Post-test Analysis Research Articles

The benefit of a four-week range of motion exercise on hand muscle strength in children with Down Syndrome

Background and Study Aim. Down syndrome is linked to motor disorders, leading to reduced physical activity and fitness, including diminished aerobic endurance and muscle strength. Study Aim - to investigate the efficacy of range of motion exercises in enhancing hand muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Material and Methods. This research employed a true experimental approach with a pre-test and post-test control group design. The study sample consisted of 18 children with Down syndrome, aged between 10 to 12 years. The selected participants underwent range of motion exercises, which were systematically conducted 3 times a week over a span of 4 weeks. To assess the efficacy of the exercises, hand muscle strength was gauged both before and after the intervention. The measurement tool utilized was a Handgrip Strength (HGS) test, executed with the aid of a Takei dynamometer, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the results. For the statistical analysis of the collected data, a paired sample t-test was employed. The threshold for statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05 or 5%. Results. The range of motion exercise, when carried out for 4 weeks, has been shown to increase hand muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Based on the results of statistical analysis of hand muscle strength pretest and posttest in the control group (CtrG) (6.06 ± 2.11 vs. 6.13 ± 2.23 kg, p ≥ 0.05), and the experimental group (ExpG) (6.10 ± 2.68 vs. 8.95 ± 2.69 kg, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions. These exercises play a pivotal role in boosting muscle strength in children with Down syndrome. Emphasizing their physical health, especially muscle strength, is vital for their current educational pursuits and future well-being.

Waste management education for the community of Duri Kepa Village, West Jakarta

The RW. 02 in Duri Kepa Village, Kebon Jeruk District, West Jakarta, is a densely populated region situated close to the market, where frequent floods occur. The market area is marred by indiscriminate rubbish disposal, and it has been used as a temporary landfill, leading to a buildup of waste, unpleasant odors, and triggering floods. Community service activities aim to enhance residents' awareness and knowledge of waste management. These activities involve outreach and education conducted for RW residents in Duri Kepa Village. Posters and brochures are distributed from house to house, complemented by lectures and discussions. Analysis of pre-test and post-test results on 70 participants reveals that the socialization and education efforts successfully increased knowledge about waste management by 24.99 points.

Improving Extreme Temperature and Charge Rate Performance in Li-Ion Batteries through Addition of Fluorinated Electrolyte Additives

Despite advances in Li-ion battery electrolytes, commercial electrolytes continue to include organic solvents that are unable to withstand many of the arduous conditions demanded by the industry today, such as extreme temperatures and charge rates. The stability limits of these solvents damper the advancement of Li-ion batteries needed to sustain automotive electrification and other industrial applications. Further efforts are needed to enable electrolyte formulations to withstand the operational demands of Li-ion batteries in the market today.Koura has developed a series of fluorinated materials for use in lithium-ion electrolytes that demonstrate improved stability and safety over conventional commercial electrolytes. In a recently completed study, the impact of Koura’s fluorinated solvents on performance in 4.3V Gr/NMC811 was examined, with a particular focus on benefits seen on extreme temperature and rate performance. Testing included cycling and rate performance across a range of temperatures from -20 °C to 45 °C and cycling conditions from C/2 to 4C. It has been found that these materials exhibit improved performance in low temperature testing, as well as reduced gassing and increased performance in high-temperature and fast charge cycling. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for the observed improvements, comprehensive post-test analysis has been conducted, including gas identification and quantification via gas chromatography, bulk electrolyte composition analysis via NMR spectroscopy, and surface layer characterization via XPS and SEM. Bulk properties of the materials and electrolytes are correlated to performance benefits where appropriate.This presentation will summarize Koura’s efforts to fill a major gap in the demands of the battery industry today through the development of fluorinated electrolyte materials. Specifically, we will present data highlighting the performance of fluorinated compounds on improving battery performance under strenuous conditions with respect to both temperature and cycling rate. Results from post-test analyses will be discussed highlighting the mechanisms underlying the observed performance improvements.

