batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
As a charming alternative anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), SnS possesses outstanding theoretical capacity. However, the enormous volume variation and intrinsic poor electrical conductivity hamper its further applications. In the present work, SnS/CNTs encapsulated by S doped CNFs hybrids (SnS/CNTs@S-CNFs) were synthesized through solvothermal synthesis of SnS2/CNTs precursor, followed by electrospinning and thermal treatment. During the thermal treatment, SnS2 in-situ transformed to SnS through a phase transition process. Simultaneously, the SnS2 dissociation generated S atoms could dope to CNFs, which is believed to be beneficial to sodium storage performance. Thanks to the robust framework constructed by CNFs and CNTs, the as-prepared composite can be employed as free-standing anodes for SIBs. At a current density of 0.8 A g−1, a reversible capacity of 296.6 mAh g−1 can be retained after 600 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention of 78.9%. Besides, a superior rate capability of 252.4 mAh g−1 is achieved at 3.2 A g−1. These results suggest that SnS/CNTs@S-CNFs holds great prospective as potential anode material for SIBs.
Due to its unique atom-thick 2D structure and remarkable physicochemical properties, graphene has been making a profound impact in many areas of science and technology. In particular, a great deal of recent attention has been attracted to explore graphene and its derivatives for photoelectrochemical applications, with the potential to harness graphene's excellent properties for opening up new opportunities in next generation photoelectrochemical systems. Over the past few years, much work has been done in the design and preparation of novel graphene-based materials for a wide range of applications in photoelectrochemistry, ranging from photoelectrochemical solar cells, photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants, photocatalytic splitting of H2O, photocatalytic conversion for fuels, and so on. In this review article, we summarize the state of research on graphene-based materials from the standpoint of photoelectrochemistry. The prospects and further developments in this exciting field of graphene-based materials are also discussed.
Multiple path routing protocols are shown to be performance-effective alternatives over single-path routing for ad hoc networks. They provide better resistance to link breakage and load balancing. However, these protocols typically assume a cooperative network setting. In practice nodes in an ad hoc network may behave selfishly and may not be willing to forward packets for other nodes freely. One way to stimulate nodes’ cooperation is to reimburse forwarding nodes according to their cost such that these nodes get enough incentive. However, selfish nodes may cheat over their cost to maximize their payoff. This necessitates the need for a truthful protocol which maximizes a node’s payoff only when it reveals its true cost. In this paper, we present G T M R , a generic mechanism to transform any table-driven multipath routing protocol into a truthful one, and prove that it guarantees truthfulness. Further, we present TMRP — a truthful multipath routing protocol based on AOMDV protocol as an instance of G T M R . A prominent feature of TMRP is that it incurs only 2 n control packets for a route discovery and does not require new types of control messages over AOMDV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the lowest overhead incurred for any truthful routing protocols. TMRP can also achieve load balancing without compromising truthfulness. We conduct an extensive simulation study to evaluate the performance of TMRP. Simulation results show that TMRP provides high packet delivery ratio and has low overhead and low end-to-end delay without compromising the overpayment to the nodes.
Recent technological developments have produced a range of sophisticated and readily available digital tracking technologies, of which the best known is the global positioning system (GPS). Yet, despite this remarkable surge in technology, researchers in the field of urban studies have failed to take full advantage of what these relatively new systems have to offer. Tracking technologies are able to provide high-resolution spatial and temporal data that could potentially, aid, augment, and advance research in various areas in the field of urban studies. This article presents an example of the use of aggregative data obtained from GPS receivers in order to better understand the impact of visitors to cities and to highlight the possibilities and the difficulties of using GPS technology in urban research projects. The study presented in this article took place in the Old City of Akko (Israel), a World Heritage Site since 2002.
