Poor Life Research Articles

Life style, health seeking behaviour and nutritional status of commercial vehicle drivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

BackgroundHealth seeking behaviour, lifestyle characteristics and the working conditions of commercial vehicle drivers often foster unhealthy habits and increase their vulnerability to health inequalities, including overweight, obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the life style, dietary habit, health seeking behaviour and nutritional status of commercial vehicle drivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study adopted a simple random sampling technique to recruit 202 commercial vehicle drivers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographics, life style and health care characteristics of the commercial vehicle drivers. The anthropometric indices (weight and Height) of the drivers were obtained and their body mass index (BMI) was determined using WHO classification. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and level of significance was set at p= 0.05.ResultsMean age of the drivers was 43 ± 5.2 years and majority (86%) of them have completed secondary education. The majority (59%) consume soft drinks at least once per week and 85% eat at least one meal outside their home daily, while 16% and 49% patronize herbal medicine/concoction and visit the pharmacy or chemist store to purchase drugs respectively as first point of care when sick. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the commercial drivers was 20% and 33% respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between elevated BMI and respondent’s age (p<0.05), level of education (P=0.05), physical inactivity (P<0.01) and frequency of alcohol consumption (P<0.05).ConclusionsThis study confirms high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the commercial vehicle drivers and its associated factors of poor nutritional habits, health and life style characteristics. Therefore, a comprehensive nutritional programme including behavioural change and communication that is context-specific targeted at commercial drivers should be implemented.

Periodization of adaptation-compensatory remodeling of brain structures in incomplete permanent cerebral hypoperfusion in rats

Bilateral one-stage ligation of the common carotid arteries in rats is the most common method of forming prolonged cerebral hypoxia with cognitive impairment. Pharmacological studies are most commonly performed at the early postoperative periods, up to 3 days. They are characterized by neuronal death, hypoenergetic state, and edema. In the acute period (3–8 days), changes are associated with the activation of astrocytes, which form intercellular cooperation between the neuron, hemocapillary, and respiratory burst of neutrophil granulocytes. Thus, the permeability of the blood–brain barrier increases, accompanied by the death of one part of the neurons and the improvement of the vitality of another part. The subacute period (from 8 days to 8 weeks) is accompanied by the death of neurons in a state of poor life support, microglial activation, myelin fiber damage, increased diameter of paravertebral arteries in the early period, and the development of astrocytosis and angiogenesis in the late period, which leads to increased lipid peroxidation, secondary damage, and neuronal death. In the late period, neurodystrophic changes appear, and minor neuronal apoptosis and increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier persist. Surviving neurons show metabolic activation and concentration of pericarions near the hemocapillaries.

Food security and nutrition in refugee camps in the European Union: Development of a framework of analysis linking causes and effects

AbstractThe literature on food security and nutrition -FSN among refugees found high rates of food insecurity- FI among refugees in both, low- and middle-income - LMIC countries and high-income countries- HIC. Despite high rates of FI among refugees in HIC, little is known about FSN status of refugees and asylum-seekers living in refugee camps in the European Union- EU. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by reviewing issues related to the Food Security and Nutrition-FSN of refugees in the EU and worldwide and provides three main contributions to the existing knowledge. Firstly, it identifies the main drivers of FSN in a refugee context and offer a causal framework describing the main causes and effects of FNI in refugee camps. The immediate causes of FNI are poor Shelter and Settlement, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Healthcare. Moreover, secondary causes of FNI are the lack of adaptation to a new environment; Lack of culturally adapted food; Inadequate FSN interventions; Poor livelihood strategies. Secondly, it demonstrates that FNI exists in European refugee camps underscoring that EU member states have been unable to deliver sustainable solutions towards the realization of FSN in the E.U. Finally, the paper calls for a multisectoral and non-discriminatory European common policy targeting refugees’ FSN.

