The effect of ambient temperature on cold start urban traffic emissions for a real world SI car

The influence of ambient temperature on exhaust emissions for an instrumented Euro 1 SI car was determined. A real world test cycle was used, based on an urban drive cycle that was similar to the ECE urban drive cycle. It was based on four laps of a street circuit and an emissions sample bag was taken for each lap. The bag for the first lap was for the cold start emissions. An in-vehicle direct exhaust dual bag sampling technique was used to simultaneously collect exhaust samples upstream and downstream of the three-way catalyst (TWC). The cold start tests were conducted over a year, with ambient temperatures ranging from – 2°C to 32°C. The exhaust system was instrumented with thermocouples so that the catalyst light off temperature could be determined. The results showed that CO emissions for the cold start were reduced by a factor of 8 downstream of catalyst when ambient temperature rose from -2°C to 32°C, the corresponding hydrocarbon emissions were reduced by a factor of 4. There was no clear relationship between NOx emissions and ambient temperature. For subsequent laps of the test circuit the reduction of CO and HC emissions as a function of ambient temperature was lower. The time for catalyst light off increased by 50% as the ambient temperature was reduced. The results show that the vehicle used is unlikely to meet the new – 7oC cold start CO emission regulations

Application of a portable FTIR for measuring on-road emissions

The objective of this work was the development of an onroad in-vehicle emissions measurement technique utilizing a relatively new, commercial, portable Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectrometer capable of identifying and measuring (at approximately 3 second intervals) up to 51 different compounds. The FTIR was installed in a medium class EURO1 spark ignition passenger vehicle in order to measure on-road emissions. The vehicle was also instrumented to allow the logging of engine speed, road speed, global position, throttle position, air-fuel ratio, air flow and fuel flow in addition to engine, exhaust and catalyst temperatures. This instrumentation allowed the calculation of massbased emissions from the volume-based concentrations measured by the FTIR. To validate the FTIR data, the instrument was used to measure emissions from an engine subjected to a real-world drive cycle using an AC dynamometer. Standard analyzers were operated simultaneously for comparison with the FTIR and the standard analyzer results showed that most pollutants (NOx, CO2, CO) were within ~10% of a standard analyzer during steady state conditions and within 20% during transients. The exception to this was total HC which was generally 50% or less than actual total HC, but this was due to the limited number of hydrocarbons measured by the FTIR. In addition to the regulated emissions, five toxic hydrocarbon species were analyzed and found to be sensitive to cold starts in varying proportions. Finally, FTIR data was compared to results from a commercially available on-road measurement system (Horiba OBS- 1000), and there was good agreement

My_Atmos: Novel Method to Analyse Ultrafine Particles Using an Artificial Intelligence Approach

This presentation will discuss the used of an artificial intelligent method namely the ‘stochastic boosted regression trees’ (BRT) approach that uses an algorithm that applied to an air pollution data namely particle number count concentrations ([PNC]), an ultrafine particles data and particulate matter data case study in United Kingdom and Malaysia. The development of the BRT model involves determining the model algorithm settings of the main model input parameters (learning rate, number of trees and interaction depth) that were tested using the R software (version 3.02) by choosing a10-fold cross-validation approach with combination of lr 0.05 and tc 5 of training set for BRT models. It was found, that the coefficient of determination (R2) value for the BRT best iteration models were above 0.60 for [PNC] in urban environment. The fine and course particle number (FPNC and CPNC) were found to be 0.75 and 0.72 respectively for one of coastal dataset while R2 value of 0.78 and 0.85 were obtained for Malaysia data. Further investigated were performed to rank factor influenced. It was found, that Carbon monoxide (30.28 %) gas and followed by temperature (16.81%) and wind direction (16.4%) were found the high factor influenced PM10 in urban environment. The interaction index (H-index) between parameters to concentration of pollutants were also examined graphically and in numerical form (H-Index). It was found that the H-Index between parameters 0.3 to 0.4 indicated that the BRT technique able to explain the science of air pollution. The consistent results to produce the best model from the best iteration, able to rank the best parameters that influence most to the concentration of predictor and able to predict interaction between variables premise BRT as one of the method or tools to analyse air pollution data

Two Inter-Row Spacing and Staggered Planting on Collard (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala DC.) Yield in a Wiregrass Tunnel House

There is interest among small vegetable producers to grow collards in Tunnel Houses during the winter months. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to determine if collard yields could be increased by reducing row spacing and increasing plant density. This study had four treatments replicated three times, and “Georgia” and “Hi-Crop Hybrid” collards were transplanted on single, and staggered rows spaced 18” and 24” apart in a split-split-plot design. At 45 days after transplanting 50% of the leaves from all plants in each treatment were harvested, counted, and weighed. The results showed staggered 18 and 24” rows increased yields by 43 and 51%, respectively, over single planted rows for both varieties. Staggered rows incurred higher planting costs, but increased net returns to management. The increase in yield was variety-dependent, thus suggesting that the genetic potential of the varieties needs to be considered when using plant density to increase yields

