Remote Areas Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THE HEALING MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION & AIMS The HEALTMing Mental Health (HEALTM-MH) program was a free community-based program offered by Exercise & Sport Science Australia, supported by the Australian Sports Commission, Sport Australia Participation Grants program. HEALTM-MH was targeted at Australians living with mental health conditions in rural or remote areas. Our aim is to present an evaluation of the program effectiveness. METHODS The standard program included one-hour of supervised group exercise per week and a one-hour lifestyle education session for 8-weeks. All outcome data, including The Stages of Behaviour Change, were collected by the site facilitators and was provided in an anonymised format for analysis and reporting. Participants were included in the analysis if they had completed more than 50% of the sessions. RESULTS A total of 182 participants were recruited which included 117 who were enrolled in the adult mental health program, 32 in the standard adult program and 33 in a teen mental health program. All programs were delivered between May and October 2022 by trained HEALTM providers, with 18 sites having AEPs leading the program, and one site was led by a registered nurse. Included in analysis were 99 participants (31 males, 68 females) with a mean age of 59.5 years. There was a statistically significant change toward the desired outcome for fourteen of fifteen measures from pre- to post-testing. Twelve of these measures recorded the desired target change at the population (grouped) level. CONCLUSION The targeted behaviour change was for a one stage shift which was achieved with most participants in the action or maintenance stage by the end of the program. The provision of the HEALTM-MH program was beneficial for those who attended more than 50% of the sessions. The program may increase physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices in individuals who selfreport a mental health disorder.

Advancing solar-powered hybrid FO-MD desalination: Integrating PVT collectors and PCM for sustainable water production in residential building

The global focus on water desalination using solar energy is particularly pronounced today. Previous studies have affirmed the efficiency of the Forward Osmosis (FO) and Membrane Distillation (MD) hybrid desalination system. The Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) solar system, which generates both thermal and electrical energy, is complemented using Phase Change Material (PCM). PCM, known for storing and releasing significant heat during phase change, is used in the evening to meet the thermal needs of the system. Additionally, an integrated battery system stores the electrical energy generated by PVT, ensuring the system's electricity requirements are sustained during the night. A comprehensive numerical model, PVT-PCM-FO-MD, has been developed to analyze the proposed system. Operating seamlessly under natural conditions for a typical day on March, June and September, the proposed system can produce freshwater continuously over a 24-hour period. To assess system performance, three PCM thicknesses (2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm) were employed. Designed for small-scale applications, this system is well-suited for brackish water desalination in remote areas. Notably, the highest water production recorded was 213.25 L during a 24-hour operation and the MD unit exhibited an impressive 83.78 % evaporation efficiency during the typical day on June, with nighttime efficiency reaching 37.07 %, specifically at 3 am, utilizing a 2 cm PCM thickness in the solar energy system and it was 37.22 % at the same hour and PCM thickness in September. This study further explores the impact of initial brackish water salinity on water production after 24 h and investigates the influence of the initial draw solution concentration in the draw tank on desalinated water production. The study found that despite varying initial salinity levels, the difference in water produced at the end of the day was not exceeding 1.6 L.

Conceptual Design of a Novel Megawatt Portable Nuclear Power System by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle Coupled with Heat Pipe Cooled Reactor

In order to meet realistic requirements for flexible and reliable power supply in special scenarios such as remote areas and deep ocean exploration, a novel megawatt portable nuclear power system called SUPERHERO (SUPERcritical carbon dioxide cycle-HEat pipe ReactOr power system) is proposed in this paper. The system consists of a heat pipe-cooled reactor and a closed supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton power cycle. Different cycle concepts were compared, and the simple recuperated cycle was adopted for compactness and simplicity of the system. The multi-objective optimization is performed to maximize cycle efficiency and minimize system volume, resulting in optimized parameters for a 1MWe system. By utilizing uranium nitride (UN) modular fuel elements and high heat transfer capacity potassium heat pipes, a compact reactor scheme with 3.13MWt is determined that can operate for 15 years without refueling. The neutronics and thermal analysis of the reactor are carried out, and the results show that the reactor has safety features such as a low peak factor, negative temperature feedback coefficient, sufficient reactivity compensation and control, and anti-failure of single heat pipe. The primary heat exchanger is also designed using the CFD method, and the heat exchange tubes combined with ribbed plates and self-supporting structures are used to enhance heat transfer and ensure structural stability. All these studies outline the general features of SUPERHERO, demonstrating that SUPERHERO has great development potential.