Influence of magnetic field upon electrode kinetics and ionic transport

Performance properties in lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and zero excess metal batteries are currently limited by the sluggish ion diffusion and inhomogeneity of the transport ion flux, resulting in poor formation, low rates, and short cycle lives. In this work, a magnetic field is applied to the cell by the incorporation of a NdFeB magnetic spacer, and the effect upon the kinetics and transport properties at each electrode is studied using galvanic charge and discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and intermittent titration techniques. Stabilization of the anode-free or zero excess sodium and lithium metal cells is achieved during formation, and upon cycling. Reduced cell overpotential is observed with resulting higher areal capacities, with improved ionic diffusion through the electrode. Upon cycling metallic dendritic structures are suppressed due to the inhomogeneity of ion flux, and the likely competing kinetics of plating at a metallic tip and the surrounding surface. At the NMC electrode, improved kinetics are observed with lower charge-transfer resistance (Rct) due to the reshaped and aligned domain in the ferromagnetic Ni of NMC cathode. Pulsed current methods further confirm enhanced cationic diffusion in the anode graphite materials, particularly at high mass loading of 4 mA h cm−2 and high C rates. Consequently, the combination of enhanced reaction kinetics on the ferromagnetic cathode and improved diffusion kinetics in the porous anode leads to excellent full-cell performance compared to control groups. This study highlights the potential of magnetic fields in enhancing diffusion and reaction kinetics for rechargeable batteries (Li, Na, K, Mg, etc.), and may provide routes for extending cycle life, reconditioning cells, and improving formation protocols.

Petaloid bimetallic metal-organic frameworks derived ZnCo2O4/ZnO nanosheets enabled intermittent lithiophilic model for dendrite-free lithium metal anode

The application of lithium metal anode (LMA) is hindered by its poor cycle life which could be caused by lithium dendrite and critical volume change during cycling. Our group previously proposed an intermittent lithiophilic model for three-dimensional (3D) composite LMA, however, the lithium electrodeposition behavior was not discussed. To verify this model, this work proposed a facile design of a petaloid bimetallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived ZnCo2O4/ZnO (ZZCO) nanosheets modified carbon cloth (CC), i.e. CC@ZZCO, as a 3D host to achieve the intermittent deposition of lithium (Li). The material characterizations, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, lithium electrodeposition behaviors, and the electrochemical tests were investigated and the intermittent lithium deposition behavior was firstly confirmed. Thanks to the intermittent lithiophilic model, the composite LMA enabled a prolonged lifespan of 1500 h in a symmetrical cell under challenging conditions of 5 mA h cm−2 and 5 mA cm−2, and can maintain stable at 10C with an ultrahigh specific capacity of 110 mAh/g. Furthermore, it can also be coupled with a LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523) and a high surface load of LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode (11.5 mg cm−2). This research might open a window for the understanding of the Li deposition behavior and pave the way to develop other alkali-metal-ion batteries.

One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of NVO Cathodes with Varied Lattice NH4 + Content: Effect on Structural Evolution and Electrochemical Performance.

Aqueous zinc ion batteries have been extensively researched due to their distinctive advantages such as low cost and high safety. Vanadium oxides are important cathode materials, however, poor cycle life caused by vanadium dissolution limits their application. Recent studies show that the lattice NH4 + in vanadium oxides can act as a pillar to enhance structural stability and play a crucial role in improving its cycling stability. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of research on the effect of the lattice NH4 + content on structural evolution and electrochemical performance. Herein, we synthesize vanadium oxides with different contents of lattice NH4 + by a one-step hydrothermal reaction. The vanadium oxides with lattice NH4 + exhibit high initial capacity, as well as good cycling stability and rate performance compared to bare vanadium oxide. Combined with electrochemical analyses, ex-situ structural characterizations, and in-situ X-ray diffraction tests, we reveal that the lattice NH4 + content plays a positive role in vanadium oxides' structural stability and cation diffusion kinetics. This work presents a direction for designing high-performance vanadium cathodes for aqueous zinc ion batteries.

