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To monitor health risks associated with vaping, we introduce a multi-spectral optical sensor powered by machine learning for real-time characterization of electronic cigarette aerosols. The sensor can accurately measure the mass of particulate matter (PM) in specific particle size channels, providing essential information for estimating lung deposition of vaping aerosols. For the sensor's input, wavelength-specific optical attenuation signals are acquired for three separate wavelengths in the ultraviolet, red, and near-infrared range, and the inhalation pressure is collected from a pressure sensor. The sensor's outputs are PM mass in three size bins, specified as 100–300 nm, 300–600 nm, and 600–1000 nm. Reference measurements of electronic cigarette aerosols, obtained using a custom vaping machine and a scanning mobility particle sizer, provided the ground truth for size-binned PM mass. A lightweight two-layer feedforward neural network was trained using datasets acquired from a wide range of puffing conditions. The performance of the neural network was tested using unseen data collected using new combinations of puffing conditions. The model-predicted values matched closely with the ground truth, and the accuracy reached 81–87% for PM mass in three size bins. Given the sensor's straightforward optical configuration and the direct collection of signals from undiluted vaping aerosols, the achieved accuracy is notably significant and sufficiently reliable for point-of-interest sensing of vaping aerosols. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first instance where machine learning has been applied to directly characterize high-concentration undiluted electronic cigarette aerosols. Our sensor holds great promise in tracking electronic cigarette users' puff topography with quantification of size-binned PM mass, to support long-term personalized health and wellness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug, is an invasive insect pest that in the last two decades became a major problem for several agricultural commodities, including kiwifruit. Its management relies on integrating different control methods, including board-spectrum insecticides. Nevertheless, chemical control measures may not achieve satisfactory results and there is still margin for improvement, considering for instance the optimization of the spray technique. This problem is even more relevant in kiwifruit due to its peculiar training system, which reduce fruit exposure to insecticide sprays. In this study, two spray techniques were tested to maximize the insecticides efficacy in controlling H. halys in both yellow- and green-flesh kiwifruit cultivars ('Jintao' and 'Hayward'). The effects of a conventional ray atomizer and a trumpet-modified atomizer, which localizes insecticide applications in the fruit area, were assessed on H. halys mortality (with artificial infestations) and fruit damage (due to H. halys naturally occurring in the orchards). The localized spray technique resulted in an overall significantly higher H. halys mortality in 'Hayward', but not in 'Jintao' cultivar. This is likely due to differences in the canopy size and structure of these cultivars. However, the fruit injury level was not different between the spray techniques. Further investigations in this direction are needed also to assess the efficiency of localized spray technique in reducing the insecticide rates, in accordance with European strategies that foreseen restrictions in the authorized active substances usage. Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) cultivation is expanding worldwide, with China, New Zealand, and Italy being the major producing countries. Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug, is raising serious concerns to kiwifruit cultivation both in China and Italy. This study aimed at improving the chemical control efficacy against this pest by comparing two insecticide spray techniques (a conventional ray atomizer and a trumpet-modified atomizer adapted for localized spray application) in kiwifruit. In fact, kiwifruit is often grown with a 'pergola' training system, which may reduce the effectiveness of insecticide penetration into the canopy. Experiments were performed in naturally infested orchards of both Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'Jintao' and A. chinensis var. deliciosa 'Hayward'. Furthermore, mesh cages containing H. halys adults were deployed within orchards to assess the insects' mortality at 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after an insecticide application with two spray techniques during two consecutive seasons. In the cultivar 'Jintao', the two systems performed similarly, while in the cultivar 'Hayward', an overall significantly higher insect mortality was recorded with the trumpet atomizer (94–100%) compared to the conventional atomizer (59–78%). Crop damage was also evaluated on both cultivars, simulating the grower insecticide applications with the two spray techniques. At harvest, no difference emerged between the spray techniques, which provided a significantly better protection compared to the untreated control (12–17% compared to 33–47% of injured fruits). Further investigations in this direction are needed also considering the restriction of insecticidal active substances ongoing in the European Union and the need to maximize the efficacy of the available tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have increasingly focused on integrating detonation processes into engine technologies, advancing beyond the fundamental research phase of detonation research. The present study investigates the detonability and combustion characteristics of liquid fuels, specifically ethanol, with an emphasis on the effects of atomization properties facilitated by different atomizer designs to implement pulse detonation combustion engines. Oxygen was used as the oxidizer. We employed internal injectors (I45, I90, IB4) and atomizer venturis (VA, VB, VR) to examine how variations in liquid fuel atomization and atomizer configurations influence detonation. The occurrence of detonation was assessed using predicted Sauter mean diameters (SMDs) and exit velocities for different atomizer setups. