batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Skutterudite materials are widely considered for thermoelectric waste heat recovery. While the skutterudite structure effectively scatters the high frequency phonons, grain-boundary engineering is needed to further reduce the thermal conductivity beyond simply decreasing grain size. Here, we show that reduced graphene oxide (rGO) increases the grain boundary thermal resistivity by a factor of 3 to 5 compared to grain boundaries without graphene. Wrapping even micron sized grains with graphene leads to such a significant reduction in the thermal conductivity that a high thermoelectric figure of merit zT = 1.5 was realized in n-type YbyCo4Sb12, while a zT of 1.06 was achieved in p-type CeyFe3CoSb12. A 16 leg thermoelectric module was made by using n- and p-type skutterudite–graphene nanocomposites that exhibited conversion efficiency 24% higher than a module made without graphene. Engineering grain boundary complexions with 2-D materials introduces a new strategy for advanced thermoelectric materials.
According to the fact that the performance of power management systems depends on generation forecasts, a scheme is proposed to detect the shading fault and the converter failure in a PV system and determine the maximum available solar power in the presence of these faults. Since the MPP of a PV array under uniform and partial shading faults is smaller than that of non-shading condition, for MPP tracking operations, difference between acquired and estimated power is an indicator for the shading fault. However, when the load power is small enough to be satisfied by the shaded PV array, the defined voltage ratio is used to detect the shading fault. In the case of shading fault, maximum available solar power is determined based on the output power of the PV system. Converter failure, which is modeled as the switch stuck-open fault or the switch stuck-on fault, is also considered in this paper. It is shown that under the switch stuck-open fault, the output power of the PV system will be zero; while, under the switch stuck-on fault, the output power shows a sinusoidal behavior. Based on the PV system power analysis, a procedure is also proposed to detect the converter failure and determine the maximum available solar power under this fault.
We consider the aseptic assembly of the Beagle 2 Mars probe and how the requirements of COSPAR planetary protection category IVa were achieved. Several areas for future investigation became apparent. An ESA mission is outlined in which a microbial bioburden is recovered after Earth orbit to assess viability following re-entry through the atmosphere.
In an attempt to increase the interface stability of carbon used in Li-ion batteries, a thin conducting polyaniline (PANI) film was fabricated on the surface of carbon by in situ chemical polymerization. The chemical and electrochemical properties of the composite material were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was confirmed that the PANI film has an obvious effect on the morphology and the electrochemical performance of carbon. The results could be attributed to the electronic and electrochemical activity of the conducting PANI films.
Electrodes for supercapacitors were fabricated by depositing polyaniline (PANI) on high surface area carbons. The chemical composition of the PANI-deposited carbon electrode was determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to investigate the electrochemical properties of electrodes. An equivalent circuit was proposed to successfully fit the EIS data, and the significant contribution of pseudocapacitance from PANI was thus identified. A comparative analysis on the electrochemical properties of bare-carbon electrodes was also conducted under similar conditions. The performance of the capacitors equipped with the resulting electrodes in 1 M H2SO4 was evaluated by constant current charge–discharge cycling within a potential range from 0 to 0.6 V. The PANI-deposited electrode exhibits high specific capacitance of 180 F/g, in comparison with a value of 92 F/g for the bare-carbon electrode.
Although carbon fiber paper (CFP) or nonwovens are widely used as a non-corrosive and conductive substrate or current collector in batteries and supercapacitors as well as a gas diffusion layer in proton exchange membrane fuel cells, the CFP cannot store charges due to its poor ionic conductivity and its hydrophobic surface. In this work, the chemically functionalized CFP (f-CFP) consisting of hydroxyl and carboxylic groups on its surface was produced by an oxidation reaction of CFP in a mixed concentrated acid solution of H2SO4:HNO3 (3:1 v/v) at 60°C for 1h. Other amide and amine groups modified CFP were also synthesized for comparison using a dehydration reaction of carboxylic modified CFP with ethylenediamine and n-butylamine. Interestingly, it was found that hydroxyl and carboxylic groups modified CFP behave as a pseudocapacitor electrode, which can store charges via the surface redox reaction in addition to electrochemical double layer capacitance. The aqueous-based supercapacitor of f-CFP has high areal, volumetric, and specific energy (49.0μW.h/cm2, 1960mW.h/L, and 5.2W.h/Kg) and power (3.0mW/cm2, 120W/L, and 326.2W/Kg) based on the total geometrical surface area and volume as well as the total weight of positive and negative electrodes. High charge capacity of the f-CFP stems from high ionic charge and pseudocapacitive behavior due to hydroxyl and carboxylic groups on its surface and high bulk electronic conductivity (2.03mS/cm) due to 1D carbon fiber paper. The acid treatment process here could be used to improve the charge storage capacity of other carbonaceous materials such as carbon nanotubes.
