Exhaust Components Research Articles

Comparing Methods of Calculating Aircraft Engine Emissions of Harmful Exhaust Components During the Takeoff and Landing Cycle in the Airspace of an Airport

Abstract An airport authority needs accurate information about the actual amount of harmful emissions being generated within its airspace, to be able to take measures leading to their reduction. This article presents two methods for estimating the amount of these emissions from aircraft engines during the take off and landing cycle (LTO) in the airspace of a medium-sized airport: one based on the total amount of the aircraft annually operated in it, and a second, more precise, one for a specific airline annually operating at this airport. The conclusions stemming from the comparison of these methods can support the introduction of operational and technical procedures reducing harmful emissions in the airport airspace during LTO cycle.

Job Satisfaction and Burnout in Croatian Physiotherapists.

Background: Physiotherapists are important healthcare professionals in modern and multidisciplinary health forces. However, they are exposed to a high risk of occupational burnout, which is associated with reduced job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is essential for medical professionals because it directly influences patient safety and the quality of medical care. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between sociodemographic variables of Croatian physiotherapists, job satisfaction, and occupational burnout. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 404 physiotherapists using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Job Descriptive Index (JDI), and Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). Results: The study group of Croatian physiotherapists was marked by a high level of job satisfaction and occupational burnout. However, a higher level of occupational burnout is associated with lower job satisfaction. The main determinants of job satisfaction were younger age, female gender, less work experience, and married or partnership. At the same time, a higher level of occupational burnout was associated with working in government institutions and being single. Conclusions: As a reaction to psychological stress at work with the main components of exhaustion and disengagement, occupational burnout is negatively associated with job satisfaction. Therefore, assessing the factors influencing job satisfaction and burnout in the workplace can help develop physiotherapists’ mental health prevention strategies.

Direct identification of total and missing OH reactivities from light-duty gasoline vehicle exhaust in China based on LP-LIF measurement

Considerable efforts have been devoted to characterising the chemical components of vehicle exhaust. However, these components may not accurately reflect the contribution of vehicle exhaust to atmospheric reactivity because of the presence of species not accounted for (“missing species”) given the limitations of analytical instruments. In this study, we improved the laser photolysis–laser-induced fluorescence (LP–LIF) technique and applied it to directly measure the total OH reactivity (TOR) in exhaust gas from light-duty gasoline vehicles in China. The TOR for China I to VI-a vehicles was 15.6, 16.3, 8.4, 2.6, 1.5, and 1.6 × 104 sec−1, respectively, reflecting a notable drop as emission standards were upgraded. The TOR was comparable between cold and warm starts. The missing OH reactivity (MOR) values for China I to IV vehicles were close to zero with a cold start but were much higher with a warm start. The variations in oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) under different emission standards and for the two start conditions were similar to those of the MOR, indicating that OVOCs and the missing species may have similar production processes. Online measurement revealed that the duration of the stable driving stage was the primary factor leading to the production of OVOCs and missing species. Our findings underscore the importance of direct measurement of TOR from vehicle exhaust and highlight the necessity of adding OVOCs and other organic reactive gases in future upgrades of emission standards, such that the vehicular contribution to atmospheric reactivity can be more effectively controlled.

Toxicity of different biodiesel exhausts in primary human airway epithelial cells grown at air-liquid interface

Biodiesel is created through the transesterification of fats/oils and its usage is increasing worldwide as global warming concerns increase. Biodiesel fuel properties change depending on the feedstock used to create it. The aim of this study was to assess the different toxicological properties of biodiesel exhausts created from different feedstocks using a complex 3D air-liquid interface (ALI) model that mimics the human airway. Primary human airway epithelial cells were grown at ALI until full differentiation was achieved. Cells were then exposed to 1/20 diluted exhaust from an engine running on Diesel (ULSD), pure or 20% blended Canola biodiesel and pure or 20% blended Tallow biodiesel, or Air for control. Exhaust was analysed for various physio-chemical properties and 24-h after exposure, ALI cultures were assessed for permeability, protein release and mediator response. All measured exhaust components were within industry safety standards. ULSD contained the highest concentrations of various combustion gases. We found no differences in terms of particle characteristics for any of the tested exhausts, likely due to the high dilution used.Exposure to Tallow B100 and B20 induced increased permeability in the ALI culture and the greatest increase in mediator response in both the apical and basal compartments. In contrast, Canola B100 and B20 did not impact permeability and induced the smallest mediator response. All exhausts but Canola B20 induced increased protein release, indicating epithelial damage.Despite the concentrations of all exhausts used in this study meeting industry safety regulations, we found significant toxic effects. Tallow biodiesel was found to be the most toxic of the tested fuels and Canola the least, both for blended and pure biodiesel fuels. This suggests that the feedstock biodiesel is made from is crucial for the resulting health effects of exhaust exposure, even when not comprising the majority of fuel composition.

