Physical Separation Research Articles

When the neighbors are noisy: effect of social challenge in collateral pens of stressed animals.

Regrouping practices are frequent in pig production, altering hierarchy and triggering aggressive behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the physiological responses of piglets to an experimental model designed to induce stress through systematic social mixing in two trials. In Trial A, a total of 144 crossbred piglets (25 days postweaning) housed in one room within 36 pens (four piglets/pen) were used and randomly assigned to either a control group (piglets maintained in their pen, Ctrl-A) or a social challenge group (piglets mixed, SC-A). In Trial B, the same number of animals (33 days postweaning) and crossbreed line was used, and each piglet was assigned either to a control group (Ctrl-B) or a social challenge group (SC-B) in two independent rooms (rooms Ctrl and SC, 12 pens/ room, six piglets/pen). The social challenge consisted of daily moves of three out of four pen mates and five out of six pen mates, for Trials A and B, respectively. In the Ctrl groups, all piglets stayed in their original pen. Before the 1st mixing day and at the end of the 3rd mixing day, saliva (cortisol concentration) and blood (cortisol concentration changes, hemogram, and immunologic activation) samples were collected from two random piglets per pen. Skin lesion scores of all piglets were also recorded on the front, middle, and rear body regions. In Trial A, the total skin lesions score was higher in the SC-A group compared to the Ctrl-A group after the social challenge (0.53 vs. 0.17; p < 0.05), but an unexpected increase between sampling days in the Ctrl-A piglets (0.06 vs. 0.17; p < 0.05) was also recorded, suggesting that Ctrl-A pigs showed similar aggressivity levels to the SC-A group. Hematological parameters hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and leukocyte counts present similar changes in both treatment groups after the social challenge. Contrarily, in Trial B, the lesion score only increased in the piglets in room SC (0.08 vs. 0.34; p < 0.05). Results suggest that stable groups may show aggressive behaviors if they are in the same room with socially challenged pigs. Thus, the physical separation of treatment groups in social stress studies is recommended.

Effects of Split-Attention and Task Complexity on Individual and Collaborative Learning

School tasks often include individual and collaborative activities supported by a wide variety of learning materials. These materials can elicit varied levels of attention and learning depending on the complexity (i.e., element interactivity level) and physical separation of the information elements in the study material. The aim of this study was to explore the potential effects of the element interactivity level (i.e., high vs. low) and split attention (i.e., integrated vs. separated information) on individual and collaborative learning. An experimental design was implemented with 192 high school learners, with 64 working individually and 128 in dyads. The results revealed that in tasks with high element interactivity and integrated information, individual students learned more than groups. However, separated information benefited groups more than individual learners. It is concluded that the benefits of individual and group learning are mediated by task element interactivity and the physical separation of information sources in the study material, and recommendations for education professionals are presented.

A comparative study of discharging and leaching of spent lithium-ion battery recycling

Accelerated production of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) implies an increase in the raw materials demand, especially for metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Spent LIBs recycling guarantees the regeneration and reincorporation of valuable materials into the manufacturing industry; therefore, recycling methods and techniques must be optimized. In this investigation, alkaline and reductive acid leaching processes were evaluated and compared in order to determine the effect of parameters such as pH, temperature, and reagents concentrations to achieve selective leaching processes. This study demonstrated that strongly alkaline solutions (NaOH) do not ensure selective lithium and aluminum dissolution. Also, a solid compound, LiAl2(OH)6OH(s) can be formed at pH ∼14, negatively affecting the lithium extraction. On the other hand, reductive acid leaching, with acid sulfuric and hydrazine sulfate (H2SO4 + N2H6SO4) solutions resulted in an efficient system, extracting ≥90 % of Ni, Co, and Mn at 40 °C. Hydrazine is essential as a reductant, although it must be added in excess (40 % excess with respect to the Co, Ni, and Mn content) to suppress copper dissolution. Furthermore, this work demonstrated the possibility of processing the entire spent LIBs sample once the discharge and crushing stages were concluded, avoiding physical separation, without affecting the leaching efficiency and contributing to process economy.

