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Exploring the Frontiers of Polymer-Metal and Metal-Metal Composites

Interpenetrating phase composites represent a new frontier in materials science, offering substantial improvements in mechanical and functional properties through innovative design and manufacturing techniques. 

 

 

As the realm of materials science continues to evolve, interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) are emerging as a pivotal area of innovation, particularly in metal-metal and polymer-metal combinations. Prof. Wael Zaki and Ahmed Asar from Khalifa University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Digital and Additive Manufacturing Group, reviewed the crucial role of synergistic interactions within IPCs, where the mechanical properties such as strength and damage tolerance are significantly enhanced beyond what traditional composite theories would predict. Their review was published in Composites Part B, a top 1% journal.

 

IPCs are defined by their unique architectural arrangement where two or more interconnected, interlocking phases create a continuous structure. This significantly enhances the composite’s overall mechanical and functional properties while also preserving the integrity and load-bearing capacity of each constituent phase. Each phase refers to a distinctly different material or class of solid (polymer, metal or ceramic, for example) within the composite, with each phase retaining its separate chemical and physical identity.

 

By interlocking different phases with complementary properties, IPCs can achieve performance characteristics that are not possible with any single material or traditional composites where one material is embedded within another without forming a continuous network.

 

“IPCs take on many forms and may be composed of materials within the same or different material classes, but the common defining feature in all IPCs is the mechanical interlocking and interface continuity in all directions,” Asar explains. “IPCs have very strong potential to produce excellent functional composites for general and highly specialized applications.”

 

Initially centered on ceramic-based systems, research on IPCs has shifted towards polymer and metal-based variants over the last decade. This transition is largely fueled by the advent of additive manufacturing techniques, which have opened new avenues for exploring different phase combinations and designs in IPCs.

 

The researchers note that IPCs incorporating copper and gold maintain their electrical and thermal conductivities, while those with magnesium have improved high temperature damping properties, with the second phase compensating loss of magnesium mechanical properties under these conditions. However, magnesium is also biodegradable and could be used in partially degradable orthopedic implants. Using materials such as Nitinol can offer shape memory properties, which could be transformative for many engineering applications.

 

With all the advancements, the researchers also identify several challenges, including the need for better integration of different IPCs and enhancing the interface quality between the phases. Addressing these issues is essential for harnessing their full potential in practical applications. The researchers emphasize the importance of continued research into the field, particularly in exploring new material combinations through innovative manufacturing techniques.

 

“The goal is to pave the way for the next generation of IPCs that are not only more efficient and durable but also tailored for specific applications in industries ranging from aerospace to biomedicine,” Asar says. 

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
27 May 2024

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Nature-inspired Solar Desalination

Innovative techniques harness the sun and mimic nature’s ingenuity for efficient desalination

 

Amidst growing global concerns about water scarcity and the environmental impact of traditional desalination methods, a team of researchers at Khalifa University has investigated the intricate mechanism of halophyte plants, invented a mangrove-mimicked solar distillation device, presenting a comprehensive model that integrates capillary pumping and evaporation processes for passive solar desalination. Prof. TieJun Zhang led the team on both projects, comprising Muhammad Sajjad, Mohamed Abdelsalam, Dr. Aikifa Raza and Dr. Faisal AlMarzooqi.

 

Their device not only efficiently produces fresh water from seawater but also manages brine without discharging it into the environment, addressing significant ecological issues associated with salt buildup in natural water bodies. These results were published in Nature Communications.

 

The “Freshwater Generator” was designed to mimic the natural water management of mangroves, using a foldable structure with “leaves” and “stems” made from a titanium mesh covered with nanostructured titanium dioxide. This design enhances sunlight absorption and water transport, maximizing the efficiency of solar distillation. The mangrove-like structure supports passive, capillary-driven water transport and selective salt crystallization at the leaf edges, which prevents salt accumulation on the main evaporative surface and maintains high operational efficiency.

 

The team proposed a novel capillary transport model that precisely describes the passive saline water supply through synthetic porous wicks and evaporation at the synthetic leaf designed for solar desalination. Understanding wicking behavior with varying water saturation levels across the porous synthetic stem is crucial for enhancing our understanding of how saline water is pumped up against gravity without external driving force and evaporates in synthetic and real mangroves. These results were published in the International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.