NSTX-U theory, modeling and analysis results

The mission of the low aspect ratio spherical tokamak NSTX-U is to advance the physics basis and technical solutions required for optimizing the configuration of next-step steady-state tokamak fusion devices. NSTX-U will ultimately operate at up to 2 MA of plasma current and 1 T toroidal field on axis for 5 s, and has available up to 15 MW of neutral beam injection power at different tangency radii and 6 MW of high harmonic fast wave heating. With these capabilities NSTX-U will develop the physics understanding and control tools to ramp-up and sustain high performance fully non-inductive plasmas with large bootstrap fraction and enhanced confinement enabled via the low aspect ratio, high beta configuration. With its unique capabilities, NSTX-U research also supports ITER and other critical fusion development needs. Super-Alfvénic ions in beam-heated NSTX-U plasmas access energetic particle (EP) parameter space that is relevant for both α-heated conventional and low aspect ratio burning plasmas. NSTX-U can also generate very large target heat fluxes to test conventional and innovative plasma exhaust and plasma facing component solutions. This paper summarizes recent analysis, theory and modelling progress to advance the tokamak physics basis in the areas of macrostability and 3D fields, EP stability and fast ion transport, thermal transport and pedestal structure, boundary and plasma material interaction, RF heating, scenario optimization and real-time control.

NSTX-U theory, modeling and analysis results

Abstract The mission of the low aspect ratio spherical tokamak NSTX-U is to advance the physics basis and technical solutions required for optimizing the configuration of next-step steady-state tokamak fusion devices. NSTX-U will ultimately operate at up to 2 MA of plasma current and 1 T toroidal field on axis for 5 seconds, and has available up to 15 MW of Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) power at different tangency radii and 6 MW of High Harmonic Fast Wave (HHFW) heating. With these capabilities NSTX-U will develop the physics understanding and control tools to ramp-up and sustain high performance fully non-inductive plasmas with large bootstrap fraction and enhanced confinement enabled via the low aspect ratio, high beta configuration. With its unique capabilities, NSTX-U research also supports ITER and other critical fusion development needs. Super-Alfvénic ions in beam-heated NSTX-U plasmas access energetic particle parameter space that is relevant for both -heated conventional and low aspect ratio burning plasmas. NSTX-U can also generate very large target heat fluxes to test conventional and innovative plasma exhaust and plasma facing component (PFC) solutions. This paper summarizes recent analysis, theory and modelling progress to advance the tokamak physics basis in the areas of macrostability and 3D fields, energetic particle stability and fast ion transport, thermal transport and pedestal structure, boundary and plasma material interaction, RF heating, scenario optimization and real-time control.

Chemical pollutants in closed environments of transportation and storage of non-dangerous goods – Insufficient legislation, low awareness, and poor practice in Hungary

ABSTRACT Several chemical pollutants can accumulate within the closed environments of transportation and storage. Pollutants are mainly residues of pesticides, volatile organic compounds and components of diesel exhaust. The study objectives were to (i) review the regulations relevant to occupational chemical exposures in closed environments of inland transportation and storage; and (ii) explore the practice of preventing these exposures. A systematic search and content analysis of international and Hungarian nation legal documents were carried out. In addition, semi-structured interviews with occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and warehouse managers were conducted. Analysis of legal documents highlighted the lack of explicit regulations on the investigated problem. The 21 interviews revealed that the participants had limited knowledge about the pollutants; they deemed chemical exposure rare and related health effects negligible. The revealed limitations indicate that this field should be more specifically regulated and OHS professionals should be better informed about these workplace hazards.

