Exhaust Control Research Articles

Sustainable Policy Evaluation of Vehicle Exhaust Control—Empirical Data from China’s Air Pollution Control

With the increase of car ownership, mobile pollution has become an important source of air pollution, which makes it more difficult for China to control air pollution. In order to control mobile pollution from automobile exhaust, China has taken a series of comprehensive measures. The paper studies the emission reduction effect from the perspective of flow pollution and stock pollution. First of all, the paper uses the actual emission data of motor vehicles to study the emission reduction effect by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The results show that: (1) Fuel price, fuel tax (except diesel), and emission and gasoline standards have an emission reduction effect on gasoline vehicle exhaust control, while the restriction has no effect. (2) In gasoline cars, the emission reduction effect in the Middle East is more significant than in the West, and the effect in the West is better than that in the Middle East. (3) As for diesel vehicles, the effect of policy in the West is superior to the East. Further, the east is better than in the middle. Secondly, based on the actual emission data of Chinese motor vehicles, the paper simulates the change value of stock pollution from automobile exhaust under different policies, and concludes that the economic effect of policy depends on the ecological absorption rate and discount rate. When the net discount value NPV is positive, the government should do its best to interfere with the emission of automobile exhaust. When the net discount value NPV is negative, the government doesn’t have to interfere with the emission of automobile exhaust.

Investigation of mechanisms of toxicity and exclusion by transporters of the preservatives triclosan and propylparaben using batteries of Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains

Triclosan (TCS) and propylparaben (PPB) are antimicrobials widely used. They present many similarities in their applications and also in their human and environmental health risks. In order to investigate the mechanisms of toxic action and the efflux pumps involved in their detoxication, we used a strategy with batteries of Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeast strains, either defective in cell signalling, in detoxification pumps, or in cell surveillance mechanisms. Yeast were exposed up to 20 h in solid medium or in liquid medium in 96-well plates. The mechanisms of action investigated were spindle defects (mph1), stress (pmk1), DNA interference (rad3) or diverse effects (MDR-sup). The efflux pumps investigated were Bfr1, Pmd1, Mfs1 and Caf5 or the Pap1 transcription factor. Here we show that TCS was 75 times more toxic than PPB in the wild type fission yeast. More oxidative stress and less protection by exclusion pumps were observed for TCS than for PPB. The cytotoxicity produced by TCS decreased from bfr1>mfs1>pmd1 > pap1 and caf5A deficient strains. In contrast, cytotoxic concentrations of PPB caused only a mild stress. The protection provided for PPB by the transporters was more marked than for TCS, decreasing from Pmd1, Caf5, Mfs1 and Bfr1. Furthermore, microtubule and DNA interferences were revealed for PPB, according to the cytotoxicity of mph1 and rad3 defective cells, respectively. As both compounds present complex adverse effects at concentrations close to exposure, and their combination clearly causes a strong potentiation, more exhaustive controls and regulations in their use should be considered.

Hydrogels for neuroprotection and functional rewiring: a new era for brain engineering.

The neurological devastation of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases reinforces our perseverance to find advanced treatments to deal with these fatal pathologies. High-performance preclinical results have failed at clinical level, as it has been the case for a wide variety of neuroprotective agents and cell-based therapies employed to treat high prevalent brain pathologies such as stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. An unquestionable reality is the current absence of effective therapies to neuroprotect the brain, to arrest neurodegeneration and rewire the impaired brain circuits. Part of the problem might arise from the lack of adequate in vitro and in vivo models and that most of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet clarified. Another contributing factor is the lack of efficient systems to sustain drug release at therapeutic concentrations and enhance the survival and function of grafted cells in transplantation procedures. For medical applications the use of biomaterials of different compositions and formats has experienced a boom in the last decades. Although the greater complexity of central nervous system has probably conditioned their extensive use with respect to other organs, the number of biomaterials-based applications to treat the injured brain or in the process of being damaged has grown exponentially. Hydrogel-based biomaterials have constituted a turning point in the treatment of cerebral disorders using a new form of advanced therapy. Hydrogels show mechanical properties in the range of cerebral tissue resulting very suitable for local implantation of drugs and cells. It is also possible to fabricate three-dimensional hydrogel constructs with adaptable mesh size to facilitate axonal guidance and elongation. Along this article, we review the current trends in this area highlighting the positive impact of hydrogel-based biomaterials over the exhaustive control of drug delivery, cell engraftment and axonal reinnervation in brain pathologies.