An In-Depth Exploration of Unconventional Machining Techniques for INCONEL® Alloys.

Build-up-edge (BUE), high-temperature machining and tool wear (TW) are some of the problems associated with difficult-to-machine materials for high-temperature applications, contributing significantly to high-cost manufacturing and poor tool life (TL) management. A detailed review of non-traditional machining processes that ease the machinability of INCONEL®, decrease manufacturing costs and suppress assembly complications is thus of paramount significance. Progress taken within the field of INCONEL® non-conventional processes from 2016 to 2023, the most recent solutions found in the industry, and the prospects from researchers have been analysed and presented. In ensuing research, it was quickly noticeable that some techniques are yet to be intensely exploited. Non-conventional INCONEL® machining processes have characteristics that can effectively increase the mechanical properties of the produced components without tool-workpiece contact, posing significant advantages over traditional manufacturing.

Abstract B044: Elongation control of mRNA translation drives Group 3 medulloblastoma adaptation to nutrient deprivation

Abstract Background: Group 3 affiliation and MYC genetic amplification are associated with poor life expectancy and substantial morbidity in children suffering from medulloblastoma (MB). The high metabolic demand induced by MYC-driven transformation sensitizes MYC-overexpressing MB to cell death under conditions of nutrient deprivation (ND). Additionally, MYC-driven transformation is known to promote mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). We previously reported that eukaryotic Elongation Factor Kinase 2 (eEF2K), the master regulator of mRNA translation elongation, promotes survival of MYC-overexpressing tumors under ND. Interestingly, eEF2K is overexpressed in MYC-driven MB and our preliminary proteomics data highlight large-scale alterations in OXPHOS components affecting eEF2K deficient MB cells. We therefore hypothesized that eEF2K activity is required for the selective translation of mRNAs needed for efficient OXPHOS, and for the progression of MYC-driven MB. METHODS: Multiplexed enhanced Protein Dynamic Mass Spectrometry performed in eEF2K knockdown MYC-overexpressing D425 MB cells to identify mRNAs selectively translated upon eEF2K activation. Time course experiments under ND were conducted in eEF2K knockout (KO) D425 cells to assess the presence of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I-IV in their native state (via BN-PAGE), as well as transcript expression of individual ETC complex components (by qPCR). The effects of eEF2K inactivation on oxygen consumption, metabolic fluxes and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied with Seahorse technology and JC1/TMRE staining. The viability of eEF2K KO D425 cells was assessed by Incucyte system. Finally, MB orthotopic xenograft mouse models were used to confirm in vitro observations. RESULTS: Multiple (9 out of 10 detected) components of the mitochondrial OXPHOS pathway are selectively translated upon eEF2K activation. Inactivation of eEF2K by genetic KO leads to the disassembly of ETC complexes I-IV without affecting mRNA levels of their respective components. Consistently, eEF2K KO MB cells display decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and ~20% increased proton leak through the mitochondrial membrane. In addition, eEF2K inactivation results in increased D425 cell death under ND and doubles survival of MB bearing mice fed with calorie restricted diets (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Control of mRNA translation elongation by eEF2K is critical for mitochondrial ETC complex assembly and efficient OXPHOS in MYC-overexpressing MB, likely representing an adaptive response by which MYC-driven MB cells cope with acute metabolic stress. Future therapeutic studies will aim to combine eEF2K inhibition with caloric restriction mimetic drugs as eEF2K activity appears critical under metabolic stress conditions. Citation Format: Alberto Delaidelli, Fares Burwag, Jessica Oliveira de Santis, Betty Yao, Haifeng Zhang, Yue Zhou Huang, Gian Luca Negri, Christopher Hughes, Gabriel Leprivier, Poul Sorensen. Elongation control of mRNA translation drives Group 3 medulloblastoma adaptation to nutrient deprivation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Brain Cancer; 2023 Oct 19-22; Minneapolis, Minnesota. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(5 Suppl_1):Abstract nr B044.

