Operation Of Facilities Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING A CO₂-BASED BUFFER WHEN ORGANIZING UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE FACILITIES

The burial of CO2 in geological structures is considered to be current direction for reducing the negative impact of anthropogenic load in the form of greenhouse gases. Underground storage is also evaluated as a potential way to balance hydrogen production and consumption. The planned production of hydrogen in Russia by 2030 is expected to reach several billion m3 per year. To ensure the production and transportation of such volumes of gas, a hydrogen storage system is needed. Above-ground complexes and storage facilities in salt caverns cannot provide the required storage volumes. Aquifers are promising objects for long-term storage of both CO2 and hydrogen, including as part of a hydrogen-methane mixture.The work considers a hydrogen-methane mixture with a hydrogen concentration of 10–30 %, which is an economically justified value in most cases when producing this mixture.When storing hydrogen long-term in underground gas storage facilities, an important task is to assess hydrogen losses during storage.The authors, using linear hydrodynamic models taking into account phase transformations and hydrochemical effects, assessed the effectiveness of simultaneous CO2 burial and underground hydrogen storage through the injection of a hydrogen-methane mixture with a CO2 buffer rim.The models under consideration take into account: changes in the ionic composition of formation water, dissolution and precipitation of minerals.Analysis of the results showed that CO2 is not an effective buffer for the hydrogen-methane mixture even under the simplified conditions of the linear model. In this model, the region with a high hydrogen content disintegrates. At the same time, linear models do not take into account a number of negative factors that arise during the creation and operation of a full-fledged underground gas storage facility.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION FACILITIES

The risk-oriented approach to industrial safety allows for the operation of hazardous production facilities in the cracks presence. There is a problem of assessing the critical size of cracks by non-destructive methods, which are currently not widely tested and standardized. Changing operating conditions and damage accumulation can transfer cracks into the category of developing cracks, and this can lead to catastrophic consequences. From this point of view, close proximity of objects containing explosive substances, as it is the case at processing plants, pumping stations, production platforms, poses a danger. Visualization of hazardous objects and their location areas warns the personnel about the need to comply with increased safety measures. This is aimed at using industrial design, which defines the principles of warning of hazardous objects by using color signs. A common trend in the coating usage is their multifunctionality. In this regard, the present research attempts to combine color warning signs with the possibility of their usage in composite coatings designed for corrosion protection, as well as showing the changes in temperature conditions of processes.

Likelihood of COVID-19 Outbreaks in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Centers, 2020‒2021.

Objectives. To determine facility-level factors associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. Methods. We obtained COVID-19 case counts at 88 ICE detention facilities from May 6, 2020, through June 21, 2021, from the COVID Prison Project. We obtained information about facility population size, facility type (dedicated to immigrants or mixed with other incarcerated populations), and facility operator (public vs private contractor) from third-party sources. We defined the threshold for a COVID-19 outbreak as a cumulative 3-week incidence of 10% or more of the detained population. Results. Sixty-three facilities (72%) had at least 1 outbreak. Facilities with any outbreak were significantly more likely to be privately operated (P < .001), to have larger populations (113 vs 37; P = .002), and to have greater changes in their population size over the study period (‒56% vs -26%; P < .001). Conclusions. Several facility-level factors were associated with the occurrence of COVID-19 outbreaks in ICE facilities. Public Health Implications. Structural and organizational factors that promote respiratory infection spread in ICE facilities must be addressed to protect detainee health. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):909-912. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307704).

Disaster scenes as a foundation for emergency response planning

This article introduces the notion of ‘disaster scenes’. In this work, we draw on interview data collected from residents impacted by the Jagersfontein tailings disaster in South Africa in September 2022. Our methodological aim is to reconstruct the experiences of impacted people in the format of empirically derived disaster scenes. These scenes provide a credible source for modelling scenarios because they showcase the prior, immediate, response and long-term recovery phases of disaster management. Studies that provide empirical detail on the lived experience of disasters confirm the heavy burden placed on impacted people largely originating from institutional decisions. The overarching empirical narrative from this case and other cognate cases is that the absence of state institutions is a factor that likely contributes to disaster events. Our argument is that sharing information that includes models of state default can empower potentially affected groups to demand safeguards and greater transparency in relation to the operation and regulation of tailings facilities.

