Low Discharge Research Articles

Hydrogeochemical and Isotopic Characterisation of the Učja Aquifer, NW Slovenia

The groundwater characteristics of the Učja aquifer were investigated using geochemical and isotopic data. The water discharge and physico-chemical properties of the groundwater and the Učja River reflect the climate that is characteristic of the area. The mixed snow/rainfall regime is characteristic for the Učja Valley, with the highest discharges appearing during the spring snowmelt and autumn precipitation, and the lowest discharges in the winter and especially summer months. The temperature of the groundwater and the Učja River is lower in winter and higher in summer. The specific electrical conductivity values indicate a very permeable carbonate aquifer. Higher conductivity values were observed in spring and autumn at all sampling sites, which is related to snowy and rainy periods. The groundwater from the Učja aquifer indicates a uniform type of water (Ca-Mg-HCO3), with Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3– the most abundant ions. Differences in Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations and in the Mg2+/Ca2+ molar ratio between sampling sites were observed. Those springs with lower Mg2+ and lower Mg2+/Ca2+ molar ratios indicate limestone recharge areas, and those springs with higher Mg2+ and molar ratios indicate interaction with the dolomite hinterland. The pH values confirm alkaline waters characteristic of carbonate aquifers. The hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope values suggest the main source of water is from precipitation from a complex mixing of maritime and continental air masses. An altitude isotopic effect is observed with minor δ18O and δ2H depletion at higher altitude sampling sites compared to those springs at lower altitudes. The altitude isotopic effect is most prominent in spring. The δ13CDIC values indicate the dissolution of carbonates and the degradation of organic matter.

Current Sheet Evolution in a Planar Inductive Pulsed Plasma Thruster

Abstract The evolution of the current sheet is fundamental to the understanding and operation of planar inductive pulsed plasma thrusters. Methods for experimentally determining the time-varying mutual inductance and plasma resistance associated with the current sheet are presented. From these, time-histories of the resistive heating in and electromagnetic acceleration of the sheet are found. Analysis of experimental data obtained from a compact, low discharge energy inductive pulsed plasma thruster shows that current sheet evolution is well described by three phases: ionization, formation, and acceleration. Evidence is provided for the plasma current and resistive heating becoming localized near the upstream edge of the current sheet as the sheet forms. The influence of initial propellant density and pre-ionization on the characteristics of the sheet are examined. Both higher propellant densities and increased pre-ionization are found to produce current sheets which exhibit greater magnetic impermeability. Higher densities cause the sheet to form closer to the coil face, improving coupling, while stronger pre-ionization leads to more rapid resistive heating, causing the sheet to form earlier in time.

Readiness for hospital discharge and its association with post-discharge outcomes among oesophageal cancer patients after oesophagectomy: A prospective observational study.

To examine the level and influencing factors of discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy and to explore its association with post-discharge outcomes (post-discharge coping difficulty and unplanned readmission). Oesophageal cancer is common and usually treated via oesophagectomy in China. The assessment of patient's discharge readiness gradually attracts attention as patients tend to be discharged more quickly. Prospective observational study. The STROBE statement was followed. In total, 154 participants with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy were recruited in a tertiary cancer centre in Southern China from July 2019 to January 2020. The participants completed a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale before discharge. Post-discharge outcomes were investigated on the 21st day (post-discharge coping difficulty) and 30th day (unplanned readmission) after discharge separately. Multiple linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. The mean scores of discharge readiness and quality of discharge teaching were (154.02 ± 31.58) and (138.20 ± 24.20) respectively. The quality of discharge teaching, self-care ability, dysphagia and primary caregiver mainly influenced patient's discharge readiness and explained 63.0% of the variance. The low discharge readiness could predict more risk of post-discharge coping difficulty (r = -0.729, p < 0.01) and unplanned readmission (t = -2.721, p < 0.01). Discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy is influenced by various factors, especially the quality of discharge teaching. A high discharge readiness corresponds to good post-discharge outcomes. Healthcare professionals should improve the discharge readiness by constructing high-quality discharge teaching, cultivating patients' self-care ability, mobilizing family participation and alleviating dysphagia to decrease adverse post-discharge outcomes among patients with oesophageal cancer. Patients with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy who met the inclusion criteria were recruited.

