batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
A new plasticized composite polymer electrolyte (PCPE) based on poly(ethylene oxide)–NaClO4 dispersed with a ceramic filler (SnO2) and plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG200) is reported. The effect of plasticizer concentration on changes in structure/microstructure and their correlation with physical properties has been investigated and reported. A substantial enhancement in the electrical conductivity, by two orders of magnitude at room temperature, of the PCPE has been noticed when compared with that of composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) films without any plasticizer. This enhancement in electrical conductivity of the PCPE films agrees well with the changes in the local microstructure/structure on plasticizer addition. Grain boundary resistance (R gb) and glass transition temperature (T g) have been observed to decrease with increasing concentration of PEG200. Plasticizer addition has resulted in the suppression of crystallinity as observed from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The DSC results indicate enhancement in the volume fraction of the amorphous phase, which appears to be consistent with the broadening in the polymer host peaks observed in X-ray diffractograms. The improvement in electrical conductivity has been achieved without any sharp deterioration in the thermal, electrochemical or mechanical stability of the PCPE thin films. These observations have been interpreted in terms of the action of plasticizer as a diluent/co-solvent.
Thin film batteries (TFBs) are receiving increasing interest in the transition stage from current liquid electrochemistry to solid-state future in pursuit of higher energy and power densities. Nevertheless, the fundamental understanding the impacts of the electrode-solid-electrolyte interface engineering and unveiling the correlation between crystallographic texture as well as the electrochemical behavior of electrodes has remained elusive. Herein, the epitaxial growth of LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 cathode on two rational designed buffer substrates has been studied. The highly textured LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 thin films with c-axis (003) preferred orientation were successfully fabricated onto the in situ-annealed Pt (111) reconstructed buffer substrate by virtue of direct-current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technologies. The LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 thin films were also deposited onto the Ti buffer substrate. The effects of the substrate on the structural and electrochemical properties of the LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 thin film deposited on these two (Pt and Ti) substrates have been both investigated and compared. The deposited LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 thin film on the Pt substrate exhibited much better electrochemical performance as the sole active cathodes thin film electrodes than the Ti buffered one. The results demonstrate that the Pt/LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 thin film electrode exhibits a discharge capacity of 84 mA h/g at ambient temperature and shows a stable cyclic performance within 200 cycles. Such interface dominated electrochemical performance behavior is of technological significance. Furthermore, it is indispensable in developing synergistic interfacial engineered design and process control strategy on fabricating more robust batteries with higher energy density and longer cycling stability beyond thin solid ones.
To cope with water scarcity in drylands, stormwater is often collected in surface basins and subsequently stored in shallow aquifers via infiltration. These stormwater harvesting systems are often accompanied by high evaporation rates and hygiene problems. This is commonly a consequence of low infiltration rates, which are caused by clogging layers that form on top of the soil profile and the presence of a thick vadose zone. The present study aims to develop a conceptual solution to increase groundwater recharge rates in stormwater harvesting systems. The efficiency of vadose-zone wells and infiltration trenches is tested using analytical equations, numerical models, and sensitivity analyses. Dams built in the channel of ephemeral streams (wadis) are selected as a study case to construct the numerical simulations. The modelling demonstrated that vadose-zone wells and infiltration trenches contribute to effective bypassing of the clogging layer. By implementing these solutions, recharge begins 2250–8100% faster than via infiltration from the bed surface of the wadi reservoir. The sensitivity analysis showed that the recharge rates are especially responsive to well length and trench depth. In terms of recharge quantity, the well had the best performance; it can infiltrate up to 1642% more water than the reservoir, and between 336 and 825% more than the trench. Moreover, the well can yield the highest cumulative recharge per dollar and high recharge rates when there are limitations to the available area. The methods investigated here significantly increased recharge rates, providing practical solutions to enhance aquifer water storage in drylands.
Carbon supported Pd hollow nanospheres (HN-Pd/C) are prepared by employing cobalt nanoparticles as sacrificial templates at room temperature in aqueous solution, and used as the anode electrocatalyst for direct borohydride-hydrogen peroxide fuel cell (DBHFC). The physical and electrochemical properties of the as-prepared nanospherical electrocatalysts are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry (CA), chronopotentiometry (CP) and fuel cell test. The results show that the Pd nanospheres supported on the carbon are coreless and composed of a series of Pd nanoparticles with the average crystallite size of about 3.8nm. Besides, the HN-Pd/C exhibits distinctly higher electrocatalytic activity for BH4 − electrooxidation than the carbon supported Pd solid nanoparticles (SN-Pd/C), and the DBHFC using HN-Pd/C as anode electrocatalyst shows as high as 48.4mWcm−2 power densities at a discharge current density of 54.8mAcm−2. Therefore, the HN-Pd/C catalyst can apparently improve the catalytic activity of BH4 − electrooxidation and imply a promising application in the DBHFC.