Wayside Wifi-Repeater as a Railway Operation Facility for Optimizing Traffic Density Detection Cameras at Level Crossings

Wireless technology uses repeater mode as a medium for sending data to railway operation facility equipment and railway crossing density detection cameras. To cover a 225-meter track, three access points are needed, one as a server and two as repeaters. Testing includes coverage area with signal strength (RSSI), jitter, access point transfer, and data transmission. The test results show that the railway crossing area can be covered by a wireless repeater with an RSSI of 53.103 dBi. The jitter of the two access points, namely 28.65ms and 32.54ms, is included in the good category. When the access point is moved, there is an average packet loss of 2.6%. Data transmission at four points of the crossing track has a delay/latency of 38.49ms at point one, 66.03ms at point two, 45.33ms at point three, and 39.18ms at point four

Electrochemical Activation Inducing Rocksalt-to-Spinel Transformation for Prolonged Service Life of LiMn2O4 Cathodes.

LiMn2O4 spinel is emerging as a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, largely due to its open framework that facilitates Li+ diffusion and excellent rate performance. However, the charge-discharge cycling of the LiMn2O4 cathode leads to severe structural degradation and rapid capacity decay. Here, an electrochemical activation strategy is introduced, employing a facile galvano-potentiostatic charging operation, to restore the lost capacity of LiMn2O4 cathode without damaging the battery configuration. With an electrochemical activation strategy, the cycle life of the LiMn2O4 cathode is extended from an initial 1500 to an impressive 14 000 cycles at a 5C rate with Li metal as the anode, while increasing the total discharge energy by ten times. Remarkably, the electrochemical activation enhances the diffusion kinetics of Li+, with the diffusion coefficient experiencing a 37.2% increase. Further investigation reveals that this improvement in capacity and diffusion kinetics results from a transformation of the redox-inert LiMnO2 rocksalt layer on the surface of degraded cathodes back into active spinel. This transformation is confirmed through electron microscopy and corroborated by density functional theory simulations. Moreover, the viability of this electrochemical activation strategy has been demonstrated in pouch cell configurations with Li metal as the anode, underscoring its potential for broader application.

Modelling and optimization of an innovative facility for automated sorting of aluminium scraps

The growing demand for aluminium worldwide makes aluminium recycling critical to realising a circular economy and increasing the sustainability of our world. One effective way to improve the impact of aluminium recycling is to develop cost-efficient automated sorting technologies for obtaining pre-defined high-quality aluminium scrap products, thus reducing undesirable downcycling and increasing environmental/economic benefits. In this work, an innovative facility, which includes singulation, sensor scanning, and ejection, is optimised for the automated sorting of aluminium scraps. The sorting facility is computationally studied by a virtual experiment model based on the discrete element method. The model considers particle-scale dynamics of complex-shaped scraps and mimics the automated operation of the facility. Based on virtual experiment modelling, the flow of scrap is optimized by computation, with the feasible operation of the sorting facility being proposed. Accordingly, the sorting facility has been built and model predictions are confirmed in actual operation.

FSO2N3-Mediated On-DNA Diazo-Transfer Chemistry.

DNA-encoded library (DEL) is a powerful hit selection technique in both basic science and innovative drug discovery. In this study, we report a robust and straightforward DNA-compatible diazo-transfer reaction utilizing FSO2N3 as the diazo-transfer reagent in solution. This reaction demonstrates high conversions and facile operation while being metal-free and maintaining high levels of DNA fidelity. It is also compatible with a wide range of substrates, allowing for convenient access to both aliphatic and aromatic amines. Consequently, it will further enrich the DEL chemistry toolbox.