Elevation of MDA Levels and Change in Histopathological of Balb/c Mice's Liver on Acute Test of Fortification of Ethanolic Roselle Flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Extract in Yogurt

The bioactive peptides in yogurt and flavonoids in roselle flower extract have antioxidant activity that benefits the body's health. Roselle flower extract supplementation at a 5000 mg/kg dose is known not to cause death in rats. However, the toxic dose and safety of consuming fortification of roselle and yogurt have not been studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of fortification of roselle flower extract and yogurt on liver histopathology and MDA levels in the liver of the mice. Twenty male Balb/c mice (Mus musculus) were divided into four groups: healthy and untreated (control) and groups of treatment that were given fortification of ethanolic roselle flower extract and yogurt. Each treatment group was given a single dose (1000, 1400, and 7000 mg/kg) of the extract orally and observed for any clinical signs, change of habit, and death for 14 days, and they were euthanized the day after. MDA levels were measured using the Thiobarbituric Acid-Reactive Substance (TBARS) method. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used for histopathology and analyzed with the Knodell scoring method. The MDA levels were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-test (α=0.05). The liver degeneration and focal necrosis were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney post-test (α=0.05). The 1400 and 7000 mg/kg dosage elevated the liver MDA levels (p<0.05). Degeneration and focal necrosis scores in the liver due to fortification administration were escalated at all doses compared to the control group (p<0.05).

Fostering childbirth education on upright positions and mobility during labor in nulliparous women

BackgroundUpright labor positions and movement during labor have a positive effect on childbirth, yet the predominant labor positions are still horizontal. Therefore, it is important to explore how it is possible to improve childbirth education, particularly its instructional design, to strengthen women’s self-efficacy toward the use of upright positions and mobility during labor. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of an instructional approach based on a cognitive engagement ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) framework on the development of knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy expectations toward upright positions and mobility during labor.MethodsA prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted among nulliparous women from the ultra-orthodox Jewish community (n = 74). While the control group (n = 34) participated in routine childbirth education, the intervention group (n = 36) learned with childbirth education that included interactive and constructive cognitive engagement activities. Participants in both groups completed a set of questionnaires regarding knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy.ResultsThe post-test analysis revealed that women in the intervention group compared to the control group gained significantly higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05), more positive attitudes (p < 0.001), and stronger self-efficacy expectations toward upright positions and mobility during labor (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that by fostering women’s cognitive engagement levels during childbirth education toward the interactive and constructive modes of the ICAP framework, women’s self-efficacy to move during labor and to use upright positions can be induced. These results can serve as a foundation to improve the overall effectiveness of childbirth instruction.Trial registrationThe study was registered retrospectively.

Effect of Bicycle Ergometer Training and Nordic Walking Training on Improving Functional Exercise Capacity in Asthma Patients.

Introduction Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airway leading to breathlessness. Exercise training has been recognized as a valuable component in the management of asthma, enhancing lung function and overall well-being. Bicycle ergometer training and Nordic walking are two distinct forms of exercise that have been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness and respiratory function. Despite the potential benefits of these exercises, limited research directly compares their efficacy in improving functional capacity specifically in asthma patients. The study thus aims to address this gap by providing personalized, tailored exercise programs for asthma patients. Methods A single-blinded experimental study using a simple random sampling method was conducted. A sample of 40 subjects was recruited for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were assigned into two groups. Group A subjects were trained with a bicycle ergometer and Group B subjects were trained with Nordic walking. The intervention was given to both groups for 12 weeks. The outcome measures used were the six-minute walk test, Modified Borg Scale, and Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results A baseline analysis of outcome measures was done, which was followed up by a post-test analysis after 12 weeks. Pre-test and post-test data were compared using a paired t-test.Intergroup analysis was done by an independent t-test. Both groups showed significant improvement in post-test results. On comparing the two groups, Group A showed significant improvement as compared to Group B. Conclusion The study concludes that bicycle ergometer training is effective in improving functional capacity and enhancing the quality of life in asthma patients.