The selection of maximum concentrations for in vitro mammalian cell genotoxicity assays was reviewed at the 5th International Workshop on Genotoxicity Testing (IWGT), 2009. Currently, the top concentration recommended when toxicity is not limiting is 10mM or 5mg/ml, whichever is lower. The discussion was whether to reduce the limit, and if so whether the 1mM limit proposed for human pharmaceuticals was appropriate for testing other chemicals. The consensus was that there was reason to consider reducing the 10mM limit, and many, but not all, attendees favored a reduction to 1mM. Several proposals are described here for the concentration limit. The in vitro cytogenetics expert working group also discussed appropriate measures and level of cytotoxicity. Data were reviewed from a multi-laboratory trial of the in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay with multiple cell types and several types of toxicity measurements. The group agreed on a preference for toxicity measures that take cell proliferation after the beginning of treatment into account (relative increase in cell counts, relative population doubling, cytokinesis block proliferation index or replicative index), and that this applies both to in vitro MN assays and to in vitro chromosome aberration assays. Since relative cell counts (RCC) underestimate toxicity, many group members favored making a recommendation against the use of RCC as a toxicity measure for concentration selection. All 14 chemicals assayed for MN induction in the multi-laboratory trial were detected without exceeding 50% toxicity by any measure, but some were positive only at concentrations with toxicity quite close to 50%. The expert working group agreed to accept the cytotoxicity range recommended by OECD guideline 487 (55±5% toxicity at the top concentration scored). This also reinforces the original intent of the guidance for the in vitro chromosome aberration assay, where “>50%” was intended to target the range close to 50% toxicity.
The aim of the presented work was to perform a preliminary study the physico-chemical properties of hybrid organic–inorganic gel electrolytes for Li-ion batteries based on the PVdF–HFP polymeric matrix and surface modified fumed silicas. Modifications were done by means of the so-called dry method using seven different silanes differing in the nature of the principal functional group: N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-amino propyltrimethoxysilane, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimetoxysilane, 3-mercaptopropyltrimetoxysilane, n-octyltriethoxysilane, 3-(chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimetoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane. The PVdF–HFP gels were prepared according to the so-called Bellcore process (two-step method). Impact of the silicas surface functionality on the degree of crystallinity of the polymeric membranes was studied using the differential scanning calorimetry technique. Applicability of the prepared gel electrolytes for the Li-ion technology was estimated on the basis of specific conductivity measurements. It was shown that modification of the silica surface by most of the silanes causes an increase in the gel specific conductivity by about two orders of magnitude as compared to gel with unmodified silica.
Recently, it has been proposed that neurofibromin (NF1) forms a binding complex with amyloid precursor protein (APP) that interacts with the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R). In the present study we investigated whether the absence of the D3R is correlated to modifications in the expression of both NF1 and APP. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses of both transcripts showed that NF1 mRNA levels were significantly reduced whereas APP levels were strikingly increased in D3R knock-out (D3R KO) as compared to wild type (WT) mice brains. Western blot analyses using mice whole brains produced comparable results with those obtained by mRNA measurements. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses revealed a similar brain regional distribution of APP protein in the hippocampus, in the cerebral and cerebellar cortex of D3R KO mice. Conversely, hippocampal NF1 immunoreactivity did not seem to be affected by the absence of D3Rs. Further analyses confirmed that regional NF1 protein expression in the hippocampus was not affected by the absence of the D3R, whereas APP levels were still increased in this specific brain region. In conclusion, these results show the existence of a correlation among the D3R, NF1 and APP in mice brains and thus show the regional-specific regulation of NF1 in brains of D3R KO, which may contribute to gain insights into the comprehension of novel underlying mechanisms that regulate brain function.
Due to problems, such as, heat losses of equipment, low energy efficiency, increasing pollution and the fossil fuels consumption, combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems have attracted lots of attention during the last decade. In this paper, for minimizing fossil fuel consumption and pollution, a novel CCHP system including photovoltaic (PV) modules, wind turbines, and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) as the prime movers is considered. Moreover, in order to minimize the excess electrical and heat energy production of the CCHP system and so reducing the need for the local power grid and any auxiliary heat production system, following electrical load (FEL) and following thermal load (FTL) operation strategies are considered, simultaneously. In order to determine the optimal number of each system component and also set the penalty factors in the used penalty function, a co-constrained multi objective particle swarm optimization (CC-MOPSO) algorithm is applied. Utilization of the renewable energy resources, the annual total cost (ATC) and the CCHP system area are considered as the objective functions. It also includes constraints such as, loss of power supply probability (LPSP), loss of heat supply probability (LHSP), state of battery charge (SOC), and the number of each CCHP component. A hypothetical hotel in Kermanshah, Iran is conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed system. 10 wind turbines, 430 PV modules, 11 SOFCs, 106 batteries and 2 heat storage tanks (HST) are numerical results for the spring as the best season in terms of decreasing cost and fuel consumption. Comparing the results of the system with a common separated production (SP) system shows that the fossil fuels consumption and the pollution can be reduced up to 263 and 353 times, respectively.
