batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
On the world-wide automobile market technical developments are increasingly determined by the dramatic restriction on emissions as well as the regimentation of fuel consumption by legislation. Therefore there is an increasing chance of a completely new technology breakthrough if it offers new opportunities, meeting the requirements of resource preservation and emission restrictions. Fuel cell technology offers the possibility to excel in today's motive power techniques in terms of environmental compatibility, consumer's profit, costs of maintenance and efficiency. The key question is economy. This will be decided by the costs of fuel cell systems if they are to be used as power generators for future electric vehicles. The alkaline hydrogen–air fuel cell system with circulating KOH electrolyte and low-cost catalysed carbon electrodes could be a promising alternative. Based on the experiences of Kordesch [K. Kordesch, Brennstoffbatterien, Springer, Wien, 1984, ISBN 3-387-81819-7; K. Kordesch, City car with H2–air fuel cell and lead–battery, SAE Paper No. 719015, 6th IECEC, 1971], who operated a city car hybrid vehicle on public roads for 3 years in the early 1970s, improved air electrodes plus new variations of the bipolar stack assembly developed in Graz are investigated. Primary fuel choice will be a major issue until such time as cost-effective, on-board hydrogen storage is developed. Ammonia is an interesting option. The whole system, ammonia dissociator plus alkaline fuel cell (AFC), is characterised by a simple design and high efficiency.
The aim was to investigate the role of the affective temperament model (AFTs) in distinguishing variations in well-being among adolescents from Sweden (n = 222) and Iran (n = 120). Participants self-reported positive (PA) and negative affect (NA), life satisfaction (LS) and psychological well-being (PWB). The model categorizes participants in four different temperaments using the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS): self-actualizing (high PA and low NA), high affective (high PA and high NA), low affective (low PA and low NA), and self-destructive (low PA and high NA). Across cultures, self-actualizing adolescents reported higher LS and PWB. The PWB sub-scale of self-acceptance was positively related to LS regardless of temperament profile or cultural background. Nevertheless, Iranian adolescents with self-destructive profiles reported higher LS than high affective Iranians. The AFTs model is suggested to offer something unique by taking into account the interaction of PA and NA.
Abstract Upper-limb prosthetic devices demand high performance technology to work hand in hand with human body for replacing one of the most delicate “tools” of nature, the human hand. In this chapter, we try to highlight the foundational elements, advancements and challenges for moving to high performance control of many-degrees-of-freedom upper-limb prostheses. As expected, the advances span across many different areas of engineering (robotics, sensors, control, and nanotechnology), biology, and medicine.
The development of eating disorders is associated with a body-related attentional bias. Although eating disorders are especially prevalent in adolescence, so far, no study has analyzed gaze patterns and state body image in response to viewing one’s own body in youth. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to examine a body-related attentional bias and state body satisfaction in adolescents with various forms of eating disorders. Girls with anorexia nervosa, restrictive type (AN-R; n = 30), anorexia nervosa, binge eating/purging type (AN-BP; n = 26), bulimia nervosa (BN; n = 22), clinical controls with anxiety disorders (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 43) looked at photographs of their own and a peer’s body, while their spontaneous eye movements were recorded. After stimulus presentation, state body satisfaction and individual attractiveness ratings for areas of the presented stimuli were assessed. An analysis of variance revealed that participants of all subgroups showed an attentive preference for unattractive areas of one’s own body. Girls with AN-R attended significantly longer to unattractive body areas than both control groups and significantly shorter to attractive body areas than healthy controls. State body dissatisfaction was more prominent in all eating disorder subgroups, with significantly lower scores in BN compared to AN-R. In general, the higher the state body dissatisfaction, the stronger was the deficit orientation on one’s own body. The attentional bias towards unattractive body areas, which is most pronounced in AN-R, indicates that interventions aiming to modify distorted attention might be promising in the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in adolescence.
A Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence survey was conducted in poultry flocks kept under different housing systems in Israel. The seroprevalence rates were 35.4% (46/130) in battery-raised chicken egg-layers from Jerusalem which were first raised on the ground, 12.5% (19/152) in free-range chickens from various locations of the country and 9% (4/45) in turkeys from the north. However, all broilers (50) and chicken breeding stock (58) kept under high biosecurity conditions in Jerusalem were found to be T. gondii seronegative. It is concluded that high biosecurity conditions prevent contamination with oocysts by rendering premises inaccessible to cats.
This paper analyses and proposes a different role for small distributed generation (DG) systems based on renewable sources, in the context of modern electrical grids. The main purpose of the system is to act as a grid services provider and not as a stochastic and dynamically unpredictable energy generator. Simulation models are defined and integrated in a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) with storage, to study its behavior under suitable operation strategies. Being a small system with a production cost higher than a conventional one, its operation as a grid services provider, rather than only an energy generator, is proposed and analyzed firstly by simulation then validated by results from an experimental setup. Carried out results allow concluding that this a suitable system in the current context, either for distributed and smart grids, or for electrical market.
Urban morphological concepts are weakly represented in Anglophone city planning. Where local plans in the UK are concerned with historical landscapes, attention is devoted principally to individual buildings, sites and monuments, or small areas of special interest: concepts concerned with the historico-geographical structure of entire cities or sizeable parts of cities are largely ignored. This paper is concerned with one such concept, the fringe belt, focusing on the actions of local planners and others influencing the development of fringe belts after they have become embedded within urban areas. The study of the Edwardian fringe belt of Birmingham, UK, suggests that there has been increased pressure since the 1960s to redevelop fringe-belt plots and use them more intensively, but the fringe belt has retained much of its identity despite its lack of recognition in the local plan. Decision-making about proposals to redevelop fringe-belt plots has frequently been protracted, reflecting the profitability of redevelopment, the large size of many of the plots, the large number of interested parties, and the scope for different interpretations of planning policies. Within the local authority, it has been characterized by changes in policies, and disagreements among those taking and influencing decisions. The piecemeal, poorly co-ordinated pattern of decision making underlines the need for planning to take greater account of the historico-geographical structure of cities.
Birds providing prey with a clumped distribution often return to the previous capture site after having delivered a prey item at the nest. However, details of this foraging tactic are still poorly known, in particular for birds of prey, which often travel far from their nest. We radio-tracked four provisioning male Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) during the nighttime and simultaneously recorded their prey deliveries by a video camera positioned at the nest in an increase year of the vole cycle. The camera allowed prey identification and made it possible to assign prey deliveries to fixes of the foraging owls, i.e. the last recorded fix before the owl returned to the nest for a prey delivery. Within a single night, the owls returned more often than randomly expected to the area where they had captured the previous prey item. A prey item delivered was more likely than randomly expected to be of the same species as the previous prey item delivered. However, the probability of a prey item delivered being of the same species as the previous prey item delivered was independent of whether the owl had returned to the area where it captured the previous prey and did not decrease with longer time elapsed since the previous delivery. The owls did not shift hunting area from one night to the next to a larger extent than they did over a longer time span, and overall tended to shift their hunting area gradually over more nights. Our study should be replicated in a peak vole year with higher prey abundance as well as in a low vole year, which should improve the study results by enabling a higher spatial and temporal resolution of the data on the owls’ movements.
This study examines the relationship between recycling rate of solid waste and air pollution using data from a waste municipality survey in the state of Massachusetts during the period 2009–2012. Two econometric approaches are applied. The first approach is a fixed effects model, while the second is a Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) with fixed effects model. The advantage of the first approach is the ability of controlling for stable time invariant characteristics of the municipalities, thereby eliminating potentially large sources of bias. The second approach is applied in order to estimate the technical efficiency and rank of each municipality accordingly. The regressions control for various demographic, economic and recycling services, such as income per capita, population density, unemployment, trash services, Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) program and meteorological data. The findings support that a negative relationship between particulate particles in the air 2.5μm or less in size (PM2.5) and recycling rate is presented. In addition, the pollution is increased with increases on income per capita up to $23,000–$26,000, while after this point income contributes positively on air quality. Finally, based on the efficiency derived by the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) model, the municipalities which provide both drop off and curbside services for trash, food and yard waste and the PAYT program present better performance regarding the air quality.