 

The insights gained from this study are invaluable for designing next-generation solar desalination systems and mark a significant step towards a sustainable future in water resource management.

 

The team’s freshwater generator achieves an efficiency of about 94 percent and can produce up to 2.2 liters/m2 of fresh water per day from seawater. Its efficiency stems from its design, allowing for continuous operation by naturally shedding salt buildup overnight, preparing the system for operation the next day without manual cleaning. Overall, the simple design and portable nature of their solar-driven freshwater generator can provide a viable solution to produce clean water in remote areas. Using solar energy for passive desalination actually eliminates both the carbon footprint and pumping costs, and the zero-brine discharge with salt collection also prevents potential ecological damage typically associated with high-salinity waste from traditional desalination plants. 

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
27 May 2024

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Building the Future with Carbon Nanotubes in 3D-Printed Cement

Carbon nanotubes are transforming 3D-printed buildings by strengthening the concrete

 

In the evolving landscape of construction technology, the fusion of carbon nanotubes with 3D-printed cement materials is setting new benchmarks in structure integrity and efficiency. Dr. Tae Yeon Kim, Mohd Mukarram Ali, Ghaith Nassrullah, Prof. Rashid Abu Al-Rub and Dr. Bashar El-Khasawneh, with Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar from University of Birmingham, studied this combinations, revealing how carbon nanotubes significantly enhance both the mechanical properties and printing quality of 3D-printed buildings. Their results were published in Developments in the Built Environment, a top 1% journal.

 

“Traditionally, 3D printing cementitious materials poses certain challenges, involving a careful balance of printability, buildability, and the rheology of the mixture,” Dr. Kim explains. “Incorporating nanomaterials into 3D-printed cements is expected to minimize the setting time, limit pores and voids, reduce drying shrinkage, improve printing quality, and enhance the mechanical properties of the material.”

 

Carbon nanotubes are known for their robustness and flexibility, exhibiting high mechanical strength, resistance to oxidation and corrosion, high conductivity, and thermal properties. They form nanoscale bridges within the cement matrix, which effectively distribute stress and mitigate the formation of micro cracks, enhancing the durability and longevity of structures.

 

The researchers showed that adding carbon nanotubes to the 3D printing process not only improved the printability of the cement but also considerably strengthened the resulting structures: A mix containing just 0.2 percent carbon nanotubes led to a 99 percent increase in flexural strength and a 72 percent increase in compressive strength once the cement had cured for 28 days.

 

Including carbon nanotubes also optimizes the printing process itself. The researchers found that their mix ensured a smoother flow through the printer nozzles, resulting in more uniform and structurally sound layers.

 

These findings offer a promising future for 3D-printed structures in the construction industry, where speed, cost-efficiency, and structural integrity are paramount. 

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
27 May 2024

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A Leap Forward in Nanomedicine with Immune Profiling

Research explores the immune compatibility of 2D nanomaterials in biomedical applications to harness full potential of nanotechnology in medicine

 

A recent study from a team of researchers led by Khalifa University’s Dr. Lucia Gemma Delogu, Associate Professor, provides fascinating insights into the interaction of nanomaterials with the immune system. The study focused on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), specifically molybdenum disulfide (MOS2) and tungsten disulfide (WS2), to shed light on the biocompatibility and immunological effects of the two nanomaterials. The work was the result of multidisciplinary efforts with investigators from Manchester University, the Karolinska Institute, Augusta University, and the University of Padua. The findings were published in Nano Today.

 

TMDs have garnered significant research interest due to their unique physicochemical properties, including a combination of electrical, mechanical, and optical characteristics, which make them suitable for applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. Understanding their interactions with the immune system is crucial for assessing their safety and efficacy in biomedical applications.

 

“Immune cell interactions are pivotal in driving future TMD applications,” Dr. Delogu says. “They have demonstrated promising applications in photothermal therapy, for example, as they interact with immune cells in tumors. In lab settings, they can directly trigger host immunity by activating specific cells and even reduce the spread of cancer. However, we need to understand the complex interactions between TMDs and human cells to advance their use in biomedicine.”

