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Concentrated NaClO4 aqueous solutions have been proposed as the electrolytes in electric double-layer capacitors. The advantages of this kind of electrolytes have been addressed in the terms of enlarged specific capacitance, enhanced rate capability and elevated low-temperature performance of porous carbon electrodes. Thermal analysis, ionic conductivity measurement and Raman spectroscopic investigations have been performed on the NaClO4 aqueous solutions in conjunction with the electrochemical study of porous carbon electrodes in this kind of electrolytes. The correlation between the hydration number of ions in the solutions and capacitive behavior of porous carbon has been clarified. The rate performance improvement in porous carbon electrode has also been connected to the increase in ionic conductivity of the electrolytes. The enhanced capacitance retention of porous carbon electrode at low temperatures in concentrated solutions has been ascribed to a fall of freezing point.
Orthorhombic Niobium oxide (T-Nb2O5) has been regarded as a promising anode material for high-rate lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to its potential to operate at high rates with improved safety and high theoretical capacity of 200 mA h g−1. Herein, three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) T-Nb2O5, with mesoporous hierarchical structure, was firstly prepared by a simple approach employing self-assembly polystyrene (PS) microspheres as hard templates. The obtained T-Nb2O5 anode material presents obvious and highly-efficiency pseudocapacitive Li+ intercalation behaviour, which plays a dominant role in the kinetics of electrode process. As a result, rapid Li+ intercalation/de-intercalation are achieved, leading to excellent rate capability and long cycle life. The 3DOM T-Nb2O5 shows a remarkable high capacity of 106 and 77 mA h g−1 at the rate of 20C and 50C. The work presented herein holds great promise for future design of material structure, and demonstrates the great potential of T-Nb2O5 as a practical high-rate anode material for LIBs.
Metal ion capacitors (MICs) are foreseen to be a complementary alternative of vital importance to current energy storage issues, coupling high energy density delivered by batteries with high power/long cycle life offered by supercapacitors. The prime issues in realising this technology are pre-metallation and replacement of graphite electrodes that bring about an energy gain at the expense of power. Herein we present an easy-to-scale-up approach, combining activated carbon with a highly efficient and industrially compatible low-cost sacrificial salt (dimetal squarates) that can be used as a metal source for pre-metallation. Paired with a hard carbon electrode tailored to perform at high rates, lithium, sodium and potassium MICs are demonstrated. Furthermore, the successful fabrication of a lithium ion capacitor (LIC) pouch cell prototype with high energy at high power densities showing capacitance retention over 84% after 48000 cycles validates the strategy. This breakthrough may trigger the easy and low-cost fabrication of LICs and significantly reduce technological barriers to market growth and consolidation.
A facile hydrothermal approach is attempted to prepare MnO2 nanorods using potassium permanganate and hydrochloric acid as the reactants. The MnO2 electrode delivers initial specific discharge/charge capacities of 1609.5 and 1206.1 mAh g−1, respectively, with a columbic efficiency of 74.9% at 0.1 C-rate. After 100 cycles, the reversible capacity keeps to be 1404.7 mAh g−1. The excellent electrochemical properties can be attributed to unique structure of MnO2 nanorods, which greatly shortens the diffusion path of Li+ and accommodates the strain induced by drastic volume change during cycling, and application of CMC binder, which results in the extended conformation in electrolyte solution that facilitates networking process of MnO2 nanorods and conductive additives during electrode fabrication.
