Impact of dynamic PHEVs load on renewable sources based distribution system

In this paper, charging effect of dynamic Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is presented in a renewable energy based electricity distribution system. For planning and designing a distribution system, PHEVs are one of the most important factor as it is going to be a spinning reserve of energy, and also a major load for distribution network. A dynamic load model of PHEVs is introduced here based on third order battery model. To determine the system adequacy, it is necessary to do a micro level analysis to know the PHEVs load impact on grid. Scope of such analysis will cover the performance of wind and solar generation with dynamic PHEVs load, as well as the stability analysis of the power grid to demonstrate that it is important to consider the dynamics of PHEVs load in a renewable energy based distribution network.

Estradiol for treatment-resistant schizophrenia: a large-scale randomized-controlled trial in women of child-bearing age

Many women with schizophrenia remain symptomatic despite optimal use of current therapies. While previous studies suggest that adjunctive oestrogen therapy might be effective, large-scale clinical trials are required before clinical applications are possible. This study is the first large-scale randomized-controlled trial in women with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This Definitive Oestrogen Patch Trial was an 8-week, three-arm, double-blind, randomized-controlled trial conducted between 2006 and 2011. The 183 female participants were aged between 18 and 45 (mean=35 years), with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and ongoing symptoms of psychosis (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS score>60) despite a stable dose of antipsychotic medication for at least 4 weeks. Mean duration of illness was more than 10 years. Participants received transdermal estradiol 200 μg, transdermal estradiol 100 μg or an identical placebo patch. For the 180 women who completed the study, the a priori outcome measure was the change in PANSS score measured at baseline and days 7, 14, 28 and 56. Cognition was assessed at baseline and day 56 using the Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Status. Data were analysed using latent growth curve modelling. Both estradiol groups had greater decreases in PANSS positive, general and total symptoms compared with the placebo group (P<0.01), with a greater effect seen for 200 μg than 100 μg estradiol. The largest effect size was for the positive subscale of PANSS in the estradiol 200 μg treatment group (effect size 0.44, P<0.01). This study shows estradiol is an effective and clinically significant adjunctive therapy for women with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, particularly for positive symptoms.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 15 April 2014; doi:10.1038/mp.2014.33.

Scalable RFID security framework and protocol supporting Internet of Things

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is seen as one of the requirements for the implementation of the Internet-of-Things (IoT). However, an RFID system has to be equipped with a holistic security framework for a secure and scalable operation. Although much work has been done to provide privacy and anonymity, little focus has been given to performance, scalability and customizability issues to support robust implementation of IoT. Also, existing protocols suffer from a number of deficiencies such as insecure or inefficient identification techniques, throughput delay and inadaptability. In this paper, we propose a novel identification technique based on a hybrid approach (group-based approach and collaborative approach) and security check handoff (SCH) for RFID systems with mobility. The proposed protocol provides customizability and adaptability as well as ensuring the secure and scalable deployment of an RFID system to support a robust distributed structure such as the IoT. The protocol has an extra fold of protection against malware using an incorporated malware detection technique. We evaluated the protocol using a randomness battery test and the results show that the protocol offers better security, scalability and customizability than the existing protocols. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Insights into the reversible oxygen reduction reaction in a series of phosphonium-based ionic liquids

New findings supporting the stability of the superoxide ion, O2˙(-), in the presence of the phosphonium cation, [P6,6,6,14](+), are presented. Extended electrochemical investigations of a series of neat phosphonium-based ILs with different anions, including chloride, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and dicyanamide, demonstrate the chemical reversibility of the oxygen reduction process. Quantum chemistry calculations show a short intermolecular distance (r = 3.128 Å) between the superoxide ion and the phosphonium cation. NMR experiments have been performed to assess the degree of long term degradation of [P6,6,6,14](+), in the presence of superoxide and peroxide species, showing no chemically distinct degradation products of importance in reversible air cathodes.

Ionic liquid electrolytes as a platform for rechargeable metal–air batteries: a perspective

Metal-air batteries are a well-established technology that can offer high energy densities, low cost and environmental responsibility. Despite these favourable characteristics and utilisation of oxygen as the cathode reactant, these devices have been limited to primary applications, due to a number of problems that occur when the cell is recharged, including electrolyte loss and poor efficiency. Overcoming these obstacles is essential to creating a rechargeable metal-air battery that can be utilised for efficiently capturing renewable energy. Despite the first metal-air battery being created over 100 years ago, the emergence of reactive metals such as lithium has reinvigorated interest in this field. However the reactivity of some of these metals has generated a number of different philosophies regarding the electrolyte of the metal-air battery. Whilst much is already known about the anode and cathode processes in aqueous and organic electrolytes, the shortcomings of these electrolytes (i.e. volatility, instability, flammability etc.) have led some of the metal-air battery community to study room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) as non-volatile, highly stable electrolytes that have the potential to support rechargeable metal-air battery processes. In this perspective, we discuss how some of these initial studies have demonstrated the capabilities of RTILs as metal-air battery electrolytes. We will also show that much of the long-held mechanistic knowledge of the oxygen electrode processes might not be applicable in RTIL based electrolytes, allowing for creative new solutions to the traditional irreversibility of the oxygen reduction reaction. Our understanding of key factors such as the effect of catalyst chemistry and surface structure, proton activity and interfacial reactions is still in its infancy in these novel electrolytes. In this perspective we highlight the key areas that need the attention of electrochemists and battery engineers, in order to progress the understanding of the physical and electrochemical processes in RTILs as electrolytes for the various forms of rechargeable metal-air batteries.

