In-Operando Optical Observation/Visualization of Lithium-Sulfur Battery Discharge Process

Lithium−Sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted attention due to their high-energy density, 2500 Wh/ [1], and theoretical capacity of 1672 mAh/g-S [2]. In addition to that, sulfur abundance makes it a good candidate for rechargeable batteries. However, Li-S system has a few challenges that hinder its commercialization. Such as the insulating nature of the sulfur element, volume expansion, capacity fade due to intermittent polysulfide dissolution in the electrolyte and drop in capacity during the initial discharge cycles [3]. Herein, we have designed a Li-S in-operando optical observation cell, which allowed us to visualize the formation of higher to lower-order polysulfides as well as the polysulfide formation and dissolution at different voltages and under different testing conditions. Subsequently, we investigated and compared the loss in capacity when using a modified cathode structure, which was designed to minimize the loss of active material upon lithiation. The real-time recording of the cell under an optical microscope clearly shows a significant loss of active material upon first discharge. Nevertheless, a substantial increase in initial discharge capacity is observed with the use of the modified cathode structure. To further analyze the loss in the battery capacity, we develop a mathematical model that uses fundamental governing equations to predict the loss of active material over cycles

Y3_{3}Al5_{5}O12_{12}: Ce nanoparticles made by ionic-liquid-assisted particle formation and LiCl-matrix-treated crystallization

Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) nanoparticles were prepared by a two-step approach including ionic-liquid-assisted particle formation and LiCl-matrix-treated crystallization. Subsequent to particle formation in [MeBu3N][N(SO2CF3)2] as the ionic liquid (MeBu3N: tributylmethylammonium; N(SO2CF3)2: bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide), the as-obtained amorphous precursor nanoparticles were crystallized in a LiCl matrix (600 °C, 1 h). The resulting YAG:Ce nanoparticles are well crystallized and exhibit a diameter of about 40 nm. They show bulk-like luminescence and a quantum yield of 51(±3)%. The selected Y : Al ratio and temperature profile turned out to be optimal for the synthesis strategy in terms of particle size and luminescence properties although minor amounts of CeO2 remained. The YAG:Ce nanoparticles can be easily redispersed in the liquid phase and embedded in polymers such as polyester. The course of the reaction and the properties of the nanoparticles are characterized by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and fluorescence spectroscopy

Cellulase stability, adsorption/desorption profiles and recycling during successive cycles of hydrolysis and fermentation of wheat straw

The potential of enzymes recycling after hydrolysis and fermentation of wheat straw under a variety of conditions was investigated, monitoring the activity of the enzymes in the solid and liquid fractions, using low molecular weight substrates. A significant amount of active enzymes could be recovered by recycling the liquid phase. In the early stage of the process, enzyme adsorb to the substrate, then gradually returning to the solution as the saccharification proceeds. At 50 °C, normally regarded as an acceptable operational temperature for saccharification, the enzymes (Celluclast) significantly undergo thermal deactivation. The hydrolysis yield and enzyme recycling efficiency in consecutive recycling rounds can be increased by using high enzyme loadings and moderate temperatures. Indeed, the amount of enzymes in the liquid phase increased with its thermostability and hydrolytic efficiency. This study contributes towards developing effective enzymes recycling strategies and helping to reduce the enzyme costs on bioethanol production.The authors acknowledge funding through FP7 KACELLE (Kalundborg Cellulosic Ethanol) project for supporting this work. We also thank Dra. Lucilia Domingues for supplying the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN PK 113 wild type

ALTernative functions for human FANCM at telomeres

Copyright © 2019 Domingues-Silva, Silva and Azzalin. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.The human FANCM ATPase/translocase is involved in various cellular pathways including DNA damage repair, replication fork remodeling and R-loop resolution. Recently, reports from three independent laboratories have disclosed a previously unappreciated role for FANCM in telomerase-negative human cancer cells that maintain their telomeres through the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway. In ALT cells, FANCM limits telomeric replication stress and damage, and, in turn, ALT activity by suppressing accumulation of telomeric R-loops and by regulating the action of the BLM helicase. As a consequence, FANCM inactivation leads to exaggerated ALT activity and ultimately cell death. The studies reviewed here not only unveil a novel function for human FANCM, but also point to this enzyme as a promising target for anti-ALT cancer therapy.Research in the Azzalin laboratory is supported by the European Molecular Biology Organization (IG3576) and the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (IF/01269/2015; PTDC/BIA-MOL/29352/2017; PTDC/MED-ONC/28282/2017). Publication costs were supported by UID/BIM/50005/2019, project funded by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES) through Fundos do Orçamento de Estado.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Testbed for Pressure Sensors

Currently, several studies and experiments are being done to create a new generation of ultra-low-power wearable sensors. For instance, our group is currently working towards the development of a high-performance flexible pressure sensor. However, with the creation of new sensors, a need for a standard test method is necessary. Therefore, we opted to create a standardized testbed to evaluate the pressure applied to sensors. A pulse wave is generated when the heart pumps blood causing a change in the volume of the blood vessel. In order to eliminate the need of human subjects when testing pressure sensors, we utilized polymeric material, which mimics human flesh. The goal is to simulate human pulse by pumping air into a polymeric pocket which s deformed. The project is realized by stepper motor and controlled with an Arduino board. Furthermore, this device has the ability to simulate pulse wave form with different frequencies. This in turn allows us to simulate conditions such as bradycardia, tachycardia, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure

Biomass saccharification : development of strategies for enzyme recycling

In the present work the recycling of free enzymes after prehydrolysis and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of pretreated wheat straw under a variety of conditions was investigated. It was found that a significant amount of active cellulase and glucosidase could be recovered by recycling the free cellulases the amount of free enzymes increase with its thermostability and hydrolytic efficiency. At 50° C normally regarded as an acceptable operational temperature for saccharification processes the enzymes significantly loses its activity and this thermal deactivation was independent of initial enzyme concentration used. The degree of cellulose conversion through a series of consecutive hydrolytic/recycling rounds dropped more substantially when low concentrations of cellulases were used. The hydrolysis yield and enzyme recycling efficiency in consecutive recycling rounds can be increased by using high enzyme loadings and moderate temperatures. Furthermore the recovery of cellulases from lignin lignocellulosic hydrolysates and cellulose by alkaline wash at pH 9 and 10 has been analysed

E-Learning como método de enseñanza del inglés en entorno visual

El Trabajo Fin de Grado que propongo, pretende dar una visión de cómo el aprendizaje puede ir adaptándose a las diferentes circunstancias de la vida, modernizándose y cambiando según el avance de las nuevas tecnologías, pero manteniendo sus orígenes con algo como el juego que tanto favorece el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en las aulas. Para ello, propongo una unidad didáctica enfocada al aprendizaje de la lengua inglesa que la gamificación y metodologías online que hacen que el alumno se sienta motivado y trabaje de manera individual desde diferentes localizaciones, por esto último he creado una página web en la que encontrar diferentes actividades, todas ellas online, en las que el alumno poco a poco irá resolviendo un asesinato.<br /

La enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera en Educación Primaria en Finlandia

La presente investigación tiene por objetivo conocer cómo y por qué los niños finlandeses tienen un nivel de inglés tan elevado una vez finalizada su escolaridad en la etapa de Primaria, siendo que empiezan a cursar dicho idioma por primera vez en tercer curso. Se empieza por una contextualización del país en el que se desarrolla el estudio, Finlandia; a continuación, se realiza una aproximación teórica del objeto de estudio y por último, se lleva a cabo un trabajo de campo que permita un acercamiento al problema de investigación. El estudio de caso se ha realizado a través de un cuestionario que consta de diez preguntas dirigido a alumnos finlandeses de sexto curso de Primaria de dos centros educativos localizados en Helsinki. Se ha utilizado un análisis de datos cuantitativo ya que se han obtenido porcentajes concretos de cada pregunta y posteriormente la elaboración de gráficos correspondientes a cada una de ellas. La conclusión más destacada es que el inglés está muy presente en el entorno de la mayoría de los alumnos encuestados

Recycling of cellulases in lignocellulosic hydrolysates using alkaline elution

The recovery of cellulases from lignin, lignocellulosic hydrolysates and cellulose by alkaline washes at pH 9 and 10 was examined. The effect of the pH on the structural stability of purified Cel7A was analyzed by circular dichroism. Purified Cel7A showed conformational changes at pH 9 and 10 that were reversible at pH 4.8. Temperature influenced the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw and may be critical for the efficiency of cellulase recycling from wheat straw hydrolysates. Operation at moderate temperatures (37 °C) resulted in a rate of saccharification 19% higher than that obtained at 50° C, improving cellulase recycling by 49%. Over 60% of the enzyme activity on the synthetic substrate 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-cellobioside (MUC) may be recovered by using a simple alkaline wash. This is thus a promising strategy for enzyme recycling that is simple to implement at industrial scale, economical and effective.The authors acknowledge funding through FP7 KACELLE (Kalundborg Cellulosic Ethanol) project for supporting his work. We also thank Dr. Mai Ostergaard Haven for critical reviewing of the manuscript and Dr. Jane Lindedam for supplying the lignin

Relatos da experiência de inverveções assistidas por animais: resultados parciais

Anais do 35º Seminário de Extensão Universitária da Região Sul - Área temática: SaúdeAs Intervenções Assistidas por Animais (IAAs) são atividades com objetivos pré-definidos e tem a finalidade de proporcionar benefícios terapêuticos através da participação ativa do animal durante todo o processo. Dentre essas intervenções, existem três principais frentes: as Atividades Assistidas (AAA); a Educação Assistida (EAA) e finalmente, a Terapia Assistida (TAA). Reconhecida em diversos países do mundo, essa terapia é comprovadamente uma técnica útil na socialização de pessoas, na psicoterapia, em tratamentos de pacientes com necessidades especiais e na diminuição da ansiedade de várias causas. Este estudo objetiva relatar e avaliar as IAAs aplicadas pelo projeto MIA - Movimento pela Interação Animal em diferentes ambientes: hospitalar, lar de idosos e APAE. Para as diferentes ações são rigidamente selecionados animais quanto ao comportamento e treinamento para que as sessões ocorram da melhor forma possível. As ações no hospital envolvem estudantes e profissionais dos cursos de medicina veterinária, psicologia e fisioterapia no cenário de um hospital público infantil, onde busca o cão como ferramenta de distração durante procedimentos, como companhia e facilitador de socialização durante a fase hospitalar. No lar de idosos e APAE, participam animais que facilitam a interação, estimulam o diálogo e a atividade motora e sensorial dos atendidos. Os resultados dessas ações serão mensurados através da aplicação de questionário e do preenchimento de ficha de observação. Durante as sessões com as crianças hospitalizadas, percebemos funcionários e pais acompanhando as interações, brincando com os cães, tirando duvidas sobre comportamento e dividindo experiências conosco. A partir do relato das equipes técnicas das instituições, pudemos perceber que nossas ações vêm tendo efeito benéfico tanto para quem recebe como para nós que conduzimos as ações. Isso reflete em maior disposição dos pacientes para desenvolver atividades fisioterápicas, vontade de deixar os aposentos para participar das ações e alívio das tensõe