Del Grosso Destreri N, Farina E, Calabrese E, Pinardi G, Imbornone E, Mariani C. Frontal impairment and confabulation after herpes simplex encephalitis: a case report. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:423-6. We describe the rehabilitation training of a 53-year-old woman with severe confabulatory and dysexecutive syndrome, as well as memory impairment, after herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Secondary narcolepsy was also present. Neuropsychologic deficits were detailed through an extensive examination, and specific techniques were used to improve performances in each defective cognitive domain. Improvement of vigilance and attention was reached through appropriate and timed periods of rest, along with attentional tasks of growing difficulty. Different external aids were used to reduce temporal disorientation, to contrast confabulation and inertia, and to overcome memory deficits in everyday life. Their independent use by the patient was implemented through cues that were progressively reduced. Treatment also focused on planning, categorization, and topographic orientation. The patient's family gave constant support during rehabilitation and provided informal training after discharge. The patient was able to regain independence in everyday life at home. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Birnessite MnO2, a hydrated layered manganese dioxide with a layered structure, is a promising candidate for sodium-ion batteries because of a significant interlayer distance for the reversible insertion of sodium ions. This work proposes to improve the electrochemical performance of layered manganese dioxide by metal cation doping. Nickel-doped layered MnO2 (0.05–0.15 wt%) prepared by a sol–gel method using a chelate agent of fumaric acid showed a gradual increase of interlayer distance with an increase of Ni-doping amount. Moreover, ex situ XRD results during the first cycle confirmed a stabilization of the layered structure during the sodium insertion. During the charge–discharge test, the initial capacity of 15% Ni layered MnO2 was 140 mAh/g, with small capacity fade over 20 cycles.
A prototype 3kW horizontal upwind type wind turbine generator of 4m in diameter has been designed and examined under real wind conditions. The machine was designed based on the concept that even small wind turbines should have a variable pitch control system just as large wind turbines, especially in Japan where typhoons occur at least once a year. A characteristic of the machine is the use of a worm and gear system with a stepping motor installed in the center of the hub, and the rotational main shaft. The machine is constructed with no mechanical breaking system so as to avoid damage from strong winds. In a storm, the wind turbine is slowed down by adjusting the pitch angle and the maximum electrical load. Usually the machine is controlled at several stages depending on the rotational speed of the blades. Two control methods have been applied: the variable pitch angle, and regulation of the generator field current. The characteristics of the generator under each rotational speed and field current are first investigated in the laboratory. This paper describes the performances of the wind turbine in terms of the functions of wind turbine rotational speed, generated outputs, and its stability for wind speed changes. The expected performances of the machine have been confirmed under real wind conditions and compared with numerical simulation results. The wind turbine showed a power coefficient of 0.257 under the average wind speed of 7.3m/s.
The charge/discharge characteristics were studied for the coal-tar pitch-based carbon (CTPC), which was pyrolyzed under the condition to form anisotropic mesophase pitch and then heat treated at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1300°C in N2 atmosphere. As the heat treatment temperature increased, the reversible capacity for the CTPC increased progressively up to 1000°C, while the irreversible capacity decreased continuously. Carbons synthesized through the extraction of anisotropic mesophases showed higher reversible and lower irreversible capacities than the directly pyrolyzed ones.
The nanodispersed NaTi2(PO4)3/C composite containing 20–25 wt.% of in-situ formed carbon, was synthesized by gel combustion procedure followed by a heat treatment at 650, 700 and 750 °C. The samples calcined at 700 and 750 °C displayed crystalline nasicon structure. They were subjected to the investigation of intercalation/deintercalation kinetics in aqueous NaNO3 and LiNO3 solutions, using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charging/discharging measurements. As regards to the effect of electrolyte composition, the reactions were evidenced to be roughly twice faster in sodium nitrate than in lithium nitrate solution. Among the samples treated at 700 and 750 °C, better performance was evidenced for the sample treated at lower temperature. Coulombic capacity in NaNO3 solution at charging rate 1C amounted to ∼70 mAh g−1 and ∼55 mAh g−1 for the sample calcined at 700 and 750 °C, respectively, and displayed surprisingly slight dependence on charging rate up to even 100C.