Flexible and simultaneous multi-scale bioparticle manipulation to actuate cell and drug delivery utilizing AC electrokinetic -powered microswimmer

Bioparticle trapping and transporting are essential processes for developing an integrated cell and drug delivery system. Herein, we present a unique platform that effectively combines magnetic field and alternating current (AC) electrokinetics for the simultaneous manipulation of bioparticles across scales. The magnetic field is used to control the moving direction of Janus swimmers, and the AC electrokinetics incorporating dielectrophoresis (DEP) and induced charge electroosmosis (ICEO) flow are utilized to power Janus swimmers to manipulate bioparticles. Numerical characterization of the stagnant regions generated by DEP and ICEO elucidates the trapping mechanisms for both micro and nano bioparticles. We demonstrate that the Janus swimmers are capable of navigating along varied trajectories at speeds of up to hundreds of micrometers per second. Developed phase maps, derived from AC frequency and medium conductivity parameters, delineate three distinct bioparticle loading positions, offering a versatile guide for the manipulation of cells and nanodrugs. The platform’s adaptability is further highlighted by its success in performing mobile trapping of cells and nanodrugs along user-defined trajectories, targeted trapping of nanoparticle aggregations, and simultaneous multi-scale bioparticle capture. The presented multi-scale bioparticle trapping strategy, together with its unique features of simple geometric configuration, facile operation and broad applicability, can broaden utility in cellular and pharmaceutical research.

A novel lanthanum ion-assisted fluorapatite precipitation approach for efficient fluoride removal from water

Excess amounts of fluoride ions (F-) in water/wastewater bring great hazards to human health and the environment. The traditional method such as precipitation by calcium ions does not work well for low-concentration F- removal. Herein, we developed a lanthanum ion (La3+)-assisted fluorapatite precipitation approach to treat F--containing water, aiming at high removal efficiency. Through an orthogonal experimental design and single-factor experiment, the optimized reaction conditions were obtained as the molar ratio of (Ca2++La3+): PO43-: F-=7.5: 4: 1, Ca2+: La3+ = 90: 10, and reaction pH of 9. Under such reaction conditions, F- in water (10 mg L−1) could be well controlled under 1 mg L−1, fulfilling relevant environmental standards. No remarkable F- removal efficiency loss was found in the presence of typical anions (e.g., halides, bicarbonate, sulfate). The developed F- removal approach also worked well in a wide F- concentration range (10–200 mg L−1) and reaction temperature range (5–45 °C). Further reaction mechanism study proved that the formation of LaFx(OH)3-x colloids was the key step, which could accumulate F- ions in water into colloids. The subsequently added Ca2+ and PO43- destroyed the stable colloids, and then promoted the formation of fluorapatite with simultaneous La3+ doping, which existed as precipitate and allowed the easy separation from the reaction solution. As a by-product, the as-produced La3+-doped fluorapatite was evaluated as an adsorbent for organic pollutant removal, which possessed a high adsorption capacity (763.4 mg g−1) for the model pollutant of Congo red. Considering the facile operation process, high F- removal efficiency, wide operation temperature window, and anti-inference for co-existing anions, the La3+-assisted fluorapatite precipitation approach possessed great potential for F--containing water/wastewater treatment.

Assessment of mercury methylation and methylmercury demethylation potentials in water and sediments along the Wabigoon River system

Monomethylmercury (MMHg) plays a crucial role in the accumulation of mercury (Hg) within aquatic food chains. Since ambient levels of methylmercury are governed by the balance of simultaneous methylation and demethylation processes, determining in situ methylation and demethylation rates is critically important to understand the dynamics of methylmercury in the environment. This is especially important in the Wabigoon River system in Ontario, Canada, which is severely contaminated with Hg by a chlor-alkali facility operating in the 1960s, and still exhibits some of the highest recorded fish mercury concentrations in Canada. This work used a simultaneous addition of isotope enriched Hg and MMHg tracers to ascertain Hg methylation and MMHg demethylation potentials. At the locations investigated for this study, the most favourable conditions for Hg methylation were found at the Hydroelectric dam, being able to transform 4.2 % and 4.4 % of added Hg in water and sediments per day, respectively, to MMHg. This could correspond to 1.9 ng/L and 29 ng/g of new MMHg being produced from current ambient Hg. Clay Lake, which is considered a sink for mercury and exhibiting a seasonal anoxic environment at its bottom waters, also demonstrated significant MMHg generation, being able to produce 2.7 ng/L and 13 ng/g of MMHg per day, respectively. Demethylation rates in sediments of riverbed and wetland locations showed an average half-life for methylmercury of 2.1 days, indicating a rapid turnover of MMHg in the Wabigoon River. However, significantly lower demethylation rates were also measured near the inflow of Clay Lake, where it took up to 144 days for MMHg to decrease by 50 %. Generally, most of the investigated locations downstream of the pollution source displayed the potential to generate methylmercury, which could be distributed throughout the Wabigoon River system and therefore require attention with respect to future remediation activities.

