359 research outputs found

    Effect of Chloride Ions on the Electrochemical Performance of Magnesium Metal‐Organic‐Frameworks‐Based Semi‐Solid Electrolytes

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    The majority of research on magnesium (Mg) electrolytes has focused on enhancing reversible Mg deposition, often employing chloride-containing electrolytes. However, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the influence of chloride ions in semi-solid Mg electrolytes. In this study, we systematically explore the impact of chloride ions on Mg deposition/ dissolution on a copper (Cu) anode using a semi-solid electrolyte composed of Mg-based mixed metal-organic frameworks, MgCl2_2 and Mg[TFSI]2_2. We separate the Mg deposition/dissolution process from changes in the anode’s surface morphology In this respect, the morphological and compositional transformations in the electrolyte and electrode following galvanostatic cycling are meticulously investigated. Initial potential cycling reveals the feasibility of Mg deposition/dissolution on Cu electrodes, albeit with reduced reversibility in subsequent cycles. Extending the upper potential limit to 4.0 V vs. Mg/Mg2+^{+} enhances Mg dissolution, attributed to chloride ions facilitating Cu surface dissolution. Our findings provide insights into optimizing semi-solid electrolytes for advanced Magnesium battery technologies

    Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound: clinical implementation in assessing uterine cavity

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    Background: Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVS) represents a new technique of imaging and provides a unique diagnostic tool for non-invasive examination of the uterine morphology and diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies. In this study the clinical value of 3D TVS in diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities were evaluated.Methods: A prospective of diagnostic accuracy study included 226 patients with various clinical presentations; infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, menstrual disorders and post-menopausal bleeding with suspected uterine cavity lesions or abnormality on two-dimensional (2D) TVS or hysterosalpingography (HSG). After taking consent, all patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, 3D TVS evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and finally endoscopic examination.Results: The 3D has 98% accuracy in infertile women in comparison to 87% for MRI. While with recurrent pregnancy loss, Concordance was 96% correct for 3D and 78% for MRI. The women with abnormal uterine bleeding, the accuracy of 3D was 100%, while with MRI was 74%. The sensitivity of 3D TVS was 97.8% and 100% specificity, positive and negative predictive value. While the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for MRI were 89.3%, 64%, 70.4% and 86.3% respectively.Conclusions: 3D TVS appears to be extremely accurate, less expensive and a rapid examination for the diagnosis and classification of uterine anomalies, more than MRI. Thus it may become the only mandatory step in the assessment of the uterine cavity

    Integration of gold nanoparticles into BiVO4/WO3BiVO_4/WO_3 photoanodes via electrochromic activation of WO3WO_3 for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting

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    The development of highly efficient photoanodes is crucial for enhancing the energy conversion efficiency in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Herein, we report an innovative approach to fabricating an Au/BiVO4/WO3Au/BiVO_{4}/WO_{3} ternary junction that leverages the unique benefits of WO3WO_{3} for efficient electron transport, BiVO4BiVO_{4} for broadband light absorption, and Au nanoparticles (NPs) for surface plasmon effects. The BiVO4/WO3BiVO_{4}/WO_{3} binary junction was constructed by depositing a BiVO4BiVO_{4} layer onto the surface of the WO3WO_{3} nanobricks via consecutive drop casting. Au NPs were subsequently integrated into the BiVO4/WO3BiVO_{4}/WO_{3} structure through electrochromic activation of WO3WO_{3}. The optimal BiVO4BiVO_{4} loading for the highest-performing BiVO4/WO3BiVO_{4}/WO_{3} heterostructure and the light intensity dependence of the photocurrent efficiency were also determined. Flat-band potential measurements confirmed an appropriate band alignment that facilitates electron transfer from BiVO4BiVO_{4} to WO3WO_{3}, while work function measurements corroborated the formation of a Schottky barrier between the incorporated Au NPs and BiVO4/WO3BiVO_{4}/WO_{3}, improving charge separation. The best-performing Au NP-sensitized BiVO4/WO3BiVO_{4}/WO_{3} photoanode thin films exhibited a photocurrent density of 0.578 mA cm2cm^{–2} at 1.23 V vs RHE under AM 1.5G (1 sun) illumination and a maximum applied-bias photoconversion efficiency of 0.036% at 1.09 V vs RHE, representing an enhancement factor of 12 and 2.3 compared to those of pristine BiVO4BiVO_{4} and WO3WO_{3} photoanodes, respectively. This study presents a promising and scalable route for fabricating noble metal-sensitized, metal oxide-based nanocomposite photoanodes for solar water splitting

    Evaluation of IR Spectral Analysis and Dyeing Parameters for Plasma and /or Nano-Silver Treatments of Polyester and Nylon Fabrics

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    In our work of this paper, we study the effect of surface modification of polyester and nylon fabrics induced by DC plasma discharge and/ or nano-siliver treatments .DC plasma discharge was employed at first, as a function of plasma device parameters including different time, different current and different hydrostatic pressure using chemically inert working gas: argon or nitrogen. Optimization of the performance of the applied DC plasma discharge with various applied conditions were performed using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy spectral analysis, by following up the changes in the peak intensity values of the characteristic functional groups that characterize polyester fabric. Then the dyeing properties of different pretreated fabrics with plasma by the best conditions are subjected to nano-silver treatment by concentration 50 ppm under the effect of different dye concentrations, different dyeing temperature and different dyeing time. Finally, the fastness properties to light and washing for the treated samples were studied. The results obtained showed that both of the dyeing parameters and fastness properties were highly improved by the treatment of fabrics by either individual plasma treatment or combined DC cold plasma and nano-silver treatments

    Deep learning for Covid-19 forecasting: State-of-the-art review.

