batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
We report a one-pot method to synthesize CoO/C hybrid microspheres via a solvothermal approach. The resulting samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and charge–discharge test. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the as-prepared samples possessed poor crystalline characteristics and were transformed into crystalline materials after thermal treatment. Field-emission scanning electron microscope images showed that the surfaces of these as-prepared spheres were relatively smooth and of about 2.2μm in diameter. The diameters of the spheres kept unchanged after being annealed at 800°C in a high purity nitrogen atmosphere under ambient pressure. The preliminary electrochemical test found that the annealed CoO/C hybrid microspheres exhibited an ultrahigh initial discharge capacity of 1481.4mAhg−1 in the potential range of 3.0–0.01V. This value was much higher than that of CoO nanoparticles. Although the capacity of the second discharge cycle decayed to 506.2mAhg−1, the annealed CoO/C hybrid microspheres anode exhibited very stable reversible capacity at about 345mAhg−1 only after 10 cycles. This rapid stabilization ability was attributed to the matrix effect of carbon, which may effectively prevent the aggregation of small particles during charging–discharging process.
The theoretical specific energy of the lead/acid battery is 176Whkg−1. The specific energy actually achieved depends on the discharge rate but is typically only about 15–25% of this maximum value. The major reason for the lead acid battery's inability to obtain higher specific energies is that much of the active material in both the positive and negative electrode is not discharged. This is especially true at the higher discharge rates where the diffusion of sulfate ions into the positive plate limits the reaction. Porous, hollow, glass microspheres (PHGM) would allow for more electrolyte storage in the electrodes and enhance the high rate energy storage of lead acid batteries. In this paper, we present a method for making hollow, glass microspheres (HGMs) porous. Presently our process only produces small yields. We believe in the future that the yields with our process can be substantially increased. PHGMs could substantially improve the high rate performance of lead acid batteries and make these batteries more attractive for hybrid electric vehicle applications.
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is now widely accepted as a source of stem cells in patients with malignant hematologic and genetic disorders. We have recently reported that in a series of 30 pediatric UCB transplant recipients comparable outcome to that anticipated with other unrelated stem cell sources. In our series, however, the probability of GVHD for grade III-IV was 9% and no UCB recipient developed chronic GVHD. The reason for the low incidence of GVHD after UCB transplantation is not fully understood. Because functional NK cells are among the first population of lymphocytes to be detected in UCB transplant recipients, 2 months post-transplant on average, we wanted to establish whether NK cells could be implicated in reducing the risk of GVHD. Here, we confirm that early NK cells detected in UCB transplant recipients activate the granzyme/perforin lytic pathway and, in addition, they can mediate Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) activity, a finding not previously reported. Both pathways develop simultaneously and are detectable months before the other lymphocytes, notably CD8 are fully functional. Our contention, therefore, is that the low GVHD observed in UCB recipients may be partially due to early NK cells.
This paper studies the electrochemical behaviour of the pressure inside a sealed Ni-MH cell due to gases evolved under different charge/discharge currents and states of charge (SOC). The work is focused to determine the best procedure to get fast charge and long cycle life without detrimental effects on the battery and possible hazards affecting the safety of the user. The device was studied under a wide range of charge current (0.1–5C), establishing that optimum conditions to minimize the inner pressure during uninterrupted use are obtained if either charge rates up to 0.5C or higher rates not surpassing 90% of the nominal capacity are employed. Charge times corresponding to the range between 80% and 130% of the nominal capacity were also tested, analyzing the effect of overcharges on inner pressure, discharge capacity, efficiency and integrity of the cell. It was verified that charging the cell up to 130% at 2C rate reaches an inner pressure 5 times higher than that obtained at 0.5C. High rate discharge was also characterized at uninterrupted use of the cell, demonstrating the importance of the cut-off discharge criterion at high rates, to avoid the inner gases accumulation due to incomplete discharge of electrodes and overcharge in a following electrochemical cycle.
Ring finger protein 146 (Iduna) facilitates DNA repair and protects against cell death induced by NMDA receptor-mediated glutamate excitotoxicity or by cerebral ischemia. Neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1), a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-derived lipid mediator, promotes cell survival under uncompensated oxidative stress (UOS). Our data demonstrate that NPD1 potently upregulates Iduna expression and provides remarkable cell protection against UOS. Iduna, which was increased by the lipid mediator, requires the presence of the poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) sites. Moreover, astrocytes and neurons in the penumbra display an enhanced abundance of Iduna, followed by remarkable neurological protection when DHA, a precursor of NPD1, is systemically administered 1 h after 2 h of ischemic stroke. These findings provide a conceptual advancement for survival of neural cells undergoing challenges to homeostasis because a lipid mediator, made 'on demand,' modulates the abundance of a critically important protein for cell survival.