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of nitrogen dilution at concentrations of 0%, 25%, and 50% on velocity variations and changes in detonation characteristics. The findings suggest that while higher exit velocities decrease SMD, facilitating detonation, excessively high velocities hinder detonation initiation. Conversely, lower exit velocities emphasize the role of SMD in initiating detonation. However, the introduction of nitrogen, which reduces the SMD, was found to decrease reactivity and impede detonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic atomizers can potentially augment the production of sea salt through a process known as ultrasonic nebulization. While the traditional method of sea salt production primarily relies on natural evaporation, ultrasonic atomization can accelerate the evaporation process. The process typically involves the following steps: collection of seawater, evaporation, brine crystallization and then harvesting process of the sea salt. After processing, the sea salt is typically dried and packaged for distribution and sale. In this project, influencing of ultrasonic atomizer in the process a saline water into the brine, before crystallization can be proceeded. The ultrasonic atomization process significantly increases the surface area of the seawater by converting it into fine droplets. Droplets evaporate more efficient due to large surface area of the droplets. According to testing of the research apparatus which had been conducted, an ultrasonic atomization can increase the salinity by brine evaporation or of droplet productivity of sea salt. This result had been shown that this process can be used to increasing the salinity of sea water. For further steps, this technique can potentially augment the production of sea salt.

Recent studies have increasingly focused on integrating detonation processes into engine technologies, advancing beyond the fundamental research phase of detonation research. The present study investigates the detonability and combustion characteristics of liquid fuels, specifically ethanol, with an emphasis on the effects of atomization properties facilitated by different atomizer designs to implement pulse detonation combustion engines. Oxygen was used as the oxidizer. We employed internal injectors (I45, I90, IB4) and atomizer venturis (VA, VB, VR) to examine how variations in liquid fuel atomization and atomizer configurations influence detonation. The occurrence of detonation was assessed using predicted Sauter mean diameters (SMDs) and exit velocities for different atomizer setups. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of nitrogen dilution at concentrations of 0%, 25%, and 50% on velocity variations and changes in detonation characteristics. The findings suggest that while higher exit velocities decrease SMD, facilitating detonation, excessively high velocities hinder detonation initiation. Conversely, lower exit velocities emphasize the role of SMD in initiating detonation. However, the introduction of nitrogen, which reduces the SMD, was found to decrease reactivity and impede detonation.

In the present study, a computational methodology based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is developed to investigate free surface film flow and its subsequent disintegration on a rotary disk atomizer. The present study provides an insight into efficiently modeling both liquid film formation and its subsequent disintegration. The presented computational methodology can easily be reproduced and can act as a benchmark for the modeling of liquid film formation as well as the disintegration phenomenon. The influence of disk speed, liquid flow and feed arrangement on the rotating disk are investigated. The film thickness profile on the disk resembles the formation of spiral waves at 500 RPM and an irregular breakup of the spiral waves for a disk speed of 1000 RPM. At higher speeds, a smooth and thin liquid film is observed on the disk. Offset feeding of the liquid on the disk alters the wave formation and breakup of the spiral waves. It is found that ligaments are formed at the lip of the disk owing to Rayleigh--Taylor instability, whereas liquid sheet breakup is due to combined rim and wave disintegration for the parameters investigated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study and monitor the adverse health consequences of using electronic cigarettes, a user's puff topography, which are quantification parameters of the user's vaping habits, plays a central role. In this work, we introduce a topography sensor to measure the mass of total particulate matter generated in every puff and to estimate the nicotine yield. The sensor is compact and low-cost, and is integrated into the electronic cigarette device to promptly and conveniently monitor the user's daily puff topography. The topography sensor is comprised of a photometric sensor and a pressure sensor. The photometric sensor measures the mass concentration of the aerosol, based on scattering of near-infrared light from airborne particles, while the pressure sensor measures the flow rate. The topography sensor was tested under various conditions including a wide range of atomizer power, puff duration, and inhalation pressure. The sensor's accuracy was validated by comparing the sensor's readings with reference measurements, and the results matched closely with the trends reported by existing studies on electronic cigarettes. An example application for tracking a user's puff topography was also demonstrated. Our topography sensor holds great promise in mitigating the health risks of vaping, and in promoting quality control of electronic cigarette products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of electronic cigarette (EC) atomizing units has evolved since their introduction over 10 years ago. The purpose of this study was to evaluate atomizer design in ECs sold between 2011-2017. Atomizers from 34 brands representing three generations of ECs were dissected and photographed using a stereoscopic microscope. Five distinct atomizer design categories were identified in first generation products (cig-a-like/cartomizer) and three categories were found in the third generation. Atomizers in most cig-a-like ECs contained a filament, thick wire, wire joints, air-tube, wick, sheath, and fibers, while some later models lacked some of these components. Over time design changes included an increase in atomizer size; removal of solder joints between wires; removal of Polyfil fibers; and removal of the microprocessor from Vuse. In second and third generation ECs, the reservoirs and batteries were larger, and the atomizing units generally lacked a thick wire, fibers, and sheath. These data contribute to an understanding of atomizer design and show that there is no single design for ECs, which are continually evolving. The design of the atomizer is particularly important as it affects the performance of ECs and what transfers into the aerosol.

