batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Abstract Polyurethane (PU) is a very important material with versatile properties. Melt blending of polyurethane with an intrinsic conducting polymer can improve the polyurethane properties such as electrical conductivity, corrosion protection, and electromagnetic shielding. The properties of blends are dependent upon the compatibility of the blend constituents. The main aim of this chapter is to explain the various properties and application of conducting polyurethane blends which are produced by mixing conducting polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, or polythiophene with polyurethane. The rapid development of the new generation of electronic devices such as power sources, displays, and sensors requires intensive research on conducting polymer blends to improve the conductivity of insulating polymers and hence a wider application in fields such as electronics, electrical, automotive, aerospace, and the military.
The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BLLs) and the possible sources of exposure in the population of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to May 2008 in a representative sample of the Kinshasan population. BLL was measured in 275 individuals (53.4% women) aged 1–70 years in the urban area of Kinshasa and from 60 additional subjects in the rural area. Pb was also determined in environmental specimens (air and soil, indoor and outdoor). BLL in the study population ranged from 2.9 to 49.3 μg/dl (median, 9.9 μg/dl). The median BLL among children aged <6 years was 11.5 μg/dl (range: 3.0–37.8 μg/dl). Of these children, 71% had elevated BLL (≥10 μg/dl) and 22% had BLL ≥20 μg/dl. The proportion of elevated BLL (≥10 μg/dl) was higher for children aged <3 years than for children aged 3 to 5 years (97% vs 56%). A higher prevalence of elevated BLL was observed in urban compared with rural children (71% vs 20%). Significantly higher BLLs were also found in children whose mother consumed fired clay during pregnancy. Residential informal activities in the recycling of car batteries also contributed to elevated BLL in children. The elevated background of Pb exposure in the Kinshasan population indicates a public health issue that requires corrective actions. Pb-contaminated dust and air in children's home is an issue of public health concern. The use of leaded gasoline and the activities of car battery recycling in certain residences appear to constitute the main sources of exposure in the city of Kinshasa. The traditional use of fired clay for the treatment of gastritis by pregnant women is another significant contributor for elevated BLL in children.
Lithium-Ion batteries used for electric vehicle applications are subject to large currents and various operation conditions, making battery pack design and life extension a challenging problem. With increase in complexity, modeling and simulation can lead to insights that ensure optimal performance and life extension. In this manuscript, an electrochemical-thermal (ECT) coupled model for a 6 series × 5 parallel pack is developed for Li ion cells with NCA/C electrodes and validated against experimental data. Contribution of the cathode to overall degradation at various operating conditions is assessed. Pack asymmetry is analyzed from a design and an operational perspective. Design based asymmetry leads to a new approach of obtaining the individual cell responses of the pack from an average ECT output. Operational asymmetry is demonstrated in terms of effects of thermal gradients on cycle life, and an efficient model predictive control technique is developed. Concept of reconfigurable battery pack is studied using detailed simulations that can be used for effective monitoring and extension of battery pack life.
Research into alternative renewable energy generation is a priority, due to the ever-increasing concern of climate change. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are one potential avenue to be explored, as a partial solution towards combating the over-reliance on fossil fuel based electricity. Limitations have slowed the advancement of MFC development, including low power generation, expensive electrode materials and the inability to scale up MFCs to industrially relevant capacities. However, utilisation of new advanced electrode-materials (i.e. 2D nanomaterials), has promise to advance the field of electromicrobiology. New electrode materials coupled with a more thorough understanding of the mechanisms in which electrogenic bacteria partake in electron transfer could dramatically increase power outputs, potentially reaching the upper extremities of theoretical limits. Continued research into both the electrochemistry and microbiology is of paramount importance in order to achieve industrial-scale development of MFCs. This review gives an overview of the current field and knowledge in regards to MFCs and discusses the known mechanisms underpinning MFC technology, which allows bacteria to facilitate in electron transfer processes. This review focusses specifically on enhancing the performance of MFCs, with the key intrinsic factor currently limiting power output from MFCs being the rate of electron transfer to/from the anode; the use of advanced carbon-based materials as electrode surfaces is discussed.
