Tech

New Technology Can Reduce Toxic Emissions In UK’s London Cabs

Published

4 years ago

March 5, 2020

16 percent of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in central London are caused by taxis. They are also responsible for 26 percent of the particulate matter in central London’s air. Both emissions come with a bevy of hazards to human and environmental health. However, a German company called HJS has developed a solution: a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that can be retrofitted to old taxis. If the system works as advertised, taxi engines will not only be cleaner, but they will last longer and reduce costs.

SCR Does Not Affect Performance

According to HJS, the system that they hope to install in London cabs does not impact their performance or engine control unit. It works independently from the engine to remove nitrogen oxides and other contaminants from the exhaust. HJS estimates that SCR will reduce NOx by 75 percent compared to Euro 5 diesel taxis. This means that, by adopting an SCR system, Euro 5 taxis can become Euro 6.

Euro 5 Versus Euro 6

There are approximately 4,400 cabs in London with Euro 5 certification. Euro 5 denotes a vehicle whose engine emissions are higher than ideal – 0.18 g/km of NOx to be exact (for diesel). In comparing cars by their eco-friendliness, those that are certified Euro 6 win by a landslide. Euro 6 vehicles with diesel engines must emit no more than 0.08 g/km of NOx. If all outdated taxis were to adopt SCR, the entire fleet of London cabs would operate at an acceptable emissions level. For this to happen, the technology would likely need government approval.

Lifespan Extension On London Taxis

London law states that, starting in 2022, Euro 5 taxis will be forced to retire after 12 years of operation. This is where the Euro 6 advantage for taxi companies and drivers is most palpable. Cabs that have Euro 6 certification can drive for 15 years before retirement. That’s three extra years. A lot of fares can be collected in three years, and a lot of money can be saved on taxis if the old ones can be replaced every 15 years instead of every 12. SCR is, therefore, a cost-effective technology that should benefit the drivers themselves. Hidden costs, of course, may remain.

If SCR is approved and implemented, it could signal the end of energy-inefficient taxis – not only in London, but the world over. Electric power will claim whatever vehicles SCR misses. Diesel cabs are just another casualty in the war for sustainability.

Tech

Resist Temptation and Get More Productive With Website and App Blockers

Published

3 weeks ago

July 4, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

From reading the latest news to looking for your next big vacation (or being captivated by social media), the Internet has become a massive landscape of diverse content. With the digital world filled with countless distractions, resisting temptation and being able to focus has become more and more difficult. The development of website and app blockers provides a simple solution to avoid scooting down portal pathways that hinder productivity and, sometimes, lead to negative consequences.

As a worldwide societal phenomenon, the Internet is rapidly evolving, with entire economies and personal relationships relying on the web. A website and app blocker intentionally restricts access to specific internet sites and apps through software programs. Website and app blocker software can be downloaded as add-ons or extensions for browsers, like website blocking on Chrome. Such blocking can include programs that assist in URL-based blocking, Platform-based blocking—specifically when using search engines, and Domain Name Systems blocking, which all make it difficult to access specified domains and websites on the Internet.

Many website and app blockers allow you to enter websites and apps that you want to restrict access to for a certain time period throughout the day or a certain length of time. This can be helpful to those who need to focus on studying but keep falling into temptation’s trap, straying away from what needs to be done to engage in unnecessary Google searches or scrolling through Instagram posts.

However, there are website and app blockers that can permanently restrict access to specified sites and apps. With potentially crucial reasons to restrict access to Internet content, blocking software could improve daily lives. Those struggling with shopping addiction or facing negative consequences at work for an inability to remain focused may find website and app blockers incredibly beneficial.

Website and app blocking isn’t confined to personal, individual use. It has become a rising trend for many governments to utilize this software when blocking illegal content. Yet, the software can also help parents, guardians, and other family and friends block access to harmful content and inappropriate material for children.

By restricting access to certain websites or apps, you allow yourself to build new and more productive habits, or keep yourself and your kids safe. Through establishing “forced focus” times for yourself, concentrating solely on your work or tasks at hand becomes easier. Protectivity has many proven benefits. Committing to what needs to be done can help build your self-worth, creating a feeling of accomplishment that is good for your mood. Even if the things you need to focus on and get done are smaller tasks in nature, accomplishing your daily tasks can help ward off excessive stress and anxiety, as well as depression.

NetNanny, BlockSite, and Surfblocker as some of the most effective website and app blocking software. BlockSite is a blocking software used globally by millions of people, and it provides relief from temptation by temporarily blocking websites and apps, so you can focus, be productive, and build self-control habits.

Whether you are trying to keep yourself in check or your family safe, website and app-blocking software limits screen time while providing customization to users that help tailor usage to individual needs.