Microprocessor Design Using COPRAS Method

Introduction: A microprocessor is a computer and An important part of the structure, Without it, on your computer, Nothing can be done. it is a programmable device, It does some arithmetic on the input and logical operations and the desired output creates. In simple words, Microprocessor is on a chip It is a digital device Instructions from memory. Get them and decode them can run and give results. Fundamentals of Microprocessor. In a microprocessor machine language Take some steps that activate them, to the processor That's what it should do says Microprocessor instruction Three basics when implementing Doing things: Its addition, Subtraction, multiplication, division, and some logic functions Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) makes use of. New Microprocessors are floating point Functions in numbers are doing In microprocessors The data in is from one location Can be moved to another location. It is a Program Counter (PC). Contains the registry, which Based on the value of the system address of the next instruction Stores, the microprocessor from place to place Jumps and makes decisions.Research significance: For microprocessor design, this Description Various semiconductors In device fabrication processes Made using some, Consequently in a chip carrier A drop in binding occurs. This chip carrier is then printed. Solder on the circuit board (PCB). done or in the socket is inserted. New microprocessor or microcontroller unit, To make the process flow logically Some general steps can be followed. These few steps make it even easier for small manageable tasks can be separated. A new microprocessor General steps for designing. A must-have in the new app is the determination of skills. required Data path to handle capabilities Set up. Machine code Instructional Design (ISA) Define. data path Create the necessary logic to control.Methodology: An analysis of the COPRAS method in this complex proportionality assessment (COPRAS) system in 1994 showed that the index values used to assess the Gavaskar, Kalkaska, and sarka introduced at this time increased and decreased. Alternatives: Poor life recycled products market, poor consumer perception of recycled products, poor supplier commitment, the poor success of curbside pickup. Evaluation Option: Finance Team, Engagement / Support, Infrastructure Team, Knowledge Team, Environment Team.Alternative: CISC is Intel 386, Intel 486, Pentium, EPIC is IA-64, DEC Alpha 21164. Evaluation preference: Feature size (micron), Supply voltage (V), Die size (mm2), DRAM bits/chip (m).Results: from the result, it is seen that CISC Intel 386 is got the first rank whereas DEC Alpha 21164 is having the lowest rank.

Modulating the electron interaction of Cu-Ni hybrid sites for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution over Al-doped SrTiO3

Cocatalysts play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting. In this study, we introduced a novel and straightforward pre-impregnation strategy to anchor a CuNi dual cocatalyst onto the surface of Al-doped SrTiO3 (Al-STO), coupled with photodeposition. This approach led to a remarkable 11.07-fold (77.5 µmol/h) increase in hydrogen evolution performance compared to the conventional photodeposition method for decorating with CuNi dual cocatalysts. Not only that, after the 18 h cycle experiment, the catalyst still maintains high activity and high stability similar to that of precious metals, which overcomes the defects of poor stability and short life of non-precious metals. This strategy capitalizes on the pre-adsorption of cocatalyst precursor ions on the Al-STO support via impregnation, enhancing both the adsorption energy and capacity between the precursor ions and the active sites. Detailed characterizations have revealed a strong electronic interaction within the Cu-Ni structure and improved interfacial coupling between CuNi and Al-STO. This not only significantly promotes charge separation and transfer but also provides a plethora of active sites for the photocatalytic generation of H2. Moreover, extensive theoretical calculations have provided deep insights into the reaction mechanism of the CuNi system and elucidated the reasons behind the varying degrees of activity enhancement across different cocatalyst architectural systems.

Designing an Air-Stable Interphase on Lithium Metal Anode to Improve Cycling Performance.

