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Twelve mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were developed against an Indian vaccine strain of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) type Asia-1 WBN 117/85. The MAbs were tested for their ability to bind to whole virus particle, trypsin-treated 146S (TT-146S) virus particle, sub-viral (12S and disrupted virus) antigens by ELISA and to neutralize virus infectivity in cell culture. Extensive characterization of MAbs revealed the existence of three different groups based on the binding of non-overlapping epitopes. Eight type Asia-1 specific MAbs (RF7, RF8, RD10, RE11, RC11, RC10/O, RB11 and RC10/M), which formed group 1 (G1), were found to bind a neutralizing, trypsin-sensitive (TS) and conformational epitope. Two MAbs (WB8 and WC3) in group 2 (G2) were found to bind a non-neutralizing, trypsin-resistant, conformational and 12S-specific epitope, which was intertypically conserved in all the four serotypes of FMDV (O, A, C and Asia-1) prevalent in India. Two MAbs (KG10 and KF10), which formed group 3 (G3), were found to be against a non-neutralizing, TS and conformational epitope, common to types Asia-1 and A. Members of G1 were IgG2a isotype, while those of G2 and G3 were IgG1 and IgG2b isotypes, respectively. Antigenic analysis of 31 FMDV type Asia-1 field isolates and two vaccine strains, using a panel of type Asia-1-specific MAbs, revealed antigenic similarity of the virus isolates tested and non-existence of neutralization escape mutants. The developed MAbs have practical utility, especially in the manufacture of FMD vaccine, diagnosis and FMDV characterization. | non-battery |
Thanks to its high performance as a conducting or/and chemically active support material, graphene has offered unique opportunities for developing novel nanostructured materials to meet various demands. The assembly of graphene with other nanoscale building blocks such as metals, metal oxides, and polymers has led to the possibility to create new electroactive and multifunctional nanostructures, which can serve as promising material platforms for electrochemical purposes. However, the precise control and fine-tuning of material structures and properties are still challenging and in demand. In this review, we aim to highlight some recent efforts devoted to rational design, assembly and fine engineering of electrochemically active nanostructures using graphene or/and its derivatives as soft templates for controlled synthesis and directed growth. We organize the contents according to the chemically classified nanostructures, including metallic nanostructures, self-assembled organic and supramolecular structures, and fine engineered metal oxides. In these cases, graphene templates either sacrificed during templating synthesis or retained as support for final products. We also discuss remained challenges and future perspective in the graphene-templating design and synthesis of various materials. Overall, this review could offer crucial insights into the nanoscale engineering of new nanostructures using graphene as a soft template and their potential applications in electrochemical science and technology. We hope this review would also stimulate new ideas and approaches for relevant ongoing research. | battery |
Ni3S2 powder has been fabricated by mechanical alloying Ni and S powders and the electrochemical properties of Na/Ni3S2 cells fabricated from Na anodes and Ni3S2 cathodes and 1 M sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate in tetraethyleneglycol dimethylether liquid electrolyte have been investigated. Upon discharging, the Ni3S2 cathode transformed to amorphous Na2S, Ni and residual unconverted Ni3S2. On charging, the pristine structure of Ni3S2 is fully recovered. The reversibility of this anode/cathode pair has been demonstrated and the discharge capacity loss of Na/Ni3S2 cells has been investigated over 100 cycles. From TEM, EDS, XRD, and EIS results, the degradation mechanism appears to be the formation of nano-particles of Ni3S2 and Na2S which become detached from the bulk cathode material causing the continuous increase in the interfacial resistance. Furthermore, many small cracks in Ni3S2 cathode material are caused during repeated cycling and this is an additional phenomenon that leads to further degradation of the discharge capacity during cycling. | battery |
Taiwan is the second most densely populated country in the world; its 22.604 million residents (2002) live in an area of 35,967km2 (628people/km2). Taiwan’s economy has grown rapidly during the last 20 years, resulting in a corresponding increase in the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW). This study describes and evaluates the municipal solid waste management system in Taiwan. The study’s results indicate that the amount of MSW began to decline after 1997, when the government enforced aggressive MSW management policies. By 2002, total MSW production had dropped by 27%, and the average daily per capita weight of MSW had fallen from 1.14kg in 1997 to 0.81kg in 2002. Summarizing the successful experience of MSW reduction in Taiwan, the most important factor was the government’s combining of the MSW collection system with reduction/recycling programs. The second most important factor was the policy of extended producer responsibility, which laid a foundation of recycling by producers and retailers and promoted public recycling. | non-battery |
Physical activity (PA) decreases during hospitalization. In particular, the amount of PA engaged in by older people who are hospitalized following musculoskeletal injury is likely to be limited for months after discharge home. Given the importance of an active lifestyle for their recovery and the prevention of future adverse outcomes, there is clearly a need for interventions to increase PA. This article describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial set up to investigate the effects of a physical activity oriented home rehabilitation program (ProPA) on PA and the restoration of mobility in community-dwelling older people. | non-battery |
The successful selection of a particular type of bioelement and its association to the appropriate transducer determines the specificity of a biosensor. Therefore, from a strain of chloroficea Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides, modified in laboratory to tolerate high Cr(VI) concentrations, the possible interferences of other heavy metals on photosynthetic activity were studied. After exposing wild type and Cr(VI)-resistant cells to increasing Ag+1, Co+2, Hg+2, Cr+3, Cu+2, Zn+2, Fe+3 and Cd+2 concentrations, both photosynthetic quantum yields was compared. Photosynthetic electron transport rates were measured with a TOXY-PAM chlorophyll fluorometer, non-linear regression analysis of each of the toxicity tests was done, and means of both groups were compared using unpaired t test. The results show no significant differences between both cell types when they were exposed to Ag+1, Co+2, Hg+2, Cr+3, Cu+2, Fe+3 and Cd+2 metal ions, and extremely significant differences (p < 0.0001) to Zn+2 exposures. These results demonstrate the suitability of this Cr(VI)-resistant type D. chlorelloides strain as a suitable bioelement to be coupled to a biosensor based on dual-head microalgae strategy to detect and quantify Cr(VI) in water courses and waste water treatment plants. However, some disturbance may be expected, especially when certain analyte species such as zinc are present in water samples tested. The analysis of binary mixtures between Zn+2 and other heavy metals showed a slight antagonistic phenomenon in all cases, which should not alter the potential Zn+2 interference in the Cr+6 detection process. | non-battery |
A concurrent engineering-oriented design database representation model (CE-DDRM) is introduced in this research for supporting various life-cycle aspects in concurrent design. In this model, concepts and behaviors of different design database modeling components, including entities, properties, relationships, tasks, and specifications, are defined at meta-class level. Design database is modeled at two different levels, class level and instance level, representing generic design libraries and special design cases, respectively. A Web-based system architecture is proposed to model distributed design database and allow team-members for different product development life-cycle aspects at different locations to access the design database. This newly introduced approach provides the foundation for developing the next generation CAD systems with concurrent engineering functions. | non-battery |
Polyaniline fibre microelectrodes prepared from a doped solution of polyaniline protonated with 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonic acid in dichloracetic acid were characterized electrochemically for the first time. Low scan rate cyclic voltammetry was used for characterisation in different acid electrolyte solutions, hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, sulphuric and phosphoric, at low pH values with varying positive potential limits. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also utilised. The electrochemical behaviour of polyaniline (PANI) fibres was found to be similar to that of PANI films obtained by electropolymerisation on metallic electrode substrates. The conduction potential window was found to be from +0.20 to +0.60V versus SCE, with small variations in the different acid solutions as well as with pH. The standard electrochemical redox couple hexacyanoferrate(III), was found to behave quasi-reversibly in the conduction potential region and rate constants were evaluated. | battery |
Nano-crystalline NiFe2O4 particles were synthesized and used as active electrode material for a lithium ion battery that showed a high discharge capacity of 1534 mAh g−1 and charge capacity of 1170 mAh g−1 during the 1st cycle. X-ray absorption spectroscopy including XANES and EXAFS were used to investigate electronic and local structural changes of NiFe2O4 during the 1st lithiation and de-lithiation process. As lithium is inserted into the structure, tetrahedral site Fe3+ ions are reduced to Fe2+ and moved from tetrahedral sites to empty octahedral sites, while Ni2+ ions are unaffected. As a consequence, the matrix spinel structure collapses and transforms to an intermediate rock-salt monoxide phase. Meanwhile, the inserted Li is partially consumed by the formation of SEI and other side reactions during the conversion reaction. With further lithiation, the monoxide phase is reduced to highly disordered metallic Fe/Ni nanoparticles with a number of nearest neighbors of 6.0(8) and 8.1(4) for Fe and Ni, respectively. During subsequent de-lithiation, the metal particles are individually re-oxidized to Fe2O3 and NiO phases instead to the original NiFe2O4 spinel phase. | battery |
The high volumetric expansion/contraction of silicon (Si) anodes in Li-ion batteries by about ∼400% during lithiation/delithiation causes considerably high stress followed by cracking, pulverization, and the loss of electrical contact; and finally results in capacity fading and failing. In this work, we present a new density modulated multilayer Si thin film anode approach, which can provide a robust high capacity electrode for Li-ion batteries. Alternating high and low density layers have been achieved by simply changing the working gas pressure between low and high values, respectively during magnetron sputter deposition of Si thin film anodes. Our results reveal that density modulated Si films can provide a high coulombic efficiency up to 99% and reversible specific capacity as high as ∼1700 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. Low-density layers are believed to be performing as compliant layers during volume change making the films more durable compared to conventional Si film anodes. The results of this work can lead to Si thin film anode materials with superior capacity and mechanical stability compared to conventional Si anodes. | battery |
A novel ternary composite of sulfonated graphene/MnO2/polyaniline (sGMOPANI) is synthesized via a dilute in-situ polymerization method using potassium permanganate as oxidant under neutral condition. The FE-SEM and HRTEM images show that MnO2/polyaniline nanoparticles with the diameter of 5–10 nm deposit onto sulfonated graphene nanosheets. Spectral analysis reveals the existence of the hydrogen bond and π–π interaction between MnO2/polyaniline nanoparticles and sulfonated graphene. As a result, the sGMOPANI composite based on the two-electrode cell shows improved electrochemical capacitance (276 F g−1 at 1 g−1 in 1 M Na2SO4), better rate capability (73% capacitance retention from 0.2 to 20 A g−1), and higher cycling stability (11.7% capacitance loss after 3000 cycles) compared to the MnO2/polyaniline binary composite. | battery |
Owing to their low cost, high energy densities, and superior performance compared with that of Li-ion batteries, Li–S batteries have been recognized as very promising next-generation batteries. However, the commercialization of Li–S batteries has been hindered by the insulation of sulfur, significant volume expansion, shuttling of dissolved lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and more importantly, sluggish conversion of polysulfide intermediates. To overcome these problems, a state-of-the-art strategy is to use sulfur host materials that feature chemical adsorption and electrocatalytic capabilities for LiPS species. In this review, we comprehensively illustrate the latest progress on the rational design and controllable fabrication of materials with chemical adsorbing and binding capabilities for LiPSs and electrocatalytic activities that allow them to accelerate the conversion of LiPSs for Li–S batteries. Moreover, the current essential challenges encountered when designing these materials are summarized, and possible solutions are proposed. We hope that this review could provide some strategies and theoretical guidance for developing novel chemical anchoring and electrocatalytic materials for high-performance Li–S batteries. | battery |
Purpose: Evidence exists for an additional inhibitory accommodative control system mediated by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This work aims to show the relative prevalence of sympathetic inhibition in young emmetropic and myopic adults, and to evaluate the effect of sympathetic facility on accommodative and oculomotor function. Methods: Profiling of ciliary muscle innervation was carried out in 58 young adult subjects (30 emmetropes, 14 early onset myopes, 14 late onset myopes) by examining post-task open-loop accommodation responses, recorded continuously by a modified open-view infrared optometer. Measurements of amplitude of accommodation, tonic accommodation, accommodative lag at near, AC/A ratio, and heterophoria at distance and near were made to establish a profile of oculomotor function. Results: Evidence of sympathetic inhibitory facility in ciliary smooth muscle was observed in 27% of emmetropes, 21% of early-onset myopes and 29% of late-onset myopes. Twenty-six percent of all subjects demonstrated access to sympathetic facility. Closed-loop oculomotor function did not differ significantly between subjects with sympathetic facility, and those with sympathetic deficit. Conclusions: Emmetropic and myopic groups cannot be distinguished in terms of the relative proportions having access to sympathetic inhibition. Presence of sympathetic innervation does not have a significant effect on accommodative function under closed-loop viewing conditions. | non-battery |
Nanocomposite Sm2O3:Mn/PVA films were prepared by sol–gel and casting methods. The influence of low Gamma-radiation doses (γ-dose, 0–1000 Gy) on structural and optical characteristics of the Sm2O3:Mn/PVA nanocomposite was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis. Spectrophotometry (200–1000 nm) and photoluminescence (550–750 nm at excitation of 360 nm) techniques. The UV absorption and transmittance spectra were affected by γ-doses. The direct and indirect energies gaps were decreased while the refractive index was enhanced with increased γ-doses. The effect of γ-doses on the dispersion parameters were studied in details using UV spectra. The photoluminescence studies revealed that the nanocomposite emitted red color and its intensity diminished by increased γ-doses, also the emitted peak shown a red shift with increasing of γ-doses.