Role of aluminum and silicon species in the formation of hard sludge on the secondary side of PWR steam generators: Potential geopolymers contribution

Despite the exhaustive chemical control, modern pressurized water reactors (PWRs) steam generators (SGs) have experienced damage associated with the formation of hard sludge on top of tubesheet. This phenomenon is detrimental because it is linked to tube degradation problems on the secondary side of SGs by corrosion processes, such as outer diameter stress corrosion cracking (ODSCC) enhanced by tube deformation or denting at the top of tubesheet. There is evidence of the contribution of aluminum and silicon species to the binding and adhesion of iron oxides particles in the formation and consolidation of hard sludge during normal operation. In fact, characterization of SG deposit samples mainly constituted by hard sludge determines high concentrations of these species (up to 6.0 ± 0.1 wt% of Al and 2.7 ± 0.1 wt% of Si), together with high microhardness values (above 800 HV) measured at particular locations within collars or hard sludge particles.Taking into account the physicochemical conditions (low temperature and high pH) in the gap between tube and tubesheet of SGs due to the thermal contraction of both materials during transient conditions (cooldown), this work proposes and discusses the possible formation of geopolymers (inorganic aluminosilicate polymers with cement-like mechanical properties formed at low temperatures and high alkaline conditions) during this period. In order to support this proposal, the role played by Si and Al compounds in the formation and consolidation of hard sludge is reviewed, considering information obtained from hard sludge characterization and from experimental studies reported in the literature.

Simulations of a novel demand-controlled room-based ventilation system for renovated apartments

The study simulated and assessed a novel control algorithm for an innovative room-based ventilation system for renovated apartments. The novel system is a manifold of fans that connects to an air-handling unit to control the supply of airflow to each room in an apartment. The exhaust side has a 3-way damper to control the division of extract airflows. The simulation required demand-control of ventilation airflows in each room. This included CO2- and temperature-based control of supply to dry rooms and humidity- and temperature-based control of exhaust from wet rooms. The object-oriented software IDA-ICE includes a graphical interface for assembling the controls, which enabled custom simulations. The controls efficiently maintained sufficient air quality in each room and ensured balance of supply and exhaust. The room-based demand-controlled ventilation system achieved 74% savings in fan energy consumption relative to the reference constant air-volume system. The simulations indicated the need for less-resisting overflow vents in doorways to prevent infiltration heat loss when supplying bedrooms with greater airflow. Infiltration heat losses increased by 18% with closed doors despite the use of acoustic vents to assist overflow. Future measurements will aim to validate the demand-control algorithm and the performance of the novel system in real apartments.

El control de competencia internacional desde el derecho internacional privado argentino

International legal cooperation began to be a prominent part of the object of Private International Law a few years ago. When the internationalist doctrine highlighted its necessary intervention by dedicating hundreds and hundreds of pages is when it began a journey dedicated to establishing the bases and pillars to improve, increase, facilitate and expedite the mechanisms and tools of international aid and thus prevent the presence of elements Relevant foreigners in a legal relationship are a wall that is likely to prevent, hinder or slow down the continuation of a process. In this paper we propose to analyze one of the aspects that caused the most problems and headaches not only to the jurists but also to the legal operators: Should the requested authorities analyze the competence of the authority before an international cooperation request? demanding? Did the Civil and Commercial Code of the Nation change the international competition control? Did you favor international cooperation or do we lean towards the path of exhaustive control?

