Global Effects Research Articles

Investigation of the effect of biofuel addition to jet fuel on engine performance and emissions in model jet engine

The use of biofuel reinforced fossil fuels is increasing day by day, thanks to such as reducing the carcinogenic effects of fossil fuels and reducing the global warming effect. The unmanned aerial vehicle breakthrough made in our country, especially in the defense industry, will ensure that the use of smaller unmanned aerial vehicles becomes more widespread in the future, allowing us to reach more effective and economical solutions. In this study, biofuel was obtained from safflower oil, and the effect of adding various amounts of biofuel to kerosene in a model jet engine on engine performance, and emissions was examined. The closest results to kerosene in fuel consumption, thrust force and the use of biofuel to reinforce fossil fuels is increasing day by day. This is due to its ability to reduce the carcinogenic effects of fossil fuels and also to reduce the global warming effect. In Türkiye, especially in the defense industry, there has been a significant breakthrough in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. This breakthrough will ensure that the use of smaller unmanned aerial vehicles becomes more widespread in the future, allowing us to reach more effective and economical solutions. In this study, biofuel was produced from safflower oil. Researchers examined the effect of adding different amounts of biofuel into kerosene fuel in a model jet engine. Engine performance and emissions were analyzed in the study. When the specific fuel consumption of kerosene fuel is compared to the average of all cycles of other fuels, it is 5.6 % more than B10 fuel, 12.4 % more than B20 fuel and 15 % more than B30 fuel. 8.3 % less thrust force was obtained. The highest turbine inlet temperature values were obtained with Kerosene fuel. Similar results were obtained in terms of emissions, but the best results were obtained with Kerosene fuel. When the averages of the entire experiment with biodiesel blend fuels were compared, it was stated that it constituted an acceptable alternative fuel.

Sensitivity of Easterly QBO’s Boreal Winter Teleconnections and Surface Impacts to SSWs

Abstract The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is thought to influence boreal winter surface conditions over Asia and around the North Atlantic. Confirming if these responses are robust is complicated by the QBO having multiple pathways to influence surface conditions as well as internal variability. The reanalysis record suggests that sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs), breakdowns of the polar vortex that can elicit persistent surface impacts, are more frequent during easterly QBO (EQBO). Hence, this modulated frequency of SSWs may account for some of the EQBO surface responses. However, many climate models do not reproduce this QBO–SSW relationship, perhaps because it is noise or because the model QBOs are deficient. We circumvent these issues by using an ensemble of fixed boundary condition branched simulations in which a realistic EQBO is prescribed in control simulations previously devoid of a QBO, allowing us to isolate the transient atmospheric response to EQBO. Imposing EQBO accelerates the tropical upper-tropospheric wind, shifts the subtropical jet poleward, and attenuates the polar vortex. Interestingly, the latter is not entirely dependent on the statistically significant increase in SSW frequency due to EQBO. Corroborating observations, EQBO is associated with warmer surface temperatures over Asia and negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) conditions. We then subsample the branched/control simulations based on which EQBO members have SSWs. The negative NAO response is primarily associated with more frequent SSWs, while the Asia warming develops irrespective of SSWs. These results have implications for wintertime predictability and clarify the pairing of particular QBO teleconnections with certain surface impacts. Significance Statement The QBO is one of the few parts of the Earth system that is predictable months in advance and that also elicits global effects on surface temperature, circulation, and precipitation. Unfortunately, climate models and operational forecast systems do not simulate the QBO well and it is not always clear how robust the global impacts of the QBO are. Here, we impose the QBO in idealized model simulations, which modulates wintertime surface temperature and precipitation over Asia, the North Atlantic, Europe, and Africa in a manner consistent with observations. This work substantiates the importance of climate and forecast models properly simulating the QBO.