 

The research team investigated the impact of MOS2 and WS2 on 16 immune cell types using innovative analytical techniques for the label-free detection of TMDs within immune cells and tissues. Traditional approaches often require individual bioassay molecules to be labeled for detection using another molecule: Identify that molecule in a cell and it can be assumed that the target molecule was also identified. However, some of these labeling molecules can alter the biological function of the nanomaterials and skew experimental results.   

 

“We used single-cell mass cytometry by time-of-flight, or CyTOF, which can detect metal element-tagged antibodies based on their mass/charge ratio.” Dr. Delogu explained.

 

By transforming the classical approaches, using CyTOF allowed the team to confirm the physical presence of TMDs in biological systems and to develop a detailed understanding of their distribution and interaction with various immune cell types. These insights are invaluable for designing nanomaterials that can effectively target specific cells or tissues without eliciting unwanted immune reactions.

 

“A critical aspect of expanding the biomedical applications of nanomaterials is their detection in cells and tissues,” Dr. Delogu says. “Having established their biocompatibility, we needed to find out whether detection technologies could be applied to TMDs in in vivo studies. We injected mice with a mixture of the TMDs and both materials were easily detectable at the tissue level in all the cell populations we studied.”

 

The research team’s findings pave the way for further exploration of TMDs in biomedicine, including their potential as drug delivery systems, imaging agents, or components of tissue engineering structures. Their proven biocompatibility and the ability to monitor their interactions with the immune system could lead to safer and more effective biomedical applications.

 

“Novel nanotechnology solutions in biology and medicine are strongly required and can lead to new exciting scenarios,” Dr. Delogu says. 

 

Jade Sterling
Science Writer
27 May 2024

 

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YFEL German-Emirati Sustainability Days Conference 2024 at Khalifa University Commences, Advancing Net-Zero Solutions

Conference Initiates Technical Sessions and Workshops to Achieve Global Sustainability with Support from German Industries

 

A two-week initiative towards driving sustainability solutions has now begun with the opening ceremony of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) German-Emirati Sustainability Days Conference 2024 at Khalifa University. The fourth edition of the conference, organized by the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), is supported by German firms including BASF, Linde, Siemens AG, and Wilo. 

 

Over the next two weeks, the conference partners will organize a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, and intensive workshops that will delve deeper into the conference theme of empowering the youth to combat climate change, facilitating discussions and hands-on learning opportunities for the YFEL members, alumni, and the broader Khalifa University community.

 

The opening ceremony was attended by various local, regional and international stakeholders including His Excellency Alexander Schönfelder, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the UAE, who delivered the welcome message. A keynote address on ‘COP28 and Tripling Renewables’ was presented by Dr. Ute Collier, Deputy Director, Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). A panel discussion titled ‘Advancing Green Technologies for a Decarbonized Future’, moderated by Karin Zangerl, Director of the AHK, Abu Dhabi Office, featured representatives from the supporting German firms.

 

In his welcome note, Oliver Oehms, CEO, AHK, emphasized the importance of the conference shedding light on achieving sustainable development with support from industries. Yousof Alhammadi, Senior Vice-President, Academic Affairs and Student Services, Khalifa University delivered a speech, highlighting the collective goals of the German industry and the YFEL members to achieve a net-zero future.

 

The day’s events concluded with closing remarks by Karin Zangerl followed by a networking session, where 2024 YFEL members shared their ideas and insights that covered key sustainability topics including ways to solve an environmental problem, their vision for a country’s energy industry, and incentives to significantly accelerate sustainable practices.

 

The conference will culminate in a closing ceremony moderated by YFEL alumni, providing attendees with the chance to consolidate their learnings and discuss ways to translate the conference’s insights into tangible sustainability initiatives.

 

The 44 members strong 2024 YFEL cohort has eight UAE Nationals and 30 international members from the US, India, China, and Saudi Arabia, from different educational backgrounds, who are, at present, enrolled in some of the well-known universities across the world. They have remained active throughout the COP28 UAE climate conference and the World Future Energy Summit 2024, showcasing several innovative projects including a case study on the Charging Infrastructure for Electric Trucks.