The Use of Biostimulants in High-density Olive Growing: Quality and Production

Due to the increase of high-density holdings, especially of olive trees, the nutritional requirements of the plants are higher per unit area, which implies that a greater contribution of fertilizers to the soil is needed. Opting for fertilizers of inorganic origin will produce an increase in the pollution of the soil.
 In the face of this possible soil contamination, our aim is to analyze the effect of biostimulants as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, to steadily produce and maintain high quality standards during the life of the crop. Our objective is using more environmentally friendly products in order to satisfy one of the most important demands from both consumers and the authorities.
 In this study, we carried out five different treatments in addition to a control treatment with a supply of NPK, from inorganic products, which are used to control fertilization with a solution obtained from seaweed extracts. These treatments were applied in two crop cycles for two of the most important varieties in the current olive tree growing scenario: Arbequina and Koroneiki.
 This study was developed in the farm Pozohondo, which is located in a crop zone by the Palancia river (Castellón, Valencia, Spain), in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula, where the olive trees were established in a high-density system with a planting framework of 4 x 1.5 m. We ensured an exhaustive control of the nutritional needs of the holding by using a fertigation system.
 We could notice differences in the productions of each applied treatment, avoiding any possible biases through the additional control of 100 randomly selected olives from each of the samples. There is an improvement in the set of physical characteristics of the olives with the treatment that provides amino acids and extra potassium based on amni acids. We analyzed the quality of the olive oil obtained from the production of each treatment by measuring the fatty acids, tocopherols and polyphenols contents. We also carried out an organoleptic tasting analysis following the rules of the International Olive Committee (IOC).
 We observed an improvement with regard to the rest of treatments in the pomological parameters of the olives when applying the potassium and amino acid biostimulant, while the quality of the oils was not affected by the type of fertilization applied in each treatment.

Integrated operation of steady-state long-pulse H-mode in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

Recent Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) experiments have successfully demonstrated a long-pulse steady-state scenario with improved plasma performance through integrated operation since the last IAEA FEC in 2016. A discharge with a duration over 100 s using pure radio frequency (RF) power heating and current drive has been obtained with the required characteristics for future long-pulse tokamak reactors such as good energy confinement quality (H98y2 ~ 1.1) with electron internal transport barrier inside ρ < 0.4, small ELMs (frequency ~100–200 Hz), and good control of impurity and heat exhaust with the tungsten divertor. The optimization of X-point, plasma shape, the outer gap and local gas puffing near the low hybrid wave (LHW) antenna were integrated with global parameters of BT and line-averaged electron density for higher current drive efficiency of LHW and on-axis deposition of electron cyclotron heating in the long-pulse operation. More recently, a high βP RF-only discharge (βP ~ 1.9 and βN ~ 1.5, /nGW ~ 0.80, f bs ~ 45% at q95 ~ 6.8) was successfully maintained over 24 s with improved hardware capabilities, demonstrating performance levels needed for the China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor steady-state operation. A higher energy confinement is observed at higher βP and with favorable toroidal field direction. Towards the next goal (⩾400 s long-pulse H-mode operations with ~50% bootstrap current fraction) on EAST, an integrated control of the current density profile, pressure profile and radiated divertor will be addressed in the near future.

Crowdsourcing and Minority Languages: The Case of Galician Inflected Infinitives.

Results from a crowdsourced audio questionnaire show that inflected infinitives in Galician are acceptable in a broad range of contexts, different from those described for European Portuguese. Crucially, inflected infinitives with referential subjects are widely accepted only inside strong islands in Galician (complements of nouns, adjunct clauses). They are widely rejected in non-islands, notably in the complements of epistemic/factive verbs, in contrast with Portuguese and older varieties of Galician (Gondar, 1978; Raposo, 1987). Statistical analysis shows, however, that, in the complements of epistemic/factive (and desiderative) verbs, inflected infinitives are significantly more acceptable in instances of control, whether partial or exhaustive. In fact, there is no significant difference between these two types of control in Galician, unlike in Portuguese, where inflection is generally better in instances of partial control and is not acceptable in instances of exhaustive local subject control (Modesto, 2010; Sheehan, 2018a). We propose an analysis of this pattern in terms of phase theory. The inflectional domain of non-finite clauses remains visible to the thematic domain of the next clause up, according to the less strict version of the Phase Impenetrability Condition (Chomsky, 2001), allowing control to take place. Pronouns/or pronominal inflections in the inflectional domain of visible non-finite clauses therefore get controlled. In islands, however, material in the inflectional domain remains free/referential. Despite this basic pattern, the data are characterized by substantial interspeaker variation. Statistical analysis shows that gender, urban/rural birthplace and mother tongue are all significant factors in this variation, while age and region of birth are not. Most notably, urban-born male bilinguals with Spanish as their mother tongue consistently rate all sentences higher on the Likert scale. Overall, the results show that crowdsourcing can lead to empirically robust syntactic descriptions of minority languages which are likely to be subject to substantial sociolinguistic variation and where judgments from a single social group may be misrepresentative of the general picture. The study also highlights, however, the challenges associated with using crowdsourced audio-questionnaires of this kind and the need for statistical analysis of results to control for substantial amounts of variation.