Exhaust Emissions from a Hybrid City Bus Fuelled by Conventional and Oxygenated Fuel

City buses are one of the main means of public transport in cities. As they move in a limited and densely populated area and are intensively exploited, it is particularly important that they are environmentally friendly. There are many ways to reduce emissions from city buses, including the use of hybrid propulsion. Another way is to use low-emission fuels. This article presents the results of the emission tests of an 18 m articulated city bus with a serial hybrid drive fuelled comparatively by conventional diesel fuel and oxygenated fuel containing 10% v/v of triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME). The emission tests were carried out during the actual operation of the bus on a route in Poznań (Poland) and over the SORT cycles. The obtained test results were compared also with the results obtained for a conventional bus. The reduction in emissions of some exhaust components was found when the hybrid bus was fuelled with oxygenated fuel during its actual operation on the bus route. There was a reduction in CO emissions by ~50% and NOx emissions by ~10%. Almost identical levels of PM and HC emissions and smoke opacity were observed for both fuels. In the SORT cycles, the differences in the emissions obtained for both types of fuel were small. In general, for the hybrid bus, a lower influence of oxygenated fuel on emissions was recorded than for the conventional bus.

The concept of a maintenance-free drive-thru inspection station for commercial vehicles

The article presents the concept of a maintenance-free inspection station intended for conducting drive-thru tests of commercial vehicles. The main purpose of building this type of diagnostic line is to carry out non-invasive, preliminary tests of heavy-duty vehicles entering the vehicle service area in terms of parameters affecting the safety of their operation in relation to the applicable standards. The main parameter to be assessed will be the concentration of toxic exhaust components, measured using remote sensing methods. In addition, the proposed diagnostic line can be supplemented with additional remote measurement systems, such as, for example, systems for assessing the condition of vehicle lighting, loads on individual axles and individual wheels of the vehicle, tire pressure, thermal load of the brake system, as well as a system for detecting leaks of fluids from the vehicle. Based on the carried out work, it has been shown that using the current specialist knowledge and the components of measurement systems available on the market, it is possible to develop an innovative diagnostic line using remote measurement methods.

Commentary on "Absorbed".

“Can the doctor simultaneously attend Man the molecular aggregate and Man the person; Man the unit of complex society and Man the ineffable?” —Edmund Pellegrino 1 My short poem “Absorbed” depicts the tension between the humane and scientific realms of clinical medicine through a fictional meeting between a preclinical medical student and a patient with cancer. The student is a novice to both the relational and technical aspects of a successful clinical encounter; her apparent uncertainty is expressed through the poem’s stream-of-consciousness, jumpy form. While awkwardly striving to model her idea of a good physician and focus on obtaining an accurate H&P, she neglects what is most important: the experience of the human being sitting in front of her. Though fictitious in details and chronology, this experience is authentic for medical trainees, who are frequently tasked with navigating the ever-fluid, complex science of clinical medicine (“Man the molecular aggregate”) without losing sight of the humanity of those they serve (“Man the person”). “She turned to me”—a blunt opening with the student already in the patient’s room; no pep talk from her resident, no moment to collect her thoughts, no deep breath before knocking on the door and greeting the waiting patient. This curt commencement provides a fitting encapsulation of the experience of a green student doctor, often unsure and sometimes uncomfortable with the tasks assigned by her superiors. Thrust into this new situation, unversed in the decorum surrounding a new patient encounter, the student assumes a simpler mode of relating, human-to-human rather than clinician-to-patient. This humane predisposition is revealed as the student first notices particularities about the patient (“glassy eyes” and “kaleidoscopic headscarf”) regardless of their clinical relevance. These idiomatic attributes exhibit the patient’s vibrant personal identity as juxtaposed against her “invariable uniform”—a standardized hospital gown devoid of personal expression. This observational role is quickly derailed as the student redirects herself to an analytical, objective persona, modeled to her as a good physician. After reorienting, the student “stumbles, tumbles” through the interview, which she describes as an “interrogation.” Her embarrassment about her inexperience signifies imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments or talents and have a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud, experienced by many new medical trainees. The prevalence of this phenomenon is evidenced by Villwock and colleagues’ 2016 pilot study, which concluded that nearly half of female medical students and a quarter of male students experience imposter syndrome and report burnout components of cynicism, depersonalization, and exhaustion. 2 This anxiety of not belonging, of being an imposter, can be further exacerbated by rationed time with patients, as modeled by more experienced physicians. The student in the poem feels not only overwhelmed and underqualified but also pressed by a lack of time to adequately navigate the intricacies of caring for an ill patient. The piece comes to a discouraging close as the patient’s experience comes to light: “Just a tissue,” she says, sniffling, revealing her sadness to the floundering trainee. Until this point, any real appreciation of the patient’s perspective beyond mere superficial observations has been painfully absent. The learner caught up in trying to be a great medical student fails to attend to the person, the whole person sitting in front of her. This patient could have just learned that her grueling treatments have been ineffective in treating her cancer. Or maybe she feels lonely and isolated because people tend to treat her differently now that she is bald and weak. Perhaps she is mourning the loss of her everyday life that has now been usurped by chemotherapy infusions, lab draws, and follow-up visits. An appreciation of this robust perspective is demoted by the trainee for any number of reasons: for instance, a lack of time, a desire to retrieve an accurate HPI to impress the attending, general anxiety about the ordeal resulting in tunnel vision centered on the task at hand. Yet, despite adequate reasoning, the failure of the student to attend to the patient’s emotional well-being is a failure to care for the patient. As Sir William Osler rightly stated, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” 3 In light of Osler’s observation, it should be the task of medical schools to emphasize not only scientific knowledge but also humanistic considerations, such as emotional and illness intelligence, philosophical reflection, and narrative competence, when shaping the character of tomorrow’s physicians.

