batterydata/paper-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Objective Much research on copper-dependent neurodegeneration has focused on the study of total copper levels in the organism. However, recent evidence suggests that the portion of copper that does not bind to ceruloplasmin and is loosely transported by micronutrients (free copper) may play a more significant role than copper as a whole. In this paper, we measured markers of copper metabolism in the sera of a group of cognitively normal women to test whether abnormal amounts of free copper have detectable effects on the mental state of clinically normal people. Methods We measured serum levels of free and ceruloplasmin-bound copper in 64 women whose normal mental state had been assessed via a battery of neuropsychological tests representing the major cognitive domains. Results Results show a significant inverse correlation of the serum levels of free copper with both Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and attention-related neuropsychological tests scores. Bound copper, instead, did not correlate with either MMSE scores or any cognitive domain. Conclusions Free copper appears to be a player in cognitive decline. Significance This evidence suggests the need for a shift of focus from total to free copper levels in the study of mental decline and sustains the notion that free copper may be a risk factor in the development of impaired cognition.
C/LiFePO4/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite is prepared by a hybrid of hydrothermal progress that involves an in-situ multi-walled carbon nanotubes embedding approach and a facile electro-polymerization polyaniline process. The designed material on nanosize with about 100–200 nm in length contains tridimensional networks and uniform-thickness carbon layer, which remarkably enhance its electronic conductivity. The synthesized LiFePO4 composite offers a discharge capacity of 169.8 mAh g−1 at the C/2 rate and high capacity retention at the 5C rate. Meanwhile, the well-crystallized material composed of many densely aggregated nanoparticles and interconnected nanochannels presents a high tap density leading to excellent volumetric Li storage properties at high current rates (>135 mAh cm−3 at 20C), and stable charge/discharge cycle ability (>95% capacity retention after 200 charge/discharge cycles). As such, the prepared material with controllable size and structure yields an enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of charming rate capability, cycling life and capacity retention as a cathode in lithium-ion batteries, this non-organic facile synthesize avenue can be promising to prepare high-power electrode materials.
The residual fraction of mechanically–biologically treated municipal solid waste (MBT residual) was studied in the laboratory to evaluate its suitability and environmental compatibility as a support medium in methane (CH4) oxidative biocovers for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. Two MBT residuals with 5 and 12 months total (aerobic) biological stabilisation times were used in the study. MBT residual appeared to be a favourable medium for CH4 oxidation as indicated by its area-based CH4 oxidation rates (12.2–82.3gCH4 m−2 d−1 at 2–25°C; determined in CH4-sparged columns). The CH4 oxidation potential (determined in batch assays) of the MBT residuals increased during the 124d column experiment, from <1.6 to a maximum of 104μgCH4 g dw - 1 h−1 (dw=dry weight) at 5°C and 578μgCH4 g dw - 1 h−1 at 23°C. Nitrous oxide (N2O) production in MBT residual (<15μgN2O kg dw - 1 d−1 in the CH4 oxidative columns) was at the lower end of the range of N2O emissions reported for landfills and non-landfill soils, and insignificant as a greenhouse gas source. Also, anaerobic gas production (25.6l kg dw - 1 during 217d) in batch assays was low, indicating biological stability of the MBT residual. The electrical conductivities (140–250mSm−1), as well as the concentrations of zinc (3.0mgl−1), copper (0.5mgl−1), arsenic (0.3 mgl−1), nickel (0.1 mgl−1) and lead (0.1 mgl−1) in MBT residual eluates from a leaching test (EN-12457-4) with a liquid/solid (L/S) ratio of 10:1, suggest a potential for leachate pollutant emissions which should be considered in plans to utilise MBT residual. In conclusion, the laboratory experiments suggest that MBT residual can be utilised as a support medium for CH4 oxidation, even at low temperatures, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.
