Effect of inlet valve timing and water blending on bioethanol HCCI combustion using forced induction and residual gas trapping

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in Fuel. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2007 Elsevier B.V.It has been shown previously that applying forced induction to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion of bioethanol with residual gas trapping, results in a greatly extended engine load range compared to normal aspiration operation. However, at very high boost pressures, very high cylinder pressure rise rates develop. The approach documented here explores two ways that might have an effect on combustion in order to lower the maximum pressure rise rates and further improve the emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx); inlet valve timing and water blending. It was found that there is an optimal inlet valve timing. When the timing was significantly advanced or retarded away from the optimal, the combustion phasing could be retarded for a given lambda (excess air ratio). However, this would result in higher loads and lower lambdas for a given boost pressure, with possibly higher NOx emissions. Increasing the water content in ethanol gave similar results as the non-optimal inlet valve timing

Revisiting Galison’s ‘Aufbau/Bauhaus’ in light of Neurath’s philosophical projects

Historically, the Vienna Circle and the Dessau Bauhaus were related, with members of each group familiar with the ideas of the other. Peter Galison argues that their projects are related as well, through shared political views and methodological approach. The two main figures that connect the Vienna Circle to the Bauhaus—and the figures upon which Galison focuses—are Rudolf Carnap and Otto Neurath. Yet the connections that Galison develops do not properly capture the common themes between the Bauhaus and Neurath’s philosophical projects. We demonstrate this by considering Neurath’s philosophical commitments. We suggest different connections between Neurath’s projects and the Bauhaus, connections that are both substantive and philosophically interesting

Technology, privacy and identity: a Hong Kong perspective

This article explores the concepts of privacy and identity in Hong Kong in relation to the law relating to data protection. It first considers the notions of privacy and identity in the light of Hong Kong's socioeconomic situation and recent postcolonial heritage. It then highlights the importance of identity management and considers the distinctions and overlaps between identity management and privacy protection. With this conceptual framework in mind, the article then considers the various laws in Hong Kong pertaining to data protection, with a focus on the aspects relating to identity management. It observes that while there is some legal protection in respect of the data relating to an individual's identity, there are other priorities which may take precedence in determining the extent of identity management under the legal system in Hong Kong. Finally, recommendations are made as to how to improve identity management within the context of data protection in Hong Kong

Macroeconomic Impact of a Tariff Reduction: A Three-Gap Analysis with Model Simulations

Using a three-gap model, it can be shown that a reduction in the tariff level will lead to an unambiguous decline in the GDP growth rate if it results in a reduction of the surplus of the government’s primary account. Empirical results using Philippine data show that this condition is satisfied. Since FDI is crucial in breaking the economic gridlock brought about by capital inflows, policymakers should determine whether greater macroeconomic instability that results from larger fiscal and trade deficits can be offset by the more liberalized economic environment in attracting FDI. It may also be the case, however, that the greater macroeconomic instability will eventually countervail any benefits from microeconomic reform.savings gap, foreign exchange gap, fiscal gap, savings

Dollarization: Concepts and Implications for Monetary and Exchange Rate Policy in the Philippines

Currency substitution implies the greater share of foreign currency in the asset holdings of domestic residents. Dollarization is the complete replacement of the local currency- in this case, the peso- by a foreign currency, most likely the US dollar. The paper finds that dollarization or official dollarization has both its costs and benefits but it is not a viable option for the Philippines at the moment.exchange rate policy, monetary policy

East Asian Currencies: Is There Room for (Further) Appreciation?

Should the various currencies in East Asia led by the Chinese yuan be appreciated or revalued? Dr. Josef Yap examines the levels of valuation of these currencies by looking at the behavior of their real effective exchange rates over time to determine whether indeed, there is room for the further appreciation of these East Asian currencies. Read on for his finding and recommendation.East Asian currency valuation, real effective exchange rate

A Note on the Competitiveness Debate

This article deals with the concept of competitiveness. Competitiveness is technically a firm-level concept. However, it is oftentimes extended to the national level--the idea of a country's 'international competitiveness' with the following analogies: market share-->export share of country; price-->real effective exchange rate or unit labor cost; profitability-->long-run economic growth. The concept of national competitiveness is faulty, in the words of Paul Krugman it has become a 'dangerous obsession.' However, national or government policies do have an impact on firm level competitiveness. The only concept related to firm level competitiveness that can be extended to the national level without ambiguity is technological capability. Since technological capability is at the heart of competitiveness, countries must address this issue squarely. One course of action is to adopt a strategic approach to foreign direct investment--as opposed to a passive strategy--similar to what Malaysia and Singapore did.competitiveness, technology capability

Concept Paper on Science and Technology

This article is part of the seminar on “Science Technology Policies in the Philippines" jointly sponsored by PIDS and DOST on May 5, 1989. Several issues are discussed in this paper: the nature of various types of technology, the various ways to develop them, the present state of Philippine science and technology (S&T) and the government goals regarding S&T. Consequently, it specifies the strategies that lead to the achievement of these goals.science and technology, invention and innovation