The relic and reliquary of St. John the Baptist in Siena (Italy) and their gems

Gems, especially from remote areas, were highly demanded and valued in Byzantine times, often used for sacred Imperial purposes. Because of their imperishable nature, they were often re-used over time and many of them passed, one way or another, from East to Western Europe. The history of the gems set in Byzantine relics that survived in medieval Europe is often impossible to reconstruct. The exceptional opening of the relics of St. John the Baptist in Siena, 200 years after the last inspection, has made it possible to study the magnificent gems that adorn it. Spinels, rubies, sapphires and other gems from oriental geographies, along with high quality glasses used together regardless of their monetary value, were identified in the relic and its reliquary case through gemological analysis and portable Raman spectroscopy, once again demonstrating the vital contribution of the trans-disciplinary approach in the study of ancient art goldworkings.

Experimental and analytical examinations of a single-glazed solar still desalination with a spray-feeding water system with an artificial neural network

Using solar stills to desalinate salt water effectively provides clean water in remote areas at affordable prices. It is well-established that a crucial factor in enhancing the efficiency of solar desalination systems is increasing brackish water's surface evaporation rate by minimizing surface tension and boosting thermal energy. However, recent studies and proposed ideas indicate a limited and insufficient focus on this aspect. As a response, this research introduces a novel approach to raising the temperature of saline water. This is achieved through a system that involves simultaneous saline water spraying and circulation, affecting all factors and effectively reducing the surface evaporation rate. This approach impacts factors influencing surface evaporation rates and offers advantages such as low thermal inertia, reduced surface tension, and enhanced thermal energy within the desalination system. Therefore, the main goal of this study will be to improve the performance of the solar desalination system through circulating preheated salt water spray and using artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms to obtain the function of predicting the amount of fresh water produced. The results of this study show that the evaporative heat transfer coefficient of the introduced system is significantly larger than that of the conventional solar still unit, with an average difference of about 43.98%. Also, the results of daily water output in both systems show a significant increase and superiority of 28.75% in freshwater production for the modified system. Also, the efficiency of the improved system is 65.18% higher than that of the passive solar distillation system, and the cost per liter was 0.059 ($/L/m2). The results of this study highlight the effectiveness of the saltwater spraying technique in enhancing the performance of solar desalination systems, making it a valuable prospect for future industrial applications in desalination systems and into energy systems for smart cities as a sagacious strategy towards clean and sustainable process.

Optimizing Solar Evaporation Efficiency: Integrating Controllable Water Supply and Efficient Salt Collection Methods

Solar desalination presents a promising solution for providing high-purity fresh water in regions lacking sophisticated energy infrastructure. Specifically, the efficiency of solar-energy driven interfacial evaporation relies on achieving a balance between supplied solar energy and the energy demand for evaporation through water supply management. Another significant challenge for practical application is salt crystallization on the photoabsorber surface. To address these issues, two strategies are proposed: I) Construction of a 3D solar evaporator that achieves a balance between supplied energy and the heat energy required for interfacial evaporation (demand energy) by optimizing the height of the support structure. II) Implementation of a tunable 2D water supply path made of cotton. This not only facilitates optimal water supply for interfacial evaporation but also functions as a salt collection layer, enabling efficient salt collection post-desalination. With the specific design of the proposed 3D solar evaporator, our device achieves a remarkable efficiency approaching its performance limit (94%) with an evaporation rate of 2.30 kg m-2 h-1, along with efficient salt collection and scalability. This work presents a novel approach for fabricating a cost-effective solar evaporator capable of consistently delivering affordable fresh water in remote areas.

An online integrated satellite–terrestrial IoT task offloading and service deployment strategy

As a core component of 6G networking, low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks are considered a promising solution for providing network services in remote areas and have received considerable attention in recent years. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of IoT terminals and applications, an increasing emphasis has been placed on task offloading for real-time tasks. However, most existing works on task offloading for integrated satellite–terrestrial IoT (IST-IoT) applications are based on the assumption that the global task and network information is known, an assumption that is obviously not met in online real-time task offloading. In addition, current studies rarely consider the tradeoff among the task offloading volume, satellite endurance and wholesale cost of terrestrial resources, which are precisely the holistic issues that satellite network operators must confront. To address such issues, this study considers task offloading, service deployment and resource allocation in highly dynamic online task offloading scenarios with the goal of maximizing the average task offloading volume. Moreover, virtual queues are constructed in this study to account for the impacts of long-term satellite endurance and terrestrial network resource costs on task offloading. We first decouple the original problem to obtain a single-time-slot optimization problem within the Lyapunov optimization framework, and we then propose a 2-stage optimization approach based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to solve the complex single-time-slot mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. Simulation experiments demonstrate that our proposed algorithm can yield near-optimal solutions that show superior performance compared to existing results.