Pemanfaatan limbah buah-buahan dan sayuran untuk eco-enzyme pada budidaya sayuran dan rempah (Utilization of fruits and vegetable waste for eco-enzyme in vegetable and spice cultivation)

Eco-enzyme can solve the problem of waste in households and markets. Eco-enzymes can be a resource for healthy and productive cultivation of vegetables and herbs. Utilization of waste into eco-enzymes can be a new source of income and reduce costs for fertilizers and pesticides for vegetables and herbs. Eco-enzymes can be used for various purposes such as pesticides, liquid fertilizers, growth regulators (ZPT), enzymes that are beneficial for crops and the environment. The results of the analysis of pretest, posttest, and community enthusiasm for processing waste into eco-enzyme are very strong, which can be seen from the answers given by the participants after participating in the training on making eco-enzyme. Previously, in the pretest test, it could be concluded that the peoples in Lubuk Batee Village generally did not know how to make eco-enzyme and its application. Posttest after the implementation of making Eco-enzyme, the results of the response analysis from the two partners showed a significant increase in knowledge and skills in both community groups and this continued to increase after they saw the results of eco-enzyme application on crops. The introduction of eco-enzyme production in two community groups in Lubuk Batee Village, Ingin Jaya Subdistrict, Aceh Besar District has increased the knowledge and skills of partners to process waste into useful products and can reduce waste and its side effects on the environment. Eco-enzyme can also be made into various other products that are beneficial to society.

Using TED Talks Videos to Improve Speaking Skills Among Secondary Students in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

This study investigates the incorporation of TED Talks videos as a pedagogical tool in secondary language instruction, with a specific emphasis on improving speaking fluency and students' attitudes toward learning. By recognizing the increasing importance of multimedia in language acquisition, the research aims to uncover the tangible benefits of integrating TED Talks videos into language lessons. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design with control and experimental groups, the study combined quantitative analysis of pre-tests and post-tests with qualitative insights gathered from a Likert questionnaire. The outcomes strongly indicated that students exposed to TED Talks videos exhibit significant advancements in their as indicated by the significant mean value of post-test scores between the experimental and control groups. Additionally, the research highlights the pivotal role of authentic materials in enhancing motivation and fostering positive learning attitudes. This research also delved into the wider implications of these findings for language instruction, underscoring the potential of multimedia resources to revolutionize conventional teaching methodologies. Beyond the classroom, the research envisions an education landscape where innovative techniques, such as the incorporation of TED Talks videos, reshape language teaching. By addressing pedagogical and motivational facets, the study advocates for contemporary resources to create engaging and effective learning experiences. The research encourages educators to explore how multimedia interacts with diverse learners and cultural contexts, ultimately promoting dynamic instructional approaches aligned with evolving educational needs.

Efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique alone and in combination with Interferential Therapy for the Treatment of Non-specific Low Back Pain

Non-specific back pain is one of the prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in general population worldwide and also a major contributor of days lost from the work. It is considered one of the major causes of financial burden on the healthcare. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of muscle energy technique alone and in combination with interferential therapy in the management of non-specific back pain. Methods: After getting the review ethical committee approval from The Neurocounsel Clinics, current RCT was initiated from 21 May, 2023 to 20 September 2023 and registered at ClinicalTrails.gov under NCT06098053. Sample size was calculated by Epitool which came 30. Simple random sampling technique was used to randomize participants into two equal groups. Group A was given muscle energy technique and group B was given muscle energy technique plus interferential therapy. 2 sessions/week for 4 &amp; half weeks. Evaluation was done at pain numeric scale &amp; EQ-5D-5L (QoL). Pre and post-test analysis was done by use of SPSS version 21 and level of significance was kept p&lt;0.05. Results: The mean age in group A was 31.40±10.91 whereas in group B it was 26.93±11.69. Mann Whitney U test showed significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between groups on the basis of PNS and insignificant difference (p&gt;0.05) between groups on the basis of QoL. Conclusions: It was concluded from the results of this study that MET and IFT are more effective in alleviating patient’s pain but are equally effective in improving quality of life in patients suffering from non-specific back pain.

