may indicate that the EM has the potential to be used as workability enhancer. In terms of compressive strength, the EM concrete recorded 8% higher strength at 28 days compared to concrete without EM. In addition, the early strength of EM concrete was found to be higher by 41% and 27% at 3 and 7 days compared to control, respectively. The UPV result for EM concrete also shows higher value than control concrete indicating denser concrete. All experimental results indicated that the use of EM has positive effects on concrete properties

Pathogen- and Host-Directed Antileishmanial Effects Mediated by Polyhexanide (PHMB)

BACKGROUND:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. CL causes enormous suffering in many countries worldwide. There is no licensed vaccine against CL, and the chemotherapy options show limited efficacy and high toxicity. Localization of the parasites inside host cells is a barrier to most standard chemo- and immune-based interventions. Hence, novel drugs, which are safe, effective and readily accessible to third-world countries and/or drug delivery technologies for effective CL treatments are desperately needed. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:Here we evaluated the antileishmanial properties and delivery potential of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB; polyhexanide), a widely used antimicrobial and wound antiseptic, in the Leishmania model. PHMB showed an inherent antileishmanial activity at submicromolar concentrations. Our data revealed that PHMB kills Leishmania major (L. major) via a dual mechanism involving disruption of membrane integrity and selective chromosome condensation and damage. PHMB's DNA binding and host cell entry properties were further exploited to improve the delivery and immunomodulatory activities of unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN). PHMB spontaneously bound CpG ODN, forming stable nanopolyplexes that enhanced uptake of CpG ODN, potentiated antimicrobial killing and reduced host cell toxicity of PHMB. CONCLUSIONS:Given its low cost and long history of safe topical use, PHMB holds promise as a drug for CL therapy and delivery vehicle for nucleic acid immunomodulators

Sick building syndrome: are we doing enough?

Health and well-being are vitally important aspects of people centric building design and are the roots of productivity. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of factors that can negatively affect physical health in several ways. Besides physical health is also related to psychological well-being because the human body is one interactive biological system. This paper focuses on reviewing the current state of knowledge on building sickness syndrome which has been prevalent as a building illness since the 1970s especially in offices and schools. While the concepts of intelligent, smart and sustainable buildings have gained considerable attention during recent decades, there is now increasing attention being given to designing healthy buildings. This study provides a review about SBS symptoms. Several negative effects of SBS are identified and potential solutions are advocated. Finally, the study stresses the role of built environment and concludes that ongoing research towards tackling SBS and developing healthy indoor environments should not be limited to a single formula as any health-related building design approach is dependent on several interacting factors

The geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor of mercury in mangrove sediment of Port Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Mangrove areas are important to the ecosystem. One of its crucial functions is as a sink of pollutants, especially metal ions. However, the accumulation of metals in mangrove sediment can generate negative impacts on plant growth, microbial activity, and soil fertility. Apart from that, the severity of the impact is highly influenced by the type of metal found in the sediment and the quality of sediment itself. One of the metals that have adverse effects on the environment is mercury. The objectives of this study are to determine the concentration and distribution of mercury and to assess the enrichment of mercury in Port Klang mangrove sediment by using geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor. Sediment samples were collected from 30 sampling points that cover Langat River and Klang River estuaries, Lumut Straits, Pulau Klang, and Pulau Indah. During sampling, water parameters such as pH, salinity, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were measured in situ, whereas the total mercury in sediment samples was determined at the laboratory using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In this study, mercury was found to be concentrated along Lumut Strait especially in the mixing zone near the confluence of Langat River and at the jetty to Pulau Ketam. The geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor (calculated using logarithmized data of the reference element) found that three stations were enriched with mercury. In addition, geoaccumulation index was also observed to be more objective compared to enrichment factor whose results were influenced by the concentration of reference element used

Frailty in primary care: a review of its conceptualization and implications for practice

Frail, older patients pose a challenge to the primary care physician who may often feel overwhelmed by their complex presentation and tenuous health status. At the same time, family physicians are ideally suited to incorporate the concept of frailty into their practice. They have the propensity and skill set that lends itself to patient-centred care, taking into account the individual subtleties of the patient's health within their social context. Tools to identify frailty in the primary care setting are still in the preliminary stages of development. Even so, some practical measures can be taken to recognize frailty in clinical practice and begin to address how its recognition may impact clinical care. This review seeks to address how frailty is recognised and managed, especially in the realm of primary care