Multi-agent reinforcement learning based computation offloading and resource allocation for LEO Satellite edge computing networks

Due to the limitations caused by geographical conditions and economic requirements, it is difficult to provide computing services by terrestrial networks for mobile terminals in remote areas. To address this issue, mobile edge computing (MEC) servers can be deployed in the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to act as a complement and accommodate the unserved terminals. However, offloading computing tasks to servers in satellites may increase the energy consumption of ground terminals. Considering the limited battery capacity of ground terminals, how to perform the computation offloading and resource allocation are key challenges in the LEO satellite edge computing networks. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate the energy minimization problem for LEO satellite edge computing networks, where a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning algorithm with global rewards is proposed to optimize the transmit power, CPU frequency, bit allocation, offloading decision and bandwidth allocation via a decentralized method. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can converge faster. Most importantly, compared with the random algorithm, the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm, and the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm, the ground terminals’ energy consumption can be effectively reduced by our proposed algorithm.

A critical evaluation of DC microgrid implementation in Indonesia: opportunities and challenges

This study thoroughly investigates the potential of direct current (DC) microgrids to enhance electricity access in rural and remote areas of Indonesia that continue to face significant obstacles despite ongoing national electrification efforts. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research comprehensively evaluates socio-economic and technical factors that influence the adoption of DC microgrids. The results indicate that DC microgrids offer significant potential for enhancing energy access, reliability, and sustainability, particularly when combined with renewable energy sources. This aligns with Indonesia’s move towards renewable energy. Nevertheless, the analysis identifies significant obstacles, such as the substantial initial investment, the requirement for complete regulatory frameworks, and the technological complexities that need to be conquered. In conclusion, DC microgrids present a promising solution for rural electrification. However, the implementation requires a strategy that emphasizes strategic investments, policy innovation, and capacity-building initiatives. This research significantly contributes to the study of sustainable energy by evaluating the criticality of integrating policies and technology for implementing DC microgrids as a key factor in achieving sustainable energy access in Indonesia.

Comprehensive energy solution planning (CESP) framework: an evidence-based approach for sustainable energy access projects in developing countries

Access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy remains a critical goal under the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, especially in remote areas of developing countries. Based on traditional engineering approaches, many energy solution planning tools have been developed to identify the optimal solution in these areas to assess the competition across different technological options. Nevertheless, these approaches, based on an economic optimum, do not necessarily grant long-term sustainability of the solution in specific local contexts, since they are not able to capture the social implications within the Energy-Development nexus. Moreover, also in light of the 2030 Agenda, scientific and grey literature on energy access highlights how energy solutions planning methodologies developed in the last decades need to be complemented by a more comprehensive view, able to integrate evidence from various disciplines, especially engineering and social sciences. Based on the above considerations, this paper introduces a novel framework under the name of CESP, where three social sciences-based phases complement three engineering phases, each one characterized by specific tools, to offer an informed decision framework for the local planner. CESP encompasses a set of techno-economic and socio-technical actions to prevent potential failure as evidenced by a counterfactual analysis used to identify the reasons behind past project failures. The CESP framework presents a sequential and iterative structure that underlines the cyclic perspective of a holistic decision process where social sciences feed the engineering analysis and vice versa. Finally, CESP emerges as a practical and applicable framework for supporting energy access planning in critical areas.

Neutronic characteristic analysis of the GAMA microreactor

The GAMA Microreactor is a low-power nuclear power plant dedicated for remote area with a power output of 300 kWe. The primary characteristics of the GAMA Microreactor are its system compactness, design simplicity, and safe operation without moving parts. The fuel is uranium hydride powder, which works simultaneously as a moderator, contained within a stainless-steel vessel and surrounded by a graphite reflector. Liquid sodium-filled heat pipes are embedded in the fuel powder to extract fission-generated heat via passive coolant flow due to capillary action. As a part of the design process, neutronic parameters of the GAMA Microreactor have been determined using SCALE6.2 and OpenMC codes. Among the analyzed parameters are the excess reactivity as a function of burn-up, shutdown margin, control rod worth, temperature coefficient of reactivity (TCR), fuel density coefficient of reactivity (DCR), and reactivity coefficient due to hydrogen dissociation. From the calculation results, the GAMA Microreactor has a maximum excess reactivity of 0.049 at the operational temperature (700 °C) and 0.0788 at ambient temperature. The TCR value is negative (−2.267 pcm/°C) at the beginning of the cycle (BOL) and −4.9618 pcm/°C at the end of the cycle (EOC). Hydrogen dissociation imposes negative reactivity on the reactor both at the BOL (−0.2631 Δk/k-%dissociation) and EOC (−0.3524 Δk/k-%dissociation). Therefore, the GAMA Microreactor maintains its inherent safety characteristics over a considerably long operation time.