Information Security Practices and Intervention Among Teenagers

ABSTRACT In the digital age, information is drastically exchanged among users. This data exchange paved the way for unsolicited access by cybercriminals, which could lead to psychological and financial loss. In this study, through a pre- and posttest experimental design, 668 Indian teenagers aged between fifteen and nineteen were evaluated last year. The preliminary study revealed low performance by teenagers in e-mail practices, password management, software practices, social media usage, and privacy settings. Through a novel intervention, 36 teenagers were observed through a curated information security module. The pretest and posttest analyses significantly supported the effects of security training, and Cohen’s d effect size reiterated the importance of progressive outcomes in their security literacy and practices. The intervention focused on the importance of threat perception and coping appraisal for inculcating security parameters and behavioral change among the teenagers.

Effect of DLC film on the mitigation of white etching areas (WEAs) under dynamic loading

The premature failures in wind turbine gearbox bearings are primarily caused by the decay of subsurface microstructure called white etching areas and white etching cracks. Severe operating conditions of wind turbine gearbox bearings necessitated for tribological coatings to enhance the system performance. The current study investigated the performance of hydrogenated diamond-like‑carbon (DLC) coating against white etching areas formation under sliding-dynamic conditions. The dynamic loading experiments were carried out in the dynamic pin-on-disc tribometer with Polyalphaolefin base stock oil under a boundary lubrication regime. Prior to the dynamic load tests, detailed tribological characterisation of the deposited DLC coating was carried out. The post-test analysis results were compared with the uncoated AISI 52100 bearing steel tribopair to evaluate the performance of DLC-coated bearing steel against white etching areas formation under given conditions. The results obtained show the capability of the proposed coating to delay the formation of white etching areas in the bearing steel.

Effects of intervention integrating physical literacy into active school recesses on physical fitness and academic achievement in Chinese children

Background/ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of school-based intervention integrating physical literacy (PL) into active school recesses (ASR) on physical fitness (i.e., body composition, 20-m shuttle run, 50-m run, rope skipping, sit and reach, handgrip) and academic achievement (i.e., academic result of Chinese and Mathematics) in Chinese children. MethodsA total of 357 children (mean age: 7.8 ± 0.7 years; boys: 50.4%) were recruited from two schools and these two schools were randomly assigned as the intervention group (IG) and the control group (CG), respectively. The IG consisted of 155 children (mean age: 7.9 ± 0.7 years, boys: 51.0%), and 202 children (mean age: 7.8 ± 0.7 years; boys: 50%) were allocated to the CG. Children in the IG received a 10-week intervention integrating PL that was conducted during ASR. In the CG, children's regular school activity was remained during the intervention period. Generalized estimating equation was performed to compare the levels of physical fitness and academic achievement between the IG and the CG after intervention. ResultsRegarding physical fitness, there was a significant group × time interaction on 20-m shuttle run (β = −3.89, 95% CI [-5.08; −2.71], p < 0.001) and handgrip (β = −0.70, 95% CI [-1.20; −0.20], p = 0.006). After intervention, children in the IG had a greater increase than the CG (p < 0.001) in terms of 20-m shuttle run and handgrip. In addition, the post-test analysis indicated that performance of children in the IG was significantly greater than those in the CG (20-m shuttle run: p < 0.001, handgrip: p = 0.002). There was a significant group × time interaction on academic result of Chinese (β = −1.21, 95% CI [-1.91; −0.56], p = 0.001) and academic result of Mathematics (β = 16.71, 95% CI [15.14; 18.143], p < 0.001). Statistically significant positive difference in post-test was observed in academic result of Mathematics between the IG and the CG (p = 0.012). ConclusionThe results of this intervention study indicate that intervention integrating PL into ASR could bring a promising effect on physical fitness and academic achievement in children. It is recommended that future studies are necessary to assess the effects of ASR-based PL intervention on physical and cognitive outcomes using a wide range of sample.

Teaching Bundle Care Approach to Intensive Care Nurses to Prevent Ventilator Associated Pneumonia with a Stratified Validated Module.