Assessing Post-Monsoon Seasonal Soil Loss over Un-Gauged Stations of the Dwarkeswar and Shilabati Rivers, West Bengal, India

This study employs the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to evaluate soil loss within the Shilabati and Dwarkeswar River Basin of West Bengal, serving as a pilot investigation into soil erosion levels at ungauged stations during the post-monsoon season. Detailed data for temperature, precipitation, wind speed, solar radiation, and relative humidity for 2000–2022 were collected. A land use map, soil map, and slope map were prepared to execute the model. The model categorizes the watershed region into 19 sub-basins and 227 Hydrological Response Units (HRUs). A detailed study with regard to soil loss was carried out. A detailed examination of soil erosion patterns over four distinct time periods (2003–2007, 2007–2012, 2013–2017, and 2018–2022) indicated variability in soil loss severity across sub-basins. The years 2008–2012, characterized by lower precipitation, witnessed reduced soil erosion. Sub-basins 6, 16, 17, and 19 consistently faced substantial soil loss, while minimal erosion was observed in sub-basins 14 and 18. The absence of a definitive soil loss pattern highlights the region’s susceptibility to climatic variables. Reduced soil erosion from 2018 to 2022 is attributed to diminished precipitation and subsequent lower discharge levels. The study emphasizes the intricate relationship between climatic factors and soil erosion dynamics.

Impact of Parent Presence and Engagement on Stress in NICU Infants.

Infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are exposed to frequent stressors that impact their neurodevelopmental outcomes. Parent presence and engagement are considered critical to improving infant outcomes, yet associations between cumulative NICU parent presence, engagement, and infant stress are infrequently examined. To examine associations between NICU infant stress and the amount (hours per week) or frequency (days per week) of parent presence and skin-to-skin care (SSC). A secondary analysis of a data set representing 78 NICU families was conducted. Infant acuity was measured using Neonatal Medical Index (NMI) scores. Parent presence and SSC data were collected from electronic medical records. Infant stress was measured using resting salivary cortisol levels collected at NICU discharge (median = 33 days of life). More cumulative SSC was associated with lower discharge cortisol in NICU infants for SSC measured in hours per week (P = .03) or days per week (P = .05). Cumulative parent presence was not significantly associated with infant cortisol at discharge. Hierarchical regression analyses examining timing of parent presence supported a model including admission cortisol, NMI score, and parent presence during weeks 1 to 4 of life for explaining infant stress at discharge (R2 = 0.44, P = .004). Analyses examining timing of SSC supported a model including admission cortisol, NMI score, and frequency of SSC during week 1 for explaining infant stress at discharge (R2 = 0.21, P = .04). Early, frequent SSC to mitigate stress in NICU infants was supported. Results suggested that timing of parent presence impacts NICU infant stress; however, additional study is recommended.

Automated FerryBox monitoring reveals the first recorded river induced crude oil seep transport to the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia

This study presents the first documented occurrence of a natural crude oil seep plume associated with river discharge along the Strait of Magellan in southern Patagonia in modern times. Between September and December 2022, hydrocarbon signals were detected using a crude oil sensor integrated into a FerryBox system that traversed the Strait of Magellan and several channels of southern Patagonia, covering approximately 510 km. The highest levels of crude oil signals were observed in the mid-basin of the Strait of Magellan. These signals exhibited a strong negative correlation with sea surface salinity, coinciding with the water discharge from the San Juan River. Notably, during periods of high river discharge, typically exceeding 15 m3 s−1, a distinct crude oil plume was detected moving towards the Magellan Strait. Conversely, when river discharge fell below this threshold, no noticeable crude oil signal was observed. As river discharge decreased and winds intensified during the austral summer, the crude oil signal gradually dissipated. This observation suggests that the dispersion of crude oil becomes limited during periods of low river discharge, as buoyant currents remain confined close to the coast. Historical records indicate that this seep has been releasing hydrocarbons into the Strait of Magellan for at least the past 120 years, implying a long history of chronic crude oil input into this relatively isolated region of the world. This finding shows the potential contribution to the understanding of marine ecosystems dynamics and potential pollutants in poorly studied regions through the use of automated monitoring FerryBox system, enabling both spatial and temporal high-resolution surveys.

