batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Cost-utility analysis is used to inform the allocation of healthcare resources, using the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the outcome measure. We report the development of an epilepsy-specific QALY measure (NEWQOL-6D) derived from the NEWQOL measure of health-related quality of life. Firstly, psychometric and Rasch analyses established the dimension structure of NEWQOL and generated a reduced health state classification system including one item per dimension. Secondly, health states generated by the classification system were valued using Time Trade Off, and the results were modeled to generate a utility score for every health state. A classification system with 6 dimensions (worry about attacks; depression; memory; concentration; stigma; control) was produced, and generalized least squares regression was used to generate utility scores for every health state. This study is the first attempt to derive an epilepsy-specific QALY measure, and the utility values can be used in the economic evaluation of emerging technologies for epilepsy.
As an alternative or supplement to small batteries, the much-anticipated micro-direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) faces several key technical issues such as methanol crossover, reactant delivery, and byproduct release. This paper addresses two of the issues, removal of CO2 bubbles and delivery of methanol fuel, in a non-prohibitive way for system miniaturization. A recently reported bubble-driven pumping mechanism is applied to develop active μDMFCs free of an ancillary pump or a gas separator. The intrinsically generated CO2 bubbles in the anodic microchannels are used to pump and circulate the liquid fuel before being promptly removed as a part of the pumping mechanism. Without a discrete liquid pump or gas separator, the widely known packaging penalty incurred within many micro-fuel-cell systems can be alleviated so that the system's power/energy density does not decrease dramatically as a result of miniaturization. Since the power required for pumping is provided by the byproduct of the fuel cell reaction, the parasitic power loss due to an external pump is also eliminated. The fuel circulation is visually confirmed, and the effectiveness for fuel cell applications is verified during continuous operation of a μDMFC for over 70min with 1.2mL of 2M methanol. The same device was shown to operate for only 5min if the pumping mechanism is disabled by blocking the gas venting membrane. Methanol consumption while utilizing the reported self-circulation mechanism is estimated to be 46%. Different from common pump-free fuel delivery approaches, the reported mechanism delivers the fuel actively and is independent of gravity.
Sulfur/carbon nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by a solution-based processing technique using dimethyl sulfoxide as the solvent. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of sulfur/carbon nanocomposites were tested by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. When applied as the cathode material in lithium sulfur batteries, the as-prepared sulfur/carbon nanocomposites exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1220mAhg−1 in the first cycle and maintained a satisfactory cyclability. This drastic improvement of specific capacity and cycling performance could be attributed to the reduced particle size of sulfur and the homogeneous distribution of sulfur nanoparticles on a carbon matrix, resulting from this novel solution-based processing technique.
Dermatophytes are highly specialized pathogenic fungi that exclusively infect the stratum corneum, nails or hair, and it is evident that secreted proteolytic activity is important for their virulence. Endo- and exoproteases-secreted by dermatophytes are similar to those of species of the genus Aspergillus. However, in contrast to Aspergillus spp., dermatophyte-secreted endoproteases are multiple and are members of two large protein families, the subtilisins (serine proteases) and the fungalysins (metalloproteases). In addition, dermatophytes excrete sulphite as a reducing agent. In the presence of sulphite, disulphide bounds of the keratin substrate are directly cleaved to cysteine and S-sulphocysteine, and reduced proteins become accessible for further digestion by various endo- and exoproteases secreted by the fungi. Sulphitolysis is likely to be an essential step in the digestion of compact keratinized tissues which precedes the action of all proteases.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be used to systematically and rapidly screen the potential additives for the inhibition of the polysulfide shuttle effect in a Li-S battery. The method is proven effective by investigating the 18 compounds which were reported in the literature as redox shuttle inhibitors for Li-S batteries. The change of the polysulfide ions from being exposed to 18 different redox shuttle inhibition additives was qualitatively and quantitatively determined. The changes of polysulfide species and elemental sulfur were successfully used to study the inhibition effect of the additives in Li-S batteries. It was confirmed that nitrate salts under the same concentration showed the best inhibition effect for the polysulfide shuttle reaction. However even in the electrolyte with nitrate additives, the shuttle reactions between Li metal and polysulfides (and elemental sulfur) are still notable, and thus the search for a better polysulfide shuttle inhibitor is ongoing and critical for improving the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.
