batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Time-of-use (TOU) energy cost management involves the use of energy storage systems (ESSs) by customers to reduce their electricity bills. The ESS is charged during off-peak time periods, when electricity energy prices are low, and discharged during times when on-peak energy prices are applied. This article addresses the question whether it is economically viable to install medium-scale distributed ESSs designed to lower the electricity cost for a customer-side application, assuming flexible electricity tariffs. The technical/economical evaluation is carried out referring to lithium-ion (Li-ion), sodium sulfur (NaS) and vanadium redox battery (VRB) technologies, performing a parametric analysis by changing the capital cost of the batteries and the difference between the maximum and minimum electricity price. A case study is performed to show the advantages/disadvantages of the proposed approach. The analysis reveals that, at the current costs of ESSs, the use of batteries for TOU applications is economically advantageous for a public institution facility in Italy only if there is a significant difference between the maximum and the minimum electricity price. The decrease in the cost of storage, stimulated by the implementation of support policies, will make ESS even more convenient for load shifting applications.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, lethal, neurodegenerative disorder. The causes of ALS are still obscure. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction can be implicated in ALS pathogenesis. DJ-1 plays an important role in the oxidative stress response. The aim of this study was to discover whether there are changes in DJ-1 expression or in DJ-1-oxidized isoforms in an animal model of ALS. We used mutant SOD1G93A transgenic mice, a commonly used animal model for ALS. Upregulation of DJ-1 mRNA and protein levels were identified in the brains and spinal cords of SOD1G93A transgenic mice as compared to wild-type controls, evident from an early disease stage. Furthermore, an increase in DJ-1 acidic isoforms was detected, implying that there are more oxidized forms of DJ-1 in the CNS of SOD1G93A mice. This is the first report of possible involvement of DJ-1 in ALS. Since DJ-1 has a protective role against oxidative stress, it may suggest a possible therapeutic target in ALS.
Long-term right ventricular pacing is associated with left ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyopathy, particularly in pediatric patients and those with congenital heart disease (CHD). Research has shown that pacing-induced cardiomyopathy can be reversed with nonselective or selective His bundle pacing in adults, however, the information available about the use of this type of therapy in pediatrics and CHD is scarce. We performed a retrospective chart review of all the cases of His or left bundle pacing at the University of Minnesota, division of Pediatric Cardiology from January of 2019 to April of 2020. Parametric data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Non-parametric data are presented as median value with interquartile ranges. Eight patients, ages 8 to 18 years (median of 11.5) and weight from 21.5 to 81.6 kg (median of 40 kg) underwent this procedure successfully. The most common structural heart disease was a repaired peri-membranous ventricular septal defect. Three patients (37.5%) had selective and three (37.5%) had nonselective His bundle pacing, and two patients (25%) had left bundle pacing. There were two cases of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy and each had a 14% and 16% improvement of the ejection fraction after nonselective His bundle pacing. There were no procedural complications. Selective and nonselective His bundle, as well as left bundle pacing may be a feasible procedure in pediatric patients with and without CHD. This procedure may improve pacing-induced cardiomyopathy in this population.
Metal-free octacyanophthalocyanine (H2PcOC), one of the strongest organic acceptors with fair stability and electric conductivity, was examined as the cathode-active material of a lithium battery composed of (metallic lithium/electrolyte solution/H2PcOC). The capacity and energy density based on the quantity of cathode-active material were 137 mA h g−1 and 222 W h kg−1 at 1 V cutoff, respectively. The cycle life of this battery exceeded 20 at the discharge depth of three electron reduction (112 mA h g−1) per H2PcOC unit. It was found that H2PcOC is a promising candidate as the cathode-active material for lithium secondary batteries.
In the process development of a new spring for shock absorption in motorcycles, fatigue resistance cannot always reach the design standard. Spring fractures were sent to the author for failure analysis to identify reason behind and proposals for improvements were expected. Based on information from the spring manufacturer and spring fracture analysis, the reason for earlier breakage than design standard was determined to be process flaws. More specifically insufficient shot peening and embrittlement induced from electroplating were observed. This has been demonstrated by experimental results from an uncoated spring. A process optimization was proposed, and now, spring fatigue life has reached the design standard with the optimized process.
The chemical stability of La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 perovskite as an electrocatalyst in bifunctional oxygen electrodes has been studied by ex-situ and in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. The catalyst was investigated ex-situ as a powder mixed with BN, and in-situ on carbon supports in bilayer air electrodes at different potentials in an electrochemical cell with an alkaline electrolyte. It was found to be stable for at least 1300 h in electrodes operated under the conditions of rechargeable Zn/air cells.