How global and national institutions interactively shape firms’ commitment to innovation regimes in latecomer countries

We investigate how the duality of innovation regimes in latecomer countries is institutionally shaped. We first specify the firm-level mechanism of commitment to both knowledge use and knowledge generation regimes with reference to the allocation of government grants across investments in machinery and equipment, and in research and development. Then, we theorize the interactive effects of global and national institutional systems on firms’ commitment to these innovation regimes. Our analysis of firm-level data from 16 latecomer countries classified as either hierarchical or collaborative national institutional systems indicates that, although firms are committed to both innovation regimes, the effect of global cultural rationalization steers firms toward the knowledge generation regime and away from the knowledge use regime. However, this movement away from the knowledge use regime due to rationalization is weaker in hierarchical systems. We contribute to the innovation regime literature by elucidating the firm-level duality in innovation regimes subject to global and national institutional effects.

Global Trends in the Research and Development of Petrochemical Waste Gas from 1981 to 2022

As a highly energy-intensive and carbon-emitting industry with significant emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the petroleum and chemical industry is a major contributor to the global greenhouse effect and ozone layer destruction. Improper treatment of petrochemical waste gas (PWG) seriously harms human health and the natural environment. This study uses CiteSpace and VOSviewer to conduct a scientometric analysis of 1384 scholarly works on PWG and carbon sequestration published between 1981 and 2022, revealing the basic characteristics, knowledge base, research topic evolution, and research hotspots of the field. The results show the following: (1) In the early stages of the petrochemical industry, it was processed tail gas, plant leakage waste gas, and combustion flue gas that were investigated in PWG research. (2) Later, green environmental protection technology was widely studied in the field of PWG treatment, such as biotechnology, catalytic oxidation technology, membrane separation technology, etc., in order to achieve efficient, low energy consumption and low emissions of waste gas treatment, and the number of publications related to this topic has increased rapidly. In addition, researchers studied the internet of things and technology integration, such as the introduction of artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and other technologies, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of exhaust gas monitoring, control, and management. (3) The department has focused on how to reduce emissions by optimizing petrochemical process lines or improving energy efficiency. Emission reduction and low-carbon transition in the petrochemical industry will become the main trend in the future. Switching from renewable carbon to feedstock carbon derived from captured carbon dioxide, biomass, or recycled chemicals has become an attractive strategy to help curb emissions from the chemical industry. The results of our analysis can provide funding agencies and research groups with information to better understand the global trends and directions that have emerged in this field from 1981 to 2022 and serve as a reference for future research.

Assessing the trade response to pandemic-related non-tariff measures

ABSTRACT This paper assesses the global trade effects of COVID-19-related non-tariff measures (NTMs), with a particular emphasis on their varied impacts across products and income groups over time. Utilizing a newly constructed NTM dataset alongside monthly trade data at the product level, we employ an event study framework to analyze the implications of trade-facilitating and trade-restricting NTMs implemented during the pandemic. Our main findings indicate an average increase of 1.2% in imports due to trade-facilitating NTMs and a 12% decrease in exports due to trade-restricting NTMs. Additionally, the analysis highlights variations in trade responses at the product level and significant differences across countries of varying income levels. This research enhances our understanding of the trade response to sudden trade cost shocks, offering critical insights into the impact of temporary trade measures within the context of a global health crisis and accompanying supply chain disruptions.

Effects of globalization and financial inclusion on energy intensity: The case of emerging economies

This research examines the effects of globalization and financial inclusion on the energy intensity of selected sixteen emerging economies by controlling the effects of economic growth, inflation, and stock market capitalization. The study period covers twenty-two years, starting from 2000 and ending in 2021, providing a complete perspective on the changing dynamics inside these countries. The study employs the novel technique of Method of Moment Quantile Regression (MMQR) to empirically assess the interlinkages between the employed factors on energy intensity. The findings suggest that when economies expand, engage in global trade, and encounter inflationary pressures, they tend to exhibit remarkable changes in energy intensity. The results find negative effects of globalization, GDP, and inflation on energy intensity. In contrast, a positive correlation exists between financial inclusion, stock market capitalization, and energy intensity. Policies must be designed with the objective of harnessing the advantages of globalization in order to enhance energy efficiency, encompassing elements such as technology transfer and regulatory harmonization. Concurrently, it is imperative to establish a sound relationship between financial inclusion and the expansion of stock markets, while also integrating sustainable energy practices.