The application of rechargeable lithium metal batteries is challenged by intractable issues of uncontrollable Li dendrite growth that result in poor cycle life and safety risks. In this work, an air-stable interphase is developed to protect the lithium metal anode (LMA) via a facile solution-based approach. The Ag-embedded fluoride-rich interphase not only creates abundant lithiophilic sites for homogenizing Li nucleation and growth but also resists severe air erosion to protect the LMA beneath and enable decent cycling stability. As a result, the Ag-F-rich interphase enables flat Li deposition on LMA, which is clearly observed in the operando Li plating experiments. Paired with a LiFePO4 cathode (11.8 mg cm-2), the Ag-F-rich interphase-modified LMA enables 300 stable cycles at 0.5 C, delivering a capacity retention ratio as high as 91.4%. Even after being exposed to air for 1 h, the modified LMA still runs smoothly for over 120 cycles with ignorable capacity decay, exhibiting great air stability. This work proves the concept of functionalizing the interphase on the LMA to enable good cycling performance even under severe air erosion.

High performance all-solid-state Li–Se battery based on selenium loaded on Ti3C2 MXene cathode

Selenium has high theoretical volumetric capacity of 3253 mAh cm−3 and acceptable electronic conductivity of 1 × 10−5 S m−1, which is considered as a potential alternative to sulfur cathode for all-solid-state rechargeable batteries with high energy density. However, the development of all-solid-state Li–Se batteries (ASSLSBs) are hindered by sluggish kinetics and poor cycling life. In this work, trigonal Se nanocrystallines are homogenously distributed in the interspace and on the surface of MXene layers (denoted as Se@MXene composite) by a novel melt-diffusion method. ASSLSBs based on this Se@MXene composite cathode exhibit large specific capacity of 632 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1, high-rate capability over 4 A g−1, and excellent cycling stability over 300 cycles at 1 A g−1. The ex-situ analytical techniques demonstrate that the excellent electrochemical performance of Se@MXene cathode largely arises from structural stability with the assistance of conductive MXene and reversible redox behavior between Li2Se and Se during the repeating charge/discharge process. Our study points out the potential of material design of Se cathode based on conducting 2D materials with good electrochemical behavior, which may accelerate the practicability of ASSLSBs.

Social Reintegration and Life Satisfaction among Uganda Migrant Worker Returnees from Middle East

Social Reintegration and Life Satisfaction among Uganda Migrant Worker Returnees from Middle East

Limitations of Polyacrylic Acid Binders When Employed in Thick LNMO Li-ion Battery Electrodes

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) is here studied as a binder material for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathodes for lithium-ion batteries. When the LNMO electrodes are fabricated with an active mass loading of ∼10 mg cm−2 (∼1.5 mA h cm−2), poor discharge capacity and short cycle life is obtained in full-cells with graphite electrodes. The electrochemical results with PAA are compared with a commonly used water-based binder, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), which shows better electrochemical performance. The main cause for these problems in PAA based cells is identified to be the high internal resistance in the initial cycles, caused by factors such as contact resistance, inhomogeneous binder distribution and poor electrolyte wetting of the active material.

A Carbonyl and Azo-Based Polymer Cathode for Low-Temperature Na-Ion Batteries.

Due to flexible structure tunability and abundant structure diversity, redox-active polymers are promising cathode materials for developing affordable and sustainable Na-ion batteries (NIBs). However, polymer cathodes still suffer from low capacity, poor cycle life, and sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, we designed and synthesized a polymer cathode material bearing carbonyl and azo groups as well as extended conjugation structures in the repeating units. The polymer cathode exhibited exceptional electrochemical performance in NIBs in terms of high capacity, long lifetime, and fast kinetics. When coupled with a low-concentration electrolyte, it shows superior performance at low temperatures down to -50 °C, demonstrating great promise for low-temperature battery applications. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to study the reaction mechanism, interphase structure, and morphological evolution, confirming reversible redox reactions between azo/carbonyl groups in the polymer and Na+/electrons, a NaF-rich interphase, and high structure stability upon cycling. This work provides an effective approach to developing high-performance polymer cathodes for affordable, sustainable, and low-temperature NIBs.