Electrochemical performance of prismatic zinc–air fuel cells comprising zinc anode gel containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 600) and poly(ethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether (PEG DiAcid 600) as corrosion inhibitor were studied. It was found that in addition to the low zinc corrosion rates obtained from cells utilizing PEG DiAcid 600 as corrosion inhibitor, both analog and global mobile system (GSM) discharge capacities and potential plateaus, in a wide range of temperatures were higher once PEG DiAcid was added to the zinc gel mixtures. The results obtained from in situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies of zinc substrates immersed in deionized (DI) water containing inhibitors reveal that the film produced on the zinc metal in the presence of PEG DiAcid is by far thinner than the film produced by other inhibitors such as PEG 600 and polyoxyethylene alkyl phosphate ester acid (GAFAC RA 600). These studies also reveal that the addition of PEG DiAcid forms an adherent and a complete protective coverage, while the addition of PEG 600 and GAFAC RA 600 resulted in an incomplete coverage with the appearance of pits and terraces, indicating on a restricted inhibition performance of these two polymers compared with PEG DiAcid. These studies suggest a low interface resistivity of zinc immersed in alkaline solution containing PEG DiAcid, which is expressed in a higher working potential and increased cell capacity in different temperatures at two discharge modes of analog and GSM.
The dermatoglyphic pattern of dermal ridges that constitutes the human fingerprint is complete by the 16th foetal week and its development is thought to be influenced by prenatal hormones. Finger ridge count (FRC) is asymmetrical with the majority having more ridges on the finger tips of the right hand (R >) while the minority have more on the left (L >). In adults, the R > condition has been associated with male-typical, and the L > condition with female-typical, performance on sexually dimorphic tasks. Here we report that 60 prepubescent children showed the same sex difference and the same relationship as adults between FRC and task performance: girls and L > children performed a female-favouring task better while boys and R > children performed a male-favouring task better. This finding indicates that these sex-related task performance differences are not dependent on the activational effects of adult gonadal steroids. The implications of these findings for prenatal influences on neuropsychological development are discussed.
Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) is a promising salt that can possibly overcome the limitations of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in current Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Aluminum (Al) corrosion issue, however, is a major bottleneck for the wide use of LiFSI. This study investigates lithium borate salts as Al corrosion inhibitors in LiFSI electrolytes. Through a systematic comparison among lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB), and LiPF6, the inhibition ability of the additives is revealed to be in the following order: LiDFOB > LiBF4 ≈ LiPF6 > LiBOB. In particular, the inhibition effect of LiDFOB is outstanding; the anodic behavior of Al in 0.8 M LiFSI+0.2 M LiDFOB ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolyte is comparable to that of corrosion-free 1 M LiPF6 solution. The superior inhibition ability of LiDFOB is attributed to the formation of a passive layer composed of Al–F, Al2O3, and B–O species, as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. A LiCoO2/graphite cell with 0.8 M LiFSI+0.2 M LiDFOB electrolyte exhibits a rate capability comparable to a cell with 1 M LiPF6 solution, whereas a cell with 0.8 M LiFSI solution without LiDFOB suffers from poor power performance resulting from severe Al corrosion.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread reproductive disorder characterized by a disruption of follicular growth and anovulatory infertility. In women with PCOS, follicular growth and ovulation can be induced by subcutaneous injections of low doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral administration of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) on follicle development in a PCOS murine model. Moreover, since it is unlikely that intact rhFSH is present into the circulation after oral administration, the biological activity of a peptide fragment, derived from the predicted enzymatic cleavage sites with the FSH molecule, was investigated in vitro on cumulus-enclosed oocytes (COCs).
Warmer weather caused by climate change poses increasingly serious threats to the persistence of many species, but animals can modify behavior to mitigate at least some of the threats posed by warmer temperatures. Identifying and characterizing how animals modify behavior to avoid the negative consequences of acute heat will be crucial for understanding how animals will respond to warmer temperatures in the future.