Modelling and mapping carbon capture potential of farmed blue mussels in the Baltic Sea region

This study applies a regional Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model, enhanced to include biocalcification processes, to evaluate the carbon capture potential of farmed blue mussels (Mytilus edulis/trossulus) in the Baltic Sea. The research emphasises the long-term capture of carbon associated with shell formation, crucial for mitigating global warming effects. The model was built using a comprehensive pan-Baltic dataset that includes information on mussel growth, filtration and biodeposition rates, and nutrient content. The study also examined salinity, temperature, and chlorophyll a as key environmental factors influencing carbon capture in farmed mussels. Our findings revealed significant spatial and temporal variability in carbon dynamics under current and future environmental conditions. The tested future predictions are grounded in current scientific understanding and projections of climate change effects on the Baltic Sea. Notably, the outer Baltic Sea subbasins exhibited the highest carbon capture capacity with an average of 55 t (in the present scenario) and 65 t (under future environmental conditions) of carbon sequestrated per farm (0.25 ha) over a cultivation cycle – 17 months. Salinity was the main driver of predicted regional changes in carbon capture, while temperature and chlorophyll a had more pronounced local effects. This research advances our understanding of the role low trophic aquaculture plays in mitigating climate change. It highlights the importance of developing location-specific strategies for mussel farming that consider both local and regional environmental conditions. The results contribute to the wider discourse on sustainable aquaculture development and environmental conservation.

The global psychological and physical effects of domestic abuse and violence on South Asian women: a qualitative systematic review.

The purpose of this review is to systematically extract and analyse global academic literature to determine the physical and psychological effects of domestic abuse and violence on South Asian women. This review employs a qualitative systematic approach and thematic analysis to synthesize the narratives of affected women found in the literature. Given that domestic violence is often concealed and downplayed by various social factors, statistical reports and prevalence data offer only a limited view of the issue due to underreporting. Therefore, qualitative literature is deemed more dependable in this subjective domain as it captures and interprets the experiences and meanings within this under-studied group. Embase, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Web Of Science, MEDLINE, and ASSIA were searched. All included studies were critically appraised using the CASP tool for qualitative research. Thematic analysis was conducted to develop six themes. Studies excluded did not address the research question, although intersecting population issues could be valuable topics for further research. The literature indicates severe mental and physical health consequences of domestic violence and abuse, with some traits persisting long-term. The analysis underscores the significant role of resilience, suggesting that individuals can overcome traumatic social experiences without enduring lifelong labels or a deficit model. The findings provide support for future interventions aimed at recognizing signs of abuse and preventing severe psychological and physical consequences, particularly among South Asian women. Further research is needed to understand the impact on children and other family members affected by the victim's abuse, which falls beyond the scope of this review.

Crime control of illegal wildlife trade in Poland

Since Poland joined the European Union, it has become, after the US, the second-largest market for live animal specimens protected by the provisions of the Washington Convention. In addition, it is a transit country for a significant number of specimens (live plants or animals, or products derived from them) destined for buyers in Western Europe, due to Poland's eastern border which is one of the longest EU borders and at the same time the first in the way of illegal wildlife trade [Drzazga, 2020]. The effectiveness of international efforts to counter this phenomenon and its global consequences strongly depends on the actions taken by individual countries that are exporters or importers of extinct and endangered species. That is why it is so important to raise the quality of social control of this phenomenon also in Poland. The main purpose of the article is to present the results of qualitative research on social control of illegal wildlife trade in Poland. Before discussing them, the necessary terminological clarifications will be introduced and the reasons for addressing the topic will be presented.

Large-Scale Side By Side Stereo-PIV Measurements In An Automotive Wind Tunnel: Aerodynamic Influence Of Ride Height Variations.