In this study, the optimum spraying performance of a pressurized vortex atomizer using water as the working fluid was investigated experimentally by modifying the geometry of auxiliary air holes via the Taguchi method. The experimental results were also examined by CFD simulations. The four control factors of the auxiliary air holes are their numbers, areas, inclination angles, and lengths. With five levels for each control factor, an L25 orthogonal table was selected. Each case of the L25 orthogonal table was test repeatedly three times to obtain key average results. The auxiliary air holes were designed by a KISSlicer CAD tool and fabricated by 3D printing. The 3D printing was carried out by fused deposition of PLA with a resolution of about 30 μm. In the experiments, the spraying jet patterns were recorded, and the water droplet weights were measured. By using the signal to noise ratios and the smaller-the-better quality characteristic, the effect of the control factors of the auxiliary air holes in descending order is the numbers, areas, inclination angles, and hole lengths, respectively. The optimum air hole configuration is the one with six holes, an inclination angle of 20°, an area of 18 mm2, and a length of 8 mm. The optimum condition was confirmed by a signal to noise ratio of 20.5 dB with 95% confidence interval. The resulting smaller jet opening angle is about 42°, close to the simulated angle of 45°. That is, by the novelty of combining 3D printing with the Taguchi method, this study obtains the optimum design with fast prototyping and relatively few experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscosity of adiponitrile waste liquid is as high as 1000 cp. It is challenging to spray and atomize the waste liquid normally. Based on the coaxial three-channel pneumatic atomizer, a two-stage supersonic steam atomizer is proposed in this paper, and the atomization process is simulated by Fluent software. Compared with the traditional atomization simulation method, the Volume-of-Fluid to Discrete-Phase-Model (VOF-DPM) bi-directional coupling model and Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) technology can save mesh and improve the computational efficiency. The atomization processes of primary breakup and secondary breakup are entirely captured and analyzed. The results show that the Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) is about 116–180 μm, the SMD decreases with the increase of steam inlet absolute pressure, and the atomization quality can meet the combustion requirements. This study can be used for the performance optimization of the high-viscosity liquid atomizers in the chemical and aerospace industry and shorten the time engineers spend in the simulation calculation to verify the rationality of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologically sustainable hard type piezoelectric ceramics are highly demanded for high power transducer applications in replacing lead-based piezoelectric ceramics. In this study, MnO was proposed as acceptor dopant to modify the electric properties of 0.75BiFeO 3 -0.25BaTiO 3 piezoelectric ceramics. Results showed that MnO doping reduced the lattice distortion of rhombohedral phase and facilitated the formation of pseudo cubic phase of 0.75BiFeO 3 -0.25BaTiO 3 system. Moreover, it caused the diversity of domain morphology and reduced the domain size as well. XPS analysis indicated that Mn2+ ions suppressed the transition from Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ ions and gave rise to the increase of oxygen vacancies. Accordingly, the introduction of MnO synergistically increases the d 33 , K p , and Q m and lowers the tan δ of 0.75BiFeO 3 -0.25BaTiO 3 ceramics. The abnormal enhancement in hard type properties is ascribed mainly to the increase of extrinsic contribution rather than the pinning effect arising from oxygen vacancies. Finally, based on an optimal 0.75Bi(Fe 0.985 Mn 0.015)O 3 -0.25BaTiO 3 system, an atomizer prototype was fabricated. The remarkable atomization effect suggests a competitive potential of 0.75BF-0.25BT ceramic for transducer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection and immunity studies involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs), such as gene knockout bacterial mutants, require stringent physical containment to prevent the accidental spread of these organisms into the environment. Experimental respiratory tract infection models often require the animals, for example birds, to be transported several times between a negative pressure housing isolator and a bespoke aerosol exposure chamber under positive pressure. While the exposure chamber is sealed and fitted with HEPA filters, the repeated movements of infected animals and opening of the chamber can still pose a serious risk of breaching containment of the organism in the experimental facility. In the current study, the ability of two aerosol infection protocols that expose birds to avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) aerosols directly within the housing isolator was evaluated. Young chicks were exposed to APEC E956 within the negative pressure housing isolators using either a nebulizer or an atomizer. Birds exposed twice (days 1 and 4) to aerosols of APEC E956 produced by the nebulizer developed a rapidly progressing disease mimicking field cases of avian colibacillosis. However, birds exposed to aerosols of APEC E956 produced by an atomizer did not develop colibacillosis even after three exposures to APEC E956 on days 1, 4 and 7. Consequently, the current study reports the nebulizer was more efficacious in producing avian colibacillosis under stricter bacterial containment settings. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Two aerosol exposure methods were evaluated to develop avian colibacillosis. Nebulizer method found to be more efficient in reproducing avian colibacillosis. Refined infection method can be used to study genetically modified organisms (GMOs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optimum spraying performance of a pressurized vortex atomizer using water as the working fluid was investigated experimentally by modifying the geometry of auxiliary air holes via the Taguchi method. The experimental results were also examined by CFD simulations. The four control factors of the auxiliary air holes are their numbers, areas, inclination angles, and lengths. With five levels for each control factor, an L25 orthogonal table was selected. Each case of the L25 orthogonal table was test repeatedly three times to obtain key average results. The auxiliary air holes were designed by a KISSlicer CAD tool and fabricated by 3D printing. The 3D printing was carried out by fused deposition of PLA with a resolution of about 30 μm. In the experiments, the spraying jet patterns were recorded, and the water droplet weights were measured. By using the signal to noise ratios and the smaller-the-better quality characteristic, the effect of the control factors of the auxiliary air holes in descending order is the numbers, areas, inclination angles, and hole lengths, respectively. The optimum air hole configuration is the one with six holes, an inclination angle of 20°, an area of 18 mm2, and a length of 8 mm. The optimum condition was confirmed by a signal to noise ratio of 20.5 dB with 95% confidence interval. The resulting smaller jet opening angle is about 42°, close to the simulated angle of 45°. That is, by the novelty of combining 3D printing with the Taguchi method, this study obtains the optimum design with fast prototyping and relatively few experiments.

In present investigation a twin-fluid external mixing atomizer was designed and developed for fuel atomization which is used in liquid fuel burner. The droplet sizes (SMD) in the spray which was produced through the atomizer was measured experimentally. The experiments have been performed for different liquid fuel types, as well as for air to liquid mass flow rates (ALR), to study the effects of these parameters on droplet size (SMD).The liquid fuels used during the tests are biodiesel and its blends (biodiesel-diesel Bx and biodiesel-kerosene Bkx) with three values of ALR (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0).The droplets sizes were investigated for the region near-nozzle by using imaging setup and using dispersion technique. The images viewing regions 366.6 mm2, to determine the droplet size (SMD). Matlab cod software has been used for a number of image processing techniques to identify and improve the detection of small droplets.The results showed that the increasing of biodiesel ratio in blending with diesel and kerosene increases the (SMD), and the increasing of ALR reduces the (SMD) for all experiments fuels. Also the results showed that the agreement is good of this method of SMD measurement and calculations with published studies.

This work presents the development and characterization of a Silicon based MEMS vibrating mesh atomizer for use in Spin-spray deposition of low viscosity liquids. The device design, fabrication process, and application of MEMS atomizer for spin-spray method is discussed. The new spin-spray atomizer is demonstrated using spin on glass and Su-8 photoresist. Spin on glass was used to create a SiO2 layer on silicon substrates with the above-mentioned method. The experimental study compares the new spin-spray method with conventional spin coating based on uniformity, 3D-topography coating, etch rate, film stress, and surface roughness. Low viscosity SU-8 was used to further validate the concept of using the vibrating mesh device to pattern planar and 3D topographical structures. The results demonstrate increased uniformity and less wasted chemicals using spin-spray compared to spin coating deposition. The new vibrating mesh device is smaller, has enhanced droplet size control, easy to integrate into a standard spin coater, and uses less power than traditional ultrasonic spin-spray deposition methods. In addition, the new spin-spray method demonstrated increased conformal coating of 3D microstructures of > 40 μm thick structures compared to standard spin coating. [2021-0040] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the research was to determine the level of abrasion of different types of nozzles during different types of uses and at different pressure values.

