The JEWEL of our nation (cont)

HelloOoo, welcome back to my blog! Following up from my previous post on Jewel Changi’s horticulture found in the indoor terraced garden, this week, I will be covering more on the Rain Vortex—the world’s TALLEST!! indoor waterfall standing at 40m. (This will sadly be soon overtaken by a new waterfall built in Qingdao, China, slated to open in 2020, standing at 50m tall :()

 

source: HSBC, 2019

 

Every minute, 37850L of water flows through the Rain Vortex waterfall (Channel News Asia, 2019). This water is obtained through 2 main sources, rainwater and NEWater, one of our 4 main national taps. In times of heavy rainfall, up to 45,000L of water can be collected per minute (CNA, 2019), where the excess water is collected and stored in a huge storage tank in the basement for future needs. This ability to reuse rainwater collected is crucial for a resource-poor country like Singapore, where recirculation of water in the system prevents precious water from being wasted. It also prevents the need for much additional water to be pumped into the system. On the other hand, the NEWater treatment plant supplies water to the storage tank when water levels in the tanks fall below a certain threshold value, ensuring a constant supply of water to maintain the waterfall all day round.

 

The waterfall also has a self-sustaining cooling system, which helps to ventilate and cool the entire Jewel hub to maintain temperatures at an optimum level of 23 degrees Celsius needed for the growth of the plants. This helps in achieving a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional cooling technologies (Architect Safdie, 2019). However, as with every indoor waterfall comes the issues associated with its microclimate. A waterfall crashes through the air and drags along air with it, generating turbulence. This creates clouds of mist, increasing the humidity of the environment, thereby increasing the electrical needs for dehumidifying the air, counter-effecting its intended purpose to certain extents.

 

In my opinion, I feel that for a land-scarce country like Singapore with no natural waterfalls, the idea of a man-made indoor waterfall sits in perfectly with the country. Such an attraction not only boosts tourism revenues but also makes the surrounding environments more aesthetically pleasing.  That said, we should continue to strive to develop newer and more efficient technologies to operate these facilities, reducing the carbon footprint of these attractions for a more sustainable development. This ensures that as Singapore continues to innovate and stay at the forefront as an economic hub, it does not neglect other environmental and social responsibilities, staying committed to reducing its carbon footprint as slated in the Paris Agreement. That’s it for this post, and I hope you’ve learnt something new about our very own Jewel Changi Airport—the world’s best airport! :”)

 

Cheers

Kelly :”)

 

References:

https://infographics.channelnewsasia.com/jewel-changi-airport/index.html

https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/content/dam/jca-project/documents/media/FACT_SHEET_Gardens_at_Jewel_FINAL.PDF

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201802/06/WS5a78a20ea3106e7dcc13aea0.html

 

6 thoughts on “The JEWEL of our nation (cont)

  1. Hey Kelly!

    Thanks for the informative post about how the Rain Vortex waterfall works! When you said “the electrical needs for dehumidifying the air” are increased due to the nature of an indoor waterfall, does this mean there are actually structures in Jewel’s indoor terraced garden to counter the humidity from the waterfall? I’m curious as to how the garden does so!

    – Deborah

  2. If humidity is an issue, perhaps there should be a some suction to pump humid air into plants which like water etc, ferns with hairy leaves should be good at condensing or trapping the humid air and removing it’s water…

    Otherwise, just try to reduce the splashing, wouldn’t that help somewhat?

  3. Sermorelin, ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are peptides that stimulate the release of growth hormone from the pituitary
    gland. They are used in clinical research and sometimes for
    anti-aging purposes. The molecules differ in their structure, potency, duration of
    action and side-effect profile. Understanding these differences is essential for
    choosing a therapy or designing a protocol.

    Introduction

    The human body produces growth hormone (GH) under the
    control of the hypothalamic hormone growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).
    In many clinical situations GH levels are low, either because of age, disease or injury.
    Traditional GH replacement therapy requires daily injections
    of recombinant GH and can lead to side effects such
    as joint pain, fluid retention and increased risk of diabetes.