Recent advances in EAST physics experiments in support of steady-state operation for ITER and CFETR

Since the last IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in 2016, the EAST physics experiments have been developed further in support of high-performance steady-state operation for ITER and CFETR. First demonstration of a >100 s time scale long-pulse steady-state scenario with a good plasma performance (H98(y2) ~ 1.1) and a good control of impurity and heat exhaust with the upper tungsten divertor has been achieved on EAST using the pure radio frequency (RF) power heating and current drive. The EAST operational domain has been significantly extended towards a more ITER and CFETR related high beta steady-state regime (βP ~ 2.5 and βN ~ 1.9 of using RF and NB and βP ~ 1.9 and βN ~ 1.5 of using pure RF). A large bootstrap current fraction up to 47% has been achieved with with q95 ~ 6.0–7.0. The interaction effect between the electron cyclotron resonant heating and two lower hybrid wave systems has been investigated systematically, and applied for the improvement of current drive efficiency and plasma confinement quality in the steady-state scenario development on EAST. Full edge-localized mode (ELM) suppression using the n = 2 resonant magnetic perturbations has been achieved in ITER-like standard type-I ELMy H-mode plasmas with a range of the edge safety factor of q95 ≈ 3.2–3.7 on EAST. Reduction of the peak heat flux on the divertor was demonstrated using the active radiation feedback control. An increase in the total heating power and improvement of the plasma confinement are expected using a 0D model prediction for a higher bootstrap fraction. Towards a long-pulse, high bootstrap current fraction operation, a new lower ITER-like tungsten divertor with active water-cooling will be installed, together with further increase and improvement of heating and current drive capability.

Thermodynamic properties of Pr7O12

To explore the potential of Pr7O12 in a biphasic oxygen buffer in automobile exhaust control systems, thermodynamic data for Pr7O12 are required. Since there is no information on Pr7O12 in thermodynamic data compilations, its Gibbs energy of formation has been determined relative to that of Pr2O3 as a function of temperature in the range from 850 to 1200 K using a solid-state electrochemical technique. The standard molar Gibbs energy of formation of Pr7O12 from elements can be represented by two equations. In the range from 850 to 1068 K, ΔGf°Jmol-1=-6454317+1085.52T/K. From 1068 to 1204 K, ΔGf°Jmol-1=-6467695+1097.77T/K.

Ship Cargo Compartment Environment Measurement and Control System Based on SSM Framework

In order to reduce the cargo damage during the transportation of ocean-going ships and ensure the safety of ship personnel entering the cabin, a ship cargo tank environment monitoring and control system based on SSM framework is proposed. The high-precision sensor is used to collect the environmental information in the cargo hold of the ship, transmit it to the local client, integrate the Socket monitor interface into the SSM framework, establish the communication between the local client and the cloud server, and realize the environmental parameter detection and exhaust control of the cargo hold of the ship. The Web project development model using MVC software architecture makes the ship cargo compartment environmental monitoring and control system more convenient in storage and display. The test results show that the system can effectively monitor and control the environmental parameters of the cargo tank of the ship.

On the Beneficial Effect of MgCl₂ as Electrolyte Additive to Improve the Electrochemical Performance of Li₄Ti₅O12 as Cathode in Mg Batteries.