Identifying and modelling the barriers to returns of end-of-life (EOL) heavy-duty machinery in Nigeria: A consumers’ perspective

EOL product returns has become more prevalently practiced in companies in developed nations as a response to government's strict regulations and customers' expectations. Correspondingly, there is a growing body of theoretical literature on the topic within this context as a crucial strategy to accelerate the development of the circular economy (CE). However, consumers' participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery is immature in developing nations due to barriers, and studies are scarce on the analysis of the barriers. To fill this gap, this study aims to identify and analyze the barriers that hinder consumers' participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery within a developing nation-Nigeria. Barriers were identified from published literature and experts' inputs and then, classified under technological, organizational, and environmental (supply chain) categories. Then, analysis was done via a methodology integrating interval-valued neutrosophic analytical hierarchy process (IVN-AHP) with multi-objective optimization on the basis of a ratio analysis plus the full multiplicative form (MULTIMOORA). Findings indicate that the environmental(supply chain) barriers rank the highest, followed by technological barriers. Specifically, consumers participation in EOL returns of heavy-duty machinery in Nigeria is mostly hindered by lack of regulations, lack of financial incentives, lack of skills, undeveloped reverse logistics system and poor access to facilities for recovery operations. Furthermore, we proposed some strategies to support stakeholders to mitigate the barriers. Thus, this study gives valuable guidelines to decision-makers to enable the transition to a CE paradigm in the heavy-duty sector within developing nations for utmost sustainability.

A Comparative Analysis of the Opportunities and Challenges Associated with Building Information Modeling Implementation in Jordan and Kuwait

Building Information Modeling (BIM) utilizes a multifaceted computer software data model to document building designs, simulate construction, and manage the operations of new facilities. This research aims to investigate the adoption of BIM in the Jordanian and Kuwaiti construction sectors. To achieve this objective, the research commenced with a comprehensive literature review on global and Middle Eastern BIM adoption, identifying the benefits and challenges of BIM in the construction industry. Subsequently, an exploratory study was conducted using an online survey to assess the current level of BIM expertise and characterize the perceived advantages and barriers associated with BIM implementation. The current state of BIM implementation in Jordan and Kuwait can be characterized as lagging behind. The study shows there is more awareness of BIM applications, programmes, and benefits in Jordan than Kuwait. The study identified and compared several barriers to BIM adoption in Jordan and Kuwait, including: Lack of government support, Lack of effective collaboration among project stakeholders, Lack of demand for BIM.

Sustainable management of family life and finance in the context of digital capabilities - data flow dynamics

In recent years, biorefining Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has gained attention as a promising solution to the challenges of waste management and resource shortages, while also advancing sustainability goals. This research focuses on the European Union, analyzing the material flow and sustainability of biorefining systems and evaluating their impact on society, the economy, and the natural environment. The final products of the integrated material recovery processes, including recycling (18.3 %), heavy metals (3.6 %), fiber (1.4 %), hydrogen sulfate (7.4 %), recoverable water (14.8 %), fertilizer (8.4 %), and electric power (0.126 MWH/t MSW), are derived from the combined operations of material recovery facilities, pulverization, chemical conversion, wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The CHP system recovers energy from sources such as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), other disposable waste, charcoal, and natural gas produced by material recovery facilities, chemical conversion, and anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. Levulinic acid (LA), priced at 52 Euro/t, generates a profit of 220 Euro/t, excluding any subsidies. Potential reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at 2.5 and 1.4 kg CO2 equivalents per kilogram of levulinic acid (LA) and fertilizer, respectively, and 0.18 kg CO2 equivalents per megajoule of electrical power. This study underscores the importance of sustainable management practices in the context of digital capabilities, emphasizing the data flow dynamics essential for optimizing family life and finance in achieving sustainability.