Effect of Physical Separation with Ultrasound Application on Brewers' Spent Grain to Obtain Powders for Potential Application in Foodstuffs.

Brewers' spent grain (BSG) is the primary by-product of beer production, and its potential use in food products is largely dependent on its processing, given its moisture content of up to 80%. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical separation with ultrasound application on the color, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, proximate composition, total dietary fibers, and particle size distribution of BSG powders. Wet BSG (W) was subjected to two processes: one without ultrasound (A) and one with ultrasound (B). Both processes included pressing, convective air-drying, sieving, fraction separation (A1 and B1 as coarse with particles ≥ 2.36 mm; A2 and B2 as fine with particles < 2.36 mm), and milling. The total color difference compared to W increased through both processes, ranging from 1.1 (B1 vs. A1) to 5.7 (B1 vs. A2). There was no significant difference in TPC, but process B powders, particularly B2, showed lower antioxidant activity against ABTS•+, likely due to the release of antioxidant compounds into the liquid fraction during pressing after ultrasound treatment. Nonetheless, process B powders exhibited a higher content of soluble dietary fibers. In conclusion, ultrasound application shows potential for further extraction of soluble fibers. However, process A might be more practical for industrial and craft brewers. Further studies on the use of the resulting BSG powders as food ingredients are recommended.

LEADERSHIP CRISES AND FAILURE OF POLITICAL PARTIES A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF ISOLATION OF EAST AND WEST PAKISTAN

the inception of Pakistan on the map of the world as a result of the partition of all India, the dominancy of the Western part of Pakistan was very clear but un-understandable. The political parties and leaders from the West Pakistan always thought themselves superior to that of East Pakistan. This behaviour of the political parties and the leadership from the West Wing gave birth to hatred among the subjects belonging to the East Pakistan. The political Parties and the leadership never tried to take such steps which could create harmony among the masses of the both sides. As the time passed, hatred increased. The reflection of these hatred emerged in the general elections, held on 1970.Awami League led by Sheikh Muji-Ur-Rehman secured 160 seats out of 162 seats allocated for the East Pakistan but unfortunately, it failed to win even in a single constituency of the West Pakistan. On the other hand, PPP led by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, secured a marginalised victory of 81 seats out of total 138seats allocated for the West Pakistan but it did not participate in East Pakistan. These unexpected results further divided the parties and leadership because the West Pakistan was not ready to give its dominance in the hands of the East Pakistan while there was an absolute majority of the East Pakistan and constitutionaally, the rule was to be given to Awami League. Whereas, the leadership of that time is concerned, they were not ready to solve the rift politically. The problems increased; Pakistan had to go into war with India in 1971.As a result of this political chaos and anarchy Pakistan had to face humiliation in the war. The East Pakistan separated from the West Pakistan and emerged as an independent country on international sphere, known as "The Republic of Bangladesh". This study also unwraps some shroudedl things such as, West Pakistan's genocism act against the East Pakistanis and the Indian roll of taking part into the matter of Pakistan, which became an immediate factor for physical separation of Pakistan. The study uncovers how Indian intervention into the burning matter, reinforced the already existing variables, paved a way for the creation of Bangladesh. Para oxically, foreign agents such as the USA,USSR and China had a very bounded and limited impact on the sources and upsurge of the East-West isolation.

Chemically Separable Co(II) Spin-State Isomers.

