batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a very common non-motor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the non-amnestic single-domain is the most frequent subtype. Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a non-invasive technique, which is capable of enhancing cortical excitability. As the main contributor to voluntary movement control, the primary motor cortex (M1) has been recently reported to be involved in higher cognitive functioning. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of tRNS applied over M1 in PD-MCI patients in cognitive and motor tasks. Ten PD-MCI patients, diagnosed according to the Movement Disorder Society, Level II criteria for MCI, underwent active (real) and placebo (sham) tRNS single sessions, at least 1 week apart. Patients underwent cognitive (Digit Span Forward and Backward, Digit Symbol, Visual Search, Letter Fluency, Stroop Test) and motor assessments (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS-ME], specific timed trials for bradykinesia, 10-m walk and Timed up and go tests) before and after each session. A significant improvement in motor ability (UPDRS-ME and lateralized scores, ps from 0.049 to 0.003) was observed after real versus sham tRNS. On the contrary, no significant differences were found in other motor tasks and cognitive assessment both after real and sham stimulations. These results confirm that tRNS is a safe and effective tool for improving motor functioning in PD-MCI. Future studies using a multisession tRNS applied over multitargeted brain areas (i.e., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and M1) are required to clarify the role of tRNS regarding rehabilitative intervention in PD.
In this article we present a self-organized method for allocating the individuals of a robot swarm to tasks that are sequentially interdependent. Tasks that are sequentially interdependent are common in natural and artificial systems. The proposed method does neither rely on global knowledge nor centralized components. Moreover, it does not require the robots to communicate. The method is based on the delay experienced by the robots working on one subtask when waiting for input from another subtask. We explore the capabilities of the method in different simulated environments. Additionally, we evaluate the method in a proof-of-concept experiment using real robots. We show that the method allows a swarm to reach a near-optimal allocation in the studied environments, can easily be transferred to a real robot setting, and is adaptive to changes in the properties of the tasks such as their duration. Finally, we show that the ideal setting of the parameters of the method does not depend on the properties of the environment.
Two- and four-electrode electrochemical cells were designed for characterization studies of highly resistive non-aqueous automotive lubricant using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The influence of internal configuration of the impedance analyzer, the media’s temperature and properties, shielding of the cables, and the electrochemical cell geometry and arrangement on the impedance results were investigated. The most accurate EIS measurements can be made in the two-electrode configuration with active shields where a single arc at high frequencies and a complicated low frequency impedance feature were observed in complex impedance plots. When four-electrode cells were employed, the impedance load, geometry and positioning of voltage electrodes; finite resistance of the impedance analyzer; and capacitive coupling between the signal lines introduced two types of impedance measurement artifacts. A capacitive-resistive low frequency load was interpreted as a measurement artifact originating from geometry and positioning of voltage electrodes. The appearance of additional medium frequency load combining resistive, capacitive and inductive features is intrinsic to the measurement setup and is due to a combination of several instrumental and experimental factors resulting in a voltage divider effect.
Evaluation work on steel alloy mixes suitable for powder forged auto con rods led to the development of new PM forging materials and provided ammunition for the powder forging vs C-70 controversy…
We investigated the predictive value of prenatal superior temporal sulcus (STS) depth asymmetry in a special case of a female dizygotic twin that showed inverted prenatal asymmetry of this structure. For this purpose, we performed a follow-up investigation in this former fetus at the age of seven, where we assessed the functional language lateralization using task-based and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). As control group we employed her twin brother, who showed a typical folding pattern prenatally, as well as a complementary set of four age-matched children that had fetal MRI of their brains and typical STS depth asymmetry. We could show that the twin with the atypical fetal asymmetry of the STS also showed significantly differing rightward language lateralization in the frontal and temporal lobes. Additionally, resting-state data suggest a stronger connectivity between inferior frontal gyri in this case. The twin showed normal cognitive development. This result gives a first glimpse into the STS’ atypical asymmetry being a very early morphological marker for later language lateralization.