    Peptide analogues that stimulate the natural release of GH offer an alternative that may reduce some adverse outcomes while mimicking physiological
    patterns of secretion. Sermorelin, ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are among the most studied of these peptides.

    What is Sermorelin?

    Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that closely resembles the
    first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH. It binds to the same receptor on pituitary cells but has a shorter half-life, meaning it stimulates GH release
    for a limited time after injection. The drug
    is usually given as a subcutaneous injection once or twice daily and produces a transient spike in GH levels that peaks within 30 minutes
    and returns toward baseline within a few hours.
    Because of its short action, multiple doses may be required
    to maintain steady growth hormone secretion throughout the day.

    Sermorelin’s advantages include its safety profile, low cost compared with other analogues and
    the fact that it does not produce an excessively high GH level, which can reduce the risk
    of insulin resistance or edema. Its disadvantages are the need for frequent injections and
    a lower overall daily dose of GH relative to longer-acting peptides.

    What is Ipamorelin?

    Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that functions as a selective
    GHRH receptor agonist with high potency. Unlike sermorelin, ipamorelin has minimal activity on other receptors such as opioid or
    melanocortin, which reduces the likelihood of unwanted side effects.
    It induces GH release in a similar pattern to natural secretion: a
    rapid rise followed by a decline over several hours.

    Ipamorelin is typically administered once daily and can be combined with other peptides like sermorelin or CJC-1295 for synergistic effects.

    Because it has a short half-life, the total amount of GH released each day is lower than that
    achieved with long-acting analogues, but its safety profile remains favorable.

    What is CJC-1295?

    CJC-1295 (also known as Geref) is a peptide composed of 33
    amino acids that mimics GHRH. It is engineered to bind
    the receptor more tightly and resist enzymatic degradation.
    This gives it an extended half-life, allowing for once weekly
    dosing while maintaining elevated GH levels over several days.
    CJC-1295 can be formulated with or without a drug carrier such as PEGylation; the PEGylated
    version has an even longer duration of action.

    Because CJC-1295 continuously stimulates GH release, it produces higher overall daily doses of GH than sermorelin or
    ipamorelin alone. This can be advantageous for patients who require greater
    anabolic stimulation but may increase the risk of side
    effects such as fluid retention, joint pain and insulin resistance.

    Sermorelin vs. CJC-1295: Comparing GH Release Peptides

    The main differences between sermorelin and CJC-1295
    revolve around duration of action, potency, dosing frequency and safety.

    Duration of Action

    Sermorelin is short-acting, producing a transient peak in GH that lasts
    only a few hours. CJC-1295 is long-acting; it maintains elevated GH levels for up to five days after injection.

    Potency

    CJC-1295 binds more strongly to the GHRH receptor and resists
    breakdown, resulting in greater stimulation of
    GH secretion per dose. Sermorelin produces less GH per injection but can be given multiple times daily to approach a similar
    total output.

    Dosing Frequency

    Sermorelin is usually injected twice a day; ipamorelin once daily; CJC-1295 once weekly or every two weeks
    depending on the formulation. Patients who prefer fewer injections may favor CJC-1295, while those who want more controlled spikes might choose sermorelin.

    Safety Profile

    All three peptides are generally well tolerated. Short-acting
    agents such as sermorelin and ipamorelin tend to produce fewer side effects because they do not maintain high
    GH levels for prolonged periods. Long-acting CJC-1295 can cause
    edema, joint discomfort and transient increases in blood glucose due to sustained GH exposure.

    Clinical Applications

    Growth Hormone Deficiency

    Patients with proven GH deficiency may benefit from any of these peptides if recombinant GH is contraindicated or too expensive.

    The choice depends on cost, patient preference for injection frequency and
    tolerance of side effects.

    Anti-Aging and Body Composition

    In the anti-aging market, CJC-1295 is favored for its ability to
    increase lean body mass and reduce fat over
    time with a single weekly dose. Sermorelin may be preferred by those who want a more natural pattern of GH release and
    fewer injections.