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    The Covid-19 pandemic has galvanized scientists to apply machine learning methods to help combat the crisis. Despite the significant amount of research there exists no comprehensive survey devoted specifically to examining deep learning methods for Covid-19 forecasting. In this paper, we fill the gap in the literature by reviewing and analyzing the current studies that use deep learning for Covid-19 forecasting. In our review, all published papers and preprints, discoverable through Google Scholar, for the period from Apr 1, 2020 to Feb 20, 2022 which describe deep learning approaches to forecasting Covid-19 were considered. Our search identified 152 studies, of which 53 passed the initial quality screening and were included in our survey. We propose a model-based taxonomy to categorize the literature. We describe each model and highlight its performance. Finally, the deficiencies of the existing approaches are identified and the necessary improvements for future research are elucidated. The study provides a gateway for researchers who are interested in forecasting Covid-19 using deep learning. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.Dunarea de Jos” University of GalatiUmm Al-Qura Univer-sityUmm Al-Qura University, UQU, (22UQU4300274DSR01)Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud UniversityFunding text 1: Deanship of Scientific Research at Umm Al-Qura University supported this work by Grant Code: (22UQU4300274DSR01).Funding text 2: Conceptualization, H.O.T., H.M.H.Z., A.M.A.M., G.A. and S.A.M.I.methodology, F.T.A. and H.O.T.software, D.S.B., A.H.A., H.M.H.Z. and A.E.validation, S.A.M.I., A.M.A.M., D.S.B., D.E.A., W.E., Y.S.R. and A.E.formal analysis, H.M.H.Z., and F.T.A.investigation, H.O.T., W.E., and G.A.resources, F.T.A. and D.S.B.data curation, S.A.M.I., A.H.A. and A.E.writing—original draft preparation, Y.S.R., D.E.A., H.O.T., D.E.A., F.T.A. and A.E.writing—review and editing, H.M.H.Z., S.I, A.M.A.M., A.H.A. and A.E.visualization, W.E. and A.E.supervision, H.M.H.Z., W.E., Y.S.R. and D.S.B.project administration, H.O.T., A.E., Y.S.R. and S.A.M.I.funding acquisition A.E. (The APC was funded by “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Romania). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.Funding text 3: The authors would like to thank the Deanship of Scientific Research at the Umm Al-Qura Univer-sity for supporting this work by grant code (22UQU4300274DSR01). The APC was covered by “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Romania

    Tailoring Cu Electrodes for Enhanced CO 2 Electroreduction through Plasma Electrolysis in Non‐Conventional Phosphorus‐Oxoanion‐Based Electrolytes

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    This study presents a green, ultra-fast, and facile technique for the fabrication of micro/nano-structured and porous Cu electrodes through in-liquid plasma electrolysis using phosphorous-oxoanion-based electrolytes. Besides the preferential surface faceting, the Cu electrodes exhibit unique surface structures, including octahedral nanocrystals besides nanoporous and microporous structures, depending on the employed electrolyte. The incorporation of P-atoms into the Cu surfaces is observed. The modified Cu electrodes display increased roughness, leading to higher current densities for CO2 electroreduction reaction. The selectivity of the modified Cu electrodes towards C2 products is highest for the Cu electrodes treated in Na2HPO3 and Na3PO4 electrolytes, whereas those treated in Na2H2PO2 produce the most H2. The Cu electrode treated in Na3PO4 produces ethylene (23 %) at −1.1 V vs. RHE, and a comparable amount of acetaldehyde (15 %) that is typically observed for Cu(110) single crystals. The enhanced selectivity is attributed to several factors, including the surface morphology, the incorporation of phosphorus into the Cu structure, and the formation of Cu(110) facets. Our results not only advance our understanding of the influence of the electrolyte\u27s nature on the plasma electrolysis of Cu electrodes, but also underscores the potential of in-liquid plasma treatment for developing efficient Cu electrocatalysts for sustainable CO2 conversion

    Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

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    Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

    Ethyl 2-(2,3,4,5,6-Penta­bromo­phen­yl)acetate

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    The title compound PBPEA, C10H7Br5O2, has its ethyl acetate portion nearly orthogonal to the benzene ring, with a C—C—C—C torsion angle of 88.3 (5)°. The packing involves an inter­molecular contact with a Br⋯Br distance of 3.491 (1) Å, having C—Br⋯Br angles of 173.4 (2) and 106.0 (2)°. The crystal studied was an inversion twin
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