A sulfonated poly(sulfone) (S-Radel®) membrane with high proton conductivity and low vanadium ion permeability showed high initial performance in a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) but suffered mechanical and chemical degradation during charge/discharge cycling. The S-Radel membrane showed different degradation behavior in flow cell cycling and ex-situ vanadium ion immersion tests. When the membrane was immersed in aqueous V5+ solution, the sample cracked into small pieces, but did not degrade to any measurable extent in V4+ solution. During charge/discharge cycling in the VRFB cell, the membrane underwent internal delamination, preferentially on the side of the membrane that faced the positive electrode. A vanadium-rich region was observed near the membrane surface that experienced delamination and Raman spectroscopic analysis of the degraded surface indicated a slightly depressed 1026 cm−1 band corresponding to a loss in the sulfonate SO2 stretch intensity. Even though the S-Radel membrane underwent severe mechanical damage during the flow cell cycling, significant chemical degradation was not obvious from the spectroscopic analyses. For the VRFB containing an S-Radel membrane, an increase in membrane resistance caused an abnormal voltage depression during the discharge cycle. The reversible increase in membrane resistance and severe mechanical degradation of the membrane during cycling may be attributed to repeated formation and dissolution of particles inside the membrane. The mechanical stresses imposed by the particles coupled with a small amount of chemical degradation of the polymer by V5+ ions, are likely degradation mechanisms of the S-Radel membrane in VRFBs under high state-of-charge conditions.
A facile solvothermal treatment without any template is employed to synthesize TiO2 mesoporous microspheres with nanorod structure. The post-calcination of the microsphere sample at 500°C with carbon source leads to the formation of C-coated TiO2 with the same structure. All of the prepared samples have been characterized by the techniques of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm curves have been depicted to show the tunable mesopores and high specific surface area of the prepared pure and C-coated TiO2. A growth scheme is also proposed to elucidate the formation process of the mesoporous microspheres with nanorods on the surface. The electrochemical results show that both of the prepared samples have better electrochemical performance than commercial anatase TiO2 due to the nanorod and mesoporous structures, which provides direct and open channals for efficient Li+ ion diffusion. Moreover, the prepared C-coated TiO2 has superior rate property and cycling performance with specific capacity of 157.4mAhg−1 at 1C rate even after 200 cycles. The galvanostatic charge-discharge voltage indicates that the C-coated TiO2 with improved electronic conductivity has the broadest voltage platform comparable to Li4Ti5O12. Therefore, the C-coated TiO2 with mesoporous microspheres and nanorod structure can be an attractive candidate as functional anode materials.
The highly fragmented landscape structures of coastal salinas are known to result in decreased terrestrial bird abundance, species richness and diversity but to promote original assemblages dominated by specialist species, such as the Bluethroat Luscinia svecica namnetum. This species is mainly found at the core of these salinas, where the landscape characteristics are a priori the most hostile for terrestrial birds. The aim of this study was to test whether individuals of a specialized species like the Bluethroat may offset such landscape constraints by expanding their home ranges. We therefore radio-tracked 21 males in 2013 and 2014 in the salinas of the Marais du Mès (Parc Naturel Régional de Brière, Western France). The data of the 18 best-monitored males were used to carry out a hierarchical partitioning of variance to test the relative influence of landscape characteristics, individual characteristics and distance to other males on their home-range sizes. We found that landscape characteristics were the factors that best explained home range sizes. Home-range sizes were significantly smaller in diversified landscapes composed of tidal creeks and salt-marsh patches and tended to be larger in landscapes dominated by the aquatic matrix consisting of water ponds. The results of this study demonstrate that although a few bird species are able to select a priori hostile landscapes, they can offset such constraints by expanding their home-range size.
Objective The current study aimed to develop and evaluate a motivational school-based intervention for adolescent sleep problems. Methods The intervention was implemented in three co-educational secondary schools in Adelaide, South Australia. Two year-11 Psychology classes from each school participated, with one as the intervention class (N =53) and one as the control class (N =51). Students in the intervention classes attended four 50-min sleep education classes, held once per week. The lessons were modified from those of Moseley and Gradisar [23] to incorporate a motivational interviewing framework. Students completed an online questionnaire battery measuring school day and weekend sleep parameters, daytime sleepiness, and depression at pre- and post-program and follow-up, and completed motivation to change questionnaires during the program. Results Students in the intervention group significantly increased their knowledge about sleep relative to the control group (p =0.001). During the intervention, students’ motivation to regularize their out-of-bed times improved (p =0.03), and there was a trend towards improved motivation to increase average total sleep time (p =0.11). But despite improvements in sleep and daytime functioning for adolescents in the program group (p <0.05), these changes were not significantly different from the control group (all p >0.05). Conclusions School-based interventions are promising for educating adolescents about sleep. Future programs should translate increased motivation into long-term behavioral change. The identification of barriers and support to assist this change is recommended.
Ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets were prepared in high yield using a facile and effective hydrothermal intercalation and exfoliation route. The products were characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the high yield of MoS2 nanosheets with good quality was successfully achieved and the dimensions of the immense nanosheets reached 1 μm–2 μm. As anode material for Li-ion batteries, the as-prepared MoS2 nanosheets electrodes exhibited a good initial capacity of 1190 mAh·g−1 and excellent cyclic stability at constant current density of 50 mA·g−1. After 50 cycles, it still delivered reversibly sustained high capacities of 750 mAh·g−1.
