batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Novel lithium-rich cathode materials, LiFe1−x Cr x O2·Li2MnO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5), have been successfully synthesized using a co-precipitation method followed by hydrothermal and calcination treatment. The effects of Cr substitution on the structure and electrochemical properties of these materials are investigated. These composite materials with layered structure are mainly composed of agglomerated spherical particles with uniform particle size distribution. The sample with x = 0.1 delivers higher initial discharge capacity and higher initial Coulombic efficiency, which is believed to be associated with the oxidation of Cr3+ suggested by the CV curve. This sample also exhibits better rate capability than samples with other “x” values due to its low charge transfer resistance. The best cycling stability and highest reversible discharge capacity (226 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles) are obtained for the sample with x = 0.25. Excessive Cr substitution of Fe in the composite may suppress the oxygen release from Li2MnO3 on the first charging, which is helpful to stabilize the composite structure. This study not only provides a rational design approach for high-capacity cathode materials, but also demonstrates that the LiFe1−x Cr x O2·Li2MnO3, is very attractive as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, providing that the amount of Cr substitution can be controlled appropriately.
A freestanding γ-Fe2O3/carbon nanofiber composite as the anode of lithium ion batteries has been prepared with γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles aligned in the tubular channels of the nanofibrous carbon matrix. Innovatively, a large amount of voids are generated for confining a very high active mass content by facilely verifying the ratio of carbon source and the sacrificing pore-forming agent, poly(methyl methacrylate). The best electrochemical performance at an active mass ratio of 70% is obtained with a high discharge capacity of 1088 mAh g−1 retained after 300 cycles at 0.2 C. Good rate capability and long life-span performance are further achieved at 0.5 and 2 C for 600 and 1000 cycles, respectively. In situ X-ray patterns further reveal better exploitation of the active materials for this γ-Fe2O3/carbon nanofiber composite electrode. The enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium ion batteries can be ascribed to the well-dispersed γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles within the porous carbon matrix, as well as the cross-linked fiber morphology. Consequently, this study provides a superior electrode architecture for constructing flexible anodes of high-performance lithium ion batteries.
The increasing need of high performance batteries in various small-scale and large-scale applications (portable electronics, notebooks, palmtops, cellular phones, electric vehicles, UPS, load levelling) in Italy is motivating the R&D efforts of various public and private organizations. Research of lithium batteries in Italy goes back to the beginning of the technological development of primary and secondary lithium systems with national know-how spread in various academic and public institutions with a few private stakeholders. In the field of lithium polymer batteries, ENEA has been dedicating significant efforts in almost two decades to promote and carry out basic R&D and pre-industrial development projects. In recent years, three major national projects have been performed and coordinated by ENEA in co-operation with some universities, governmental research organizations and industry. In these projects novel polymer electrolytes with ceramic additives, low cost manganese oxide-based composite cathodes, environmentally friendly process for polymer electrolyte, fabrication processes of components and cells have been investigated and developed in order to fulfill long-term needs of cost-effective and highly performant lithium polymer batteries.
Nitro-fatty acids possess anti-atherogenic properties, but their effects on macrophage oxidative status and lipid metabolism that play important roles in atherosclerosis development are unclear. This study compared the effects of nitro-oleic acid (OLA-NO2) with those of native oleic acid (OLA) on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, anti-oxidants and metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol in J774A.1 macrophages. Upon incubating the cells with physiological concentrations of OLA-NO2 (0–1 µM) or with equivalent levels of OLA, ROS levels measured by 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, decreased dose-dependently, but the anti-oxidative effects of OLA-NO2 were significantly augmented. Copper ion addition increased ROS generation in OLA treated macrophages without affecting OLA-NO2 treated cells. These effects could be attributed to elevated glutathione levels and to increased activity and expression of paraoxonase2 that were observed in OLA-NO2vs OLA treated cells. Beneficial effects on triglyceride metabolism were noted in OLA-NO2vs OLA treated macrophages in which cellular triglycerides were reduced due to attenuated biosynthesis and accelerated hydrolysis of triglycerides. Accordingly, OLA-NO2 treated cells demonstrated down-regulation of diacylglycerol acyltransferase1, the key enzyme in triglyceride biosynthesis, and increased expression of hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase that regulate triglyceride hydrolysis. Finally, OLA-NO2vs OLA treatment resulted in modest but significant beneficial effects on macrophage cholesterol metabolism, reducing cholesterol biosynthesis rate and low density lipoprotein influx into the cells, while increasing high density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux from the macrophages. Collectively, compared with OLA, OLA-NO2 modestly but significantly reduces macrophage oxidative status and cellular triglyceride content via modulation of cellular anti-oxidants and triglyceride metabolizing enzymes.