The aim of this study was to delineate possible longitudinal cognitive changes in adult patients with a long history of pharmacoresistant partial epilepsy. Thirty-six patients and thirty healthy controls were investigated at baseline. A reassessment was conducted, with median test intervals of 4.8 years for the patients and 3.1 years for controls. A standardized battery was used for assessment of general cognitive level and memory. At baseline, patients performed at a significantly lower level on general cognition, immediate recall of pairs of associated words, and retention of learned words and visuospatial stimuli, compared with controls. Analyses of change over time in the patients disclosed significant verbal memory decline in retention of pairs of associated words. Group comparisons of change over time revealed adverse effects in the performance aspect of general cognition on the patients. Also, group comparisons indicated impaired performance across time for the patients in retention of pairs of associated words and retention of visuospatial stimuli. The adverse effect on memory and general cognition in this patient group over the period was clear-cut when compared with the longitudinal changes in an adequate control group.
Two-dimensional (2D) metal oxide nanosheets have attracted much attention as potential electrode materials for rechargeable batteries in recent years. This is primarily due to their natural abundance, environmental compatibility, and low cost as well as good electrochemical properties. Despite the fact that most metal oxides possess low conductivity, the introduction of some conductive heterogeneous components, such as nano-carbon, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene, to form metal oxide-based hybrids, can effectively overcome this drawback. In this mini review, we will summarize the recent advances of three typical 2D metal oxide nanomaterials, namely, binary metal oxides, ternary metal oxides, and hybrid metal oxides, which are used for the electrochemical applications of next-generation rechargeable batteries, mainly for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Hence, this review intends to functionalize as a good reference for the further research on 2D nanomaterials and the further development of energy-storage devices.
Cobalt silicate hydroxide (Co3[Si2O5]2[OH]2) was prepared by chemical method for use in electrochemical capacitors. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) tests indicate that the material was pure hexagonal phase with uniform nanometer size distribution. Cyclic voltammeter (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements show that the cobalt silicate hydroxide-based electrode has stable electrochemical capacitor properties between potential range of 0.1–0.55V with a maximum specific capacitance of 237Fg−1 in alkaline solution and 95% of capacity efficiency was reached after 150 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) investigation illustrates that the capacitance of the test electrode was mainly consisted of pseudo-capacitance, which was caused by underpotential deposition of H3O+ at the electrode surface.
It is well known that the nanocomponents with opposite charges can be easily assembled into hybrid composites via electrostatic interaction, but it is difficult for like-charged nanomaterials. Here, we developed a general method to directly assemble lamellar composite paper composed of both negative-charged WS2 and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets from their aqueous dispersion through filtration process. After hydrothermal reduction, the flexible lamellar WS2/reduced-graphene oxide (rGO) paper was evaluated as binder-free anodes for Li-ion batteries, which presented a reversible capacity of 697.7mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, 8 times higher than 88.5mAhg−1 of pure WS2 nanosheets and 60.2mAhg−1 of rGO, excellent cyclic stability and good rate capacity. In the uniformly alternated lamellar structures, rGO nanosheets efficiently prevent the restacking of WS2 sheets, increase the conductivity of the electrode, and sustain the volume expansion during Li+ insertion/extraction, which significantly improved the electrochemical performances. This simple filtration assembling method provides a general and efficient way to synthesize functional composite films from like-charged colloid solutions.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an important anode candidate for Li-ion battery (LIB) due to its properties of excellent cycle, high safety and low cost. However, the poor electrical conductivity of TiO2 presents a significant challenge hampering its practical application in LIBs. Most researches have been concentrated on developing TiO2 composites with metals, metal oxides and carbonaceous materials to improve its conductivity. In this work, we investigated a sandwich structured MoO2@TiO2@CNT nanocomposite through a simple three-step synthesis method. The CNT and highly conductive MoO2 under/on the TiO2 layer are served as flexible and strong electronic paths for rapid electron and ion transport. The resulting MoO2@TiO2@CNT hybrid structures show improved specific capacity and cycling stability compared with TiO2@CNT. In addition, the MoO2@TiO2@CNT composites also show a favorable rate capability, demonstrating its potential as anode material for LIBs.
The specific surface area, morphology and electrochemical performance of thin films of electrodeposited manganese dioxide have been examined. Electrodeposition of these films was carried out using chronoamperometry, using times ranging from 10 to 120s in order to obtain deposits with different masses. Using a novel approach to analysing the chronoamperometric i–t data, the specific surface area of the electrodeposited material was found to range from 13 to 67m2/g across the range of deposition times, with short deposition times leading to higher specific surface areas. This has implications on the electrodeposition mechanism of manganese dioxide, which favours crystallite nucleation initially, leading to a high surface area material, followed by growth of these crystallites leading to a denser, lower surface area electrode material. This is the first time that the electrochemically active surface area of porous electrode materials has been determined. This decrease in surface area with deposition time was also reflected in the specific capacitance values of the material, which decreased slightly with increased deposition time, and hence lower surface area.