A simple and effective method has been developed to synthesize a nano-sized LiFePO4/PAS (polyacenic semiconductor) composite. The LiFePO4 particles coated and connected by PAS are uniformly distributed in the range of 50–80nm. The electronic conductivity of this material is as high as 1.2×10−1 S/cm due to the conductive network of PAS. In comparison with the micro-LiFePO4/PAS, the nano-LiFePO4/PAS exhibits much better rate performance. At the 12-min charge–discharge rate, the power and energy densities of the nano-LiFePO4/PAS are shown as 2063W/kg and 412Wh/kg, which are much higher than those of the micro-LiFePO4/PAS (1600W/kg and 320Wh/kg). It is especially notable that the nano-LiFePO4/PAS cathode without adding Super P shows similar electrochemical behaviors with the cathode adding Super P at all C-rates. Thus, such cathode without adding Super P will enlarge both the volume energy density and weight energy density of batteries. In addition, this cathode exhibits an excellent long-term cyclability, retaining over 95.4% of its original discharge capacity beyond 500 cycles at 0.2C rate. These favorable electrochemical performances should be attributed to its nanometric particle size and the high electronic conductivity.
This paper addresses the issue of managing power consumption in multicore smartphones via a middleware layer that schedules optimal number of cores for currently running applications taking into account the tradeoff between power consumption, performance and user experience. The paper first describes a simple and accurate method to measure the overall power consumption and then studies the impact of scheduling seven different popular applications over one to four cores on the overall power consumption. Based on this study, the paper proposes three new power-aware scheduling algorithms that dynamically schedule optimal number of cores as well as dynamically adjust the voltage frequency of each online core to achieve the best tradeoff between power consumption, application performance and user experience under the current context. Evaluation from a prototype implementation of the middleware on a quad-core HTC One shows that these algorithms result in significant reduction in power consumption while ensuring good performance and user experience.
College students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are at risk for poorer academic outcomes and greater psychopathology and it is important to identify factors that are amenable to intervention and enhance college outcomes. Recent literature has entertained happiness as a potential predictor of various success outcomes and it has been suggested that parsing the concept of happiness into hedonia (seeking pleasure and relaxation) and eudaimonia (seeking meaning) may be particularly useful. This study examined the relations between hedonic and eudaimonic motives for action and student outcomes; that is, academic achievement and their negative emotional states, in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse urban college population. Undergraduate students (N = 119; mean age = 21.24 [SD = 3.16] years; 59.7% female) completed self-reported measures of hedonic and eudaimonic motives for action, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Semester GPA was collected from school records. Hedonic motives for action (“Hedonia”) were not associated with GPA or students’ negative emotional states. Eudaimonic motives for action (“Eudaimonia”), however, were significantly positively associated with GPA, Individuals with high levels of both Hedonia and Eudaimonia (the Full Life) had higher GPAs compared to individuals with low Eudaimonia, but did not differ from students with high Eudaimonia and low Hedonia (Eudaimonic Life). Eudaimonia was also significantly negatively associated with Depression and Stress, and individuals high in Eudaimonia had the lowest levels of both of these outcomes compared to those with low Eudaimonia. Eudaimonic motives may be important for more desirable college outcomes, and interventions that promote development of this domain may hold promise.
In recent years, the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay has become a reference technique for the assessment of DNA fragmentation both in vitro and in vivo at the cellular level. In order to improve the throughput of genotoxicity screening, development of fully automated systems is clearly a must. This would allow us to increase processing time and to avoid subjectivity brought about by frequent manual settings required for the ‘classical’ analysis systems. To validate a fully automatic system developed in our laboratory, different experiments were conducted in vitro on murine P388D1 cells with increasing doses of ethyl methanesulfonate (up to 5mM), thus covering a large range of DNA damage (up to 80% of DNA in the tail). The present study (1) validates our ‘in house’ fully automatic system versus a widely used semi-automatic commercial system for the image-analysis step, and versus the human eye for the image acquisition step, (2) shows that computing tail DNA a posteriori on the basis of a curve fitting concept that combines intensity profiles [G. Dehon, P. Bogaerts, P. Duez, L. Catoire, J. Dubois, Curve fitting of combined comet intensity profiles: a new global concept to quantify DNA damage by the comet assay, Chemom. Intell. Lab. Syst. 73 (2004) 235–243] gives results not significantly different from the ‘classical’ approach but is much more accurate and easy to undertake and (3) demonstrates that, with these increased performances, the number of comets to be scored can be reduced to a minimum of 20 comets per slide without sacrificing statistical reliability.