Environmental Factors Impacting the Development of Toxic Cyanobacterial Proliferations in a Central Texas Reservoir.

Cyanobacterial harmful algal proliferations (cyanoHAPs) are increasingly associated with dog and livestock deaths when benthic mats break free of their substrate and float to the surface. Fatalities have been linked to neurotoxicosis from anatoxins, potent alkaloids produced by certain genera of filamentous cyanobacteria. After numerous reports of dog illnesses and deaths at a popular recreation site on Lady Bird Lake, Austin, Texas in late summer 2019, water and floating mat samples were collected from several sites along the reservoir. Water quality parameters were measured and mat samples were maintained for algal isolation and DNA identification. Samples were also analyzed for cyanobacterial toxins using LC-MS. Dihydroanatoxin-a was detected in mat materials from two of the four sites (0.6-133 ng/g wet weight) while water samples remained toxin-free over the course of the sampling period; no other cyanobacterial toxins were detected. DNA sequencing analysis of cyanobacterial isolates yielded a total of 11 genera, including Geitlerinema, Tyconema, Pseudanabaena, and Phormidium/Microcoleus, taxa known to produce anatoxins, including dihydroanatoxin, among other cyanotoxins. Analyses indicate that low daily upriver dam discharge, higher TP and NO3 concentrations, and day of the year were the main parameters associated with the presence of toxic floating cyanobacterial mats.

Theoretical comparison of effects of different cross fields on low pressure DC glow discharge

the mathematical models of glow discharge in transverse (y-direction) and axial (z-direction) magnetic fields are established in this paper. Firstly, Paschen's law is modified for different cross fields. The results show that the breakdown voltage first decreases and then increases with the increase of y-direction magnetic field at the same pressure. The breakdown voltage of glow discharge in z-direction magnetic field increases with the increase of magnetic field. Secondly, the effects of y-magnetic field and z-magnetic field on glow discharge are compared and analyzed by using the modified ionization coefficient. The results show that the plasma density has an extreme value under the combined action of y-direction magnetic field and air pressure. At the same pressure, the plasma density first increases and then decreases with the increase of magnetic field. The larger the magnetic field, the more obvious the plasma attenuation. In the z-direction magnetic field, the plasma density increases with the increase of air pressure or magnetic field.

Microbial associations for pneumonia causative agents and level of their resistance to antimicrobial drugs during a new coronavirus infection pandemic

Introduction. Bacterial coinfection and secondary bacterial infection are considered critical risk factors for the severity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2-caused pneumonia. The aim of the study was to analyze a pattern of microbial associations between K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii isolated from the lower respiratory tract discharge and sectional material (lung tissue) of patients diagnosed with pneumonia, and to compare resistance level in monoculture and associations during new coronavirus infection pandemic. Materials and methods. A bacteriological study of 2689 sputum and bronchial washing samples from patients at infectious diseases hospitals, and 1411 lung pathological material samples was carried out. Bacterial isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. Antibiotic sensitivity for isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. Genetic determinants of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics were detected by PCR. Statistical data processing was performed using SPSS version 22 software. Results. K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii isolates were predominantly found in two- and three-pathogen associations. It was established that the resistance level of K. pneumoniae isolates in association with A. baumannii is significantly higher compared to that in monoculture for all antimicrobial drugs studied. At the same time, K. pneumoniae in combination with Candida spp. vs monoculture showed significantly lower level of resistance to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. K. pneumoniae isolates carried resistance determinants to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases: OXA-48 — (22.5%), OXA-51 — (5.6%), OXA-23 — (4.2%), KPC — 70.9%, NDM — 7%. Of these, 14.1% of strains had the ability to co-produce serine carbapenemases OXA-48 and KPC. Sputum and lung tissue A. baumannii isolates exhibited extremely high multiple resistance regardless of their associations with other microorganisms. Microbiome species similarity in the lower respiratory tract and lung tissue discharge was revealed. The proportion of lung tissue vs sputum resistant strains of K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii was significantly higher. Conclusion. The detection of of multiple drug resistant K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii isolates as well as their associations may indicate aggravated pneumonia severity.