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Electropolymerization of new fuchsin produces two types of stable and electrochemically active films in strong and weak acidic aqueous solutions. These films can be produced on glassy carbon, platinum, gold, and transparent semiconductor tin oxide electrodes. An electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and cyclic voltammetry were used to study the in situ growth of poly (new fuchsin) films. New fuchsin is a molecule that has three branched monomers, and its polymerization forms a dendrimer. The polymer films showed redox couples, and when transferred to various acidic to weak basic aqueous solutions, the formal potential versus pH plot had a slope of −60 mV pH−1. The electrocatalytic reduction of HNO2 by poly (neutral red) in a strong acidic aqueous solution showed obvious electrocatalytic reduction activity. A modified electrode containing a hybrid of two organic films was also prepared from poly (new fuchsin) and poly (neutral red) films. The two films, with a formal potential difference of about 0.6 V, were both electrocatalytically active for IO3 − oxidation, but produced different products in strongly acidic aqueous solution. The electrocatalytic reduction of BrO3 − was achieved only by poly (neutral red) in a strongly acidic aqueous solution. The polymer films also reduced SO5 2−, IO4 − and Cr2O7 2− electrocatalytically, and oxidized ascorbic acid electrocatalytically in aqueous solution. | battery |
The effect of a ZrO2 coating on the structure and electrochemical properties of the cathode material LiNi0.8Co0.2O2 was investigated using EPMA, TEM, XRD, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In particular, we focused on the distribution of the ZrO2 on the particle surface to study the relationship between electrochemical properties of the coated cathode and the distribution of the coating materials in the particle. Based on the results from composition analysis and electrochemical tests, it was found that the coating layer consisted of nano-sized ZrO2 particles attached nonuniformly to the particle surface and the ZrO2 layer significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the cathode by suppressing the impedance growth at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte. | battery |
The Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT) is a valid but time-consuming and labour-intensive cognitive paper-and-pencil test. A digital RFFT was developed that can be conducted independently using an iPad and Apple Pencil and RFFT scores are computed automatically. We investigated the validity and reliability of this digital RFFT. | non-battery |
Many studies suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can provide some clinically curative effects on blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). The specific mechanism by which this occurs still remains unknown, and no standardized time or course of hyperbaric oxygen treatment is currently used. In this study, bTBI was produced by paper detonators equivalent to 600 mg of TNT exploding at 6.5 cm vertical to the rabbit’s head. HBO (100 % O2 at 2.0 absolute atmospheres) was used once, 12 h after injury. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed to investigate the impact of HBOT on the metabolism of local injured nerves in brain tissue. We also examined blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, brain water content, apoptotic factors, and some inflammatory mediators. Our results demonstrate that hyperbaric oxygen could confer neuroprotection and improve prognosis after explosive injury by promoting the metabolism of local neurons, inhibiting brain edema, protecting BBB integrity, decreasing cell apoptosis, and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Furthermore, timely intervention within 1 week after injury might be more conducive to improving the prognosis of patients with bTBI.
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This paper presents the planning of solar photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage system (BESS) and gas-fired micro turbine (MT) in a coupled micro gas and electricity grid. The proposed model is formulated as a two-stage stochastic optimization problem, including the optimal investment in the first stage and the optimal operation in the second stage. To better understand the mutual interactions between electric and heat energy, the gas network models are taken into account. As a result, the fuel availability and price of the gas-fired MT can be explicitly modeled and analyzed. Moreover, to enhance the computational efficiency of the formulated mixed-integer quadratic programming problem, the point estimation method is used as the scenario reduction technique. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified on a 14-bus coupled micro energy grid. Based on the case studies, the proposed two-stage planning model can identify a planning solution with the objective value of $99.3104, which is comprised of the daily capital recovery cost of $20.5070, the daily operating cost of $78.8034 for the coupled micro gas and electricity grid. Comparative studies demonstrate that the proposed approach can help the microgrid operator identify feasible and optimal planning solutions, and provide valuable guidance for energy infrastructure expansion from an integrated perspective. | battery |
There are no European Guidelines on issues specifically related to travel for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The contributors to these recommendations included 30 members of the ECORN-CF project. The document is endorsed by the European Cystic Fibrosis Society and sponsored by the Executive Agency of Health and Consumers of the European Union and the Christiane Herzog Foundation. The main goal of this paper is to provide patient-oriented advice that complements medical aspects by offering practical suggestions for all aspects involved in planning and taking a trip. The report consists of three main sections, preparation for travel, important considerations during travel and at the destination, and issues specific to immunocompromised travellers. People with CF should be encouraged to consult with their CF centre prior to travel to another country. The CF centre can advise on the necessary preparation for travel, the need for vaccinations, essential medications that should be brought on the trip and also provide information relating to CF care in the region and plan of action in case of an emergency. | non-battery |
Among metals and intermetallic compounds, silver exhibits a high specific capacity according to the formation of different Ag–Li alloys (up to AgLi12) in a very low voltage range versus lithium (0.250–0V). Electrochemical results including Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) as well as cycling behaviour experiments confirmed the interesting characteristics of silver thin film electrodes prepared by radio frequency (r.f.) sputtering. XRD patterns recorded at different electrochemical stages of the alloying/de-alloying processes showed the complexity of the silver–lithium system under dynamic conditions. Cycling life depends on several parameters and particularly of the careful choice of cut-off voltages. In very well monitored conditions, galvanostatic cycles exhibited flat reversible plateaus with a minimal voltage value (0.050V) between charge and discharge, a feature of great interest in the use of an electrode. The first results of a lithium ion battery with both silver and LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 thin films are presented. | battery |
The chemical stability of Li metal in a rechargeable Li–O2 cell was examined by investigating the physicochemical changes that occurred during storage of Li in an electrolyte comprising dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with dissolved O2. During prolonged storage of Li in the oxygenated electrolyte, the Li surface became moss-like and its interfacial resistance increased. Analyses of reaction products using XPS and FT-IR revealed that the bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl) imide (TFSI) anions and DMSO solvent could have decomposed significantly through a further reaction path induced by O2. Furthermore, the formation of an unstable solid-electrolyte interphase by O2 causes degradation of the Li metal and deterioration of the electrolyte. This investigation shows that the Li anode should be protected from O2 by modification of Li and the separator to ensure long-term stability of the Li–O2 cell. | battery |
It is crucial to maintain temperature homogeneity in lithium ion batteries in order to prevent adverse voltage distributions and differential ageing within the cell. As such, the thermal behaviour of a large-format 20 Ah lithium iron phosphate pouch cell is investigated over a wide range of ambient temperatures and C rates during both charging and discharging. Whilst previous studies have only considered one surface, this article presents experimental results, which characterise both surfaces of the cell exposed to similar thermal media and boundary conditions, allowing for thermal gradients in-plane and perpendicular to the stack to be quantified. Temperature gradients, caused by self-heating, are found to increase with increasing C rate and decreasing temperature to such an extent that 13.4 ± 0.7% capacity can be extracted using a 10C discharge compared to a 0.5C discharge, both at −10 °C ambient temperature. The former condition causes an 18.8 ± 1.1 °C in plane gradient and a 19.7 ± 0.8 °C thermal gradient perpendicular to the stack, which results in large current density distributions and local state of charge differences within the cell. The implications of these thermal and electrical inhomogeneities on ageing and battery pack design for the automotive industry are discussed. | battery |
The current distribution over the plate surface in lead-acid cells in the course of discharge was determined mathematically by using the equivalent circuit method. The dependence of the internal cell resistance on the current and charge passed was determined by measurements on a laboratory cell. Six cell variants were considered differing by the location of tabs serving as current terminals. The results are presented in the form of 3D diagrams at various states of discharge. To make the current distribution nearly uniform, extended current tabs located at opposite ends of the plate electrodes were proposed. | battery |
Expansion of medical marijuana use in the US and the recently successful decriminalization of recreational marijuana in two States elevates interest in the specific cognitive effects of Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9THC), the major psychoactive constituent of marijuana. Controlled laboratory studies in nonhuman primates provide mixed evidence for specific effects of Δ9THC in learning and memory tasks, with a suggestion that frontal-mediated tasks may be the most sensitive. In this study, adult male rhesus monkeys were trained on tasks which assess reversal learning, extradimensional attentional shift learning and spatial delayed-response. Subjects were challenged with 0.1–0.5mg/kg Δ9THC, i.m., in randomized order and evaluated on the behavioral measures. Peak plasma levels of Δ9THC were observed 30min after 0.2mg/kg (69±29ng/ml) and 60min after 0.5mg/kg (121±23ng/ml) was administered and behavioral effects on a bimanual motor task persisted for up to 2h after injection. An increase in errors-to-criterion (ETC) associated with reversal learning was further increased by Δ9THC in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in ETC associated with extradimensional shifts was not affected by Δ9THC. Spatial delayed-response performance was impaired by Δ9THC in a retention-interval-dependent manner. Overall the pattern of results suggests a more profound effect of Δ9THC on tasks mediated by orbitofrontal (reversal learning) versus dorsolateral (extradimensional shifts) prefrontal mechanisms. | non-battery |
Swine leptospirosis poses a major problem in the agricultural sector. The gold standard for serodiagnosis of leptospirosis is Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). However, the limitations of this technique make the search for alternative diagnostic methods inevitable. In the present study, ErpY-like recombinant protein (rErpY-like), produced in Escherichia coli and used as antigen in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), was evaluated for its efficacy as a novel diagnostic tool for swine leptospirosis. For the study, 72 samples of swine sera characterized by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), were evaluated by indirect ELISA. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values obtained from the analysis were 96.8%, 100%, and 99%, respectively, thereby suggesting that rErpY-like ELISA being a sensitive and specific method for antibodies detection in swine populations could be used as an alternative for diagnosis of swine leptospirosis. | non-battery |
Black TiO2-modified Ti/PbO2 electrode was fabricated by the electro-codeposition method and characterized by transmission electron micrographs, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated that the incorporation of black TiO2 nanoparticles facilitated the formation of porous PbO2 architecture, improved the oriented growth of [101] and [301] planes, and inhibited the oxygen evolution reaction. The degradation experiment of anthraquinone dye (reactive brilliant blue KN-R) indicated that black TiO2 embedded Ti/PbO2 electrode has higher photo-electrocatalytic activity than that of Ti/PbO2 electrode. Furthermore, the accelerated life test showed that the service life of black TiO2 embedded Ti/PbO2 electrode was much longer than that of Ti/PbO2 electrode. The enhancement of decolorization efficiency and stability for black TiO2 embedded Ti/PbO2 electrodes can be attributed to the formation of porous PbO2 architecture, the existence of photoelectric synergy, inhibition of the oxygen evolution reaction, and weakening of internal stress in PbO2 coatings. The black TiO2 embedded Ti/PbO2 electrode is considered as a promising anode for the treatment of organic pollutants. | battery |