Assessing the Landscape: A Survey of Microfinance Self-Help Groups and Their Impact on Financial Inclusion

Assessing the Landscape: A Survey of Microfinance Self-Help Groups and Their Impact on Financial Inclusion

Wireless Patient Monitoring System with LoRa Communication for Remote Healthcare

This study presents a novel approach to remote healthcare through a wireless patient monitoring system using LoRa communication. The system consists of two main parts: a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter collects vital health data, such as body temperature, SpO2, accelerometer and gyroscope measurements, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, air quality and heart rate. This information will be transmitted wirelessly using LoRa technology to the receiver section, which will transmit the data to the IoT cloud server. In addition, the receiver section is equipped with a GSM module to send an SMS alert in the event of abnormal health parameters. The aim of this system is to provide real-time monitoring of patients in remote areas, enabling timely interventions and improving accessibility to healthcare. The efficiency and reliability of the system make it a promising solution for remote patient monitoring in challenging environments.

Design and Development of IoT based Health Monitoring System

Abstract: With prospects for developing technology, patient health monitoring is a significant and quickly expanding topic nowadays. Various designs for patient healthcare monitoring systems have been developed by numerous researchers in accordance with technological advancements. The devices in the suggested business plan, which include web-based sensors and mobile applications, communicate over a network to improve the efficiency of the system designed to record and monitor patient health information. In order to precisely analyze a patient's health status, a health system comprising sensors and monitoring devices has been built. These devices are able to collect medical data from patients and then send alarms via GSM module to specialized doctors. In order to gather health-related data, this project will connect patients via the Internet to an appropriate monitoring system that will improve medication care for both local patients and patients who live in remote areas without hospitals nearby. The devices will be able to record the patient's temperature, heart rate, and the oxygen levels in their blood.

Design and Construct of a Portable Solar Mobile Charger

Abstract: The state of incessant power failure accompanied with the increase in pump price of petroleum in India, solar energy becomes the most sought after energy source. Solar chargers are simple, portable and ready to use devices which can be used by anyone especially in remote areas. Going solar can solve the problems of dependence on fuels and the prevalent energy crisis. This project aims to make a portable solar charger which can be used on the go. A portable solar mobile phone charger is simply a power electronic device that converts solar radiation into electrical current for the purpose of charging the batteries of mobile phones. This charger is made by converting, controlling and conditioning the flow of electrical energy from source to load according to the requirements. of the load; this technology is called power electronics. An external adjustable voltage regulator is used to obtain the desired constant voltage. A zener diode switches on to ensure charging is cut off at the saturation point. Two 3.7V lithium ion batteries are used as backup; an operational amplifier works here as a comparator to signify when backup is fully charged. Ultimately, 11V and 160mA is supplied by the panel under full sunlight. This charger has an output voltage of 5V and an average of 800mA current to charge a mobile phone, this system charges a phone fully between 4-5hours and it has a capacity of 4800mAh. This device charges all mobile phones by all manufacturers using a universal serial bus connector. It is the only viable solution to charging mobile phones as it is portable, light-weight and does not cause pollution

Smart Helmet

Abstract: The smart helmet is a unique concept that makes motorcycles safer than ever. This is a way to start and stop the car without wearing a helmet. Moreover, one of its great features is that it can quickly report the location of the bike to a specific person before an accident occurs and after the accident, with the help of GPS and GSM based tracking. Ambulance can easily reach the scene. We want to use the sensor in the helmet vibration sensor. Traffic in India is so abundant and dense that it can take time to travel even a few kilometers, which can be inconvenient for cyclists. Additionally, if you answer the phone while driving, accidents may occur. Even in remote areas, it can be very difficult to find the person who caused the accident. We have created a helmet with the best solutions to solve existing problems. The helmet is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 headphones. We can easily get through calls and continue talking without removing the helmet. By sending a rescue notification to the desired number, it helps to deliver medicine to the victim quickly. In other emergencies such as bullying, theft, or violence, the emergency notification system can be used to request help from police or family members. These situations led us to create a smart helmet that uses the Internet of Things to reduce the risk of accidents and deaths.