The automatic interpretation of sign languages is a challenging task, as it requires the usage of high-level vision and high-level motion processing systems for providing accurate image perception. In this paper, we use Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and transfer learning to make computers able to interpret signs of the Swedish Sign Language (SSL) hand alphabet. Our model consists of the implementation of a pre-trained InceptionV3 network, and the usage of the mini-batch gradient descent optimization algorithm. We rely on transfer learning during the pre-training of the model and its data. The final accuracy of the model, based on 8 study subjects and 9400 images, is 85%. Our results indicate that the usage of CNNs is a promising approach to interpret sign languages, and transfer learning can be used to achieve high testing accuracy despite using a small training dataset. Furthermore, we describe the implementation details of our model to interpret signs as a user-friendly web application.
LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM) is a highly potential cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its poor rate capability and cycling performance at high cutoff voltages have seriously hindered further commercialization. In this study, we successfully design an ultra-thin lithium aluminum oxide (LiAlO2) coating on NCM for LIBs. Compared to Al2O3, the utilization of lithium-ion conducting LiAlO2 significantly improves the NCM performance at high cutoff voltages of 4.5/4.7V. The study reveals that the LiAlO2-coated NCM can maintain a reversible capacity of more than 149mAhg−1 after 350 cycles with 0.078% decay per cycle. Furthermore, LiAlO2-coated NCM exhibits higher rate capacities [206.8mAhg−1 at 0.2C (50mAg−1) and 142mAhg−1 at 3C] than the Al2O3-coated NCM (196.9mAhg−1 at 0.2C and 131.9mAhg−1 at 3C). Our study demonstrates that the ultra-thin LiAlO2 coating is superior to Al2O3 and significantly improves the capacity retention and rate capability of NCM for LIBs.
A semi theoretical explanation of the appearance of a second plateau during the discharge of overcharged nickel oxyhydroxide electrodes (NOHE) is proposed, based on transmission line models of the charge–discharge processes of the active matter. The model takes into account the double electronic and protonic conduction involved in nickel II α and β or nickel III β and γ phases: electrons and protons reach the transformation front inside the matter through the less resistive paths. The secondary plateau may occur when a resistive layer of β(II) isolates the transformation front from the nickel electron sink.
We report electrochemical and in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies of surface processes on graphite and Au(111) electrodes in N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (Py13FSI) and N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Py13TFSI) ionic liquids in the absence and presence of LiTFSI salt. In both of neat ionic liquids, the intercalation of cations and exfoliation of HOPG layers occur during cathodic excursion. However, the surface decomposition of FSI anions can form an effective protection film on the surface, which suppresses the intercalation and exfoliation processes, while the surface decomposition of TFSI anions mainly causes etching of the surface, which makes the intercalation and exfoliation easier to proceed. The addition of Li salt can promote the formation of the protective film, especially in Py13FSI, and thus significantly suppress the intercalation and exfoliation processes. The discrepancies between these two ionic liquids are caused by the different anion interactions with graphite. Additionally, comparisons of the behaviors on HOPG and on Au(111) confirm that the surface processes are crucially dependent on the nature of the electrode. Trace amounts of oxygen and water can cause the formation of a film-like structure on Au(111), but show no apparent influence on HOPG.
Off-grid hybrid energy systems (HESs) have become more cost-effective and reliable than single-source systems for the electrification of rural areas. This paper presents a techno-economic and environmental analysis of different hybrid systems to supply electricity to a typical Iraqi rural village. The HOMER software is utilized for the optimization of the systems using the multi-year module, which has been overlooked in the literature thus far. The analysis shows that the PV/hydro/diesel/battery HES is the most economical option with a net present cost (NPC) of $113201, in addition to having acceptable technical and environmental performance levels. Throughout the project’s 20 year lifetime, PV electricity production is reduced by 9.1% while diesel electricity production, CO2 emissions and served load are increased by 90.8%, 91.7% and 8.8%, respectively. The NPC for the multi-year module shows an increment of 22.5% in comparison with that of the single year module. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of some rarely reported parameters, such as water pipe losses, generator minimum load, battery roundtrip efficiency, battery setpoint state of charge, capacity shortage, PV capital cost multiplier and multi-year, demonstrated that variations in these parameters have significant effects on the system power flow and its economic analysis.
This is the second presentation of a surgical instrument designed for manual application of Kirschner wires. Its construction resembles that of a micro-screwdriver. A strong cannulated handle is easily controlled and supported by the palm. A coaxial bearing attaches a chuck that can hold wires up to 1.2 mm with a lag screw. This device allows manual drilling and manipulation of Kirschner wires without gross sideward movements that could destroy the fragments.
