batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
The use of efficient, innovative and cost effective renewable energy systems in order to produce potable water seems to be a very promising research objective for scientists, engineers and economists, since the choice of the appropriate technologies is combined with the fact that these systems should be economically feasible. This paper presents a general concept of designing a desalination system which uses a solar collectors’ field to drive a reverse osmosis process through an Organic Rankine Cycle. The auxiliary equipment power demand (i.e. cooling pump, collectors’ circulator and working fluid pump) is satisfied by a hybrid system based on a PV generator. An inverter is used to convert the DC to AC current while a battery array is also integrated into the system as energy storage. In order to make a complete study of the system, the pumping loads through the sea and to the area’s municipal water network have been taken into consideration. The objective of the current work is to study an autonomous desalination system that can be applied to several Greek islands where two problems are to be solved at the same time: the lack of potable water and the absence of electrical grid. The investigation of the financial conditions for the realization of a feasible project of an integrated hybrid desalination system (including Solar Thermal and PV technology) is finally presented.
High and variable levels of salinity were investigated in an intermittent stream in a high-rainfall area (∼800 mm/year) of the Mt. Lofty Ranges of South Australia. The groundwater system was found to have a local, upslope saline lens, referred to here as a groundwater salinity ‘hotspot’. Environmental tracer analyses (δ18O, δ2H, 87/86Sr, and major elements) of water from the intermittent stream, a nearby permanent stream, shallow and deep groundwater, and soil-water/runoff demonstrate seasonal groundwater input of very saline composition into the intermittent stream. This input results in large salinity increases of the stream water because the winter wet-season stream flow decreases during spring in this Mediterranean climate. Furthermore, strontium and water isotope analyses demonstrate: (1) the upslope-saline-groundwater zone (hotspot) mixes with the dominant groundwater system, (2) the intermittent-stream water is a mixture of soil-water/runoff and the upslope saline groundwater, and (3) the upslope-saline-groundwater zone results from the flushing of unsaturated-zone salts from the thick clayey regolith and soil which overlie the metamorphosed shale bedrock. The preferred theory on the origin of the upslope-saline-groundwater hotspot is land clearing of native deep-rooted woodland, followed by flushing of accumulated salts from the unsaturated zone due to increased recharge. This cause of elevated groundwater and surface-water salinity, if correct, could be widespread in Mt. Lofty Ranges areas, as well as other climatically and geologically similar areas with comparable hydrogeologic conditions.
Sensitive identification of the etiology of viral diseases is key to implementing appropriate prevention and treatment. The gold standard for virus identification is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that allows for highly specific and sensitive detection of pathogens by exponentially amplifying a specific region of DNA from as little as a single copy through thermocycling a biochemical cocktail. Today, molecular biology laboratories use commercial instruments that operate in 0.5–2 h/analysis using reaction volumes of 5–50 μL contained within polymer tubes or chambers. Towards reducing this volume and maintaining performance, we present a semi-quantitative, systematic experimental study of how PCR yield is affected by tube/chamber substrate, surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA:V), and passivation methods. We perform PCR experiments using traditional PCR tubes as well as using disposable polymer microchips with 1 μL reaction volumes thermocycled using water baths. We report the first oil encapsulation microfluidic PCR method without fluid flow and its application to the first microfluidic amplification of Epstein Barr virus using consensus degenerate primers, a powerful and broad PCR method to screen for both known and novel members of a viral family. The limit of detection is measured as 140 starting copies of DNA from a starting concentration of 3 × 105 copies/mL, regarded as an accepted sensitivity threshold for diagnostic purposes, and reaction specificity was improved as compared to conventional methods. Also notable, these experiments were conducted with conventional reagent concentrations, rather than commonly spiked enzyme and/or template mixtures. This experimental study of the effects of substrate, SA:V, and passivation, together with sensitive and specific microfluidic PCR with consensus degenerate primers represent advances towards lower cost and higher throughput pathogen screening.
Herein, we report a facile and scalable method of synthesizing NiMoO4 nanoparticle embedded mesoporous hollow carbon nanofibers by electrospinning. We have synthesized four different NiMoO4-carbon composite nanostructures, each containing a different composition of NiMoO4 and carbon. Amongst these, the composite nanostructure with 50% (wt.) of NiMoO4 displayed an excellent specific capacity of 575Cg−1 (1438Fg−1) at 1Ag−1 current density and a capacity retention of 88% after 3000 cycles; while the pure electrospun NiMoO4 nanofibers displayed a specific capacity of 385Cg−1 (836Fg−1) and a capacity retention of only 72%. An asymmetric supercapacitor fabricated from this composite nanostructure and activated carbon displayed a high specific capacity of 135Cg−1 (85Fg−1) at 1Ag−1 and a capacity retention of 92% after 3000 cycles. A high energy density of 30WhKg−1 and a power density of 403WKg−1 have been achieved. The enhanced capacity of the NiMoO4-carbon composite nanofibers could be attributed to the mesoporous size of the hollow carbon nanofibers (∼3.4nm), their high specific surface area (∼253m2 g−1) and the increased reactivity due to the nanosized metal oxide particles. The improved cyclability can be attributed to the structural stability gained by embedment of the particles into the hollow carbon matrix that acts as a buffer during the volume changes of the cycling process. Furthermore, the encapsulation of the particles by the onion-like graphitic carbon layers prevents the particles from dislodging from the carbon matrix. The synergistic effects from NiMoO4 and carbon enhances the performance that could not be obtained by either of these components alone. These results show that these NiMoO4-carbon composite nanofibers could be promising materials for high performance supercapacitors.