The effects of progressive resistance training combined with a whey-protein drink and vitamin D supplementation on glycaemic control, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults with type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a randomized c

While physical activity, energy restriction and weight loss are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management, less emphasis is placed on optimizing skeletal muscle mass. As muscle is the largest mass of insulin-sensitive tissue and the predominant reservoir for glucose disposal, there is a need to develop safe and effective evidence-based, lifestyle management strategies that optimize muscle mass as well as improve glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in people with this disease, particularly older adults who experience accelerated muscle loss.

The new law of torts

The New Law of Torts third edition continues to question whether foundational principles and policies of torts law, reflect the social and moral values of modern Australian society. Living up to its name as The New Law of Torts, this book has been up-dated with the latest legislative and judicial development as well as the recent major cases, reflecting the changing nature of tort law.This is an essential and accessible text as it provides a clear and succinct discussion of the interface between the statutory regime in each jurisdiction and the common law. It comprehensively covers the law as it is applicable to the whole of Australia. The book has clearly delineated parts, sections and topics for each genus of torts (trespass, action on the case, statutory wrongs, etc.), and each species (battery, assault, negligence, nuisance). Headings and sub-headings provide useful breaks in the text, and selected cases are used not only as authorities, but also as illustrations of principle and judicial reasoning.

New opportunities for quantitative and time efficient 3D MRI of liquid and solid electrochemical cell components: Sectoral Fast Spin Echo and SPRITE.

The ability to image electrochemical processes in situ using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers exciting possibilities for understanding and optimizing materials in batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. In these applications, however, the quality of the MRI measurement is inherently limited by the presence of conductive elements in the cell or device. To overcome related difficulties, optimal methodologies have to be employed. We show that time-efficient three dimensional (3D) imaging of liquid and solid lithium battery components can be performed by Sectoral Fast Spin Echo and Single Point Imaging with T1 Enhancement (SPRITE), respectively. The former method is based on the generalized phase encoding concept employed in clinical MRI, which we have adapted and optimized for materials science and electrochemistry applications. Hard radio frequency pulses, short echo spacing and centrically ordered sectoral phase encoding ensure accurate and time-efficient full volume imaging. Mapping of density, diffusivity and relaxation time constants in metal-containing liquid electrolytes is demonstrated. 1, 2 and 3D SPRITE approaches show strong potential for rapid high resolution (7)Li MRI of lithium electrode components.

Carbon coated Na7Fe7(PO4)6F3: A novel intercalation cathode for sodium-ion batteries

Electrode materials are being developed to realise sodium-ion batteries that can provide energy storage solutions. Here, we develop amorphous carbon coated Na₇Fe₇(PO₄)₆F₃, prepared by combining hydrothermal and solid state reaction methods, as an insertion electrode for sodium-ion batteries applications. Na₇Fe₇(PO₄)₆F₃ particles are surrounded by a thin layer (∼1.5–2 nm) of amorphous carbon. The Na₇Fe₇(PO₄)₆F₃/C composite cathode undergoes reversible sodium intercalation/de-intercalation with an average operational potential of ∼3.0 V (vs Na⁺/Na). This cathode has a capacity of 65 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ current after 60 cycles and features twice higher capacity than that of an uncoated Na₇Fe₇(PO₄)₆F₃ sample. Therefore, the carbon-coated Na₇Fe₇(PO₄)₆F₃ composite presents feasible sodium intercalation/de-intercalation capacity, offering possibilities for developing a low cost, high performance sodium-ion battery positive electrode.

Effect of zwitterions on electrochemical properties of oligoether-based electrolytes

Solid polymer electrolytes show great potential in electrochemical devices. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been studied as a matrix for solid polymer electrolytes because it has relatively high ionic conductivity. In order to investigate the effect of zwitterions on the electrochemical properties of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (G5)/lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) amide (LiFSA) electrolytes, a liquid zwitterion (ImZ2) was added to the G5-based electrolytes. In this study, G5, which is a small oligomer, was used as a model compound for PEO matrices. The thermal properties, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical stability of the electrolytes with ImZ2 were evaluated. The thermal stabilities of all the G5-based electrolytes with ImZ2 were above 150 °C, and the ionic conductivity values were in the range of 0.8–3.0 mS cm−1 at room temperature. When the electrolytes contained less than 5.5 wt% ImZ2, the ionic conductivity values were almost the same as that of the electrolyte without ImZ2. The electrochemical properties were improved with the incorporation of ImZ2. The anodic limit of the electrolyte with 5.5 wt% ImZ2 was 5.3 V vs. Li/Li+, which was over 1 V higher than that of G5/LiFSA.