A randomised trial of an internet weight control resource: The UK Weight Control Trial [ISRCTN58621669]

BACKGROUND: Obesity treatment is notoriously unsuccessful and one of the barriers to successful weight loss reported by patients is a lack of social support. The Internet offers a novel and fast approach to the delivery of health information, enabling 24-hour access to help and advice. However, much of the health information available on the Internet is unregulated or not written by qualified health professionals to provide unbiased information. The proposed study aims to compare a web-based weight loss package with traditional dietary treatment of obesity in participants. The project aims to deliver high quality information to the patient and to evaluate the effectiveness of this information, both in terms of weight loss outcomes and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: This study is a randomised controlled trial of a weight loss package against usual care provided within General Practice (GP) surgeries in Leeds, UK. Participants will be recruited via posters placed in participating practices. A target recruitment figure of 220 will enable 180 people to be recruited (allowing for 22% dropout). Participants agreeing to take part in the study will be randomly allocated using minimisation to either the intervention group, receiving access to the Internet site, or the usual care group. The primary outcome of the study will be the ability of the package to promote change in BMI over 6 and 12 months compared with traditional treatment. Secondary outcomes will be the ability of the Internet package to promote change in reported lifestyle behaviours. Data will be collected on participant preferences, adherence to treatment, health care use and time off work. Difference in cost between groups in provision of the intervention and the cost of the primary outcome will also be estimated. CONCLUSION: A positive result from this study would enhance the repertoire of treatment approaches available for the management of obesity. A negative result would be used to inform the research agenda and contribute to redefining future strategies for tackling obesity

Effectiveness of a clinical decision support system for reducing the risk of QT interval prolongation in hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effectiveness of a computer clinical decision support system (CDSS) for reducing the risk of QT interval prolongation in hospitalized patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated 2400 patients admitted to cardiac care units at an urban academic medical center. A CDSS incorporating a validated risk score for QTc prolongation was developed and implemented using information extracted from patients' electronic medical records. When a drug associated with torsades de pointes was prescribed to a patient at moderate or high risk for QTc interval prolongation, a computer alert appeared on the screen to the pharmacist entering the order, who could then consult the prescriber on alternative therapies and implement more intensive monitoring. QTc interval prolongation was defined as QTc interval >500 ms or increase in QTc of ≥60 ms from baseline; for patients who presented with QTc >500 ms, QTc prolongation was defined solely as increase in QTc ≥60 ms from baseline. End points were assessed before (n=1200) and after (n=1200) implementation of the CDSS. CDSS implementation was independently associated with a reduced risk of QTc prolongation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.89; P<0.0001). Furthermore, CDSS implementation reduced the prescribing of noncardiac medications known to cause torsades de pointes, including fluoroquinolones and intravenous haloperidol (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.91; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: A computer CDSS incorporating a validated risk score for QTc prolongation influences the prescribing of QT-prolonging drugs and reduces the risk of QTc interval prolongation in hospitalized patients with torsades de pointes risk factors

Stress Free Temperature Testing and Calculations on Out-of-Autoclave Composites

Future launch vehicles will require the incorporation of large composite parts that will make up primary and secondary components of the vehicle. NASA has explored the feasibility of manufacturing these large components using Out-of-Autoclave impregnated carbon fiber composite systems through many composites development projects. Most recently, the Composites for Exploration Project has been looking at the development of a 10 meter diameter fairing structure, similar in size to what will be required for a heavy launch vehicle. The development of new material systems requires the investigation of the material properties and the stress in the parts. Residual stress is an important factor to incorporate when modeling the stresses that a part is undergoing. Testing was performed to verify the stress free temperature with two-ply asymmetric panels. A comparison was done between three newly developed out of autoclave IM7/Bismaleimide (BMI) systems. This paper presents the testing results and the analysis performed to determine the stress free temperature of the material

Sequence-dependent off-target inhibition of TLR7/8 sensing by synthetic microRNA inhibitors