The effects of extra Li content, different synthesis method and sintering temperature on synthesis, structure and electrochemistry of LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 were investigated. It was shown that extra Li content, homogeneous precursor and a high sintering temperature contributed to the formation of single phase compound. Extra Li content not only accelerated formation of pure phase due to effectively suppressing development of NiO impurity, but also brought about considerable variations in electrochemistry. In the case of x =1.3 (the molar ratio of Li versus M (M=Co1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3) at starting materials), a plateau-like stage at >4.3V during the initial charge process was apparently observed, accompanying a remarkably improved initial charge capacity. Different precursors derived from different synthesis methods caused the impressive differences in electrochemistry of LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2. Homogeneous precursors derived from spray-drying method resulted in significantly improved electrochemical performances in contrast with ones obtained by direct decomposition of acetates and even subsequent ball-milling. This may be related to the reduced occupancy of transitional metal ions in Li layers, smaller particles size and possibly good material homogeneity in LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2. | battery |
In this paper, we examine a cognitive neuropsychiatric approach to understanding neuropsychiatric disorders by examining recent data in schizophrenia. By understanding and applying this approach, we suggest that the processes underlying the neurobiology of a range of other psychiatric disorders can be understood. Further, an assessment of the brain–behaviour relationships through this emerging discipline provides testable models for further study, using a range of techniques including functional and other imaging techniques. | non-battery |
Integrating renewable energy resources such as photovoltaic system with diesel generator in a hybrid power system is widely spread in the worldwide due to the economic and technical aspects. These systems prove their feasibility in the remote areas, where the grid extension is not available. An optimum dispatch strategy for these systems is a very important factor that affects the cost of the energy generated. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to show the state of art of hybrid photovoltaic/diesel generator system control strategies. Research work in the period of 1998–2014 is covered and analyzed. In addition to that, a summary of the latest technologies in this field is provided. Finally, challenges to this science are concluded. These challenges are accurate estimation of load demand and meteorological data, system performance prediction, system’s component models, optimal sizing of the system and operation set points optimization. In optimizing the operation set points there are many aspects to consider such as system reliability, emitted emission by the system and the cost of the energy generated. | battery |
We report on the crystallographic orientational dependence of the electrochemical behaviour in nanostructured manganese oxide. Manganese Oxide (Mn3O4) nanocrystals have been deposited on Nb-doped Strontium Titanate (Nb:SrTiO3) substrate via pulsed laser deposition. (001), (101) and (112) orientated nanocrystals were successfully grown on (100), (110) and (111) Nb:SrTiO3 substrates respectively. Analysis of the lattice arrangements suggests that nanostructure growth may be driven more by polarity rather than the epitaxial strain such that electrostatic repulsion can be minimised. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 1M Na2SO4 electrolyte was performed to understand how specific capacitance values vary with changing lattice orientations. The maximum specific capacitance calculated for the (100) orientation was 34 F/g, obtained after the 3000th cycle. Beyond this the CV loop plateaus rapidly and structural analysis of this sample revealed a morphological transformation from the (001) orientation to the (101) platelet structures. The maximum specific capacitance obtained was for the (112) sample (120F/g) suggesting that such non-primary planes in spinel oxides may be most attractive for electrochemical applications. | battery |
In the present study macroporous aluminium electrodes were made by template assisted electrodeposition from ionic liquids. Polystyrene (PS) spheres (diameter 600nm) were applied onto polished copper electrodes by immersion into an alcoholic suspension containing PS spheres. Al was deposited from the chloroaluminate ionic liquid [EMIm]Cl/AlCl3 (40/60mol.%) on this substrate. After chemical dissolution of the PS spheres a macroporous aluminium electrode was obtained which served as a host material for Li deposition from ionic liquids. Lithium deposition in this matrix is reversible showing certain activation with an increasing number of cycles. After 10 cycles of Li deposition/dissolution the macroporous structure is still visible. | battery |
Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro-propylene) doped with imidazole-modified silica nanoparticles (Z-SiO2) is coated in a polyethylene substrate to form a functional composite polymer electrolyte (PVDF-HFP-(Z-SiO2)/PE-based CPEs) and used for high voltage LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The imidazole-based modified SiO2 nanoparticles are first prepared via a distillation precipitation polymerization. The composite separators with 30 wt% Z-SiO2 nanoparticles prepared via a dip-coating process exhibits a porous and uniformly dispersed morphology and enhanced performance, including excellent electrolyte uptake (310%), high ionic conductivity of 1.03 mS cm−1, and oxidative decomposition voltage up to 4.75 V. More importantly, a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer can be formed, endowing the Li/PVDF-HFP-(Z-SiO2)/PE-based CPEs/LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) cells superior cycling stability and rate capability (169 mAh g−1, 81.9%) under when the charge cut-off voltage increased to 4.5 V, which is higher than that assembled with PE separator (160 mAh g−1, 40.8%). These results demonstrate that the Z-SiO2 nanoparticles not only act as the fillers of the CPEs but also are water/acid scavengers in favor of the formation of a stable CEI film, which promotes the cycling performance and rate capability of high voltage NCM523 cathode and reveals promising prospect for practical applications in LIBs at high voltage operation. | battery |
Background Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation method for suppressing regional cortical excitability. We examine the safety and antiepileptic efficacy of cathodal tDCS in children with refractory focal epilepsy. Although a prior cathodal tDCS trial in adults with epilepsy revealed EEG improvement, neither the antiepileptic potential nor the safety and tolerability of tDCS has been tested in children. Method The study consisted of three phases: 1) a 4-week pre-treatment monitoring period with vital sign measures, EEG, seizure diary, and baseline quality of life (QOL) questionnaire; 2) a single treatment with 1 mA cathodal tDCS for 20 min with cathode positioned over the seizure focus and anode on the contralateral shoulder; 3) follow-ups immediately after stimulation, and at 24, 48 h, and 4 weeks after tDCS with continued seizure diary and epileptic discharge counts on EEG; the QOL questionnaire was also repeated 4 weeks after stimulation. Patients were randomized to receive either single session active or sham tDCS 1 mA, 20 min. Results Thirty six children (6–15 years) with focal epilepsy were enrolled, 27 in active and 9 in sham group. All patients tolerated tDCS well. No serious adverse events occurred. Active tDCS treatment was associated with significant reductions in epileptic discharge frequency immediately and 24 and 48 h after tDCS. Four weeks after treatment, a small (clinically negligible but statistically significant) decrease in seizure frequency was also detected. Conclusion A single session of cathodal tDCS improves epileptic EEG abnormalities for 48 h and is well-tolerated in children. | non-battery |
Four differently prepared aluminum fluoride samples were tested as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. The charge–discharge results showed an initial capacity of over 900 mAh g−1 for most of the samples at a voltage of around 2 V, giving specific energy densities of over 7405 kJ kg−1, higher than many commercial materials. The cycling results showed an initial high-capacity with rapid capacity fade. The reversible conversion reaction of aluminum fluoride was shown to follow the reduction of AlF3 into LiF and Al during discharge and upon charge Al would be oxidized to form AlF3 and Li again. It was found that not all the AlF3 would be oxidized due to the large surface/interfacial energy produced by the production of nano LiF and Al particles and the large reduction in size from the initial particles to the reduced phase. There was formation of unwanted Li3AlF6 due to the reaction of AlF3, LiF, and LiPF6 which also reduced the cycling capacity. | battery |
Ni-Co hydroxides have been extensively studied as electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors. In this work, we report an effective method to significantly improve the rate performance of Ni-Co hydroxides through engineering the dual-channel structure and tuning the valence state of Cobalt, which is realized through a facile in suit chemical treatment of phosphites. The specific capacitance of the obtained flower-like Ni-Co hydroxide electrode is 1425Fg−1 at 20Ag−1, which is 83.9% of 1698Fg−1 at 1Ag−1. Simultaneously, a moderate cycling stability with an efficiency of 80.6% after cycling 4000 times at a current density of 10Ag−1 is obtained. Moreover, an energy density of 40.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 801.2Wkg−1 has been achieved in an assembled aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor, using Ni-Co hydroxide as positive electrode material and activated carbon as negative electrode material. Our study shows that the chemical treatment evokes morphology and phase transformation and induces partial Co2+ conversion to a more conductive Co3+ state. And the electrochemical performance has a significant relationship with the microstructure and valence state of Cobalt. | battery |
The installed capacity of stationary batteries is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. This deployment will have impacts on the environment that must be investigated to guide our policy and technology choices. A large variety of stationary battery technologies exists, however previous studies have failed to assess the environmental implications of several of them. In this study, the environmental performance of Lithium Metal Polymer (LMP) stationary batteries is quantified through the life cycle assessment methodology and compared to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) units. LMP is a promising technology which is advocated as more stable, safe and simple to manufacture than batteries with liquid electrolytes. Models with a storage capacity of 6 MWh and 75 kWh are examined, corresponding respectively to batteries designed for a centralized and a distributed grid configuration. The assessments cover the entire life cycle of the batteries and evaluate their impacts in fifteen different environmental categories. The results show that the battery manufacturing stage drives the majority of environmental impacts in the different investigated batteries. Li-ion batteries cause significantly more impacts than LMP units in terms of global warming and ozone depletion. The effects on global warming come mainly from the production of components in countries where fossil fuel dominates electricity mixes. The production of polytetrafluoroethylene, used only in Li-ion batteries, is the main contributor to the ozone layer depletion category and also an important source of global warming emissions. Conversely, LMP batteries are responsible for a bigger impact in terms of aquatic eutrophication originating from sulfidic tailings linked to mining activities. An additional finding of this study is that centralized battery system configurations bring smaller environmental impacts than distributed systems with more but smaller storage units. | battery |
In this paper, a performance comparison among three well-known stochastic model predictive control approaches, namely, multi-scenario, tree-based, and chance-constrained model predictive control is presented. To this end, three predictive controllers have been designed and implemented in a real renewable-hydrogen-based microgrid. The experimental set-up includes a PEM electrolyzer, lead-acid batteries, and a PEM fuel cell as main equipment. The real experimental results show significant differences from the plant components, mainly in terms of use of energy, for each implemented technique. Effectiveness, performance, advantages, and disadvantages of these techniques are extensively discussed and analyzed to give some valid criteria when selecting an appropriate stochastic predictive controller. | battery |
We investigated the combined impact of ageing and obesity on Achilles tendon (AT) properties in vivo in men, utilizing three classification methods of obesity. | non-battery |
