Impact of Mg Substitution on the Structure, Stability, and Properties of the NaFeF Weberite Cathode.

Of the few weberite-type Na-ion cathodes explored to date, NaFeF exhibits the best performance, with capacities up to 184 mAh/g and energy densities up to 550 Wh/kg reported for this material. However, the development of robust structure-property relationships for this material is complicated by its tendency to form as a mixture of metastable polymorphs, and transform to a lower-energy Na FeF perovskite compound during electrochemical cycling. Our first-principles-guided exploration of Fe-based weberite solid solutions with redox-inactive Mg and Al predicts an enhanced thermodynamic stability of NaMg Fe F as the Mg content is increased, and the = 0.

Strong Magnetic Exchange Interactions and Delocalized Mn-O States Enable High-Voltage Capacity in the Na-Ion Cathode P2-Na[MgMn]O.

The increased capacity offered by oxygen-redox active cathode materials for rechargeable lithium- and sodium-ion batteries (LIBs and NIBs, respectively) offers a pathway to the next generation of high-gravimetric-capacity cathodes for use in devices, transportation and on the grid. Many of these materials, however, are plagued with voltage fade, voltage hysteresis and O loss, the origins of which can be traced back to changes in their electronic and chemical structures on cycling. Developing a detailed understanding of these changes is critical to mitigating these cathodes' poor performance.

Operando electron spin probes for the study of battery processes.

Operando electron spin probes, namely magnetometry and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), provide real-time insights into the electrochemical processes occurring in battery materials and devices. In this work, we describe the design criteria and outline the development of operando magnetometry and EPR electrochemical cells. Notably, we show that a clamping mechanism, or springs, are needed to achieve sufficient compression of the battery stack and an electrochemical performance on par with that of a standard Swagelok-type cell.

Structural Evolution in Disordered Rock Salt Cathodes.

Li-excess Mn-based disordered rock salt oxides (DRX) are promising Li-ion cathode materials owing to their cost-effectiveness and high theoretical capacities. It has recently been shown that Mn-rich DRX LiMnMO ( ≥ 0.5, M are hypervalent ions such as Ti and Nb) exhibit a gradual capacity increase during the first few charge-discharge cycles, which coincides with the emergence of spinel-like domains within the long-range DRX structure coined as "δ phase".

Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions After Hospitalization for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) continues to pose significant healthcare challenges due to its broad differential diagnosis and the often extensive yet inconclusive workup. We investigated the rates and characteristics of unplanned 30-day readmissions in adult patients hospitalized with IBS. In addition, we identified factors that predict readmission within 30 days of initial discharge.

Magnetic structure and properties of the honeycomb antiferromagnet [Na(OH)]Mn(NCS).

We report the magnetic structure and properties of a thiocyanate-based honeycomb magnet [Na(OH)]Mn(NCS) which crystallises in the unusual low-symmetry trigonal space group 3̄. Magnetic measurements on powder samples show this material is an antiferromagnet (ordering temperature = 18.1(6) K) and can be described by nearest neighbour antiferromagnetic interactions = -11.

The influence of assistive technologies on experiences of risk among older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL).

Purpose: Living with risk is a salient part of everyday living and although risk affects everyone, older adults are often regarded as a high-risk group, particularly older adults who are aging with a disability, such as vision loss. A prominent focus within low vision rehabilitation is the provision, and training, of older adults in the use of low vision assistive devices as a strategy to manage risks in both the home and community environment. This study aimed to unpack the influence of assistive technologies on experiences of risk among eleven older adults (aged 65+) with age-related vision loss.

Probing Jahn-Teller Distortions and Antisite Defects in LiNiO with Li NMR Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory.

The long- and local-range structure and electronic properties of the high-voltage lithium-ion cathode material for Li-ion batteries, LiNiO, remain widely debated, as are the degradation phenomena at high states of delithiation, limiting the more widespread use of this material. In particular, the local structural environment and the role of Jahn-Teller distortions are unclear, as are the interplay of distortions and point defects and their influence on cycling behavior. Here, we use Li NMR measurements in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations to examine Jahn-Teller distortions and antisite defects in LiNiO.

The role of membrane trafficking and retromer complex in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Membrane trafficking is a physiological process encompassing different pathways involved in transporting cellular products across cell membranes to specific cell locations via encapsulated vesicles. This process is required for cells to mature and function properly, allowing them to adapt to their surroundings. The retromer complex is a complex composed of nexin proteins and peptides that play a vital role in the endosomal pathway of membrane trafficking.

Superstructure and Correlated Na Hopping in a Layered Mg-Substituted Sodium Manganate Battery Cathode are Driven by Local Electroneutrality.

