Search

Introduction. This study examines the factors contributing to the survivability of energy associations, particularly their ability to withstand emergency disturbances and prevent widespread consumer supply disruptions. Materials and methods. The study employs a systematic approach using quantitative indicators to measure survivability levels. The methodology involves analyzing transient modes of the Unified Power System (UPS) through simulation modeling. This model calculates long transient processes and postemergency modes, accurately representing system dynamics and considering failures in relay protection, anti-emergency automation, and switching devices. Results and discussion. The developed simulation model provides an in-depth analysis of the transient behaviors and stabilization processes of the UPS under various emergency conditions. By accurately simulating these dynamics, the model demonstrates the ability to represent the energy systems' performance with satisfactory accuracy. Key findings indicate that the approach effectively identifies potential failures and their impacts, supporting the development of strategies to enhance system resilience. The model's comprehensive accounting for failures in critical components like relay protection and antiemergency automation highlights the importance of detailed scenario-probabilistic analysis. This method enables a thorough understanding of system vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of preventive measures. The results show that incorporating these detailed analyses into survivability assessments can significantly improve the reliability and robustness of energy associations. The research underscores the necessity of continuous monitoring and updating of simulation models to adapt to evolving system dynamics and emerging threats. By focusing on ergodic scenarioprobabilistic approaches, the study provides a robust framework for future research and practical applications in enhancing the resilience of electric power systems. Conclusions. This methodology offers valuable insights into energy system dynamics, helping identify vulnerabilities and implement effective measures to ensure stable energy supply and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe use of standing electronic scooters associated with micromobility applications (e-scooters) has risen nationally. The aim of this study was to obtain a detailed view of soft tissue and bony craniofacial injury associated with e-scooter-related trauma.MethodsSingle-institution retrospective case series of patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center emergency department or trauma unit with documented e-scooter-related craniofacial injury.ResultsOf 203 included patients, 188 (92.6%) patients sustained craniofacial injury. One hundred thirty-one (64.5%) had exclusively soft tissue injury, 3 (1.5%) exclusively bony injury, 51 (25.1%) both soft and bony injuries, and twenty-five (12.3%) patients sustained dental injury. Aesthetic units most frequently sustaining acute soft tissue injury were the forehead (n = 106, 34.6%), scalp (n = 36, 11.8%), chin (n = 34, 11.1%), upper lip (n = 32, 10.5%), and cheek (n = 31, 10.1%). Aesthetic subunits most often sustaining acute soft tissue injury included the brow (42, 13.7%), central forehead (39, 12.7%), lateral forehead (n = 25, 8.2%), and upper lip vermillion (n = 23, 7.5%). Craniofacial osseous fracture most often occurred in the orbit (n = 42, 24.6%) and maxilla (n = 40, 23.4%). Individual osseous segments most frequently sustaining acute fracture included the anterior maxillary sinus wall (n = 22, 12.9%), nasal bone (n = 20, 11.7%), lateral orbital wall (n = 16, 9.4%), orbital floor (n = 15, 8.8%), and zygomatic bone (13, 7.6%).ConclusionsOur analysis demonstrates that most patients presenting to our center with craniofacial trauma sustained acute bony fracture, most often to the midface. Our data of common injuries associated with e-scooter trauma could inform implementation in the form of facial safety equipment or safety skills training for e-scooter riders.Level of evidence4.

Offshore crane winches are equipment installed on sea vessels and designed for accurate lifting and lowering of payloads at subsea levels in all conditions and are equipped with Active Heave Compensation (AHC) capabilities which keep the handled payload stable relative to the seabed. Due to logistical challenges and short maintenance windows imposed by sea conditions, maintenance of offshore crane winches in open sea is costly and time consuming, and its reliability is therefore of the highest importance. In recent times, electric drives for the actuation of the winch drum have seen a surge in popularity in favour of hydraulic drives owing to advances in control technologies of AC motors, as well as higher efficiency, lower noise and lack of an oil reservoir. In light of these changes and the importance of reliability, a study on the effect of the electrification (ie. switching from hydraulic to electric actuation) of offshore crane winches from a reliability viewpoint is necessary. In previous studies, it has been established that the different inherent properties of electric and hydraulic drives lead to torque ripples of different magnitudes and frequencies which may induce additional mechanical stresses in the drivetrain. The effects of these ripples on a system level have so far only been studied from a Noise-Vibration-Harshness (NVH) viewpoint in applications where driver comfort takes precedence in design (ex. electric vehicles, tractors). In this paper, these drive-induced ripples are simulated for common electric and hydraulic drive configurations used in offshore crane winches, and their effect on the reliability of the driven gearbox, as the most critical component in the drivetrain, is analysed. It was found that electric drives produce in general ripples of smaller magnitude (between 0.44% and 1.07% of static torque for electric compared to between 3.12% and 3.30% for hydraulic), which enhances the reliability of the driven gearbox (1.25% to 3.44% reduction in lifetime due to electric ripples, and 9.29% to 9.67% due to hydraulic ripples in comparison to an ideal torque source with no ripples). However, depending on the design and number of pumps in use, the size of the hydraulic torque ripple can have a wider range of between 1.31% and 7.69% and the subsequent reduction in lifetime compared to the ideal case ranging between 4.07% and 21.37%.

Abstract Substances' electrical properties react promptly to minor alterations in the specimens (texture). This electrical characteristics response depends on pH and, hence, on the surface charge. In this article, we attempt to keep the synthetic specimens homogeneous. Sand and pure hematite is smashed independently and aggregated (hematite were collected from Eastern Desert, Cairo, Egypt). Electrical parameters were examined at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 105 Hz (dry, 21 °C). The electrical range of the measured data varies considerably depending on the frequency spectrum, specimens' concentration, constitution, and/or arrangement of the components (texture). There are two conduction areas relying on frequency-dependent conductivity (two slopes). Dielectric permittivity increases linearly with concentration. Dielectric permittivity is rapidly decreasing as the spectrum expands. Jonscher's law is applicable to all electrical characteristics. The hematite conductor concentration changes in the synthetic specimens and accordingly the texture of the specimens. The study of these electrical characteristics may assist in the modeling and simulation of rock electrical properties. The relationships between the ore's nature, mineral compositions, and electrical properties are valuable for exploration methods.

This paper overviews emerging technology development by emphasizing Connected, Automated, Shared, and Electric (CASE) technologies. Existing literature on 15 CASE technologies is reviewed, and adds to the literature by consolidating important predictions of CASE-related technologies, services, and policies. Connected and automated technologies have not yet matured, and there remain many gaps in its abilities. Predictions include that shared mobility will have a large market share, electric technologies will replace internal combustion engines, and CASE-related services and policies will be used in more cities. A survey with 1,036 respondents conducted in April 2021 helps gauge how Americans make mode choices under various scenarios. Data analysis indicates that safety issues are the main factor that hinder people's willingness to use CASE-related technologies, and the low cost encourages more users to choose shared mobility. Challenges that remain, and their associated impacts, are important to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPT) have demonstrated enormous potential since the 1960s. One major shortcoming is their low thrust efficiency, typically <30%. Most of these losses are due to joule heating, while some can be attributed to poor efficiency of the power processing units (PPUs). We model PPTs to improve their efficiency, by exploring the use of power electronic topologies to enhance the power conversion efficiency from the DC source to the thruster head. Different control approaches are considered, starting off with the basic approach of a fixed frequency flyback converter. Then, the more advanced critical conduction mode (CrCM) flyback, as well as other optimized solutions using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, are presented. Variations of these flyback converters are studied under different control regimes, such as zero voltage switching (ZVS), valley voltage switching (VVS), and hard switched, to enhance the performance and efficiency of the PPU. We compare the max voltage, charge time, and the overall power conversion efficiency for different operating regimes. Our analytical results show that a more dynamic control regime can result in fewer losses and enhanced performance, offering an improved power conversion efficiency for PPUs used with PPTs. An efficiency of 86% was achieved using the variable frequency approach. This work has narrowed the possible PPU options through analytical analysis and has therefore identified a strategic approach for future investigations. In addition, a new low-power coaxial micro-thruster model using equivalent circuit model elements is developed.This is referred to as the Carlow–Stuttgart model and has been validated against experimental data from vacuum chamber tests in Stuttgart's Pulsed Plasma Laboratory. This work serves as a valuable precursor towards the implementation of highly optimized PPU designs for efficient PPT thrusters for the next PETRUS (pulsed electrothermal thruster for the University of Stuttgart) missions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An extra-low, DC (direct current) voltage field applied to a textile was used to prevent mosquito blood feeding. A novel 3-D textile was developed based on the mosquito head structure that when charged with 15 volts was 100% effective in preventing mosquito blood feeding across an artificial membrane. Mosquito vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue pose a major threat to human health. Personal protection from mosquito blood feeding is mostly by treating clothing with insecticides and the use of repellents on clothing and skin. Here, we developed a low-voltage, mosquito-resistant cloth (MRC) that blocked all blood feeding across the textile and was flexible and breathable. The design was based on mosquito head and proboscis morphometrics, the development of a novel 3-D textile with the outer conductive layers insulated from each other with an inner, non-conductive woven mesh, and the use of a DC (direct current; extra-low-voltage) resistor-capacitor. Blockage of blood feeding was measured using host-seeking Aedes aegypti adult female mosquitoes and whether they could blood feed across the MRC and an artificial membrane. Mosquito blood feeding decreased as voltage increased from 0 to 15 volts. Blood feeding inhibition was 97.8% at 10 volts and 100% inhibition at 15 volts, demonstrating proof of concept. Current flow is minimal since conductance only occurs when the mosquito proboscis simultaneously touches the outside layers of the MRC and is then quickly repelled. Our results demonstrated for the first time the use of a biomimetic, mosquito-repelling technology to prevent blood feeding using extra-low energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most efficient way to create novel materials that may be used in a variety of optoelectronic applications is thought to be doped mixed polymers with appropriate fillers. Undoped and doped PVC polymers with ZnS/Mn formed at different temperatures were fabricated using the casting method. The Rietveld method was used to discover the structure and microstructure of Zn0.95Mn0.05S prepared at T = 300, 400, and 500 °C. The distribution and existence of the nanofiller over the PVC matrix were determined via XRD, FTIR, EDS, and SEM techniques. The effect of the preparation temperatures of the ZnS/Mn nanofiller on the absorption, transmittance, reflectance, refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, AC conductivity, electrical modulus, and DC conductivity activation energy data of the PVC polymer was studied using the diffused reflectance technique. Doping PVC with ZnS/Mn (prepared at 300 °C) lowered the direct and indirect optical band gaps from 5.4 and 4.52 eV to minimum values of 4.55 and 3.63 eV. The fluorescence intensity of pure PVC is greatly enhanced upon loading with ZnS/Mn. The PVC exhibited two near UV peaks, one violet and one blue color, while, in addition, the doped polymers exhibited green and orange colors. The corresponding CIE diagram for all the samples was also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of biotech applications, e.g., microfluidic benthic biofuel cells, require devices with the simultaneous capabilities of embedded electrical wiring, aqueous fluidic access, 3D arrays, biocompatibility, and affordable upscalability. These are very challenging to satisfy simultaneously. As a potential solution, herein we present a qualitative experimental proof of principle of a novel self-assembly technique in 3D printed microfluidics towards embedded wiring combined with fluidic access. Our technique uses surface tension, viscous flow, microchannel geometries, and hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions to produce self-assembly of two immiscible fluids along the length of the same 3D printed microfluidic channel. The technique demonstrates a major step towards the affordable upscaling of microfluidic biofuel cells through 3D printing. The technique would be of high utility to any application that simultaneously requires distributed wiring and fluidic access inside 3D printed devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the phase diagram of iron pnictides, superconductivity arises at the border of antiferromagnetism, which raises the question of the role of symmetry of the gap and quantum criticality. Although more than 15-years of extensive research, the microscopic origin of the pairing symmetry inside the superconducting (SC) dome and its link to quantum criticality still remains elusive. Here, we report two new findings on BaFe2−xNixAs2: (1) A sharp peak in the x-dependence of the lower and upper critical fields, the SC critical current density Jc, the size of the jump in the specific heat ΔCel/T and the Sommerfeld coefficient (γ) at the optimum composition x = 0.10, where the SC transition temperature Tc reaches a maximum. Our obtained reliable values as a function of doping of the normal-state Sommerfeld coefficient increase with doping, illustrating the strong competition between magnetism and superconductivity and attributed to closing of spin density wave gap with Ni doping. (2) We show that doping induced a sudden change of the gap structure from nodeless to nodal. Our results imply that the superconductivity in BaFe2−xNixAs2 is closely linked to the quantum criticality and is characterized by a complex order parameter.

The manipulation of single particles remains a topic of interest with many applications. Here we characterize the impact of selected parameters on the motion of single particles thanks to dielectrophoresis (DEP) induced by visible light, in a technique called Light-induced Dielectrophoresis, or LiDEP, also known as optoelectronic tweezers, optically induced DEP, and image-based DEP. Baker’s yeast and Candida cells are exposed to an electric field gradient enabled by shining a photoconductive material with a specific pattern of visible light, and their response is measured in terms of the average cell velocity towards the gradient. The impact on cell velocity when varying the shape and color of the light pattern, as well as the distance from the cell to the pattern, is presented. The experimental setup featured a commercial light projector featuring digital light processing (DLP) technology but mechanically modified to accommodate a 40× microscope objective lens. The minimal resolution achieved on the light pattern was 8 µm. Experimental results show the capability for single cell manipulation and the possibility of using different shapes, colors, and distances to determine the average cell velocity.

A techno-economic study is performed for a large scale combustion-less hydrogen production process based on Steam Methane Reforming (SMR). Two process versions relying on different renewable heat sources are compared: (1) direct solar heating from a concentrated solar power system, and (2) radiation from resistive electrical heaters (electric SMR). Both processes are developed around an integrated micro-reactor technology, incorporating in a monolithic block most sub-processes needed to perform SMR. A baseline techno-economic scenario with low-cost feedstock and electricity, priced at $4/MMBtu and $0.04/kWh respectively, results in an LCOH of $2.31/kg H2 for solar SMR and $1.59/kg H2 for electric SMR. Results further show that solar SMR is currently more attractive economically than electric SMR coupled with distributed wind power systems, but electric SMR is more favourable in the long term due to the expected future improvements in the LCOE and capacity factor of wind power systems. [Display omitted] • Solar and electric SMR processes using integrated micro-reactors are presented. • Grid-connected electric SMR has a prohibitive CO 2 avoidance cost in most jurisdictions. • A best-case scenario for grid-connected electric SMR has an LCOH of $1.59/kg H2. • The LCOH predicted for future wind-powered electric SMR is below $2/kg H2. • The LCOH of future solar SMR remains above $2/kg H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The real environment impacts the fuel and energy consumption of any vehicle: technology, physical and social phenomena, traffic, drivers' behaviour, and so on; many of them are difficult to quantify. The authors' methodology was used to test the real impact of vehicles in "standard" urban conditions, and many generations of hybrid powertrains are compared. One of the latest performance indexes is the percentage of time the vehicle runs with zero emissions (ZEV). For example, the hybrid vehicle tested ran up to 80% with no emissions and fuel consumption below 3 L per 100 km. A few energy performance indicators were compared between five vehicles: one battery electric vehicle (BEV), two hybrid gasoline–electric vehicles (HEVs), and two traditional vehicles (one diesel and one gasoline). Their potential to use only renewable energy is unrivalled, but today's vehicles' performances favour hybrid power trains. This paper summarises the most sustainable powertrain for urban use by comparing experimental data from on-road testing. It also evaluates the benefits of reducing emissions by forecasting the Italian car fleet of 2025 and three use cases of the evolution of car fleets, with a focus on Rome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the cleansing efficacy of an auto-cleaning device with nylon bristles (Y-brush®) to that of manual toothbrushing. Materials and methods: Twenty probands refrained from oral hygiene for 3 days. Rustogi Modified Navy Plaque Index was assessed before and after (randomized) toothbrushing either with the auto-cleaning device for 5 s per jaw or with a manual toothbrush for a freely chosen time up to 4 min. The clinical investigation was repeated in a cross-over design. In a third trial period, the brushing time for auto-cleaning was increased to 15 s per jaw. The study was supplemented by plaster cast analyses. Results: Full-mouth plaque reduction was higher with manual toothbrushing than with auto-cleaning for 5 s per jaw (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference on smooth tooth surfaces but on marginal and interdental sites. Increasing the brushing time of auto-cleaning to 15 s per jaw resulted in a comparable full-mouth plaque reduction as with manual toothbrushing (p = 0.177). In 95% of individuals, the device was too short not completely covering second molars. In 30.67% of teeth, the gingival margin was not covered by bristles. Conclusions: Auto-cleaning devices with nylon bristles have a future potential to reach plaque reduction levels comparable to manual toothbrushing, although manufacturers must focus on improving an accurate fit. Clinical relevance: Under the premise of an ameliorated fit, the auto-cleaning device might be recommendable for people with low brushing efficacy. Interdental sites remain a failure point if adjunct interdental cleaning is not viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substances' electrical properties react promptly to minor alterations in the specimens (texture). This electrical characteristics response depends on pH and, hence, on the surface charge. In this article, we attempt to keep the synthetic specimens homogeneous. Sand and pure hematite is smashed independently and aggregated (hematite were collected from Eastern Desert, Cairo, Egypt). Electrical parameters were examined at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 105 Hz (dry, 21 °C). The electrical range of the measured data varies considerably depending on the frequency spectrum, specimens' concentration, constitution, and/or arrangement of the components (texture). There are two conduction areas relying on frequency-dependent conductivity (two slopes). Dielectric permittivity increases linearly with concentration. Dielectric permittivity is rapidly decreasing as the spectrum expands. Jonscher's law is applicable to all electrical characteristics. The hematite conductor concentration changes in the synthetic specimens and accordingly the texture of the specimens. The study of these electrical characteristics may assist in the modeling and simulation of rock electrical properties. The relationships between the ore's nature, mineral compositions, and electrical properties are valuable for exploration methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric vehicle is one of the important development directions of the automotive industry, with a broad prospect. The high-voltage wire harness plays a key role in the power system for electric vehicle. Aluminum wire harness was proposed to be crimped with the copper terminal instead of the copper wire harness, which can decrease the weight and the cost. This work proposes an electromagnetic pulse crimping technology to connect the aluminum wire harness and copper terminal of electric vehicle. A 28 kJ electromagnetic pulse crimping system for crimping aluminum wire harness and copper terminal was established and the reliable joints were obtained and tested. The microstructure analysis results show that the connection interface has a corrugated morphology, and there was no obvious effect on the plating during the high-speed collision. The energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis results show that there was metal element diffusion in the connection interface. The testing results show that the joints with good electrical performance can be obtained, which can promote the realization of the aluminum wire harness instead of the copper wire harness. This work can provide technical reference and theoretical support for the development of high-voltage wire harnesses for electric vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone degeneration associated with various diseases is increasing due to rapid aging, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. Living bone tissue has bioelectric properties critical to bone remodeling, and bone degeneration under various pathological conditions results in significant changes to these bioelectric properties. There is growing interest in utilizing biomimetic electroactive biomaterials that recapitulate the natural electrophysiological microenvironment of healthy bone tissue to promote bone repair. This review first summarizes the etiology of degenerative bone conditions associated with various diseases such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, periodontitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, and metastatic osteolysis. Next, the diverse array of natural and synthetic electroactive biomaterials with therapeutic potential are discussed. Putative mechanistic pathways by which electroactive biomaterials can mitigate bone degeneration are critically examined, including the enhancement of osteogenesis and angiogenesis, suppression of inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, as well as their anti‐bacterial effects. Finally, the limited research on utilization of electroactive biomaterials in the treatment of bone degeneration associated with the aforementioned diseases are examined. Previous studies have mostly focused on using electroactive biomaterials to treat bone traumatic injuries. It is hoped that this review will encourage more research efforts on the use of electroactive biomaterials for treating degenerative bone conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coming decades, decarbonization of society in response to climate change will result in transformation of urban systems, especially in the energy and mobility sectors. This transformation will likely lead to stronger links between both sectors, which may have both desired and undesirable consequences. However, current policies are predominantly sectoral and tend to assume only a positive impact of the transformation of the energy–mobility nexus on urban sustainability. We conducted a systematic literature review, which covered 78 articles, to identify the interactions between the transformations of urban energy and mobility systems, their impacts on various aspects of sustainability and equity, and the relevant policies that target the nexus. The results show that the positive impacts of the transformation of the urban energy–mobility nexus are outnumbered by negative impacts on various aspects of sustainability and equity. A major equity issue concerns a possible reinforcement of socio-spatial inequalities in access to renewable self-production of electricity, electric vehicles, their integration, and the associated benefits. In conclusion, the issue of socio-spatial inequalities should be a priority for further research and policy development, given the currently limited understanding of these equity risks and the growing emphasis on the need for a just transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the world is facing many challenges that require a fast environmental and energy transition, but some obstacles have been found. A gap analysis has been made and the conclusion is that there are flaws in the eco categories distribution of different types of electric vehicles. A comparison is done and the conclusions are that hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plugin hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller batteries are the most versatile, while the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are good primarily for urban driving. The BEVs reduce the urban pollution, but the global ecological effects are rather controversial and their usage still has many limitations. A discussion of adequate options and solutions for the transport pollution and energy problems is presented. The ultimate goal is to provoke adjustments in government transportation policies towards appropriate solutions that solve today's pollution problems in better and more adequate way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filled compositions of polylactide (PLA) with a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) at various components ratios were obtained by two independent methods: the solid-phase mixing of components under the action of shear strains and the liquid-phase synthesis in a chloroform solution with ultrasonic stirring. The influence of the structure of formed composites on the complex of their properties was studied. The method of scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of aggregates of RGO nanoparticles during the synthesis of compositions in the liquid phase, leading to a decrease in their strength and electrical characteristics. A comparative study of the thermophysical characteristics of polylactide in the compositions obtained by the solid- and liquid-phase methods was carried out, the corresponding temperatures and heats of thermal transitions were determined, and the crystallinity of the compositions was calculated. The sharp drop observed in the crystallinity of PLA in the compositions synthesized in the solid phase was caused by amorphization of the polymer under the action of shear strains and by a decrease in the segmental mobility of macromolecules under these conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mie scattering theory investigates the optical, electric, and magnetic properties of the gold nanospheres. It explains the nanospheres plasmonic phenomenon in a vacuum and metallic medium by using the finite-size model. It also investigated the effect of particle radius on these properties by varying the radius from 10 to 50 nm. We reported that the optical efficiency shows the existence of plasmon surrounding the nanoparticle, and the polarizability explains the quantity of the plasmon. In addition, the polarizability increases at the specific incident energy of electromagnetic waves which indicated the existence of the plasmon surrounding the nanosphere particle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to low carbon vehicles known as alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) is well underway. This transition has been motivated partly by consumer demand and partly by legislation such as the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of their vehicles as AFVs. While the long-term adoption of AFVs (specifically, electric and hybrids) may take several years, there is a need to understand consumer preferences for AFV adoption and the pathways of AFV adoption from a national perspective. Therefore, this study sought to provide information about consumer preferences regarding AFV ownership while considering spatial and unobserved heterogeneity in consumer preferences, which can potentially impact societal transition to low carbon fueled vehicles. The 2017 National Household Travel Survey was used to calibrate Bayesian logit and hierarchical models. The findings of these models reveal that higher gasoline prices contribute toward the adoption of battery electric vehicles. The results also reveal that the perceived disadvantages of AFVs for long commutes are the key barrier in wider adoption of AFVs. Interestingly, frequent use of the internet by consumers revealed a higher likelihood for purchase of hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, West Coast residents are observed to be a large portion of the early adopters and are more likely to purchase hybrids as compared to battery electric vehicles. The knowledge generated by this study has implications for making better informed decisions about AFV adoption and developing incentives to promote wider adoption of AFVs by overcoming their perceived disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/0.25% polyaniline (PANi)/x wt % MWCNTs (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1) blends were formed. The X-ray diffraction technique was used to investigate the formation of the different blends. The effects of the MWCNTs amounts on the optical parameters and emitted colours of the different blends were investigated. The optical band gaps for PVA/0.25% PANi/x wt % MWCNTs blends are 3.24, 3.13, 3.05, 2.99, 2.84, and 2.95 eV when the MWCNTs amounts in the blends become 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, and 1 wt %, respectively. The modifications in optical band gaps upon loading PVA/ PANi with MWCNTs indicated that the investigated blends are promising candidates for solar cell and photocatalysis applications. The DC conductivity exhibited a maximum value in the blend with 0.8 wt% MWCNTs. All blends have two activation energies. The influence of MWCNTs amounts on the dielectric constant, AC conductivity, impedance, electric modulus, characteristic frequency, and Nyquist plot of the different blends was examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]