Thermodynamically Consistent Analysis for Lithium-Ion Batteries

An approach for the numerical modelling of Lithium Plating on intercalation electrodes with or without phase transition using a thermodynamically consistent (TC) solid-state transport is presented for a positive electrode (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum oxide) and a negative electrode (Lithiated graphite). The proposed method considers the positive electrode to be a single-phase regime and the graphite to consist of three phases, each with a Nernstian Equilibrium potential. The phase transition and volume fraction of the species are directly related through modifications to the Avrami’s equation. A thermodynamically consistent approach is used to match experimental results to models at high C-rates (greater than 0.25C). The effect of using thermodynamically consistent approach on discharge/charge is obtained for varying performance characteristics (C-rate, size of particle). The visualization of phase change in graphite is captured through the assumption that each phase of graphite (LiC6, LiC12 and LiC32) are each represented by a sphere whose diffusivity is equal to the diffusivity of the phase. Lithium plating is considered to occur at negative overpotentials that are created locally, through low temperature or high C-rates and is formulated as being a Butler-Volmer type current density which is then directly correlated to the thickness of the Lithium plated metal layer. The effect of temperature and C-rate is observed in this study. C-rate and temperature have equal impact on the performance of the electrode and the formation of lithium plating on the surface of the electrode

Towards climate-smart agricultural policies and investments in Telangana

This briefing note summarizes the key findings of the “Scaling up climate-smart agriculture in the Telangana State” project, carried out by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and partners, between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2017

Impact of an International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium multidimensional approach on central line-associated bloodstream infection rates in adult intensive care units in eight cities in India

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional infection control approach on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in eight cities of India.MethodsThis was a prospective, before-and-after cohort study of 35650 patients hospitalized in 16 adult intensive care units of 11 hospitals. During the baseline period, outcome surveillance of CLABSI was performed, applying the definitions of the CDC/NHSN (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network). During the intervention, the INICC approach was implemented, which included a bundle of interventions, education, outcome surveillance, process surveillance, feedback on CLABSI rates and consequences, and performance feedback. Random effects Poisson regression was used for clustering of CLABSI rates across time periods.ResultsDuring the baseline period, 9472 central line (CL)-days and 61 CLABSIs were recorded; during the intervention period, 80898 CL-days and 404 CLABSIs were recorded. The baseline rate was 6.4 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days, which was reduced to 3.9 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days in the second year and maintained for 36 months of follow-up, accounting for a 53% CLABSI rate reduction (incidence rate ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.70; p=0.0001).ConclusionsImplementing the six components of the INICC approach simultaneously was associated with a significant reduction in the CLABSI rate in India, which remained stable during 36 months of follow-up

Modifying risks to improve outcome in cardiac surgery: An anesthesiologist's perspective

Challenging times are here for cardiac surgical and anesthesia team. The interventional cardiologist seem to have closed the flow of 'good cases' coming up for any of the surgery,; successful percutaneous interventions seem to be offering reasonable results in these patients, who therefore do not knock on the doors of the surgeons any more . It is a common experience among the cardiac anesthesiologists and surgeons that the type of the cases that come by now are high risk. That may be presence of comorbidities, ongoing medical therapies, unstable angina, uncontrolled heart failure and rhythm disturbances; and in patients with ischemic heart disease, the target coronaries are far from ideal. Several activities such as institution of preoperative supportive circulatory, ventilatory, and systemic disease control maneuvers seem to have helped improving the outcome of these 'high risk ' patients. This review attempts to look at various interventions and the resulting improvement in outcomes. Several changes have happened in the realm of cardiac surgery and several more are en route. At times, for want of evidence, maximal optimization may not take place and the patient may encounter unfavorable outcomes.. This review is an attempt to bring the focus of the members of the cardiac surgical team on the value of preoperative optimization of risks to improve the outcome. The cardiac surgical patients may broadly be divided into adults undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, valve surgery and pediatric patients undergoing repair/ palliation of congenital heart ailments. Optimization of risks appear to be different in each genre of patients. This review also brings less often discussed issues such as anemia, nutritional issues and endocrine problems. The review is an attempt to data on ameliorating modifiable risk factors and altering non modifiable ones