It is shown in this speculative paper that modern biological calorimetry need not to be laboratory bound but may go afield in cases where biological systems are fixed in their place (e.g. plants), have strong interactions with their environment or fall victim of artefacts when they are isolated from their natural connections for longer periods (e.g. insect colonies). On the other hand, often it is interesting to perform broad screening tests directly in situ. This survey presents chip calorimeters developed recently for the latter purpose and very simple camping box instruments for large or locally bound systems. Applications for different biological problems are discussed.
This is a prospective cohort study to define the thresholds to distinguish patients with a satisfactory or unsatisfactory outcome after total hip replacement (THR) based on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and using patient satisfaction and patient-perceived function as global transition items. The thresholds are intended to be used as a tool in the process of determining which patients are in need of postoperative outpatient evaluation.
Nanostructured CuO thin films were prepared by using a spray pyrolysis method, copper acetate as precursor and stainless steel as substrate. The textural and structural properties of the films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The SEM images revealed thorough coating of the substrate and thickness of 450–1250nm; the average particle size as determined from the AFM images ranged from 30 to 160nm. The XRD patterns revealed the formation of CuO alone and the XPS spectra confirmed the presence of Cu2+ as the main oxidation state on the surface. The films were tested as electrodes in lithium cells and their electrochemical properties evaluated from galvanostatic and step potential electrochemical spectroscopy (SPES) measurements. The discharge STEP curves exhibited various peaks consistent with the processes CuO ⇔ Cu2O ⇔ Cu and with decomposition of the electrolyte, a reversible process in the light of the AFM images. The best electrode exhibited capacity values of 625Ahkg−1 over more than 100 cycles. This value, which involves a CuO ⇔ Cu reversible global reaction, is ca. 50% higher than that reported for bulk CuO. The nanosize of the particles and the good adherence of the active material to the substrate are thought to be the key factors accounting for the enhanced electrochemical activity found.
MXene has shown distinctive advantages as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. However, local surface chemistry, which was confirmed that can block ion transfer and limit redox reaction, has a significant effect on electrochemical performance. Herein, annealing MXene under hydrogen was employed for removing −F and turning −OH to −O terminations. We demonstrate that it improves the kinetics of Li-ion transport between the electrolyte and electrode. As a result, a lower interfacial charge transfer impedance was obtained. The electrochemical measurement exhibited that a nearly 2-fold increase of specific capacity was achieved for the annealed MXene.
Dynamic modelling of electrochemical systems in the time-domain generally requires the inversion of Laplace transforms. Unfortunately, many practical systems exist for which the inverse transforms cannot be derived analytically. A new approach of the dynamics of electrochemical systems, investigated under small-signal conditions, is proposed in this work. The method is based on numerical inversion of Laplace transforms and, more especially, on the Gaver–Stehfest (GS) inversion formula. General and explicit formulations of the time-domain responses of stable systems to a small potential step/ramp and to a small current step/pulse are derived in part I of this work from linear combinations of values of the system immittance that is the admittance for potential-controlled techniques and the impedance for current-controlled techniques. The GS approach of system dynamics is illustrated by taking the example of finite-space diffusion of electroactive species. Application to corrosion systems, polymer exchange membrane fuel cells and thin-film ion-insertion electrodes will be presented in the next parts of this work.
Developing applications and deploying services for mobile users raises a number of issues and challenges that must be successfully addressed before the era of truly ubiquitous computing will dawn. In particular, the desire to deploy rich multimedia applications and services is severely curtailed by the limited capabilities of the current range of mobile devices as well as the limited bandwidth of current wireless cellular networks. How best to overcome these limitations remains the focus of much research. Intelligent agents have been demonstrated as a promising solution for inherently complex and dynamic domains and their use is proposed as the basis of a solution for assembling and disseminating multimedia content to a mobile audience. Attention is particularly directed to issues concerning the adaptation of content according to the end-user physical context and their personal profile or model.