    Athletic Performance and Recovery

    Ipamorelin’s short action and minimal side effects make it popular among athletes
    seeking muscle recovery without the risk of edema or joint pain. Combining ipamorelin with low-dose sermorelin can provide
    both a spike in GH and sustained support.

    Research Use

    In experimental studies, CJC-1295 has been used to examine long-term anabolic pathways because its persistent
    action allows researchers to observe cumulative effects over weeks.

    Sermorelin is frequently used in short-term trials that require
    precise timing of GH peaks. Ipamorelin’s selectivity makes it useful
    for investigations into GHRH receptor function without confounding activation of other receptors.

    Administration Techniques

    All peptides are delivered subcutaneously, usually
    at the abdomen or thigh. Rotating injection sites reduces the risk of lipodystrophy.
    Proper reconstitution with sterile water and use of preservative-free syringes are essential
    to maintain peptide integrity.

    Monitoring and Adjustment

    Baseline GH levels should be measured dianabol before and after reddit starting therapy.
    Subsequent testing can be performed after 4–6 weeks of treatment to assess response.
    Adjustments in dose or frequency may be required based on side
    effects, changes in body composition or laboratory markers such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

    Potential Side Effects

    Common adverse reactions include injection site irritation, mild
    swelling and headache. Long-acting agents can cause more pronounced edema and
    joint discomfort. Rarely, patients develop an antibody response that
    reduces peptide efficacy.

    Regulatory Status

    In many jurisdictions these peptides are not approved for human use outside of clinical trials or as investigational drugs.
    They may be available through compounding pharmacies or
    research suppliers, but legal status varies by country.
    Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional before
    initiating therapy.

    Conclusion

    Sermorelin, ipamorelin and CJC-1295 each
    provide distinct advantages for stimulating endogenous growth hormone release.
    Sermorelin offers a short, physiologic pattern with
    minimal side effects but requires frequent injections.
    Ipamorelin provides potent stimulation with a simple once daily schedule and low off-target activity.
    CJC-1295 delivers prolonged GH exposure with
    fewer injections but carries a higher risk of fluid
    retention and joint pain. The choice among these peptides
    should be guided by the patient’s clinical goals, tolerance for side effects, preference for injection frequency and regulatory considerations.

  4. Nevertheless, in some cases, patients skilled up
    to 5 years of azoospermia, a medical condition where a male is unable to supply any sperm.
    Some information in regards to the growth of clitoromegaly
    can be found from analysis in female-to-male transsexual
    sufferers. In one research, stretched clitoral length elevated
    from 1.four cm at baseline to 3 cm after 4 months of receiving 200 mg testosterone cypionate every different week (226).

    The steroid is a catch-all term for numerous substances that mimic the consequences of the hormone testosterone.
    We Have already mentioned that steroids can influence
    the liver’s ability to take away toxins affecting
    fertility. Nonetheless, if you look beyond that, having a damaged liver
    can also trigger many different well being problems.

    For instance, spermatogenesis could nonetheless occur with
    hCG usage despite undetectable FSH and LH circulating levels (Smit et al., 2020;
    Bond et al., 2022). Particularly, hCG doubtlessly preserves spermatogenesis throughout gonadotropin suppression (Matsumoto et al., 1986).

    As demonstrated here, it is extremely challenging to research the overall results of
    polypharmacy and the use of unknown or hidden substances, so its
    potential anecdotal advantages and risks remain largely unknown.
    Therefore, the real-world of AAS abusers is extremely advanced, making
    it challenging to elaborate evidence-based suggestions for the prevention and management of AAS adverse
    occasions. In males, the medications will help to manage
    the discharge of FSH and LH, which are essential for quality sperm manufacturing.