On Road Vehicle Helper (ORVH) React Native Application

The On Road Vehicle Helper (ORVH) application serves as a vital tool for individuals encountering mechanical issues with their vehicles, especially in remote or faraway locations. This paper introduces ORVH as a reliable platform connecting clients with legally endorsed and proficient mechanics. Users can access a curated list of experts through a streamlined application process, facilitating prompt assistance in challenging situations arising from vehicle breakdowns. Furthermore, the ORVH framework prioritizes the engagement of accredited mechanics, ensuring quality service delivery. This paper highlights the significance of ORVH in addressing the uncertainty faced by vehicle owners regarding mechanical failures in remote areas, providing them with a feasible solution to mitigate such concerns effectively. This is a revolutionary application designed to make your travel experience seamless and convenient. Combining the power of Google Maps with features inspired by popular ride-sharing apps like Ola, it helps us discover nearby shops and reach them effortlessly during your journey.

LoRa-Powered IoT Messaging System for Internet-Free Communication

Abstract: This paper describes a novel message system that makes use of LoRa technology and the ESP32 IoT chip to deliver dependable communication in places with spotty internet access. The ESP32 module is integrated into the system architecture as an access point, and WebSocket protocol is used to enable messaging services. As a key center for communication, the ESP32- based access point facilitates flawless message exchanges between users. The key innovation lies in its incorporation of the LoRa RA-02 module, which enables RF-based communication among devices. The messaging system guarantees connectivity even in remote locations or areas with inadequate internet infrastructure by utilizing LoRa technology. This capability is especially helpful in situations when regular internet connectivity is unavailable or inconsistent, including in low-resource contexts, rural populations, or areas affected by disasters. Because of the messaging system's easy-to-use and accessible architecture, users can communicate without an internet connection. This lessens the need for internet connections and lowers related expenses, improving communication accessibility and affordability for marginalized communities.

Design and Fabrication of Wind Turbine Utilization for Water Pumping and Power Generation

bstract: Windmills have been a symbol of sustainable energy for centuries, and their relevance continues to grow in the modern era. This abstract explores the dual functionality of windmills for both pumping and power generation. Windmills have evolved from their traditional agricultural use to become versatile renewable energy sources, capable of harnessing wind energy for various applications. For pumping, windmills are employed to lift water from wells or reservoirs, providing a reliable source of water for irrigation and domestic use, especially in remote or off-grid areas. Their mechanical design, often featuring rotating blades, efficiently converts wind energy into rotational motion, driving a pump mechanism. In the realm of power generation, windmills are pivotal in the transition to cleaner energy sources. Modern wind turbines are designed with advanced aerodynamics and materials, enabling them to capture substantial kinetic energy from the wind. This energy is then transformed into electrical power through generators. Wind farms, comprised of multiple turbines, contribute significantly to electricity grids, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. This abstract underscores the dual role of windmills as sustainable solutions for pumping and power generation, emphasizing their versatility and contribution to a greener future.

High prevalence of diabetes among young First Nations Peoples with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a population-based study in Australia

BackgroundLiver disease is an important contributor to the mortality gap between First Nations Peoples and non-Indigenous Australian adults. Despite a high burden of metabolic comorbidities among First Nations Peoples, data about the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in this population is scarce.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all adults hospitalized with MASLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with/without cirrhosis during 2007–2019 in the state of Queensland was performed. Patients were followed from the first admission with MASLD/MASH (identified based on validated algorithms) to decompensated cirrhosis and overall mortality. We explored differences according to Indigenous status using Multivariable Cox regression.Findings439 First Nations Peoples and 7,547 non-Indigenous Australians were followed for a median of 4.6 years (interquartile range 2.7–7.2). Overall, women were overrepresented, but more so in the First Nations cohort (72.7% vs. 57.0%, p < 0.001). First Nations patients were younger, a higher proportion lived in remote and socioeconomic disadvantaged areas, and had higher comorbidity compared to non-Indigenous Australians (all p < 0.001). Diabetes, the most common comorbidity affecting both groups, was overrepresented in First Nations Peoples versus non-Indigenous Australians (43.5% vs. 30.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Nineteen (4.3%) First Nations Peoples and 332 (4.4%) of non-Indigenous patients progressed to cirrhosis decompensation (9.0% [95%CI 4.5–17.7] vs. 7.7% [95%CI 6.6–8.9; p = 0.956] respectively within 10 years). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between Indigenous status and progression to decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.759) and survival (p = 0.437).ConclusionsThis study provides the first population-based epidemiological data on MASLD in First Nations Australians. The high prevalence of diabetes (that is associated with advanced fibrosis and liver disease mortality) among young First Nations Peoples with MASLD raises concern about future risk of progressive liver disease in this patient population. These data highlight the importance of early identification of MASLD, and providing culturally appropriate intervention to reduce disease progression in parallel with the management of cardiometabolic comorbidities.