The automated collection of phenotypic measurements in livestock is becoming increasingly important to both researchers and farmers. The capacity to non-invasively collect real-time data, provides the opportunity to better understand livestock behaviour and physiology and improve animal management decisions. Current climate models project that temperatures will increase across the world, influencing both local and global agriculture. Sheep that are exposed to high ambient temperatures experience heat stress and their physiology, reproductive function and performance are compromised. Body temperature is a reliable measure of heat stress and hence a good indicator of an animals’ health and well-being. Non-invasive temperature-sensing technologies have made substantial progress over the past decade. Here, we review the different technologies available and assess their suitability for inferring ovine heat stress. Specifically, the use of indwelling probes, intra-ruminal bolus insertion, thermal imaging and implantable devices are investigated. We further evaluate the capacity of behavioural tracking technology, such as global positioning systems, to identify heat stressed individuals based on the exhibition of specific behaviours. Although there are challenges associated with using real-time thermosensing data to make informed management decisions, these technologies provide new opportunities to manage heat stress in sheep. In order to obtain accurate real-time information of individual animals and facilitate prompt intervention, data collection should be entirely automated. Additionally, for accurate interpretation on-farm, the development of software which can effectively collect, manage and integrate data for sheep producer’s needs to be prioritised. Lastly, understanding known physiological thresholds will allow farmers to determine individual heat stress risk and facilitate early intervention to reduce the effects in both current and subsequent generations.
A comparative study of an O2-diffusion cathode and a H2-diffusion anode has been performed to ascertain the limiting processes, when they are combined in a flow alkaline fuel cell with hydroperoxide ion generation. The linear sweep voltammograms and the impedance diagrams of both electrodes show large differences. The cathode reaction is charge transfer-controlled up to current densities of at least 1 A cm−2, whereas the dissociative adsorption, charge transfer and diffusion of H2 appear to limit the anode reaction. The anode, with limiting current densities of about 90 and 150 mA cm−2 for 1.0 and 6.0 M KOH, respectively, then clearly controls the hydroperoxide ion production in the fuel cell. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveal that, the carbon of the H2-diffusion anode does not undergo significant oxygen functionalisation during hydroperoxide ion generation in the fuel cell.
The recent advancements in the internet technology have created the urgency in developing critical data security framework around the globe. One of the most shared multimedia objects is the image which is safeguarded through a task called image encryption. An integrated approach to image encryption is the need of the hour which can combine algorithm and communication model. In this context, this work presents the first- of- its- kind approach addressing Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) to encrypt and decrypt the images to enhance their security during transmission via Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) communication systems. The uniqueness of this work is to combine the encryption scheme and subsequent wireless transmission. Modified Huffman coding has been employed to achieve compression. The viability of the proposed approach was tested and the performance metrics namely Entropy, PSNR, Histogram, correlation coefficient, differential attack, NIST test, and occulation attack analyses were evaluated. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the proposed integrated encryption – compression – communication schema.
In the present study, the environmental and occupational exposure of lead (Pb) has been assessed by analyzing the whole-blood samples of early adolescents (boys) aged 12–15 years working for the past 1–3 years in battery recycling workshops (BRW). For comparative purpose, boys of the same age group residing in the vicinity of BRW (exposed non-workers) and who lived in domestic areas devoid of any industrial activity (referents boys) were selected. The blood samples were analyzed for Pb, along with biochemical parameters of blood. Both biological samples were oxidized by acid in a microwave oven before determination of Pb by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean value of Pb concentration in blood samples of working boys was threefold higher as compared with referent boys. The significant negative correlations of blood Pb level with % Hb (r=−0.862) were observed in working boys.
One important goal for any developing country is to establish and provide electric power for its citizens; an endeavor initiated by the Government of Bangladesh many years ago. Renewable energy is a key component for development and Bangladesh has already made significant strides in reaching most of the country's population; both in Urban and Rural areas. The renewable energy projects initiated by the Government are helping Private sector, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and Micro-Finance institutions expand the solar energy program, both in terms of Sustainability and Commercial viability. These projects are increasing awareness among consumers and suppliers of the benefits and the correct use of solar home systems. The study, therefore, investigates whether solar business industry should implement a common strategy to position itself in all over the country. The Authors outline the benefits of using solar energy and the possibilities regarding solar energy system in Bangladesh as well as the problems relating to this sector. Data was collected via questionnaire on a systematic random basis. The results indicate significant business potentials of the solar energy sector. As perception towards renewable energy product is being measured in terms of convenience, country made perception and as a whole it will enhance the comfort of the society to some extent but also it will contribute in the economy if proper sales and service is given to the consumers. The authors recommend the initiation of motivational awareness by policy developers of Bangladesh, for the achievement of sustainable growth in the production of renewable energy.
