Low-temperature co-sintering for fabrication of zirconia/ceria bi-layer electrolyte via tape casting using a Fe2O3 sintering aid

Bilayer electrolytes have potential in solid oxide cells to improve ionic conduction whilst blocking electronic conduction. GDC/YSZ bilayer electrolyte processinghas provenproblematic due to thermochemical instability at high sintering temperatures. We first match the shrinkage profile of the two bulk materials using a Fe2O3 sintering additive. Additions of 5 mol% of Fe2O3 in the GDC layer and 2 mol% of Fe2O3 in the YSZ layer prevents delamination during co-sintering. The addition of Fe2O3 promotes densification, enabling achievement of a dense bilayer at a reduced sintering temperature of 1300 ◦C; ∼150 ◦C below conventional sintering temperatures. Elemental analysis showed the compositional distribution curves across the bilayer interface to be asymmetric when Fe2O3 is employed. The Fe2O3 increases the total conductivity of the bilayer electrolyte by an order of magnitude; this is explained by the effect of Fe2O3 on reducing the resistive solid solution interlayer at YSZ/GDC interface from ∼15 to ∼5 m

<span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Mangal;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language: HI" lang="EN-GB">Effect of glycine concentration on the properties of LaCoO₃ perovskite prepared by the glycine-nitrate process</span>

931-936LaCoO3 nanocrystals have been prepared by the glycine-nitrate process. The effect of glycine content in the synthesis solution on various properties of LaCoO3 has been studied in the glycine-to-nitrate molar ratio between 0.75 and 2.0. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction for phase purity and particle size, by transmission electron microscopy for particle size, by BET for surface area and by temperature-programmed reduction for reducibility of Con+. XRD reflections show the presence of impurities in the as-prepared samples while only rhombohedral phase could be identified in the samples after calcination at 700 <span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-ascii-font-family: " times="" new="" roman";mso-hansi-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-char-type:symbol;="" mso-symbol-font-family:symbol"="" lang="EN-GB">°C. For all the glycine-to-nitrate ratios tested, the particle size estimated from XRD data ranges from 58-69 nm, which are systematically lower than those determined by BET which ranged from 97-118 nm. TPR profiles of the samples show two major peaks; one due to the reduction of Co3+ to Co2+ and the other due to the reduction of Co2+ to Co0. The samples prepared under fuel-deficient and fuel-rich conditions show higher reducibility as compared to that of the sample prepared under stoichiometric conditions. </span

Baseball Decision-Making: Optimizing At-bat Simulations

Pitch selection in baseball plays a crucial role, involving pitchers, catchers, and batters working together. This practice, dating back to early baseball, has seen teams try various methods to gain an advantage. This research aims to use reinforcement learning and pitch-by-pitch Statcast data to improve batting strategies. It also builds on previous statistical work (sabermetrics) to make better choices in pitch selection and plate discipline. The dataset used, including over 700,000 pitches for each full season and 200,000 pitches for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, encompasses a wealth of crucial metrics including pitch release point, velocity, and launch angle. This study dives deep into player interactions and pitch behavior, seeking to find new ideas that could change how teams approach their offensive tactics. By analyzing player performance and applying advanced stats, this research hopes to uncover hidden patterns. To ensure accuracy in pitch type classification, a critical aspect of our analysis, we reclassified pitch types. By incorporating 15 distinct variables, ranging from release point coordinates to spin rates, we enhanced the granularity of pitch type identification. These variables were normalized and subjected to UMAP dimensionality reduction, resulting in the creation of 2D vector embeddings for each pitch. This methodology not only refines pitch classification but also unlocks a deeper understanding of player interactions and pitch behavior

Characterization of Some Efficient Cellulase Producing Bacteria Isolated from Pulp and Paper Mill Effluent Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT The wide variety of bacteria in the environment permits screening for more efficient cellulases to help overcome current challenges in biofuels production. This study focuses on the isolation of efficient cellulase producing bacteria found in pulp and paper mill effluent contaminated soil which can be considered for use in large scale biorefining. Four different bacterial strains were isolated and screened for cellulase production by using CMC agar medium. All isolates showed cellulase activity these strains were further characterized by morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene analyses. These isolates were identified as two Bacillus subtilis sub sps, Bacillus mojavensis and Bacillus cereus

Enhanced hydrogen reaction kinetics of nanostructured Mg-based composites with nanoparticle metal catalysts dispersed on supports

Hydrogen reaction kinetics of nanocrystalline MgH\u2082 co-catalyzed with Ba3(Ca\u2081\u208axNb\u2082\u208bx)O\u2089\u208b\u3b4 (BCN) proton conductive ceramics and nanoparticle bimetallic catalyst of Ni/Pd dispersed on singlewall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) support has been investigated. The nanoparticle bimetallic catalysts of Ni/Pd supported by SWNTs were synthesized based on a novel polyol method using NiCl\u2082\ub76H\u2082O, PdCl\u2082, NaOH and ethylene glycol (EG). The nanostructured Mg composites co-catalyzed with BCN and bimetallic supported catalysts exhibited stable hydrogen desorption capacity of 6.3\u20136.7 wt.% H\u2082 and the significant enhancement of hydrogen desorption kinetics at 230\u2013300 \ub0C in comparison to either non-catalyzed MgH\u2082 or the nanocomposite of MgH\u2082 catalyzed with BCN.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Laparoscopic nephrectomy simplified – A “two-window technique” for safer approach to hilum for a novice

Though the overall safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy (simple or radical) is well established, for a novice it remains a challenge. The classical description of laparoscopic nephrectomy entails dissection either from caudal to cephalad side or vice versa. Herein we describe our “two window technique” for managing renal hilum during laparoscopic (simple/radical) nephrectomy. Our main intention in description of this technique is to reduce the level of apprehension for a novice urologist for performing laparoscopic nephrectomy. After colon mobilization, sequential lower and upper windows are created around the hilum following which hilar vessels are dissected circumferentially when the hilum is at a stretch by traction from either of the window. There are multiple potential advantages of this method which includes easier and safer dissection especially for novice in this field by giving a safety window of application of vascular clamp in cases of vascular bleeds. Intrahilar dissection in stretched condition becomes safer with vision from all around 360° for safe application of Hem-o-lok® clips. Due to the widely exposed field, injuries to adrenal vein and lumbar veins would be minimized and the chances of missed accessory vessel would be minimized. En mass hilar control with vascular clamp in cases of partial nephrectomy is possible with same approach as well as the en block stapling is feasible in cases of nephrectomy. This needs a validation across multiple centers with comparative studies before considering it as a standard of practice. We sincerely believe that this is safe and easily reproducible by a novice