The phenomenon of spin crossover involves coordination complexes with switchable spin states. This spin state change is accompanied by significant geometric changes such that low and high spin forms of a complex are distinct isomers that exist in equilibrium with one another. Typically, spin-state isomers interconvert rapidly and are similar enough in polarity to prevent their independent separation and isolation. We report here the first example, to our knowledge, of cobalt(II) spin-state isomers that can be physically separated. The reaction of Mo2(dpa)4 (dpa = 2,2'-dipyridylamide) with CoBr2 produces a mixture of two heterometallic compounds with a linear, metal-metal-bonded Mo[Formula: see text]Mo-Co chain. The complexes, SC-[BrMo2(dpa)4Co]Br (SC-2) and HS-[BrMo2(dpa)4CoBr] (HS-2), have identical compositions (Mo2Co(dpa)4Br2) but different ground spin states and coordination geometries of the Co(II) ion. In the solid state, SC-2 undergoes incomplete spin crossover from an S = 1/2 state to an S = 3/2 state, and HS-2 has a high spin, S = 3/2, ground state, as confirmed by SQUID magnetometry and EPR spectroscopy. Crystallographic analyses of SC-2 and HS-2 show that SC-2 has an elongated Co-Br distance relative to HS-2 and is best described as the salt [BrMo2(dpa)4Co]Br. This limits SC-2's solubility in nonpolar solvents and allows for the physical separation of the two isomers. Solution studies of SC-2 and HS-2 indicate that SC-2 and HS-2 interconvert slowly relative to the NMR time scale. Additional solution-state EPR and UV-vis absorption measurements demonstrate that the choice of solvent polarity determines the predominant isomer present in solution.

Concurrent analysis of genome and transcriptome in one single cell

Thus far, multiple techniques for single cell analysis have been developed, yet we lack a relatively simple tool to assess DNA and RNA from the same cell at whole-transcriptome and whole-genome depths. Here we present an updated method for physical separation of cytoplasmic RNA from the nuclei, which allows for simultaneous studies of DNA and RNA from the same single cell. The method consists of three steps—(1) immobilization of a single cell on solid substrate, (2) hypotonic lysis of immobilized single cell, and (3) separation of cytosol containing aqueous phase and immobilized nucleus. We found that DNA and RNA extracted from single cell using our approach is suitable for downstream sequencing-based applications. We demonstrated that the coverage of transcriptome and genome sequencing data obtained after DNA/RNA separation is similar to that observed without separation. We also showed that the separation procedure does not create any noticeable bias in observed mutational load or mutation spectra. Thus, our method can serve as a tool for simultaneous complex analysis of the genome and transcriptome, providing necessary information on the relationship between somatic mutations and the regulation of gene expression.

Emergency Department Environmental Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

Objective: This study aimed to document and empirically evaluate the physical environment strategies used by emergency departments (EDs) to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and to develop recommendations for managing future crises. Background: Emergency departments made significant environmental modifications in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic but these modifications and the decision-making processes were seldomly studied. Methods: In this in-depth qualitative case study, a multidisciplinary research team conducted semistructured interviews with 11 professionals of various roles in environmental responses to the pandemic at a large urban ED in the U.S. Qualitative content analysis generated codes and code categories from the data as well as a conceptual framework. Design documents and photographic documentation were used to cross-check the interview data. Results: The ED faced challenges in making rapid changes with limited information and resources. Physical barriers separating patients, air filtration, airflow control, and alternative care spaces were key physical environmental strategies implemented. Among them, the physical separation of patients was perceived to be most effective, followed by air quality control measures. Interviewees recommended flexibility in building design (self-contained zones, negative pressure and air filtration in all patient rooms, pandemic mode of air ventilation system), and an all-inclusive bottom-up decision-making process. Concerns included ventilation, security, communication strategies, and workplace ergonomics. Conclusion: The physical environment constitutes an important part of ED pandemic response and the proactive preparation for future crises. Hospitals should consider the ED environment's role in pandemic response, including ventilation capability, security visibility, and functionality for staff.

A Mini Review on the Opportunities for Membrane Pervaporation Technology for Energy-efficient Removal of Dispersed Oil and Dissolved Hydrocarbons from Produced Water

