An integrated 2-D model of a lithium ion battery: The effect of material parameters and morphology on storage particle stress

An integrated 2-D model of a lithium ion battery is developed to study the mechanical stress in storage particles as a function of material properties. A previously developed coupled stress-diffusion model for storage particles is implemented in 2-D and integrated into a complete battery system. The effect of morphology on the stress and lithium concentration is studied for the case of extraction of lithium in terms of previously developed non-dimensional parameters. These non-dimensional parameters include the material properties of the storage particles in the system, among other variables. We examine particles functioning in isolation as well as in closely-packed systems. Our results show that the particle distance from the separator, in combination with the material properties of the particle, is critical in predicting the stress generated within the particle. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Performance of joints in reinforced concrete slabs for two-way spanning action

A series of tests on filigree slab joints was performed with the aim of assessing whether such joints can be reliably used in the construction of two-way spanning reinforced concrete slabs. The test results were compared with code requirements. Adequate joint performance is shown to be achievable when the joints are appropriately detailed. Further research is recommended for the formulation of a more generic understanding when the design parameters are varied from those studied in this work.

Localization and tracking of phonating finless porpoises using towed stereo acoustic data-loggers

Cetaceans produce sound signals frequently. Usually, acoustic localization of cetaceans was made by cable hydrophone arrays and multichannel recording systems. In this study, a simple and relatively inexpensive towed acoustic system consisting of two miniature stereo acoustic data-loggers is described for localization and tracking of finless porpoises in a mobile survey. Among 204 porpoises detected acoustically, 34 individuals (similar to 17%) were localized, and 4 of the 34 localized individuals were tracked. The accuracy of the localization is considered to be fairly high, as the upper bounds of relative distance errors were less than 41% within 173 m. With the location information, source levels of finless porpoise clicks were estimated to range from 180 to 209 dB re 1 mu Pa pp at 1 m with an average of 197 dB (N=34), which is over 20 dB higher than that estimated previously from animals in enclosed waters. For the four tracked porpoises, two-dimensional swimming trajectories relative to the moving survey boat, absolute swimming speed, and absolute heading direction are deduced by assuming the animal movements are straight and at constant speed in the segment between two consecutive locations.

Floral survey of the diatom genera Cymbella and Gomphonema (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyta) from the Jolmolungma mountain region of China

We report on taxa from the diatom genera Gomphonema and Cymbella (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyta) found in the Jolmolungma Mountain region of China. This region is unique for its diversity of habitats, which include rivers, springs, moist soil, snowfields, swamps and lakes. We re-examine diatom taxa found in samples first documented in 1973 (Jao et A, 1973) and incorporate recent taxonomic revisions from the literature. In the genera Gomphonema and Cymbella we report 113 species and varieties. Of these 113 taxa, 59 are new record for China; 1 new combination, Encyonema jolmolungmensis, is made. Morphometric data and habitat features are reported for each taxon. Their distribution is strongly correlated to their microhabitats.

Crustacean zooplankton size structure in aquaculture lakes: is larger size structure always associated with higher grazing pressure?

Crustacean zooplankton size structure in 27 aquaculture lakes was studied to test the hypothesis that larger size structure is associated with higher grazing pressure. Mean body length of crustaceans was positively correlated with increasing Chl a (r(2) = 0.40, P = 0.000) and TP (r(2) = 0.38, P = 0.000), contrary to the empirical studies. However, the ratio of zooplankton to phytoplankton biomass decreased significantly with increasing TP (r(2) = 0.27, P = 0.005) and mean body length (r(2) = 0.46, P = 0.000). Meanwhile, size structure showed no significant effect in explaining residual variations of phosphorus-chlorophyll relationship (P = 0.231). These results indicate that larger size structure was not always associated with higher zooplankton grazing pressure. It is likely that in aquaculture lakes crustacean zooplankton size structure was of minor importance in control of phytoplankton biomass, and it was mainly regulated by fish predation. The results showed in our study and the empirical studies might be a reflection of two different stages of lake eutrophication and fish predation intensity.

The functional divergence of two glgP homologues in Synechocystis sp PCC 6803

Glycogen phosphorylase (GlgP, EC 2.4.1.1) catalyzes the cleavage of glycogen into glucose-1-phosphate (Glc-1-P), the first step in glycogen catabolism. Two glgP homologues are found in the genome of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a unicellular cyanobacterium: sll1356 and slr1367. We report on the different functions of these glgP homologues. sll1356, rather than slr1367, is essential for growth at high temperatures. On the other hand, when CO2-fixation and the supply of glucose are both limited, slr1367 is the key factor in glycogen metabolism. In cells growing autotrophically, sll1356 plays a more important role in glycogen digestion than slr1367. This functional divergence is also supported by a phylogenetic analysis of glgP homologues in cyanobacteria.