The lesser mealworm control is mostly made by insecticides, as the association of chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and citronellal. The traditional insecticide application method (TRADM) depends on many liters of water and, with the objective of reducing water consumption, the aim was to compare TRADM with atomizer-equipment method (ATOMM). Four and three houses from farm A and B were used, respectively. Houses 1, 3 and 7 were treated with TRADM (1 liter of insecticide diluted in 500 liters of water) and houses 2, 4, 5 and 6 with ATOMM (1 liter of insecticide diluted in 9 liters of water). Twenty-four hours before and 30 (for farm A) and 45 days (for farm B) after the insecticide application, the number of insects was counted in each house (using 18 mapped traps/house). Farms were not considered different (p>0.05) and comparison was made between the houses. Houses were different (p

Optimized inoculation procedures are an important consideration in achieving repeatable plant infection when working with biotrophic rust fungi. Several plant pathology laboratories specializing in rust research employ a system where the collection and application of fungal spores are accomplished using an exchangeable gelatin capsule. Urediniospores are collected from erumpent pustules on plant surfaces into a capsule fitted to a cyclone collector controlled by a vacuum pump. By adding light mineral oil to the same capsule, the spore suspension is then sprayed onto plants by means of a dedicated atomizer (inoculator) connected to an air pressure source. Although devices are not commercially available, modern day technologies provide an opportunity to efficiently design and manufacture collectors and inoculators. Using a process called Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as “3D printing,” the bodies of a collector and inoculator were digitally designed and then laser-sintered in nylon. Depending on availability, copper or aluminum tubes were fitted to the bodies of both devices afterward to either facilitate directed collection of spores from rust pustules on plant surfaces or act as a siphon tube to deliver the spore suspension contained in the capsule. No statistical differences were found between AM and metal inoculators for spray delivery time or spore deposition per unit area. In replicated collection and inoculation tests of wheat seedlings with urediniospore bulks or single pustule collections of Puccinia triticina and P. graminis f. sp. tritici, the causal organisms of leaf rust and stem rust, consistent and satisfactory infection levels were achieved. Immersing used devices in acetone for 60 s followed by a 2 h heat treatment at 75°C produced no contaminant infection in follow-up tests.

In present investigation a twin-fluid external mixing atomizer was designed and developed for fuel atomization which is used in liquid fuel burner. The droplet sizes (SMD) in the spray which was produced through the atomizer was measured experimentally. The experiments have been performed for different liquid fuel types, as well as for air to liquid mass flow rates (ALR), to study the effects of these parameters on droplet size (SMD).The liquid fuels used during the tests are biodiesel and its blends (biodiesel-diesel Bx and biodiesel-kerosene Bkx) with three values of ALR (0.6, 0.8 and 1.0).The droplets sizes were investigated for the region near-nozzle by using imaging setup and using dispersion technique. The images viewing regions 366.6 mm2, to determine the droplet size (SMD). Matlab cod software has been used for a number of image processing techniques to identify and improve the detection of small droplets.The results showed that the increasing of biodiesel ratio in blending with diesel and kerosene increases the (SMD), and the increasing of ALR reduces the (SMD) for all experiments fuels. Also the results showed that the agreement is good of this method of SMD measurement and calculations with published studies.