Produced water is reported to have the largest volume of waste stream associated with hydrocarbon recovery. It was estimated to increase from 250 million B/D in 2007 to more than 300 million B/D between 2010 and 2012. Market research conducted by Adroit put the globally produced water treatment market at a value of USD 5.10 billion in 2022. This value is anticipated to be USD 9.80 billion in 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.80% over the prediction period. Oil and gas companies have been mandated to comply with the newly enacted environmental regulations that require extensive treatment of this water before discharge or reuse. The limited quantity of freshwater resources coupled with the increasing oil and gas production activities has made it necessary for all stakeholders to look for sustainable management of this water. Presently, a certain percentage of produced water is reused while the rest is discharged into the ocean. In both cases, the water needs to be thoroughly treated. The choice of technologies for produced water treatment depends on numerous factors, such as the chemical composition of the water and the level of purity that must be attained before disposal, recycling, or re-use. Some of the technologies used for produced water treatment include physical separation methods such as gravity, adsorption, filtration, coalescence, cyclones, flotation, centrifuges, membranes, and oxidation. There are also chemical and biological separation methods. Contaminants such as small droplets of dispersed oil and dissolved hydrocarbons (DODHs) are very challenging to remove using the above-listed water treatment technologies. Moreover, the use of membrane technology has been limited only to the use of reverse osmosis and membrane filtration for removing salinity, metals, and other inorganics. This article highlights the opportunities for the use of membrane vapor permeation and pervaporation for the removal of the small droplets of DODHs, which have been reported to be very challenging contaminants to remove. The use of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of membrane materials was reviewed. The 3D membrane development method can be used to fabricate almost any shape of the material in a highly customized manner using computer-aided design. The information presented in this article will serve as a useful reference for the technologies used for a sustainable water treatment strategy in the oil and gas industry.

Application of Proteomics Technology Based on LC-MS Combined with Western Blotting and Co-IP in Antiviral Innate Immunity.

As an interferon-stimulating factor protein, STING plays a role in the response and downstream liaison in antiviral natural immunity. Upon viral invasion, the immediate response of STING protein leads to a series of changes in downstream proteins, which ultimately leads to an antiviral immune response in the form of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferons, thus triggering an innate immune response, an adaptive immune response in vivo, and long-term protection of the host. In the field of antiviral natural immunity, it is particularly important to rigorously and sequentially probe the dynamic changes in the antiviral natural immunity connector protein STING caused by the entire anti-inflammatory and anti-pathway mechanism and the differences in upstream and downstream proteins. Traditionally, proteomics technology has been validated by detecting proteins in a 2D platform, for which it is difficult to sensitively identify changes in the nature and abundance of target proteins. With the development of mass spectrometry (MS) technology, MS-based proteomics has made important contributions to characterizing the dynamic changes in the natural immune proteome induced by viral infections. MS analytical techniques have several advantages, such as high throughput, rapidity, sensitivity, accuracy, and automation. The most common techniques for detecting complex proteomes are liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS). LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), which combines the physical separation capability of LC and the mass analysis capability of MS, is a powerful technique mainly used for analyzing the proteome of cells, tissues, and body fluids. To explore the combination of traditional proteomics techniques such as Western blotting, Co-IP (co-Immunoprecipitation), and the latest LC-MS methods to probe the anti-inflammatory pathway and the differential changes in upstream and downstream proteins induced by the antiviral natural immune junction protein STING.

Risk assessment based on spectrophotometric signals used in eco-friendly analytical scenarios for estimation of carvedilol and hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical formulation

Special attention is given to the pharmacological treatment of combined medication of Carvedilol and hydrochlorothiazide which is the most effective and the most beneficial therapy for hypertensive patients with diabetes and various metabolic comorbidities. This work represents spectrophotometric platform scenarios based on factorized spectrum (FS) using interpoint data difference resolution scenarios (IDDRS) coupled with spectrum subtraction method (SS) for the concurrent quantification of carvedilol (CAR) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) when present together in a combination without the need for any initial physical separation steps. This IDD resolution scenario based on manipulating the zero-order spectra (D0) of both drugs in the mixture with various spectral features at different wavelength regions (200–400 nm), region I (220–250 nm), region II (240–300 nm) and region III (270–320 nm) via absorbance resolution (AR) and induced absorbance resolution (IAR) methods coupled with corresponding spectrum subtraction (SS). The calibration curves were established across the linearity ranges of 2.0–12.0 µg/mL at 242.50 nm and 4.0–40.0 µg/mL at 285.5 nm for CAR and 1.0–11.0 µg/mL at 226.10 nm and 2.0–20.0 µg/mL at 270.5 nm for HCT. Moreover, methods’ validation was confirmed via ICH guidelines. A Multicenter comparison between sensitivity, specificity in respect resolution sequence were applied using different wavelength regions with various concentration ranges was applied and finally spectral resolution recommendation is issued and cumulative validation score (CVS) is calculated as an indicator in the risk analysis. In quality control laboratories, the studied approaches are applicable for conducting analysis on the mentioned drugs. In addition, the selection of spectrophotometry aligns with the principles of green analytical chemistry, an approach that resonates with the overarching theme of minimizing environmental impact. Via four metric tools named: analytical greenness (AGREE), green analytical procedure index (GAPI), analytical eco-scale, and national environmental method index (NEMI), methods’ greenness profile was guaranteed.