Complete oxidation of CO and propene as model component of diesel exhaust and VOC using manganese oxide supported on octahedral (AlO63−)-Ce3+

The complete oxidation of CO and propene as a model components of diesel engine exhaust and VOC have been investigated on a series of Ce doped MnOx/Al2O3 catalysts. The optimized MnOx/Al2O3 doped with 0.05 mol Ce showed higher CO and propene oxidation activity at 200 °C and 215 °C, respectively. The physicochemical properties of catalysts were analyzed by using XRD, RAMAN, NMR, H2-TPR, HRTEM and XPS techniques. The formation of Mn3O4 and Mn4+ species were observed on the catalyst surface. 27Al solid-state NMR showed the formation of octahedral [AlO63−]-Ce3+ species. These species were responsible for the donation of oxygen required for CO and propene oxidation. The adsorbed oxygen and oxygen vacancies were formed on the catalyst surface due to the synergistic interaction between Mn, Ce, and Al. The HRTEM results showed formation of well dispersed Mn over Ce-O-Al, and facilitated the proton abstraction required to activate the hydrocarbon. The mechanistic and kinetic aspects of CO and propene oxidation on catalyst surfaces have been reported in detail.

Effects of quercetin on ultrafine petrol exhaust nanoparticles induced DNA damage, oxidative stress and inflammation in different sections of rat brain

The major constituent of air pollution is petrol exhaust a complex mixture of particles, gases and chemicals. The aim of the current research was to evaluate whether ultrafine petrol exhaust nanoparticles (PENPs), the particle component of exhaust from petrol engines can induce neurotoxicity in rats. We administered rats with repeated doses of PENPs (90 μg/rat and 180 μg/rat for 6 days (every second day) intratracheally (i.t.). This was followed by the evaluation of several neurotoxicity parameters in various sections of rat brain. PENP exposure caused surge in levels of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neurodegenerative disorder indicators like amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) levels in rat brain. Each section of the brain responded differently upon PENP exposure. Prior treatment with quercetin (60 mg/kg b.wt) inhibited elevation in the aforementioned parameters. Hence, PENP exposure was closely linked to neurotoxicity and the neuroprotective capacity of quercetin was also proved.

Measurement of particle removal performance for a novel design of range hood

A novel range hood (NRH) consisting of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter circulation component and exhaust component was designed to improve indoor air quality. The HEPA filter circulation component with an airflow rate of 72 l/s was used to remove the particulate matter generated by cooking activities and return filtered clean air to the room. The exhaust component was used to reject both particulate matter and other indoor air pollutants to the outdoors. Field measurements were carried out in an open kitchen of a two-floor residential house. The total occupied zone was about 160 m³ with a living area of 64 m2 (including an open kitchen) and a height of 2.5 m. Frying bacon that can generate a large number of particles of different sizes was used to simulate the daily cooking activities. Four operating conditions of the NRH were studied, i.e. 38 l/s exhaust airflow rate with the HEPA circulation on and off, and 78 l/s exhaust airflow rate with the HEPA circulation on and off. The concentration of PM0.1 count, PM2.5 mass, and PM10 mass were measured during measurements. The HEPA filter circulation part of the NRH can dramatically reduce the concentration of all sizes of particles generated by cooking activities. By combining the HEPA filter circulation component, the NRH can separately reduce the concentration of PM0.1, PM2.5, PM10 by up to 91.9%, 95.7%, 94.6% compared to that when only running the exhaust part.