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Agroveterinarias is the property of Revista de Ciencias Agroveterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Optimized inoculation procedures are an important consideration in achieving repeatable plant infection when working with biotrophic rust fungi. Several plant pathology laboratories specializing in rust research employ a system where the collection and application of fungal spores are accomplished using an exchangeable gelatin capsule. Urediniospores are collected from erumpent pustules on plant surfaces into a capsule fitted to a cyclone collector controlled by a vacuum pump. By adding light mineral oil to the same capsule, the spore suspension is then sprayed onto plants by means of a dedicated atomizer (inoculator) connected to an air pressure source. Although devices are not commercially available, modern day technologies provide an opportunity to efficiently design and manufacture collectors and inoculators. Using a process called Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as "3D printing," the bodies of a collector and inoculator were digitally designed and then laser-sintered in nylon. Depending on availability, copper or aluminum tubes were fitted to the bodies of both devices afterward to either facilitate directed collection of spores from rust pustules on plant surfaces or act as a siphon tube to deliver the spore suspension contained in the capsule. No statistical differences were found between AM and metal inoculators for spray delivery time or spore deposition per unit area. In replicated collection and inoculation tests of wheat seedlings with urediniospore bulks or single pustule collections of Puccinia triticina and P. graminis f. sp. tritici , the causal organisms of leaf rust and stem rust, consistent and satisfactory infection levels were achieved. Immersing used devices in acetone for 60 s followed by a 2 h heat treatment at 75°C produced no contaminant infection in follow-up tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Engineering & Sustainable Development is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of dexmedetomidine in atomized intranasal form for sedation in minor oral surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: A total 25 patients fitting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from the outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saraswati Dental College and Hospital, Lucknow. The drug was administered intranasally half an hour before the surgical procedure. The volume of drug used was recorded. The readings of all the parameters of sedation began 30 min after the drug had been administered. Intranasal sedation status was assessed by Ramsay sedation score and observer's assessment of alertness/sedation scales, every 15 min throughout the procedure. Results: The primary outcome variable in this study is depth of sedation produced by intranasally administered dexmedetomidine. Secondary variables included respiratory rate, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). The statistical software used was SPSS 20.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation or number (percentages). Sedation and behavior scores were analyzed by proportions. Hemodynamic variables including HR, SpO2, and BP and respiratory rate were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. When a significant result was obtained, the Tukey test was applied for post hoc pairwise comparisons. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. All the parameters were recorded at a set interval of time. Conclusion: In conclusion, intranasal administration of 1.5 mg/kg atomized dexmedetomidine was clinically effective, convenient, and safe for the sedation of patients undergoing minor oral surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filtration efficiency test of nanofibrous media requires particle generator to produce particles with small count median diameter (CMD) and high production rate. In EN 1822-5 standard, material recommended for particle generation is diethylhexylsebacyte (DEHS) due to its low volatility and stability. To obtain stable particle size and safe operation environment, it is preferred to use pure DEHS rather than solution with DEHS dissolved in solvent. In this work, two methods were used to reduce size of particles from pneumatic atomizer: mesh attachment and quick dilution. The results showed that the mesh can effectively reduce the CMD without compromising particle output, and quick dilution can significantly reduce the CMD with a higher particle output. By attaching mesh, the nozzle outlet with multiple holes can take advantage of smaller nozzle size while keeping enough airflow rate to draw the liquid. The quick dilution can greatly reduce the particle concentration right after spraying, and hence slow down the rate of particle coagulation. With mesh attached and dilution flow rate of 105 L/min, CMD of particles from improved atomizer was 104 nm, which was 56 nm smaller than that of original atomizer, and particle output was 6.30 × 10 12 #/min, which was 3 times higher than that of original atomizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Glasnik Zastite Bilja is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A novel hybrid-atomizer, combining the spray characteristics of pressure-swirl, airblast and fan atomizers, was designed and adopted for cavity fueling in a trapped vortex combustor (TVC). Furthermore, comparison experiments were conducted under atmospheric pressure to investigate the combustion characteristics of the combustor fueled using the novel hybrid atomizer and a simplex pressure-swirl atomizer. The discrepancies were directly explored in terms of ignition, lean blowout (LBO) limit, and combustion efficiency. The results indicate that the novel hybrid atomizer achieves significant advantages in terms of the combustion characteristics when compared to the simplex pressure-swirl atomizer. The outer-cavity ignition FAR achieved by the novel hybrid atomizer is 50% lower than pressure-swirl atomizer at Mach 0.25 and 0.29, with an inlet temperature of 373 K. In addition, the LBO limits acquired by the novel hybrid atomizer are lower than those of the pressure-swirl atomizer within the full range of operating conditions. Furthermore, a higher combustion efficiency is achieved by the novel hybrid atomizer compared to the pressure-swirl atomizer under most operating regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An experimental study is conducted on the utilization of water atomization to evaluate its impact on the humidification of steadily flowing air travelling throughout a curved portion of a uniform cross sectional duct. One of the more interesting aspects of curved channel flows is the introduction of a secondary flow pattern in the duct cross-section. The naturally generated turbulences in air flow will certainly assist the mixing between the air and the injected water droplets and improve the heat and mass transfer process encountered in evaporative cooling of the incoming air drought. The present study is considered as a simulation of the gas turbine inlet air cooling by the fogging technique. The drier the air, the better the humidification and cooling process. At higher ambient temperature of 43oC, an increase in the relative humidity of 67.8% and a temperature reduction of 39.6% were recorded at higher water atomizer rate of 24.2ml/s. Generally, the lower half of the curved duct is shown to be less sensitive to the atomizer position for a range of inclination angles between 10o to 45o with radial locations between 5 to 20cm from the inner wall. This situation makes this region most suitable for using atomizing array across it in order to give acceptable performance for cooling system. Nevertheless, the upper half of the curved duct introduces a critical atomizer position suitable for single point spray. This position is considered as the optimum atomizer position defined by a radii ratio of (r/rin = 3.2) and an orientation of -10o to the tangential flow.

