Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods have been used to investigate the internal nozzle flow of an outwards-opening piezo-driven pintle injector designed for sprayguided direct injection gasoline engines. The internal nozzle flow has been investigated for various nozzle designs, with emphasis placed on the effect of manufacturing tolerances on the internal and near-nozzle flow characteristics. The methods employed include features such as moving wall boundaries and time-dependent pressure or flowrate inlet conditions, cavitation as well as Eulerian and Lagrangian near-nozzle and spray models. The results reveal that not only the nozzle internal geometric details and manufacturing tolerances influence significantly the flow conditions at the exit of the pintle injector, but the actual spray characteristics are significantly influenced by the external geometry of the nozzle housing and the pintle shape. The atomization process of the liquid emerging from the pintle nozzle seems to be different from that realized in other nozzle designs used in direct injection gasoline engines; a so-called string-type of spray is formed at the nozzle exit, as confirmed by near-nozzle CCD spray images. The mechanism of string formation is attributed to the limited liquid volume passing through the needle seat area and partly occupying the available volume, while the details of the geometry in this location may enhance local air entrainment. The velocity differences along the circumference of the nozzle exit magnify those flow instabilities and have a predictable effect on the dispersion of the liquid droplets near the nozzle exit.
Background:Cognitive behavioral group therapy has developed several techniques in order to make the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders more effective. Particularly, the “homework” is a tool in order to practice therapeutic skills in ecological settings. When working with this aim, it is often necessary to support patient compliance.Researches have shown the efficacy of sending a text to the patients in order to support the patient compliance, but only a few data are available on the effectiveness of sending text in the treatment of depression and anxiety.Objective:Verify the effectiveness of sending text in the treatment of depression and anxiety in order to support patient compliance.Methods:Participants were enrolled for cognitive behavioral group therapy. Once completed the treatment, a sub-group of participants (Yes SMS group) was reached by a weekly text message for the whole 3 months time between the end of the intervention and the scheduled follow-up session.All the participants were assessed for the overall psychopathological symptoms, depression, and anxiety before and after the group intervention, and at the 3 months follow up.Results:Both groups improved from pre to post-treatment in all the assessed dimensions; the enhancement endures up to the 3 months follow up.Comparing the two groups regardless of the diagnosis, the Yes SMS group shows significant better outcomes in depression at follow-up and in anxiety both at post-treatment and at follow-up.Conclusion:The weekly SMS as prompt seems to enhance the patient’s compliance.
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