In this investigation, we conducted large-scale Stereo PIV experiments in the flow around a Volkswagen ID.4. within the Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Wind Tunnel (AAK) at Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg. The primary objective of these experiments was to investigate the effects of ride height variation on the near wake of the passenger vehicle using Stereo PIV, while minimizing wind tunnel occupancy. The measurements aimed to create datasets for CFD validation to improve virtual aerodynamic development capabilities of passenger vehicles. The experiment was performed on a 1:1 scale vehicle and multiple cross-sectional planes were scanned along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The impact of ride height alterations on the wake flow topology were evaluated. Average velocity vector fields were computed per case, providing comprehensive insights into the aerodynamic effects of diverse vehicle setups. A small change in the ride height has shown to have a significant impact on the wake topology. The results show that the electric SUV ID.4 can yield a wake topology similar to the estate back and fast/notchback type of vehicle, depending on the ride height. The normal ride height of the ID.4 shows to have a broader but lower wake region, with a significant downwash. The PIV results of this configuration show significant similarities to the wake topology of a fast back vehicle. Lowering the ride height by 15 mm has shown already to be enough to cause a global effect on the wake topology and to exhibit a narrower wake and recirculation region, like an estate back vehicle. Additionally, the association between the drag/lift coefficients and the wake topology of both configurations was discussed. Results have shown that sole measurements in the wake are not sufficient to fully explain changes in the determined drag or front lift coefficients. The rear lift coefficients however, indicate a stronger relationship with the near wake topology of the vehicle.

Research on Energy Trading Mechanism Based on Individual Level Carbon Quota

High economic growth is accompanied by substantial consumption of fossil energy and significant negative externalities on the ecological environment. The global warming effect resulting from environmental pollution caused by energy has brought energy carbon emissions into the forefront of social attention. Establishing a carbon trading market is an essential measure to achieve the “double carbon” goal, with individual and household carbon emissions accounting for 70% of China’s total emissions. Constructing an individual-level carbon trading market will facilitate the efficient realization of this goal. However, addressing the challenge of handling vast amounts of data and network congestion in relation to frequent but small-scale individual carbon trading has become an urgent issue that needs to be resolved. In light of this, the present study designs a digital technology-based framework for the carbon market trading system and proposes an individual carbon asset price-based model for carbon market trading, aiming to establish a research framework for the carbon quota market. Furthermore, blockchain technology is employed as the underlying technology in the proposed carbon trading market model to cater to individual-level carbon trading services and achieve optimal matching between carbon quota suppliers, thereby enhancing profitability of the carbon trading platform. The numerical results obtained from the model demonstrate that in absence of government subsidy mechanisms, individual-level carbon trading can effectively reduce total consumer emissions. The present study successfully overcomes the carbon lock-in effect of consumer groups and achieves the generation and trading of individual carbon assets despite capital constraints. This study facilitates accumulation and trade of individual carbon resources, reduces overall consumer emissions, enhances environmental benefits at societal level, and provides a foundation for governmental decision-making.

Concentric Elliptical Antenna Array Synthesis using Sine Cosine Algorithm for Reducing the Sidelobe level

This paper employs the Sine Cosine Algorithm, a recent meta-heuristic method, to enhance the radiation properties of concentric elliptical antenna arrays in far-field applications, such as smart grid wireless communication and the Internet of Things. It focuses on minimizing the Sidelobe Level, a key parameter in antenna radiation, to mitigate unwanted signals and interference. The proposed method, known for its global optimization effectiveness, tackles the challenge of designing sparse multiple concentric elliptical arrays. By using the Sine Cosine Algorithm, the inter-element spacing and optimal determination of amplitude coefficients are achieved, resulting in a radiation pattern with reduced sidelobe level. To showcase the adaptability and superior performance of our proposed algorithm, we systematically evaluated its effectiveness across four distinct sets of concentric elliptical antenna arrays. These arrays comprise varying numbers of elements: (6, 12, 18 elements, 6, 12, 18, 24 elements, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 elements and 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 elements) with and without a central element. Using the sine cosine algorithm, we synthesize arrays and compare their sidelobe level and First Null Beam Width values with those from recent methods. Our findings consistently shows that the proposed algorithm consistently outperforms alternatives, yielding significantly lower sidelobe level values in all comparisons.

Limited drought tolerance in the neotropical seasonally dry forest plants impairs future species richness.