We reported an effective and environmentally friendly method of decorating Pt nanoflowers (Pt NFs) on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). By reduction of K2PtCl4 with L-ascorbic acid in an aqueous solution, Pt nanoparticles with a flower-like morphology were deposited onto the surface of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) wrapped CNTs (PSS-CNTs). PSS plays a dual role: dispersing stable CNTs into solution in water, and providing functional groups that bind metal ions and metal nanoparticles. As-prepared Pt NFs/PSS-CNTs showed a large electroactive specific surface area, and presented excellent electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction. Au and Pd nanoparticles could also be deposited on PSS-CNTs. This method could be extended to the synthesis of different kinds of metal nanoparticles on other polymer wrapped CNTs. As-prepared metal nanoparticle/CNT nanocomposites could find use as electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
The increased safety associated with all-solid-state batteries using inorganic ceramic electrolytes make it a promising technology, with potential to replace current commercial battery systems. The key challenges to realize this technology are the development of new solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity and optimization of the ionic transport pathways across the multiple phases of the battery. In this study an optimal composition of the argyrodite i.e. Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5 is synthesized via the mechanical milling method. This material possesses a higher bulk ionic conductivity and reduced activation energy than the single halogen doped argyrodites i.e. Li6PS5X (X = Cl and Br), assessed by temperature-dependent impedance spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry. A combined X-ray and neutron diffraction analysis reveals an influence of the composition and distribution of halogen atoms on the Li-ion conductivity. All-solid-state batteries fabricated using Li2S as cathode show a high reversible capacity of 820 mAh g−1 for up to 30 cycles. In addition, the Li-ion diffusion across the interface between the Li2S cathode and Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5 electrolyte is probed by exchange NMR spectroscopy. It reveals that Li-ion diffusion across this interface was the main factor limiting the performance of Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5 in the battery, despite its high bulk ionic conductivity.
Nickel–calcium phosphate/hydroxyapatite catalysts exhibited high activity and selectivity in the partial oxidation of methane (POM). Characterizations have been performed in order to understand the characteristics of these catalysts. TEM showed that very fine, needle-shaped nickel particles of a few nanometers were present in the sample after the reaction. TPR showed the presence of three nickel species in the fresh (before-reaction) sample, confirming that the nickel in the calcium hydroxyapatite and phosphate structures comes out as fine particles and is reduced during the reaction. The crystalline phases observed were calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxyapatite, NiO, and metallic Ni. As the Ca/PO4 ratio increased, the calcium hydroxyapatite phase tended to increase over the calcium phosphate phase. As the Ni/PO4 ratio increased, the amount of NiO increased in the fresh samples and the amount of metallic Ni also increased in the used (after-reaction) catalysts with the decrease of the NiO. The catalytically active component is certainly the metallic nickel that is produced under reducing environment during the reaction, but its surface is totally reoxidized at 673 K and loses the activity completely. The catalyst could be activated by the reactants only, without the H2 pretreatment. The first activation could be achieved at 923 K or below, and the subsequent activation at 723 K.
This work describes the thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles synthesized using the propellant chemical combustion method. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD result shows a nanocrystalline material with a major tetragonal phase along with a small portion of monoclinic phase, while SEM images display particles of spherical shapes of diameters in the 25–35nm range. Samples from this powder were exposed to different doses of γ-rays from a 137Cs source in the range of 0.01Gy–1kGy. The induced TL glow curve has a single broad peak at around 600K. TL response curve of this peak shows sublinearity for all the recorded doses, while its fading over two months is negligible. The intensity and structure of the TL glow curve did not change after several cycles of exposures and readout. PL excitation and emission spectra were also recorded and are investigated. When the material was excited by different wavelengths, several emission bands are observed in the range of 300–500nm. The new nanocrystalline material shows excellent characterization such as good TL sensitivity, low fading and reusability making it a promising TL dosimeter.
Batteries including lithium-ion, lead–acid, redox-flow and liquid-metal batteries show promise for grid-scale storage, but they are still far from meeting the grid's storage needs such as low cost, long cycle life, reliable safety and reasonable energy density for cost and footprint reduction. Here, we report a rechargeable manganese–hydrogen battery, where the cathode is cycled between soluble Mn2+ and solid MnO2 with a two-electron reaction, and the anode is cycled between H2 gas and H2O through well-known catalytic reactions of hydrogen evolution and oxidation. This battery chemistry exhibits a discharge voltage of ~1.3 V, a rate capability of 100 mA cm−2 (36 s of discharge) and a lifetime of more than 10,000 cycles without decay. We achieve a gravimetric energy density of ~139 Wh kg−1 (volumetric energy density of ~210 Wh l−1), with the theoretical gravimetric energy density of ~174 Wh kg−1 (volumetric energy density of ~263 Wh l−1) in a 4 M MnSO4 electrolyte. The manganese–hydrogen battery involves low-cost abundant materials and has the potential to be scaled up for large-scale energy storage.
Safety is the key-feature of large-size lithium-ion batteries and thermal stability of the electrolytes is crucial. We investigated the thermal and flammability properties of mixed electrolytes based on the conventional ethylene carbonate–dimethyl carbonate (1:1wt/wt)–1M LiPF6 and the hydrophobic ionic liquid N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Pyr14TFSI). The results of thermogravimetric analyses and flammability tests of mixed electrolytes of different compositions are reported and discussed. An important finding is that though the mixtures with high contents of ionic liquid are more difficult to ignite, they burn for a longer time, once they are ignited.
