A Review on Potentials of Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys for Energy Harvesting

Magnetic shape memory alloys, MSMAs, are modern alloys suitable for harvesting waste energy in low-power electrical equipment. This is due to their unique combination of large displacement, rapid mechanical responses, and great actuation capability. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop effective technologies for energy harvesting by MSMAs. However, so far, this topic has not been subject to any review. To address this issue, the current study puts forward an overview on the progress and challenges of MSMAs for the usage in a harvesting energy from vibrational, thermal, and acoustic energy sources. An emphasis is put on explaining the different designs of energy harvesting systems that use MSMAs. The review also presents some background information on the MSMAs and their working principles. It eventually identifies some directions for future studies in this field

Effect of General Hypothermia on the Embolic Model of Stroke in the Male Rat

Introduction: Hypothermia has neuroprotective effects in permanent or transient models of cerebral artery occlusion. In the current study, neuroprotective effect of general hypothermia in the embolic model of stroke, in which no study has been conducted to date. Methods: In this experimental study, twenty-four male Wistar rats (250 to 350 g) were divided into three groups as following: sham, Control and hypothermia. Stroke was induced by clot injection into the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). General hypothermia was induced at 6 h after stroke. Neurological deficits were measured at 24 and 48 h after ischemia. Infarction volume and brain edema were determined at the end of study. Results: General hypothermia significantly decreased infarct volume (P<0.001) and neurological deficits (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between hypothermia and control group in brain edema. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, general hypothermia at six h after ischemia shows neuroprotection in the embolic model of stroke