We hypothesized that college major persistence would be predicted by first-year academic performance and an interest-major composite score that is derived from a student’s entering major and two work task scores. Using a large data set representing 25 four-year institutions and nearly 50,000 students, we randomly split the sample into an estimation sample and a validation sample. Using the estimation sample, we found major-specific coefficients corresponding to the two work task scores that optimized the prediction of major persistence. Then, we applied the estimated coefficients to the validation sample to form an interest-major composite score representing the likelihood of persisting in entering major. Using the validation sample, we then tested a theoretical model for major persistence that incorporated academic preparation, the interest-major composite score, and first-year academic performance. The results suggest that (1) interest-major fit and first-year academic performance work to independently predict whether a student will stay in their entering major and (2) the relative importance of two work task scores in predicting major persistence depends on the entering major. The results support Holland’s theory of person-environment fit and suggest that academic performance and interest-major fit are key constructs for understanding major persistence behavior.
Na+-intercalated MnO2 is synthesized via hydrothermal reduction. For comparison, the pristine and K+-intercalated MnO2 are also synthesized and characterized. Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods have been carried out to study the electrochemical properties of the obtained MnO2 electrode. Na+-intercalated MnO2 electrode shows the improved Na+ diffusion coefficient and electrical conductivity, which is suitable for supercapacitor. A specific capacitance (based on Na+-intercalated MnO2) of 295 F·g−1 at a current density of 1 A·g−1 is obtained in Na2SO4 aqueous solution. Such results suggest that pre-intercalation of alkaline cations into Mn oxides is an effective method to enhance the electrochemical activity in alkaline electrolytes. Moreover, an all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor based on Na+-intercalated MnO2 electrode is assembled and tested.
Critical issues such as oxygen release during battery cycling plague the development of high-energy Li-rich oxide cathodes. Here the authors report a Li-gradient structure of the oxides, obtained by a selective LiO leaching process via a molten salt treatment, displaying virtually zero oxygen loss.
Nanostructured copper containing materials of CuO, Cu3(PO4)3 and Cu2P2O7 have been prepared by solid-state pyrolysis of molecular CuCl2·NC5H4OH (I), CuCl2·CNCH2C6H4OH (II), oligomeric [Cu(PPh3)Cl]4 (III), N3P3[OC6H4CH2CN·CuCl]6[PF6] (IV), N3P3[OC6H5]5[OC5H4N·Cu][PF6] (V), polymeric chitosan·(CuCl2) n (VI) and polystyrene-co-4-vinylpyridine PS-b-4-PVP·(CuCl2) (VII) precursors. The products strongly depend on the precursor used. The pyrolytic products from phosphorus-containing precursors (III), (IV) and (V) are Cu phosphates or pyrophosphates, while non-phosphorous-containing precursors (VI) and (VII), result in mainly CuO. The use of chitosan as a solid-state template/stabilizer induces the formation of CuO and Cu2O nanoparticles. Copper pyrophosphate (Cu2P2O7) deposited on Si using (IV) as the precursor exhibits single-crystal dots of average diameter 100nm and heights equivalent to twice the unit cell b-axis (1.5–1.7nm) and an areal density of 5.1–7.7Gigadots/in.2. Cu2P2O7 deposited from precursor (VI) exhibits unique labyrinthine high surface area deposits. The morphology of CuO deposited on Si from pyrolysis of (VI) depends on the polymer/Cu meta ratio. Magnetic measurements performed using SQUID on CuO nanoparticle networks suggest superparamagnetic behavior. The results give insights into compositional, shape and morphological control of the as-formed nanostructures through the structure of the precursors.
The high illiteracy rates in the North African and Middle Eastern region make direct cognitive testing challenging. Validated instruments for dementia in Arabic language are lacking specially those targeting low-educated subjects.
As a promising alternative anode material, silicon (Si) presents a larger capacity than the commercial anode to achieve large capacity lithium-ion batteries. However, the application of pure Si as anode is hampered by limitations such as volume expansion, low conductivity and unstable solid electrolyte interphase. To break through these limitations, the core-shell Si@Li4Ti5O12 nanocomposite, which was prepared via in-situ self-assembly reaction and decompressive boiling fast concentration method, was proposed in this work. This anode combines the advantages of nano-sized Si particle and pure Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) coating layer, improving the performance of the lithium-ion batteries. The Si@Li4Ti5O12 anode displays a high initial discharge/charge specific capacity of 1756/1383 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 (representing high initial coulombic efficiency of 78.8%), a large rate capability (specific capacity of 620 mAh g−1 at 4000 mA g−1), an outstanding cycling stability (reversible specific capacity of 883 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles) and a low volume expansion rate (only 3.3% after 150 cycles). Moreover, the synthesis process shows the merits of efficiency, simplicity, and economy, providing a reliable method to fabricate large capacity Si@Li4Ti5O12 nanocomposite anode materials for practical lithium-ion batteries.
