Technology Base Studies of Long-Term MCFC Performance

This project aims to identify the long-term endurance problems of the MCFC by investigating corrosion of stainless steel (310, 316L). This presentation focuses on results from SEM and cross-section analysis. Significant differences between immersed and film-wetted electrodes are summarized. Results suggest that pre-oxidation can be a solution to obtaining a compact oxide layer. Adding Al to alloy leads to a very stable oxide layer, but increases resistivity. Alloy behavior must be investigated under continuously polarized conditions. 4 figs

Geographical and temporal distribution of SARS-CoV-2 clades in the WHO European Region, January to June 2020

We show the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 genetic clades over time and between countries and outline potential genomic surveillance objectives. We applied three available genomic nomenclature systems for SARS-CoV-2 to all sequence data from the WHO European Region available during the COVID-19 pandemic until 10 July 2020. We highlight the importance of real-time sequencing and data dissemination in a pandemic situation. We provide a comparison of the nomenclatures and lay a foundation for future European genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2.Peer reviewe

Influences, Views and Practices Associated with Life Skills Education for Children with Autism in Two Cities in Turkey and England

This study explored influences, views and practices associated with life skills education for children with autism within schools in two cities in England and in Turkey of similar socio-economic status and size. Data was collected via interviews with staff and observations in mainstream and special schools. Life skills were taught to children with autism in both cities. Schools in both cities taught basic and complex everyday skills, associated with psychosocial abilities, and enhancement of positive behaviour. The teaching of life skills was influenced by cultural and religious views and availability of resources resulting in differing models. In the Turkish Schools development of life skills relied more heavily on situational learning within the community as a bridge to parental engagement, whereas the English schools were more likely to use an adapted experiential model within the school campus with support from parents in transferring skills at home. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Technology Base Studies of Long-Term MCFC Performance

Cathode dissolution into the electrolyte matrix and endurance of current collector/separator plate materials are the main life-limiting factors of the state-of-the art MCFC. These components are also major contributors to the total system cost. Therefore, to reduce capital cost, it is necessary to minimize hardware corrosion and increase cell life. This study consists of experimental evaluation of corrosion processes with the objective to further practical; understanding of corrosion behavior of alloys and alloy components under cathodic gas conditions. Nickel, iron, cobalt and stainless steels 310 and 316L are analyzed. The experimental study consists of: (1) Observation of open circuit potential (OCP) changes. Surface reactions occurring without net passage of current are proposed based on this measurement. (2) Applying cyclic voltammetry, which provides information about the possible electrode reactions at different stages of polarization. (3) Applying AC impedance to support the result of tasks 1 and 2 at different stages of oxidation, and data analysis by means of equivalent circuits. Open circuit conditions as well as positive and negative polarization are used in the impedance measurements. (4) Surface analysis of the electrodes by SEM-EDX and X-ray diffraction. To obtain more information from electrochemical measurements a novel approach has been applied in cell design. In this two electrode approach, one electrode is fully immersed, and the other is wetted by carbonate melt via an alumina tube which has a thin film on it. While camera observation of these two different electrode conditions will identify the effect of carbonate wetting on the state of the surface, electrochemical measurements enable a quantitative comparison between complete submersion and wetting by a film of carbonate

Multifunctional mid-infrared photonic switch using a MEMS-based tunable waveguide coupler

10.1364/OL.400132OPTICS LETTERS45195620-5623complete

Laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy in adults for treatment of duplex kidneys

PubMedID: 25923151Purpose: To present our results of laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy in adult patients with duplex kidney. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients with an age range of 27 to 54 years old underwent laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy for complete duplication of the renal collecting system. The key point of the technique included the placement of a catheter in the normal ureter at the beginning of the procedure. The patient was positioned in a 45-90 degrees lateral decubitus position and a 4-port transperitoneal or 3-port retroperitoneal technique was applied followed by the mobilization of the upper pole ureter away from the renal hilum. Afterwards, the vasculature supplying the upper pole was precisely identified and ligated. Followed by transection of the ureter and its transposition cephalad to the hilum, the upper pole moiety was fully transected using the harmonic scalpel. Results: Eight patients were operated on using the transperitoneal approach and 2 using the retroperitoneal technique. One patient required preoperative percutaneous drainage due to pyonephrosis. The operation time ranged between 150 to 350 min with minimal blood loss (0-200 mL). Hemostasis was achieved with an Argon laser in one patient. The lower pole calyceal system was perforated in one patient and repaired intracorporally. No major intraoperative complications occurred. All of the patients except two had their drains removed in 72 h after the operation and were generally discharged on postoperative day 3. Conclusion: Laparoscopic upper pole heminephrectomy for an ectopic ureter is safe and reproducible and offers benefits of laparoscopic surgery even in patients with complicated urinary tract infection