The electrochemical characteristics of 1M NaPF6, NaClO4 and NaN(SO2F)2 (i.e., NaFSI) solutions in a quaternary solvent mixture of ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, propylene carbonate and ethyl acetate, in a 1:1:1:0.5 ratio by volume, were studied for application as electrolytes of supercapacitors working in a wide temperature range (from –40 to 60°C). Mainly microporous carbide derived carbon powder (synthesized from Mo2C by chlorination at 800°C) based electrodes exhibited nearly ideal capacitive behaviour at cell potentials up to 3.4V in the NaPF6 electrolyte, where also the limiting capacitance of 120 F g−1 was practically retained down to –30°C. The slower electrolyte ions diffusion processes at low temperature caused smaller capacitance and inferior power performance for the NaClO4 electrolyte based systems even at room-temperature. Cycle life measurements under floating potential conditions showed that the NaPF6 electrolyte has much better electrochemical stability at 3.0V floating compared to NaClO4. Electrochemical stability problems observed with the NaFSI electrolyte due to oxidation of aluminium current collectors were not overcome by the addition of small concentration of aluminium-stabilizing NaPF6 salt. | battery |
Partially fluorinated lithium manganese spinel oxides (LiMn1.8Li0.1Ni0.1O4−x F x ) were prepared by solid-state reaction. Relationship between the electronic structures of LiMn1.8Li0.1Ni0.1O4−x F x and their electrochemical properties were investigated. X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) of Mn K-edge showed that the absorption edge shifted to lower energy with increasing F− content, which indicated decrease of the Mn average oxidation state. Discharge capacity at first cycle was increased by decrease of the Mn average oxidation state with increasing F− content. | battery |
Rechargeable magnesium batteries provide the potential for lower cost and improved safety compared with lithium-ion batteries, however obtaining cathode materials with highly reversible Mg-ion capacities is hindered by the high polarizability of divalent Mg-ions and slow solid-state Mg-ion diffusion. We report that incorporating poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) between the layers of hydrated vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) xerogels results in significantly improved reversible Mg-ion capacities. X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy show that the interlayer spacing between V2O5 layers was increased by PEO incorporation. Vibrational spectroscopy supports that the polymer interacts with the V2O5 lattice. The V2O5-PEO nanocomposite exhibited a 5-fold enhancement in Mg-ion capacity, improved stability, and improved rate capabilities compared with V2O5 xerogels. The Mg-ion diffusion coefficient of the nanocomposite was increased compared with that of V2O5 xerogels which is attributed to enhanced Mg-ion mobility due to the shielding interaction of PEO with the V2O5 lattice. This study shows that beyond only interlayer spacing, the nature of interlayer interactions of Mg-ions with V2O5, PEO, and H2O are key factors that affect Mg-ion charge transport and storage in layered materials. The design of layered materials with controlled interlayer interactions provides a new approach to develop improved cathodes for magnesium batteries. | battery |
The cathode of spent Zn-MnO2 primary batteries is made up of mainly Mn3O4 and α-MnO2. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis of the cathode surface also shows the presence of zinc from the anode and chloride from the electrolyte. Manganese was recovered by precipitation, electrodeposition and anodization. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the Mn3O4 material was recycled by chemical precipitation. The charge efficiency by electrodeposition was 85% at 25.0mAcm−2. In the current density range studied, the potential/current density plots follow a Tafel-like relation. In the anodic process, the material oxidizes at the electrode/solution interface and precipitates to the bottom of the cell. Only a fraction corresponding to 20% of the charge density is deposited onto the electrode. This happens because Mn2+ oxidizes to Mn3+, which then suffers disproportionation. | battery |
DNA barcoding is a technique in which species identification is performed using DNA sequences from a small fragment of the genome, with the aim of contributing to a wide range of ecological and conservation studies in which traditional taxonomic identification is not practical. DNA barcoding is well established in animals using the cox1 gene (COI), but there is not yet any proposed universal barcode for plants that has received a broad consensus. We undertook intensive field collections in the renowned Kruger National Park (South Africa), which has its most southern part included in the Maputaland Biodiversity hotspot. Using a selection of trees and shrubs, we compared height potential barcodes: six advised by the plant working group and two from Kress et al. (2007). We applied a battery of metrics to measure intra- and inter-specific genetic divergences, statistical tests, phylogenetic and coalescence analyses. Compared to previous plant studies, we assessed to which extend a ‘DNA barcoding gap’ is present between intra- and inter-specific variations using multiple accessions per species. We identified a portion of the plastid matK gene as a universal DNA barcodes for flowering plants, which can be used singly or in combination with the trnH-psbA inter-gene for a slight increase in performance. Furthermore, we assessed the accuracy of combining to the previous barcode one of the two newly proposed loci by Ki-Joong Kim (University of Seoul). We further discuss the role that DNA barcoding can play in biodiversity inventories for conservation. | non-battery |
F-doped LiFePO4/C nanoparticles were synthesized via a low-temperature hydrothermal reaction followed by high-temperature treatment. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). To investigate their electrochemical properties, the cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy curves, charge–discharge curves and cycle life test were carried out. The results show that F-doping can modify the microstructure and further improve the electrochemical performance of these cathode materials. These F-doped LiFePO4/C nanoparticles show obviously better high rate performance and stable cycle ability. | battery |
We derive and implement analytic solutions for the description of batteries subject to cyclic voltage and current sources of varying amplitudes, consistent with vehicle drive events. An equivalent circuit comprising a resistor in series with a parallel resistor–capacitor combination is employed. The method we develop is applied to a high-power lithium ion cell, thereby allowing us to obtain parameters and overall characteristics useful for (1) representing the battery in system (e.g., vehicle) models and (2) providing a quantitative means of comparing and classifying battery systems. Closed-form analytic solutions derived using Fourier series are compared with experimental data. | battery |
Energy storage technologies can provide services to the electricity grid that are necessary for its usability, stability, and reliability. The services, such as power factor correction and renewable energy arbitrage, are defined by duration, cycling occurrence, power, and market price. Storage technologies suitable to these applications, such as pumped hydro and batteries, are defined by their usable energy, power, efficiency, operating range, availability, lifetime, and cost. In this article, grid services and storage technologies are examined using a range of metrics. Through a series of figures and discussions, the reader is provided with a method for comparing universal characteristics with regional/technology specific values. This provides a guiding strategy to help identify overlap between service needs and storage technology capabilities, so as to aid in the specification and selection of systems for present and future grid storage opportunities. | battery |
Phosphorus and oxygen co-doped carbon spheres with formaldehyde and resorcinol as precursor were successfully prepared by using phosphoric acid solution as phosphorus source and catalyst. When the pH value of applied phosphoric acid solution is set at 1.38, the spherical carbon materials can be obtained. The corresponding specific surface area can reach 739.48 m2 g−1, and the phosphorus amount can be 0.44 at.%. By contrast, bulk carbon materials were produced when the pH value increased to 3.72. The corresponding specific surface area decreased to 444.3 m2 g−1, and the phosphorus amount declined to 0.10 at.%. It is demonstrated that spherical carbon materials exhibit superior electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance can reach 297.5 F g−1 at the scan rate of 1 mV s−1. Symmetric supercapacitors were constructed with KOH and Na2SO4 as electrolytes, respectively. The specific capacitance can reach 186.8 F g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1 when KOH is used as electrolyte and its energy density can reach up to 50.86 Wh kg−1. However, the stability of the device is relatively poor. In contrast, when sodium sulfate is used as the electrolyte, after 5000 cycles of constant current charge and discharge, the capacity is still 84.09% remaining, exhibiting excellent cycle stability. In addition, the energy density of the device can reach 39.4 Wh kg−1. Even when the power density is 4000 W kg−1, the energy density can still reach 10 Wh kg−1. The obtained materials show great potential for practical application. | battery |
Solar energy is a clean, green and renewable source of energy. It is available in abundance in nature. Solar cells by photovoltaic action are able to convert the solar energy into electric current. The output power of solar cell depends upon factors such as solar irradiation (insolation), temperature and other climatic conditions. Present commercial efficiency of solar cells is not greater than 15% and therefore the available efficiency is to be exploited to the maximum possible value and the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) with the aid of power electronics to solar array can make this possible. There are many algorithms proposed to realize maximum power point tracking. These algorithms have their own merits and limitations. In this paper, an attempt is made to understand the basic functionality of the two most popular algorithms viz. Perturb and Observe (P & O) algorithm and Incremental conductance algorithm. These algorithms are compared by simulating a 100 kW solar power generating station connected to grid. MATLAB M-files are generated to understand MPPT and its dependency on insolation and temperature. MATLAB Simulink software is used to simulate the MPPT systems. Simulation results are presented to verify these assumptions.
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The expression analysis of 21BpNACgenes in stem, xylem from different growth season, and tension wood indicated that they might participate in xylem and tension wood development in birch. | non-battery |
Speech deficits, notably those involved in psychomotor retardation, blunted affect, alogia and poverty of content of speech, are pronounced in a wide range of serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, unipolar depression, bipolar disorders). The present project evaluated the degree to which these deficits manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. We examined natural speech from 52 patients meeting criteria for serious mental illnesses (i.e., severe functional deficits with a concomitant diagnosis of schizophrenia, unipolar and/or bipolar affective disorders) and 30 non-psychiatric controls using a range of objective, computer-based measures tapping speech production (“alogia”), variability (“blunted vocal affect”) and content (“poverty of content of speech”). Subjects produced natural speech during a baseline condition and while engaging in an experimentally-manipulated cognitively-effortful task. For correlational analysis, cognitive ability was measured using a standardized battery. Generally speaking, speech deficits did not differ as a function of SMI diagnosis. However, every speech production and content measure was significantly abnormal in SMI versus control groups. Speech variability measures generally did not differ between groups. For both patients and controls as a group, speech during the cognitively-effortful task was sparser and less rich in content. Relative to controls, patients were abnormal under cognitive load with respect only to average pause length. Correlations between the speech variables and cognitive ability were only significant for this same variable: average pause length. Results suggest that certain speech deficits, notably involving pause length, may manifest as a function of cognitive resource limitations. Implications for treatment, research and assessment are discussed. | non-battery |
Dedicated neuronal circuits enable animals to engage in specific behavioral responses to environmental stimuli. We found that hypoxic stress enhanced gustatory sensory perception via previously unknown circuitry in Caenorhabditis elegans. The hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF-1 upregulated serotonin (5-HT) expression in specific sensory neurons that are not normally required for chemosensation. 5-HT subsequently promoted hypoxia-enhanced sensory perception by signaling through the metabotropic G protein–coupled receptor SER-7 in an unusual peripheral neuron, the M4 motor neuron. M4 relayed this information back into the CNS via the FMRFamide-related neuropeptide FLP-21 and its cognate receptor, NPR-1. Thus, physiological detection of hypoxia results in the activation of an additional, previously unrecognized circuit for processing sensory information that is not required for sensory processing under normoxic conditions.