Understanding shared bike usages toward metros with fewer physical road separations

Physical road separations are normally considered cyclist-friendly, but whether they are unfriendly to the combination of bike-share (BS) and metros is seldom investigated since they might affect the cycling’s flexibility and convenience to cross streets and reach the destination. Although integrating BS and metro is thought to mitigate traffic congestion, how traffic congestion affects the usage of integration remains unknown. This study, conducted in Suzhou, China, examines new factors (road separation and traffic congestion) alongside well-studied factors influencing BS and metro integration. The survey revealed increased BS usage frequency after a new metro’s opening. Variables such as road separations, traffic congestion information, road network density, and proximity to metros are considered. They are processed in a selected area considering cyclable network and Thiessen Polygon corresponding to the selected metro stations. An ordered probit model is established to investigate significant factors. It is found that as more columns of road separations exist, the cyclists are less likely to use BS towards metros, regardless of whether they are cycling weekends or weekdays. Interestingly, after the new metro opened and a new metro hub was formed, proximity to the new metro hub is associated with lower BS transfer demand. A higher congestion level promotes more cycling toward the metro system on weekdays as well as higher parking fees. This indicates that the combination of BS and metro could attract former motor vehicle users and this finding could be instructive for urban planners and road designers.

Parent Perspectives of Co-Occupations in Neonatal Intensive Care: A Thematic Review of Barriers and Supports.

Co-occupations within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which include parenting activities, such as bathing, feeding, diapering, comfort care, and bonding for attachment, are consequential for optimal infant development. This thematic systematic review examines supports and barriers for facilitating co-occupations between parents and infants in the neonatal setting. A search of four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed) resulted in 20 studies that met inclusion criteria for data extraction. Family-centered NICU design, good communication between parents and NICU staff, increased physical contact, parent involvement in caregiving, psychological wellness, parent education, peer support, and established parental roles are identified as supports to co-occupational engagement. Identified barriers include physical separation, loss of parental role, restrictions of the NICU environment, medical technology, role strain, psychological burden, lack of knowledge, and poor communication. Findings suggest that neonatal occupational therapy practitioners can facilitate parent-infant co-occupations by addressing barriers and augmenting existing supports.

Analysis of Chemical Oxygen Demand in Barrel Finishing Based on Reusing Water Resource of Grinding Fluid.

To explore the sustainable development of grinding fluid in barrel finishing, the idea of water resource reuse in grinding fluid has been proposed. The influence of the graphene oxide (GO) and the sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) as main components in the grinding fluid on the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was analyzed. Repreparing new grinding fluids by utilizing the water resources in grinding fluid after finishing will not cause a sharp increase in COD value. GO which absorbs SDBS can be taken away from grinding fluid by physical separation. It will decrease the COD value of grinding fluid. However, SDBS exists in the form of colloids in the grinding fluid and cannot be removed through physical separation, which also affects the COD value. Based on water quality indicators (the COD, pH, total hardness, metal aluminum, anionic surfactants, and total dissolved solids), the water quality index (WQI) of the reusing grinding fluid after finishing by the physical separation is significantly reduced. It indicates that reusing water resources in grinding fluid is a feasible way to reuse grinding fluid.

Efficient Deep-Blue Light-Emitting Diodes Through Decoupling of Colloidal Perovskite Quantum Dots.

Metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have exceptional color purity but designs that emit deep-blue color with high efficiency have not been fully achieved and become more difficult in the thin film of confined perovskite colloidal quantum dots (PeQDs) due to particle interaction. Here it is demonstrated that electronic coupling and energy transfer in PeQDs induce redshift in the emission by PeQD film, and consequently hinder deep-blue emission. To achieve deep-blue emission by avoiding electronic coupling and energy transfer, a QD-in-organic solid solution is introduced to physically separate the QDs in the film. This physical separation of QDs reduces the interaction between them yielding a blueshift of ≈7nm in the emission spectrum. Moreover, using a hole-transporting organic molecule with a deep-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (≈6.0eV) as the organic matrix, the formation of exciplex emission is suppressed. As a result, an unprecedently high maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.2% at 462nm from QD-in-organic solid solution film in PeLEDs is achieved, which satisfies the deep-blue color coordinates of CIEy <0.06. This work suggests an important material strategy to deepen blue emission without reducing the particle size to <≈4nm.

In Search of Actual Border in The Shadow Lines: A Geographical and Psychological Study

This qualitative research delves into the psychological demarcations within Amitav Ghosh’s “The Shadow Lines” by an intensive study of the characters’ intricate relationships with each other, creating a sense of internationalism. Set against the backdrop of the Indian subcontinent’s partition, the novel explores the artificial divisions of caste, nation, and identity, and their profound impacts on human relationships. This study examines both primary and secondary sources to dissect the intricate relationships among the characters, highlighting the devastating effects of psychological borders compared to physical ones. While geographical demarcations physically separate people, the psychological borders ingrained in individuals’ minds create deeper, more enduring divisions. This research underscores how these mental boundaries perpetuate alienation, contrasting with the moments of collective unity despite physical separations. Through a meticulous analysis of character dynamics, the paper argues that psychological borders are more harmful, influencing emotions and identities on a fundamental level. The study offers significant insights into the themes of identity, trauma, and demarcation in literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of how mental and social divisions shape human interactions and societal structures.

UNJUK KERJA PERALATAN PENYULINGAN AIR LAUT DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BATU KERIKIL PADA BASIN BERBAHAN BETON

Clean water is very important in human life. Clean water is a basic need that cannot be separated from the development of human life. In their daily life, humans are very dependent on clean water, its use in the long term makes clean water very difficult to obtain. The scarcity of clean water that is used by the people on a daily basis is also influenced by the factor of contamination of clean water by factory wastes. Clean water is currently something that is difficult for humans to obtain, this makes clean water production very expensive. This research was conducted to produce clean water using a distillation process. Seawater distillation is a process of purifying seawater from its existing content, namely salt. This process is a separation method by heating seawater to produce water vapor, which is then condensed to produce clean water. The seawater distillation process is a physical separation process between water and salt content by evaporating seawater, which then undergoes a condensation process. The process that will be used in this study is the process of adding gravel as an absorber to the production of clean water in the distillation apparatus to be studied. Based on the results of the analysis and discussion, it was found that with the addition of gravel the solar radiation would increase and the production of water condensation would also increase. Keywords : Distillation, Absorber, Concrete, Gravel.

Revisiting sustainable resources in the combustion products of alumina-rich coal: Critical metal (Li, Ga, Nb, and REY) potential of ash from the Togtoh Power Plant, Inner Mongolia, China

Coal fly ash has gained much attention as a potential alternative source for extracting critical metals such as Li, Ga, Nb, and lanthanides and yttrium (REY). This study investigates their distribution characteristics and modes of occurrence in alumina-rich fly ashes from the Togtoh Power Plant in Inner Mongolia, using various analytical methods. The objective was to provide a reference for the pre-enrichment of critical metals in fly ash. Lithium is primarily present in the glass phase, and its concentration is extremely low in the crystalline phases. Lithium is mainly concentrated in “pure” aluminosilicate glass, and is present but at a low level in Ca-rich aluminosilicate glass. Gallium is primarily present in the glass phase and in corundum, while Nb mainly exists in submicron zircon particles surrounded by Si-Al-Ca glass. Lanthanides and yttrium primarily occur in the glass phase and in crystalline phases, including an intermediate phase composed of the three end-member minerals of the gorceixite-crandallite-florencite series, as well as in monazite, crystalline forms of iron oxides and REY oxides. The Li concentrations in the alumina-rich fly ashes range from 562 to 894 μg/g for Li2O, from 43.9 to 81.9 μg/g for Ga, from 58.7 to 70.6 μg/g for Nb2O5, and from 258 to 450 μg/g for REY oxides, respectively, indicating their substantial potential for resource recovery. Especially, the 2nd row fly ash has the highest contents of these metals, allowing for direct extraction without the necessity for complex pre-processing. Physical separation can further enrich Li, Ga, Nb, and REY in the fly ash. In particular, particle size separation enriches these elements in the < 20 μm size range and magnetic separation enriches Li, Ga, Nb, and REY (except Ce) in the non-magnetic fraction. However, Ce is significantly enriched in the magnetic fraction compared to the original fly ash.