Pseudohalide Anion Passivation for Aqueous‐Stable Pure Red Perovskite Nanocrystals

AbstractRecently emerging perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have drawn considerable attention due to the superior optoelectronic performances. However, the terrible stability of red emissive PNCs (r‐PNCs) limits their broader application in aqueous media. Despite various encapsulation methods are proposed, the preparation of aqueous r‐PNCs with facile operation and excellent durability is still challenging. Herein, aqueous green emissive PNCs (g‐PNCs) by employing water as an external stimulus to treat oleyamine‐capped CsPbBr3 PNCs are synthesized initially, and then aqueous‐stable pure red emissive PNCs by anion‐exchange reaction and subsequently thiocyanate (SCN‐) passivation treatment (SCN‐r‐PNCs) are prepared. The obtained aqueous‐stable SCN‐r‐PNCs display high brightness, outstanding stability, and extended photoluminescence lifetime. Moreover, by combining aqueous r‐PNCs and portable smartphones, a fluorescence chemosensor for the detection of aqueous SCN− ions is constructed, which exhibits simple operation, high sensitivity, high selectivity, low detection limit, and visualized sensing. This work not only provides a new and facile strategy to prepare aqueous‐stable red emissive PNCs, but also further extends the application of red emissive PNCs in aqueous‐based fields.

Robust Design of Electrical System for Nuclear Plants to Prevent a Nuclear Accident During an Emergency Situation

The Chernobyl accident taught us an important lesson regarding the significance of the emergency diesel generator (EDG), which is crucial for supplying a nuclear facility with emergency alternating-current power. A worst-case scenario would occur if the EDG failed to start functioning. In response to this problem, this research addresses the issue and suggests an optimal design for another alternative electrical source using solar energy. Until now, employing this technology presented a challenge as a solar energy system generates electrical harmonics that are transmitted from the photovoltaic (PV) grid to the electrical network. These harmonics can negatively impact the performance and operation of nuclear facilities. Consequently, this study proposes a comprehensive investigation that tackles this issue by implementing a LCL filter to mitigate the harmonics in the PV network. This paper not only provides an alternative solution in the event of a diesel generator breakdown, but also studies the effect of this solution on the station’s performance and how to improve it. A mathematical model based on the MATLAB program is developed to simulate the application of the LCL filter strategy. The proposed technique is tested through simulation with an actual case, demonstrating its reliability and high-quality outcomes.

Optimal Electrocatalyst Design Strategies for Acidic Oxygen Evolution.

Hydrogen, a clean resource with high energy density, is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil. Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers are beneficial for hydrogen production because of their high current density, facile operation, and high gas purity. However, the large-scale application of electrochemical water splitting to acidic electrolytes is severely limited by the sluggish kinetics of the anodic reaction and the inadequate development of corrosion- and highly oxidation-resistant anode catalysts. Therefore, anode catalysts with excellent performance and long-term durability must be developed for anodic oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in acidic media. This review comprehensively outlines three commonly employed strategies, namely, defect, phase, and structure engineering, to address the challenges within the acidic OER, while also identifying their existing limitations. Accordingly, the correlation between material design strategies and catalytic performance is discussed in terms of their contribution to high activity and long-term stability. In addition, various nanostructures that can effectively enhance the catalyst performance at the mesoscale are summarized from the perspective of engineering technology, thus providing suitable strategies for catalyst design that satisfy industrial requirements. Finally, the challenges and future outlook in the area of acidic OER are presented.