Neotropical seasonal dry forest (NSDF) is one of the most threatened ecosystems according to global climate change predictions. Nonetheless, few studies have evaluated the global climate change impacts on diversity patterns of NSDF plants. The lack of whole biome-scale approaches restricts our understanding of global climate change consequences in the high beta-diverse NSDF. We analysed the impact of global climate change on species distribution ranges, species richness, and assemblage composition (beta diversity) for 1,178 NSDF species. We used five representative plant families (in terms of abundance, dominance, and endemism) within the NSDF: Cactaceae, Capparaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Zygophyllaceae. We reconstructed potential species distributions in the present and future (2040-2080), considering an intermediate Shared Socioeconomic Pathway and two dispersal ability assumptions on the taxa. Using a resource use scores index, we related climate-induced range contractions with species' water stress tolerance. Even under a favourable dispersal scenario, species distribution and richness showed future significant declines across those sites where mean temperature and precipitation seasonality are expected to increase. Further, changes in species range distribution in the future correlated positively with potential use of resources in Fabaceae. Results suggest that biotic heterogenization will likely be the short-term outcome at biome scale under dispersal limitations. Nonetheless, by 2080, the prevailing effect under both dispersal assumptions will be homogenization, even within floristic nuclei. This information is critical for further defining new areas worth protecting and future planning of mitigation actions for both species and the whole biome.

Exposure of Zebrafish Embryos to Morphine and Cocaine Induces Changes in the Levels of Dopamine and of Proteins Related to the Reward Pathway

Morphine, a drug of abuse used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, elicits its actions by binding to the opioid receptors. Cocaine is an example of a recreational drug that inhibits dopamine reuptake. The molecular effects of morphine and cocaine have been described in different specific brain regions. However, the systemic outcome of these drugs on the whole organism has not been fully addressed. The aim of this study is to analyse the global effects of morphine (10 μM) and cocaine (15 μM) in the expression of proteins related to the reward pathway. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to these drugs from 5 hpf (hours post-fertilisation) to 6 dpf (days post-fertilisation). Dopamine levels were determined by ELISA, and the expression of Fos proteins, Creb, its activated form p-Creb and tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) were examined by Western blot. Both drugs decreased Th levels at 72 hpf and 6 dpf and modified the expression of Fos family members, pCreb and Creb in a time-dependent manner. Morphine and cocaine exposure differentially modified dopamine levels in 72 hpf and 6 dpf zebrafish embryos. Our results indicate that drugs of abuse modify the expression of several proteins and molecules related to the activation of the reward pathway.

How we know Antarctica is rapidly losing more ice

ABSTRACT Satellite observations of the Antarctic surface since the 1990s, coupled with geophysical surveys of the flow and form of its giant ice sheet, have revealed accelerating loss of ice to the oceans. This, coupled with a reduction in floating sea ice surrounding the continent and the occurrence of unprecedented heatwaves, point to a continent being changed irreversibly by fossil-fuel burning and the global heating that results. A changing Antarctic continent will have global consequences, including sea level rise of possibly more than 1 meter in this century (and much more afterward) and by a reduced ability to naturally reflect incoming solar energy—which would lead to further heating by absorption on land and at sea as the ice pack retreats.