Mesoporous spherical Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 composites have been synthesized by a facile aerosol spraying hydrolysis method following calcine at 600°C for 8h. The as-obtained samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, BET surface area, and XPS. The mesoporous spherical Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 exhibits superior electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries than both the simple Li4Ti5O12 and non-porous Li4Ti5O12/TiO2. The discharge specific capacity of the mesoporous spherical Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 composite is 161, 143, and 111mAh/g at 1C, 5C and 20C, respectively, and retains 93.04% (145.27mAh/g) capacity after 120 cycles at 2C. Therefore, the as-obtained mesoporous spherical dual-phase Li4Ti5O12/TiO2 composite is potential to be applied as an efficient anode material for Li ion batteries.
Carbon nanofiber (CNF)/Co3O4 nanopyramid core–shell nanowires (NWs) are synthesized using an electrospinning method followed by reduction and hydrothermal treatment in order to improve the capacity, cycle stability, and high-rate capability of the electrodes in Li ion batteries (LIBs). The morphology, crystal structure, and chemical states of all samples are investigated by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. For comparison, conventional CNFs, octahedral Co3O4, and Co3O4/CNF composite electrodes are prepared. LIB cells fabricate with the CNF/Co3O4 nanopyramid core–shell NWs exhibit superb discharge capacity (1173 mAh g−1 at the 1st cycle), cycle stability (795 mAh g−1 at 50 cycles), high initial Coulombic efficiency (84.8%), and high-rate capability (570 mAh g−1 at a current density of 700 mA g−1) as compared to the conventional CNF, octahedral Co3O4, and Co3O4/CNF composite electrodes. The performance improvement is owing to the introduction of one-dimensional CNFs relative to efficient electron transport in the core region, extensive utilization of Co3O4 nanopyramids with high capacity grown closely on the CNFs in the shell region, and the network structures of the electrode relative to the improvement of Li ion diffusion.
Intraocular inflammatory diseases are collectively known as uveitis. The aetiology of this condition can be diverse, as inflammation may result from direct involvement of the uveal tract or indirect inflammation of adjacent tissues. Uveitis can present challenges to diagnosis and treatment, and is potentially a severe sight-threatening disease. In the elderly, uveitis can present de novo after the age of 60 years or may represent a process earlier in life continuing after the age of 60 years, although many cases will have become quiescent by that time. More recent studies suggest that uveitis presenting after 60 years of age is more common than previously believed. Most cases of uveitis are of unknown aetiology and are classed as idiopathic, although sarcoidosis, ocular ischaemia and birdshot chorioretinopathy are recognised non-infectious causes of uveitis in the elderly. Systemic immunosuppression, with its well known complications, may be required to preserve vision. In this age group, one should always have high suspicion of a masquerade syndrome, particularly a primary CNS non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With the demographics of the elderly population changing and mean life expectancy increasing, it is important that clinicians are familiar with uveitis as a potential cause of visual impairment in this age group.
The micromorphology and semiconductor properties of TiO2 thin films growth using different ion beam energies have been finely analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultra-violet visible (UV–visible) spectroscopy and stereometric analysis. The AFM measurements and surface stereometric analysis are essential for the accurate characterization of the 3-D surface topographic features and allow the determination of the 3-D surface texture parameters that influence the optical properties of the material. The samples were divided into four groups to discuss the obtained results, according to the ion beam energy applied in the sample preparation. The results obtained from experimental measurements suggested that the surface of samples prepared at lower beam energy had the most regular surface (Sq = 6.25 nm), while the most irregular surface was found in samples prepared with the highest ion beam energy (Sq = 13.40 nm). The transmittance (%) and reflectance (%) spectra, and the band gap energy experienced noticeable changes with increasing applied energy and deposition pressures due to the increase of the surface tension and decrease of the grain sizes. Our investigation shows that the deposition pressure and applied energy affect the optical and the roughness of titania thin films, which partially contribute to the functionality of the surface that, in turn, makes titania useful for the fabrication of different optoelectronic devices.
The wide applications of metal Cu inevitably resulted in a large quantity of waste Cu materials. In order to recover the useful Cu under the mild conditions and reduce the environmental emission, waste Cu scraps were recycled in the form of CuCl powders with high economic value added (EVA) via the facile hydrothermal route. The recycled CuCl powders were characterized in terms of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results suggested that the recycled CuCl powders consisted of many regular tetrahedron-like micro-particles. Furthermore, in order to reduce the cost of lithium ion battery (LIB) anode and build the connection of waste Cu scraps and LIB, the recycled CuCl powders were evaluated as the anode active material of LIB. As expected, the reversible discharge capacity was about 171.8mAh/g at 2.0C even after 50 cycles, implying the satisfactory cycle stability. Clearly, the satisfactory results may open a new avenue to develop the circular economy and the sustainable energy industry, which would be very important in terms of both the resource recovery and the environmental protection.