 

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
27 May 2024

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Newly Appointed Co-Chairs to Take UAE’s Universities Climate Network to Next Stage of Region-Wide Action  

Dr. Samuel Mao of Khalifa University and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi of the University of Birmingham Dubai to Spearhead Climate Action and Sustainability Agendas

 

 

The UAE’s Universities Climate Network (UCN), a 33-member group, has announced the appointment of Khalifa University’s Dr. Samuel Mao and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi of the University of Birmingham Dubai as Co-Chairs, taking the UCN to the next stage of advancing climate action regionally and internationally, and promoting sustainability across the UAE’s academic sector. 

 

An official handover ceremony organized at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) was attended by His Excellency Edward Hobart, the UK Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director-General, COP28 UAE Presidency, Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, and other key stakeholders. Dr. Maya Haddad from Ajman University will be Head of Operations, UCN.

 

Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP28, said: “Universities play an integral role in supporting climate action. They provide the research, education and expertise to respond to the climate challenge, developing the solutions and capacity to reduce emissions and address the adaptation gap. With the appointments of Dr. Samuel Mao and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi in the UAE, I am delighted that UCN are building on their success at COP28 to take forward this agenda across the MENA region.”

 

His Excellency Edward Hobart, UK Ambassador to the UAE, said: “On behalf of the British Embassy, we congratulate and welcome Dr. Samuel Mao and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi on their co-chair appointment to the UAE’s Universities Climate Network. Together with the UK Universities Climate Network launched at COP26, the importance of our academic networks in advancing climate action is clear, whether it be youth engagement, research, innovation, collaboration, or education.”

 

Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to take over the leadership of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), in partnership with Birmingham University Dubai, and take this initiative forward in the coming months. All sustainability-related activities have received significant momentum following the hosting of COP28 Summit in the UAE and the UCN will continue to pioneer local and regional initiatives that will benefit all key stakeholders, ensuring heightened awareness about the need to create a cleaner environment.”

 

To advance the climate change and sustainability agenda for 2024, the UCN aims to bring together universities in the UAE within their network by assessing their research capabilities and forming collaborative teams to address climate research challenges across various fields. As co-chair, Dr. Samuel Mao, Director, ASPIRE Virtual Research Institute for Sustainability and Professor of Practice, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University, in collaboration with the Higher Education Lead of the UNFCCC’s Climate Champions Team, is actively involved in planning an international event centered on climate action of the MENA region, scheduled for October 2024 in Abu Dhabi with Khalifa University as the local host. The planned event is expected to further expose Khalifa University’s cutting-edge climate change research and consistent commitment to sustainability, with the report to be presented at COP29 Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024. 

 

Additionally, the UCN will promote sustainability practices on campuses across the UAE and foster youth participation through collaboration with organizations such as the UAE’s ‘Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S)’ initiative, a Masdar outreach platform, strategically aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, and the UAE Centennial 2071 plan. With the support of the Higher Education Lead of the UN’s Climate Champions Team, the UCN will engage with global climate networks, promoting the achievements of the UAE and the wider MENA region in tackling climate change.

 

Dr. Samuel Mao and Dr. Rasha Bayoumi pointed out that a climate change event highlighting achievements of the MENA region, and a comprehensive survey of climate research capabilities of academic institutions in the UAE, would enable closer collaboration among universities by leveraging expertise in conducting and disseminating climate change research, and substantial engagement with stakeholders in the wider MENA region. They added that as co-chairs of the UCN, they will aim to collaborate with members in advancing climate research, driving policy innovation, and fostering sustainable development in the UAE and beyond.

 

The landmark appointment of Dr. Mao, as the UCN’s Co-Chair, was preceded by his role as Principal Investigator and Director of ASPIRE Virtual Research Institute for Sustainability (VRI-Sustainability), and Chair of the COP28 UAE Research Symposium titled ‘Innovations of Renewable Power Generation, Storage, and Utilization.’ In this symposium, five Khalifa University faculty members of the VRI-Sustainability presented research achievements of the institute. The audience included Dr. Mark Levine, leading author of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report that received a Nobel Peace Prize, and Dr. Rodrigo Martins, President of the European Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Neil Wilmshurst, Senior Vice President of Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

 

The Higher Education Lead of UN’s Climate Champions Team is actively engaged in advising the UCN activities to support the Implementation Roadmap of the 2023 Climate Solutions, assists in planning of the 2024 climate change events in the UAE, and connects UCN to the global network of climate networks (NoN).