Micro-grids have been developed for over two decades as building blocks for future smart grids. Micro-grids have appeared with the advantages such as control flexibility, easy connection of renewable resources, high efficiency and immunity to large area blackouts. Similar to other countries, development of micro-grids in China has gone through from the early stage of AC microgrids to the current varieties of AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC micro-girds based on their applications. Many technical problems have been solved and new problems are continuously appeared during the development process. This paper presents a past, today and future for development of micro-grids in China. The current status of micro-grids and renewable energy sources in China is presented first. The topologies of the micro-grids in China are then introduced and classified into three types. Different control techniques of the micro-grids are introduced. Finally, technical challenges and future prospect of micro-grids in China are discussed.
Abstracts Prevention is the most basic component of a defense-in-depth approach to water security. All aspects of the water supply, treatment, and distribution system are vulnerable to attack, necessitating protection at all levels. Maintaining physical barriers, such as alarms, fences, and locks reduces the likelihood of threats to water systems while securing valuable facility property. Other effective methods to improve water security include employee screening and training. The lack of U.S. EPA regulations and federal funding for preventative water security strategies reduces the adoption rate of modern security features. Therefore, it is important that innovative and cost-effective dual-use technologies and planning strategies be developed to compensate for the large investment required to implement such strategies.
Carbon nanotube (CNT)/MnO2 composites are synthesized by reduction of potassium permanganate under microwave irradiation. The morphology and microstructure of samples are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical properties are characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Birnessite-type MnO2 homogeneously coats on the surfaces of CNTs. For CNT–15%MnO2 composite, the specific capacitance based on MnO2 is 944 (85% of the theoretical capacitance) and 522Fg−1 at 1 and 500mVs−1, respectively. When the content of MnO2 reaches 57wt%, the composites have the maximum power density (45.4kWkg−1, the energy density is 25.2Whkg−1). Therefore, CNT/MnO2 composites prepared by microwave irradiation are promising electrode materials in hybrid vehicle systems.
Electrolytes are crucial to the safety and long life of Li-ion batteries, however, the understanding of their degradation mechanisms is still sketchy. Here we report on the nature and formation of organic/inorganic degradation products generated at low potential in a lithium-based cell using cyclic and linear carbonate-based electrolyte mixtures. The global formation mechanism of ethylene oxide oligomers produced from EC/DMC (1/1w/w)–LiPF6 salt (1M) electrolyte decomposition is proposed then mimicked via chemical tests. Each intermediary product structure/formula/composition is identified by means of combined NMR, FTIR and high resolution mass spectrometry (ESI-HRMS) analysis. The key role played by lithium methoxide as initiator of the electrolyte degradation is evidenced, but more importantly we isolated for the first time lithium methyl carbonate as a side product of the ethylene oxide oligomers chemical formation. The same degradation mechanism was found to hold on for another cyclic and linear carbonate-based electrolyte such as EC/DEC (1/1w/w)–LiPF6 salt (1M). Such findings have important implications in the choice of chemical additives for developing highly performing electrolytes.
Thermally activated (“thermal”) batteries are primary batteries that use molten salts as electrolytes and employ an internal pyrotechnic (heat) source to bring the battery stack to operating temperatures. They are primarily used for military applications, such as missiles and ordnance, and in nuclear weapons. This paper discusses the development history and presents a general overview of this technology.
Hazardous wastes are ubiquitous in the global environment and have been for quite some time. This was readily evident even at the turn of the twentieth century, when the International Joint Commission (IJC) was established in 1918 by the United States and Canada to remediate grave pollution issues in the boundary waters of the two countries. Despite much effort and success in the intervening decades, serious concerns remain to this day. This is but one example of a public health challenge that appears in many forms around the globe. In this review, the global scope of the human health concerns posed by hazardous waste is presented. These perspectives are based on insights derived from the world's peer-reviewed literature in the broad areas of exposure, toxicology, epidemiology, public health practice, and implementation of regulatory frameworks.