In this work, 1–butyl–3–methyl imidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (BMITf) is employed as ionic liquid in polymer blend electrolyte system based on poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and poly(vinylidenefluoride–co–hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF–HFP) in the weight ratio of 70 to 30. The films were prepared by solution casting. Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiTf) is the lithium ion (Li+) provider. Addition of BMITf into the optimized PEMA/PVdF–HFP–LiTf composition increased the ionic conductivity of the system. The highest room temperature ionic conductivity of 8.59×10−5 S cm−1 was exhibited by PEMA/PVdF–HFP–LiTf containing 60wt.% BMITf. Vibrational studies by FTIR show that the imidazolium cation (BMI+) interacts with the oxygen atoms in C=O and C–O–C groups of PEMA, and also fluorine atoms in CF2 groups of PVdF–HFP. Addition of BMITf into the PEMA/PVdF–HFP–LiTf system increases the amount of free ions leading to improvement in the ionic conductivity. The thermal stability of the polymer electrolytes is improved to above 275°C by the addition of BMITf.
As a fundamental research on the optimization of electrolyte composition in practical electrochemical capacitor device, double-layer capacitance at Glassy Carbon (GC) and Boron-doped Diamond (BDD), as typical smooth-surface carbon electrodes, has been studied as a function of the electrolyte composition in organic media. Specific capacitance (differential capacitance: Fcm−2) determined by an AC impedance method, in which no contribution of mass-transport effects is included, corresponded well to integrated capacitance evaluated by conventional cyclic voltammetry. The specific capacitance at the GC electrode varied with polarized potential and showed clear PZC (potential of zero charge), while the potential dependence of the capacitance at BDD was very small. The effects of the solvent and the electrolytic salt on the capacitance behavior were common for both electrodes. That is, the sizes of the solvent molecule and the electrolytic ion (cation) strongly affected the capacitance at these smooth-surface carbon electrodes.
SARS-CoV-2 is a novel β-coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic disease, which spread rapidly, infecting more than 134 million people, and killing almost 2.9 million thus far. Based on the urgent need for therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, the identification and characterization of antibodies has been accelerated, since they have been fundamental in treating other viral diseases. Here, we summarized in an integrative manner the present understanding of the immune response and physiopathology caused by SARS-CoV-2, including the activation of the humoral immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection and therefore, the synthesis of antibodies. Furthermore, we also discussed about the antibodies that can be generated in COVID-19 convalescent sera and their associated clinical studies, including a detailed characterization of a variety of human antibodies and identification of antibodies from other sources, which have powerful neutralizing capacities. Accordingly, the development of effective treatments to mitigate COVID-19 is expected. Finally, we reviewed the challenges faced in producing potential therapeutic antibodies and nanobodies by cell factories at an industrial level while ensuring their quality, efficacy, and safety.
In this paper, safe techno-economic sizing methodology of a standalone photovoltaic system is investigated. It is proposed to size the system on the basis of solar radiation measurements. Then, Markov transition matrices (MTM) are used to simulate stochastic cloud cover sequences. Each sizing is then tested on a large number of scenarios. It is thus possible to use a statistical approach of the sizing results, in particular on the Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), which is highly sensitive to the stochastic nature of cloud cover. A case study (Saint-Martin en Haut, in France) is given to illustrate this methodology.
A systematic study on the lack of dissimilatory nitrate reductase (NAR) properties in Halomonas strains had been reported so far. The effects of different factors on Halomonas sp. B01 NAR activity were investigated. The salt tolerance of NAR was characterized. The denitrification process under high salt conditions was reported. Halomonas sp. B01 expressed membrane-bound NAR under induced culture by nitrate. The optimum pH of the enzyme reaction system was 8, and the optimum temperature was 30 °C. The mRNA expression abundance of narH in NAR encoding gene was highest in the 60 g/L NaCl inducing matrix. The NaCl concentration of optimum growth and induction of NAR were both 60 g/L. The ectoine added to the NAR vitro enzyme reaction system could maintain NAR activity under high NaCl concentration. In the range of 0–60 g/L NaCl, the NAR activity was stable at 17.7 (± 0.3) U/mg. The denitrification was performed by Halomonas sp. B01 at 60 g/L NaCl, and the denitrification rate reached 97.1% at 24 h. This study reveals for the first time the NAR properties of Halomonas strains, which provides a theoretical and technical basis for the nitrogen removal of high-salt nitrogenous wastewater using this strain.