Module-based teaching of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) with a systematic, stratified approach is expected to have a promising role in teaching. We hypothesized it to improve the skill and knowledge of intensive care unit nurses. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the teaching module with debriefing sessions on the VAP bundle care approach, and the secondary objective was to estimate the improvement in individual components of the VAP bundle. A total of 200 paramedical staff were exposed to a teaching module consisting of pretest didactic lectures, debriefing sessions, reflection by participants, and feedback. Posttest analysis was done to assess knowledge. Skill assessment was done with directly observed procedural skills (DOPS) assessment, and feedback was taken from participants. Follow-up was done at 6 months to assess decay in knowledge and skills. Preworkshop and postworkshop DOPS scores were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Subgroup analysis was performed using the paired t test. Median pretest and posttest scores were 6 (interquartile range, 4-8) and 13 (interquartile range, 11-15), respectively (P < .001). Comparing DOPS scores before and after exposure to the teaching module, the number of subjects with scores that were below expectations was 24 and 4; meeting expectations was 94 and 24; borderline expectations were 36 and 104; and above expectations was 46 and 58, respectively, between the groups (P < .001). A decay in knowledge and skills was noted in the follow-up. A validated teaching module with debriefing sessions is useful in training bundle care approaches to intensive care unit nurses.

The Application of Place-Based Education in Social Studies of Grade 5 Bhutanese Students

This quasi-experimental study investigated the improvement of students’ learning achievement and learning satisfaction using Place-Based Education (PBE) in teaching and learning Social Studies of grade 5 Bhutanese students. A mixed method was used with a total of 31 students selected through a purposive sampling from one of the semi-urban schools in western Bhutan. The quantitative data collected through the pretest and posttest were analysed and interpreted using an inferential statistics t-test with p ≤ 0.05 level of significance, mean, and standard deviation. Similarly, qualitative data was collected through the semi-structured interview and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The result of the pretest and the posttest score analysis showed a significant difference between the posttest mean (14.45) and the pretest mean (8.37) with a mean difference of 6.08. The significant (p) value was .01, indicating a significant increase in the posttest scores as compared to the pretest. Subsequently, the data analysed from the interview confirmed that students derived positive learning satisfaction. Thus, the Place-Based Education approach enhances learning in Social Studies and this study recommends that teachers may also try teaching other subjects using the PBE approach to make their lessons engaging and exciting for the learners.

Komunikasi Organisasi Karang Taruna untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi Kreatif Anak Muda

Youth who have creative motivation, especially in Bangetayu Wetan Village, Semarang City, are a community forum for social welfare in the environment by being active in youth organization activities. To increase the knowledge and understanding of the importance of organizational communication to increase the motivation for creativity in the organization or the environment, training activities for members of the youth organization in Bangetayu Wetan Village. The method of lectures, games, discussions is the approach for the implementation of this community service activity. Based on the results of pretest and posttest data analysis using T-test, output results using SPSS tool are p &lt; 0.01 where p (sig.) = 0.000 &lt; 0.01. This can be interpreted that there is an increase in the understanding of the members of the youth organization regarding communication in a good and effective organization.

An Analysis of Learning Styles on Renewable Energy Material in Independent Curriculum for Differentiation Learning

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of student learning styles on renewable energy material in the independent curriculum for differentiation. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The method used was a learning style survey in the form of a questionnaire developed by Chislett and Chapman, which was conducted on 30 students in class X.4 of SMA Negeri 3 Banyuasin III. The results of the learning style survey were then analyzed and grouped by researchers according to the characteristics of learning styles, namely 50% visual learning style, 30% audio learning style, and 20% kinesthetic learning style. These results indicate that the tendency of students' learning styles varies in one class. Furthermore, a pretest and posttest assessment of renewable energy material was held for students. As for the results of the analysis of pretest, posttest, and gain learning outcomes, the average obtained by visual students was 19.3, audio 22.6, and kinesthetic 23.3 for posttest visual learning styles (77.0, audio 78.3, and kinesthetic 81.0), and visual gain was 57.7, audio 55.7, and kinesthetic 57.6. N-gain was analyzed to see the increase in learning outcomes, which obtained results for an average visual learning style of 0.71, audio 0.72, and kinesthetic 0.75. From this analysis, it can be concluded that differentiated learning with the learning style of renewable energy material can increase the number of students learning in the high category.