Spray-Flame Synthesis of NASICON-Type Rhombohedral (α) Li1+xYxZr2-x(PO4)3 [x = 0-0.2] Solid Electrolytes.

Since solid electrolytes have a broad electrochemical stability window, are exceptionally electrochemically stable against Li metal, and function as a physical separator to prevent dendrite growth, they are at the forefront of alternate possibilities, further increasing the stability and energy density of Li-ion batteries. NASICON-type electrolytes are a promising candidate due to their negligible moisture sensitivity, which results in outstanding stability and a lower probability of Li2CO3 passivity under the ambient atmosphere. However, one of the most promising representatives, Li1+xYxZr2-x(PO4)3 (LYZP), has multiple stable phases with significant variation in their corresponding Li-ion conductivity. In this paper, we have successfully synthesized the highly ionically conductive rhombohedral phase of LYZP via spray-flame synthesis. Two different solvent mixtures (e.g., 2-ethyl hexanoic acid/ethanol, propanol/propanoic acid) were chosen to explore the effect of precursor composition and combustion enthalpy on the phase composition of the nanoparticle. The as-synthesized nanoparticles from spray-flame synthesis consisted of the crystalline tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) phase, while lithium, yttrium, and phosphate were present on the nanoparticles' surface as amorphous phases. However, a short annealing step (1 h) was sufficient to obtain the NASICON phase. Moreover, we have shown the gradual phase conversion from orthorhombic β phase to rhombohedral α phase as the annealing temperature increased from 700 °C to 1300 °C (complete removal of β phase). In this context, Y3+ doping was also crucial, along with the appropriate solvent mixture and annealing temperature, for obtaining the much-desired rhombohedral α phase. Further, 0.2 at% Y3+ doping was added to the solvent mixture of 2-ethyl hexanoic acid/ethanol, and annealing at 1300 °C for 1 h resulted in a high ionic conductivity of 1.14∙10-5 S cm-1.

The association of road, traffic, and environmental factors with wrong-way riding behavior on shared e-bikes

Wrong-way riding (WWR) behavior of electric bikes (e-bikes) is a hazardous practice that frequently threatens traffic safety. It is imperative to accurately detect instances of WWR and analyze the various factors contributing to this behavior to develop and implement effective management policies. The emergence of shared e-bikes and advancements in machine learning have opened up new avenues for accurately examining the determinants of WWR behavior. Therefore, this study utilizes a large-scale dataset of shared e-bike trajectory data to establish a framework for detecting WWR behavior. Subsequently, association rule mining investigates the correlation among road, traffic, environmental factors, and the likelihood of higher and lower WWR behavior. The results indicate that: (1) In the association rules for higher WWR frequency, the absence of central separation facilities and bike lane separation facilities on the tertiary road, as well as lower land use density and the lack of public transportation facilities, enhanced the likelihood of WWR occurrence; (2) In the association rules for lower WWR frequency, longer crossing facility distance, physical bike lane separation, along with higher land use mixing and the presence of public transportation facilities, reduce the probability of WWR occurrence; (3) Time conditions display spatial heterogeneity, and different land use and road condition modulate the impact of time factors on rider’ intention for WWR. Finally, based on the study findings, adequate policy recommendations are proposed for urban management agencies to reduce WWR behavior and enhance the safety of the e-bike traffic system.