Search

Developing anode materials with high specific capacity and cycling stability is vital for improving thin‐film lithium‐ion batteries. Thin‐film zinc oxide (ZnO) holds promise due to its high specific capacity, but it suffers from volume changes and structural stress during cycling, leading to poor battery performance. In this research, we ingeniously combined polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with ZnO using a radio frequency (RF) magnetron co‐sputtering method, ensuring a strong bond in the thin‐film composite electrode. PTFE effectively reduced stress on the active material and mitigated volume change effects during Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation. The composite thin films are thoroughly characterized using advanced techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for investigating correlations between material properties and electrochemical behaviors. Notably, the ZnO/PTFE thin‐film electrode demonstrated an impressive specific capacity of 1305 mAh g−1 (=7116 mAh cm−3) at a 0.5C rate and a remarkable capacity retention of 82% from the 1st to the 100th cycle, surpassing the bare ZnO thin film (50%). This study provides valuable insights into using binders to stabilize active materials in thin‐film batteries, enhancing battery performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote stirrup yielding prior to concrete crushing and avoid over-reinforcement failure modes in reinforced concrete (RC) members, current design codes stipulate limits on the maximum amount of shear and torsional reinforcement. Studies have shown that the shear strength limits introduced based on the plane-truss approach estimate the maximum shear strength and shear failure mode with reasonable accuracy. However, the torsional strength limits derived based on the space-truss analogy and thin-walled tube theory generally overestimate the maximum torsional strength. In this study, the difference between the limiting values introduced in current design codes on the maximum shear and torsional strengths was evaluated by analysing the test results of 406 shear and 153 torsional members. Additionally, experimental tests were conducted on 22 RC beams subjected to torsional moments in order to measure the strain rate of the web concrete directly and investigate the torsional strength limits. The torsional strength limits derived based on the space-truss model overestimated the actual maximum torsional strength. Based on these observations, a lower limit for the maximum torsional strength is proposed in order to avoid over-reinforced torsional failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A suitable interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial in achieving highly stable electrochemical performance for Li‐ion batteries, as facile ionic transport is required. Intriguing research and development have recently been conducted to form a stable interface between the electrode and electrolyte. Therefore, it is essential to investigate emerging knowledge and contextualize it. The nanoengineering of the electrode‐electrolyte interface has been actively researched at the electrode/electrolyte and interphase levels. This review presents and summarizes some recent advances aimed at nanoengineering approaches to build a more stable electrode‐electrolyte interface and assess the impact of each approach adopted. Furthermore, future perspectives on the feasibility and practicality of each approach will also be reviewed in detail. Finally, this review aids in projecting a more sustainable research pathway for a nanoengineered interphase design between electrode and electrolyte, which is pivotal for high‐performance, thermally stable Li‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel-structured LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO), which is used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, offers economic and eco-friendly advantages, as it operates at a high voltage of 5 V and does not require expensive cobalt. However, challenges such as low electronic conductivity and volume changes due to phase transitions during charging and discharging at 3 V or lower persist, resulting in capacity degradation. In this study, LNMO nanofibers were created using the electrospinning method to tackle the volume expansion issue and maintain structural integrity of the material. In addition, the electrode was constructed with carbon nanotubes as a conductive material to improve electronic conductivity. Electrochemical evaluations showed that LNMO nanofibers combined with carbon nanotubes exhibited a higher capacity and outstanding cyclability compared to LNMO powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucism, in which pigmentation is lost over part or the entire body of an animal, has a range of possible genetic causes. Here, we report leucism in an individual tiger keelback (Rhabdophis tigrinus) found on Jeung Island, Shinan‐gun, Jeollanam‐do, South Korea, during a survey of the distribution of reptiles in the area. The individual was observed sunbathing in the bushes next to a pond. This individual exhibited ecdysis, thus it considered that have normal feeding activity. Our report represents the first observation of leucism in R. tigrinus, and thus, further analysis is needed of this phenotype to more clearly understand its impact on the species and its natural history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Adult women experience several changes in physiological status, such as pregnancy and childbirth, during their life cycle. This study analyses the association between birth‐related factors (the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages) and periodontitis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which represents Korean adults. Materials and Methods: The study used data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI and VII (2013–2018) and included 10,072 women 19 years or older, with no missing data on the variables assessed. Periodontitis was defined according to the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age, household income, education, alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, body mass index, waist circumference, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, an oral examination within 1 year, daily tooth brushing frequency, hygiene products and self‐perceived oral health as identified via logistic regression analyses, was performed to determine the association between birth‐related variables and periodontitis. Results: In the crude model, the odds ratio (OR) showed a significantly increased risk of periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) and severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) based on the number of childbirths, abortions and miscarriages (p <.05). After covariate adjustment, periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) was associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–2.50; 2: OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.57–2.61; ≥3: OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.60–2.78). Furthermore, severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) was also associated with the number of childbirths (1: OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.24–4.38; 2: OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 1.62–5.52; ≥3: OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.79–6.21). Conclusions: The findings of this large‐scale, nationally representative study suggest that the number of childbirths is associated with the severity of periodontitis. However, the relationship between the number of abortions and miscarriages and periodontitis (CPI ≥ 3) or severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) is not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the early detection of avian influenza virus (AIV), molecular diagnostic methods such as real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) are the first choice in terms of accuracy and speed in many countries. A laboratory's capability to perform this diagnostic method needs to be measured through external and independent assessment to ensure that the method is validated within the laboratory and in interlaboratory comparison. The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency of Korea has implemented five rounds of proficiency testing (PT) for rRT-PCR targeting local veterinary service laboratories involved in the AIV national surveillance program from 2020 to 2022. In each round, a portion composed of six or more samples was selected from the entire PT panel consisting of H5, H7, and H9 viruses isolated in Korea and distributed to each participant, and at least one pair of samples was commonly included in each panel for interlaboratory comparison. During the five rounds of PT, a few incorrect and outlying results were detected that required immediate inspection or corrective actions. However, in the quantitative measurement of Ct values, the average standard deviation or coefficient of variation decreased as multiple PT rounds progressed, and a positive correlation between consecutive rounds of PT was observed since 2021. The better consistency or stability in the experimental performance appeared to contribute to the more harmonized results in the latest PTs, and it is assumed that the positive reaction of participants to the challenges of quantitative assessment reports showing their status intuitively might work. We need to continue operating the PT program for local laboratories because they play crucial roles at the front line of the national avian influenza surveillance program, and frequent changes in the human resources or environment for diagnosis in those laboratories are inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]