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One-vs-One (OVO) and One-vs-All (OVA) are decomposition methods for multi-class strategies used to allow binary Support-Vector Machines (SVM) to transform a given k-class problem into pairwise small problems. In this context, the present work proposes the analysis of these two decomposition methods applied to the hand posture recognition problem in which the sEMG data of eight participants were collected by means of an 8-channel armband bracelet located on the forearm. Linear, Polynomial and Radial Basis Function kernels functions and its adjustments level were implemented combined to the strategies OVO and OVA to compare the performance of the SVM when mapping posture data into the classification spaces spanned by the studied kernels. Acquired sEMG signals were segmented considering 0.16 s e 0.32 s time windows. Root Mean Square (RMS) feature was extracted from each time window of each posture and used for SVM training. The present work focused in investigating the relationship between the multi-class strategies combined to kernels adjustments levels and SVM classification performance. Promising results were observed using OVA strategy which presents a reduced number of binary SVM implementation achieved a mean accuracy of 97.63%.
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The kinetics of lithium electrochemical systems is governed by the transport processes in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) coating the lithium anode. The present work studies the temperature effect on the electrochemical kinetics of a metallic lithium electrode immersed into a LiClO4 solution in propylene carbonate in a wide polarization range. A series of polarization curves of the Li electrode within a temperature range of −35 to +70°C were recorded using the pulse voltammetry method. Any of these symmetrical anodic and cathodic polarization curves looks as a segment of a straight line (the Ohmic current j Ω caused by the intrinsic ionic conductivity of SEI) shading, as the overpotential η rises, into a power curve j inj∝η n (j inj being the injection current) with a temperature-dependent exponent n≥2. Similar polarization curves were recorded for the Li electrode in LiClO4 and LiBF4 solutions in γ-butyrolactone as well. The cause of such a j(η, T) dependence is assumed to be structural disordering of the SEI material resulting in the appearance of a distribution of jump distances and energy barrier height for charge carriers. The stochastic transport of carriers in a disordered solid with a wide distribution of site-to-site jump times leads, by calculation of the current-voltage dependence, to the above power function j inj∝η n with an exponent depending on the absolute temperature T as n=1+(a 1−b 1/T)−2 . Our experimental data are in good agreement with this model. Comparing the experimental j−η curves with the theoretical equations, one could estimate a set of the microscopic parameters of transfer, including the mean jump distance, the effective radius of charge localization, the jumping attempt frequency, and the mean height of energy barriers. | battery |
Cross-linkable hyperbranched polymer capped with acryloyl groups (poly-1b) was prepared, and the ionic conductivities and mechanical properties of the composite polymer electrolytes composed of PEO, poly-1b, BaTiO3, and LiN(CF3SO2)2 were investigated in comparison with those of the corresponding composite polymer electrolyte of the non cross-linkable hyperbranched polymer (poly-1a). The cross-linked composite polymer electrolytes of poly-1b showed lower ionic conductivities, but higher tensile strength than the non cross-linked composite polymer electrolyte of poly-1a. This indicates that the cross-linking might improve significantly mechanical property of the composite polymer electrolytes. Addition of tris[2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]boroxine (Bx(3)) to the cross-linked composite polymer electrolyte of poly-1b improved ionic conductivity, transport number, and also interfacial stability between a lithium metal electrode and the composite polymer electrolyte. | battery |
To describe key behaviors reported by participants in the Portuguese Weight Control Registry and to determine associations between these behaviors and weight loss maintenance. A total of 388 adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Assessments included demographic information, weight history, weight loss and weight maintenance strategies, dietary intake, and physical activity. Participants lost on average 18 kg, which they had maintained for ~28 months. Their average dietary intake was 2199 kcal/day, with 33 % of energy coming from fat. About 78 % of participants engaged in levels of moderate-plus-vigorous physical activity exceeding 150 min/week (51 % above 250 min/week), with men accumulating 82 more minutes than women (p < 0.05). The most frequently reported strategies for both weight loss and maintenance were keeping healthy foods at home, consuming vegetables regularly, and having daily breakfast. Greater weight loss maintenance was associated with higher levels of physical activity, walking, weight self-monitoring, establishing specific goals, and with reduced portion size use, reduced consumption of carbohydrates, and increased consumption of protein, (p < 0.05). Results indicate that weight loss maintenance is possible through the adoption of a nutritionally-balanced diet and regular participation in physical activity, but also suggest that adopting different (and, to a degree, individualized) set of behavioral strategies is key for achieving success. | non-battery |
In human and animal anesthesia, epidural and spinal administration of drugs is used to provide surgical anesthesia and/or postoperative analgesia. Several local anesthetic drugs are used to produce epidural anesthesia, such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and mepivacaine. Epidural analgesia is obtained with opioid agonists, alpha2-adrenergic agonists, and ketamine. In horses, caudal epidural anesthesia is used to desensitize the anus, rectum, perineum, vulva, vagina, urethra, and bladder. The goal is to produce surgical regional anesthesia without losing motor function of the hind limbs. A combination of a local anesthetic drug with an alpha2-adrenergic agonist or an opioid is the most popular option as this combination extends the period of action of the epidural anesthesia or analgesia in horses, humans, and small animals. Spinal analgesia and anesthesia has not been used in horses as an adjunct to general anesthesia as much as it has in small animals and human beings. The epidural administration of opioids with or without local anesthetics is commonly performed in dogs and cats before surgery to reduce general anesthetic requirements as well as to provide intraoperative and postoperative pain control. The perioperative use of epidural and spinal analgesia in horses is likely to increase in the future as recent studies have shown that administration of epidural or subarachnoid alpha2-adrenergic agonists, phencyclidines, opioids, and low-dose local anesthetic produce intense antinociceptive effects. | non-battery |
Disturbances in the default mode network (DMN) have been described in many neurological and psychiatric disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD). The DMN is characterized by basal activity that increases during rest or passive visual fixation and decreases (“deactivates”) during cognitive tasks. The network is believed to be involved in cognitive processes. We examined the DMN in PD patients on dopaminergic medication with normal cognitive performance compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) using fMRI and three methodological procedures: independent component analysis of resting-state data, analysis of deactivation during a complex visual scene-encoding task, and seed-based functional connectivity analysis. In the PD group, we also studied the effect of dopaminergic medication on the DMN integrity. We did not find any difference between the PD and HC groups in the DMN, but using the daily levodopa equivalent dose as a covariate, we observed an enhanced functional connectivity of the DMN in the posterior cingulate cortex and decreased activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus during the cognitive task. We conclude that dopaminergic therapy has a specific effect on both the DMN integrity and task-related brain activations in cognitively unimpaired PD patients, and these effects seem to be dose-dependent.
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Using a comprehensive sample of customer complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we examine the differences in the timing of insiders’ and investors’ use of outside generated public information. We first find that levels of customer complaints predict future auto recalls and their financial consequences, suggesting that these publicly available customer complaints contain value-relevant information. We then find that customer complaints are not contemporaneously associated with stock returns but predict large negative abnormal stock returns during the period following the recall announcement. Thus, we find that the market generally fails to impound the information contained in customer complaints in a timely manner. We then examine whether mutual funds, as sophisticated investors, appear to use the complaint data and find that, consistent with the overall market, in the aggregate they do not appear to use the complaint data to inform their trades until after recall announcements. However, mutual funds that focus more of their trades in the auto industry appear to pay more attention to the complaint data and trade consistent with the data before recall announcements. We then find that the top five executives of the car manufacturers in our sample are significant sellers of personal shares prior to the announcement of auto recalls, particularly when customer complaints are high. Our findings suggest that insiders’ informational advantage is at least in part due to general investor limited attention to publicly available information. | non-battery |
Surface structural engineering has been widely applied to improve the electrochemical performances of LiCoO2 cathodes, especially for applications at high operation voltages (>4.4 V vs. Li) and elevated working temperature (≥50 °C). In this report, Al2O3 layer with an average thickness of 8 nm was firstly obtained on the LiCoO2 surface, and then was transformed into LiAlO2/LiCo1-xAlxO2 double-layers by a facile heating treatment. This novel double-layers structure was clearly presented by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and depth profile of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Due to the chemical/electrochemical stability of the LiAlO2 layer and high Li+ conductivity of the LiCo1-xAlxO2 layer, this cathode with hierarchical structure achieved higher capacity and better cycling stability than the Al2O3 coated LiCoO2 cathode at both 25 and 55 °C. In addition, this LiAlO2/LiCo1-xAlxO2/LiCoO2 cathode maintained the capacity of 178.1 mA h g−1 (73% capacity retention) after 500 cycles (3.0–4.5 V, 1C), which is very promising to be used in severe operation conditions such as high temperature and voltage. | battery |
Advanced batteries require careful control over the interfacial properties of their constituent materials. This study designs hierarchically structured cathode materials that are resistant to surface reconstruction, leading to improved cycling performance.