Robust nonlinear distributed controller design for active and reactive power sharing in islanded microgrids

This paper presents a robust nonlinear distributed controller design for islanded operation of microgrids in order to maintain active and reactive power balance. In this paper, microgrids are considered as inverter-dominated networks integrated with renewable energy sources (RESs) and battery energy storage systems (BESSs), where solar photovoltaic generators act as RESs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as BESSs to supply power into the grid. The proposed controller is designed by using partial feedback linearization and the robustness of this control scheme is ensured by considering structured uncertainties within the RESs and BESSs. An approach for modeling the uncertainties through the satisfaction of matching conditions is also provided in this paper. The proposed distributed control scheme requires information from local and neighboring generators to communicate with each other and the communication among RESs, BESSs, and control centers is developed by using the concept of the graph theory. Finally, the performance of the proposed robust controller is demonstrated on a test microgrid and simulation results indicate the superiority of the proposed scheme under different operating conditions as compared to a linear-quadratic-regulator-based controller.

Electrochemical performance of LiFe1-xMnxPO4/C materials prepared by ball milling

LiFe1-xMnxPO4/C composite materials as cathode materials in Li-ion batteries have been synthesised and their electrochemical properties have been investigated. The samples were synthesised by using high energy ball milling of commercially available precursors (Li2C2O4, FeC2O4.2H2O, MnC2O4.2H2O, NH4H2PO4) and then heated at 600°C. The morphology and structure of the heated samples were analysed by means of SEM and X-ray diffraction. The olivine structure of the LiFe1-xMnxPO4/C composite was obtained. A slight shift of the peaks to smaller 2θ angles with the increasing Mn/Fe ratios is observed due to the increase in lattice parameters. The influence of different Mn/Fe ratios on electrical and electrochemical performances were studied by charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry (CV) testing. The CV curves of the pure LiFePO4 and LiMnPO4 show the expected Fe2+/Fe3+ peak around 3·5 V and Mn2+/Mn3+ peak around 4·1 V, respectively. The addition of manganese increases the discharge voltage from 3·5 to 4·1 V.

A neuropsychological study of prefrontal lobe function in the positive and negative subtypes of schizophrenia.

The symptoms of schizophrenia are frequently divided into positive and negative subtypes. It has been suggested that the negative symptoms are similar to those seen with prefrontal lobe cortical dysfunction. Several neuropsychological investigations of that hypothesis have been carried out, but none have directly compared a negative symptom group with a positive symptom group on the same test battery. In the present study, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; Kay, Fiszbein, & Opler, 1987) was used to distinguish two groups of 20 patients with schizophrenia with predominant positive or negative symptoms. A battery of 7 neuropsychological tests considered capable of isolating prefrontal lobe dysfunction was administered. A significant group difference was noted on 6 of the tests; the negative symptom group performed much worse than the positive symptom group. The results of this study support the hypothesis that a relationship exists between the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and prefrontal lobe dysfunction.

Large-scale production of h-In2O3/carbon nanocomposites with enhanced lithium storage properties

h-In2O3/carbon nanocomposites were obtained via a facile ball milling process from a mixture of h-In2O3 nanoparticles and Super P carbon. Compared to pure h-In2O3 nanoparticles, the nanocomposites exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 1360 mAh g-1, a stable reversible capacity of 867 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles as well as a high coulombic efficiency of 99%. The superior lithium-ion battery performance can be attributed to the specific structure of h-In2O3 and the uniform and continuous nano-carbon coating layers. The nano-carbon coating could protect the inner active materials from fragmentation and increase the electronic conductivity. This study not only provides a promising electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, but also further demonstrates a straightforward, effective and environmental friendly process for synthesizing nanocomposites. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.

Supplementing cold plasma with heat enables doping and nano-structuring of metal oxides

Nitrogen doped SnO2 polycrystalline nanostructures were produced from commercial SnO powders in a new system that combines a low-temperature plasma with heating. The method has the potential to improve the initial efficiency and the cycling performance of SnO2 anodes in Li-ion batteries. With this system, the temperature of the SnO to SnO2 conversion was lowered from 430 to 320 °C, up to 5 at% of doped nitrogen was detected and a nano-scale polycrystalline structure was observed in the product. Combining heat and low-pressure plasma is a promising approach for the production and treatment of enhanced energy storage materials.