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
24 May 2024

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ADCEB Honours Al Nukhba Members for Enhancing Business Events Sector

The Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), hosted the Al Nukhba Awards, to honour members of its Al Nukhba programme and recognising their contributions to advancing Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for international business events.

 

Launched in 2017 by ADCEB, the Al Nukhba Business Elite Programme leverages the vast intellectual capital available in the emirate to strategically boost Abu Dhabi’s convention sector and create opportunities for growth.

 

 

Esteemed members from a wide array of backgrounds serve as ambassadors for the emirate, collaborating with local MICE professionals to attract and secure international conventions. Their efforts are crucial in fostering partnerships and developing bid strategies that enhance the visibility and appeal of Abu Dhabi on the global stage.

 

 

Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Today’s awards allow us to acknowledge and share our appreciation for the valuable efforts of our Al Nukhba ambassadors. Harnessing their expertise and connections has enabled us to elevate our business prospects and inspire even greater participation in the programme. Together, we are ensuring continued prosperity and innovation in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic MICE sector, as we establish the emirate as a top-of-mind destination for regional and global business events.”

 

 

The hosting of the Al Nukhba Awards underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in the business events field, as evidenced by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking the emirate as the number one destination in the Middle East for association meetings. Last year, the UAE capital hosted 2,477 MICE events, attracting 960,000 delegates and leading to a 44% surge in hotel visits.

 

 

Al Nukhba Business Elite Programme is aligned with the recently refreshed Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which seeks to elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually, increase total visitor numbers to 39.9 million, and generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030, as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand.

 

 

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UAE Adapting to Changing Climate: Dr. Diana Francis, Assistant Professor & Engeos Lab Head, Discusses Future-Proofing Solutions

A briefing document from Oxford Analytica, an analysis and advisory company, warned the region “has not fully adapted” to the challenges posed by climate change and faces high costs, with each flooding event costing as much as $4.7 billion.

 

The report follows severe flooding last month, when some areas in Dubai received more than 250mm of rain in 24 hours – the highest figure in at least 75 years and about double the amount that typically falls in a year.

 

“Several previous scientific studies have come to the same conclusion, which is that extreme rainfall events, especially during spring, are becoming more frequent and more intense and this tendency is set to continue in the coming decades,” said Dr. Diana Francis, an assistant professor who heads the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences (Engeos) Lab at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi.

 

Dr. Diana Francis said the reasons for this trend include a combination of high temperature and high humidity, which contributes to the formation of “powerful convective clouds”, which are formed by convection, the process by which warm air rises. “Changes in the atmospheric circulation in the upper levels of the atmosphere associated with the jet [streams] are providing the trigger for these events,” she added.

 

In a recent paper in Nature Scientific Reports, Dr Francis and her colleague Dr Ricardo Fonseca found that the tropics would expand towards the poles, with the UAE and Oman seeing their climate change from subtropical to tropical.

 

Read the full article here. 

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Khalifa University Scientist Appointed Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales

Appointment Recognizes Dr. Michael Hughes’ Academic Achievements and Exceptional Contributions to Biomedical Engineering

 

Khalifa University’s Dr. Michael Pycraft Hughes, Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology has been honored as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (FLSW) April 2024, granting him the opportunity to join a select group of individuals who actively contribute to the Society’s work in advancing academic, cultural, and civic life in Wales and across the region, in several scientific fields.

 

In a letter confirming the appointment, Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the Learned Society of Wales, commended Dr. Hughes for his outstanding accomplishments and acknowledged him as a leading figure in the field of biomedical engineering and his impact in advancing knowledge and understanding in this critical area of research. 

 

With extensive publications including two books, around 100 journal papers, five patents, and nearly 90 refereed conference papers, which have been cited over 6,700 times – Dr. Hughes remains one of the world’s leading experts on Dielectrophoresis (DEP) which focuses on how particles move in an electric field, and the development of new technology to use DEP to analyze and separate cells, and other applications. The interplay between cells and electric fields, is also a part of his research focus where he contributes to the investigation of how cells interact with their environment, diagnosing diseases such as cancer, and exploring the role of cellular electrical properties in cell-to-cell interactions.