Aims of the study In a first attempt for establishing the possible utilization of polyphenolic extracts from barks of Canadian wood species in psoriasis treatment, we aimed to study (a) their antioxidant capacity, (b) their toxicological properties on normal human keratinocytes (NHK), and (c) their effect on the growth of normal and psoriatic keratinocytes (PK). Materials and methods Polyphenolic extracts were obtained by 90% ethanolic maceration and hot water extraction (HWE). Scavenging capacity was evaluated towards hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl, superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxyl radicals. MTT assay and Trypan blue dye exclusion (TBDE) method were used for evaluating the initial toxicity of the most antioxidant extracts on NHK during 24 and 48h. The effects of extracts on the growth of NHK and PK at non-toxic concentrations were determined after exposure for 48h. Results Yellow birch extract obtained by maceration (YBMac) and black spruce extract obtained by HWE (BSHWE) were determined to have the highest antioxidant capacity, but BSHWE was less toxic on NHK. Toxicity of extracts on keratinocyte plasma membrane and mitochondria after 24h was attributed to their content of hydroxycinnamic acids and proanthocyanidins. BSHWE inhibited the growth of NHK and non-lesional PK, but was not selective for lesional PK. Conclusion Given that BSHWE presented elevated content of total phenols and flavonoids and showed a low toxicity on NHK as well as an adequate chemical reactivity towards different radicals and some antiproliferative properties, it was considered as the most valuable extract obtained from barks of Canadian wood species.
The aim of the investigation is to determine and compare the basic characteristics of the pores in battery separators using mercury porosimetry, which measures the volume of mercury penetrating into the pores, capillary flow porometry, which measures the flow rate passing through the pores, and scanning electron microscopy. Two groups of separators are investigated: PVC and glass mat.Two types of each group are analysed: PVC-R and PVC-E supplied by different manufacturers; and AGM and MAGM (modified AGM—new product developed by LABD at IEES). It has been established that: the PVC-R and PVC-E separators have similar porous structures; the AGM separator and MAGM separator have different pore size distribution, as clearly evidenced by the flow porometry data; though the glass mat separators have greater total pore volume (respective porosity), the PVC separators are characterized by greater permeability, because the pores in their narrowest part have greater diameters than those for the glass mat separators. The two methods used, mercury porosimetry and capillary flow porometry, give information about different characteristics of the porous structure. A combination of both methods will provide a more detailed information about the porous structure of the separators and a clearer idea about the dynamics of the processes that take place in the lead-acid batteries, than the data supplied by each of the techniques used alone.
Sn/SnO2/C ternary composite with core-shell structures is synthesized using a hydrothermal method and subsequent heat treatment at 973 K. This Sn/SnO2/C composite exhibits the micro-sphere structure that nanosized Sn and SnO2 particles are well encapsulated in the carbon matrix. As anode for sodium-ion batteries, the composite displays superior cycling stability and rate capability to SnO2/C and Sn/C composites. It delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1110 mAh g−1 with good cyclability. Even at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, a reversible capacity of 120 mAh g−1 is still remained. The enhanced sodium storage performance of Sn/SnO2/C anode is attributed to the synergistic effect provided by Sn, SnO2 and unique core-shell structure. Since the deformation of Sn can increase the reversible capacity of the SnO2 electrode and the carbon matrix could act as a buffer to accommodate the volume change.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received a lot of attention because of their diverse structures, tunable properties and multiple applications such as gas storage, catalysis and magnetism. Recently, there has been a rapidly growing interest in developing MOF-based materials for electrochemical energy storage. MOFs have proved to be particularly suitable for electrochemical applications because of their tunable chemical composition that can be designed at the molecular level and their highly porous framework in which fast mass transportation of the related species is favorable. In this review, the recent progress in fabricating MOFs and MOF-derived nanostructures for electrochemical applications is presented. The review starts with an introduction of the principles and strategies for designing targeted MOFs followed by a discussion of some novel MOF-derived structures and their potential applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Finally, major challenges in electrochemical energy storage are highlighted and prospective solutions from current progress in MOF-based nanostructure research are given.