Building global products and competing in innovation: The role of chinese university spin-outs and required innovation capabilities

Usually, firms that produce innovative global products are discussed within the context of developed countries. New ventures in developing countries are typically viewed as low-cost product providers that generate technologically similar products to those produced by developed economies. However, this paper argues that some Chinese university spin-outs (USOs), although rare, have adopted a novel 'catch-up' strategy to build global products on the basis of indigenous platform technologies. This paper attempts to develop a conceptual framework to address the question: how do these specific Chinese USOs develop their innovation capabilities to build global products? In order to explore the idiosyncrasies of the specific USOs, this paper uses the multiple case studies method. The primary data sources are accessed through semi-structured interviews. In addition, archival data and other materials are used as secondary sources. The study analyses the configuration of capabilities that are needed for idiosyncratic growth, and maps them to the globalisation processes. This paper provides a strategic 'roadmap' as an explanatory guide to entrepreneurs, policy makers and investors to better understand the phenomena. © 2014 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Mobilization potential of heavy metals: A comparison between river and lake sediments

Toxic metals introduced into aquatic environments by human activities accumulation in sediments. A common notion is that the association of metals with acid volatile sulfides (AVS) affords a mechanism for partitioning metals from water to solid phase, thereby reducing biological availability. However, variation in environmental conditions can mobilize the sediment-bound metal and result in adverse environmental impacts. The AVS levels and the effect of AVS on the fate of Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni in sediments in the the Changjiang River, a suboxic river with sandy bottom sediment and the Donghu Lake, a anoxic lake with muddy sediment in China, were compared through aeration, static adsorption and release experiments in laboratory. Sips isotherm equation, kinetic equation and grade ion exchange theory were used to describe the heavy metal adsorb and release process. The results showed that AVS level in the lake sediment are higher than that of the river. Heavy metals in the overlying water can transfer to sediments incessantly as long as the sediment remains undisturbed. The metal release process is mainly related to AVS oxidation in lake sediment while also related to Org-C and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide oxidation in river sediment. The effect of sulfides on Zn and Ni is high, followed by Cd, and Cu is easy bound to Org-C. AVS plays a major role in controlling metals activity in lake sediment and its presence increase the adsorption capacity both of the lake and river sediments.

Comparative study on the effect of dietary lipid level on growth and feed utilization for gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) and Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Gunther)

An 8-week growth trial investigated the effect of dietary lipid level on growth performance of a carnivorous fish, Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Gunther) and an omnivorous fish, gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). For each species, seven isonitrogenous semi-purified diets (455 g kg(-1) crude protein for Chinese longsnout catfish and 385 g kg(-1) crude protein for gibel carp) were formulated to contain 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 or 210 g kg(-1) lipid. For Chinese longsnout catfish, feed intake (FI) decreased with increasing dietary lipid and there was no significant difference in feed intake from 90 to 210 g kg(-1) lipid. Specific growth rate (SGR) increased with dietary lipid level (P < 0.05) and the 150 and 180 g kg(-1) groups were the best. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE), protein retention efficiency (PRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE) were higher at 180 g kg(-1) lipid. For gibel carp, FI decreased with increased dietary lipid and 180 and 210 g kg(-1) lipid groups showed lower values. SGR increased with dietary lipid level and the 150 and 180 g kg(-1) were the best. FCE was higher at 180 g kg(-1) lipid level. PRE increased with dietary lipid level and there was no significant difference in groups from 120 to 210 g kg(-1) dietary lipid. ERE increased with increasing dietary lipid level, and groups fed 120, 150 and 180 g kg(-1) lipid showed the highest values. In Chinese longsnout catfish, increase in dietary lipid level, resulted in increased carcass dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid and gross energy. In gibel carp, dry matter, crude protein, and crude lipid increased with dietary lipid level. Based on regression between SGR and dietary lipid, dietary lipid requirements for Chinese longsnout catfish and gibel carp were 142.6 and 140.5 g kg(-1), respectively.