The current study aimed to identify heterogeneous groups of adolescents differing on their levels of conduct problems (CP) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and compare them on startle reactivity to emotional videos (violent/erotic) during young adulthood. A Latent Profile Analysis, conducted among a longitudinal sample of 2306 adolescents, provided evidence for the existence of heterogeneous CP and CU subgroups (i.e., CP-only, CU-only, and CP+CU groups). Three years later, 82 young adults (Mage = 19.95), randomly selected from the identified groups, participated in an experiment assessing their startle eye-blink responses during violent, erotic and neutral video scenes. Self-report ratings of fear, valence and arousal to affective scenes were also collected. Findings suggested that adolescents high on CP and low on CU traits showed high startle potentiation when viewing violent scenes during young adulthood, while those high on both CP and CU traits showed diminished startle reactivity to violent stimuli. Individuals high on CU traits without CP showed similar startle reactivity to controls. Further, the findings indicate that startle potentiation to violent stimuli can be a reliable physiological marker to distinguish antisocial individuals with and without CU traits. The finding that the CU only group was not differentiated from the control group on startle reactivity when viewing violent stimuli might explain their lower likelihood of engaging in antisocial behavior.
Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are malformations of cortical development that present cortical dyslamination and abnormal cell morphology and are frequently associated with refractory epilepsy. FCD type IIb presents dysmorphic neurons (DNs) and balloon cells (BCs), which are the hallmarks of this dysplasia. Moreover, hypertrophic neurons (HyNs) may be present in FCD types I, II and III. The objective of this study was to perform a detailed morphology and immunophenotype study of BCs, DNs, and HyNs in a cohort of FCD IIb patients.
Graphene nanosheets (GNS) wrapped SnCo alloy nanoparticles are prepared by a chemical reduction method on an ice water bath. SnCo nanoparticles are dispersed uniformly on GNS and their particle sizes are around 8-12 nm, which are substantially smaller than the pristine SnCo particles (∼80-180 nm) prepared in the absence of GNS. The GNS-SnCo composite is fabricated as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. It shows a distinguished higher-than-theoretical capacity of 1117 mAh g−1 at 72 mA g−1, which is larger than bare GNS (727 mAh g−1) or Sn-Co particles (599 mAh g−1). Moreover, the GNS-SnCo composite shows a good rate performance at a large current of 720 mA g−1. A high capacity of 922 mAh g−1 is retained with more stable cycle life than that at a small current. These improved cycling performances are attributed to the complimentary effect of three elements. The mechanical stability of Sn upon cycling is improved by the presence of robust and electrically conductive GNS and the alleviated function of inactive cobalt element. The agglomeration of GNS is also hindered by the spacing effect of SnCo nanoparticles among neighboring GNS materials.
VRLA batteries offer a number of advantages compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. So they can be cycled in a partial state of charge. But limitations have to be observed, e.g., the negative electrode cannot be recharged separately and thus lost capacity cannot be regained. Furthermore, hydrogen evolution and grid corrosion must be in certain balance. At a too high hydrogen evolution rate the negative electrode will suffer gradual discharge. This might cause problem in hybrid-vehicle applications because of the unavoidably strong polarization during recuperation of braking energy.
Densities, viscosities and ionic conductivities of single salts and the binary eutectic mixtures of alkali bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amides, MTFSAs (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs), were measured in the temperature range of 413–573K. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the binary eutectic melts have wide electrochemical windows of 5.0–6.0V. It was found that alkali metals reversibly deposit on a nickel electrode at the cathode limit potentials. The order of the deposition potential was determined to be Na>Li>(K, Rb, Cs).
Lithium (Li) pulverization and associated large volume expansion during cycling is one of the most critical barriers for the safe operation of Li-metal batteries. Here, we report an approach to minimize the Li pulverization using an electrolyte based on a fluorinated orthoformate solvent. The solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed in this electrolyte clearly exhibits a monolithic feature, which is in sharp contrast with the widely reported mosaic- or multilayer-type SEIs that are not homogeneous and could lead to uneven Li stripping/plating and fast Li and electrolyte depletion over cycling. The highly homogeneous and amorphous SEI not only prevents dendritic Li formation, but also minimizes Li loss and volumetric expansion. Furthermore, this new electrolyte strongly suppresses the phase transformation of the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode (from layered structure to rock salt) and stabilizes its structure. Tests of high-voltage Li||NMC811 cells show long-term cycling stability and high rate capability, as well as reduced safety concerns.