Citizen scientists filling knowledge gaps of phosphate pollution dynamics in rural areas

In situ monitoring is fundamental to manage eutrophication in rivers and streams. However, in recent decades, the frequency and spatial coverage of regulatory monitoring have often been reduced due to funding and infrastructure limitations. This reduction has made it impossible to provide adequate coverage for most water bodies. In this study, trained citizen scientists filled spatial and temporal gaps in agency monitoring across a major catchment in rural England. By integrating data from citizen scientists, regulatory agencies, and the local water company, it was possible to demonstrate the opportunities for hypothesis-based citizen scientist monitoring to identify continuous and event-driven sources of phosphate pollution. Local citizen scientists effectively covered important spatial gaps, investigating river conditions both upstream and downstream of suspected pollution point sources, improving the identification of their temporal dynamics. When combined with long-term monitoring data from regulatory agencies, it became possible to identify areas within the catchment that exhibited increased phosphate concentrations during periods of low river discharge (summer). Inter-annual trends and anomaly detection suggested that continuous pollution sources dominated over event-driven sources in many sub-basins, allowing for the prioritisation of mitigation actions. This study highlights the opportunity for citizen scientists to fill gaps in regulatory monitoring efforts and contribute to the improved management of eutrophication in rural catchments.

Fast-activating reserve power sources: is lead dead indeed?

The purpose of this research is to improve the performance and reduce the activation time of reserve power sources based on lead-acid systems at lower temperatures, down to –50 °C. Physico-chemical factors affecting the activation speed of reserve power sources based on Pb–HClO4–PbO2 and Zn–HClO4–PbO2 systems are investigated using chronopotentiometry, scanning electron microscopy, and standard contact porosimetry. Two approaches to the improvement of the low-temperature performance of power sources are used. The first one is based on the substitution of lead as anodic material with zinc. This allows the increase in discharge voltage and simultaneous decrease in activation time, but brings about the instability of discharge characteristics and, finally, deteriorates the reliability of power sources. The second approach is based on the use of PbO2 cathode material with enhanced nanoporosity. The chronopotentiometric method in galvanostatic mode is applied to the quality estimation of cathodes. The criterion of applicability of cathodes for reserve power sources consists in the low discharge overvoltage (0.1–0.2 V). Efficient performance of reserve power sources possessing the stable discharge voltage (1.5–1.8 V per cell) and the unprecedentedly short activation time (under 30 ms) even at lower temperatures (down to –50 °C) is achieved. The results are verified by fabrication and testing of pilot batches of miniaturized reserve power sources having microcells’ volume of 0.02 ml. The second approach to the improvement of power sources is transferred into the industrial production.

Impact of tidal shear fronts on terrigenous sediment transport in the Yellow River Mouth: Observations and a synthesis