STUDIES ON THE PURIFICATION AND RECLAMATION OF WASTE-WATER FROM A MEDIUM-SIZED CITY BY AN INTEGRATED BIOLOGICAL POND SYSTEM

The feasibility of an inexpensive wastewater treatment system is evaluated in this study. An integrated biological pond system was operated for more than 3 years to purify the wastewater from a medium-sized city, Central China. The experiment was conducted in 3 phases with different treatment combinations for testing their purification efficiencies. The pond system was divided into 3 functional regions: influent purification, effluent upgrading and multi-utilization. These regions were further divided into several zones and subzones. Various kinds of aquatic organisms, including macrophytes, algae, microorganisms and zooplankton, were effectively cooperating in the wastewater treatment in this system. The system attained high reductions of BOD5, COD, TSS, TN, TP and other pollutants. The purification efficiencies of this system were higher than those of most traditional oxidation ponds or ordinary macrophyte ponds. The mutagenic effect and numbers of bacteria and viruses declined significantly during the process of purification. After the wastewater flowed through the upgrading zone, the concentrations of pollutants and algae evidently decreased. Plant harvesting did not yield dramatic effects on reductions of the main pollutants, though it did significantly affect the biomass productivity of the macrophytes. The effluent from this system could be utilized in irrigation and aquaculture. Some aquatic products were harvested from this system and some biomass was utilized for food, fertilizer, fodder and some other uses. The wastewater was reclaimed for various purposes.

Structural evolution of mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline FeAl intermetallics

Nanostructured FeAl intermetallics were prepared directly by mechanical alloying (MA) in a high-energy planetary ball-mill. The phase transformations and structural changes occurring in the studied material during mechanical alloying were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to examine the morphology of the powders. Thermal behavior of the milled powders was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Disordered Fe(Al) solid solution was formed at the early stage. After 30 h of milling, Fe(Al) solid solution transformed into an ordered FeAl phase. The average crystallite size reduction down to about 12 nm was accompanied by the introduction of the average lattice strain up to 1.7%. The TEM picture showed that the size of milled powders was less than 30 nm. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The structure, morphology and Raman scattering study on Mn-implanted nonpolar a-plane GaN films

Dilute magnetic nonpolar GaN films with a Curie temperature above room temperature have been fabricated by implanting Mn ions into unintentionally doped nonpolar a-plane (1 1 (2) over bar 0) GaN films and a subsequent rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process. The impact of the implantation and RTA on the structure and morphology of the nonpolar GaN films is studied in this paper. The scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the RTA process can effectively recover the implantation-indUced damage to the surface morphology of the sample. The X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy analyses show that the RTA process can just partially recover the implantation-induced crystal deterioration. Therefore, the quality of the Mn-implanted nonpolar GaN films should be improved further for the application in spintronic devices. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation of InAs quantum dots on low-temperature GaAs epi-layer

InAs self-organized quantum dots (QDs) grown on annealed low-temperature GaAs (LT-GaAs) epi-layers and on normal temperature GaAs buffer layers have been compared by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. TEM evidences that self-organized QDs were formed with a smaller size and larger density than that on normal GaAs buffer layers. It is discussed that local tensile surface strain regions that are preferred sites for InAs islands nucleation are increased in the case of the LT-GaAs buffer layers due to exhibiting As precipitates. The PL spectra show a blue-shifted peak energy with narrower linewidth revealing the improvement of optical properties of the QDs grown on LT-GaAs epi-layers. It suggests us a new way to improve the uniformity and change the energy band structure of the InAs self-organized QDs by carefully controlling the surface stress states of the LT-GaAs buffers on which the QDs are formed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Temperature dependence of the optical properties of InAs/GaAs self-organized quantum dots with bimodal size distribution

In this work we report the optical and microscopic properties of self-organized InAs/GaAs quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (1 0 0) oriented GaAs substrates. A distinctive double-peak feature of the PL spectra from quantum dots has been observed, and a bimodal distribution of dot sizes has also been confirmed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) image for uncapped sample. The power-dependent photoluminescence (PL) study demonstrates that the distinctive PL emission peaks are associated with the ground-state emission of islands in different size branches. The temperature-dependent PL study shows that the PL quenching temperature for different dot families is different. It is shown that the coupling between quantum dots plays a key role in unusual temperature dependence of QD photoluminescence. In addition, we have tuned the emission wavelength of InAs QDs to 1.3 mu m at room temperature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth and characterization of strained superlattices delta-GaNxAs1-x/GaAs by molecular beam epitaxy

A series of superlattices delta-GaNxAs1-x/GaAs were grown by a DC plasma-N-2-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. The evolution of the surface reconstruction during the growth has been studied with the use of in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction. The superlattices have been characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements. Distinct satellite peaks indicate that the superlattices are of good quality. The N compositions in strained GaNxAs1-x monolayers are obtained from the dynamical simulations of the measured X-ray diffraction patterns. The periodicity fluctuations of N composition are obtained from a kinematical method dependent on the broadening of the satellite peaks of the X-ray diffraction. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.