The possibility of using silicon as the substrate electrode for the deposition of electroactive films of transition metal hexacyanoferrates was investigated. The silicon surface was successfully modified by the electroactive films based on a simple method. The studies of the electrochemical behavior and electrocatalytic properties of a palladium hexacyanoferrate (PdHCF) film-modified silicon electrode showed that the electrode fabricated had excellent properties and electrochemical activity. The possibility of the use of silicon substrate was also examined for the deposition of NiHCF and CoHCF films. The modification was carried out by electrodeposition of metals onto the substrate surface and chemical transformation of the metallic films deposited into their hexacyanoferrate salts. The results obtained from electrochemical studies indicate clearly that the electroactive films have excellent electrochemical activities compared with conventional hexacyanoferrate-based modified electrodes. In addition, deposition of electroactive films onto silicon surface provides an enhanced stability of the electroactive films during potential cycling and long-term storage.
A well-designed artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (ASEI) could help resolve multiple problems associated with the use of metallic Li anodes in batteries. Here, the authors develop a Langmuir–Blodgett method to produce an ASEI composed of functionalized graphene oxide with a compatible electrolyte formulation, which facilitates a stable cycling of Li metal batteries.
Abstract The final chapter of this book gives a review on the status of the direct alcohol fuel cell technologies and foresees the research and development trends for the next future. A section devoted to advanced modeling includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling and the new trend one-dimensional plus two/three-dimensional modeling. This section precedes a comparison between the different technologies available for portable applications, DAFCs, and Lithium batteries. The DAFCs codes and standards and environmental effects, emissions, and Life Cycle Assessment are briefly addressed. The chapter ends pointing out the remaining challenges and outlining the next decade. In what concerns portable applications, DAFC can compete with batteries, but the research on these systems must be directed toward the operation with higher fuel concentrations or even pure fuel (alcohol crossover needs to be reduced) to take advantage of the high alcohols′ specific energy and to reduce the system volume and weight.
The cyclability of manganese dioxide samples with a wide range of initial properties has been investigated using electrochemical methods. Cycling revealed that a common change occurs in all materials irrespective of initial properties, with the discharge behaviour standardised by the tenth cycle. Modeling of the discharge behaviour revealed the steady decline in the capacity with cycling can primarily be assigned to lower potential pyrolusite domains. Furthermore, an examination of chemically reduced and re-oxidised γ-MnO2 revealed an irreversible expansion of the γ-MnO2 lattice upon reduction arising from localised buckling of the oxygen framework.
The objective of this study was to evaluate cognitive functions, changes over time, and prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal predictors in low birth weight children. A cohort of 130 low birth weight children was compared with 131 control children. A neuropsychologic test battery including subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities, Knox Cube Test, Grooved Pegboard Test, Finger, and Foot Tapping was used. School performance was assessed using the Child Behavior Check List. Low birth weight children were comparable with control children in areas of verbal and visuo-spatial function, distractibility, and motor tempo, when parental factors were controlled for. An apparent association between breast milk feeding and child intelligence quotient was rendered insignificant when confounding parental factors were controlled for. None of the other identifiable prenatal, perinatal, or neonatal predictors were significantly related to cognitive outcome or school problems at 11 years of age. No differences were found in cognitive functions between those weighing less than 1500 g and 1500-2000 g. Motor problems and low verbal intelligence quotient at 5 years of age in the low birth weight children (previously published data) each doubled the risk of presenting a school problem at 11 years of age. Our findings are encouraging for low birth weight children regarding testable cognitive consequences and less encouraging regarding ability of cognitive test to identify school problems.
Unemployment rates for schizophrenia are high across all age groups compared to the general population. Past studies have focused on neurocognition as a key determinant of unemployment and poor work outcome in schizophrenia. However, several recent studies suggest that clinical symptoms may be equally or more important than cognitive dysfunction for understanding employment difficulties. An enhanced understanding of the domains of negative symptoms that hinder job obtainment and work outcomes in people with schizophrenia is vital for developing treatments that translate into better employment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 112 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder receiving supported employment services differed on experiential and expressive negative symptoms based on whether they obtained a job or remained unemployed. Further, in a subset of workers, this study examined the relationship of experiential “motivational” negative symptoms with work outcomes (weeks worked, hours worked, wages earned). Neurocognition was assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and clinical symptoms were assessed using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Experiential, but not expressive, negative symptoms were related to job obtainment, hours worked, and wages earned. However, these findings were attenuated and non-significant after controlling for age. These results suggest that experiential negative symptoms are potentially key to better understanding employment outcomes of individuals with schizophrenia receiving supported employment services, but further work is needed to untangle its significance vis-à-vis other individual, environmental, and program factors.