Current Progress of Anode‐Free Rechargeable Sodium Metal Batteries: Origin, Challenges, Strategies, and Perspectives

AbstractAnode‐free sodium metal batteries (AFSMBs) as one new battery configuration, have attracted more attention in recent years and considered as the promising next‐generation energy storage systems, owing to the advantages of high theoretical energy density, high safety, cost‐saving, and simplified fabrication process. The practical application of AFSMBs, however, is impeded by their poor cycle life arising from the low coulombic efficiency (CE), the growth of metal dendrite, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Recently, some works are reported to dissolve the above‐mentioned issues. In this review, it provides a comprehensive summary of AFSMBs including their origin, mechanism, advantages, challenges, strategies, and perspectives. First, the intrinsic issues of conventional sodium metal batteries are summarized as safety concerns and manufacturing difficulty, which is the background of promoting AFSMBs’ birth. Subsequently, the mechanism, construction requirement, advantages, and challenges of AFSMBs are discussed. Furthermore, the strategies for improving AFSMBs performance in terms of the current collector, electrolyte, and protocols, are summarized based on an extensive literature survey. Finally, the summary and outlook on this emerging field are further discussed briefly.

Unbalanced between Work Ethic and Result of Poor Families in Alue Naga Community

Abstract Work Ethic is one of the important keys to get maximum results. In Aceh there is a pearl of wisdom about work ethic: Menyoe hana tausaha pane atra roet di manyang (if we do not work, there won’t be treasures falling from the sky). Poverty is not without causes; among the causes is work ethic. This paper looks at the work ethic of families in Gampong Alue Naga, especially the youth, because they are the most potential members of society. The study used qualitative design with descriptive analysis. Data was obtained through observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the family work ethic in Alue Naga was considered very good, however, they still lived poor lives. Based on the study, there were some factors affecting their work results, such as: narrow employment opportunities; their work as fishermen was still using traditional method, their equipment for work such as boats, trawls; fishing rods were still very limited in numbers and their work was also not supported by sufficient skills. Therefore, despite the high work ethic, the majority of people in this Gampong (village) were still poor. It proved that work ethic alone is not enough to gain a better income. It is highly suggested that the government and related parties who feel compelled to advance society in the economic field need to provide guidance, direction and assistance to residents who are still eager to work in order to increase their incomes. Keywords: Work Ethic; Poor Families; Families Economy

Poaching and hunting, conflicts and health: human dimensions of wildlife conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado

IntroductionUnderstanding human-wildlife interactions is critical to overcoming the socio-environmental crises we face worldwide. Among these interactions, poaching and hunting, human-wildlife conflict, and transmission of zoonotic diseases are major causes of biodiversity loss and detrimental to human well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze wildlife poaching, feral pig hunting, human-wildlife conflict, and health issues in a region of the Brazilian Cerrado, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. The study also focused on the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), a poached species listed as vulnerable to extinction.MethodsFrom October 2016 to September 2017, we conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 51 local people from nine stakeholder groups. Interview answers and additional information compiled during the study were evaluated using coding, narrative, and co-occurrence analyses.Results and discussionWe found that the main human-wildlife conflict in the region involves feral pigs, and hunting is practiced as a population control strategy. The lowland tapir is not considered a conflictual species, as it is beloved by most people. However, tapirs are still poached, although less so than in the past, mainly for cultural reasons. Culture was the main motivation behind wildlife poaching in general. We identified 28 species and five taxa currently poached in this Cerrado region, of which 11 are used for medical and aphrodisiac purposes. Historically, wildlife poaching was linked to poor livelihood conditions and lack of support from governmental institutions during the Agrarian Reform process, becoming a cultural habit over the years. Nevertheless, wildlife poaching is less frequent than in the past, and its main barriers are surveillance, poaching prohibition by landowners, and social norm. Therefore, promoting a change in the way people relate to nature, meeting socioeconomic needs, and increasing surveillance appear to be important conservation strategies. Although feral pig hunting may replace wildlife poaching, some hunters still poach wild species, especially peccaries. Hence, it is necessary to keep hunters under surveillance, raise awareness among them, and make them allies in conservation strategies. We found a worryingly low level of awareness about disease transmission risk through bushmeat manipulation and consumption, highlighting the importance of One Health approaches.