A tidal shear front (TSF) can be defined as an obvious horizontal gradient of flow velocity formed by opposing tidal currents (reversed TSF) or same-direction tidal currents (homogenous TSF) on both sides of the front with limited impact by river runoff. Observational and modeling studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of a reversed TSF on the transport of freshwater and sediment in the Yellow River Mouth (YRM). The reversed TSF existence period is only about 40% of a tidal cycle (around slack of flood and ebb); however, when this front disappears (around maximum flood and ebb), sediment transport across the frontal zone is still rare. This suggests that the dynamic mechanism of cross-frontal sediment transport in a tidal cycle remains unclear. In this study, synchronous observations of sea current and suspended sediment concentrations along the river mouth profiles at the YRM in 1995, 2003, and 2019 were used to investigate the long-term variation characteristics, mechanisms, and impacts of the TSF on cross-frontal sediment transport. The results indicate that in addition to the reversed TSF, there are also homogenous TSF during flood and ebb tides, with the ebb homogenous TSF being more significant due to tidal asymmetry in the YRM. The ebb homogenous TSF is located between shallow shoals and the slopes of the subaqueous delta front and lasts for about 3 h around the maximum ebb. Its maximum shear strength is similar to that of the reversed TSF, and the formation mechanism is also similar. The presence of the ebb homogenous TSF reduces the efficiency of cross-frontal sediment transport during the ebb. The reversed and homogenous TSFs alternately block sediment moving towards the sea. Thus, terrigenous sediment is difficult to cross the frontal zone to the central Bohai Sea by tidal currents solely. Over the past two decades of low discharge, with the Yellow River implementing artificial water and sediment regulation, the homogenous TSF during the ebb tide has become more and more important and cannot be neglected for cross-frontal sediment transport under normal conditions. Furthermore, from a long-term perspective, the shear strength of the TSF is positively correlated with the distance of river mouth siltation into the sea. Additionally, salinity and turbidity gradients are also positively correlated with the shear strength in the estuary. This indicates that the blocking of cross-frontal sediment transport by the TSF is a key process in river-sea interaction in the YRM.

Association of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status With Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapies After Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is common. Neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) is an important social determinant of health (SDoH) that can affect clinical outcome. We hypothesize that SDoH, including nSES, contribute to differences in withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WLSTs) and mortality in patients with ICH. We performed a retrospective study of patients with ICH at 3 tertiary care hospitals between January 2017 and December 2022 identified through the Get with the Guidelines Database. We collected data on age, clinical severity, race/ethnicity, median household income, insurance, marital status, religion, mortality before discharge, and WLST from the electronic medical record. We assessed for associations between SDoH and WLST, mortality, and poor discharge mRS using Mann-Whitney U tests and χ2 tests. We performed multivariable analysis using backward stepwise logistic regression. We identified 868 patients (median age 67 [interquartile range (IQR) 55-78] years; 43% female) with ICH. Of them, 16% were Black non-Hispanic, 17% were Asian, and 15% were of Hispanic ethnicity; 50% were on Medicare and 22% on Medicaid, and the median (IQR) household income was $81,857 ($58,669-$122,078). Mortality occurred in 17% of patients, and of them, 84% of patients had WLST. Patients from zip codes with higher median household incomes had higher incidence of WLST and mortality (p < 0.01). Black non-Hispanic race was associated with lower WLST and discharge mortality (p ≤ 0.01 for both). In multivariable analysis adjusting for age and clinical severity scores, patients who lived in zip codes with high-income levels were more likely to have WLST (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.88; 95% CI 1.29-2.74) and mortality before discharge (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.06-2.13). SDoH, including nSES, are associated with WLST after ICH. This has important implications for the care and management of patients with ICH.

Inhibition of hydrogen evolution in proton battery by sulfamic acid-caprolactam electrolyte and its electrochemical study

Proton batteries are expected to be used in large-scale energy storage systems in the future because of their reliability, safety, non-toxicity, and low cost. However, the hydrogen evolution reaction in the electrolyte of a proton battery limits the development of a high-voltage proton battery, and it is difficult to study the anode materials with lower charge and discharge potential. In this study, a novel sulfamic acid-caprolactam based electrolytes for inhibiting hydrogen evolution in the proton batteries was investigated. Aminosulfonic acid was used as a proton source in the proton batteries for the first time. In addition, caprolactam cosolvent with double hydrogen bond site was added to the electrolyte to help H3O+ de-solvent into H+, which effectively inhibited the hydrogen evolution behavior in the electrolyte of proton battery. The MoO3 electrode showed good cycling stability in the SA-H2O-CPL electrolyte. After 300 cycles, the capacity retention rate was 83.3%, and the average CE value was 99.7%. After adding caprolactam to the electrolyte, the hydrogen evolution potential is reduced to -1.7 V, and the electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte is greatly widened, which will help to develop anode materials with lower redox potential and be of great significance to the realization of high voltage proton batteries.