    In the current research, potential danger factors that were
    hypothesized to result in an elevated chance of
    AAS resumption had been examined in a cohort of ninety four male
    sufferers recognized with infertility secondary to persistent anabolic-androgenic use.
    There was a pattern that men who resumed AAS remedy had been receiving treatment for longer than patients who remained off AAS therapy.
    Overall, our examine outlines that the likelihood of AAS resumption in sufferers who chronically use anabolic steroids deserves more scientific attention for the shared patient-provider decision-making about male infertility choices.
    Though it remains to be established whether or not there are
    identifiable threat components for AAS resumption, this is
    the primary examine, to our data, that poses
    this question. The HAARLEM examine by Smit et al. [28], involving a hundred
    male athletes who had taken AAS discovered that greater than two-thirds of the
    members developed oligozoospermia, lowered testicular volumes, and low whole sperm
    depend.
    Scheme summarizing the actions of Anabolic-androgenic
    steroids on the completely different techniques of the female organism.
    Hormones corresponding to testosterone, 5-α-DHT, and estradiol substantially affect biochemical and physiological pathways,
    impacting cell construction and performance (Berman et al., 2003, Sarrel, 2002, Bertin et
    al., 2014). Though androgens play a role in estrogen synthesis, their unbiased actions additionally contribute to physiological effects (Ceccarelli et al., 2022,
    Labrie et al., 2001, Smith and Batur, 2001). In goal tissues, the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme transforms circulating
    testosterone into 5-α-DHT, which is predominantly aromatized by the aromatase enzyme into estradiol
    (Smith and Batur, 2001). The energetic ingredient
    in Anavar is an artificial form of testosterone known as oxandrolone, which may intrude with the body’s natural hormone
    production.
    Long-term use of steroids poses a danger of permanent injury to the
    reproductive system, leading to chronic infertility issues.
    Its effects are patent when employing it in substitute therapy in hypogonadal subjects [18,19,20].

    This increased protein production can result in a decrease in testosterone
    manufacturing, which may end up in a decrease in sperm production and fertility.
    Additionally, Anavar can cause testicular atrophy, which
    is a shrinking of the testicles.
    Erectile dysfunction may be a consequence of psychological components,
    as libido might rise sharply in an AAS consumer in the course of the cycle and occasionally
    hinder a wholesome and mutual sexual relationship. AS abuse suppresses the secretion of luteinizing hormone
    and follicle-stimulating hormone that, in flip, results in decreased spermatogenesis (5,6).
    Research of supraphysiological dosages of testosterone (an AS) show that it provides efficient contraception in most wholesome men with baseline regular spermatogenesis (6).

    The Desk 1 recapitulates the different products used, their business name,
    their prices and active agent. Addressing steroid-induced infertility involves a
    proactive approach to remedy. Understanding the risks and taking steps to mitigate them is essential for those who
    have used or are considering the use of anabolic steroids.

    For instance, the variety of AAS abusers
    are rare in Japanese Asia however high in Brazil, Commonwealth international locations, Europe and North America (Pope, Wooden, et
    al., 2014b). In the quest for peak bodily efficiency and
    muscle mass, anabolic steroids have emerged as a popular, but controversial, shortcut.
    These synthetic substances, designed to imitate the consequences of
    the male intercourse hormone testosterone, promise enhanced energy and stamina.
    Use of anabolic steroids can lower the production of sperm
    to infertile ranges and interrupt spermatogenesis
    (normal sperm development).
    Not Like androgenic anabolic steroids, natural anabolics are substances which might be typically used as dietary
    supplements with the aim of stimulating the endogenous manufacturing of hormones that promote muscle growth.
    I personally advocate hormonal remedy in all males coming off
    exogenous androgens for fertility causes for 2 reasons. One, I even have found that if we
    are ready to get the man’s testosterone ranges back to a great degree,
    then he is much less more probably to expertise bothersome low T symptoms and therefore go back on TRT before he has succeeded in having a toddler.
    The other reason is that the return of sperm production is usually faster when hormonal medicines are began. T boosters are substances which might be
    supposed to increase the natural production of
    testosterone by the physique. The commonest use of T boosters is
    in males utilizing anabolic steroids who need to promote the return of natural testosterone manufacturing between anabolic cycles.
    Generally used T boosters include Tribulus terrestris (also generally
    known as puncture vine), ginseng (from the Panax genus), and
    D-aspartic acid (DAA), an amino acid.

    References:

    PedsElite

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