Magnesium batteries are a promising technology for a new generation of energy storage for portable devices. Attention should be paid to electrolyte and electrode material development in order to develop rechargeable Mg batteries. In this study, we report the use of the spinel lithium titanate or Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as an active electrode for Mg2+-ion batteries. The theoretical capacity of LTO is 175 mA h g−1, which is equivalent to an insertion reaction with 1.5 Mg2+ ions. The ability to enhance the specific capacity of LTO is of practical importance. We have observed that it is possible to increase the capacity up to 290 mA h g−1 in first discharge, which corresponds to the reaction with 2.5 Mg2+ ions. The addition of MgCl2·6H2O to the electrolyte solutions significantly improves their electrochemical performance and enables reversible Mg deposition. Ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal little structural changes, while X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) (XPS) measurements suggest Mg reacts with LTO. The Ti3+/Ti4+ ratio increases with the amount of inserted magnesium. The impedance spectra show the presence of a semicircle at medium-low frequencies, ascribable to Mg2+ ion diffusion between the surface film and LTO. Further experimental improvements with exhaustive control of electrodes and electrolytes are necessary to develop the Mg battery with practical application.

A magnetic-field independent approach for strongly anisotropic equations arising plasma-edge transport simulations

Abstract [Summary] The control of the power exhaust in tokamaks is still an open issue for the future fusion operations. The heat loads on divertor and limiter PFCs is largely determined by the physics of the Scrape-Off Layer (SOL), and therefore it depends mainly on the geometry of the magnetic surfaces and on the geometry of wall components. A better characterization of the heat exhaust mechanisms requires therefore to improve the capabilities of the transport codes in terms of geometrical description of the wall components and in terms of the description of the magnetic geometry. The possibility of dealing with evolving magnetic configurations becomes also critical: during start-up or control operations, for example, the evolution of particles and heat fluxes is little known, although being critical for the safety of the machine. Hence, among the new capabilities of future transport codes will be the possibility of accurately describe the reactor chamber, and the flexibility with respect the magnetic configuration. In particular, avoiding expensive re-meshing of the computational domain in case of evolving equilibrium is mandatory. In order to fulfill these requirements, in this work a fluid solver based on non-aligned discretization is used to solve the plasma-edge transport equations for density, momentum and energies. Preliminary tests on non-structured meshes and realistic geometries/physical parameters show the pertinency of this novel approach.

Research status and development trend of available exhaust energy management for diesel engine at different altitudes

In order to improve the boosting pressure, intake flow rate and matching characteristics of a diesel engine and turbocharging system at varying altitudes, it is very important to utilize and manage available exhaust flow energy. The advanced air management system can effectively utilize exhaust flow energy and improve the intake pressure of the diesel engine at high altitudes. In this paper, the key thermodynamic parameters of air management systems, management of exhaust flow energy and control of air path at different altitudes are reviewed. At last, two aspects containing control strategy, control algorithm of the air management system were put forward.

Research on CO Pollution Control of Motor Vehicle Exhaust

Research on CO Pollution Control of Motor Vehicle Exhaust

Do affective episodes modulate moral judgment in individuals with bipolar disorder?

BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) patients experience altered emotional states and deficits in social adaptation that may also be involved in deontological moral judgments in which participants have to choose whether to sacrifice one person in order to save the lives of a greater number. MethodsIn the present study we compared the utilitarian responses of BD patients in their different states (euthymia, mania, depression) and healthy controls to moral dilemmas with low (impersonal dilemma) and high (personal dilemma) emotional saliency. ResultsOur findings revealed an increased tendency to utilitarian judgments in the three groups of BD patients in impersonal dilemmas relative to healthy individuals. In addition, utilitarian responses were increased during manic and depressive episodes in personal moral dilemmas relative to control group. Furthermore, we found no differences in social adaptation between utilitarian and deontological BD responders, though the depressive BD had a lower adaptation than the euthymic individuals. LimitationsThe recording of response times, the exhaustive control of medication effect, or the inclusion of a non-moral condition in the battery of moral dilemmas would provide a better characterization of moral judgment in BD. ConclusionsFor impersonal dilemmas, BD patients exhibited more utilitarian reasoning, which is also affected by emotional engagement for personal dilemmas during acute episodes of mania and depression. Social adaptation is not associated to utilitarian reasoning, but is rather influenced by mood state.