Objective The Wuerzburger Psychologische Kurz-Diagnostik (WUEP-KD) is a short screening battery for cognitive deficits in children with brain tumour. We report on its psychometric quality and testing efficiency. Material and methods WUEP-KD was founded on Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) framework of cognitive abilities. We assessed the construct validity of the short battery by conducting factor analysis and the concurrent validity by multiple linear regressions with Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC). The concurrent validity was explored by multiple linear regressions with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC). The discriminant validity was examined by a reanalysis of harmful effects of brain tumour treatments in a medulloblastoma cohort. Results The construct validity assessment revealed three neuropsychological domains: cognitive operations, executive abilities, and psychomotor abilities. The retest reliabilities for individual testing and the convergent coefficients of the WUEP-KD with K-ABC and WISC yielded satisfactory results. The cognitive effects of different treatment modalities in the medulloblastoma cohort matched exactly previously reported data on the decline of general intelligence scores and delivered the details for the harmful effects. An in-depth analysis based on Hedges' g effect sizes confirmed specific harmful late effects on all abilities of cognitive operations, on the executive ability of perceptual speed and on psychomotor ability of movement steadiness. Conclusion WUEP-KD is a valid and efficient short test instrument, which may be especially useful in larger cohorts, multicenter settings or if patients do not tolerate longer tests. Due to its foundation on the CHC framework, our findings provide a rationale to create a common data set along with scores from other factor-based tests in international studies.
3D network-like mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanostructures have been successfully fabricated through a solvothermal route coupled with a post annealing treatment. Benefiting from its advantages of the unique 3D network-like structures with large specific surface area (170.6m2 g−1), abundant mesoporosity (5–10nm) and high electronic conductivity, the as-obtained NiCo2O4 manifests high specific capacitance of 931F g−1 at 3A g−1, remarkable capacity retention rate of 85.2 and 72.5% at 20 and 50A g−1 compared with 2A g−1 and superior cycling stability of 125.2% of initial capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 3A g−1. The excellent electrochemical performances coupled with its facile and cost-effective way will render the 3D network-like mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanostructures as attractive electrode materials for promising application in supercapacitors.
A coupling-analysis-based model to predict the capacity degradation of LiFePO4 batteries under multi-stress accelerated conditions has been developed. In this model, the joint effect on the battery capacity degradation of any 2 out of 5 stress factors, which include ambient temperature, end of discharge and charge voltage (EODV and EOCV), and discharge and charge rate, is studied through coupling validation tests. Coupling generally exists among these 5 stress factors, and the coupling intensity has a certain relationship with the stress levels. There is a critical stress level at which the coupling can be considered negligible, and when the stress level goes higher, coupling aggravates battery degradation exponentially. Additionally, the study also indicates that battery life shows stronger sensitivity to discharge rate and EOCV than to charge rate and EODV. The developed capacity degradation model based on the input of real operating conditions and coupling intensity calibration achieves error less than 15% when the cycling goes into the stable decay period, and the error converges gradually as the cycling continues.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is lifesaving for many critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, limited information is available about their ensuing neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes. We describe early ND outcomes in a cohort of children supported with ECMO for cardiac indications. Twenty-eight patients supported with ECMO at age < 36 months underwent later ND testing at 12–42 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). ND scores were compared with normative means and with ND outcomes of a matched cohort of 79 children with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery but not requiring ECMO support. Risk factors for worse ND outcomes were identified using multivariable linear regression models. Cardiac ECMO patients had ND scores at least one standard deviation below the normative mean in the gross motor (61%), language (43%), and cognitive (29%) domains of the Bayley-III. Cardiac ECMO patients had lower scores on the motor, language, and cognitive domains as compared to the matched non-ECMO group and clinically important (1/2 SD) differences in the motor domain persisted after controlling for primary caregiver education and number of cardiac catheterizations. Risk factors of worse ND outcomes among cardiac ECMO patients in more than one developmental domain included older age at first cannulation and more cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgical procedures prior to ND assessment. Overall, children supported on ECMO for cardiac indications have significant developmental delays and warrant close ND follow-up.
Liquid products from electrocatalytic CO2 reduction are often mixed with additional solutes in the electrolyte, meaning that downstream separation is required. Here, the authors design cells that use solid electrolytes to generate flows of CO2-derived liquid fuels with high concentrations that are free of extraneous ions.
The widely distributed Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) lives in extremely acidic conditions by fixing CO2 and nitrogen, and by obtaining energy from Fe2+ oxidation with either downhill or uphill electron transfer pathway and from reduced sulfur oxidation. A. ferrooxidans exists as different genomovars and its genome size is 2.89–4.18 Mb. The chemotactic movement of A. ferrooxidans is regulated by quorum sensing. A. ferrooxidans shows weak magnetotaxis due to formation of 15–70 nm magnetite magnetosomes with surface functional groups. The room- and low-temperature magnetic features of A. ferrooxidans are different from other magnetotactic bacteria. A. ferrooxidans has potential for removing sulfur from solids and gases, metals recycling from metal-bearing ores, electric wastes and sludge, biochemical production synthesizing, and metal workpiece machining.
