Plug-in Devices Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF HERBAL MOSQUITO-REPELLENT FORMULATIONS AND THEIR COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Objective: The present research work aimed to develop herbal mosquito repellents as gels, incense sticks, and liquids for plug-in devices and also to assess their performance characteristics. Methods: Herbal materials possessing mosquito-repellent activity were selected from the literature review based on percentage repellency and protection period. In this study, lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, and cedarwood oils were selected as actives. Span 20 and tween 80 were used to emulsify the volatile materials and then incorporated into Carbopol 934 base to form F1 and F2 gels which were evaluated for homogeneity, pH, spread ability, viscosity, and extrudability. Incense sticks were developed using charcoal and jigat as base materials. The prepared incense sticks F3 and F4 were evaluated for burning time, ash weight, and smoke. Solutions F5 and F6 were prepared using surfactants and cosolvents and were evaluated for phase separation. All formulations were screened for their mosquito repellency by screen cage method and their performance was compared to that of the marketed herbal repellents. Results: Reared mosquitoes were identified as Culex species by microscopical observations of the antenna and maxillary palps. Mosquito repellency in 4 h is 93%, 87%, 89%, 79%, 89%, and 85% for F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6, respectively. Among all, gel formulation F1 expressed the highest mosquito-repellent activity with 93% and is a better candidate. Conclusions: Gel, incense sticks, and liquids prepared for use in plug-in devices exhibited reasonably good percentage repellency comparable to that of the standard. All the developed formulations are suitable for indoor protection from mosquito bites. However, safety, stability, and field studies need to be carried out to demonstrate suitability for regular use.

Combining plug-in devices for reconfigurable removal of trichloroethylene and heavy metal ion in aqueous solution: Application and biosafety of iron-iron sulfide and its composites

The development of artificial intelligent (AI) planning for smart water treatment and the exploration of digitizable continuous-flow fabrication platform comprising electrically operable reactions for reconfigurable contaminant removal are two important challenges in future water purification technology. Most research and development efforts as well as the investment in water purifying materials have been focusing on the dimensions, compositions, or architectures containing highly adsorptive and catalytic components for effective combinatorial contaminant removal. However, limited attempts have been made to secure a digital system for adjusting the supply of existing adsorbents and chemicals to respond to transient or nonuniform distribution of contaminant load. To utilize AI planning in a more practical manner, developing a plug-in platform is necessary for reconfigurable fabrication that enables in situ supply of different water purifying materials. Therefore, a platform suitable for handling different material architectures was constructed by selecting different operation modes of plug-in reactionware (spark ablation, droplet generation, and photon supply) to modulate the architectures of water purifying materials. First, iron-iron sulfide (Fe–FeS) was fabricated using Fe nanoparticles and thiol vapors under photoirradiation, followed by combining the resulting Fe–FeS with metal (cobalt, nickel, or palladium) nanoparticles or graphene nanosheets to enhance the trichloroethylene (from 0.135 to 0.221 h−1 in removal kinetics) or heavy metal ion (from 299 to 592 mg g−1 in adsorption capacity) removal. Finally, in vitro toxicological analyses were conducted to determine biosafety of the resulting materials. The results of cell viability and reactive oxygen species profiles indicated that further investigation is required to realize the safe-by-design concept.

M-commerce: New Business Opportunities in the Jewellery Industry

Mobile phones, or more accurately, smartphones, have revolutionized the diamond industry. To gain a competitive edge in India, diamond and jewelry producers, master diamond cutters, and graduate gemmologists specializing in diamonds are using M-commerce to deliver novel customer service choices to their clientele.Electronic commerce, also known as E-commerce, has revolutionized the way people do business. Through electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks, traders may buy and sell goods from anywhere in the globe. Many Indian diamantaires and jewellery manufacturers adapted to this approach and profited as a result. Mobile commerce appears to be next on the agenda. M-commerce, or mobile commerce, is billed as the next generation of wireless Ecommerce that eliminates the need for wires and plug-in devices. Handheld gadgets such as mobile phones or Personal Digital Assistants can be used to undertake financial and promotional activities (PDAs).Although not everyone will be interested in M-commerce in the next years, it is expected to develop significantly as more advanced wireless handheld accessories become available. Because it has a global customer, the Indian diamond sector is accepting it more quickly. To fully benefit from M-commerce, diamantaires and jewelry manufacturers should educate themselves on the subject so that they can have the necessary information and implement it in their businesses as needed.