Comparison of the Electrochemical and Degradation Behaviour of Ni-YSZ and Ni-GDC Electrodes Under Steam, Co- and CO2 Electrolysis

The mixed ionic and electronic conductive property of Ni-GDC has ensured that the electrochemical reaction zones of the electrode extend beyond the triple phase boundary of Ni/GDC/fuel gas to the double phase boundary of the GDC and the fuel gas [1, 2]. In addition, ceria has shown good carbon suppression properties when operated in carbon-containing fuels[3, 4]. For these reasons, Ni-GDC has emerged as a possible replacement for the conventional Ni-YSZ electrode. However, a direct comparison of the performance and long-term degradation of Ni-GDC with literature values of the Ni-YSZ would be ambiguous. On one hand, different reports utilize different fuel gas compositions, operating temperatures as well as current densities. On the other hand, the fabrication of fuel electrode-supported Ni-GDC is still a challenge due to the well-known inter-diffusion [5, 6] between the YSZ and the GDC oxide phase at a high sintering temperature (1400 °C) of YSZ electrolytes. Hence, most of the electrode fabrication has remained on electrolyte support. Thus, a direct comparison of electrolyte-supported Ni-GDC with the conventional fuel electrode-supported Ni-YSZ is ineffective due to different degradation behaviour.Therefore, this present study aims to investigate and compare the long-term stability of Ni-GDC and Ni-YSZ under three different electrolysis modes; steam-electrolysis, co-electrolysis and CO2-electrolysis. Firstly, electrolyte-supported single cells of Ni-GDC (NiO-GDC//8YSZ//GDC//LSCF) and Ni-YSZ (NiO-GDC//8YSZ//GDC//LSCF) were fabricated and investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) from 750-900 °C temperature range. Furthermore, the impedance data were also recorded under polarization (0.7 to 1.4V) as well as at OCV by varying the partial pressure of steam, CO2 and oxygen (, pH20, pCO2 and pO2). Finally, stability tests of the single cells were carried out under steam electrolysis (H2O: H2, 50:50) and co-electrolysis (H2O: CO2:H2, 40:40:20) conditions at 900 °C with 0.5 A/cm2 current density for 500 h [7]. For the CO2-electrolysis (CO2:CO, 80:20), the stability test was performed up to 1000 h. The post-test characterization of the operated cells was carried out using both SEM-EDX as well as FIB-SEM. The results reveal that Ni-GDC exhibits higher current density than Ni-YSZ in all the electrolysis modes. In the post-test analysis, loss of GDC percolation was observed and the Ni particles were observed to be covered by the GDC oxide phase. Furthermore, both electrodes demonstrate that Ni is migrating away from the electrolyte in all the electrolysis modes. The detailed electrochemical and microstructural properties of the operated cells will be presented and discussed.

(Invited) Innovative Membrane Electrode Assemblies for the Next Generation Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers

The Hydrogen Economy (HE) is the economy of the near future and is the only viable alternative to the current fossil fuel-based economy. This future green economy will eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions and stop the imminent global warming and climate change. The HE implementation relies on the development of zero-carbon emission technologies for Hydrogen (H2) production. “Green” hydrogen can be produced at large scale by integration of water electrolyzers (WEs) with renewable energy sources. Currently, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are considered to be the most advanced WEs that can be integrated with solar panels and wind turbines to produce large quantities of green H2. The main challenges that the state-of-the-art membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for PEMWEs are currently facing are: (i) high cost because of the high platinum group metals (PGM) loadings in their catalysts layers (2-3 mgPGM/cm2 in each electrode), and time consuming and expensive multi-step fabrication processes associated with their manufacturing; (ii) limited durability caused by the instability of the catalysts and the other cell components, and (iii) safety concerns associated with the hydrogen gas crossover and the absence of technologies that can effectively keep it below the safety level of the lower flammability limit (LFL) [1, 2, 3].In this work, we demonstrate the capabilities of a unique methodology for fabrication of advanced catalysts, catalyst layers, and MEAs for PEMWEs, known as Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT). The RSDT is a flame assisted method [4, 5] that combines the catalysts synthesis and deposition directly on the PEM membrane in one-step, which results in fast and facile fabrication of large scale (up to 1000 cm2) MEAs for application in PEM fuel cells and water electrolyzers [5, 6]. This technology allows precise control of the composition, morphology, and particle size distribution of a wide range of nanoparticles, supported and unsupported on carbon, and ensures fine tuning of the catalysts’ activity and durability. MEAs with geometric areas of 86 cm2 and 680 cm2, both with one order of magnitude lower PGM loading in their catalyst layers in comparison to the state-of-the-art MEAs for PEM water electrolyzers [6,7], are fabricated by the RSDT and evaluated for up to 5000 hours at current density of 1.8 A cm-2, 50 oC, and 400 psi differential hydrogen pressure. Diagnostic tests that include polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, and hydrogen crossover measurements are performed periodically in order to evaluate the cell performance change during the long-term durability test. After the test, the MEAs are disassembled and subjected to comprehensive post test analysis. A wide range of techniques, including high-resolution TEM, STEM, EDS, SEM, ICP, XCT, XPS, and digital optical microscopy, have been used to study the degradation mechanisms governing the performance loss in the MEAs during the long-term steady state operation. The results from these tests will be presented and discussed in detail in this talk.References https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/05/f34/fcto_myrdd_fuel_cells.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2015/06/f23/fcto_myrdd_production.pdfKlose, P. Trinke, T. Böhm, B. Bensmann, S. Vierrath, R. Hanke-Rauschenbach, and S. Thiele, J. Electrochem. Soc., 165, F1271–F1277 (2018).Kim, S., Myles, Maric, R., et al. Electrochimica Acta, 177, 190-200 (2015).Yu, H., Baricci, A., Bisello, A., Bonville, L., Maric, R., et al. Electrochimica Acta, 247, 1155-1168 (2017).Mirshekari, G., Ouimet, R., Zeng, Z, Yu, H., Bliznakov, S., Bonville, L., Niedzwiecki, A., Errico, S., Capuano, C., Mani, P., Ayers, K., Maric, R. International Journal for Hydrogen Energy, 46(2), 2021, pp. 1526-1539 (2021).Ayers, K. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry, 18, 9–15 (2019).

High-Temperature Co-Electrolysis and Degradation by Oxidized Trace Contaminants in Feed Gases

The transformation of our energy system will likely require the indirect electrification of the sectors heating, chemical industry and mobility by power-to-X processes, because not all processes can easily use electrical power directly. The high-temperature co-electrolysis using solid-oxide cells (SOCs) can produce syngas compositions desired by the downstream power-to-X process without the need of a reverse water-gas shift reactor and is therefore particularly well suited to produce synthesis gas as feedstock for various power-to-fuel and power-to-chemicals processes. Besides, a coupling of heat-producing downstream processes would increase system efficiency significantly.1 Besides the intrinsic degradation processes of the cells (e.g. nickel migration) and stacks (e.g. contact deterioration) any additional processes triggered by impurities in the feed gases are of relevance for any technical applications. Under certain circumstances, impurities can be introduced by Balance of Plant (BoP) components like the steam generators or preheaters that can release silicon species.2 Also, the feed gases themselves may contain harmful substances. This poisoning effect must be taken into account, because economically gases of lower qualities are preferred as purification steps increase the costs of the syngas. Depending on the exact source of carbon dioxide (CO2) the supplier uses, it contains different secondary components, of which sulfur species are of particular concern. In contrast to fuel-cell mode operation, in electrolysis mode operation hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is not the most likely candidate, but sulfur dioxide (SO2). The reasons for this is that CO2 may be obtained from combustion processes and that hydrogen sulfide is not stable in the atmosphere but has a short half-life time.Therefore, understanding the influence of SO2 contained in the supplied carbon dioxide on the performance of the co-electrolysis is of great importance. There is substantial knowledge about the impact of H2S in feed gases in fuel-cell mode, but the impact of sulfur dioxide in electrolysis mode is not as well investigated. Skafte et al. reported a severe effect in CO2 electrolysis with as low as 20 ppb H2S.3 In the context of this application, the relevant sulfur species present in the feed gases will be SO2. It should be noted, that the heterogenous reduction of SO2 with hydrogen or carbon monoxide is catalyzed by oxides with oxygen vacancies and mobility like CeO2 or YSZ and facilitated by the presence of transition metals.4 Intermediary steps and products beside H2S can include significant amounts of elemental S and COS and the formation of sulfided nickel seems likely. The formation of these products depends on the exact reaction conditions, e.g. temperature, H2/SO2 ratio, steam content, which makes the situation more complex as in fuel-cell mode with hydrogen as fuel. Jeanmonod et al. came to the conclusion, that even concentrations of SO2 as low as 0.5 ppm caused irreversible degradation in Ni/YSZ electrodes in co-electrolysis mode.5 This contribution will report about investigations performed on the degradation caused by sulfur dioxide and silicon species in sub-ppm concentrations in SOCs with Ni/YSZ and Ni/GDC fuel electrodes operated in co-electrolysis mode, using stacks in the Jülich F10 and F20 design. These targeted their impact, potential recovery, possible damage mechanisms and safe thresholds of sulfur dioxide in carbon dioxide. For this the authors performed long-term stationary operation, monitoring of poisoning experiments by electrochemical impedance spectrocopy and post-test analysis of cells, including SEM/EDX and chemical trace analyses. Acknowledgement The authors would like to thank their colleagues at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH for their great support and the Helmholtz Society as well as the the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for financing these activities as part of the Kopernikus P2X-2 project (03SFK2Z0-2). References (1) Peters, R.; Wegener, N.; Samsun, R. C.; Schorn, F.; Riese, J.; Grünewald, M.; Stolten, D. A Techno-Economic Assessment of Fischer–Tropsch Fuels Based on Syngas from Co-Electrolysis. Processes 2022, 10 (4), 699. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10040699.(2) Schäfer, D.; Queda, L.; Nischwitz, V.; Fang, Q.; Blum, L. Origin of Steam Contaminants and Degradation of Solid-Oxide Electrolysis Stacks. Processes 2022, 10 (3), 598. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10030598.(3) Skafte, T. L.; Blennow, P.; Hjelm, J.; Graves, C. Carbon Deposition and Sulfur Poisoning during CO2 Electrolysis in Nickel-Based Solid Oxide Cell Electrodes. Journal of Power Sources 2018, 373, 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2017.10.097.(4) Liu, W.; Sarofim, A. F.; Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, M. Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide by Carbon Monoxide to Elemental Sulfur over Composite Oxide Catalysts. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 1994, 4 (2–3), 167–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/0926-3373(94)00019-0.(5) Jeanmonod, G.; Diethelm, S.; Van Herle, J. The Effect of SO 2 on the Ni-YSZ Electrode of a Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell Operated in Co-Electrolysis. J. Phys. Energy 2020, 2 (3), 034002. https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7655/ab8b55.

Co-Electrolysis Performance and Process Analyses for Synthetic Liquid Fuel Production

To achieve carbon neutrality in 2050, carbon recycle technology is attracting much attention coupled with renewable power and electrolyzers to produce “green” fuels such as methane and synthetic oil. We have just started a new NEDO project (FY2020-2024) in Japan for synthetic liquid fuel production using solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis, which will give higher efficiencies compared to one with water electrolysis at low temperatures. In particular, the project aims at FT oil production from gasoline to diesel fractions (C5-C19) to avoid wax production. We are responsible for R&D of co-electrolysis process for the FT synthesis, cell/stack performance evaluation for the co-electrolysis, and evaluate state-of-the-art commercial single cells and stack that are developed for fuel cell application. Since carbon deposition at higher H2O/CO2 utilization is of concern, material analysis of such cells/stacks will be also carried out to elucidate optimal electrolysis operative conditions and to suggest cell and peripheral components design optimal to syngas production (H2/CO ~ 2.0). In the conference, we will report that developed SOEC performance evaluation methods for co-electrolysis which precisely control steam flowrate, giving cell voltage stability at ± 0.1 mV level. I-V characteristics of commercial cells and 1-2 kW class stack will also be presented at various operative conditions in combination of post-test analysis after the short-term cell/stack evaluation to discuss carbon deposition conditions for syngas production for FT synthesis. Furthermore, numerical process simulation results will be presented to discuss possible energy efficiency of the combined system with SOEC and FT synthesis.