 

Dr. Hughes said: “I am deeply honored to be one of the 43 who have been awarded the Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales for 2024. Election to Fellowship is a public recognition of academic excellence not only in Wales but also at Khalifa University. As an Honorary Fellow, and a member of this distinguished group of individuals who embody high standards of academic excellence, the Society’s recognition further highlights the contributions to academic, cultural, and civic life and the impactful research taking place in Wales, the UAE and across the globe.”

 

Having served as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Transactions on Nanobioscience, Dr. Hughes was also on the Administrative Committees of the American Electrophoresis Society, the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and the IEEE Nanotechnology Council as well as the IEEE Technical Committee on Bionanotechnology and BioMEMS.  His research group has produced several papers on dielectrophoresis, and has led to the founding of two startup companies (DEPtech and Deparator) to commercialize bioelectronic technology.

 

Alisha Roy
Science Writer
21 May 2024

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Khalifa University Students Showcase Nearly 50 Senior Design Projects Across Several Engineering Disciplines on Innovation Exhibition 2024

Scale of Innovation and Creativity Demonstrate Scientific Discovery and Learning at Khalifa University

 

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced a total of 50 innovative senior design projects from several disciplines were showcased to various stakeholders on Khalifa University Innovation Exhibition 2024, an annual exhibition that acknowledges the creative excellence of senior graduating students.

 

The wide array of senior design concepts displayed at the Khalifa University Main Campus included areas of engineering and sciences such as electrical engineering and computer science,  biomedical engineering, management science and engineering, mechanical and nuclear engineering, and civil and environmental engineering and aerospace engineering. 

 

Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University said: “The sheer scale of innovation and creativity of nearly 50 senior design projects displayed on Innovation Exhibition 2024 validate the status of Khalifa University as a compelling choice for scientific discovery and learning. The projects also demonstrate the research and analytical skills of our engineering faculty and students to find alternative methods for addressing pressing societal challenges, by designing and refining existing devices or methods, and constructing working prototypes to effectively frame problems and resolve them through meaningful solutions.”  

 

Biomedical engineering projects included cognitive training games with wearable tremor monitoring devices for Parkinson’s patients; smart home monitoring; integrated multi-omics analyses of autoimmune disorders in Emirati population; wearable photonic based sensors for upper limbs rehabilitation monitoring and intelligent systems assisted physical therapy and rehabilitation systems. 

 

Some of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science projects included a Vision system targeting autonomous cars for real-time object detection; Improving the efficiency and drive range of existing electric bicycles; Building a forensic investigation system; Smart eco-friendly chamber for sustainable plant growth and water harvesting; Augmented Reality game for teaching UN sustainability goals to young school kids.

 

In addition to Mechanical and nuclear Engineering projects, Management Science and Engineering projects, included Blockchain applications for improving healthcare supply chain and logistics; Application of Lean Six Sigma in inventory optimization at Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC); Simulation and design of electrical bus system at Khalifa University; and Simulation design and analysis of metro station. Some of the Civil and Environmental Engineering projects included Design of an origami-inspired civil structure; and Sustainable asphalt pavements, while the Aerospace Engineering projects like the Design of a Radio Controlled (RC) aircraft, Robotic sorting of airplane engine blades, Remote sensing CubeSat for climate change impact assessment, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (e-VTOL) last mile delivery system, and an experimental rig for aerodynamic testing were also on display.

 

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
20 May 2024

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‘We are helpless’: Asia struggles to cope with punishing heatwave

From Sri Lanka to Thailand, a spring surge in temperatures has made life intolerable for hundreds of millions

 

“It feels like you’re at the wrong end of an air conditioner,” said Franco Malcampo, from Davao City in the Philippines, which is in the grip of a punishing heatwave.

 

His daughter, who is asthmatic, takes a desk fan to study in a sweltering classroom at school, but it merely blows hot air in her face.

 

Franco’s family have air conditioning at home, which has to be cranked up full from lunchtime. “Our electric bill has gone up,” he says, which squeezes his sales executive salary.

