batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
This study aimed to examine the influence of internal service quality (ISQ) on job performance in the public sector. Data was collected from 250 police personnels in PDRM in Kuching using survey method with questionnaire as the main tool. The instrument used to measure internal service quality was assessed via Kang et al.’s (2002) 22-item uni-dimensional measure of internal service quality battery (ISQB). Job performance was measured using an instrument developed by Borman & Motowidlo (1993). Results of the instrument's Cronbach Alpha measurement showed that the score of reliability is above 0.70 which indicates an acceptable level. The results indicate that internal service quality is positively correlated with job performance. This study provides insights on the relationship between internal service quality and job performance in the public sector. The findings of this study may help the public sector to enhance its internal service quality and its effect on job performance. Limitations and recommendations are also discussed.
As potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, mesoporous carbons such as CMK-3 and CMK-8 usually show stable cycling performances but only slightly higher reversible capacities than commercial graphite. Graphene has much higher theoretical capacity than that of graphite in theory. However, its electrochemical behavior is not as good as expected due to the aggregation of graphene nanosheets. Herein we describe a novel strategy for the preparation of core–shell structured porous carbon–graphene composites. Compared to pure porous carbons or pure graphene nanosheets, these novel composites exhibit superior electrochemical performances including higher reversible capacities and better cycle/rate performances. This core–shell structure can avoid the aggregation of graphene nanosheets as well as may stabilize the mesostructure of porous carbon, which is beneficial to improving the electrochemical performances of the composites.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) may be promising multifunctional materials attributing to their large internal surface areas and high porosities that can favor charge transport. In this article, MIL-53(Fe) has been investigated as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. It showed decent performance on account of the redox reaction (Fe3+ ↔Fe0). However, the carboxylate groups of terephthalate acid ligands did not show electrochemical activity due to the poor electrical conductivity of MIL-53(Fe) and the formation of thick solid electrolyte interphase layer. In this case, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was then composited to resolve the problem, which named as MIL-53(Fe)@RGO. The composite exhibited better electrochemical performance than the sole MIL-53(Fe). Specifically, a reversible discharge specific capacity of 550mAhg−1 could be still achieved at 100mAg−1 after 100 cycles within the voltage range of 0.01–3.0V, an reversible discharge capacity of about 300mAhg−1 was obtained even at 2Ag−1. These values are much higher than those of currently used graphitic materials. RGO makes it even more possibility for MOFs to be adopted as electrode materials for Li-ion batteries.
One dimensional theory of the electro-diffusion of ions in activated carbon porous electrodes is applied to describe the dynamic cycle of the capacitive mixing (CAPMIX) based on the double layer expansion (CDLE) technique to harvest renewable energy from salinity gradients. The model combines the electro-diffusion of ions with adsorption and desorption of charge and neutral salt into the double layers at the solid liquid interface, providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the full CAPMIX cycle experimentally measured in prototype cells. A careful analysis of the simulated cycles identifies key parameters for the optimization of the extracted power, like the appropriate thickness and micro-structure of the electrodes, best materials and operation conditions of the electrochemical cell. These directions will be fundamental in the development of this technique as an economically competitive renewable energy source.
Preservatives are important components in many products, but have a history of purported allergy. Several assays [e.g., guinea pig maximization test (GPMT), local lymph node assay (LLNA)] are used to evaluate allergy potential of preservatives. We recently developed the human Cell Line Activation Test (h-CLAT), an in vitro skin sensitization test using human THP-1 cells. This test evaluates the augmentation of CD86 and CD54 expression, which are key events in the sensitization process, as an indicator of allergy following treatment with test chemical. Earlier, we found that a sub-toxic concentration was needed for the up-regulation of surface marker expression. In this study, we further evaluate the capability of h-CLAT to predict allergy potential using eight preservatives. Cytotoxicity was determined using propidium iodide with flow cytometry analysis and five doses that produce a 95, 85, 75, 65, and 50% cell viability were selected. If a material did not have any cytotoxicity at the highest technical dose (HTD), five doses are set using serial 1.3 dilutions of the HTD. The test materials used were six known allergic preservatives (e.g., methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, formaldehyde), and two non-allergic preservatives (methylparaben and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). All allergic preservatives augmented CD86 and/or CD54 expression, indicating h-CLAT correctly identified the allergens. No augmentation was observed with the non-allergic preservatives; also correctly identified by h-CLAT. In addition, we report two threshold concentrations that may be used to categorize skin sensitization potency like the LLNA estimated concentration that yield a three-fold stimulation (EC3) value. These corresponding values are the estimated concentration which gives a relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) = 150 for CD86 and an RFI = 200 for CD54. These data suggest that h-CLAT, using THP-1 cells, may be able to predict the allergy potential of preservatives and possibility classify the potency of an allergen.
