Comparative analysis of alternative fuels in detonation combustion

Detonation combustion prominently exhibits high thermodynamic efficiency which leads to better performance. As compared to the conventionally used isobaric heat addition in a Brayton cycle combustor, detonation uses a novel isochoric Humphrey cycle which utilises shocks and detonation waves to provide pressure-rise combustion. Such unsteady combustion has already been explored in wave rotor, pulse detonation engine and rotating detonation engine configurations as alternative technologies for the next generation of the aerospace propulsion systems. However, in addition to the better performance that the detonation mode of combustion offers, it is crucial to observe the environmental concerns as well. Therefore, this paper presents a one-dimensional numerical analysis for alternative fuels: Jet-A, Acetylene, Jatropha Bio-synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, Camelina Bio-synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene, Algae Biofuel, and Microalgae Biofuel under detonation combustion conditions. For simplicity, the analysis is modelled using an open tube geometry. The analysis employs the Rankine-Hugoniot Equation, Rayleigh Line Equation, and Zel’dovich–von Neumann–Doering model and takes into account species mole, mass fraction, and enthalpies-of-formation of the reactants. Initially, minimum conditions for the detonation of each fuel are determined. Pressure, temperature, and density ratios at each stage of the combustion tube for different types of fuel are then explored systematically. Finally, the influence of different initial conditions is numerically examined to make a comparison for these fuels

Modelling of spray evaporation and penetration for alternative fuels

The focus of this work is on the modelling of evaporation and spray penetration for alternative fuels. The extension model approach is presented and validated for alternative fuels, namely, Kerosene (KE), Ethanol (ETH), Methanol (MTH), Microalgae biofuel (MA), Jatropha biofuel (JA), and Camelina biofuel (CA). The results for atomization and spray penetration are shown in a time variant condition. Comparisons have been made to visualize the transient behaviour of these fuels. The vapour pressure tendencies are revealed to have significant effects on the transient shape of the evaporation process. In a given time frame, ethanol fuel exhibits the highest evaporation rate and followed by methanol, other biofuels and kerosene. Ethanol also propagates the farthest distance and followed by methanol and kerosene. However, all biofuels have a shorter penetration length in the given time. These give penalty costs to biofuels emissions formation. The influences of initial conditions such as temperature and droplet velocity are also explored numerically. High initial temperature and velocity could accelerate evaporation rate. However, high initial temperature has resulted in low penetration length while high initial velocity produces contrasting results

Comparative study of alternative biofuels on aircraft engine performance

Aviation industries are vulnerable to the energy crisis and simultaneously posed environmental concerns. Proposed engine technology advancements could reduce the environmental impact and energy consumption. Substituting the source of jet fuel from fossil-based fuel to biomass-based fuel will help reduce emissions and minimize the energy crisis. The present paper addresses the analysis of aircraft engine performance in terms of thrust, fuel flow and specific fuel consumption at different mixing ratio percentages (20%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 80%) of alternative biofuel blends already used in flight test (Algae biofuel, Camelina biofuel and Jatropha biofuel) at different flight conditions. In-house computer software codes, PYTHIA and TURBOMATCH, were used for the analysis and modeling of a three-shaft high-bypass-ratio engine which is similar to RB211-524. The engine model was verified and validated with open literature found in the test program of bio-synthetic paraffinic kerosene in commercial aircraft. The results indicated that lower heating value had a significant influence on thrust, fuel flow and specific fuel consumption at every flight condition and at all mixing ratio percentages. Wide lower heating value differences between two fuels give a large variation on the engine performances. Blended Kerosene–Jatropha biofuel and Kerosene–Camelina biofuel showed an improvement on gross thrust, net thrust, reduction of fuel flow and specific fuel consumption at every mixing ratio percentage and at different flight conditions. Moreover, the pure alternative of Jatropha biofuel and Camelina biofuel gave much better engine performances. This was not the case for the Kerosene–Algae blended biofuel. This study is a crucial step in understanding the influence of different blended alternative biofuels on the performance of aircraft engines

Morphology of Rat Hippocampal CA1 Neurons Following Modified Two and Four-Vessels Global Ischemia Models