Neuropsychology plays a vital role in the treatment of epilepsy, providing information on the effects of seizures on higher cortical functions through the measurement of behavioral abilities and disabilities. This is accomplished through the design, administration and interpretation of neuropsychological tests, including those used in functional neuroimaging or cortical mapping and in intracarotid anesthetic procedures. The objective of this paper is to define and summarize in some detail the role and methods of neuropsychologists in specialized epilepsy centers. Included are information and recommendations regarding basic ingredients of a thorough neuropsychological assessment in the epilepsy setting, as well as suggestions for an abbreviated alternative exam when needed, with emphasis on functions associated with specific brain regions. The paper is intended for novice and experienced neuropsychologists to enable them to develop or evaluate their current practices, and also for other clinicians, who seek a better understanding of the methodology underlying the neuropsychological input to their work.
Abstract The pressing need for green, renewable, alternative energy sources is due to the fast depletion of fossil fuels, increasing demands for energy, and the adverse effects of the use of fossil fuel on the environment. The world is embarking on ambitious solar and wind energy projects, as they can meet future energy requirements. However, supplied energy from these sources is intermittent and weather-dependent. Therefore, it is necessary to store the energy generated from these sources for continuous supply. Thus, electrical storage technologies are essential for both storing excess power and for meeting peak power demands (Tiwari and Mishra, 2011). The leading energy storage technologies include flywheels, superconducting magnetic energy storage, compressed air energy storage, water electrolysis and electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries (Alotto et al., 2014). However, high installation costs and poor efficiency are the major limitations of their widespread use. Batteries and electrochemical capacitors can be cost-effective and allow for flexibility in deployment. Battery technologies are also ideal for transportation where instant power needs to be available for the vehicle for reasonable lengths of time. They are inexpensive and ensure high levels of safety, reliability, and durability. They come in various sizes and capacities, suitable for stationary and portable applications over a broad spectrum of human activity (Dunn et al., 2011).
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PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is currently one of the most produced and used plastic materials, although its' development has been far from straightforward. This paper describes how this material, from its early commercial production on until recently, has been subject to various criticisms concerning health and environmental hazards, but despite and thanks to these criticisms became deeply entrenched in society. Hughes' systems approach proves useful to understand this history; various ways of how the PVC industry has been dealing with reverse salients are revealed. However, to understand these processes, the systems approach has to be broadened with a network-oriented perspective. Outside influences on the system have to be accounted for, as well as negotiation processes between different (sub) systems. Finally, the PVC history suggests that the dynamics of the inter-system relations might be used for de-entrenchment strategies, by addressing higher system levels or overlapping systems, or by stimulating the entrenchment of alternative (sub) systems.
Hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C microspheres, which are composed of primary nanoparticles with a size of about 30 nm, have been designed and synthesized through polymer regulation and subsequent carbonization processes. The as-synthesized microspheres were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, XPS measurements and so on. It was found that polyethylene glycol acted as a structure-directing agent, mild reducing agent and carbon source in the formation of these hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C microspheres. Moreover, the electrochemical property of the microspheres was also investigated in this work. Evaluated as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C electrode delivered the discharge specific capacities of 665 and 588 mAh/g after 100 cycles at current densities of 100 and 200 mA/g, respectively. The satisfactory cycling performance and controllable process facilitate the practical applications of the hierarchical mesoporous MoO2/Mo2C/C as a potential anode material in high-energy density lithium-ion batteries.
The design criteria for modern sustainable development of vehicle powertrain are the high energy efficiency of the conversion system, the competitive cost and the lowest possible environmental impacts. In this article a multi-objective optimization methodology is applied on hybrid electric vehicles study in order to define the optimal powertrain configurations of the vehicle, estimate the cost of the powertrain equipment and show the environmental impact of the technical choices on the lifecycle perspective of the vehicle. The study illustrates optimal design solutions for low fuel consumption vehicles – between 2L/100km and 3L/100km. For that a simulation model of a hybrid electric vehicle is made. This model is coupled with a cost model for the vehicle. The techno–economic optimizations are performed for two case studies, illustrating the possibilities of the optimization superstructure. Firstly the life cycle inventory is written as a function of the parameters of the techno–economic model. In this way, the obtained environmental indicators from the life cycle assessment are calculated as a function of the decision variables for the vehicle design. In the second example the parameters of the energy distribution function are included as decision variables in the techno–economic optimization and are simultaneously optimized.