This paper reports the experimental feasibility of using VO2(B) nanomaterial as a high-capacity, high-voltage, and promising performance cathode material for magnesium-ion battery. Recent research on monoclinic VO2(B) material in the prevailing lithium-ion batteries has attracted more and more interest, primarily due to the layered structure and large charge/discharge capacity of the material. We synthesized VO2(B) in both forms of nanorods and nanosheets via a facile hydrothermal method to use as the cathode for an Mg ion battery, and investigated their properties, and electrochemical performance and mechanism with SEM, FT-IR, XRD, XPS, ICP and the electrochemical technique. . An encouraging performance is achieved with VO2(B) in the form of nanorods instead of nanosheets. The VO2(B) nanorods are capable of operation with a high discharge voltage at 2.17 V vs. Mg2+/Mg and a high initial discharge specific capacity of 391 mAh/g at a voltage ranging from −1.00 V to 0.30 V vs. Ag+/Ag, corresponding to 0.61 mol Mg per unit at a current density of 25 mA/g at 20 °C. Even at 12 °C, the first discharge specific capacity of 394 mAh/g is obtained with a capacity retention ratio up to 52.2% after 60 cycles at 50 mA/g, showing a better cyclability and capability. Significantly, the VO2(B) nanorods are confirmed to be a promising cathode material for use in Mg rechargeable batteries of a high capacity and a high voltage.
The Ecological Risk Assessment of pesticides requires data regarding their toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial non-target species. Such requirements concern active ingredient(s), generally not considering the noxious potential of commercial formulations. This work intends to contribute with novel information on the effects of short-term exposures to two herbicides, with different modes of action (Spasor®, Stam Novel Flo 480®), and an insecticide (Lannate®), as well as to corresponding active ingredients (Glyphosate, Propanil and Methomyl, respectively). The microalga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (growth inhibition), the cladoceran Daphnia magna (immobilisation), and the earthworm Eisenia andrei (avoidance behaviour) were used as test species. Both herbicides were innocuous to all test organisms at environmentally realistic concentrations, except for Stam and Propanil (highly toxic for Pseudokirchneriella; moderately toxic to Daphnia). Lannate and Methomyl were highly toxic to Daphnia and caused Eisenia to significantly avoid the spiked soil at realistic application rates. The toxicity of formulations either overestimated (e.g. Stam/Propanil for P. subcapitata) or underestimated (e.g. Stam/Propanil for D. magna) that of the active ingredient.
The hippocampus has a critical role in episodic memory and visuospatial learning and consolidation. We assessed the patterns of whole and regional hippocampal atrophy in a large group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and their correlations with neuropsychological impairment. From 103 MS patients and 28 healthy controls (HC), brain dual-echo and high-resolution 3D T1-weighted images were acquired using a 3.0-Tesla scanner. All patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment of hippocampal-related cognitive functions, including Paired Associate Word Learning, Short Story, delayed recall of Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and Paced Auditory Serial Attention tests. The hippocampi were manually segmented and volumes derived. Regional atrophy distribution was assessed using a radial mapping analysis. Correlations between hippocampal atrophy and clinical, neuropsychological and MRI metrics were also evaluated. Hippocampal volume was reduced in MS patients vs HC (p < 0.001 for both right and hippocampus). In MS patients, radial atrophy affected CA1 subfield and subiculum of posterior hippocampus, bilaterally. The dentate hilus (DG:H) of the right hippocampal head was also affected. Regional hippocampal atrophy correlated with brain T2 and T1 lesion volumes, while no correlation was found with disability. Damage to the CA1 and subiculum was significantly correlated to the performances at hippocampal-targeted neuropsychological tests. These results show that hippocampal subregions have a different vulnerability to MS-related damage, with a relative sparing of the head of the left hippocampus. The assessment of regional hippocampal atrophy may help explain deficits of specific cognitive functions in MS patients, including memory and visuospatial abilities.