Background: An appropriate animal model of ischemia stroke is essential for evaluation of different therapeutic methods. Two and four-vessel global ischemia models are one of the most common types of transient cerebral ischemia. Objectives: In this study, the morphology of rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in modified models of two and four-vessel ischemia and reperfusion were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this study, 20 Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. In group 2 and 3, both common carotid arteries were occluded for 10 minutes in either 3 or 24 hours of reperfusions, respectively. In group 4 and 5, both common carotid and vertebral arteries were occluded for 10 minutes in either 3 or 24 hours of reperfusions, respectively. Group 1 as control, underwent the whole surgery without any arteries occlusion. Hippocampi of the rats in all groups were processed and tissue sections were stained using the Nissl method. The morphology of CA1 neurons were studied under a light microscope and compared different groups. Results: In all groups ischemic changes were apparently observed in hippocampus CA1 neurons. In two-vessel occlusion model, after 3 and 24 hours of reperfusions, ischemic cells accounted for 14.9% and 23.2%, respectively. In four-vessel occlusion model, after 3 and 24 hours of reperfusions, ischemic cells accounted for 7.6% and 44.9% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: Modified four-vessel occlusion model resulted in significant ischemic changes after 24 hours of reperfusion in CA1 neurons of rat hippocampus

Il-1� C376a transversion variant and risk of idiopathic male infertility in Iranian men: A genetic association study

Background: IL-1α produced by Sertoli cells is considered to act as a growth factor for spermatogonia. In this study, we investigated the association of the C376A polymorphism in IL-1α with male infertility in men referring to the Kashan IVF Center. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 2 ml of blood was collected from 230 fertile and 230 infertile men. After DNA extraction, the C376A variant was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In addition, the molecular effects of the C376A transversion were analysed using bioinformatics tools. Results: A significant association was observed between the homozygous genotype CC with male infertility [odds ratio (OR)=1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.14-3.41, P=0.016)]. Carriers of C (AC+CC) showed a similar risk for male infertility (OR=1.78, 95% CI=1.06-2.99, P=0.030). Also, allelic analysis showed that the C allele is associated with male infertility (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.09-1.88, P=0.011). In sub-group analysis, we found that the AC genotype is associated with asthenozoospermia (OR=2.38, 95% CI=1.03-5.53, P=0.043). In addition, carriers of C were at high risk for asthenozoospermia (OR=2.25, 95% CI=1.01-4.10, P=0.047). Also, C allele was significantly associated with oligozoospermia (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.01-2.06, P=0.049) and non-obstructive azoospermia (OR=1.67, 95% CI =1.04-2.68, P=0.034). Finally, in silico analysis showed that the C376A polymorphism could alter splicing especially in the acceptor site. Conclusion: This is the preliminary report on the association of IL-1α C376A polymorphism with male infertility in the Kashan population. This association shows that the IL-1α gene may be a biomarker for male infertility, and therefore needs additional investigations in future studies to validate this. Keywords: Genetic Polymorphism, Interleukin-1α, Male Infertility, Spermatogenesi

Rapid Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Antigen in Experimentally Infected Mice by Dot- ELISA

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide endemic disease. In congenitally infected infants and AIDS patients, toxoplasmosis causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. In these cases antibody detection is difficult; so detection of parasite or its components could be useful tool for early detection and following treatment of the infection.Methods: Sixty-three BALB/c mice were injected intra-peritoneal with 5×103 tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain, nine mice were sacrificed daily for 7 days. Fourteen mice were in­jected with phosphate buffer saline as control group. Dot-ELISA was performed for detection of T.gondii antigen in mice sera and capture - ELISA was done as golden standard assay too.Results : Toxoplasma gondii antigen was detected from day 2 in mice sera ; 22% of mice sera on day 2, 33% on day 3,77% on day 4 and 100% on day 5 till their death on day 7 had shown antigene­mia by dot - ELISA, no positive result was detected in control mice by dot- ELISA.Conclusion: Dot-ELISA is a sensitive method for diagnosis of T. gondii infection in the animal model; also, this technique is more rapid and easy to perform method in comparison with cap­ture-ELISA

Multiscale Fluctuation Dispersion Entropy of EEG as a Physiological Biomarker of Schizotypy

Altered electroencephalography (EEG) activity in schizotypal individuals is a powerful indicator of proneness towards psychosis. This alteration is beyond decreased alpha power often measured in resting state EEG. Multiscale fluctuation dispersion entropy (MFDE) measures the non-linear complexity of the fluctuations of EEGs and is a more effective approach compared to the traditional linear power spectral density (PSD) measures of EEG activity in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we applied MFDE to EEG signals to distinguish high schizotypy (HS) and low schizotypy (LS) individuals. The study includes several trials from 29 participants psychometrically classified as HS (n=19) and LS (n=10). After preprocessing, MFDE was computed in frontal, parietal, central, temporal and occipital regions for each participant at multiple time scales. Statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms were used to calculate the differences in MFDE measures between the HS and LS groups. Our findings revealed significant differences in MFDE measures between LS and HS individuals in the delta frequency band (at time scale 100 ms). HS individuals exhibited increased complexity and irregularity compared to LS individuals in the delta frequency band particularly in the occipital region. Furthermore, the MFDE measures resulted in high accuracy (96.55%) in discriminating between HS and LS individuals and outperformed the models based on power spectrum, demonstrating the potential of MFDE as a neurophysiological marker for schizotypy traits. The increased non-linear fluctuation in delta frequency band in the occipital region of HS individuals implies the changes in cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, and has significant potential as a biomarker for schizotypy and proneness towards psychosis