A self-charging power cell (SCPC) is a structure that hybridizes the mechanisms for energy conversion and storage into one process through which mechanical energy can be directly converted into electrochemical energy. A key structure of an SCPC is the use of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezo-separator. Herein, we have fabricated a piezoelectric β-form PVDF separator with a highly porous architecture by introducing ZnO particles. The electrochemical charge/discharge performance of this SCPC was greatly enhanced at lower discharge rates compared to highly stretched (high-β-content) or less porous PVDF membranes. The lower charge-transfer resistance of this well-developed porous piezo-separator is the main factor that facilitated the transport of Li+ ions without sacrificing piezoelectric performance. This study reveals a novel approach for improving the performance of SCPCs.
The present paper comprises results of our studies about the influence of the atmosphere and fuel amount on the synthesis and electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel (LNMS). Reaction of mixtures of metal nitrates with and without sucrose (fuel) in Ar and in air flow has been studied by thermal analysis and coupled mass spectrometry (TG/DTA/MS). Products obtained after the thermal study have been identified and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Gases evolved along the thermal treatment have been identified by coupled mass spectrometry (MS). From all these results the synthesis reactions have been put forward. When the reaction is conducted in air sub-micrometric LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinel is obtained independently of the amount of sucrose. When the reaction is done in Ar the spinel is only obtained in absence of fuel. The electrochemical performances at 25°C and 55°C of the synthesized LNMSs have been evaluated by galvanostatic cycling. The samples prepared in air furnish high capacity (≈120mAhg−1) and they work at high voltage (≈4.7V). Besides, they exhibit remarkable cycling properties, even at elevated temperature (55°C), with capacity retentions higher than 90% after 50 cycles.
There are two alternatives for production organisation in precast factories, namely the comprehensive method and the specialised method. Production scheduling under the specialised alternative has been found to be a difficult optimisation problem if heterogeneous elements are involved. A flow shop sequencing model is developed for this kind of production scheduling that considers the constraints encountered in actual practice. The model is optimised using a genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The results are compared with those obtained using classical heuristic rules in two examples that involve the objective of minimising the makespan or the total tardiness penalty. The comparison shows that the GA can obtain good schedules for the model, giving a family of solutions that are at least as good as those produced by the heuristic rules.
Aviation safety depends on minimizing error in all facets of the system. While the role of flightdeck human error has received much emphasis, recently more attention has been directed toward reducing human error in maintenance and inspection. Aviation maintenance and inspection tasks are part of a complex organization, where individuals perform varied tasks in an environment with time pressures, sparse feedback, and sometimes difficult ambient conditions. These situational characteristics, in combination with generic human erring tendencies, result in varied forms of error. The most severe result in accidents and loss of life. For example, failure to replace horizontal stabilizer screws on a Continental Express aircraft resulted in in-flight leading-edge separation and 14 fatalities. While errors resulting in accidents are most salient, maintenance and inspection errors have other important consequences (e.g., air turn-backs, delays in aircraft availability, gate returns, diversions to alternate airports) which impede productivity and efficiency of airline operations, and inconvenience the flying public. This paper reviews current approaches to identifying, reporting, and managing human error in aviation maintenance and inspection. As foundation for this discussion, we provide an overview of approaches to investigating human error, and a description of aviation maintenance and inspection tasks and environmental characteristics. Relevance to industry Following an introductory description of its tasks and environmental characteristics, this paper reviews methods and tools for identifying, reporting, and managing human error in aviation maintenance and inspection.
This paper presents an enhanced integrated testing framework based on tiered testing and endpoint-specific decision triggers envisioned for application to commodity chemical safety assessments. The framework has two tiers in which exposure information can be integrated with hazard data at each Tier. Tier 1 tests are used to screen chemicals for major toxic effects (i.e., acute toxicity potential, target organs of repeat dose toxicity, genotoxicity potential, neurotoxicity potential, reproductive toxicity potential, immunotoxicity potential, and developmental toxicity potential), and to direct planning for more complex and targeted testing in Tier 2. The proposed decision triggers coupled with information on use and potential for exposure allow for scientifically-based decisions to be made about further testing in Tier 2, indicating which specific endpoints and tests warrant further evaluation, and which do not. The testing framework addresses risks to humans during all stages of development and provides data relevant to assessing hazards to sensitive subpopulations, such as infants and children. The REACH program in Europe and TSCA in the United States have led to an increased focus on development of hazard and risk information for chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products. This framework and its toxicity decision triggers will allow for scientifically justified evaluation of chemicals that is comprehensive in terms of hazard screening, focuses resources on the specific complex tests that are most important for hazard characterization, and minimizes the use of animals.