Sublethal exposure to environmental genotoxicants may impact genome integrity in affected organisms. It is therefore necessary to develop tools to measure the extent and longevity of genotoxicant-induced DNA damage, and choose appropriate model organisms for biomonitoring. To this end, markers of DNA damage were measured in zebrafish larvae and adults following exposure to model genotoxicants (benzo[a]pyrene and ethyl methanesulfonate). Specifically, we assessed primary DNA damage and the existence of potentially persistent genomic alterations through application of the comet assay, quantitative random amplified polymorphic DNA (qRAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) assays. Furthermore, expression of genes involved in DNA repair, oxidative stress response and xenobiotic metabolism was evaluated as well. Additionally, the AFLP method was applied to adult specimens 1 year after larval exposure to the genotoxicants to evaluate the longevity of the observed DNA alterations. Large numbers of DNA alterations were detected in larval DNA using the comet assay, qRAPD and AFLP, demonstrating that zebrafish larvae are a sensitive model for revealing genotoxic effects. Furthermore, some of these genomic alterations persisted into adulthood, indicating the formation of stable genomic modifications. qRAPD and AFLP methods proved to be highly sensitive to genotoxic effects, even in cases when the comet assay indicated a lack of significant damage. These results thus support the use of zebrafish larvae as a sensitive model for monitoring the impact of genotoxic insult and give evidence of the longevity of genomic modifications induced by genotoxic agents.
Water was added as a diluent into the hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) 1-butly-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (BMP-TFSI) with the purpose of improving the conductivity of the RTIL, which is being considered as a potential electrolyte for rechargeable Zn-air batteries. The behavior of water additions in BMP-TFSI and its effect on Zn/Zn(II) redox behavior in BMP-TFSI were studied. Two types of water, free or unbound water and bound water, were identified in BMP-TFSI through DSC and FTIR analysis and density functional theory (DFT) modeling. When the water content was less than ~2.0wt%, water molecules interacted with [TFSI]− anions through hydrogen bonding. When the water amount was greater than 2.0wt%, clusters of water molecules (free water) were observed. Bound water in BMP-TFSI improved Zn/Zn(II) redox reversibility by reducing the activation overpotential for electrochemical reactions. The optimal amount of water, in terms of the kinetic properties for Zn/Zn(II) redox in BMP-TFSI, was 2.0wt%. Compared with water-free BMP-TFSI, both the diffusion coefficient for the Zn species and the exchange current density for Zn/Zn(II) redox reactions increased by approximately 70% in BMP-TFSI with 2.0wt% water addition.
Transition metal compounds of FeSe and CuWO4 thin films have been successfully fabricated by using R.F. sputtering method. Although two kinds of transition metal compounds of FeSe and CuWO4 thin films can react with sodium electrochemically, they exhibit different electrochemical features. The nanosized metal Fe is highly dispersed into Na2Se matrix and metal Cu is extruded from Na2WO4 mixture after the FeSe/Na and CuWO4/Na cells are discharged, respectively. The conversion reaction mechanism between FeSe and Na2Se is proposed for the FeSe/Na cell. While the displacement reaction mechanism for CuWO4/Na cell is proposed for the first time based on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) data. These various mechanisms make transition metal compounds interesting materials for rechargeable sodium ion batteries.
It has become imperative for the power and energy engineers to look out for the renewable energy sources such as sun, wind, geothermal, ocean and biomass as sustainable, cost-effective and environment friendly alternatives for conventional energy sources. However, the non-availability of these renewable energy resources all the time throughout the year has led to research in the area of hybrid renewable energy systems. In the past few years, a lot of research has taken place in the design, optimization, operation and control of the renewable hybrid energy systems. It is indeed evident that this area is still emerging and vast in scope. The main aim of this paper is to review the research on the unit sizing, optimization, energy management and modeling of the hybrid renewable energy system components. Developments in research on modeling of hybrid energy resources (PV systems), backup energy systems (Fuel Cell, Battery, Ultra-capacitor, Diesel Generator), power conditioning units (MPPT converters, Buck/Boost converters, Battery chargers) and techniques for energy flow management have been discussed in detail. In this paper, an attempt has been made to present a comprehensive review of the research in this area in the past one decade.
Lithium polymer electrolytes formed by dissolving a lithium salt LiX in poly(ethylene oxide) PEO, may find useful application as separators in lithium rechargeable polymer batteries. The main problems, which are still to be solved for a complete successful operation of these materials, are the reactivity of their interface with the lithium metal electrode and the decay of their conductivity at temperatures below 70°C. In this paper we demonstrate that a successful approach for overcoming these problems, is the dispersion of selected ceramic powders in the polymer mass, with the aim of developing new types of composite PEO–LiX polymer electrolytes characterized by enhanced interfacial stability, as well as by improved ambient temperature transport properties.