Background Small asymptomatic lung nodules are found frequently in the course of cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning. However, the utility of assessing and reporting incidental findings in healthy, asymptomatic subjects is unknown. Methods The sample comprised 1023 60- to 69-year-old subjects free of clinical cardiovascular disease and cancer who participated in the Atherosclerotic Disease, VAscular functioN and genetiC Epidemiology Study. All subjects underwent cardiac CT for determination of coronary calcium between 2001 and 2004, and the first 459 subjects were assessed for incidental pulmonary findings. We used health plan clinical databases to ascertain 24-month health care use and clinical outcomes. Results Noncalcified pulmonary nodules were reported in 81 of 459 subjects (18%). Chest CT was performed on 78% of participants in the 24 months after notification, compared with 2.5% in the previous 24 months. Chest x-ray use increased from 28% to 49%. The mean number of chest CT scans per subject was 1.3 (range, 0-5). Although no malignant lesions were diagnosed in the group who had pulmonary findings read, 1 lung cancer case was diagnosed in the group who did not have lung findings read. Among the 63 participants followed up by CT, the original lesion was not identified in 22 participants (35%), the lesion had decreased or remained stable in 39 participants (62%), and there was interval growth in 2 participants (3%). Conclusion Reporting noncalcified pulmonary nodules resulted in substantial rescanning that overwhelmingly revealed resolution or stability of pulmonary nodules, arguing for benign processes.
The recent rapid expansion in the use of portable electronics, computers, personal data assistants, cellular phones, power tools, and even electric and hybrid vehicles creates a strong demand on fast deployment of battery technologies at an unprecedented rate. To facilitate such a development integrated battery testing and simulation (IBTS) using computer modeling is an effective tool to improve our capability of rapid prototyping battery technology and facilitating concurrent product development. In this paper, we will present a state-of-the-art approach to use IBTS for improvements in battery cell design, operation optimization, and even charge control for advanced batteries.
Multi-drug resistant cervicovaginal Escherichia coli (CVEC) infections are a serious health problem. The aim of this study is to determine the patterns of virulence genes, antibiotic resistance and O-serogroups of CVEC isolated in Mexico. Two hundred strains of CVEC were isolated from women attending two Clinics at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. E. coli O-serogroups and virulence markers were identified by PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. Serogroups O25 (50%), O75 (9%) and O15 (7.5%) were the most frequent among the CVEC strains isolated. The frequencies for antibiotic resistance were ampicillin 97%, (n = 194); carbenicillin 93.5%, (n = 187); cefalotin 77%, (n = 154); and nitrofurantoin 71%, (n = 142). The frequency of multiresistant isolates (3–12 drugs) was 197 (98.5%). The most frequent virulence genes found were feoB (91.5%), fimH (89.5%), kpsMT11 (75%), iutA (66%), and iroN (59%). One hundred and four distinct patterns of virulence markers with antibiotic-resistance genes associated with O-serogroups were identified amongst CVEC isolates. In conclusion: most CVEC strains isolated were multiresistant to antibiotics, belonged to three O-serogroups, and possessed a battery of virulence factors. This knowledge may lead to improved guidelines and standards for treating cervicovaginal infections.
The studies were designed to assess the extent of chromosomal aberrations (CA) under the exposure of three common heavy metalic compounds, viz. mercuric chloride, arsenic trioxide and copper sulphate pentahydrate, in vivo using fish, Channa punctata (2n =32), as a test model. Prior acclimatized fishes were divided into five groups. Group I and II served as negative and positive control, respectively. An intramuscular injection of Mitomycin-C (@ 1mg/kg body wt.) was administered to group II only. Fishes of groups III, IV and V were subjected to sublethal concentrations (10% of 96h LC50), of HgCl2 (0.081mg/L), As2O3 (6.936mg/L) and CuSO4·5H2O (0.407mg/L). Fishes of all the groups were exposed uninterrupted for 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168h. Observations of kidney cells of exposed fishes revealed chromatid and chromosome breaks, chromatid and chromosome gaps along with ring and di-centric chromosomes. A significant increase over negative control in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) was observed in fish exposed to Mitomycin-C, Hg(II), As(III) and Cu(II). As the average±SE total number of CA, average number of CA per metaphase and %incidence of aberrant cells in Hg(II) was 104.40±8.189, 0.347±0.027 and 10.220±0.842, respectively; in As(III) 109.20±8.309, 0.363±0.027 and 10.820±2.347, respectively and in Cu(II) 89.00±19.066, 0.297±0.028 and 8.900±0.853, respectively. Hence, it reveals that the order of induction of frequency of CA was Cu<Hg<As. The findings depict genotoxic potential of these metals even in sublethal concentrations.