Micron-grade carbon microtubes (CMTs) decorated with layered Ni-Co sulphides of several hundred nanometers and accompanied by Ni-Co sulphides nanoparticles composite structures have been fabricated by facile hydrothermal synthesis method, using willow catkins derived CMTs as carbon scaffolds and ethylene glycol mixture solution containing nickel acetate, cobalt acetate and thiourea as precursors for Ni-Co sulphides. The controllable Ni/Co molar ratios of Ni-Co sulphides can be altered by adjusting the ratio of nickel acetate and cobalt acetate in mixture solution. The electrochemical performance of CMTs/Ni-Co sulphides can be greatly affected by CMTs conductivity, Ni-Co sulphides deposition amounts and crystalline structures. Nevertheless, the hollow tubular structure of CMTs/Ni-Co sulphides composites can provide fast transport channels for ions diffusion while the great conductivity of CMTs scaffolds may facilitate the access of electrons transportation. Owing to this unique structure, the CMTs-1000/Ni2CoS4 composite exhibits an optimal pseudocapacitance (1210 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1), good rate capability of 83.8% (1014 F g−1 at 10 A g−1) and good cycling durability of 95% retention of the initial value over 3000 charge-discharge cycles, well above the value of pure Ni2CoS4 that is merely 66.1% (1210 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 800 F g−1 at 10 A g−1) with inferior cycling durability of 78%. Besides, a maximum energy density of 28.1 Wh kg−1 for the CMTs-1000/Ni2CoS4//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device can be achieved at power density of 753 W kg−1, and the energy density can still maintain 17.7 Wh kg−1 even at high power density of 17.2 kW kg−1.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been identified as a promising technology for supporting assistive environments. This article introduces PROTECT, a system that employs autonomous software objects referred to as mobile agents (MAs) able of locating and informing visually impaired persons for potential risks. PROTECT utilizes a 3-tier architecture where the first tier comprises a base station (BS), the second tier mobile sinks (MS) (carried by blind people on their sticks) and the third tier stationary sensor nodes. This WSN is deployed in an urban environment. In the event of an alarm issued by a sensor node, the BS launches a number of MAs supplied with a near-optimal itineraries that visit the nodes in the alarm's surrounding area and notifies, through Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), visually impaired people for potential hazards in their proximity. In the event of communication problems (e.g. failure of some sensor nodes) PROTECT modifies the itineraries of the MAs to bypass the problematic areas avoiding disruption of the data collection process from working sensors. Simulation results confirm the high effectiveness of our proposed scheme in WSNs used in assistive environments and its performance gain over alternative MA-based approaches proposed for data fusion tasks.
Using conductive binders, instead of the traditional binders and conductive additives, is an effective way to increase the specific capacity and long cycle life of the silicon (Si) anode. However, the rigid conductive binders of Si anodes tend to form cracks during the repetitive huge volume changes of Si. Here, a novel n-type conductive binder, multi-block polymer of poly(1-pyrenemethyl methacrylate) and polybutadiene (PPy-b-PB) was designed. The polybutadiene (PB) rubber was incorporated into the conductive binder by combining condensation and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. With high initial coulombic efficiency of 77.9%, the PPy-b-PB/Si anode possesses high reversible capacity (2274 mAh g−1) and capacity retention (87.1%) at the rate of 0.2 C (0.84 A g−1) after 200 cycles. The superior cyclic performance of the PPy-b-PB can be ascribed to the PB rubber, which enhanced the reversible deformation ability, flexibility, and adhesion length scale of the binder, without with a negligible change of the charge-transfer resistance for the anode. The original structure and the preparation method of the multi-block conductive binder provide a new way to manufacture multifunctional binders.