Teve-se o objetivo de avaliar o espectro e a uniformidade de gotas em função de equipamentos de pulverização, volumes de calda e dosagem de inseticida na mortalidade de Pseudoplusia includens em laboratório. O trabalho foi conduzido na UNESP de Jaboticabal, sendo realizada uma aplicação sobre as lagartas com os tratamentos: dois equipamentos (bico rotativo e bico hidráulico); dois volumes de calda (17 e 50 L ha-1 para o bico rotativo, e 50 e 100 L ha-1 para o bico hidráulico), e duas dosagens do inseticida endosulfan (0,5 e 1,0 L p.c. ha-1), segundo delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no esquema fatorial 2x2x2 + 1 testemunha. Avaliou-se diariamente a mortalidade das lagartas até o sexto dia após a aplicação dos tratamentos. O espectro de gotas foi avaliado em aparelho medidor de tamanho de partículas, em tempo real, que determina o diâmetro das gotas do espectro pulverizado por meio do desvio de trajetória que sofrem os raios de um feixe de laser ao atingi-las. Verifica-se que, na aplicação em laboratório, onde o produto atinge diretamente o alvo, o volume pode ser reduzido para até 17 L ha-1, sem prejudicar o controle de P. includens; a dosagem de 0,5 L ha-1 do produto comercial endosulfan (recomendada para Anticarsia gemmatalis) não controla satisfatoriamente a lagarta P. includens; o bico rotativo produz gotas de maior uniformidade (AR: 0,52) e com menor percentagem suscetível à deriva (3,3%), comparada à ponta de pulverização de energia hidráulica (AR:1,34 e % gotas ≤ 100 µm: 15,2).It was aimed to evaluate the spectrum and uniformity of droplets in function of sprayers, spraying volumes and rates of chemical insecticide on the mortality of Pseudoplusia includens in laboratory. The work was carried out at UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The following treatments were applied over the caterpillars: two equipments (atomizer and hydraulic nozzle); two spray volumes (17 and 50 L ha-1 for the atomizer and 50 and 100 L ha-1 for the hydraulic nozzle); and two dosages of the insecticide endosulfan (0.5 and 1.0 L pc ha-1), in fully randomized plots, in a factorial scheme 2x2x2 and 1 untreated check. The caterpillars mortality was evaluated until the 6th day after the application of treatments. The spectrum of the droplets was evaluated in a particle size analyzer in real time determining the diameter and spectrum of droplets sprayed through the laser beam of the analyser. It was verified that the spray volume can be reduced by 17 L ha-1 without losses on the P. includens control. The doses of 0.5 L pc ha-1 (recommended for Anticarsia gemmatalis) did not satisfactorily control the caterpillar soybean looper. The atomizer produces droplets of higher uniformity (SPAN: 0.52) and lower percentage of droplets susceptible to drift (3.3%) compared to hydraulic nozzle (SPAN: 1.34 e % droplets ≤ 100µm: 15.2).