Development of Internet of Things (IoT) Based Monitoring of Hazardous Exhaust Compounds in Air - A Review

Presence of pollutants in Air is the most prominent problem globally confronted now a day. The extreme use of fueled vehicles and rapid urbanization has deteriorated the air quality. This deteriorated air contains hazardous compounds like Mono-oxides & Di-oxides of carbon, Sulphur, Nitrogen, Atmospheric Particulate Matter. Exposure to such hazardous compounds in the air for a long time can cause damage to the human health. Traditional air monitoring systems consists of monitoring stations. As far as traditional air quality monitoring methods are concerned, they are highly expensive and requires a regular maintenance. Due to these limitations, these stations are deployed in small numbers and also it provides indicative values of the sensed data. This monitored data has low resolution and precision. This paper proposes framework for the development of smart and portable system using Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring of hazardous exhaust compounds in the air using real time. This framework consists of different types of sensors and a controller that are used for monitoring and assessment of the air quality. Also it is used to check the presence of hazardous compounds emitted by different industries and share this data through IOT. The outcome of the proposed research work can be utilized by industries as well as by other agencies to carry out an audit of hazardous exhaust components present in air, so as to take necessary precautions and to save human.

Homogeneous mixture CI engines as a key to the further development of IC piston engines

The article presents synthetically the methods of ignition of the air-fuel mixture in Internal Com-bustion (IC) engines along with the characteristics of their advantages and disadvantages, the problems of their use and the possibility of development. The further development of piston engines will require a drastic reduction in the emission of harmful exhaust components and carbon dioxide, which is the most important greenhouse gas emitted by IC engines. For this reason, not only the engines themselves must be changed but fuels as well. For the most effective use of them, self-ignition of a homogeneous fuel-air mixture should be implemented. In the present state of technical development is not possible to widespread use the most ad-vanced ways of self-ignition methods. Typical homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), where an engine uses only one type of the fuel and correctly self-ignite in the full scope of work is still not implemented in a serial production. In the foreign literature, there is a significant number of publications on various methods of Compression Igni-tion (CI) in IC engines, including IC in Dual Fuel (DF) engines. The Polish literature, however, is extremely sparse in this matter, and one can find a number of works on CI in single-fuel engines [1-10], but the topic of DF fueling is not too extensively described. For this reason, it seems important to publish an article on this important topic today. Keywords: internal combustion engines, CI engines, homogeneous mixture, dual-fuel engines, RCCI, DUAL FUEL, HCCI, ENGINES, PCCI, PPCI, PCI, SPCCI, SACIThe article presents synthetically the methods of ignition of the air-fuel mixture in Internal Com-bustion (IC) engines along with the characteristics of their advantages and disadvantages, the problems of their use and the possibility of development. The further development of piston engines will require a drastic reduction in the emission of harmful exhaust components and carbon dioxide, which is the most important greenhouse gas emitted by IC engines. For this reason, not only the engines themselves must be changed but fuels as well. For the most effective use of them, self-ignition of a homogeneous fuel-air mixture should be implemented. In the present state of technical development is not possible to widespread use the most ad-vanced ways of self-ignition methods. Typical homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI), where an engine uses only one type of the fuel and correctly self-ignite in the full scope of work is still not implemented in a serial production. In the foreign literature, there is a significant number of publications on various methods of Compression Igni-tion (CI) in IC engines, including IC in Dual Fuel (DF) engines. The Polish literature, however, is extremely sparse in this matter, and one can find a number of works on CI in single-fuel engines [1-10], but the topic of DF fueling is not too extensively described. For this reason, it seems important to publish an article on this important topic today. Keywords: internal combustion engines, CI engines, homogeneous mixture, dual-fuel engines, RCCI, DUAL FUEL, HCCI, ENGINES, PCCI, PPCI, PCI, SPCCI, SACI

Effects of temperature and load during hot impression behavior of Cr-Ni stainless steel

Austenitic Stainless steels are majorly used because of their high resistance to aqueous corrosion and high temperature properties. Some major applications of stainless steels at high temperatures include engine and exhaust components in aircrafts, recuperators in steel mills, and pulverized coal injection lances for blast furnaces. In all the above said applications, the components are constantly subjected to loads and high temperatures. This makes the study of their creep behavior very important to decide the life of the component. Cr-Ni stainless steel was used as a starting material, and hot impression creep test was performed on cylindrical samples of 10 mm height and 15 mm diameter for a dwell time of 150 min at two different loads of 84 and 98 MPa and at two different temperatures 450 and 500 °C. The time vs. indentation depth was plotted, and creep rate was calculated in each case. It was observed that with an increase in time, creep rate increased in the primary creep region and remained almost constant in the secondary creep region irrespective of temperature and load. The indentation depth and creep rate increased with an increase in load and temperature.