Research and industry practice in eco-feedback technologies has been overwhelmingly focused on behaviour management to reduce energy consumption: building occupants are energy consumers whose behaviour must be modified through the provision of real time data. The transition to a decarbonised economy has resulted in solar households that are now both energy producers and consumers (i.e. prosumers). No research has been conducted on the real time feedback needs of prosumers to inform their decisions to balance their energy consumption, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) generation and electricity grid interaction within a net zero energy (NZE) context. The purpose of this study was to use case studies to examine eco-feedback data from the perspective of prosumers to determine to what extent these technologies are and are not meeting prosumer needs and to evaluate what these findings mean in terms of extended functionality and better design of eco-feedback technologies. The study highlights that existing eco-feedback data is under-utilised in its analysis and visualisation to meet prosumers’ needs for management of consumption, generation and grid interaction. The paper proposes new goals, purposes and mechanisms for eco-feedback technologies to contribute to the social and technological transition to a low carbon society that includes prosumers, however further research is required to test these proposals with prosumers and technology developers.
Introduction Symptomatic anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) drugs have been commonly used for the treatment of AD. Knowing the natural courses of patients with AD on placebo is highly relevant for clinicians to understand their efficacy and for investigators to design clinical studies. Methods The data on rating scales for dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and Severe Impairment Battery were extracted from eight previous Japanese Phase II and III studies. Natural courses of Japanese AD patients in placebo groups were evaluated and statistically analyzed in a pooled and retrospective fashion. Results Decreases in ADAS-cog and Severe Impairment Battery was larger at week 22 or 24 than at week 12. Scores of ADAS-cog appeared to deteriorate faster in moderate AD than in mild AD. Discussion The present data will provide clinicians following up patients with AD with helpful information on how to manage AD patients and investigators with instruction for clinical study design.
Based on questionnaire criteria, the sensorimotor disorder restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been reported to have a higher prevalence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients than in the general population. There has been some speculation that peripheral arthritic symptoms may allow false positive responses to questionnaire criteria. This study evaluates whether RA patients meeting RLS questionnaire criteria also have objective evidence of increased periodic limb movements (PLMs) characteristic of RLS.
Nickel-based hydroxides with excellent electrochemical performance have been considered as cathode materials for Ni/MH batteries. In this paper, a Ni/Al layered double hydroxides (Ni/Al LDHs) material with three-dimensional (3D) spherical structure is synthesized by a facile stable dual complexation–precipitation method. SEM images show that the obtained Ni/Al LDHs possess 3D spherical structure composed of nanosheets. XRD and CV tests indicate that doping of Al increases the distance between Ni–Al layers, greatly improving the specific capacity of the obtained materials. The electrochemical tests show that the specific capacity of the obtained material with 18% Al is up to 383.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. In addition, when the current density is further increased to 10 and 20 A g−1, the specific capacity of this material still maintains 345.0 mAh g−1 and 307.9 mAh g−1, respectively, which implies that this cathode material can provide remarkable power densities. Moreover, the material composed of Ni/Al LDHs keeps 97.6% initial capacity after 5000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1, showing an excellent cycling stability and durability.
Among HIV+ patients, alcohol use is a highly prevalent risk factor for both HIV transmission and poor adherence to HIV treatment. The large-scale implementation of effective interventions for treating alcohol problems remains a challenge in low-income countries with generalized HIV epidemics. It is essential to consider an intervention’s cost-effectiveness in dollars-per-health-outcome, and the long-term economic impact —or “return on investment” in monetary terms.
Electronic waste has been increasing proportionally with the technology. So, nowadays, it is necessary to consider the useful life, recycling, and final disposal of these equipment. Metals, such as Au, Ag, Cu, Sn and Ni can be found in the printed circuit boards (PCB). According to this, the aims of this work is to characterize the PCBs of mobile phones with aqua regia; obtaining “reference” values of leaching, to gold and silver, with cyanide and nitric acid, respectively; and study the process of leaching of these metals in alternative leaching with sodium thiosulfate and ammonium thiosulfate. The metals were characterized by digesting the sample with aqua regia for 1 and 2h at 60°C and 80°C. The leaching of Au with a commercial reagent (cyanide) and the Ag with HNO3were made. The leaching of Au and Ag with alternative reagents: Na2S2O3, and (NH4)2S2O3 in 0.1M concentration with the addition of CuSO4, NH4OH, and H2O2, was also studied. The results show that the digestion with aqua regia was efficient to characterize the metals present in the PCBs of mobile phones. However, the best method to solubilize silver was by digesting the sample with nitric acid. The leaching process using sodium thiosulfate was more efficient when an additional concentration of 0.015 and 0.030M of the CuSO4 was added.