Electrochemical characteristics of various carbon materials have been investigated for application as a negative electrode material in lithium secondary batteries with long cycle life. Natural graphite electrodes show large discharge capacity in a mixed solvent of ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC). However, their charge/discharge performance is largely influenced by electrolytes. There is a possibility that a rapid rise in the discharge potential of the natural graphite electrode at the end of the discharge would cause a side reaction such as decomposition of the electrolyte because of an unequal reaction over an electrode. In order to improve the cycle performance of natural graphite electrodes, mixtures of graphite and coke electrodes are prepared by adding coke to natural graphite. It is found that the mixture of graphite and coke electrode shows a better cycle performance than that of a natural graphite or coke electrode. The deterioration ratio of the mixture of graphite and coke negative electrode measured by using AA-type test cells is 0.057%/cycle up to the 500th cycle. The mixture of graphite and coke is a promising material for a negative electrode in long-life lithium secondary batteries for energy storage systems because of its excellent cycle performance and large discharge capacity.
Many studies strongly suggest a causal link between oxidative stress and determination of life span. The relationship between oxidative stress and age-related functional declines, however, is less clear. Additionally, the full spectrum of functional declines associated with aging has not been systematically evaluated in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, one of the leading models for aging research. Toward a more comprehensive assessment of functional senescence in Drosophila, we evaluated a series of behaviors in control flies of increasing ages. Our studies reveal a novel age-dependent functional decline in the olfactory system and confirm previous reports of age-related locomotor defects in flies. Behavioral responses to electric shock and light are maintained in aged flies. Thus, some sensory systems senesce during the first several weeks of life while others do not. Interestingly, the age-dependent functional declines in olfactory and locomotor systems are indistinguishable in control flies and methuselah, a mutant with enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and increased life span. Our results indicate that enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and extension of life span do not necessarily confer protection from age-related functional declines.
MXenes are a new class of two-dimensional (2D) layered materials with excellent electrical conductivities, high specific surface areas and are overall environmentally benign. In terms of its structure, MXenes can be thought of as a stack of nanosheets with tunable interlayer spacings capable of rapid ion intercalation. As such, MXenes have been successfully employed as electrode materials in aqueous supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries and Na-ion hybrid supercapacitors in non-aqueous solutions. Herein, we report the novel application of MXenes Ti3C2Tx in a completely new field as capacitive water desalination. Interestingly, we found that the interlayer distance for the Mxenes Ti3C2Tx is able to be increased for efficient sodium ion transport by Ar plasma. To evaluate its desalination capabilities, the Ar plasma modified Ti3C2Tx was used as electrode materials and assembled in a capacitive deionization (CDI) cell. A high salt removal rate of 9.4 mg g−1 min−1 and an overall increased removal capacity of 26.8 mg g−1 was obtained when an external power of 1.2 V was applied. The desalination performance of Ar plasma modified Ti3C2Tx marks the foray of MXene materials in water desalination.
Publisher Summary The only known function of the eye is to facilitate the unfettered transmission of light from the external environment to the photoreceptors of the retina and from there on to the visual cortex where the signals are translated into images. Although the eye is only a few centimeters in diameter, it is an enormously complex organ that is composed of a multitude of tissues and cells, many of which are found nowhere else in the body. This remarkable organ is an extension of the brain, and, like the brain, has limited regenerative properties. Two of the crucial components of the eye that are necessary for normal vision—the corneal endothelium and the photoreceptor layer of the retina—are incapable of regeneration. Accordingly, traumatic events, such as inflammation, can inflict irreparable damage to these tissues, resulting in blindness. Yet, the consequences of ocular infection with microbial pathogens could be equally threatening to the visual apparatus and the host. The immune response to ocular antigens must be a measured one that balances protective immunity to pathogens with the potential injury to innocent bystander ocular cells that cannot regenerate. Thus, the nature of the ocular immune response is an expression of this compromise.
Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites (LVP/C) are synthesized by rheological phase reaction (RPR) method using alginic acid (HAlg) as the carbon source. Different process media are applied in the synthetic process to assess the possible effects on LVP/C composite. And the whole synthetic route is discussed in detail with qualitative and instrumental analysis, in terms of ball-milling process, rheology phase reaction process and thermogravimetric analysis of precursors. The much different morphological properties of as-prepared LVP/C composites demonstrate that process medium indeed has some effects on the synthetic process, especially on the refinement and dispersion of particles. According to these investigations, ethylene glycol (EG) is revealed more proper for preparing LVP/C using this method attributed to its moderate viscosity, surface activity and synergistic effects with HAlg. The corresponding LVP/C composite shows nanoscaled particles with smooth surfaces and uniform size distribution. Besides, LVP-EG sample exhibits excellent electrochemical performances under different voltage windows as well. Between 3.0 and 4.3 V, when charge/discharge at 20/50 C, the composite exhibits relatively high capacity and stable cycling performance for 300 cycles. Within 3.0–4.8 V, it can cycle for 200 times at a high rate of 20 C without obvious capacity fading. The outstanding performances can be attributed to the enhanced electronic/ionic conductivities of LVP/C benefitting from the influences of EG and HAlg via the RPR method.