Summary Objective To examine the effectiveness of dance on motor functions, cognitive functions, and mental symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Design This study employed a quasi-randomised, between-group design. Setting Dance, PD exercise, and all assessments were performed in community halls in different regions of Japan. Participants Forty-six mild-moderate PD patients participated. Intervention Six PD patient associations that agreed to participate in the study were randomly assigned to a dance group, PD exercise group, or non-intervention group. The dance and PD exercise groups performed one 60-min session per week for 12 weeks. Control group patients continued with their normal lives. All groups were assessed before and after the intervention. Main outcome measures We used the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess motor function, the Frontal Assessment Battery at bedside (FAB) and Mental Rotation Task (MRT) to assess cognitive function, and the Apathy Scale (AS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) to assess mental symptoms of PD. The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was used for general assessment of PD. Results When comparing results before and after intervention, the dance group showed a large effect in TUG time (ES=0.65, p =0.006), TUG step number (ES=0.66, p =0.005), BBS (ES=0.75, p =0.001), FAB (ES=0.77, p =0.001), MRT response time (ES=0.79, p <0.001), AS (ES=0.78, p <0.001), SDS (ES=0.66, p =0.006) and UPDRS (ES=0.88, p <0.001). Conclusions Dance was effective in improving motor function, cognitive function, and mental symptoms in PD patients. General symptoms in PD also improved. Dance is an effective method for rehabilitation in PD patients.
This study uses fMRI to find that the previously reported amyloid-β-associated hyperactivation is likely to represent a compensatory mechanism, rather than pathological overexcitation. The authors found that older adults with amyloid-β depositions had more activation during a memory task, and the degree of detailed memory formation varied with this activity.
The centralised power grid bears a heavy burden in a time when consumers expect an uninterrupted reliable power supply, a reduction in carbon emissions, increased efficiency within the national grid and power supplied to remote communities. As expectations increase, it becomes the task of power systems research and design to develop new structures to meet these demands. This has led to alternatives being sought for centralised power generation, which is prone to outages (due to long distance transmission), is a substantial contributor to global carbon emissions, has large transmission losses and is often not a practical solution when supplying remote communities. Distributed generation (DG) looks to remedy these inadequacies by producing power close to its point of consumption, often utilising carbon neutral, renewable energy (RE) sources (sun, wind). To maximise the efficient use of DG, control structures are used to balance the intermittent RE power production with consumer power consumption. One such structure is used to implement control of small scale DG, at a single house/small building level: the nanogrid. This paper explores the current nanogrid research, it collates the existing definitions and uses the knowledge to give a concise definition of a nanogrid. It then discusses the control topologies and techniques which enable the intelligent control of the nanogrid, before presenting the hardware platform used to ensure the efficient operation of a small scale DG system. The paper then considers the interconnection of multiple nanogrids forming a network (microgrid), facilitating the sharing of power between individual nanogrids. The future developments are then explored before the paper's conclusions are presented.
Thin-film LiMn2O4 cathodes coated with Mn2O3 overlayer were prepared by a sol–gel method for Li-ion microbattery tests. The double-layered structure was fabricated on Pt(111) substrate through spin-coating the precursor solution for LiMn2O4 followed by that for Mn2O3. The Mn2O3 overlayer exhibited granular morphology with significant volume of pores while the LiMn2O4 film consisted of compacted grains. The electrochemical properties of the porous Mn2O3-coated LiMn2O4 (Mn2O3/LiMn2O4) cathodes characterized by charge–discharge (C–D) cycling performance, cyclic voltammetry, and rate capability were compared with those of the pristine LiMn2O4 cathodes. The Mn2O3/LiMn2O4 cathodes exhibited good cycle-life, only 0.007% capacity loss per cycle at 25°C, thereby achieved discharge capacity retention of 80% after 3000 cycles, while the pristine LiMn2O4 cathodes retained only 35% of the initial capacity under the same C–D condition. The Mn2O3/LiMn2O4 cathodes also exhibited better rate capabilities compared to the pristine LiMn2O4 cathodes. The improved electrochemical performance is ascribed to the porous Mn2O3 overlayer that not only protects the underlying LiMn2O4 film from direct exposure to the electrolyte but also provides efficient Li+ diffusion path during the C–D cycling.