Hollow nitrogen (N)-doped Fe3O4/carbon (C) nanocages with hierarchical porosities have been successfully synthesized by carbonizing polydopamine (PDA)-coated Prussian blue (PB). Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms were employed to characterize the hollow N-doped Fe3O4/C superstructures. Owing to their well-defined hierarchical porous structure and high electric conductivity originated from N-doped carbon matrix, the unique hollow nanocages as anode materials for Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) exhibited a specific capacity of 878.7mAhg−1 after 200 cycles at the specific current of 200mAg−1, which is much better than that of N-doped Fe3O4/C derived from pure PB (merely 547mAhg−1). The novel construction with hollow interior nanoarchitecture, hierarchical porosity, high electrical conductivity, N-doped carbon, and the Fe3O4 nanoparticles incorporated into porous interconnected carbon framework make the special nanocomposites be very promising Fe3O4-based anode materials.
Indoor radon concentration level was measured in twelve selected phosphate fertilizer warehouses in Nigeria in order to establish potential hazards to persons using such warehouses as offices. The fertilizer warehouses were selected based on the brand of fertilizers stored, size, ventilation pattern and the number of workers in the warehouses during working hours. Electret Ion Chamber Technology (EIC) with the trade name E-PERMTM was employed for the measurement of radon concentration in the warehouses. Average radon concentration in the warehouses range between 33.6Bqm−3 and 117Bqm−3with an arithmetic mean of 91.62±5.9Bqm−3.
In many countries of the world, the use of solar thermal systems in the agricultural area to conserve vegetables, fruits, coffee and other crops has shown to be practical, economical and the responsible approach environmentally. Solar heating systems to dry food and other crops can improve the quality of the product, while reducing wasted produce and traditional fuels—thus improving the quality of life, however the availability of good information is lacking in many of the countries where solar food processing systems are most needed. Solar food dryers are available in a range of size and design and are used for drying various food products. It is found that various types of driers are available to suit the needs of farmers. Therefore, selection of dryers for a particular application is largely a decision based on what is available and the types of dryers currently used widely. A comprehensive review of the various designs, details of construction and operational principles of the wide variety of practically realized designs of solar-energy drying systems reported previously is presented. A systematic approach for the classification of solar-energy dryers has been evolved. Two generic groups of solar-energy dryers can be identified, viz. passive or natural-circulation solar-energy dryers and active or forced-convection solar-energy dryers. Some very recent developments in solar drying technology are highlighted.
We have investigated the influence of the geometric configuration of planar interdigitated micro-supercapacitors on their specific energy and specific power. The theoretical values of the Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) were deduced from an analytical expression of the cell constant К, and compared with experimental Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements performed on gold current collectors with different interdigitated patterns (varying the interspace, width, length and number of interdigitated fingers). It is shown that the configuration plays a key-role on the electrochemical performances of the device, and that the specific power is enhanced by a reduction of the interspace. Based on these results, we have realized hydrous RuO2-based thin films electrochemical capacitors integrated on silicon with an optimized configuration, using conventional photolithography techniques and electrodeposition from an aqueous chloride solution. The micro-supercapacitor is characterized by a cell capacitance of 0.2 mF cm−2 per footprint area, and was able to cycle at a scan rate of 100 V s−1.
The use of pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometry (PAM) and rapid light curves (RLC) were evaluated for monitoring the physiological condition of the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum, at the landscape scale in Florida Bay, USA. PAM fluorometry provides rapid, non-invasive, and quantitative physiological information on the state of photosynthesis. Yet, previous studies of effective and maximum quantum yields have shown that problems arise when expanding measurements from the organismal scale to the landscape scale, mainly due to temporal and irradiance-induced changes in photophysiology. Here, the magnitude of diurnal and spatial variation of photosynthetic characteristics among 10 sample basins and between two sample years was investigated using RLCs. Because RLCs measure effective quantum yields over a range of changing actinic irradiances, we hypothesized that the response parameters might be less sensitive to diurnal light history effects. Our results indicate that the RLC parameters, alpha and ETRmax, significantly changed diurnally, as was previously found for both maximum and effective quantum yields, but the diurnal patterns were variable among the 10 basins. Both among-basin and between-year comparisons were confounded by diurnal variation and statistical analyses comparing morning, mid-day, and afternoon time periods were unable to definitively discern which time of day was best suited for assessing the relative photophysiological status of T. testudinum. However, pooling RLC data at the basin scale revealed among-basin differences and landscape scale trends that were consistent with basin-level morphometric variation in this seagrass. Thus, PAM fluorometry may be useful as a landscape scale monitoring tool within certain constraints. When using this approach over large spatial and temporal scales, diurnal variability must be considered.