Lost Circulation Mechanical Model and It’s Application in Permian Igneous Rocks in Shunbei Oilfield

The Shunbei Oilfield is a major discovery of Sinopec in the ultra-deep marine carbonate rock field, and it will become the main battlefield for Sinopec to increase reserves and production. At present, the exploration and development of the Shunbei Oilfield is mainly concentrated on the No. 1 and No. 5 fault zones in the Shunbei area. Due to the complex geological structure, there are a series of drilling technical problems in drilling. Lost circulation will not only lose drilling fluid, produce non-productive time and affect drilling safety, but also limit drilling speed, which is one of the most headaches and difficult problems in drilling. To this end, scholars at home and abroad have carried out a lot of research and exploration, and developed a series of leak-proof and plug-in devices such as non-penetrant, elastic graphite, Form-A-block, fiber cement, water-absorbing resin, thermosetting resin, gel and chemical consolidation. Materials, and formed a variety of supporting process technologies. Granular, fibrous, and sheet composite bridging materials are most commonly used on the site, but ordinary bridging materials are resistant to temperature differences, easily carbonized at high temperatures, and the width of underground cracks needs to be clear when plugging, non-penetrants prevent Lost circulation of microfracture formations. It has poor leak-proof effect on large cracks, because of its low strength, expansion materials such as water-absorbent resin are better for plugging, but the pressure-bearing effect is poor, foreign Form-A-block and Chinese DTR are equivalent High water loss materials have good adaptability to cracks, but the pressure is generally low, fiber plugging methods such as fiber cement and thermosetting resin are complicated in process, high in risk and high in cost, gel plugging technology has good adaptability to plugging, but withstands temperature differences If it is not combined with other materials, it is easy to leak again in the later period due to the decrease in gel strength, chemical consolidation plugging technology has a high success rate in plugging, but the plugging construction time is relatively long. In summary, although great progress has been made in leak prevention and plugging technology at home and abroad, there is less research on igneous rocks, and it cannot meet the needs for leak prevention and plugging in igneous rock formations. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the second Shunbei Oilfield in depth. Lost circulation characteristics of igneous rocks in the Mesozoic and the difficult points of preventing Lost circulation and plugging. Develop effective materials for preventing and plugging Lost circulation to improve the effect of preventing and plugging.

Study on Fault Current Characteristics and Current Limiting Method of Plug-In Devices in VSC-DC Distribution System

The DC (Direct Current) distribution system based on the voltage source converter (VSC-DC) has become a research hotspot due to its various advantages. There are many plug-in devices in the VSC-DC distribution system, which may be damaged by the fault current. Therefore, studying the fault current characteristics and current limiting method is one of the key methods to ensure the safe and stable operation of the VSC-DC distribution system. Based on theoretical analysis and simulation calculations, this paper studies the causes, influencing factors, and current limiting methods of the fault current when the pole-to-pole fault occurs at the line side of plug-in devices in a ±10 kV VSC-DC distribution system. Firstly, based on the system topology, the decisive fault condition of fault current and the design principle of current limiting reactor value are analyzed. Secondly, the theoretical calculation methods of fault current and current limiting reactor value which satisfies the breaking capacity of DC circuit breaker are proposed. Finally, the accuracy of theoretical calculation methods is verified by simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC (Power Systems Computer Aided Design/Electromagnetic Transients including DC). The research results could provide the theoretical calculation methods of the fault current and the current limiting reactor value of plug-in devices in the ±10 kV VSC-DC distribution system.

Influence of Conductive Agent in C/Si-Composite Electrodes for High-Energy Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries outperform other energy storage technologies in the combination of specific power and specific energy [1]. However, continuous improvement is necessary regarding the ever-increasing demands in terms of high energy densities, long cycle life and improved safety properties. One strategy to increase the specific energy density and decrease the overall cost of lithium ion batteries is the partial substitution of graphite with silicon in the negative electrode. Silicon forms alloys with lithium and offers an extremely high theoretical capacity (3579 mAh g-1) [2, 3]. However, the lithiation and delithiation process of silicon generates mechanical stress due to particle swelling and contraction (∆V ≥ 300%). This stress eventually causes mechanical fracture and pulverization, which in turn leads to active material loss. Inactive materials and the use of a composite of active materials, silicon and graphite (C/Si), can help to mitigate these degradation effects. The binder ensures adhesion and cohesion of and within the electrode and its different components. Conductive agents improve the electrical conductivity and provide inter-particle as well as particle-current collector contacts. Therefore, the electrode and cell design can largely influence the electrochemical performance and cycle life. Different applications require different ratios of active material, conductive agent and binder. Especially considering the low electrical conductivity of silicon [4], the use of conductive carbon is inevitable to increase electrical conductivity within the composite electrode. However, with C/Si electrodes, the necessity of conductive agent is questionable, since the graphite present in the composite might be able to provide sufficient electrical conductivity. Furthermore, an excessive amount of inactive material reduces the energy density of the electrode and has to be optimized. This study focuses on the impact of conductive agent in high energy C/Si composite electrodes. To ensure a high loading and high energy density, the amount of inactive materials were optimized. For that, electrodes were prepared with different amounts of conductive agent and electrochemically tested in coin cells (charge/discharge cycle). Internationl Energy Agency Technology Roadmap Electric and plug-in hybridelectric devices: Technical report 2011.Sharma, R. A. and Seefurth R. N. J. Electrochem. Soc. 1976 volume 123 , 1763-1768. 1976, 123 (12), 1763.Boukamp, B.A., et al. J Electrochem Soc 1981, 128, 725-729Pollak, E.,et al. J. Phys. Chem. C 2007, 111, 30, 11437-11444

