Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Electrode Material for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are becoming increasingly attractive as one of the most promising advanced secondary batteries with overwhelming advantages of high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh/g) and high energy density (2600 VS. 420 W h/kg of traditional Li-ion batteries). Sulfur is one of the most abundant elements on earth and is an underutilized byproduct from the oil and gas industries. Additionally, in comparison to Li-ion batteries, Li-S batteries have improved safety and lower cost. They are also more environmentally friendly. However, the predominant challenge with lithium-sulfur batteries is capacity drop and low cycle life during usage of the sulfur-based electrode. This project aims to solve this problem by careful design of carbon based nanomaterials to physically and/or chemically confine the sulfur component. Developing the sulfur/carbon nanocomposite will be conducted using well-studied synthesis processes. Characterization of the electrodes will be conducted through analytical techniques via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Electrochemical evaluation of assembled split cell will consist of cyclability and rate capability testing using the electrochemical testing station. The expected outcome is to achieve high performance of Li-S batteries with long cycle life and maintaining high specific capacity, a goal for emerging advanced energy storage technology, portable electronics, and grid-scale energy station

Detection of early age-related macular degeneration using novel functional parameters of the focal cone electroretinogram

The focal cone electroretinogram is a sensitive marker for macular disease, but have we unlocked its full potential? Typically assessment of waveform parameters is subjective and focuses on a small number of locations (e.g. the a-wave). This study evaluated the discriminatory and diagnostic potential of 4 conventional and 15 novel, objectively determined, parameters in patients with early Age-related Macular Degeneration. Focal cone electroretinograms were recorded in 54 participants with early Age-related Macular Degeneration (72.9±8.2 years) and 54 healthy controls (69±7.7 years). Conventional a and b wave amplitudes and implicit times were measured and compared to novel parameters derived from both the 1st and 2nd derivatives and the frequency-domain power spectrum of the electroretinogram.Statistically significant differences between groups were shown for all conventional parameters, the majority of 1st and 2nd derivative parameters and the power spectrum at 25 and 30 Hz. Receiver operating characteristics showed that both conventional and 1st and 2nd derivative implicit times had provided the best diagnostic potential. A regression model showed a small improvement over any individual parameter investigated. The non-conventional parameters enhanced the objective evaluation of the focal electroretinogram, especially when the amplitude was low. Furthermore, the novel parameters described here allow the implicit time of the electroretinogram to be probed at points other than the peaks of the a and b waves. Consequently these novel analysis techniques could prove valuable in future electrophysiological investigation, detection and monitoring of Age-related Macular Degeneration

The electroretinogram:a useful tool for evaluating age-related macular disease?

With an ageing population, the number of age-related macular disease (ARMD) cases will inevitably rise. This gives greater impetus for the need to identify the disease earlier and assess treatments to slow disease progression. Differing electroretinogram (ERG) modalities have been reviewed in relation to the objective assessment of retinal function in ARMD and for monitoring the effectiveness of clinical interventions. Conflicting results have been found with regard to the efficacy of ERG findings in the investigation of ARMD in previous years. The newer multifocal ERG paradigm provides spatial topographical information about retinal function in ARMD. It has shown promising results in monitoring effectiveness of clinical interventions and studies are continuing in this area. Better knowledge of retinal function in ARMD may lead to enhanced treatments at each phase of the disease

Creating integrated automated reservation system in Saniya Resort and Hotel

This action research aimed to transform the manual reservation process to automated reservation system in Saniya Resort and Hotel. For the conceptual framework I applied the Waterfall Diagram Model, which helped in guiding the procedures for the effectiveness of the new automated reservation system. The Cycle 1 of this action research involved the automation of the reservation system, and Cycle 2 pertained to monitoring procedures to assess the automated system. My collaborators and I facilitated these interventions by conducting formal meetings, personal observations and focused group discussions. The newly created and implemented Automated Reservation System in Saniya Resort and Hotel has improved our operations through faster transactions, organized files and records, lessened human errors and loss of data, and established proper procedures in reservation process. The results of this action research will continue to help our company maintain efficiency, innovation and growth in the future

Akin ka lang ... isang paghahambing ng romantikong pagseselos ng mga mag-asawa mula sa urban at rural na lugar

Ang pag-aaral na ito ay tungkol sa pagkakatulad at pagkakaiba ng romantikong pagseselos ng mga mag-asawa mula sa urban at rural na lugar. Tinutukoy dito ang mga depenisyon, sanhi, at pagpapahiwatig ng pagseselos. Ang ginabayang talakayan at sarbey ang ginamit na metodo upang makakalap ng datos. Apat na mag-asawa mula sa urban at rural na lugar ang kinuha para sa ginabayang talakayan. Apatnapu\u27t dalawang mag-asawa ang naging kalahok para sa sarbey. Base sa resulta ng pag-aaral, maraming pagkakatulad ang urban at rural sa karanasan ng romantikong pagseselos. Ang pagkakaiba nila ay nasa pagpapahiwatig

Effect of urea on the N2-fixing algal flora in lowland rice at ripening stage

Les observations microscopiques et les enumérations de cyanobactéries montrent un effet inhibiteur statistiquement significatif de l'épandage d'urée en début de cycle cultural sur la densité et la diversité de la flore algaire fixatrice d'azote à maturité du riz. (Résumé d'auteur