Terthiophene (3THP) is evaluated as an electrolyte additive for improving cyclic stability of lithium nickel manganese oxide (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4) cathode for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. Charge/discharge tests demonstrate that 3THP is effective for improving the cyclic stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. With applying only 0.25% 3THP in a standard (1M LiPF6 in EC and DMC, 1/2 in volume) electrolyte, the capacity retention of Li/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cell after 350 cycles at 1C (1C=147mAg−1) under 4.9V was improved from 50% to 91%, which is among the best that have been reported in literatures although the content of 3THP is far lower than those achieved by applying other additives. The physical characterizations from scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, indicate that a thin cathode film has been formed on LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 particles, which suppresses the decomposition of electrolyte and protects LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 from structural destruction.
Symmetric full cells attract much attention because of various advantages including almost no cell volume expansion, simplified fabrication and reduced costs. Li- and Mn-rich layered oxide (LMROs), the traditional high-capacity cathode material, demonstrates excellent reversible capacities as anode electrode in half cell and the reaction mechanism is comprised mainly of conversion reaction. Herein, for the first time, a novel symmetric lithium-ion full battery is systemically studied constructed with bi-functional Li- and Mn-rich layered oxide 0.3Li2MnO3·0.7LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (LMROs//LMROs), not involving any prelithiated/predelithiated treatments. Benefited from the high specific capacity of LMROs as cathode and anode electrodes and the potential gap between two redox couples, this symmetric battery exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, with a satisfactory capacity of 150.6 mAh g−1, average voltage of 2.01 V and energy density of 306.4 Wh kg−1 at 30 mA g−1 between 0.05 and 3.6 V. The specific capacity is superior among all the previous reported symmetric energy storage systems (including symmetric lithium/sodium/potassium ion batteries). Additionally, the lower charge cut-off voltage and higher discharge cut-off voltage facilitate the cycle performance. Collectively, the superior performance of LMROs//LMROs demonstrates a feasible and potential bi-functional electrode material for new symmetric lithium-ion battery.
Aqueous zinc (Zn)-based flow batteries are an attractive option for energy storage systems due to their inflammability and high energy density. However, Zn dendrite formation, which causes internal short circuiting and capacity drop, limits the long-term operation of Zn-based flow batteries. Here, we present highly stable Zn deposition/dissolution achieved by a defective carbon surface. DFT calculations and electrochemical analysis demonstrate that a single vacancy carbon defect prevents the surface diffusion of Zn and consequent aggregative Zn growth by forming a strong orbital hybridization between Zn and the dangling bonds of the defect. Triggered by the interatomic interaction, a defective carbon-decorated electrode achieves dendrite-free Zn deposition and excellent cycling stability in zinc–bromine flow batteries (ZBBs) over 5000 cycles at 100 mA cm−2 and 20 mA h cm−2, while maintaining coulombic efficiency above 97%. The deeper understanding of defect chemistry provides a new scientific strategy to engineer advanced Zn-based aqueous batteries.
The growth of worldwide environmental awareness has prompted numerous countries to focus on developing energy-conservation and carbon-reduction technology. The advancement of such technology enables the emergence of low-noise, low-polluting alternatives for bus systems, such as hybrid-electric, battery-electric, and fuel-cell electric buses (e-buses). For such buses to serve the existing schedules and lines operated by their conventional counterparts, reorganizing bus transportation systems is a major challenge and entails construction costs that comprise the costs of e-buses, battery capacity, chargers, and bus scheduling. To facilitate the development of environmentally friendly public transportation, this study proposes a model for simulating the operation and battery charging schedule of plug-in e-buses on the basis of an existing schedule and line network. The model was used to estimate the overall construction cost of converting the existent bus transportation system into an all plug-in e-bus one. Focusing on the bus transportation system in Penghu, an archipelago of Taiwan, this case study examined the effects of day- and nighttime charging requirements on the construction cost of an e-bus transportation system to improve the practicability of e-buses. It also applied a genetic algorithm to determine the minimum construction cost, which varied depending on the number of e-buses, level of battery capacity, number of chargers, and electricity costs. The optimized parameters involved the hourly residual battery capacity and battery charging times during the daytime operating hours. The results showed that although daytime charging involved electricity uses during peak hours and thus incurred additional costs, it contributed to the use of e-buses and an overall reduction in the construction cost. In summary, the proposed optimization method would successfully reduce the construction cost of the Penghu e-bus transportation system.