 

Manila, the sprawling capital of 15 million, hit a record 38.8ºC on April 27. And it was so hot last week that big cats in the zoo were given “bloodsicles” to suck on to avert heat stroke.

 

From Sri Lanka in the west to Thailand and the Philippines in the east, Asia has been subject to a merciless heatwave that has outdoor workers collapsing and residents flocking to malls for relief.

 

April and May are the hottest months for much of the continent – but this year many countries are breaking records.

 

“It is extremely hot. I am sweating profusely but I am helpless,” Mahesh Solanki, who sells tea at a stall in Gujarat – where it was 41ºC on Thursday – told The National.

 

“I have to work to make ends meet.”

 

In Bangkok, the world’s most visited city, the mercury was in the mid-30s, with 70 per cent humidity and daily thunderstorms this week.

 

Even for Thais used to equatorial conditions, it was “absurdly hot”, one resident told The National.

 

“Families have flocked to shopping malls to take advantage of their air conditioning,” he said.

 

“Most people spend very little time outdoors.”

 

Solutions big and small

 

Scientists warn these super hot spring and summer temperatures are here to stay – and all of the evidence points to climate change as the cause.

 

Ramit Debnath, an assistant professor at the University of Cambridge, who studies the climate in the subcontinent, said there was now a consensus that measures needed to be taken to adapt to a warming climate.

 

“We’re now at the stage where a lot of things have to be viewed from the lens of climate adaptation, especially at the urban and city level,” Prof Debnath said.

 

At a local level, shelters to offer shade from the sun, reflective building surfaces and increases in urban tree cover can reduce the impact of extreme temperatures.

 

And at the top level, governments must do far more to meet targets on emissions.

 

“The stress is on trying to build shading infrastructure and getting the message out that heatwaves are getting real, so prepare yourself,” he said.

 

As another example of how people can cope with or adapt to heatwaves, he said that some schoolchildren in India were being reminded to drink water every 30 minutes.

 

“And usual government guidelines are don’t leave the house unless it’s extremely important,” he said.

 

Other measures, he said, included adding more trees or water features to urban areas, as these can reduce temperatures.

 

Bob Ward, policy and communications director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, part of the London School of Economics, said painting buildings white to reflect the heat was recommended.

 

“Heatwaves are growing in intensity and frequency around the world,” Mr Ward said. “They’re particularly dangerous in those regions already prone to extreme heat. Even healthy people are in danger from the temperatures we see.”

 

India, except in the Himalayan states in the north, has recently witnessed temperatures between 38ºC and 40ºC. The capital, Delhi, sizzled at 42ºC – the hottest day this season – on Tuesday.

 

The national weather agency warned of intense heatwaves in the state of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh this week.

 

According to a study in The Lancet, the annual number of heat-related deaths among over-65s in India between 2017 and 2021, an average of 31,000, was 55 per cent higher than it was between 2000 and 2004, when the annual figure was 20,000.

 

At least eight people were killed in April due to heatwaves in the country, according to media reports.

 

 

Millions of voters have been casting their ballots in peak temperatures as India holds a seven-phase election for its lower house of parliament.

 

Last month, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari fainted while campaigning in western state of Maharashtra.

 

The Election Commission of India issued an advisory asking voters not to go out during the hottest part of the day, and has made arrangements for drinking water and fans at polling booths.

 

Bangladesh, which typically receives around 130mm of rain in April, had almost none this year as the heatwave broke the record of 76 years.

 

At least 10 deaths were reported across the country last month due to heatstroke.

 

The temperatures last week were hovering at 43ºC, with authorities advising people to not venture out in the sun.

 

High temperatures have been baking parts of Sri Lanka, with the mercury on the island nation rising to 39ºC, causing the national meteorological department to issue an “extreme caution” heat advisory.

 

“There have been a few hospital admissions, mainly due to fainting, headaches and dehydration,” Kasun Nupearachchi, a Colombo-based software engineer, told The National.

 

“I am trying to keep cool by using air conditioning or a fan, staying hydrated with water and planning ahead by cancelling or rescheduling activities for the coolest part of the day.”