O-122 ICMART Preliminary World Report 2020

Abstract Abstract title: International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART) Preliminary World Report on ART, 2020 Study question In 2020 what was the global utilization, effectiveness and safety of ART? Summary answer Globally, ART utilization and data collection continue to increase but with wide variations in utilization, effectiveness and safety. What is known already ICMART has continuously monitored utilization, effectiveness and safety since 1991, with increasing number of cycles, higher pregnancy rates and lower multiple birth rates, the latter due to the transfer of fewer embryos. Frozen embryo transfer (FET), donor egg cycles and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) continue to increase. Wide variations in practice and outcomes exist globally. At least 12 million ART babies have been born. ICMART has helped develop registries internationally. A new electronic data collection platform has improved validation. Nevertheless, data collection and quality remain challenging. Study design, size, duration Countries and regions annually collect ART data, some prospectively and others retrospectively. ICMART retrospectively requested data from all known global sources for 2020, reviewed them for missing or incorrect data, and obtained additional information when possible. The corrected dataset was validated and analyzed in partnership with University of New South Wales (UNSW). ICMART finalized the results tables. Standardized definitions and previously developed methods were used. Preliminary results are presented. Participants/Materials, setting, methods The European IVF Monitoring Consortium (EIM), Latin American Network of Assisted Reproduction (REDLARA), Australian/ New Zealand Registry and African Network and Registry for ART (ANARA) submitted regional data, and other countries contributed national data, through standardized formats, to ICMART. A few individual clinics with no registry access also contributed. Data received were reviewed, corrected, and validated to the extent possible, analyzed and summarized by ICMART using descriptive statistics. Main results and the role of chance Data collection and analysis are ongoing, so the presented results are preliminary. The number of ART cycles continues to increase, but utilization remains highly variable among countries and regions. While historically Europe has reported the largest number of cycles, China now reports well over 1 million cycles and Japan almost half a million, with Asia overall reporting approximately half of global cycles. Regional and country differences persist in the age of women treated, number of embryos transferred, live birth rates, rate of multiple births, use of ICSI and cryopreservation, and other factors. Covid reduced ART utilization in many countries. The role of chance is minimal. Data are limited to reporting countries and clinics, representing 90 to 95% of global cycles. However, this is a very large sample size from which imputation of total global results is performed. Limitations, reasons for caution Most, but not all, countries report to ICMART. Some countries have limited data and many countries have limited data validation. ICMART can perform only minimal verification of submitted data. Widespread adherence to consensus definitions provided in the Glossary takes time and requires translation into multiple languages. Standardization of validation and reporting is an ongoing process because of missing data and continuing changes in clinical practice. Wider implications of the findings ICMART World Reports standardize data, track trends, enable comparisons, stimulate questions and improve ART quality. Better understanding of ART increases societal acceptance and support for equitable access and ART research.

Thermal comfort investigation of membrane-assisted radiant cooling in outdoor settings

The global warming and urban heat island effect call for mitigation strategies for improving thermal environments in open urban spaces. Radiant cooling can remove heat from the human body via direct thermal radiation, thereby creating the possibility to provide active cooling for people in outdoor environments. While using a transparent membrane, convection energy lost to the ambient airflow can be minimized. However, current research on the thermal comfort of radiant cooling systems is restricted to indoor applications, while outdoor applications remain unclear. To address this need, the study investigated the effect of membrane-assisted asymmetric radiant cooling on people's thermal perception in outdoor environments. A radiant cooling facility in an outdoor setting was built, and its cooling effects were assessed by using 248 human subjects across hot and transitional seasons. It is found that the radiant cooling facility can lower the mean thermal sensation vote (MTSV) by 0.6 to 1.5 units. The degree of cooling depends both on the panel temperature and environmental conditions. At the panel surface temperature of 14.3°C, MTSV was at the neutral zone (-0.5 ≤ MTSV ≤ 0.5) with the environmental UTCI as high as 38.1°C, whereas the thermal sensation of the group without radiant cooling was rated warm to hot. Under this condition, the ambient UTCI scope of no heat stress can be extended by 10.1°C higher. The strongest local cooling sensation appeared in the back, with an average decrease of 1.33 units in MTSV, contributing to lowering the overall thermal sensation of the body. For the first time, it is demonstrated that membrane-assisted radiant cooling panels can effectively improve thermal comfort in open outdoor settings.

Investigation of performance of potential adsorbents for emissions mitigation in a diesel generator.