In this work, we present a variable-temperature Na NMR and variable-temperature and variable-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis of the local structure of a layered P2 Na-ion battery cathode material, Na[MgMn]O (NMMO). For the first time, we elucidate the superstructure in this material by using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and total neutron scattering and show that this superstructure is consistent with NMR and EPR spectra. To complement our experimental data, we carry out calculations of the quadrupolar and hyperfine Na NMR shifts, the Na ion hopping energy barriers, and the EPR -tensors.

Burnout Among Doctors and Nurses at The University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, South-South, Nigeria: A Comparative Study.

Background: Burnout remains a crucial occupational health challenge to healthcare professionals given its immediate and remote harmful effects. Doctors and nurses are highly susceptible to burnout due to the essence and demands of their services. The study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of burnout among doctors and nurses working at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria.

Graphite Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries: An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Investigation.

Graphite is the most commercially successful anode material for lithium (Li)-ion batteries: its low cost, low toxicity, and high abundance make it ideally suited for use in batteries for electronic devices, electrified transportation, and grid-based storage. The physical and electrochemical properties of graphite anodes have been thoroughly characterized. However, questions remain regarding their electronic structures and whether the electrons occupy localized states on Li, delocalized states on C, or an admixture of both.

Challenges of Case Management of COVID-19 in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: A One-Year Experience.

Background And Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic. Older people and those with poorly controlled co-morbidities have higher risk of mortality. This study was conducted to highlight the clinical features, challenges of management and outcome for the patients we have seen in our centre over the past one year.

Thermoultrasound and microwave-assisted freeze-thaw pretreatments for improving infrared drying and quality characteristics of red dragon fruit slices.

The effects of thermoultrasound (US-FT), microwave (MW-FT), and room temperature (RT-FT) freeze-thaw pretreatments were evaluated for improving drying kinetics and quality during infrared drying (IRD) of red dragon fruit slices (RDFS). Results indicated that microstructural alterations induced by the different pretreatments improved the moisture removal rate and effective diffusivity, and significantly reduced the drying time. US-FT pretreatments prompted more efficient drying and presented an overall enhancement in the quality of RDFS, particularly at low temperatures of 25 and 50 ℃, while enhancements in TFC, FRAP, and CUPRAC were associated with RT-FT.

O NMR Spectroscopy in Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Materials: Challenges and Interpretation.

Modern studies of lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode materials employ a large range of experimental and theoretical techniques to understand the changes in bulk and local chemical and electronic structures during electrochemical cycling (charge and discharge). Despite its being rich in useful chemical information, few studies to date have used O NMR spectroscopy. Many LIB cathode materials contain paramagnetic ions, and their NMR spectra are dominated by hyperfine and quadrupolar interactions, giving rise to broad resonances with extensive spinning sideband manifolds.

Prospects of malaria vaccination in Nigeria: Anticipated challenges and lessons from previous vaccination campaigns.

Malaria is a severe public health issue in Nigeria, with higher morbidity and mortality rates than any other country. An estimated 100 million malaria cases and over 300,000 deaths are recorded yearly in Nigeria. Vaccination is an effective strategy in combating and eliminating infectious diseases such as malaria, thus, the deployment of a prospective malaria vaccine in Nigeria offers hope to the country's health sector.

Assessment of the Knowledge, Perception and Practice of Voluntary Blood Donation among Physicians in a Tertiary Health Facility, Uyo, South-South Nigeria.

Background: Provision of safe, affordable and adequate supply of blood and blood products is a daunting public health issue in developing countries. In Nigeria, there is an inadmissibly high dependence on family surrogate and remunerated blood donors which carries an attendant increased risk of transfusion transmissible infections. Physicians represent a potential, stable and sustainable safe donor pool.

Comparing human exposure to fine particulate matter in low and high-income countries: A systematic review of studies measuring personal PM exposure.

Background: Due to the adverse health effects of air pollution, researchers have advocated for personal exposure measurements whereby individuals carry portable monitors in order to better characterise and understand the sources of people's pollution exposure.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the differences in the magnitude and sources of personal PM exposures experienced between countries at contrasting levels of income.

Methods: This review summarised studies that measured participants personal exposure by carrying a PM monitor throughout their typical day.

COVID-19 and Poverty in South America: the Mental Health Implications.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus made governments across the world announce country-wide lockdowns suspending all activities and banning travels. This affected the lives of millions of people across all the continents in the world, including South America. The low-income classes were most affected by the lockdowns as many lost their only source of income.

Floods, landslides and COVID-19 in the Uttarakhand State, India: Impact of Ongoing Crises on Public Health.

The Uttarakhand State, known for its Himalayan Mountains, is a territory in Northern India that is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Currently, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, India is facing the dual challenge of containing a pandemic and responding to natural disasters. This situation can have a negative impact on the health and the economic development of the region, leading to a long-lasting humanitarian crisis that can disrupt even more, the already overburdened health service.