In order to discuss quantitatively the effect of functional groups of activated carbon fibers (ACFs) on electric double-layer characteristics, ACFs with various amounts of functional groups were prepared from the same ACF by redox methods. The amount of functional groups of ACFs was compared between the method by back titration and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the case of the aqueous electrolyte, the electric capacity depended more on oxygen functional groups than on BET surface area. At the greatest 30% of increase in electric capacity was obtained by using ACFs with different amount of oxygen functional groups between the positive electrode and the negative one. It was considered that a larger number of functional group promotes not only the wettability of electrodes but also the negative charge of electrodes leading to an increase in capacity. On the other hand, in the case of the organic electrolyte, pore structure seemed to be a more dominant factor than functional group. Also, the characteristics of the electrodes after 30,000-cycle charge–discharge were determined to confirm the reliability in an extended cycle operation. A significant increase in phenolic hydroxyl group was confirmed on the positive electrode.
There is a significant interest in the application of microneedles in intradermal drug delivery systems. Previous studies have demonstrated that skin permeation of drugs can be increased by orders of magnitude with microneedle insertion. In this study, emphasis is placed on the development of low cost, painless intradermal microneedle systems that can enhance the percutaneous drug permeation. Microneedles of octagonal pyramidal shape with the length of 150 μm were employed, and the capabilities of skin permeation enhancement under different delivery conditions were examined. The delivery parameters taken into account included the insertion time and the area of insertion. It was found that when solid microneedle arrays of 150 μm in length were pierced into human dermatomed skin for 5 to 60 s, microconduits with the depth of 50 to 80 μm were created to facilitate the percutaneous permeation of drugs. In percutaneous tests, it was demonstrated that the permeability coefficient of calcein (MW = 622.55) was significantly increased by 104 to 105 times compared to that on intact skin. In terms of biocompatibility, biological evaluation indicated a broad spectrum of safety for the microneedle system. These results suggest that the octagonal pyramidal microneedles can be an effective tool in developing novel intradermal drug delivery system.
The approach on the research of business ecosystems’ actors evolved as result of the analogy with the biological ecosystem. Based on this analogy, three major strategies were selected and defined, in following roles: keystones, dominators and niche players. However, the behavior of different actors was framed differently within already existing industries. From this point of view, this paper aims to emphasize the change of actor behaviors based on the main adopted strategy. Therefore, the role of niche players was chosen as analysis unit. A critical analysis of the literature was performed in order to classify the features of niche players. Hence, the competitive behaviors of actors were identified based on their visibility in relation to their impact on the business ecosystem. From this point of view, based on a case study approach, evidence of identified competitive behaviors in the automotive industry was provided. The result emphasized the dynamic change of actors’ behavior within their business ecosystem and the importance of the actors’ positioning in relation to the produced effect. Additionally, based on framed competitive behaviors, the linkage between the adopted strategy and the actors’ performance within the automotive business ecosystem was illustrated.
Impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a prominent feature of neurodegenerative disorders. The extent of neural stem cell (NSCs) generation in adult brain is highly adaptive and depends on both inflammatory signalling and glial cells. In this study, through immunohistochemical co-labelling of nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the authors have demonstrated an enhanced stem astrocyte density in subgranular zone of adult and ageing rats following neonatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, which could be attributed as a regenerative attempt evoked to overcome the effects of bacterial infection. However, a second hit of LPS at 12 months of age might have killed the progenitors because of the persistent glial activation leading to a decline in stem astrocyte population. The enhanced density of NSCs is attributed to the activation of the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) by LPS on their surface that in turn influences their proliferative potential. The information generated may be useful for therapeutically modulating the pathway in a way so that the TLR-4 activation following bacterial infection may be checked at a level when it triggers the activation of the innate immune response. Thus, the enhanced number of NSCs can generate a viable number of neurons that will mature and integrate in the hippocampal circuitry to compensate the loss due to bacterial infection.
This work uses a probabilistic method to combine two unique datasets of real world electric vehicle charging profiles and residential smart meter load demand. The data was used to study the impact of the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on electricity distribution networks. Two real networks representing an urban and rural area, and a generic network representative of a heavily loaded UK distribution network were used. The findings show that distribution networks are not a homogeneous group with a variation of capabilities to accommodate EVs and there is a greater capability than previous studies have suggested. Consideration of the spatial and temporal diversity of EV charging demand has been demonstrated to reduce the estimated impacts on the distribution networks. It is suggested that distribution network operators could collaborate with new market players, such as charging infrastructure operators, to support the roll out of an extensive charging infrastructure in a way that makes the network more robust; create more opportunities for demand side management; and reduce planning uncertainties associated with the stochastic nature of EV charging demand.