Down syndrome, the most common genetic disorder leading to mental retardation, is caused by the presence of all or part of an extra copy of chromosome 21. At relatively early ages, Down syndrome patients develop progressive formation and extracellular aggregation of amyloid-β peptide, considered as one of the causal factors for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. This neuropathological hallmark has been attributed to the overexpression of APP but could also be contributed by other HSA21 genes. BACE2 maps to HSA21 and is homologous to BACE1, a β-secretase involved in the amyloidogenic pathway of APP proteolysis, and thus it has been hypothesized that the co-overexpression of both genes could contribute to Alzheimer’s like neuropathology present in Down syndrome. The aim of the present study has been to analyse the impact of the co-overexpression of BACE2 and APP, using a double transgenic mouse model. Double transgenic mice did not present any neurological or sensorimotor alterations, nor genotype-dependent anxiety-like behaviour or age-associated cognitive dysfunction. Interestingly, TgBACE2-APP mice showed deregulation of BACE2 expression levels that were significantly increased with respect to single TgBACE2 mice. Co-overexpression of BACE2 and APP did not increase amyloid-β peptide concentration in brain. Our results suggest that the in vivo effects of APP are not exacerbated by BACE2 co-overexpression but may have some protective effects in specific behavioural and cognitive domains in transgenic mice.
Rubrics are assessment tools that help students gain complex competencies. Our quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate whether rubrics help teachers teach and assess mathematical reasoning in primary school and whether such an instrument might support student learning. In two Swiss cantons, 762 students in 44 5th- and 6th-grade primary classes worked on their reasoning competencies, and half of them additionally employed our standards-based rubric. All of the teachers received a 1-day training and participated in the final project evaluation. To standardise and support the teachers during the implementation phase, they received a detailed curriculum. An achievement test and questionnaires for students and teachers were administered before and at the end of the intervention. The results of our quantitative longitudinal analyses indicate that the rubric fosters the teachers’ perceived diagnostic skills but only indirectly impacts their use of formative feedback. Based on the students’ perceptions, however, we observed a direct effect of the rubric on formative feedback and student self-assessment. Effects on students’ outcomes could not be observed, but there are indications of effects mediated by self-regulation and self-efficacy.
Background Improving cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia is a major treatment goal. In addition, interview-based measures have been developed to supplement performance-based assessments. However, few data are available regarding whether interview-based measures are sensitive to treatment-related changes. Methods Adult outpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to 21days of double-blind treatment with lurasidone 120mg once daily (N=150) or ziprasidone 80mg BID (N=151). A similar proportion of patients completed the study on lurasidone (67.5%) and ziprasidone (69.3%). Study participants were assessed with the majority of the tests from the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and an interview-based assessment of cognitive functioning, the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS). SCoRS ratings were based on the interviewer's best judgment, after interviews with the patient and a caregiver when available. The study was conducted from April 2006 to January 2007. Results There were no between-group treatment differences in performance on the MCCB or the SCoRS ratings. Lurasidone patients demonstrated significant within group-improvement from baseline on the MCCB composite score (p=0.026) and on the SCoRS (p<0.001), but ziprasidone patients did not improve on either the MCCB composite (p=0.254) or the SCoRS (p=0.185). At endpoint there was a statistical trend (p=0.058) for lurasidone to demonstrate greater improvement from baseline in SCoRS ratings. Improvements in interview-based aspects of cognition were not related to MCCB test changes, and had minimal correlations with changes in symptoms. Conclusions These data suggest that interview-based cognitive measures such as the SCoRS may be sensitive to changes after 3weeks of treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Lurasidone is being assessed further in ongoing clinical trials with additional outcome measures.
This paper deals with the design of failure mode power management (PM) of hybrid power systems (HPS) during a shipboard power source failure, which is an important scenario that the all-electric ships (AES) targeting military applications have to deal with. The control objective is to manage the power flow from working power sources and battery to ensure survivability, namely, ensuring system safety and maximizing the load support. The on-demand nature of the problem due to unpredictable failure times makes real-time control a key requirement. The survivability mandates, along with large scale, nonlinear HPS dynamics and long warmup times of the backup power sources, make most of the existing control strategies ineffective to meet the real-time requirements. With the focus on achieving real-time computational efficiency, a novel hierarchical control approach using reference governor is proposed. A top level controller determines a sub-optimal power split between the battery and working source to meet the demand on the HPS and the local controllers govern the power demands for the individual power sources to enforce constraints. A case study of the proposed controller on a scaled HPS test-bed illustrates the real-time computational efficiency and improved HPS survivability.
Pyrite (FeS2) is an attractive anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with a high theoretical capacity of 894 mAh g−1. However, its practical application is greatly hindered by the rapid capacity fading caused by the large volume expansion upon sodiation. Tuning the morphology and structure at nanoscale and applying a higher cut-off voltage are essential to address this issue. Here, a facile etching method coupled with a novel sulfidation-in-nanobox strategy is developed to synthesize unique FeS2@C yolk–shell nanoboxes. The as-obtained FeS2@C nanoboxes reveal excellent sodium storage performance. The remarkable electrochemical properties are attributed to the elaborate yolk–shell nanoarchitecture. In particular, it delivers a high specific capacity of 511 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. Furthermore, a high specific capacity of 403 mAh g−1 even at 5 A g−1 is delivered. Most impressively, a stable capacity of 330 mAh g−1 can still be retained at 2 A g−1 even after 800 cycles.