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LiFePO4 and Li0.99Nb0.01FePO4 with olivine structure were synthesized by an in situ synthesis technique. Their electrochemical behaviors in Li2SO4 aqueous electrolytes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). It shows that both compounds undergo lithium ion extraction and intercalation upon oxidation and reverse reduction at the safe potential window without causing the kinetic electrolysis of water. For LiFePO4, only one pair of symmetrical redox peaks, which are associated with the Li+ ion extraction/insertion upon the oxidation/reduction of Fe2+/Fe3+ redox couple, appears on its CV curves at both low (0.10–1.0mVs−1) and medium (5.0–50mVs−1) scan rate ranges. For Li0.99Nb0.01FePO4, various electrochemical behaviors were observed at different scan rate ranges. Two pairs of redox peaks, which are broad and sharp, respectively, appeared at the low scan rate range, but the broad peak pair disappeared at the medium scan rate range. Further study found that the reactions happening at the sharp peak pair are independent of the reactions occurring at the broad one. Various scan rate experiments revealed a linear relationship between the peak current and the square root of scan rate for all peak pairs, indicating that the Li+ deintercalation/intercalation processes occurred in both compounds are diffusion-controlled. The corresponding diffusion coefficients were calculated in the range of 10−11–10−12 cm2 s−1. | battery |
Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported NiCo2O4 nanobelts with surface pores (NSP-NiCo2O4/rGO) are successfully constructed by means of a combination of a low-temperature hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination. It is found that in the NSP-NiCo2O4/rGO hybrid, the NiCo2O4 nanobelt shows a preferred orientation active (311) plane, which is dotted with abundant pores with an average diameter of ∼4.7 nm. The hybrid is used as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries and exhibits a high specific capacity (1324 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capabilities (1132, 1066, 993 and 869 mAh g−1 at 200, 300, 500 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively), and a superior cycling stability (only a 4% capacity decay after 80 cycles). The significant Li storage performance of the NSP-NiCo2O4/rGO hybrid is mainly attributed to the unique nanostructure of the NiCo2O4 nanobelt with surface pore and preferred orientation active (311) plane, and the synergistic effect between the NiCo2O4 nanobelts and rGO. | battery |
Ag nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on vertically-aligned CuO nanowire arrays (Ag/CuO NWAs) grown on Cu foam. These composite arrays were used as battery-type electrode materials for highly stable hybrid supercapacitors with excellent energy storage performance. Metallic Ag nanoparticles on the surface of CuO NWAs and Ag atoms diffused into the CuO lattice could improve electrical conductivity of the battery-type electrodes by forming a good ohmic contact and by providing positive and stable pathways for the rapid electron/ion transport. Moreover, surface area of Ag/CuO NWAs electrode was also enhanced with additional active sites formed after Ag deposition. Ag/CuO NWAs demonstrated high stored charge of 1481.3 mC cm−2, which is two times higher than pristine CuO NWAs. Our binder-free Ag/CuO NWAs electrode displays excellent stored charge retention of 103% after 10000 cycles at 30 mA cm−2 current density. High-performance hybrid supercapacitor, with Ag/CuO NWAs as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode, delivered 0.265 mWh cm−2 energy density, 48 mW cm−2 power density and long lifetime stability. We demonstrated that these hybrid supercapacitors could be randomly interconnected and could power various light-emitting diodes. | battery |
The Cannabis sativa herb contains over 100 phytocannabinoid (pCB) compounds and has been used for thousands of years for both recreational and medicinal purposes. In the past two decades, characterisation of the body's endogenous cannabinoid (CB) (endocannabinoid, eCB) system (ECS) has highlighted activation of central CB1 receptors by the major pCB, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) as the primary mediator of the psychoactive, hyperphagic and some of the potentially therapeutic properties of ingested cannabis. Whilst Δ9-THC is the most prevalent and widely studied pCB, it is also the predominant psychotropic component of cannabis, a property that likely limits its widespread therapeutic use as an isolated agent. In this regard, research focus has recently widened to include other pCBs including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), Δ9tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV) and cannabidivarin (CBDV), some of which show potential as therapeutic agents in preclinical models of CNS disease. Moreover, it is becoming evident that these non-Δ9-THC pCBs act at a wide range of pharmacological targets, not solely limited to CB receptors. Disorders that could be targeted include epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, affective disorders and the central modulation of feeding behaviour. Here, we review pCB effects in preclinical models of CNS disease and, where available, clinical trial data that support therapeutic effects. Such developments may soon yield the first non-Δ9-THC pCB-based medicines. | non-battery |
Although both aggressive (AGG) and deceitful behaviors (DEC) are symptoms of childhood conduct problems, few studies have examined common vs. specific etiological influences. Early intervention is encouraged for conduct problems and findings from genetically informative studies can suggest whether interventions should focus on conduct problems in general or groupings of conduct problems more specifically. Twin model-fitting analyses were conducted on same and different teacher ratings of AGG and DEC for 872 9-year old male twin pairs. Common genetic influences were found to underlie the susceptibility for both AGG and DEC. The same teacher ratings resulted in somewhat higher heritability estimates than different teacher ratings. Results also indicated stronger environmental effects for DEC as compared with AGG, with a significant shared environmental component for same teachers and a substantial non-shared environmental component for different teachers. Our data suggest that AGG and DEC share risk genes and environmental factors may differentiate these two types of conduct problems. Characterizing these specific environmental factors may be useful when developing interventions.
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Zenyatta Ventures Ltd has reported the positive economic results of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) on its hydrothermal graphite project located in northern Ontario, Canada. The report concluded that the PEA is positive and the project should be advanced to the pre-feasibility stage. The company plans for the 3000 tonne per day open-pit mine and process plant to produce 30,000 tonnes of high purity (>99.9% Cg) graphite annually over 22 years. ‘The PEA indicates that the Albany graphite project has excellent potential to be a low-cost source of high purity graphite without the use of dangerous and environmentally harmful hydrofluoric acid (as in China) or costly thermal upgrading (as in synthetic graphite derived from petroleum coke),’ the company said in a press release. ‘The company is exceptionally pleased with the strong PEA results presented by RPA and will now proceed to a pre-feasibility stage where further project definition and optimization is expected,’ added Aubrey Eveleigh, president and CEO of Zenyatta. ‘This is a very important milestone for Zenyatta that started with the discovery of a rare graphite deposit in 2011 and has now gained global recognition for its unique purity and crystallinity.’ According to Zenyatta, independent testing has also indicated that the performance of Albany graphite makes it suitable for use in powder metallurgy (PM) applications and hydrogen fuel cells while preliminary testing has indicated that is within the range of anode materials that are presently used for lithium-ion batteries. At this time Zenyatta anticipates having a targeted market application segmentation which includes 25–30% in batteries, 20–25% for fuel cell products, 25–30% for high purity graphite in PM and 15–30% from other applications. Zenyatta;www.zenyatta.ca | non-battery |
Three-dimensional carbon fiber electrodes prepared by electrospinning and solution blowing are shown to be excellent electrode materials for bioelectrochemical systems such as microbial fuel cells or microbial electrolysis cells. The bioelectrocatalytic anode current density is shown to reach values of up to 30 A m−2, which represents the highest reported values for electroactive microbial biofilms.
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The Navy has a need for monitoring conditions and gathering information in marine environments. Sensors can monitor and report environmental parameters and potential activities such as animal movements, ships, or personnel. However, there has to be a means to power these sensors. One promising enabling technology that has been shown to provide long-term power production in underwater environments is the benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC). BMFCs are devices that generate energy by coupling bioanodes and biocathodes through an external energy harvester. Recent studies have demonstrated success for usage of BMFCs in powering small instruments and other devices on the seafloor over limited periods of time. In this effort, a seven-stranded BMFC linear array of 30 m was designed to power a seafloor magnetometer to detect passing ship movements through Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BMFC system was connected to a flyback energy harvesting circuit that charged the battery powering the magnetometer. The deployment was demonstrated the BMFC supplied power to the battery for approximately 38 days. This is the first large-scale demonstration system for usage of the SeptiStrand BMFC technology to power a relevant sensor. | battery |
A novel SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs)/expanded graphite (EG) multiscale hybrid composite was prepared via an elaborately designed solvent-thermal reaction and the following anneal treatment. A mixed solvent system of acetone-H2O with volume proportion of 3:1 was employed for the solvent-thermal reaction in order to realize moderate hydrolysis rate of Sn4+ and favorable wettability between solvent molecules and EG surface. Acetone played a very positive role for the uniform nucleation and crystal growth of SnO2-NPs, which could be proved by the ultrafine sizes of 3–6nm and well-crystallized texture of SnO2-NPs, as well as their homogeneous anchor on the surface of EG. As an anode material for Li-ion batteries, the SnO2-NPs/EG composite exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability, e.g. decay-free reversible capacity of 976mAhg−1 after 100 cycles, and good rate capability (>400mAhg−1 at 2000mAg−1). The extraordinary electrochemical performances arise from the structural advantages of the composite: the ultrafine SnO2-NPs with high dispersity on conductive EG matrix supply not only large quantity of accessible active sites for lithium-ion insertion but also good conductivity and short diffusion length for lithium ions. These results suggest the SnO2-NPs/EG composite would be a promising candidate as anode material for next-generation LIBs. | battery |
MnF2 particles with the average size of around 26nm have been prepared successfully with NH4HF2 as a fluorine source by a simple solvothermal method. Compared with previous reports, as-prepared MnF2 shows evidently improved cycle performance with a high reversible capability 481.9mAhg−1 at 0.1C for the first cycle and stable discharge capability 530.5mAhg−1 and 359.2mAhg−1 at 0.1C and 1C for 250cycles respectively, which indicates its promising application as anode for lithium-ion batteries. | battery |
Thin films of VN with different thickness were prepared by D.C. reactive magnetron sputtering. Crystalline films with a preferential growth in the direction (111) were obtained. The electrochemical performances of the films with different thickness have been investigated. The mechanism of charge storage depends on the nature of the electrolyte. In the presence of KOH fast and reversible redox reactions take place while only double layer capacitance is observed when NEt4BF4 in acetonitrile is used as electrolyte. Thin films with a thickness of 25nm show the highest specific capacitance (422 F.g−1) in 1M KOH electrolyte. Films possess an active volume in which the charge is stored and a bulk volume for electron conduction. The active volume of the films is of the same order of magnitude regardless of the electrode thickness. Real devices with a symmetric configuration were prepared. The devices were tested in 1M KOH electrolyte and PVA-KOH gel electrolyte. VN films with a thickness below 100nm can reach the volumetric power of electrolytic capacitors (125 Wcm−3) with much higher volumetric energy density (0.01Whcm−3), thus emphasizing the usefulness of combining high capacitance together with high electronic conductivity. | battery |
The study attempts to examine the symmetric and the asymmetric impact of volatility of economic growth on the inequality of income in the major ASEAN economies over the period 1980–2015. Financial development, trade openness as a proxy of globalization, inflation, human capital formation, and fiscal policy are utilized as major control variables. The paper tries to explore the causal association between inequality of income distribution and economic growth volatility, exploring simultaneously the long-run association and the short-run dynamics in the time series structure. The study applied Clemente–Montanes–Reyes unit root test to identify the structural break in the time series. Further, the cointegrating relationship of the time series observations was explored by applying the ARDL (linear) bounds test approach along with the nonlinear ARDL for making fruitful comparisons in the long-run relationship among the variables. The countries chosen are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and The Philippines. The empirical findings strongly suggest a long-run cointegrating relationship between income inequality and growth volatility with a positive and statistically significant impact. Also, the causality analysis was explored using the Toda and Yamamoto (1995) method of Granger causality. The causality test shows that there exists bidirectional causality from inequality transmission to economic growth volatility. The implications that are developed from this study helps us to understand the various policy reforms in the ASEAN region, that are more transparent and can make these economies less susceptible to risks. | non-battery |