Multivariable analysis of vortex generator-aided heat transfer enhancement for 18650 battery thermal management system

Currently, electric vehicles and hybrid cars have emerged as global solutions to replace internal combustion engine vehicles, with lithium-ion batteries being the most widely chosen option due to their low discharge rates and high energy density. Air-cooling systems, recognized for their cost-effectiveness and stability, are extensively employed in the thermal management systems of automotive batteries. However, conventional air-cooling models exhibit drawbacks in uniformly cooling battery packs. In this study, a numerical investigation is conducted to explore the enhanced cooling heat transfer facilitated by a vortex generator in the air-cooled battery thermal management system. The heat generation and transfer of a battery pack are analyzed using the experimentally validated 2C discharge heat dissipation model for batteries. The assessment focuses on the impact of a vortex generator on the heat transfer performance of a series-connected battery pack. The results indicate that fluid mixing, boundary layer modification, and flow instability are the primary factors contributing to enhanced heat transfer. Through the utilization of orthogonal experimental design and fuzzy grey relational analysis, the influence of three parameters (vortex generator position, angle of attack, and fin height) on thermal performance was systematically analyzed. The analysis reveals that the vortex generator position exerts the most significant impact on the heat transfer index, followed by height, with the angle having the least effect. Nusselt number and entropy generation were chosen as optimization indicators for a comparative analysis of enhancing heat transfer with and without optimized vortex generator assistance. The research results demonstrate that the optimal scenario occurs when entropy generation is minimized, resulting in a 56.4 % reduction in temperature difference (2.66 K) and a 12.1 % decrease in the maximum temperature (2.75 K). This study provides valuable guidance for further optimizing battery thermal management.

A High‐Capacity and High‐Voltage Aqueous Zn‐Polymer Battery with Self‐Charging Function

AbstractOrganic electrodes in aqueous batteries rely on electrochemical redox reactions for charge and discharge. The organic cathode at a discharged state can be spontaneously oxidized when exposed to air, which facilitates the development of air‐charging batteries. However, polymer cathodes in aqueous rechargeable Zn‐ion batteries (ARZIBs) generally show low discharge median voltage below 1 V. Herein, a new polymer cathode is reported that is prepared by electrodepositing poly(4‐hydroxydiphenylamine, HDPA) onto mesoporous activated carbon and shows a relatively high discharge voltage plateau at ≈1.1 V when coupled with a Zn anode. Its self‐charging performances at different conditions are investigated. Also, a high areal capacity of 3.8 mAh cm−2 of the cathode is achieved. The poly(4‐HDPA) contains both amino and carbonyl groups, and the carbonyl group is found to be fully responsible for redox reaction. Further investigation suggests that both Zn2+ and H+ in the ZnSO4 electrolyte participate in the charge storage process, and the H+ plays a dominant role. The air‐charging mechanism of this polymer cathode is elucidated both experimentally and theoretically. To demonstrate the practical applications, prototypes of box‐shaped battery pack are air‐charged to either drive a mini electric fan or light up LEDs.

Formulating Local Environment of Oxygen Mitigates Voltage Hysteresis in Li-Rich Materials.

Li-rich cathode materials have emerged as one of the most prospective options for Li-ion batteries owing to their remarkable energy density (>900Wh kg-1). However, voltage hysteresis during charge and discharge process lowers the energy conversion efficiency, which hinders their application in practical devices. Herein, the fundamental reason for voltage hysteresis through investigating the O redox behavior under different (de)lithiation states is unveiled and it is successfully addressed by formulating the local environment of O2-. In Li-rich Mn-based materials, it is confirmed that there exists reaction activity of oxygen ions at low discharge voltage (<3.6V) in the presence of TM-TM-Li ordered arrangement, generating massive amount of voltage hysteresis and resulting in a decreased energy efficiency (80.95%). Moreover, in the case where Li 2b sites are numerously occupied by TM ions, the local environment of O2- evolves, the reactivity of oxygen ions at low voltage is significantly inhibited, thus giving rise to the large energy conversion efficiency (89.07%). This study reveals the structure-activity relationship between the local environment around O2- and voltage hysteresis, which provides guidance in designing next-generation high-performance cathode materials.