The conversion reaction can provide a high specific capacity through a multiple electron transmission in redox reaction, but there are few studies on the conversion-reaction-based cathode materials in sodium ion batteries (SIBs) currently. The Cu3(PO4)2 material based on conversion reaction has gradually attracted researchers' attention due to its high specific capacity, good thermal stability, etc. However, the reversibility of Cu3(PO4)2 in the conversion reaction process is poor, resulting in the short cycle life. To solve this problem, the Cu3(PO4)2 with different thickness of amorphous layer was synthesized by controlling the solid phase reaction temperature. It was found that the Cu3(PO4)2 with a 3 nm amorphous layer showed an enhanced cyclic stability. The reversible capacity remained at 112 mAh g−1 after 30 cycles under a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Further electrochemical characterization showed that the suitable thickness of amorphous layer can maintain the reaction products Na3PO4 and Cu a good electrical contact and bring a good charge transfer ability even after conversion reaction. It promoted the reversibility in conversion process and led to an enhanced cycle performance. The mechanism discussed in this paper may provide reference for improving the performance of other conversion-reaction-based materials.
From typhoons to wildfires, as the visible impacts of climate change mount, calls for mitigation through carbon drawdown are escalating. Environmentalists and many climatologists are urging steps to enhance biological methods of carbon drawdown and sequestration. Market actors seeing avenues for profit have launched ventures in mechanical–chemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR), seeking government support for their methods. Governments are responding. Given the strong, if often unremarked, momentum of demands for public subsidy of these commercial methods, on what cogent bases can elected leaders make decisions that, first and foremost, meet societal needs? To address this question, we reviewed the scientific and technical literature on CDR, focusing on two methods that have gained most legislative traction: point-source capture and direct air capture–which together we term “industrial carbon removal” (ICR), in contrast to biological methods. We anchored our review in a standard of “collective biophysical need,” which we define as a reduction of the level of atmospheric CO2. For each ICR method, we sought to determine (1) whether it sequesters more CO2 than it emits; (2) its resource usage at scale; and (3) its biophysical impacts. We found that the commercial ICR (C-ICR) methods being incentivized by governments are net CO2 additive: CO2 emissions exceed removals. Further, the literature inadequately addresses the resource usage and biophysical impacts of these methods at climate-significant scale. We concluded that dedicated storage, not sale, of captured CO2 is the only assured way to achieve a reduction of atmospheric CO2. Governments should therefore approach atmospheric carbon reduction as a public service, like water treatment or waste disposal. We offer policy recommendations along this line and call for an analysis tool that aids legislators in applying biophysical considerations to policy choices.
Carbon nanotubes are chemically activated to create hierarchical multiscale porosity while maintaining an excellent electrical conductivity. The lithium-sulfur battery consisting of an activated carbon nanotube (aCNT)/sulfur cathode and an aCNT-modified separator with an optimal composition delivers an excellent reversible capacity of 621 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C with an exceptionally low degradation rate of 0.043% per cycle. The fascinating performance arises from the ameliorating functional characteristics of aCNTs in both the two battery components. The highly porous, conductive aCNT network facilitates fast electron/ion transport and easy electrolyte penetration into the cathode, facilitating full utilization of active materials. The aCNT layer deposited on separator effectively constrains the polysulfide shuttling by physically blocking their migration to the anode while immobilizing polysulfides by strong adsorption onto the micropores of aCNT surface, as validated by microscopic images and molecular dynamic simulations.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse effects. We aimed to classify the effects of 24 known EDCs, prevalent in certain occupations, according to four modes of action (estrogenic, antiestrogenic, androgenic, and/or antiandrogenic). A literature search, stratified into four types of literature was conducted (namely: national and international agency reports; review articles; primary studies; ToxCastTM). The state of the evidence of each EDC on sex hormone function was summarized and reviewed by an expert panel. For each mode of action, the experts evaluated the likelihood of endocrine disruption in five categories: “No”, “Unlikely”, “Possibly”, “Probably”, and “Yes”. Seven agents were categorized as “Yes,” or having strong evidence for their effects on sex hormone function (antiandrogenic: lead, arsenic, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate; estrogenic: nonylphenol, bisphenol A). Nine agents were categorized as “Probable,” or having probable evidence (antiandrogenic: bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, nonylphenol, toluene, bisphenol A, diisononyl phthalate; androgenic: cadmium; estrogenic: copper, cadmium and; anti-estrogenic: lead). Two agents (arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls) had opposing conclusions supporting both “probably” estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This synthesis will allow researchers to evaluate the health effects of selected EDCs with an added level of precision related to the mode of action.
The understanding of volume change mechanism of silicon electrode is necessary to design a new negative electrode using silicon-based active materials. Here, the drastic volume expansion of one silicon secondary particle with μm-size was in-situ observed in order to find apparent volume expansion ratio during the first charging by using single particle measurement technique. The apparent volume expansion accompanied with the first lithiation is much larger than theoretical expectation due to the agglutination state and anisotropic property. The importance of direct observation with the single particle measurement has been affirmed for understanding the characteristics of silicon electrodes.