Robust and Manufacturable Lithium Lanthanum Titanate-Based Solid-State Electrolyte Thin Films Deposited in Open Air.

State-of-the-art solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are limited in their energy density and processability based on thick, brittle pellets, which are generally hot pressed in vacuum over the course of several hours. We report on a high-throughput, open-air process for printable thin-film ceramic SSEs in a remarkable one-minute time frame using a lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LLTO)-based SSE that we refer to as robust LLTO (R-LLTO). Powder XRD analysis revealed that the main phase of R-LLTO is polycrystalline LLTO, accompanied by selectively retained crystalline precursor phases. R-LLTO is highly dense and closely matched to the stoichiometry of LLTO with some heterogeneity throughout the film. A minimal presence of lithium carbonate is identified despite processing fully in ambient conditions. The LLTO films exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, demonstrating both flexibility with a low modulus of ∼35 GPa and a high fracture toughness of >2.0 . We attribute this mechanical robustness to several factors, including grain boundary strengthening, the presence of precursor crystalline phases, and a decrease in crystallinity or ordering caused by ultrafast processing. The creation of R-LLTO-a ceramic material with elastic properties that are closer to polymers with higher fracture toughness-enables new possibilities for the design of robust solid-state batteries.

Improving the management of hypertension and diabetes: An implementation evaluation of an electronic medical record system in Nairobi County, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of a novel electronic medical record (EMR) system for management of non-communicable diseases (NCD) (hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM)) in health facilities in informal settlements in Nairobi. Questions of interest were on the use of, perception of the HCWs, and scalability and sustainability of the EMR system. METHOD: The study utilised a descriptive and analytical implementation evaluation through a convergent parallel mixed-methods design in 33 health facilities in the informal settlements in Nairobi County, Kenya. We carried out semi-structured interviews with the county and sub-county health management staff (n = 9), facility in-charges (n = 8), healthcare workers (HCW) (n = 35), and project staff (n = 7). Additionally, quantitative analysis, trend analysis, critical evaluation and costing were done. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVIVO while quantitative data were analysed using Excel and Stata software. RESULTS: The EMR system significantly improved data capture and management of HTN and DM patients. The system helped clinicians to adhere to treatment and management guidelines and in clinical decision making. Most HCWs had a positive attitude and perceptions about the EMR system, and it was a good initiative for improving the quality and standardisation of care. The data captured made it easier to generate health facility and clinics reports which were essential for planning and decision-making processes. A critical audit of the EMR system features showed adequate general design features (data elements, structure and organisation, ease of use, accessibility, interfaces, confidentiality, access limitation, accuracy and integrity). DISCUSSION: Use of the EMR helped in improving patients care. The technology not only enhanced assurance of patients' information safety and availability but also supported in clinical decision making and standardisation of care. Successful implementation of the technology is dependent on positive perception and attitude of the HCWs. While the initial cost of setting and managing the EMR is high, future maintenance cost could be lower, making it sustainable in the long run. However, it is vital for future implementors to source for adequate funds to run it to completion if it is to achieve its objective.