Barriers and facilitators to tuberculosis diagnosis in Lima, Peru: a mixed methods study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) infectiousness decreases significantly with only a few days of treatment, but delayed diagnosis often leads to late treatment initiation. We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study to understand the barriers and facilitators to prompt diagnosis among people with TB.MethodsWe enrolled 100 adults who started TB treatment in the Carabayllo district of Lima, Peru, between November 2020 and February 2022 and administered a survey about their symptoms and healthcare encounters. We calculated total diagnostic delay as time from symptom onset to diagnosis. We conducted semi-structured interviews of 26 participants who had a range of delays investigating their experience navigating the health system. Interview transcripts were inductively coded for concepts related to diagnostic barriers and facilitators.ResultsOverall, 38% of participants sought care first from public facilities and 42% from the private sector. Only 14% reported being diagnosed with TB on their first visit, and participants visited a median of 3 (interquartile range [IQR] health facilities before diagnosis. The median total diagnostic delay was 9 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 4–22), with a median of 4 weeks (IQR 0–9) before contact with the health system and of 3 weeks (IQR 0–9) after. Barriers to prompt diagnosis included participants attributing their symptoms to an alternative cause or having misconceptions about TB, and leading them to postpone seeking care. Once connected to care, variations in clinical management, health facility resource limitations, and lack of formal referral processes contributed to the need for multiple healthcare visits before obtaining a diagnosis. Facilitators to prompt diagnosis included knowing someone with TB, supportive friends and family, referral documents, and seeing a pulmonologist.ConclusionsMisinformation about TB among people with TB and providers, poor accessibility of health services, and the need for multiple encounters to obtain diagnostic tests were major factors leading to delays. Extending the hours of operation of public health facilities, improving community awareness and provider training, and creating a formal referral process between the public and private sectors should be priorities in the efforts to combat TB.

Assessing the Economic and Environmental Impacts of Anaerobic Digestion for Municipal Organic Waste: A Case Study of Minamisanriku Town, Japan

Anaerobic digestion (AD), or biogas technology, is an optimal method for municipal organic waste (MOW) treatment, recovering both material and energy. This study takes a life cycle assessment perspective and examines the economic and environmental impacts of a BIO facility in Minamisanriku Town, Japan, which has utilized MOW (kitchen/food waste and surplus sludge from sewage) as local biomass resources since 2012. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to gather data on material flows and impacts. Scenario analysis considered various conditions, such as pre- and post-operation of the BIO facility, the use and non-use of digestate as liquid fertilizer, and the facility’s 100% operational efficiency. The results indicate that full operation of the BIO facility and marketing of value-added products, such as branded rice grown using liquid fertilizer, could significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower integrated environmental costs, improve the regional economy, and increase net income. In the business as usual (BAU) scenario with a 56% operation rate of the BIO facility, there is an over 10% improvement in economic and environmental impacts compared to the pre-operation baseline. This study underscores the importance of maximizing biomass utilization to develop value-added uses by enhancing, extending, and expending stakeholder collaboration.

The Influence of Cyclic Loading on the Mechanical Properties of Well Cement

The cyclic loading generated by injection and production operations in underground gas storage facilities can lead to fatigue damage to cement sheaths and compromise the integrity of wellbores. To investigate the influence of cyclic loading on the fatigue damage of well cement, uniaxial and triaxial loading tests were conducted at different temperatures, with maximum cyclic loading intensity ranging from 60% to 90% of the ultimate strength. Test results indicate that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of well cement subjected to monotonic loading under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) testing conditions were 14–21% lower than those obtained under ambient testing conditions. The stress–strain curve exhibits stress–strain hysteresis loops during cyclic loading tests, and the plastic deformation capacity is enhanced at HTHP conditions. Notably, a higher intensity of cyclic loading results in more significant plastic strain in oil-well cement, leading to the conversion of more input energy into dissipative energy. Furthermore, the secant modulus of well cement decreased with cycle number, which is especially significant under ambient test conditions with high loading intensity. Within 20 cycles of cyclic loading tests, only the sample tested at a loading intensity of 90% ultimate strength under an ambient environment failed. For samples that remained intact after 20 cycles of cyclic loading, the compressive strength and stress–strain behavior were similar to those obtained before cyclic loading. Only a slight decrease in the elastic modulus is observed in samples cycled with high loading intensity. Overall, oil-well cement has a longer fatigue life when subjected to HTHP testing conditions compared to that tested under ambient conditions. The fatigue life of well cement increases significantly with a decrease in loading intensity and can be predicted based on the plastic strain evolution rate.