This paper analyses the present situation of renewables international cooperation in China and India and the reasons, basis and conditions of China-India cooperation for renewable energy and explores China-India cooperation strategies for renewable energy. This study indicates that (1) the two countries have made a lot of progress in the international cooperation of renewable energy, but China-India cooperation for renewable energy is still in its primary stage; (2) there are not only the common benefits but also the solid basis and good conditions for China-India cooperation in the field of renewable energy; (3) there is need to explore and design the cooperation strategies for renewable energy of China and India in order to strengthen renewables cooperation between two countries. | battery |
The success of future preventative treatments for dementia might rely on early and accurate identification of individuals who have a high risk of developing this condition. Here, Stephan et al. examine models of dementia risk prediction that have been tested in population-based samples. The authors discuss the predictive utility of both mild cognitive impairment criteria, and population screening models that combine cognitive deficits with other known dementia risk factors. | non-battery |
Stroboscopic visual training (SVT) is a form of training aimed at improving visual and perceptual performance by having individuals perform activities under conditions of intermittent vision. The efficacy of SVT has never been examined in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), therefore, our aim was to examine the immediate effect of SVT on cognitive function, gait and static balance performance in PwMS. This assessor-blinded, randomized crossover study included 26 PwMS, 16 females, mean age 47.9 and median EDSS score 4.5. Participants attended two sessions: SVT and control training. Exercises for both the SVT and control sessions were based on ball-catching tasks. Training sessions were identical in length (40–50 min) and type of exercise drills. The difference between the two practice regimes was that the SVT session was performed wearing stroboscopic glasses and the control training was performed with similar glasses without lenses. Cognition was evaluated by a computerized software (Mindstreams®, NeuroTrax Corp., NY). Gait and balance were evaluated via wearable accelerometers (APDM, Oregon, USA). Outcome measures were collected twice during a single session, prior to training and immediately afterward. Information processing speed (p = 0.003) increased at the post-evaluation compared with baseline, solely in the SVT session. No differences between pre–post evaluations were observed for other cognitive scores following the SVT session. No differences between pre–post measurements were noted for gait and balance following the SVT session. The present study’s results justify performing future RCT studies to examine the effects of a longer SVT program on cognition in PwMS. | non-battery |
The ionic conductivities of EC-based multi-component electrolytes in various solvent compositions were measured over a wide temperature range of +40 to −40 °C, and the factors affecting the low temperature conductivities of the electrolytes were discussed. It is revealed from the experimental results that the co-solvents with high dielectric constant and low viscosity can improve the ionic conductivity at room temperature, whereas, only the co-solvents which possess low melting points can effectively expand the operating temperature range of the electrolyte. The Li-ion batteries using the optimized electrolyte of 1M LiPF6/EC–DMC–EMC (8.3:25:66.7) show the capacity retentions about 90.3% of their nominal capacities when discharged to 2.0V at −40°C at 0.1C, demonstrating excellent low temperature performances. | battery |
Mobile computing devices have improved substantially. Such a development fosters the usage of those devices for various purposes, including health care as a prominent example. Mobile health (mHealth) is a subfield of electronic health (eHealth) that refers to the practice of medicine and public health supported by mobile devices. A specific concern for mHealth is the limitation of power supply for the mobile devices, since interruptions on power supply can result in critical situations. This paper proposes analytical models to identify the mean time of one life cycle of the battery, and thus identify the average battery lifetime considering some device utilization characteristics. We evaluate the impact of both network connectivity (local and wide areas) and communication protocols (Polling, Long polling, WebSockets, and XMPP) on the discharging rate, and subsequently on the lifetime of batteries with different power capacities. We observed a noteworthy impact of these factors on battery usage and, thus, on mHealth applications. We use a hierarchical modeling approach that enables efficient representation of system complexity and provides accurate results for planning the autonomy of mobile devices in an mHealth context. | non-battery |
The lead acid batteries are widely used in automobile and provide spent electrodes composed of PbO2/PbSO4 and Pb/PbSO4. Today, batteries are treated and recycled using the pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques. However, these techniques have some important disadvantages: i) the small lead recovery rate (due to the rapid oxidation of the electrolytic Pb powder in the atmosphere); ii) the important amount of energy and time spent to convert oxides and sulfates into metal, which is subsequently reconverted to oxides; iii) the harmful emissions and their negative environmental impact. In this work, we propose a method of recycling batteries by a melt quenching route in order to improve the present practice. Is the melt quenching method a new eco-innovative approach for lead recycling of spent lead acid batteries? We think that yes, since economically is more favorable (in terms of low production cost, energy and time saving) and environmentally more friendly. Focus was addressed on both the structural characterization (by X-ray diffraction) of the samples obtained by melt quenching of spent electrodes proceeded from car batteries, as well as on their electrochemical and electrical characterization by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as potential raw materials in obtaining new and more performing battery electrodes. Our results suggest that the increase of Pb concentration in the recycled electrodes implies the formation of a regulated lead sulfate layer in the oxidation process and the dissolving of PbSO4 crystals followed by the hydrogen evolutions in reduction process of lead ions. | battery |
A set of two-component guest–host nanocomposites composed of conducting polymers and vanadium oxide are prepared via a single-step, solvent-free synthesis. The composition, structure, physical and electrochemical properties of these materials are studied. The nanocomposites have a guest–host structure, with the conducting polymer located in the interlayer space of the inorganic nanoparticles. The nanocomposites are capable of reversible cycling as the positive electrode in a lithium ion cell, and retain their capacity over one hundred full charge–discharge cycles. After cycling at a current of ∼0.2Ag−1, their capacity is restored when cycling at lower current, demonstrating the stability of their structure. | battery |
A nitrogen-doped carbyne polysulfide (N-CAS) has been prepared by heating the mixture of nitrogen-doped carbyne analogue (N-CA) and sulfur. The nitrogen-doped carbyne analogue was synthesized by the dehydrochlorination and polymerization of 1, 1, 2-trichloroethane and urea. The XPS characterization indicated that nitrogen atoms have been effectively doped into the carbon skeleton with a nitrogen content of 4.32wt%, and the obtained N-CAS cathode has a porous structure with uneven pore width. The electrochemical results showed that the N-CAS cathode can deliver a high initial capacity (1570mAh/g at a current density of 200mA/g) and rate capability (500mAh/g at 2000mA/g), and after 300 cycles, it displays a reversible capacity as high as 900mAh/g in carbonic ester electrolyte, which are better than that of non-doped carbyne polysulfide. These results suggest that doped nitrogen have electrostatic interaction on the lithium polysulfides to improve electrochemical stability and accelerate redox dynamics. | battery |
We describe the synthesis and liquid-crystalline properties of two ferrocene-containing liquid-crystalline dendrimers of second generation, which differentiate by the position of the ferrocene unit within the structure and by the nature of the mesomorphic promoters. Both dendrimers gave rise to smectic phases in agreement with their structures. The title compounds were prepared by applying a convergent synthesis. To cite this article: T. Chuard et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003). | non-battery |
An egg shell-yolk NiO/C porous composite has been prepared as lithium-ion battery anode material by two-pot hydrothermal method. Thermogravimetry(TG), X-ray diffraction(XRD), scanning electron microscopy(SEM), transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and nitrogen isothermal adsorption-desorption have been used to study the microstructure of the material. LANHE cell tester and electrochemical workstations are used to investigate electrochemical performance. Results show that amorphous carbons exist in porous NiO/C, which possesses an internal loose spherical structure. The discharge capacity for the 100th cycle is maintained at 625.3mAh/g, and the capacity retention ratio is 94.1% relative to the 2nd discharge capacity. The composite has a unique egg shell-yolk porous structure, which buffers the volume change and prevents the aggregation of active NiO material during cycling to enhance material performance. When the current density is increased to 800mA/g, the capacity stabilizes at 400.1mAh/g, reflecting an outstanding rate performance. | battery |
Intracoelomic implantation of transmitters into fish requires making a surgical incision, incision closure, and other surgery related techniques; however, the tools and techniques used in the surgical process vary widely. We review the available literature and focus on tools and techniques used for conducting surgery on juvenile salmonids because of the large amount of research that is conducted on them. The use of sterilized surgical instruments properly selected for a given size of fish will minimize tissue damage and infection rates, and speed the wound healing of fish implanted with transmitters. For the implantation of transmitters into small fish, the optimal surgical methods include making an incision on the ventral midline along the linea alba (for studies under 1 month), protecting the viscera (by lifting the skin with forceps while creating the incision), and using absorbable monofilament suture with a small-swaged-on swaged-on tapered or reverse-cutting needle. Standardizing the implantation techniques to be used in a study involving particular species and age classes of fish will improve survival and transmitter retention while allowing for comparisons to be made among studies and across multiple years. This review should be useful for researchers working on juvenile salmonids and other sizes and species of fish. | non-battery |
Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) appears to have modulatory effects on the excitability of cortical brain tissue. Though tDCS as presently applied causes no apparent harm to brain structure or function, a number of uncomfortable sensations can occur beneath the electrodes during stimulation, including tingling, pain, itching, and burning sensations. Therefore, we investigated the effect of topically applied Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) on tDCS-related discomfort. Methods Nine healthy adults received both anodal and cathodal 2.0 mA tDCS for 5 minutes over the prefrontal cortex with the skin pretreated for 20 minutes with either EMLA or placebo cream. Participants rated procedural discomfort six times across eight dimensions of sensation. Results On average, the mean sensation ratings for EMLA-associated tDCS stimulation were significantly lower than placebo-associated stimulation for every cutaneous sensation evaluated. Cathodal stimulation was associated with higher ratings of “sharpness” and intolerability than anodal stimulation. Conclusions Topical EMLA may reduce tDCS-related discomfort. | non-battery |
Publisher Summary Embedded multimedia design is not complete without a thorough analysis of the power supply architecture. There are a number of ways to tune the power profile of a system to meet application requirements. This chapter discusses specific processor features derived from Blackfin's Dynamic Power Management subsystem and examines important relationships among frequency, voltage, and power in an embedded processor. The subsysytem features that allow manipulations in clock rates and voltages to optimize a system's power profile for a given activity level include: a facility for dynamically changing frequency and voltage; flexible power management modes; separate power domains; efficient architectural constructs; software profiling tools; and intelligent voltage regulation. Many applications involve a set of operating modes that differ markedly with respect to processing needs. Processors differ in the exact power modes they implement, but there are usually some commonalities among platforms. Blackfin processors have distinct operating modes (corresponding to different power profiles) that provide selectable performance and power dissipation characteristics. The “sleep” mode requires no computational power and the processor reads in sporadic packets of telemetry data. There could also be a “standby” or “hibernate” mode that provides ultra-low power dissipation, when no sensor information is expected and no processing is required. One of the means of reducing power consumption for a given application is to choose an efficient processor architecture for that application. The features such as specialized instructions and fast memory structures can reduce power consumption significantly by lessening overall algorithm execution time. Battery selection is a very important process that takes into account peak and average energy needs, device form factor, time between recharges and replacements, and voltage requirements. The chapter also briefly describes the fundamentals of batteries and their types: primary and rechargeable. | non-battery |