Assessing assistive technology requirements in children with written language disorders. A decision tree to guide counseling

Children with a written language disorder are sometimes dependent upon help from others for their schoolwork. A computer can be a way to circumvent this difficulty. Various software programs and plug-in peripheral devices are available, some of which specifically target the needs of these young people. There is no consensus, however, with regard to how best to counsel parents and children with regard to these tools. Furthermore, written language disorders and existing technical supports are not always clearly understood. In many cases, healthcare and teaching professionals have only limited knowledge of the potentially specific advantages for patients with written language disorders. A child's full integration into daily activities and school life can be hampered by counseling that was inadequately tailored or by a lack of support in using this equipment. Joint consultations involving both an occupational and a speech therapist have been set up in our department to improve counseling with regard to technical supports. Using our daily practice as a basis, we have developed a decision tree that we see as a necessary tool for helping professionals make the most appropriate practical choices.

An Electric Vehicle Routing Optimization Model With Hybrid Plug-In and Wireless Charging Systems

In order to address the inconvenience of having to stop to charge the battery of an electric vehicle, wireless on-road charging technology, also known as charge-while-driving, has garnered much attention in recent studies. However, wireless charging devices may have a higher charge cost than traditional plug-in charging devices. Therefore, a multi-objective route optimization model based on model predictive control is established in this paper to determine an optimal route for drivers to coordinate wireless and plug-in charging strategies. To reduce the complexity of the proposed model due to its bilinear terms, the Big-M approach is employed to exactly linearize the bilinear terms by introducing dummy variables and additional constraints, which leads to a mixed integer linear programming model that can be solved efficiently. Finally, two systems are tested, including a real-world road map in Xi’an city to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Simultaneous Wireless Power/Data Transfer for Electric Vehicle Charging

The major drawback of the battery charging in traditional electric vehicles is the use of plug-in charging devices. The aim of this paper is to propose a wireless battery charging method, in addition to power transfer, data related to battery status, vehicle ID code, or emergency messages can be simultaneously transferred between the grid and vehicle. This work applies inductive power transfer to complete the charging system. The proposed control system can monitor the operating status on the secondary (vehicle) side in real time and adjust charging current depending on the battery status. Furthermore, the proposed mechanism is able to make an immediate stop, if there is any contingency, such as overcharging voltage or current. This will be beneficial to efficient and safety concern during the charging process.

Review: dragonfly DACS upgrade your smartphone's audio with these slim digital-to-analog converters [Resources

If you're a music lover, you probably know that plug-in devices are available to improve the audio quality of music files played back from your smartphone or laptop. The most intriguing of these devices combine a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a headphone amplifier. These USB DAC-headphone amps have been around for a few years, but some are as big as a phone themselves.

Prenatal and postnatal insecticide use and infant neuropsychological development in the INMA Spanish multicenter birth cohort study

Insecticides are frequently used in domestic settings, however there is limited evidence about exposure to currently used insecticides during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy and early life, as well as its possible adverse effects on child neuropsychological development. The aim of this study is to examine the association between residential insecticide use during pregnancy and infancy, and infant’s neurodevelopment. Study subjects (n=1980) were participants in the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project, a Spanish multicenter birth cohort study (2003-2008). Prenatal and postnatal use of indoor insecticides (yes, no) and other variables were obtained from personal interview during pregnancy and infancy. Method of application was also requested (sprays [no, yes] and plug-in devices [no, yes]). Mental and psychomotor development was assessed around 14 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The associations were analyzed by multivariate linear regression models. Fifty-four per cent of women used insecticides at home during pregnancy and 47% did it postnatally. Thirty-four per cent of women used insecticide sprays and 33% used plug-in devices during pregnancy. The percentage of women who used insecticide sprays postnatally lowered (22%), but the use of plug-in devices was similar to the prenatal period (32%). The use of insecticide sprays during pregnancy was associated with a decrement of the children’s psychomotor development but postnatal use did not associate with mental and psychomotor development. The use of plug-in devices did not associate with neuropsychological development at any exposure period. The negative effect of the prenatal use of insecticide sprays was enhanced according to some modifying factors, as to be female, higher levels of prenatal exposure to PCB and mercury and a low social class. We found certain evidence about the adverse effect of using insecticide sprays during pregnancy on the psychomotor development of children. Some socio-demographic factors and other exposures could enhance that effect