A Si–O–C composite material is prepared by pyrolyzing a copolymer of phenyl-substituted polysiloxane and divinylbenzene at 800°C under a hydrogen atmosphere. The material has a high delithiation capacity about 965.3mAhg−1 in the first cycle and retains 660mAhg−1 after 40 cycles at 50mAg−1. The differential capacity curves of the anode show that there are several reduction peaks between 0.2 and 0.6V existing all the time during repeated cycles. By comparing 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si MAS NMR), Si (2p) X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the anode in the original, fully lithiated, and fully delithiated state, the reduction peaks are related to lithium reversible insertion into SiO2C2, SiO3C, and SiO4 units, respectively. The corresponding 29Si MAS NMR resonances shift to high field and their binding energies of the Si (2p) XPS peak increase in the fully lithiated state, and then both turn to the opposite direction in the fully delithiated state. The SiO4 units decrease during repeated cycles. The remaining ones can reversibly transform to Li–silicate (Li2SiO3) when lithium is inserted, while the lost ones irreversibly transform to Li–silicate (Li4SiO4). However, the SiOC3 units of the material are totally irreversible with lithium because they nearly disappear in the first discharge process, and lead to the formation SiC4 units.
LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 is a promising cathode material with a high capacity for Li-ion batteries. However, the rapid capacity degradation in the high-voltage cycles constrain their further applications. Accordingly, the performances of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 have been systematically investigated using various microstructural characterizations as well as electrochemical analyses to explore its degradation mechanism. Our results indicate that the capacity decay of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 strongly depends on the charge cut-off voltage. For the cell that is cycled at 4.2 or 4.5 V, the degradation mechanism is primarily due to transformation from layered to rock salt structure on the particle surface, increasing the charge transfer impedance. For the cell that is cycled at 4.8 V, another two reasons should be considered. The irreversible structural change in the bulk lattice of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 during the high-degree delithiation process eventually disintegrates the secondary particles, resulting in the poor electrical contact between particles. Another one is that the insulating surface film which is generated on the surface of particles after cycling at 4.8 V increases the interfacial impedance of LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2. All these factors contribute to the overall capacity degradation at high voltages.
Alloy-based materials (i.e. Sn, Sb, P) are promising candidates for sodium-ion battery (SIB) anodes, but they suffer from capacity decay during charge/discharge cycling due to the pulverization caused by their huge volume change. Nanostructures can slow down the capacity fade, but most of the synthesis methods of such nanostructured anodes are difficult to scale-up. Herein, a ternary Sn5SbP3/C composite was fabricated by a green, low cost, one-step and easily scalable ball-milling of elementary Sn, Sb, P, and C. The microstructure of the ball-milled powders consists of micrometric agglomerates of active nano Sn4P3 and SnSb and Sn particles. Carbon in the composite acts as a conducting matrix, and it does not only benefit to the ball milling efficiency, but also benefit to the cycle life of the electrode. Each of the active Sn4P3 and SnSb and Sn phases in the composite functions mutually as a buffer for the others. As a result, this ternary composite anode delivers a good capacity of 352mAhg−1 at the current density of 2Ag−1, which is notably higher than that of the binary Sn4P3/C and SnSb/C composites produced under the same conditions.
Individuals with schizophrenia have difficulties in emotional information processing. A relationship between behavioral variables of emotional processing and structural amygdala alterations in schizophrenia has been proposed but not shown, yet. Morphological studies of amygdala size in schizophrenia have yielded inconsistent results. The current study assessed paired associates learning of emotional and neutral faces in 16 subjects with schizophrenia during acute episode and in relative remission after 3 months. Sixteen matched controls were studied for comparison. Subjects also underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI) at the first time of assessment. Subjects with schizophrenia showed a significant decrease (by 13%) in total size of the amygdala compared to controls, which was more pronounced on the right side. Subjects with schizophrenia improved associative learning of facial identities but not of emotional facial expressions after relative remission of psychotic symptoms. Volume of the right amygdala in subjects with schizophrenia and in controls was significantly related to emotional learning, indicating better learning in subjects with larger amygdala size. Our results indicate that subjects with schizophrenia have a deficit to form associations when emotionally loaded material is used. This deficit seems to be trait-like and independent of disease state. It seems to be linked to size reduction of the right amygdala in schizophrenia.