In this investigation, steady-state polarization curve was obtained on micro-disc Pt electrode in a kind of classical industrial ternary organic electrolyte, ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (1:1:1 at volume ratio) containing 1molL−1 LiPF6, and used as both fine description of polarization degree and performance overview of lithium anode. The limiting mass transfer current density, jlim s-s , was used as a feature parameter to optimize electrochemical redox performance of Li+/Li couple. Based on the steady state polarization curve and jlim s-s , we found that performance of Li+/Li exhibited the best coulombic efficiency (from 65% to 80%) of the electrochemical redox process (i.e. electro-deposition/electro-dissolution process), as current densities were controlled in a moderate current density scope, 0.26jlim s-s ∼0.72jlim s-s , in the ternary organic electrolyte. In the moderate current density scope, lithium anode appeared the best cyclic performance and coulombic efficiency due to two types of dendrites, “tree-like” dendrite and “moss-like” dendrite, could be suppressed effectively. The technique of in-situ optical microscopic analysis was used to observe the micro-pattern of lithium metal deposition layers formed in the whole current density scope. The results showed that the thicker dendrite (“tree-like” dendrite) and thinner dendrite (“moss-like” dendrite) were formed at lower and higher electro-deposition current density, respectively. Moreover, electro-crystallization mechanism of lithium anode was fitted by Heerman’s model, and the results indicated that initial nucleation behavior was the main reason which influenced lithium anode redox performance with the impact of two parameters, initial nucleation number N0 and nucleation rate constant A. Based on aforesaid results, steady-state polarization curve and limiting mass transfer current density, jlim s-s , were suggested as a universal and objective standard to normalize experimental parameters to confirm the most suitable polarization condition of lithium anode in used electrolytes.
Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Availability of different procedures with low complication rates, performed through a minimally invasive approach, have caused profound positive effect on patient’s quality of life and has led to their worldwide, rapid expansion of the field. The laparoscopic revolution has introduced the concept of lowering more and more the treatments’ invasiveness, leading to a change in the researchers’ mentality. They are now constantly looking for reducing patients’ discomfort through new methodologies and devices: aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the most promising, innovative procedures offering an alternative approach to “classic” laparoscopic procedures. They are described from their original development phases to the most recent experimental and clinical evidence. This review will discuss as well their future perspectives, and includes endoluminal techniques and/or procedures based on alternative concepts, all representing an appealing alternative to surgical approach. We conducted a MEDLINE for articles, clinical trials, and a patent search relating to the minimally invasive management of obesity, excluding intragastric balloons, SILS, and NOTES, and we selected 77 articles. Results are reported for each procedure/device, and discussed both in these paragraphs and in the final, general discussion. The concept of minimally invasive procedures continues to change and evolve over time with novel technologies emerging every year.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore's Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative have developed an energy-storage membrane, answering the need for a cost-effective way of storing energy. They say the performance of this novel membrane surpasses existing rechargeable batteries and super-capacitors, promising a low-cost, environment-friendly source of energy.
The preparation of different kinds of nanocomposite materials is a promising approach to alleviate the severe volume changes of Silicon anode materials for lithium-ion secondary batteries. In the present study, a novel nanocomposite Si80Fe16Cr4 was synthesized by high-energy mechanical milling without noticeable contamination. The nano-indentation results revealed that the elastic recoverable energy range of the synthesized nanocomposite is 3.43 times higher than that of Si. The proposed nanocomposite milled for 8 and 10 h recorded a noteworthy reversible capacity of 841 and 812 mAh g−1 even at 100th cycle, with excellent capacity retention. Remarkably, the nanocomposite exhibited a very low initial cycle (1st cycle) capacity loss ∼14%. The crystal separation of the less active silicide phases was determined after the extended cycling, which is advantageous for accommodating the stress produced by the volume changes of the active Si. The primary factors attributed to the excellent electrochemical performance were the size reduction of Si particles to nanometer scale, the formation of the highly elastic matrix, and separation of silicide phases after extended cycling.
Nanotemplated materials have significant potential for applications in energy conversion and storage devices due to their unique physical properties. Nanostructured materials provide additional electrode surface area beneficial for energy conversion or storage applications with short path lengths for electronic and ionic transport and thus the possibility of higher reaction rates. We report on the use of controlled growth of metal and alloy electrodeposited templated nanostructures for energy applications. Anodic aluminium oxide templates fabricated on Si for energy materials integration with electronic devices and their use for fuel cell and battery materials deposition is discussed. Nanostructured Pt anode catalysts for methanol fuel cells are shown. Templated CuSn alloy anodes that possess high capacity retention with cycling for lithium microbattery integration are also presented.