A novel polyol synthesis was adopted to synthesize nano-structured LiMnPO4. This route yields well-crystallized nanoparticles with platelet morphology that are only ∼30nm thick oriented in the b direction. The obtained material presented a good rate behavior and a very long cyclic life both at room temperature (RT) and 50°C. The sample exhibited a specific capacity of 145mAhg−1 at C/20, 141mAhg−1 at C/10 rate and 113mAhg−1 1C rate. This represents is the highest performance results reported to date for this material. The high rate performance is ascribed to the platelet shape of the LiMnPO4 as it minimizes the paths for Li diffusion. At elevated temperature (50°C) this material demonstrated improved reversible capacity of 159mAhg−1 at C/10 and 138 at 1C. The electrode retained 95% of its capacity, over 200 cycles, both at RT and 50°C. This electrochemical stability is ascribed to the structural strength of the P–O bond and the stability of the electrolyte–LiMnPO4 interface. It allows us to conclude that the impact of a possible Jahn–Teller distortion is not critical. These excellent results clarified some ambiguities on LiMnPO4 as cathode materials, and demonstrate its promise for its practical application. | battery |
As the major energy storage device and power supply source in numerous energy applications, such as solar panels, wind plants, and electric vehicles, battery systems often face the issue of charge imbalance among battery cells/modules, which can accelerate battery degradation, cause more energy loss, and even incur fire hazard. To tackle this issue, various circuit designs have been developed to enable charge equalization among battery cells/modules. Recently, the battery power module (BPM) design has emerged to be one of the promising solutions for its capability of independent control of individual battery cells/modules. In this paper, we propose a new current allocation method based on charging/discharging space (CDS) for performance control in BPM systems. Based on the proposed method, the properties of CDS-based current allocation with constant parameters are analyzed. Then, real-time external total power requirement is taken into account and an algorithm is developed for coordinated system performance control. By choosing appropriate control parameters, the desired system performance can be achieved by coordinating the module charge balance and total power efficiency. Besides, the proposed algorithm has complete analytical solutions, and thus is very computationally efficient. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated using simulations. | battery |
Poly 1-amino-9, 10-anthraquinone (PAAQ) films were prepared by the electropolymerization of 1-amino-9,10-anthraquinone (AAQ) on platinum substrate from aqueous media, where 5.0×10−3 molL−1 AAQ and 6.0molL−1 H2SO4 were used. The kinetics of the electropolymerization process was investigated by determining the change of the charge consumed during the polymerization process with time at different concentrations of both monomer and electrolyte. The results have shown that the process follows first order kinetics with respect to the monomer concentration. The order of the reaction with respect to the aqueous solvent i.e. H2SO4 was found to be negative. The polymer films were successfully used as sensors for the electroanalytical determination of many hazardous compounds, e.g. phenols, and biologically important materials like dopamine. The electroanalytical determination was based on the measurements of the oxidation current peak of the material in the cyclic voltammetric measurements. The cyclic voltammograms were recorded at a scan rate of 100mVs−1 and different analyte concentrations. A calibration curve was constructed for each analyte, from which the determination of low concentrations of catechol and hydroquinone (HQ) as examples of hazardous compounds present in waste water and also for ascorbic acid and dopamine as examples of valuable biological materials can be achieved. | non-battery |
LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, LiNi0.475Al0.05Mn0.475O2, and LiNi0.5Mn0.45Ti0.05O2 were prepared via the emulsion drying method. The as-prepared materials showed different degrees of cation mixing. Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction data revealed that Al and Ti doping in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 was significantly effective to decrease the cation mixing in the octahedral Li layers. The cation mixing consequently affected to the charge and discharge capacities. The irreversible capacity was the smallest for the Al doped LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, which showed the smallest cation mixing. Al and Ti doped LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 delivered a stable capacity of about 175mAhg−1 with high reversibility. Such higher capacities were possible to be obtained by the achievement of structural stabilization and enhancement of structural integrity by Al and Ti doping in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2. | battery |
Informed consent is a legal and ethical doctrine derived from the principle of respect for autonomy. Generally two rights derived from autonomy are accorded legal protection. The constitutional right to bodily integrity followed by the right to bodily well-being, protected by professional negligence rules. Therefore healthcare professionals treating patients' without valid consent may be guilty of infringing patients' rights. Many challenges are experienced by doctors obtaining informed consent in complex multicultural societies like South Africa. These include different cultural ethos, multilingualism, poverty, education, unfamiliarity with libertarian rights based autonomy, and power asymmetry between doctors and patients. All of which could impact on the ability of doctors to obtain legally valid informed consent. | non-battery |
Nickel hydroxide is widely used as cathode materials in metal hydride–Ni (MHNi) and Cd–Ni rechargeable batteries and the asymmetric supercapacitors due to its good electrochemical properties and affordable prices. The specific capacity and cycle life of Ni(OH)2 are greatly declined at high current density due to its P-type semiconductor structure and the mechanism of solid-phase proton diffusion. The paper thus proposes a new controllable complexing–precipitation method to prepare nano-Ni(OH)2 sheets on mesoporous carbon particles, denoted as nano-Ni(OH)2/C composite. Because of the “fusion effect” of the Ni(OH)2 and mesoporous carbon, a sample with 20% carbon can offer 345.2mAhg−1 at ultrahigh current density of 30A g−1 which are higher than that of its theoretical one-electron capacity (291mAhg−1) of Ni(OH)2 during the first 20,000 cycles. Furthermore, the capacity still keeps up to 97% of the initial capacity, which exhibits a superior electrochemical property than the existing Ni(OH)2. The nano-Ni(OH)2/C composite (20% carbon) exhibits a superior electrochemical property than the reported existing Ni(OH)2 and Ni(OH)2/carbon composites in the literature. | battery |
Innovation to reduce the cost of clean technologies has large environmental and societal benefits. Governments can play an important role in helping cleantech startups innovate and overcome risks involved in technology development. Here we examine the impact of the US Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) on two outcomes for startup companies: innovation (measured by patenting activity) and business success (measured by venture capital funding raised, survival, and acquisition or initial public offering). We compare 25 startups funded by ARPA-E in 2010 to rejected ARPA-E applicants, startups funded by a related government programme and other comparable cleantech startups. We find that ARPA-E awardees have a strong innovation advantage over all the comparison groups. However, while we find that ARPA-E awardees performed better than rejected applicants in terms of post-award business success, we do not detect significant differences compared to other cleantech startups. These findings suggest that ARPA-E was not able to fully address the ‘valley of death’ for cleantech startups within 10–15 yr after founding. | battery |
This study was designed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a portable sleep apnea recording device (ApneaLink™) using standard polysomnography (PSG) as a reference and to evaluate the possibility of using the ApneaLink™ as a case selection technique for patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). | non-battery |
This study prospectively examined whether continued add-on treatment with oxcarbazepine (OXC) is associated with quantitative improvement in mood and anxiety symptoms in adult patients with partial epilepsy. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were assessed by clinical interview using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Forty controls (patients with epilepsy treated with antiepileptic drugs other than OXC) and 40 OXC-treated patients were enrolled and completed the study. In our study, a significant improvement in affect, as measured by the CDRS, was demonstrated during the course of OXC treatment for 3 months. HDRS and BDI scores also declined in the OXC-treated group, but these decreases did not reach statistical significance. In addition, 28 of 40 OXC-treated subjects who were dysthymic by CDRS criteria on study entry (score ⩾20) demonstrated affective improvement consistent with a treatment-related antidepressant effect (score <20). Although our results do not provide conclusive evidence supporting the specific use of OXC as an antidepressant, the significant decline in dysthymic symptoms in OXC-treated subjects compared with controls lends support to the hypothesis that OXC improves mood. | non-battery |
In this work, tris (trimethylsilyl) phosphate (TMSP) is used as an electrolyte additive to improve the cycling performance of Li/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cell upon cycling at high voltage, 4.9 V vs. Li/Li+ at room temperature and elevated temperature (55 °C). The effects of TMSP on the cathode interface and the cycling performance of Li/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cell were investigated via the combination of electrochemical methods, including cycling test, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It is found that cells with electrolyte containing TMSP have better capacity retention than that of the cells without TMSP upon cycling at high voltage at room temperature and elevated temperature. The functional mechanism of incorporation of TMSP to the electrolyte to improve the cycling performance is conducted with ex-situ analysis approaches, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and ICP-MS. The surface analysis results reveal that more stable and more conductive surface layer is formed on the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 electrode with TMSP containing electrolyte, which is a leading factor for the enhanced the cycling performance of Li/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cells upon cycling at high voltage at room temperature and elevated temperature. | battery |
With the aim of improving the electrochemical properties of the LiCoMnO4 high-voltage spinel for lithium ion battery applications, LiCoMnO4-y F y (y = 0, 0.05, 0.1) compounds were synthesized by a two-step solid-state reaction at 800 °C. The stoichiometry of the samples was verified by nuclear reaction analysis for the fluorine stoichiometry, inert gas fusion analysis for the oxygen stoichiometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy for the cation stoichiometry. X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed increasing phase purity and changing microstructure upon fluorine incorporation. Electrochemical characterizations were carried out in battery test cells using a liquid electrolyte. The samples show poor coulombic efficiency, due to liquid electrolyte decomposition. However, fluorinated spinels demonstrated significantly improved capacities of up to 18% and improved cycling stability of up to 20%, compared to their non-fluorinated counterparts. | battery |
A novel (I+/I2)/vitamin C vs. V4+/V5+ semi-vanadium redox flow battery (semi-VRFB) with iodine, vitamin C, and V4+/V5+ redox couples, using multiple electrodes was investigated. The electrodes, Ni-P/carbon paper and Ni-P/TiO2/carbon paper, were modified by the electroless plating method and sol-gel process. The electrochemical characteristics and the performance of the semi-VRFB were verified by the cyclic voltammetry method and a charge-discharge test. This study shows modified electrodes can improve the reversibility and symmetry of the oxidation-reduction reaction of the semi-VRFB system, and effectively raise its storage ability. The coulomb efficiency of the semi-VRFB system is close to 96%, which is higher than the all-VRFB. The semi-VRFB system can reduce the amount of vanadium salt, therefore, it is not only a reduction in cost, but also has a great potential for the development of energy storage systems. | battery |
In an optical burst switching (OBS) network, the blocking time, representing the time interval during which the channel is occupied for a given class of incoming burst, is a key metric for performance evaluation and traffic shaping. In this paper, we study a horizon-based single-channel multi-class OBS node, for which the multiple traffic classes are differentiated using different offset time of each class. By assuming Poisson burst arrivals and phase-type distributed burst lengths and using the theory of Multi-layer stochastic fluid model, we obtain the Erlangian approximation for the finite time probability of the blocking time for a given class of burst in an OBS node. We further propose an explicit algorithm and procedure to calculate the Erlangian approximation. Numerical results are provided to illustrate the accuracy and the speed of convergence of the proposed method.
| non-battery |
Fluorine substituted LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode materials have been synthesized by calcining NH4F with spherical LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 oxides at a relatively low temperature of 450°C. The structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of spherical LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2−z F z materials have been investigated. The XRD, composition analysis and XPS verify fluorine incorporation in the particle. Although the fluorine substituted material shows somewhat lower initial discharge capacity, it exhibits improved cycling performance compared with the pristine material. XRD pattern shows that the fluorine substituted material maintains stable layered structure after 100 cycles. TEM analysis provides evidences that the fluorine substituted powder still presents smooth surface without any structure transformation. From these results, it is believed that the improved cycling performance of fluorine substituted LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 material is attributed to fluorine substitution in protecting the electrode from HF attack and maintaining the structure stability of electrode. Besides, the fluorine substitution also plays positive effect on the cycling performance at elevated temperature and storage performance. | battery |