The lack of consistency in outcome measurement within the field of acquired brain injury (ABI) leads to incomparability of collected data and, consequently, reduced generalisation of findings. We aim to develop a set of standardised measures which can be used to obtain the minimum amount of data necessary to characterise ABI-patients across all healthcare sectors and disciplines and in every stage of recovery; i.e., an ABI-specific minimal dataset (MDS-ABI). The current study was conducted to identify the core outcome domains for adults with ABI (what to measure?) and to select the most suitable measurements within these domains (how to measure it?).
A ternary manganese ferrite/graphene/polyaniline (MGP) nanostructure is designed and synthesized via a facile two-step approach. This nanostructure exhibits outstanding electrochemical performances, such as high specific capacitance (454.8 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), excellent rate capability (75.8% capacity retention at 5 A g−1), and good cycling stability (76.4% capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1), which are superior to those of its individual components (manganese ferrite, reduced-graphene oxide, polyaniline) and corresponding binary hybrids (manganese ferrite/graphene (MG), manganese ferrite/polyaniline (MP), and graphene/polyaniline (GP)). A symmetric supercapacitor device using the as-obtained hybrid has been fabricated and tested. The device exhibits a high specific capacitance of 307.2 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with a maximum energy density of 13.5 W h kg−1. The high electrochemical performance of ternary MGP can be attributed to its well-designed nanostructure and the synergistic effect of the individual components.
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the earliest stage of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). MHE is characterized by cognitive function impairment in the domains of attention, vigilance and integrative function, while obvious clinical manifestations are lacking. In the present study, we aimed at assessing whether subjects with MHE showed alterations in synaptic plasticity within the motor cortex. Previous findings suggest that learning in human motor cortex occurs through long-term potentiation (LTP)-like mechanisms. We employed therefore the paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which is able to induce LTP-like effects in the motor cortex of normal subjects. Fifteen patients with MHE and 15 age- and sex-matched cirrhotic patients without MHE were recruited. PAS consisted of 180 electrical stimuli of the right median nerve paired with a single TMS over the hotspot of right abductor pollicis brevis (APB) at an ISI of 25ms (PAS25). We measured motor evoked potentials (MEPs) before and after each intervention for up to 30min. In healthy subjects the PAS25 protocol was followed by a significant increase of the MEP amplitude. On the contrary, in patients with MHE the MEP amplitude was slightly reduced after PAS. These findings demonstrated that associative sensorimotor plasticity, an indirect probe for motor learning, is impaired in MHE patients.
The corrosion behaviour of the Mg65Cu7.5Ni7.5Ag5Zn5Gd5Y5 bulk metallic glass prepared by copper mould casting with 3mm thickness was studied in borate solutions with pH 5–8.4 and in sodium hydroxide solution with pH 13. A superior corrosion resistance and passivation ability compared to that of Mg and the conventional AZ31 alloy was detected in weakly acidic to weakly alkaline solutions. This is mainly attributed to the beneficial effect of the alloying components, which are homogeneously mixed in the amorphous phase. They cause the establishment of a more noble alloy state and possess a higher tendency for surface passivation than the main component Mg. A high sensibility to chloride-induced corrosion exists, which is at low chloride concentration strongly pH value dependent. For the first time filiform corrosion was detected for Mg-based metallic glasses with filaments propagating randomly on the passivated amorphous surface. Y-rich crystalline defects in the bulk glassy sample seem to have no evident effect on the corrosion processes.
In Chapter 9: Locks and Alarms, the author discusses the kinds of locks and alarms which may be used to secure your home from intruders or accidents. The chapter covers door locks, window locks, alarm and camera systems, selecting an alarm company, and building codes related to locks and alarms. The advantages and disadvantages of various lock types for doors and windows are described. This chapter also includes sections on the different types of alarm systems and alarm system componentry, along with tips for selecting an alarm system installer and monitoring vendor.
Recently, a series of studies found that the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs6812193 in the family with sequence similarity 47, member E (FAM47E), rs6825004 in the scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2) and rs4889603 in the Syntaxin1B (STX1B) genes increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the results of subsequent independent studies were inconsistent. To explore the associations between the three SNPs and PD in the Chinese population, a large cohort was analyzed in a case–control study. A total of 1994 subjects, including 1179 PD and 815 healthy controls (HCs), were investigated. All subjects were genotyped for rs6812193, rs6825004 and rs4889603 using the Sequenom iPLEX Assay. There was no significant difference in additive genetic model of rs6812193, rs6825004 and rs4889603 between PD and controls, even after being stratified by sex and age. In addition, no significant differences were found between other subgroups of PD patients with regard to clinical presentation. Our findings suggested that FAM47E rs6812193, SCARB2 rs6825004 and STX1B rs4889603 do not confer a significant risk for PD in Chinese population.