Globally, the release of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to our Earth's surface has climbed by about 45% to its present atmospheric concentration rate of 420 parts per million (ppm) during the industrial era. An unprecedented rise in atmospheric CO2 concentration has been claimed to lead to significant factors such as global warming potential (GWP) and climate change effects. An increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations is a serious threat to the environment. Recent research efforts have focused on mitigating emissionsfrom anthropogenic point sources. Adsorption-based post-combustion CO2 capture using solid adsorbents is the most effective and efficient method for mitigating gas adsorption in the exhaust system. In the current study, activated carbons are obtained from three potential biomass, namely, (i) coconut shell, (ii) rice husk, and (iii) eucalyptus wood, through a - single-stageactivation method. The prepared activated carbon materials are analyzed using proximate and ultimate analyses. Further investigations are performed using different characterization techniques to ensure their adsorption efficiency. Adsorbents are packed one after the other in an in-house fabricated double adsorption chamber and coupled to the exhaust unit of a generator. Test experiments are conducted to examine adsorbents' capture efficiency in emissions mitigation. Adsorbents' adsorption parameters are evaluated in experimental investigations. At 2.5bar and 50°C, a maximum loading capacity of samples is achieved by 4.85mmol/g, 4.58mmol/g, and 5.96mmol/g for coconut shell, rice husk, and eucalyptus wood adsorbents, respectively. With a post-combustion carbon adsorption chamber, CO2 and NO are captured about40-64% and 38-58%, respectively, for all three adsorbents. The thermodynamic parameter of isosteric heat of adsorption value is below 40kJ/mol, ensuring physisorption for all adsorbents.

Development and Validation of the Dysphagia Handicap Index-Companion (DHI-C).

Dysphagia is known to present a social and psychological burden with negative effects on quality of life. However, the psychosocial effect of an individual's dysphagia on those that care for them is less known. The purpose of this study was to develop a clinically efficient, statistically robust companion-reported outcomes measure to the Dysphagia Handicap Index (DHI) to better understand the impact of a patient's dysphagia on their companions as related to physical, emotional and functional domains of health-related quality of life. Seventy-seven initial statements describing companion perceptions of dysphagia were divided into physical, emotional and functional subscales. The statements were administered to 75 consecutive companions of individuals with dysphagia. Respondents replied never, almost never, sometimes, almost always and always to each statement and rated their companion's dysphagia severity on a 7-point equal appearing interval scale. Cronbach's α was performed to assess the internal consistency validation of the statements. The final questionnaire was reduced to 25 items and administered to 317 companions of individuals with dysphagia and 31 controls. Test-retest was performed on 29 companions of individuals with dysphagia. Cronbach's α was strong for the initial and final versions at r = 0.96 and r = 0.97 respectively. Significant differences occurred between companion responses of subjects with dysphagia and the control group. Test-retest reliability was strong (all ICC > 0.85). We present a statistically robust companion-reported outcomes measure to assess the handicapping effects of dysphagia on companions to further our understanding of the global effect of dysphagia and to guide treatment for successful swallowing outcomes.

A self-adaptive agent for flexible posture planning in robotic milling system

In recent years, industrial robots are widely used in the milling processes of the fundamental components such as aeronautic parts, aerospace cabins and blades on the marine propellers of the worships, because of their flexible structure, large operating space, and robust capacity of rapid reconfiguration. Along with the robotic machining process, multiple types of geometrical and physical constraints display the time-varying characteristics, which are difficult to be considered simultaneously by the traditional static planning methods on the robotic milling posture. Therefore, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) enhanced virtual repulsive potential field flexible model is proposed for the robotic milling posture dynamic planning. The preliminary planning of static milling posture is realized based on the fixed setting of the virtual modal parameters in the posture planning model, which is treated as a theory preparation for training the deep reinforcement learning agent. To develop the static planning model, multiple constraints are established by considering the performances of geometric, kinematic and machining precision simultaneously. Furthermore, a reward function is constructed for the dynamic agent, comprehensively combining the long and short reward benefits in nonlinear correlation with virtual repulsive forces. By taking the virtual modal parameters as the action space of the dynamic agent, a DRL enhanced agent VRPF-SAC is created and trained under the dynamic milling environment from virtual repulsive planning field. Four tasks of large size robotic milling simulations and experiments are designed and developed to validate the effectiveness of the flexible planning model. In comparison with the static model, the flexible planning model displays the excellent global effects covering the kinematic, and precision performance, with 65.78 %, 72.04 %, and 70.25 % reduction in velocity, acceleration, and jerk of robotic joints, and ensuring the effective precision performance from −0.365 to 0.283 mm of large size workpiece with large curvature changes. The proposed flexible posture planning architecture can provide a basic for robotic dynamic milling of core parts with large size, narrow space and sharp curvatures of the aeronautic parts, aerospace cabins and worship propellers.