The use of a holistic machine simulation for the development of hydraulic hybrid modules to reduce transient engine-out emissions

In contrast to constant operating states, particle and NOx emissions of internal combustion engines are significantly higher during transient operating states, which occur repeatedly at working cycles of mobile machines. This paper therefore deals with the conception, development and testing of hydraulic hybrid systems to reduce these emissions by phlegmatization of the engine. A wheel loader with its machine-typical working cycle serves as an example for the investigation of the benefits of such a system. Therefore, model based development techniques are used. In a holistic machine simulation, four different typical wheel loader cycles were carried out and the optimum size of the hydraulic accumulator for the hybrid system is identified by a parameter variation. The lowest emitted emissions and the smallest construction dimensions are the key elements for the accumulator selection. With an optimal hydraulic accumulator, a reduction in particle emissions of up to 29.4 % is achieved in one of the cycles investigated

Right-wing authoritarianism, conspiracy mentality, and susceptibility to distorted alternative news

Frischlich L, Hellmann J, Brinkschulte F, Becker M, Back MD. Right-wing authoritarianism, conspiracy mentality, and susceptibility to distorted alternative news. Social Influence. 2021;16(1):24-64.At least since 2016, distorted news published in populist alternative media outlets have raised global concerns about the effects of distorted news on democratic process such as opinion formation and voting. Not all individuals are equally susceptible to distorted news. In three experimental studies (total N = 1,024), we demonstrate that (a) distorted alternative news are seen as less credible compared to journalist news; (b) the perceived credibility of distorted news is greater among right-wing authoritarians and conspiracy-minded individuals; (c) exposure to distorted news can bias these types of individuals’ attitudes about an unknown political candidate; and (d) distorted news leads people in general to develop less favorable attitudes toward the targeted candidate as compared to journalist news