Prenatal and postnatal insecticide use and infant neuropsychological development in a multicenter birth cohort study

There is little evidence about exposure to currently used insecticides during early life periods and adverse effects on child neuropsychological development. The aim of this study is to examine the association between residential insecticide use during pregnancy and infancy, and the development of children.Study subjects were participants in the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project, a Spanish multicenter birth cohort study. Prenatal and postnatal use of indoor insecticides and other variables were obtained from personal interview during pregnancy and infancy. Mental and psychomotor development was assessed around 14months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The associations were analyzed by linear regression models.54% of women used indoor insecticides at home during pregnancy and 47% postnatally. 34% of women used insecticide sprays and 33% used plug-in devices during pregnancy. During infancy, the percentage of women who used insecticide sprays decreased (22%), but the use of plug-in devices was similar to the prenatal period (32%). The use of insecticide sprays during pregnancy was associated with a decrement in psychomotor development (β=−1.9; 95%CI: −3.4, −0.5) but postnatal use did not associate with mental and psychomotor development. The negative effect was enhanced according to some modifying factors, such as being female, higher levels of prenatal exposure to PCB and mercury and belonging to the lowest social class.We found certain evidence about the adverse effect of using insecticide sprays during pregnancy on the psychomotor development of children. Some socio-demographic factors and other exposures could enhance that effect.

Prenatal and postnatal residential usage of insecticides in a multicenter birth cohort in Spain

This study aimed to describe the residential use of insecticides in a birth cohort in Spain. Study subjects were 2 456 women enrolled into the INMA (Environment and Childhood) birth cohort followed prospectively during pregnancy and in the early postnatal period. The women were recruited at the beginning of their pregnancy between 2003 and 2008 in four regions of Spain. Socio-demographic, environmental and lifestyle information was obtained at two interviews during pregnancy, one at the first (mean:13.8±2.6weeks of gestation) and the other at the third trimester (mean: 33.3±2.3weeks of gestation). Information about prenatal use of indoor and outdoor insecticides (type, timing, place of application, place of storage) was obtained from the second interview. In a 3rd interview (mean: 16.2±6.9months of age of children), information about postnatal indoor and outdoor insecticide use was obtained. Regression models examined the association between demographic and lifestyle factors and pesticide use to determine which characteristics predicted use prenatally and postnatally. Fifty-four percent of women reported using indoor insecticides during pregnancy, 45% in their bedroom and 47% elsewhere in the house. Plug-in devices were the most frequent application methods used in the pregnant woman's bedroom and insecticide sprays elsewhere in the house. The maternal factors related to prenatal use of indoor insecticides were parity, country of birth, educational level, region of residence, having a garden or yard with plants, and living near an agricultural area. These products continued to be used postnatally, although 20% of the women stopped using them. Foetuses and children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure; thus knowing how pesticides are used during pregnancy and infancy may be a starting point for the study of their potential effects on health as well as useful for designing preventive actions.

High purity oxygen production with a polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyser

Oxygen is required for treatment of patients in hospitals and at home, in industrial processes and for fuel combustion. Most commonly oxygen is produced by cryogenic or pressure swing adsorption routes. Other techniques include oxygen-ion conducting ceramic membranes, polymer membranes and chemical processes used mainly in civil aviation to reduce the condition of hypoxia at high altitudes. Water electrolysis is used mainly for the production of hydrogen with oxygen as a by-product. In order to use this system only for oxygen production, hydrogen must be utilised and disposed off safely. This, however, is not practical in many instances where there is no use for hydrogen and it poses an explosion hazard. In this paper, an electrolyser system based on polymer electrolyte membrane is described in which hydrogen produced on one side of the electrochemical cell is consumed by combining it with atmospheric oxygen, through operating the cell in a carefully configured fuel cell mode. This reduces the power consumed in the electrolysis operation by more than 35% and eliminates hydrogen in exit gases. Oxygen generated is of high quality and can be used for human consumption (portable and plug-in home care oxygen therapy devices, in hospitals, defence or aerospace requirements) and for many other industrial applications.

The Shrine

The Shrine