Sn87Co13 alloys are prepared by two different reduction methods and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical cycling. One method, using NaBH4 as a reducing agent, obtains aggregated particles with particle sizes from 20 to 200nm. The second method, using sodium naphthalenide as a reducing agent, shows a well-dispersed nanoalloy coated with amorphous carbon, with a particle size of 15nm. Although electrochemical results shows that the charge capacity of the two alloys is quite similar, 662mAh/g, the capacity retention of the nanoalloy prepared using sodium naphthalenide was 427mAh/g, which is two times higher after 30 cycles than the bulk analogue obtained using NaBH4. This is due to the uniform particle size and amorphous carbon layer that effectively reduces anisotropic volume expansion and also minimizes particle aggregation and pulverization that causes a direct electrical disconnection with the copper current collector.
This study focused on several wetlands in Laguna del Tigre National Park (Guatemala) as part of Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program. Sediment and water samples were collected from a laguna near Xan field, Guatemala’s largest oil facility, and three other sites for determination of levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Cichlid fish (Thorichthys meeki and Vieja synspila) were collected for determination of DNA strand breakage (by gel electrophoresis), chromosomal breakage (flow cytometry), and fin erosion. For T. meeki from Xan field, chromosomal breakage and strand breakage was greater than in at least two of the three reference sites. For V. synspila, chromosomal breakage and strand breakage were greater in Xan than one of the two reference sites. Fin erosion was observed only at the Xan laguna. Genetic biomarker effects and fin erosion, along with patterns of aqueous PAH concentrations, indicate that fish are affected by anthropogenic contaminants. PAHs were elevated at some reference sites, but environmental forensic analysis suggested a pyrogenic or diagenic origin. It is possible that oil field brines injected into the ground water caused fin erosion and genotoxicity in fish at Xan field, and it is also possible that pyrogenic PAHs influence levels of DNA damage in reference sites. These analyses represent one of the first efforts to examine genotoxicity in native Mesoamerican cichlids.
The electrochemical stability of aluminum in anhydrous alkyl carbonate electrolytes containing lithium bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide (LiBETI, LiN(SO2C2F5)2), as compared with LiPF6, has been investigated in terms of alloy formation with lithium at lower potentials (∼0 V versus Li/Li+) and repassivation of scratched surfaces at higher potentials (∼5 V versus Li/Li+), using cyclic and in situ scratch polarization tests and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopic (ToF-SIMS) analysis. Li–Al alloy formation at 0 V versus Li/Li+ is significantly suppressed in a LiBETI electrolyte though it is common in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte. ToF-SIMS analysis indicates that passive films on aluminum, which consist primarily of oxide/hydroxide, are less fluorinated in a LiBETI electrolyte than those formed in a LiPF6 electrolyte. The less fluorinated oxide/hydroxide layer on aluminum is expected to be an important barrier against alloy formation in a LiBETI electrolyte. In combination with nano-sized SnO2 powders, aluminum foil is successfully applicable as a current collector without Li–Al alloy formation in the range of 0.25–2 V versus Li/Li+, although graphite electrodes do not operate properly in the same operation range. Thus, the large electrochemical stability of aluminum in LiBETI electrolyte makes it possible to be used as current collectors for both negative and positive electrodes.