Annealing Temperature Effect on the Physical Properties of NiO Thin Films Grown by DC Magnetron Sputtering

AbstractNickel oxide is a promising material for transparent electronics applications. This semiconductor demonstrates the possibility of modifying its physical properties depending on the method of growth and subsequent processing. Here the effects of the discharge power are reported during reactive dc magnetron sputtering, as well as the modes of subsequent annealing of NiO films, on their structural, electrical, and optical properties. NiO films are annealed at various temperatures both in an oxygen‐containing environment and under vacuum conditions. Deposited NiO films have a polycrystalline structure with a preferred orientation (200) for the low discharge power mode and (111) for the high discharge power mode. However, obtained NiO films exhibit crystallinity improvement after annealing. The presence of both Ni2+ and Ni3+ oxidation states in the deposited films is found. In addition, it is shown that the relative carrier concentration (Ni3+/Ni2+ peak area ratio) can be controlled by choosing the NiO film preparation mode. The trend in this ratio corresponds to the trend in film conductivity and the number of free‐charge carriers. The deposited films are semitransparent, and the estimated optical bandgap of NiO is in the range from 3.50 to 3.74 eV.

Anion-Regulated Sulfur Conversion in High-Content Carbon Layer Confined Sulfur Cathode Maximizes Voltage and Rate Capability of K-S Batteries.

Potassium-sulfur (K-S) batteries have attracted attention in large-scale energy storage systems. Small-molecule/covalent sulfur (SMCS) can help to avoid the shuttle effect of polysulfide ions via solid-solid sulfur conversion. However, the content of SMCS is relatively low (≤40%), and solid-solid reactions cause sluggish kinetics and low discharge potentials. Herein, SMCS is confined in turbo carbon layers with a content of ≈74.1wt% via a C/S co-deposition process. In the K-S battery assembled by using as-fabricated SMCS@C as cathode and KFSI-EC/DEC as an electrolyte, anion-regulated two-plateau solid-state S conversion chemistry and a novel high discharge potential plateau at 2.5-2.0V with a remarkable reversible capacity of 384mAhg-1 at 3Ag-1 after 1000 cycles are found. The SMCS@C||K full cell showed energy and power density of 72.8Whkg-1 and 873.2Wkg-1, respectively, at 3Ag-1. Mechanismstudiesrevealthat theenlarged carbon layer space enables the diffusion of K+-FSI-ion pairs, and the coulombic attraction between them accelerates their diffusion in SMCS@C. In addition, FSI-regulates sulfur conversion in situ inside thecarbon layers along a two-plateau solid-state reaction pathway, which lowers the free energy and weakens the S─S bond of intermediates, leading to faster and more efficient S conversion.

Decreased Bed Mobility Function Is Associated With Postdischarge Mortality for Cancer Patients in Inpatient Rehabilitation.

The establishment of rehabilitation goals for hospitalized cancer patients depends on accurate medical prognosis and matching goals to clinical timelines. Current tools for estimating prognosis are limited. We hypothesized that bed mobility is a predictor of mortality in cancer patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation. In a retrospective cohort of 187 subjects with nonneurologic cancer admitted to inpatient rehabilitation, Functional Independence Measure scores and 6-mo mortality were analyzed. In the cohort, survival rate was 71% at 6 mos. In univariate analysis, discharge bed mobility score (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% confidence interval = 0.61-0.90, P = 0.003), bed mobility Functional Independence Measure gain (odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval = 0.51-0.85, P = 0.002), and bed mobility Functional Independence Measure efficiency (odds ratio = 0.011, 95% confidence interval = 0.00032-0.21, P = 0.006) were inversely associated with 6-mo mortality after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation facility. In multivariate analysis with additional motor Functional Independence Measure items, only bed mobility (odds ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.54-0.97, P = 0.029) and grooming (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval = 0.63-0.99, P = 0.041) were independently associated with mortality. Lower discharge and lower change in bed mobility Functional Independence Measure scores are associated with mortality in cancer patients in inpatient rehabilitation. Bed mobility could serve as a clinical tool for estimating medical prognosis in hospitalized cancer patients and should be validated in prospective studies.