 

 

El Nino effect looms

 

Dr Diana Francis, head of the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Lab at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, said the world’s climate is currently being influenced by the El Nino weather system.

 

During an El Nino phase, warmer surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean cause the climate to be warmer, while in the opposite La Nina system, they tend to be cooler.

 

She said that climate change was also partly responsible, as Asia has experienced a trend in which heatwaves are becoming more common and lasting longer.

 

“Attribution studies have found that this is linked to global warming and, more specifically, to the formation of stagnant heat domes over the continent,” Dr Francis said.

 

She said many big cities were facing combinations of high temperatures and humidity, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, making them “uncomfortable to live in without cooling systems”.

 

Mr Ward warned that there was no respite in sight, with continued increases in temperature inevitable over the coming years.

 

“Unfortunately it’s locked in for the next two decades, at least. We’re going to see things get worse,” he said.

 

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UAE temperatures rising faster at night than during the day, researchers find

Increased atmospheric moisture levels are partly responsible for the trend, a new study indicates

 

Climate change is causing temperatures in the UAE to increase more during the night than during the day, a new study has found.

 

The scientists behind the research have also warned that extreme rainfall events in the country are going to become more common.

 

Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the findings are the latest to highlight how global warming is likely to make the region’s climate more extreme.

 

“Higher night-time temperatures will likely further exacerbate the mugginess in a region where the combination of heat and humidity at times exceeds the threshold for human habitability,” the paper states.

 

Night-time temperatures are going to increase faster than those during the day because, with global warming, low-level cloud cover is increasing, said Dr Diana Francis, an assistant professor at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi and the first author of the study.

 

Average monthly surface air temperature and rainfall in UAE (1991-2020)

 

‘Ultra-extreme heatwaves’

 

 

As temperatures increase, evaporation becomes stronger, which results in greater moisture content in the atmosphere.

 

The paper warned that this will “promote more extreme precipitation events”, raising the prospect that heavy rains of the kind that caused severe flooding in the UAE will happen more often.

 

rlier this month there was severe flooding after some parts of the UAE received more than 250mm of rain in a 24-hour period, the most in the country’s history.

 

Extreme rainfall events in countries located in the current subtropics are expected to be on the rise, both in frequency and intensity, due to global warming,” Dr Francis said.

 

The paper also indicates that the size of arid areas in the Mena region are set to continue increasing, in part because of climate change.

 

“The arid and semi-arid regions over northern Africa and south-west Asia have been expanding in the last several decades with their impacts aggravated by the rapid population growth and they are likely to become even more extreme in a warming climate,” the paper said.

 

Numerous researchers have analysed climate change trends in the Middle East and they have identified a number of trends.

 

Overall in the Middle East, temperatures are on average rising faster than they are in the rest of the world, according to Prof Jos Lelieveld, a climate researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany and The Cyprus Institute.

 

Prof Lelieveld, who was not part of the latest study, said a key factor for this is that, with much of the region being desert, there is little moisture in the soils.

 

Other regions typically have higher levels of soil moisture, and this absorbs solar energy when it changes from liquid to gas during evaporation, which limits temperature increases.

 

Another trend, evident in the region as a whole, he said, is that temperatures are rising more in summer than they are in winter.

 

“The temperature trend is really fast in the summer,” Prof Lelieveld said. “Overall the temperature trends are much faster than in most other parts of the world.”

 

Prof Walter Leal, a climate change researcher at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in Germany and Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK, described desertification, which is partly driven by climate change, as “a significant environmental concern with far-reaching impacts”.

 

These impacts include the loss of arable land, which reduces food production and can lead to food insecurity, he said, especially in regions that are already vulnerable.

 

“Also, as fertile land turns into desert, the availability of freshwater resources diminishes,” Prof Leal said. “This can exacerbate water scarcity, affecting not only human populations but also the flora and fauna that depend on these water sources.

 

“Moreover, desertification can lead to the loss of habitats for many species, reducing biodiversity.”

 

Desertification can also force people to leave their homes, Prof Leal said, potentially causing overcrowding in urban areas and increasing the risk of conflict over resources.

 

“It is important that carbon emissions peak and then significantly decline in the coming decades to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change,” Prof Leal added.