Sulfur-Tolerant, Exsolved Fe\u2013Ni Alloy Nanoparticles for CO Oxidation

Metallic nanoparticles exsolved at the surface of perovskite oxides have been recently shown to unlock superior catalytic activity and durability towards various chemical reactions of practical importance. For example, for the CO oxidation reaction, exsolved Ni nanoparticles in oxidised form exhibit site activities approaching those of noble metals. This is of particular interest for the prospect of replacing noble metals with earth-abundant metal/metal oxide catalysts in the automotive exhaust control industry. Here we show that for the CO oxidation reaction, the functionality of exsolved Ni nanoparticles can be further improved when Fe is co-exsolved with Ni, as Fe–Ni alloy nanoparticles, eventually forming mixed oxide nanoparticles. As compared to the Ni nanoparticles, the alloy nanoparticles exhibit higher site activities, greatly improved durability over 170 h of continuous testing and increased tolerance towards sulphur-based atmospheres. Similarly to the single metal nanoparticles, the alloys demonstrate outstanding microstructural stability and high tolerance towards coking. These results open additional directions for tailoring the activity and durability of exsolved materials for the CO oxidation reaction and beyond.

Experiencia en la implementación del Modelo de Atención Integral de Salud basado en Familia y Comunidad desde la Estrategia Sanitaria Nacional de Salud Familiar

El Modelo de Atención Integral de Salud basado en Familia y Comunidad (MAIS-BFC) es un conjunto de estrategias, procedimientos y herramientas que, al complementarse, organizan el Sistema de Salud con el fin de responder a las necesidades de salud de las personas, las familias y la comunidad, permitiendo la integralidad en los niveles de atención de salud. Siguiendo los pasos para la implementación de un MAIS-BFC, se presenta una experiencia desde la Estrategia Sanitaria Nacional de Salud Familiar (ESNSF) correspondiente al 2010-2015. Se reporta la intervención de 244 649 hogares a octubre del 2015, constituyendo el 11,6% de hogares vulnerables del Perú. Asimismo, se desarrollaron 17 250 sesiones educativas donde se priorizó temas de promoción de la salud. Como resultado, se captaron 37 303 patologías a través de la visita de salud familiar, de las cuales 58,2% fueron patologías crónicas y 49,8% patologías no crónicas nunca tratadas. En cuanto al desarrollo de competencias en el recurso humano, se realizaron 46 asistencias técnicas a través de talleres en el 2013 con 1 376 personas capacitadas, 23 talleres en el 2014 con 1 054 capacitados y 29 en el 2015 con 1 468 personas capacitadas. Respecto a la línea de base de macro procesos realizada en 28 establecimientos, en el 2014 se contaba con 1 274 establecimientos de salud implementando el MAIS-BFC, incrementando la cifra a 1 703 establecimientos de salud correspondiendo al 21,8% de establecimientos de salud del primer nivel en el país. Todo ello significó una mejora en el acceso a la atención en salud, sobre todo al inicio de un control exhaustivo que beneficiaría al evitar complicaciones a futuro.

Estimation of the radiation dose of 107Pd in palladium products and preliminary proposal of appropriate clearance level

ABSTRACT The effective radiation dose of palladium under the assumption that it is contaminated with 107Pd (1 Bq/g) is estimated through four exposure pathways: the inhalation of airborne particles emitted from an automobile exhaust control catalyst, ingestion via food or drinking water, ingestion of palladium in saliva after release from a dental application, and inhalation exposure of dust in the work place. The highest dose (3.17 × 10−9 μSv/y) was estimated in adult workers manufacturing palladium products. Considering variations in parameters and possible exposure pathways, it is concluded that this is the critical group for determining the clearance level of 107Pd. The clearance level, which is defined as a 107Pd concentration providing less than 10 μSv/y in any exposure pathway, is calculated as 3.16 × 103 Bq/g.