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful nondestructive technique that can act as a beneficial addition to the current techniques for studying microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Its application in MFC research should be further explored in the analysis of the internal resistance of MFCs, electrode materials, catalyst coatings on electrodes, biofilm development and electrochemical reactions on the anodes and the cathodes of MFCs.
In this study, we developed an aluminum-load-cell-based wireless Ringer’s solution monitoring and alarm (WRMA) system. The Al load cell was designed with a rectangular shape, and the load was concentrated in the lower beam part of the load cell because of the anisotropic thickness. From the static analysis, we identified the appropriate location for a Wheatstone bridge circuit consisting of four strain gauges. In addition, the modal and harmonic analyses showed that the vibrational frequencies of the hospital environment do not seriously interfere with the output voltage of the Al load cell. However, random vibrations generated by the movement of the WRMA system on various surfaces severely increase the standard deviation of the measured solution weight by ± 10 g or more. Such vibrational error is too large because the average weight of Ringer’s solution is 30–40 g at the time of replacing Ringer’s solution. Thus, this error could be confusing for nurses and result in mistakes in the timely replacement of the Ringer’s solution. However, the standard deviation of the measured weight was dramatically reduced to ± 3 g or less by using the vibration correction algorithm developed in the present study.
Fiber electronic devices are commonly built on fibrous substrates with the advantages for the direct use as weavable and embedded device units or integrated textile modules. In this work, Mn2O3 cube-arrays/carbon wire electrodes were designed for a new kind of fiber supercapacitors. To realize micro-devices with well-optimized performance, different electrode structures were designed and fabricated including the straight, bent, and coiled fiber supercapacitors (S-FSC, B-FSC, and C-FSC), among which the C-FSC showed the optimized and best performance. Our work confirmed that the performance of micro-devices can be well tuned by simply tailoring the device architectures.
The Ensenada de San Simón is the inner part of the Rı́a de Vigo, one of the major mesotidal rı́as of the Galician coast, NW Spain. The geochemistry of its surface sediments, and the river sediments which drain into it from a granitic and metamorphic hinterland, are described. Multivariate statistical analysis of the sediment compositions (using ridge regression and mixture-modelling) enabled the major- and trace-element distributions to be accounted for in terms of both natural and anthropogenic sources: Between 60 and 80% of the Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations of the bottom sediments of the Ensenada can be explained by sediment input from the combined R. Oitaben and R. Verdugo, the R. Redondela and faecal matter from mussel rafts, but there is additional enrichment towards the mouth of the Ensenada. This enrichment is attributed to marine water entering the Ensenada from the polluted industrial areas of the adjacent Rı́a de Vigo. It is suggested that these metals are carried landwards in solution by the tidal incursion of marine water (the volume of which, on an annual basis, greatly exceeds that contributed by the rivers). Although the incoming marine waters may also be important in supplying Pb to the outer Ensenada, this element may also be delivered by land run-off, or by windborne vehicular emissions to the Ensenada as a result of the surrounding network of roads and a road bridge over the Estrecho de Rande.
Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is a common complaint in orthopaedics. Subacromial corticosteroid injections (CSI) can relieve pain in the short term. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) has been used for symptomatic pain relief in a variety of chronic pain conditions. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether the application a-tDCS could enhance the symptomatic relief provided by CSI in patients affected by SAPS.
Automobiles usually contain toxic substances, such as lubricants, acid solutions and coolants. Therefore, inappropriate handling of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) will result in environmental pollution. ELV parts, which include metallic and non-metallic substances, are increasingly gaining recycling value due to the recent global shortage of raw materials. Hence, the establishment of a proper recycling system for ELVs will not only reduce the impact on the environment during the recycling process, but it will also facilitate the effective reuse of recycled resources. Prior to 1994, the recycling of ELVs in Taiwan was performed by related operators in the industry. Since the publishing of the “End-of-life vehicle recycling guidelines” under the authority of the Waste Disposal Act by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in 1994, the recycling of ELVs in Taiwan has gradually become systematic. Subsequently, the Recycling Fund Management Board (RFMB) of the EPA was established in 1998 to collect a Collection–Disposal–Treatment Fee (recycling fee) from responsible enterprises for recycling and related tasks. Since then, the recycling channels, processing equipment, and techniques for ELVs in Taiwan have gradually become established. This paper reviews the establishment of the ELV recycling system, analyzes the current system and its performance, and provides some recommendations for future development. The reduction of auto shredder residue (ASR) is a key factor in maximizing the resource recovery rate and recycling efficiency. The RFMB needs to provide strong economic incentives to further increase the recycling rate and to encourage the automobile industry to design and market greener cars.