LiMn1.5−x M2x Ni0.5−x O4 (M=Co or Cr, 0.0≤ x ≤0.2) compounds were synthesized by the sol–gel method. It is found from X-ray diffraction analysis that single spinel phases are obtained for both Cr3+- and Co3+-substitution, but a small cation mixing between the 8a and 16d sites is found only in the Co3+-substitution case. All of the compounds exhibit M–T curves characteristic of ferromagnetic materials. As the substitution degree is raised, the saturation magnetization at 4.2K decreases and the Curie temperature shifts lower, irrespective of the kind of the substituent. That is, the cation substitution yields a reduction of the ferromagnetism. Additionally, both Cr3+- and Co3+-substitution have a large influence on the electrochemical properties. The Cr3+-substitution induces a rise in the average operating potential without a loss of redox capacity, while both the average operating potential and the redox capacity decrease with an increase in the Co3+-substitution degree.
Solar photovoltaic technologies have for some time been promoted as a cost effective means of rural electrification in developing countries. However, institutional structures resulting in poor maintenance have adversely affected the sustainability of past solar projects. In Fiji, the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) program is the latest attempt to promote solar-based rural electrification in a fee-for-service model, aiming to remove the high upfront capital costs associated with solar technologies and using a public–private sector partnership for maintenance. This paper assesses the program using survey and interview data. Major flaws are identified, relating to incorrect treatment of principal–agent problems, information asymmetries, motivational problems, and resourcing of government agencies. General lessons for fee-for-service solar home system models emerge, including that incentives for stakeholders must take centre stage in designing and administering such programs, and that active government support and ownership are required to make programs sustainable.
This investigation examined how prospective memory (PM) relates to cognitive abilities (i.e., executive function, attention, working memory, and retrospective memory) and brain structure in adolescents who vary in prenatal drug exposure (PDE). The sample consisted of 105 (55 female and 50 male) urban, primarily African American adolescents (mean age=15.5years) from low socioeconomic status (SES) families. Approximately 56% (n =59) were prenatally exposed to drugs (heroin and/or cocaine) and 44% (n =46) were not prenatally exposed, but the adolescents were similar in age, gender, race, and SES. Executive functioning, attentional control, working memory, retrospective memory, and overall cognitive ability were assessed by validated performance measures. Executive functioning was also measured by caregiver report. A subset of 52 adolescents completed MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, which provided measures of subcortical gray matter volumes and thickness of prefrontal, parietal, and temporal cortices. Results revealed no differences in PM performance by PDE status, even after adjusting for age and IQ. Executive function, retrospective memory, cortical thickness in frontal and parietal regions, and volume of subcortical regions (i.e., putamen and hippocampus) were related to PM performance in the sample overall, even after adjusting for age, IQ, and total gray matter volume. Findings suggest that variations in PM ability during adolescence are robustly related to individual differences in cognitive abilities, in particular executive function and retrospective memory, and brain structure, but do not vary by PDE status.