Recently, tellurium has been regarded as a promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical volumetric capacity. However, a plethora of research are focusing on impregnating the tellurium into porous carbon materials by the thermal-diffusion method, which would consume large amounts of energy and take prolonged time. Herein, a carbon and binder-free cathode with 100% Te is fabricated by a facile galvanic replacement method on a nickle foam. Driven by the large electrochemical potential difference between Ni and Te, desirable amounts of Te can be obtained in just 10 min with no need of energy input. Li-Te batteries constructed by the as-obtained cathode show relatively good performance in DMSO solvent. To further elevate the performance of this battery especially at low current density, commercial carbon cloth is added between the separator and Te electrode as an interlayer. The cell with interlayer delivers a gravimetric capacity of 116.2 mAh g−1 after 70 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g−1, which is 2.8 times as high as that of a cell without interlayer (40.4 mAh g−1).
Hand held olive harvesters may cause severe HAV (Hand Arm Vibration) pathologies to the operators. The measured vibration data should be available to the end users in the instruction manual issued by the manufacturers, who should follow the procedures specified by a C type European standard. Since the hand held olive harvesters do not have such a standard, manufacturers are not able to provide reliable data. This paper describes a test methodology in view of a C type European standard for these machines. The work started with field activities to collect acceleration data to compare with laboratory results, as requested by the EN ISO 20643. A device to simulate the dynamic vibration response of olive tree branches was then designed, assembled and tested with different configurations, to obtain repeatable acceleration data of hand held olive harvester. When the final prototype was configured, a second laboratory was involved, equipped with a different measurement chain to test the reproducibility. Relevance to industry This paper describes the use of a new custom built device (designed and assembled by the Authors) to simulate the dynamic vibration response of olive tree branches, to obtain repeatable acceleration data of hand held olive harvester. Laboratory tests showed that device can support companies in their task of designing safe and health hand held olive harvesters.
P2-type Na0.66Ni0.33–x Zn x Mn0.67O2 (x = 0, 0.07, 0.14) are prepared using a conventional solid state method and for the first time developed as promising cathode materials for high-voltage sodium-ion batteries. The XRD patterns show that Zn2+ ions are successfully incorporated into the lattice of the Na–Ni–Mn–O system and the P2-type structure remains unchanged after substitution. The introduction of Zn2+ in the Na–Ni–Mn–O system can effectively overcome the drawback of voltage decay when charged to a higher cutoff voltage (>4.0 V), and significantly improve capacity retention compared to the unsubstituted material during cycling. In addition, a smoother charge/discharge profile can be observed between 3.0 and 4.0 V for Zn-substituted samples, demonstrating that Na+/vacancy ordering can be suppressed during sodium insertion/extraction. Na0.66Ni0.26Zn0.07Mn0.67O2 can deliver an initial capacity of 132 mAh g−1 at 12 mA g−1 with a high average voltage of 3.6 V and a capacity retention of 89% after 30 cycles. EIS measurements demonstrate that Zn-substitution is an effective way to limit the increase of inter-particle contact resistance by suppressing any possible irreversible phase transformation found at low sodium contents.
Power capability of solid state lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries is severely weakened due to high impedance between electrodes and solid electrolyte. To solve this issue, herein we come up with a room temperature operating (20 °C) solid Li-S battery technology enabled by ionic liquid (IL) as interfacial modification. With IL, a significant decrease of interfacial resistance is observed from 3540 to 39 Ω cm2 in symmetric cell, which can cycle well at a high current density of 0.5 mA cm−2 with a small over potential of 300 mV (20 °C). On this basis, solid state Li-S batteries are fabricated with IL modification, and performed an excellent electrochemical behavior at 0.2 mA cm−2 with the specific capacity of 340 mAh g−1. Distinctly, the thin IL layer presents electrochemical and physical stability during the cycling and plays a flowable and seamless interfacial layer in solid state Li-S batteries.
This paper considers the role of question order and framing in evaluating subjective health assessment responses using the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) dataset. In the first wave of this dataset respondents were twice asked to evaluate their health on a five-point scale, using two different sets of descriptors to define the five points, with the ordering of which set was first administered determined randomly. We document differences in inference in comparing those that were asked one question first versus those that were asked the other. We then consider determinants of the degree of concordance in responses to the two questions, as well as the characteristics of individuals that provide conflicting responses. Consistent with previous research for England (Bowling and Windsor, 2008. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 62, 81–85), there is evidence for eleven countries in Europe that individuals’ assessments of their health in response to the second question may be influenced by the battery of health questions that were asked following the first assessment.