Supercapacitors with improved energy and power densities have been constructed with anthraquinone modified carbon fabric (Spectracarb 2225) as the negative electrode and unmodified carbon fabric as the positive electrode. A Nafion separator and 1M sulfuric acid electrolyte were employed. The performances of the supercapacitors were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and constant current discharging. Use of the anthraquinone modified electrode as the negative electrode (anode during discharge) in the supercapacitor provides 40% higher average capacitance, 56–86% higher energy density, and improved power duration.
The fabrication and performance evaluation of miniature fuel cells on silicon wafers are presented in this paper. The miniature fuel cells consisted of a membrane–electrode-assembly (MEA) between two silicon substrates. The feed holes and channels in the silicon wafers, acting as a fuel distributor, were prepared by anisotropic silicon etching from the back and front of the wafer using silicon dioxide as an etching mask. In an attempt to reduce the cell resistance and consequently improving cell performance of the miniature silicon wafer fuel cell, a Cu/Au composite layer was sputtered on the top of silicon wafers as a current collector. Testing results show that (i) the cell performance was improved by increasing the thickness of the composite layer on the silicon wafer, and (ii) the miniature silicon wafer fuel cell with smaller size channels gave a better performance at the diffusion-limiting current region.
A simple, green, and scalable methodology has been developed for the formation of hollow porous SiO2 nanobelts, which demonstrates high reversible capacities, excellent capacity retention, and high rate capability as an anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The facile synthetic approach and superior Li-storage capabilities of hollow porous SiO2 nanobelts make it an ideal anodic candidate for advanced LIBs with high energy density, long cycle life, and high power density.
A composite anode consisting of hollow SnO2 microspheres covered by glass-like B2O3 layers was prepared via a combined hydrothermal-impregnation method, which results in much improved electrochemical performance in lithium ion batteries, relative to pristine SnO2 anodes. The cycling and rate capabilities of the SnO2–B2O3 composite anodes were investigated as a function of B2O3 content. The balance between increased electron-acceptor effect and compromised electronic conductivity due to addition of B2O3 is maximized around 20 wt% B2O3 loading. The best performing SnO2–B2O3 composite anode exhibits a specific capacity of 622.7 mAh g−1 up to 160 cycles, and is able to maintain a capacity above 528.6 mAh g−1 at rate of 5C. These enhanced performance characteristics are attributed to the unique composite structures consisting of the hollow SnO2 cores and the B2O3 buffer layers, which likely are beneficial for reducing the overall volume changes. Importantly, the decreased charge transfer resistance and increased Li+ diffusion coefficient, resulting from B2O3 coating, lead to overall improvement of rate performance for the composite anodes. Such-fabricated composite structures are stable during the Li+ insertion/extraction, thereby promoting cycling stability.
The recent advances in miniaturized mechanical devices open exciting new opportunities for combustion, especially in the field of micro power generation, allowing the development of power-supply devices with high specific energy. The development of a device based on a catalytic combustor coupled with thermoelectric modules is particularly appealing for combustion stability and safety. Furthermore, when implemented in micro/meso scale devices, catalytic combustion allows full utilization of hydrocarbon fuel’s high energy densities, but at notably lower operating temperatures than those typical of traditional combustion. These conditions are more suitable for coupling with conventional thermoelectric modules since they prevent the modules’ degradation. In this work a novel catalytic meso-scale combustor fueled with propane/air mixture has been coupled with two conventional thermoelectric modules. The wafer-like combustor is filled with commercially available catalytic pellets of alumina with Platinum (1% weight). Temperature measurements, in terms of point values and 2D distribution across the combustor surfaces, were carried out in different operating conditions. Exhaust gases concentration measurements and pellet aging investigation were performed to determine the combustor efficiency and stability. Starting from these results the combustor has been coupled to bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric modules using a water cooled heat exchanger at the cold side. The system obtained produces 9.86W of electrical power reaching an overall efficiency up to 2.85%: these results represent an improvement in portable-scale electrical power production from hydrocarbon fuels state-of-art. Moreover, the voltage and current characteristics allow using such generator for small portable devices power supplying.