In this paper, a surface-acoustic-wave (SAW)-driven atomizer with micropumps was developed. The micropumps consisted of an epoxy-based reservoir with an exhaust slot and a pair of interdigital transducers (IDTs). The liquid supply from the reservoir was controlled by SAW bursts from the IDTs. A microsurge tank was fabricated into the exhaust slot to stabilize the atomization. The transferred liquid was atomized by a pair of arc-shaped IDTs (AS-IDTs). The AS-IDT was optimally designed using optical vibration observations to focus the SAW energy into a single point and enabled high directional atomization. In the operational test of the micropump with water, a transfer rate of 0.24 pl per single burst was confirmed, where the burst signal is operated at 24.1 MHz with a 50% duty cycle, 40-ms period, and 70~V\mathrm {p-p} amplitude. In the water atomization test, we succeeded in ejecting a narrow mist spray from the substrate using a burst signal operating at 23.8 MHz with a 20% duty cycle, 1-ms period, and 50~V\mathrm {p-p} amplitude. The width of the ejected mist spray was 0.7 mm in the vicinity of the substrate, and was maintained at <1 mm within the ejection height of 8 mm. [2014-0146] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the effect of geometrical parameters and flow conditions on the performance of a swirl atomizer is studied. A dimensional analysis and experimental investigations are utilized to define significant terms. The PDA system used for the measurements was able to supply information about the size, concentration and particle velocity at each measurement location. The orifice diameter, the spiral cone angle and also the flow Reynolds number, which is defined based on the injector orifice diameter, play an important role in spray quality, and their significance is summarized in a correlation. In order to achieve the appropriate combination of design variables that satisfy the design constraints, a GA-based program was used in a reverse analysis process. Finally, the advantages of human inspection were employed to provide true best performers from a small group of final answers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vortex chamber with disk atomizer for use in cooling the circulating water of industrial enterprises is proposed. Studies to determine the optimal number of atomizer disks in order to create a steady spray of circulating water in the work area of the apparatus and to increase the heat and mass exchange efficiency of the process are carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to study the parameters affecting on the particle size distribution and shape of Polyethylene wax (PE wax) powders in atomization process. Effect of liquid flow rate, melting temperature and air pressure are studied parameters. External mixing two fluid nozzles is used and temperature is controlled at 200°C to avoid freeze-up within the liquid cap. PE wax is melted at various temperatures from 120°C to 180°C and is atomized with air pressures from 1 to 7 bar. Particle size and size distribution are determined by Particle Sizing Unified System (Mastersizer, 2000). Using 1 bar of air pressure, 140°C of melting temperature and 3.0:1.5 of ALR gives the PE wax powders size that smaller than 200 micron and high bulk density. Moreover, smoothly and silky surface of PE wax powders are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biggest problems (losses) in sprinkling orchards appear because of drift, especially with young plantations. Presence of drift decreases efficiency of protection measures, indirectly increases using expensive pesticides and causes illegal environmental pollution. The study presents the results of exploitation research of calibrated and precisely adjusted atomiser on application of pesticides of young apple plantation. The application analysed shows data of land and air drift and cover of face and backside of leaf in certain zones of crowns. The researches aim to determine possibilities to save pesticides on the one side and to protect the environment from the aspect of decreasing land that is air drift on the other side. The aim of those researches was to develop appropriate methods for adjusting atomisers with classical axial ventilator in order to make their application good to follow the orchard's needs. The researches have to indicate on possibility of application of small norms in our conditions, what is not the case in accordance to the available data. In addition, the task of the research is to make the application of pesticides in the area of The Srpska Republic closer to completing conditions given by European standards and regulations. By appropriate equipment in accordance with the abovementioned standards, we approached examining the following: pumps, sprinkler, and manometer, the speed of cardan shaft, ventilator capacity and visual control. The results obtained show that only well adjusted; calibrated device can fulfil the conditions of controlled application, application of small norms and so satisfies valid norms and standards. That is also confirmed by the research results which record in many cases irregularity of sets (manometer, sprinklers, pumps, misalignment of ventilator) and from which in great part depend the efficiency of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of sludges from Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) represents a serious worldwide environmental problem for which alternatives other than their simple incineration are investigated. In this work the treatment of raw sludge from urban WWTP by means of a minimization process through spray-drying is analyzed as well as some proposals for revaluating the resulting dry product. Analysis is supported by some experimental results obtained with a laboratory spray dryer. The experimental procedure at laboratory scale is extrapolated to an industrial plant scale. An economic analysis of the proposal in relation to other possible sludge treatments is presented, taking into account in this case the comparison between the costs of the processes of sludge thickening, stabilization and dehydratation and the costs of spray-drying (especially power consumption), minimization of the final waste and reuse options. Finally, an environmental balance of the process is presented. In contrast with the classical treatment line, this alternative allows transforming sludges, i.e., a waste, into a valuable product with several applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]