Developing performance indicators for clinical governance in dimensions of risk management and clinical effectiveness

Objective: This study has been designed and conducted to develop domestic indicators for evaluating the performance of clinical governance in dimensions of risk management and clinical effectiveness. Design: This study implemented a 5-stage process including conducting a comprehensive literature review, expert panel (~1000 h per person per session, 11 experts), semi-structured interviews, a 2-round Delphi study (33 experts were in attendance) and a final expert panel (8 experts were in attendance). Setting: East Azerbaijan-Iran Province. Participants: Fifty-six specialists and experts in different fields of medical sciences. Main Outcome Measures: Importance and applicability of indicators. Results: Using a thorough literature review, 361 indicators (129 risk management indicators in 4 dimensions and 232 clinical effectiveness indicators in 18 dimensions) were found. After conducting expert panels and interviews, the number of indicators decreased to 168 cases (65 risk management indicators in 4 dimensions and 103 clinical effectiveness indicators in 12 dimensions). Two rounds of Delphi identified four indicators that were omitted. The members of the final expert panel agreed on 113 indicators (43 risk management indicators in 4 dimensions and 70 clinical effectiveness indicators in 11 dimensions). Conclusion: In this study, indicators for assessing clinical governance in domains of risk management and clinical effectiveness were designed that can be used by policy-makers and other authorities for improving the quality of services and evaluating the performance of clinical governance. Those indicators can be used with slight modifications in other countries having healthcare systems similar to that of Iran. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care; all rights reserved

Experts� perspectives on the application of public-private partnership policy in prevention of road traffic injuries

Purpose: Successful application experiences on public-private partnership (PPP) in different countries, suggest that PPP could be an option in road traffic injury (RTI) prevention. The present study aims at investigating the applicability of PPP policy in RTI prevention in Iran based on the experts� perspectives. Methods: This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach which has been conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2018. The participants were 22 experts in the field of RTIs selected using purposive sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed with content-analysis method. Results: The results were classified under 5 main themes (applicability, scopes and services, challenges, advantages, and strategies) for applying PPP policy and 37 sub-themes. Due to the prevalence of RTIs, the present challenges in public sector, existence of qualified private sector, and successful experiences in other areas, there are opportunities for private sector partnership in prevention of RTIs. Private sector could participate in different scopes and services regarding RTI prevention, including road construction and maintenance, maintenance and provision of vehicles safety and public education. The main challenges including legislation issues, ambiguities in collaboration, political and organizational unsustainability, government's financial hardship and lack of experienced experts in the field of RTI. However, there are significant advantages including high efficiency in program implementation, covering the weaknesses of public sector, effective and efficient management on application of PPP in RTI prevention. The strategies include identifying and prioritizing the assignable activities, identifying the qualified private sector, developing PPP policies and legal frameworks, creating a common language between public and private parties, trying to meet the expectations of the private sector by public sector, developing a comprehensive and sound contract, and cultivating public culture to accept private sector in the field of RTI prevention. Conclusion: This study sought to determine whether PPP could be used as strategy to reduce the burden of RTIs in Iran. But it requires a lot of preliminary studies to provide the context and conditions for applying this policy. © 2020 Chinese Medical Associatio

Role of promoters in hoisting the catalytic performance for enhanced CO methanation

The increasing demand of natural gas and its rising cost have urged some countries to take initiatives to fulfil their energy needs. The production of substituted natural gas (SNG) by syngas (CO + H2) from coal or biomass is one of the most effective methods. As a promising source of energy, SNG has attracted much attention on research and applications due to the high demand for environmental protection. It is regarded as a clean energy source and an effective method for the application of coal resources, particularly in the regions with abundant coal resources but scarce natural gas such as in China [1-3]. SNG has attracted increasing attention due to its lower emission of sulphur and particulate matter. SNG is expected to be one of the main energy sources of the 21st century. It is environmentally friendly and less costly, has high calorific value, complete combustion, and smoke free compared to other energy sources. It has significant importance for the industrial level and transportation sectors