Nanostructured CuO with diverse morphology was directly grown on copper foam. Their supercapacitance performance was investigated and correlated with the morphology. CuO nanowires, nanosheets, and flower-like nanostructures were formed on copper foam which acts as both the substrate of CuO formation and the current collector of the electrode. Their morphology was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and their phase structure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The supercapacitance of the nanostructured CuO on copper foam was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results showed that the specific capacitance of the nanostructured CuO strongly depends on its morphology and dimension. CuO nanosheets exhibited higher specific capacitance than nanowires and flower-like nanostructure. The specific capacitance of the CuO nanosheets reached 212Fg−1 at a current density of 0.41mAmg−1 in 6.0moldm−3 KOH electrolyte. The capacitance loss is around 15% after 850 charge/discharge cycles at 0.41mAmg−1 and the majority of capacitance loss occurred in the initial 50 cycles (8.1%).
Introduction: Effectiveness of light-emitting diode (LED) in biological tissue is due to the correct application of physical parameters. However, most studies found do not provide complete information on the physical characteristics of the diodes. It is necessary to carefully evaluate the diode parameters so that the results of research with this feature can be reproduced. The objective of this study was to develop a light-emitting device using LED, with proper measurements for application in clinical research. It was used 267 LEDs, powered with 12-V voltage and fixed on a plate of ethylene-vinyl acetate (25 × 42 cm), equidistant at 1.0 cm. For the calculation of red and infrared irradiation, a spectrometer was used, and the data were processed in routines implemented in the OriginPro 8.5.0 SR1 Software. The irradiance was determined by the integration of the spectral irradiation in the LED emission region. The red LED has a wavelength of 620 ± 10 nm, a power density of 52.86 mW/cm2, power of 6.6 mW, and total power of 1.76 W on the device. The infrared LED has a wavelength of 940 ± 10 nm, power density 33.7 mW/cm2, power of 6 mW, and total power of 1.6 W on the device. The LED characterization enables the generation and application of energy with greater precision and reproducibility. Besides, it is a light source, a device capable of framing large areas, reducing the time and cost of the application in different clinical conditions related to neuromuscular performance or rehabilitation.
Technologies for wafer level fabrication of planar PEM fuel cells between 1mm2 and approximately 1cm2 were developed. These MEMS-based micro fuel cells may be potential power sources for future applications such as wireless sensor networks, chip cards or autonomous microsystems. The investigations focused on pattering technologies for the fabrication of micro flow fields, design studies for integrated flow fields, material compatibility for fuel cells, patterning of membrane electrodes, serial interconnection of single cells in a planar arrangement, laminating and assembling processes. Although wafer technologies were applied, foil materials were used which allow low-cost fabrication in future production. Prototypes of self-breathing PEM fuel cells with a size of 1 cm×1 cm and 200μm thickness were fabricated. V/I curves were measured at a variety of ambient conditions. Stable operation was achieved at 80mW/cm2 at varying ambient conditions with dry hydrogen fuel.
In this work it is presented a review of the main results obtained during the electrochemical lithium insertion in the family of monophosphate tungsten bronzes (PO2)4(WO3)2m (2≤ m ≤10). This family of oxides is a good system in order to study the relation among the electrochemical processes observed in the course of lithium insertion and the changes of bronzes structures. By means of X-ray diffraction experiments, the nature of Li x (PO2)4(WO3)2m phases has been elucidated and a correlation with the reversible/irreversible processes observed during the electrochemical insertion has been established. The electrical properties of the inserted Li x (PO2)4(WO3)2m phases were measured and a relation with the amount of lithium inserted and m was also found.
The design, fabrication, performance simulation and characterization of a piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire (NW) micro-energy harvester integrated with a microelectromechanical proof-mass/spring system are presented. Low temperature hydrothermal growth of vertically aligned nanowires together with MEMS surface micromachining and UV-LIGA (Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformung) processes were utilized to achieve efficient coupling of environmental vibrations to the nano energy harvester. The NWs were connected in series through the membrane/proof-mass structure to achieve higher output voltage. A novel polyimide fill-in and etch-back technique was employed to embed the NW tips into the membrane, such that the NWs were compressed and stretched by the membrane/proof-mass structure in response to the external vibrations. Peak power of 70pW was observed across an optimal 7MΩ load when the nano energy harvester was excited with an acceleration of 1.4g at 40Hz, corresponding to 22 mW/cm3 volume-normalized power output. The measured voltage between the top and the bottom electrode was 21.4 mV for this case. The output frequency spectral density with 40Hz excitation and output voltage with varying excitation frequency are also discussed.
Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the most promising next-generation batteries for their high theoretical capacity, are still hindered by several obstacles mainly due to the effect of polysulfide shuttle. Recently, considerable progress has been made to improve the specific capacity and cycling life of the Li-S batteries, but most demonstrations are typically based on thin electrode with limited areal sulfur loading. Herein, we demonstrate a Li-S battery with electrospun carbon nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide (CNF/rGO) as the binder-free and self-standing host for lithium polysulfide-containing liquid active materials in the cathode. The matrix of intertwined long CNF networks with uniformly distributed rGO pieces promotes the long-range high-rate charge transfers in three dimensions, and provides sufficient porous spaces for polysulfide uptake. Plus the mechanical flexibility of the CNF/rGO membrane, thick electrode with high areal sulfur loading (20.3mg/cm2) and high areal specific capacity (15.5mAh/cm2) is demonstrated by a Li-S pouch cell with stable cycling performances.
Developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts from earth-abundant elements are imperative for the large-scalable production of hydrogen. Herein, the three dimensional amorphous NiCoSxOy nanosheets arrays directly grow on Ni foam (NiCoSxOy NSs/NF) through a facile one-step electrodeposition is firstly reported. The special in-situ grown 3D nanosheets arrays, largely exposed active sites and enhanced electrical conductivity enable the resultant NiCoS0.14O3.25 NSs/NF to possess remarkable electrocatalytic performance and stability towards water splitting in 1 M KOH. Specifically, the introduction of S ligand into the hydroxides through a straightforward and convenient electrodeposition method boost the robust composition and comprehensive activity of the NiCoSxOy NSs. Such binder-free, easily prepared NiCoS0.14O3.25 NSs/NF electrode requires the overpotential of 250 mV and 170 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), respectively. When functionalizing as two identical cathode and anode in an alkaline electrolyzer, NiCoS0.14O3.25 NSs/NF displays the efficient and robust property on both OER and HER. Remarkably, serving as bifunctional electrode in alkaline electrolyzer, it only needs 1.64 V to reach the current density of 20 mA cm−2. This study provides a valuable guideline to synthesize non-noble and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts using a time-saving but facile electrochemical method.
Fe3O4/C composites have been prepared by sucrose calcining with Fe3O4 particles obtained from ferrous oxalate decomposition. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPS) with average size of 200nm are embedded in the three-dimensional (3D) carbon-framework. As an anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the Fe3O4/C composite delivers a reversible capacity of 773mAhg−1 at a current density of 924mAg−1 after 200 cycles, higher than that of the bare Fe3O4 NPS which only retain a capacity of 350mAhg−1. When the current density rises to 1848mAg−1, Fe3O4/C material still remains 670mAhg−1 even after 400 cycles. The enhanced high-rate performance can be attributed to the 3D carbon-framework, which improves the electric conductivity, relaxes the strain stress and prevents the aggregation of Fe3O4 particles during the charge/discharge process.
Pro-poor water engineering aims to deliver water services to individuals and communities in a manner that yields obvious and significant net-benefits to the poorest people. Technology transfer in the field of pro-poor water engineering has too often been seen as one-way (north to south), with industrialised nations exporting their supposedly superior technologies and organisational priorities to the ‘grateful poor’ in the under-developed world. While north-to-south technology transfer can boast significant successes, failures are more numerous, arguably due to the contrast between technocratic (northern) and communitarian (southern) traditions of water management. There is much the northern countries might learn from the southern perspective. One concrete example illustrates how direct experience of community-based, NGO-fostered development of borehole water supplies in Bolivia led to the conscious adaptation of this model for application to problems of remediation of severe contamination of streams in a former mining district in the UK. This application was highly successful, leading to the development of robust community organisations that have gone on to tackle other social and environmental problems. This experience has in turn prompted the testing of the low-cost, technological approaches to acid drainage treatment developed in the UK case for potential application to similar problems in Bolivia. Following further ‘acclimatisation’ of the technology, field trials proved successful and led to plans for full-scale application of the approach with community-based NGOs in Bolivia. Lessons are drawn for furthering the implementation of pro-poor, participative strategies in water management in both the North and the South, with brief critical analyses of Participación Popular in Bolivia, and of both policy and polity in relation to community engagement in aspects of water management in Europe.
This paper aims to contribute to the literature on poverty and social exclusion by analysing the type of deprivation of the household where the child lives and the level of deprivation that child experiences. Using the EU-SILC 2009 module on deprivation for Spain, we find that the level of child deprivation varies among household types, that is, even after controlling for the socio-economic characteristics of the household and parents, the lack of certain items at the household level induces a more intense child deprivation. Therefore, we can conclude that there exists an association between child deprivation and the household deprivation profile that surpasses the socio-demographic characteristics of the household and parents.