Anti-microRNA (miRNA) oligonucleotides (AMOs) with 2\u27-O-Methyl (2\u27OMe) residues are commonly used to study miRNA function and can achieve high potency, with low cytotoxicity. Not withstanding this, we demonstrate the sequence-dependent capacity of 2\u27OMe AMOs to inhibit Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 sensing of immunostimulatory RNA, independent of their miRNA-targeting function. Through a screen of 29 AMOs targeting common miRNAs, we found a subset of sequences highly inhibitory to TLR7 sensing in mouse macrophages. Interspecies conservation of this inhibitory activity was confirmed on TLR7/8 activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Significantly, we identified a core motif governing the inhibitory activity of these AMOs, which is present in more than 50 AMOs targeted to human miRNAs in miRBaseV20. DNA/locked nucleic acids (LNA) AMOs synthesized with a phosphorothioate backbone also inhibited TLR7 sensing in a sequence-dependent manner, demonstrating that the off-target effects of AMOs are not restricted to 2\u27OMe modification. Taken together, our work establishes the potential for off-target effects of AMOs on TLR7/8 function, which should be taken into account in their therapeutic development and in vivo application

Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus Strains in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Children in Manhiça District, Southern Mozambique 2008–2019

..870-15 SC; the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), grant number AID-656-F-16-00002 and Fundo Nacional de Investiga??o (FNI), Mo?ambique, grant number 245-INV, within the context of diarrhoeal disease surveillance platform implementation. F.M PhD is supported by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, grant number 234066. The authors convey many thanks to all the caregivers who consented to their children?s participation in both studies (GEMS and the diarrhoeal disease platform). They would also like to thank all the professionals in the hospitals and those on field recruitment for their full dedication and effort in children enrolment and collection of data and samples whenever possible. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Group A rotaviruses remain the leading cause of diarrhoea in children aged <5 years. Mozambique introduced rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix® ) in September 2015. We report rotavirus geno-types circulating among symptomatic and asymptomatic children in Manhiça District, Mozambique, pre-and post-vaccine introduction. Stool was collected from enrolled children and screened for ro-tavirus by enzyme-immuno-sorbent assay. Positive specimens were genotyped for VP7 (G genotypes) and VP4 (P genotypes) by the conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The combination G12P[8] was more frequently observed in pre-vaccine than in post-vaccine introduction, in moderate to severe diarrhoea (34%, 61/177 vs. 0, p < 0.0001) and controls (23%, 26/113 vs. 0, p = 0.0013) and mixed genotypes (36%, 24/67 vs. 7% 4/58, p = 0.0003) in less severe diarrhoea. We observed changes in post-vaccine compared to pre-vaccine introduction, where G3P[4] and G3P[8] were prevalent in moderate to severe diarrhoea (10%, 5/49 vs. 0, p = 0.0002; and 14%, 7/49 vs. 1%, 1/177, p < 0.0001; respectively), and in less severe diarrhoea (21%, 12/58 vs. 0, p = 0.003; and 24%, 14/58 vs. 0, p < 0.0001; respectively). Our surveillance demonstrated the circulation of similar genotypes contemporaneously among cases and controls, as well as switching from pre-to post-vaccine introduction. Continuous surveillance is needed to evaluate the dynamics of the changes in genotypes following vaccine introduction.publishersversionpublishe

Impact of monovalent rotavirus vaccine on diarrhoea-associated post-neonatal infant mortality in rural communities in Malawi: a population-based birth cohort study

Background: Rotavirus is a major contributor to child mortality. The effect of rotavirus vaccine on diarrhoea mortality has been estimated in middle-income but not low-income settings, where mortality is high and vaccine effectiveness in reducing admissions to hospital is lower. Empirical population-based mortality studies have not been done in any setting. Malawi introduced monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1) in October, 2012. We aimed to investigate the impact and effectiveness of the RV1 vaccine in reducing diarrhoea-associated mortality in infants aged 10–51 weeks. Methods: In this population-based cohort study, we included infants born between Jan 1, 2012, and June 1, 2015, in Mchinji, Central Malawi and analysed data on those surviving 10 weeks. Individual vaccination status was extracted from caregiver-held records or report at home visits at 4 months and 1 year of age. Survival to 1 year was confirmed at home visit, or cause of death ascertained by verbal autopsy. We assessed impact (1 minus mortality rate ratio following vs before vaccine introduction) using Poisson regression. Among vaccine-eligible infants (born from Sept 17, 2012), we assessed effectiveness (1 minus hazard ratio) using Cox regression. Findings: Between Jan 1, 2012, and June 1, 2015, we recruited 48 672 livebirths in Mchinji, among whom 38 518 were vaccine-eligible and 37 570 survived to age 10 weeks. Two-dose versus zero-dose effectiveness analysis included 28 141 infants, of whom 101 had diarrhoea-associated death before 1 year of age. Diarrhoea-associated mortality declined by 31% (95% CI 1–52; p=0·04) after RV1 introduction. Effectiveness against diarrhoea-mortality was 34% (95% CI –28 to 66; p=0·22). Interpretation: RV1 was associated with substantial reduction in diarrhoea-associated deaths among infants in this rural sub-Saharan African setting. These data add considerable weight to evidence showing the impact of rotavirus vaccine programmes. Funding: Wellcome Trust and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals