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The synthesis and electrochemical insertion of lithium into the Wadsley–Roth NaNb13O33 phase is studied. Lithium intercalation to form LixNaNb13O33 reaches a value of up to x~15, between 3.0 and 1.0 V vs. Li+/Li at a slow cycling rate, a capacity of 233 mAh g−1. Within this voltage window, two sharp peaks and one broad peak are observed in the differential capacity plots of lithium intercalation suggesting multiple two‐phase regions. High Li‐ion conductivity and rate capability was demonstrated. The lithium diffusion constant is about an order of magnitude greater than TiNb2O7. The average voltage is about 1.6 V and its high‐rate capability makes NaNb13O33 potentially useful as an anode in a fast‐charge Li‐ion battery application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of interview, observation and other data showed that school-district norms (lack of vision, lack of trust, defensiveness, constant turnover, and poor communication), were obstructive of school-revitalization goals, particularly the crucial goal of redesigning instruction for at-risk students, which requires a change-and-empowerment approach. (45 references) (MLH)

Discusses ethical and programmatic issues and strategies that teachers can use to ensure that all participants benefit when research is conducted in the child care center. (BB)

Technology becomes the key factor in the search for increased capacity and expansion at sites with limited land area to grow. Analysis of windrows and aerated trapezoidal piles of varying depths are some of the options available at composting facilities for increasing throughput capacity on the same physical footprint.

Rechargeable Zn metal batteries (RZMBs) may provide a more sustainable and lower-cost alternative to established battery technologies in meeting energy storage applications of the future. However, the most promising electrolytes for RZMBs are generally aqueous and require high concentrations of salt(s) to bring efficiencies toward commercially viable levels and mitigate water-originated parasitic reactions including hydrogen evolution and corrosion. Electrolytes based on nonaqueous solvents are promising for avoiding these issues, but full cell performance demonstrations with solvents other than water have been very limited. To address these challenges, we investigated MeOH as an alternative electrolyte solvent. These MeOH-based electrolytes exhibited exceptional Zn reversibility over a wide temperature range, with a Coulombic efficiency > 99.5% at 50% Zn utilization without cell short-circuit behavior for > 1,800 h. More important, this remarkable performance translates well to Zn ∥ metal-free organic cathode full cells, supporting < 6% capacity decay after > 800 cycles at -40 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cedar Grove, a division of the Northwest Waste Industries, is concentrating on overcoming the challenges and the operational modifications required for the expansion of its composting and recycling operations in Seattle and King County, Washington. The challenges faced include handling large volumes of yard trimmings, increasing the capacity of recycling, and controlling surface water runoff and off-site odor. A large static pile maximizes the processing area, reduces costs and decreases odor generation. Changes in the recycling processes and in marketing strategies are also discussed.