Mg2+/F− co-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode material was synthesized by a facile one-step solid-state process. The effect of Mg2+/F− co-doping on grain morphology, phase structure, and electrochemical properties was studied by a series of characterizations. Scanning-electron-microscopy images show that Mg2+/F− co-doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (denoted LNMO-MF) particles grow larger than pure LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 particles. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic-voltammetry tests indicate that all samples mainly display a Fd-3m space group and more Mn3+ ions in the LNMO-MF sample after Mg2+/F− co-doping, which is conducive to increasing the cationic disorder degree and enhancing the electronic conductivity of electrode material. Results show that the LNMO-MF cathode material delivers an excellent rate performance with discharge capacities of 142, 144, 140 136, 132, 124, 115, and 100 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10C (1C = 140 mAh g−1), respectively. Remarkably, LNMO-MF also shows cycling stability with a capacity retention of 86.2% at 5C after 400 cycles, which is much higher than that of pure LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (67.7%). The improvement of LNMO-MF's electrochemical properties could be ascribed to the Mg2+/F− co-doping, delivering a more stable structure, better crystallinity, the highest Li+ diffusion coefficient, and the lowest charge-transfer resistance.
The main electrochemical properties of 3 V manganese oxides Li0.45MnO2.1 and Li0.45Mn0.85Co0.15O2.3 synthesized via a solution technique are reported. These materials are characterized by an attractive cycle life with a stable specific capacity in the voltage range 4.2–2 V between 165 and 195 mAh g−1 depending the C rate and the compound. Impedance spectroscopy is used to evaluate the chemical diffusion coefficient of lithium in both cathodic materials. D Li is found to be twofold higher in the Co-doped compound and little affected by Li concentration in the composition range 0.45<x<0.85. Analysis of impedance diagrams supports the existence of a passivating layer (Li+-ion conducting layer) onto the electrode when propylene carbonate is used as solvent or cosolvent. The presence of cobalt promotes the formation of this surface layer.
SnSe is a promising anode material in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its high theoretical capacity (780 mA h g−1) and natural abundance. Herein, we report SnSe nanoplates vertically grown on nitrogen-doped carbon (SnSe/NC) with strong Sn-C bonding for high-performance anode in SIBs, which are synthesized by a facial cation-exchange strategy. The vertically grown SnSe nanoplates with large interplanar spacing (0.58 nm), strong electronic coupling of Sn-C bonding between SnSe and NC facilitate the fast electron/ion transfer, enabling high pseudocapacitive Na-ion storage and enhanced power capability. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the presence of N heteroatoms in NC matrix has a pivotal influence on the formation of Sn-C bonding to stabilize the SnSe/NC structure. Moreover, the SnSe nanoplates of SnSe/NC exhibits low interlayer Na+ diffusion barrier (0.1 eV) and low energy barrier (0.14 eV/uc) from discharged product to pristine SnSe/NC, implying the fast Na+ diffusion capability and good reversibility. Consequently, the SnSe/NC exhibits large capacities of 723 and 88 mA h g−1 at 0.025 and 20 A g−1, respectively, and 82% capacity retention for over 200 cycles at 2 A g−1, boosting promising applications in high-performance SIBs.
The corrosion of zinc and Zn–0.5Ni alloy in strong alkaline solution (7M KOH) in the absence and presence of [Fe(CN)6]3− complex anion (1×10−3–1×10−2 M) as inhibitor has been studied. Tafel plot, potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques were used, and complementary by EDX and SEM investigation. It is observed that, the corrosion current density (I corr) decreases, and the inhibition efficiency (IE%) increases as the concentration of inhibitor is increased. The shift of breakdown potential to less positive direction, indicating that the reduction of oxide layer on the alloy surface occurs somewhat easier in the presence of [Fe(CN)6]3− complex anion. The impedance measurements have shown that the increase of the inhibitor concentration in the alkaline solution reduces the corrosion rate in the active region. Accordingly, addition of [Fe(CN)6]3− complex anion to KOH solution can be considered as an important criteria for a good battery anodes. This behavior is due to its high negative open-circuit potential, less corrosion rate and higher self-catalysis in the passive region compared with those in its absence.