Improved electrochemical performance of Co-free Ni-rich cathode material for lithium-ion battery through multi-element composite modification

Layered Co-free Ni-rich materials are considered as promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high energy density and low cost advantages. However, the serious chemical-mechanical instability and poor cycle life of Co-free Ni-rich cathode materials could hinder their commercialization. Herein, we successfully prepared Mg/Ti/Sb co-doped and CeO2-coated LiNi0.9Al0.1O2 cathode material (M-LNA90) using a composite modification strategy with four inexpensive metal elements. Compared with the unmodified pristine LiNi0.9Al0.1O2 cathode material (P-LNA90), the cycling stability, rate performance, and discharge capacity of the M-LNA90 cathode were significantly improved, and the high-voltage performance was also excellent. At a high voltage of 2.8–4.5 V and 1 C, the capacity retention of M-LNA90 after 100 cycles reached 90.2 % (from 200 mAh g–1 to 181 mAh g–1), which was much higher than that the 60.1 % of P-LNA90 (from 192 mAh g–1 to 115 mAh g–1). Meanwhile, the structure and surface stability of M-LNA90 cathode showed excellent, which effectively suppressed particle cracking and interfacial side reactions. This work provides a new insight for the composition optimization and future design of layered Ni-rich cathode materials.

Agricultural literacy in artificial insemination and agribusiness management for social innovation in rural populations affected by armed conflict in Colombia

The achievement of education in rural populations was one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), outlined by the United Nations. During the last World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), it was concluded that the majority of the world’s poor, illiterate and undernourished population lives in rural areas; therefore, access to education is considered one of the greatest challenges for governments in countries with developing economies. The purpose of this study was to determine how a theoretical-practical training program in rural management and leadership (D-ML), artificial insemination (D-AI), and bovine genetic improvement (D-GI) affected the perception and level of knowledge in a rural population affected by Colombia’s armed conflict. Phase 1 included the theoretical and practical training of undergraduate animal sciences students in three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). After training, students were evaluated according to their level of theoretical-practical knowledge and their behavioral performance. There were 13 students selected to be a part of what we went on to call “the group of student leaders.” Phase 2 included the socioeconomic characterization and training of rural residents by the group of student leaders and field experts in the same three dimensions (D-ML, D-AI, D-GI). We evaluated the perception and level of knowledge before and after training in 63 rural residents using an evaluative instrument. The perception of knowledge in rural residents was low for general knowledge (GTD) (2.48 ± 0.76, p < 0.05), D-ML (2.89 ± 1.18, p < 0.05) and D-AI/D-GI (2.17 ± 0.83, p < 0.05), in accordance with the 5-point Likert-type ordinal scale. When level of knowledge was measured before the theorical-practical training, the level of GTD was 45.9%, however, after the training it increased to 77.6% (p < 0.01), while the level of knowledge for D-AI increased from 38.5% pre-training to 80.6% (p <0.05) post-training, and level of knowledge for D-GI pre-training was 50.8% and increased to 73.0% (p < 0.01) post-training. Finally, the level of knowledge for D-ML increased (p < 0.01) from 54.8% pre-training to 75% post-training. Altogether, rural extension programs contribute to closing knowledge gaps in relation to the use of reproductive biotechnologies and bovine management in rural areas affected by armed conflict.