Analysis of Exhaust Gas Content for Selected Biofuel-Powered Combustion Engines with Simultaneous Modification of Their Controllers

The use of renewable resources for powering self-ignition engines in European Union countries involves a high demand for renewable energy which is not accompanied by the development of its production infrastructure. The application of biofuel in vehicle powering is supposed to provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in the share of renewable energy resources in the total energy consumption. The study includes the analyses of power unit exhaust components, such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitric oxides, carbonizers, carbon dioxide and a quantity of exhaust particles contained in exhaust gases. Tests using an exhaust gas analyzer and a vapor analyzer were conducted. Three high-pressure engines, characterized by direct fuel injection, were tested. The vehicle computer software adjustments included increasing the fuel dose and the air load. Mixtures of diesel oil and fatty acid methyl esters were used in the tests. Based on the results, a statistical analysis was performed and an assessment model was developed to understand the functioning of the research objects fueled with these mixtures, with simultaneous software changes in the vehicle computers. On the basis of the conducted analysis, it was found that only 30% of fatty acid methyl ester additives to diesel oil reduced the performance parameters of the drive units.

Wearables, Respiratory Rehabilitation, Acute Myocardial Infarction and Frailty, and High-Intensity Respiratory Muscle Training

Wearables, Respiratory Rehabilitation, Acute Myocardial Infarction and Frailty, and High-Intensity Respiratory Muscle Training

Assessment of the Impact of Applying a Non-Factory Dual-Fuel (Diesel/Natural Gas) Installation on the Traction Properties and Emissions of Selected Exhaust Components of a Road Semi-Trailer Truck Unit

Problems such as global warming and rising oil prices are driving the implementation of ideas to reduce liquid fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One of them is the use of natural gas as an energy source. It is a hydrocarbon fuel with properties that allow the reduction of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions during combustion. Solutions are being implemented that allow for the use of natural gas to means of transport, namely in trucks of various categories and intended use. These installations are used in new vehicles, but also in the form of conversion for used cars, usually several years old. The article presents the results of tests of an engine from a used semi-trailer truck with a mileage of approx. 800 thousand km, with the compressed natural gas supply system installed. This installation (hardware and software), depending on the engine operating conditions, enables the replacement of up to 80% of diesel (base fuel) with natural gas. The impact of changing the fuel supply method on the traction characteristics calculated with the use of external characteristics of both conventional and dual-fuel mode was assessed. The emissions of exhaust gas components were also determined under the conditions of the UNECE Regulation No. 49. The test results confirm that compared to conventional fueling, dual fueling allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, even in a used vehicle with high mileage. The use of a non-factory installation did not significantly affect the traction properties of the vehicle, and engine wear is of greater importance in this case (comparison with factory data). The work is a valuable supplement to the results of the research in which the impact of the use of a non-factory CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) supply system on the performance of a semi-trailer truck unit equipped with such an installation was assessed compared to a semi-trailer truck unit powered in a classic way with diesel fuel.

Association between dry mouth and physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Japan: The Otassha Study.

To elucidate the relationship between physical frailty and dry mouth among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Oral hypofunction is associated with physical frailty in older adults. Dry mouth, subjectively evaluated as xerostomia and objectively measured as hyposalivation, is highly prevalent in older adults. However, few reports have used both measures of dry mouth and investigated their association with physical frailty. This cross-sectional study included 643 individuals (mean age, 73.9years) from the Otassha Study in 2019. Xerostomia was assessed using the 5-item Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). Hyposalivation was assessed by measuring the amount of resting saliva using the modified cotton roll method. Frailty phenotypes were defined by weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity level and exhaustion components, and served as the outcome variable. Participants with three or more components were considered physically frail, and those with one or two components were considered pre-frail. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between physical frailty and xerostomia and hyposalivation. Among the participants, 4.5% and 49.8% had physical frailty and pre-frailty, respectively. In ordinal logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographic and health characteristics, the SXI score was associated with physical frailty status (adjusted odds ratio for a one-point increase in SXI, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.19). However, no difference was observed between the amount of resting saliva and severity of physical frailty. Xerostomia is associated with physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Not applicable.