Layered transition metal dichalcogenides are promising as lithium and/or sodium storage materials for lithium and sodium (Li/Na) ion batteries. However they always exhibit limited rate capability and long-term cycling stability, due to the fact that their 2D structures are easily restacking and agglomeration during cycling process and further result poor electrochemical reversibility. Herein, hierarchical Co1/3Mo2/3S2/graphene nanocomposites without CoSx and MoS2 impurities have been synthesized via one-pot solvothermal process. The incorporation of Co into MoS2 at atomic level can not only give rise to thinner and smaller nanosheets in the nanocomposites than MoS2/graphene nanocomposites, but also significantly decrease the size of in-situ formed MoS2/CoSx nanoparticles during electrochemical conversion process, which can greatly promoting the ion diffusion and suppressing the aggregation of active materials. Furthermore, the conductivity of Co1/3Mo2/3S2/graphene nanocomposites can be enhanced from 0.46 S m−1 (MoS2/graphene) to 1.39 S m−1 via changing the semiconducting MoS2 to metallic Co1/3Mo2/3S2. The simultaneously optimized electron conductivity and ions diffusion dynamics of Co1/3Mo2/3S2/graphene nanocomposites can effectively improve the reversibility of electrochemical conversion reactions. A capacity of 940 mAh g−1 and 529 mAh g−1 can be maintained at 3200th cycle (2 A g−1) in lithium-ion batteries and 200th cycle (1 A g−1) in sodium-ion batteries, respectively.
Early mobility is considered important in minimising pulmonary complication, length of stay (LOS) and enhancing recovery following major surgery. We aimed to observe and measure the reduction in early postoperative physical activity following major thoracic surgery, identifying any potentially limiting factors, and factors predictive of reduced activity.
Graphene nano-sheets such as graphene oxide, chemically converted graphene and pristine graphene improve the capacity utilization of the positive active material of the lead acid battery. At 0.2C, graphene oxide in positive active material produces the best capacity (41% increase over the control), and improves the high-rate performance due to higher reactivity at the graphene/active material interface. The in-situ changes in the graphene structure and oxygen states support these, as well as higher adsorptive surface area, better graphene/lead dioxide interfacial reaction, and finer & highly utilized lead dioxide phases. The multi-scale physio-chemical mechanisms improving capacity and cycle life is thus: Electrolyte/ionic permeation improvements results from increase in pre-formation porosity, and higher interfacial reactivity at gel zone which enhances active material reversibility. Our ion transfer model reveals the optimized redox reaction in the electro-active zone of graphene enhanced active materials. This work shows the best enhancement in the capacity of lead-acid battery positive electrode till date.
Lead intoxication risks were studied in a community of ceramic folk art workers in Oaxaca, a southern state of Mexico, where the manufacture of low-temperature lead ceramic ware is a family tradition and often the only source of income. Variables such as household characteristics, occupation, and lead exposure risk factors were explored. Study participants' mean blood lead concentration was 43.8 μg/dl (range=8.4–99.6 μg/dl), which is over the WHO guideline of 40 μg/dl for removing workers from exposure and is the concentration over which renal damage is accelerated. Best predictors for high blood lead concentrations by multivariable regression analysis were: occupation (P<0.0001), gender (P=0.0002), and the use of glazed stoneware (P<0.0001). This model explained 18% of blood lead variation among the study group. Exposure appears to be primarily associated with antiquated pottery manufacturing techniques and the high degree of contamination prevailing at the production sites, which in most cases are their living quarters. This consequently affects the lead levels of the entire community.
X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) is a debilitating movement disorder endemic to the Panay Island, Philippines. Most studies focus on motor symptoms, hence we reviewed the neurocognitive profile of XDP patients. Neurocognitive testing of XDP patients focused on five domains: general intellectual functioning, episodic memory, language, attention and executive function, and affect. Twenty-nine genetically confirmed patients were included. Twenty-six (89.6%) had impairments in one or more domains, while only three had no impairment in any domain. Attention and executive function was the most commonly affected domain (n = 23, 79.3%). Deficits in general intellect, episodic memory, attention and executive function and affect were seen in our subset of XDP patients. The striatal pathology affecting the frontostriatal circuitry mandating these cognitive processes is mainly implicated in these impairments. The results of our study provided further evidence on the extent of cognitive impairment in XDP using a select battery of neurocognitive tests.