Experimental investigation on sucrose/alumina catalyst coated converter in gasoline engine exhaust gas

In this study, a modified catalytic converter was employed to treat the harmful exhaust gas pollutants of a twin-cylinder, four-stroke spark-ignition engine. This research mainly focuses on the emission reduction of unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides at low light-off temperatures. A sucrolite catalyst (sucrolite) was coated over the metallic substrate present inside the catalytic converter, and exhaust gas was allowed to pass through it. A scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the changes in morphology, chemical compounds, and functional group elements caused by the reactions. Catalytic reactions were studied by varying the engine loads and bed temperatures, and the results were compared with those of the commercial catalytic converter. The results show that sucrose present in the catalyst was suitable at low temperatures while alumina was suitable for a wide range of temperatures. In the case of the modified catalytic converter, the maximum catalytic conversion efficiencies achieved for oxidizing CO and HC were 70.73% and 85.14%, respectively, and for reduction reaction at NO_x was 60.22% which is around 42% higher than in commercial catalytic converter. As a result, this study claims that sucrolite catalyst is effective for low-temperature exhaust gas.

Evaluating the performance of MoS2 based materials for corrosion protection of mild steel in an aggressive chloride environment

The incorporation of Fe, Co, and Ni ions resulted in an appreciable increase in the corrosion resistance properties of MoS₂.

Simulation of Low Pressure MEMS Sensor for Biomedical Application

Micromachining technology has greatly benefited from the success of developments in implantable biomedical microdevices. In this paper, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive pressure sensor operating for biomedical applications in the range of 20–400 mm Hg was designed. Employing the microelectromechanical systems technology, high sensor sensitivities and resolutions have been achieved. Capacitive sensing uses the diaphragm deformation-induced capacitance change. The sensor composed of a rectangular polysilicon diaphragm that deflects due to pressure applied over it. Applied pressure deflects the 2 µm diaphragm changing the capacitance between the polysilicon diaphragm and gold flat electrode deposited on a glass Pyrex substrate. The MEMS capacitive pressure sensor achieves good linearity and large operating pressure range. The static and thermo electromechanical analysis were performed. The finite element analysis data results were generated. The capacitive response of the sensor performed as expected according to the relationship of the spacing of the plates.

Molecular analysis of sleep: wake cycles in Drosophila

Sleep is controlled by two major regulatory systems: a circadian system that drives it with a 24-hour periodicity and a home-ostatic system that ensures that adequate amounts of sleep are obtained. We are using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to understand both types of regulation. With respect to circadian control, we have identified molecular mechanisms that are critical for the generation of a clock. Our recent efforts have focused on the analysis of posttranslational mechanisms, specifically the action of different phosphatases that control the phosphorylation and thereby the stability and/or nuclear localization of circadian clock proteins period (PER) and timeless (TIM). Resetting the clock in response to light is also mediated through posttranslational events that target TIM for degradation by the proteasome pathway; a recently identified ubiquitin ligase, jet lag (JET), is required for this response. Our understanding of the homeostatic control of sleep is in its early stages. We have found that mushroom bodies, which are a site of synaptic plasticity in the fly brain, are important for the regulation of sleep. In addition, through analysis of genes expressed under different behavioral states, we have identified some that are up-regulated during sleep deprivation. Thus, the Drosophila model allows the use of cellular and molecular approaches that should ultimately lead to a better understanding of sleep biology.