How, When, and Where? Assessing Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency at the Neighborhood Level.

Self-sufficient decentralized systems challenge the centralized energy paradigm. Although scholars have assessed specific locations and technological aspects, it remains unclear how, when, and where energy self-sufficiency could become competitive. To address this gap, we develop a techno-economic model for energy self-sufficient neighborhoods that integrates solar photovoltaics (PV), conversion, and storage technologies. We assess the cost of 100% self-sufficiency for both electricity and heat, comparing different technical configurations for a stylized neighborhood in Switzerland and juxtaposing these findings with projections on market and technology development. We then broaden the scope and vary the neighborhood's composition (residential share) and geographic position (along different latitudes). Regarding how to design self-sufficient neighborhoods, we find two promising technical configurations. The "PV-battery-hydrogen" configuration is projected to outperform a fossil-fueled and grid-connected reference configuration when energy prices increase by 2.5% annually and cost reductions in hydrogen-related technologies by a factor of 2 are achieved. The "PV-battery" configuration would allow achieving parity with the reference configuration sooner, at 21% cost reduction. Additionally, more cost-efficient deployment is found in neighborhoods where the end-use is small commercial or mixed and in regions where seasonal fluctuations are low and thus allow for reducing storage requirements.

Determination of major nonmetallic impurities in magnesium by glow discharge mass spectrometry with a fast flow source using sintered and pressed powder samples.

Fast flow glow discharge mass spectrometry with a Grimm-type ion source providing a high sputter rate was used for the determination of major nonmetallic impurities in magnesium. The analytical signal was found to be strongly influenced by the electrical discharge parameters. For calibration by standard addition, synthetic standard samples were produced in two different ways-namely, by pressing and by sintering doped metal powders. The observed sensitivity of the calibration curves was shown to depend on the particle size of the powder. For the magnesium powders, the mass fractions of oxygen, nitrogen, boron, and silicon were determined to be about 0.01 kg·kg(-1) (relative standard deviation approximately 10-20 %), 2,700 mg·kg(-1), 150 mg·kg(-1), and 300 mg·kg(-1), respectively.

The use of matrix-specific calibrations for oxygen in analytical glow discharge spectrometry.

The performance of glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for oxygen determination is investigated using a set of new conductive samples containing oxygen in the percent range in three different matrices (Al, Mg, and Cu) prepared by a sintering process. The sputtering rate corrected calibrations obtained at standard conditions for the 4 mm anode (700 V, 20 mA) in GD-OES are matrix independent for Mg and Al but not for Cu. The importance of a "blue shifted" line of oxygen at 130.22 nm (first reported by Köster) for quantitative analyses by GD-OES is confirmed. Matrix-specific calibrations for oxygen in GD-MS are presented. Two source concepts-fast flow (ELEMENT GD) and low gas flow (VG9000)-are evaluated obtaining higher sensitivity with the static flow source. Additional experiments using Ar-He mixtures or µs pulsed GD are carried out in ELEMENT GD aiming to improve the oxygen sensitivity.

Inherent Antibacterial Properties of Biodegradable FeMnC(Cu) Alloys for Implant Application.

Implant-related infections or inflammation are one of the main reasons for implant failure. Therefore, different concepts for prevention are needed, which strongly promote the development and validation of improved material designs. Besides modifying the implant surface by, for example, antibacterial coatings (also implying drugs) for deterring or eliminating harmful bacteria, it is a highly promising strategy to prevent such implant infections by antibacterial substrate materials. In this work, the inherent antibacterial behavior of the as-cast biodegradable Fe69Mn30C1 (FeMnC) alloy against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli as well as Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus is presented for the first time in comparison to the clinically applied, corrosion-resistant AISI 316L stainless steel. In the second step, 3.5 wt % Cu was added to the FeMnC reference alloy, and the microbial corrosion as well as the proliferation of the investigated bacterial strains is further strongly influenced. This leads for instance to enhanced antibacterial activity of the Cu-modified FeMnC-based alloy against the very aggressive, wild-type bacteria P. aeruginosa. For clarification of the bacterial test results, additional analyses were applied regarding the microstructure and elemental distribution as well as the initial corrosion behavior of the alloys. This was electrochemically investigated by a potentiodynamic polarization test. The initial degraded surface after immersion were analyzed by glow discharge optical emission spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, revealing an increase of degradation due to Cu alloying. Due to their antibacterial behavior, both investigated FeMnC-based alloys in this study are attractive as a temporary implant material.

EXPRESS: Landmark Publications in Analytical Atomic Spectrometry: Fundamentals and Instrumentation Development.

The almost-two-centuries history of spectrochemical analysis has generated a body of literature so vast that it has become nearly intractable for experts, much less for those wishing to enter the field. Authoritative, focused reviews help to address this problem but become so granular that the overall directions of the field are lost. This broader perspective can be provided partially by general overviews but then the thinking, experimental details, theoretical underpinnings and instrumental innovations of the original work must be sacrificed. In the present compilation, this dilemma is overcome by assembling the most impactful publications in the area of analytical atomic spectrometry. Each entry was proposed by at least one current expert in the field and supported by a narrative that justifies its inclusion. The entries were then assembled into a coherent sequence and returned to contributors for a round-robin review.

Decarbonizing real estate portfolios considering optimal retrofit investment and policy conditions to 2050.

Retrofitting existing buildings is crucial for achieving Net Zero emissions. Institutional real estate owners play a key role because of their significant ownership, especially of large buildings. We utilize an interdisciplinary approach to evaluate cost-optimal decarbonization conditions for three Swiss real estate portfolios owned by a global institutional investor. We leverage a bottom-up optimization framework for building asset retrofitting, scaled to the portfolio-level, to study the effect of policy scenarios and implementations. Results indicate that achieving Net Zero necessitates significant investments, largely through thermal energy efficiency measures and low-CO2 energy systems, as early as possible to avoid locked-in emissions. Owners will be challenged to smooth long-term capital investments, pointing to a potential liquidity crisis. Consequently, hard-to-decarbonize assets are unable to reach regulatory benchmarks largely because of lingering embodied emissions. To lower transition risk, we recommend that policymakers move toward average CO2 benchmarks at the real estate portfolio-level, emulating automotive fleets.

Cost analysis of community-based daily and weekly programs for treatment of moderate and mild wasting among children on Nias Island, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Ready-to-use food in the form of biscuits (RUF-Nias biscuit) was locally produced for rehabilitation of moderately and mildly wasted (weight-for-height z-score > or = -3 to < -1.5 SD) children on Nias Island, Indonesia. Daily programs were performed in semiurban settings, and weekly programs took place in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the cost of daily and weekly distribution and supervision of RUF-Nias biscuit programs. METHODS: The costs of the daily and weekly programs were derived from the financial report and interviews with program implementers and participating households. Costs were calculated on the basis of total rehabilitation costs per child per day required to achieve a target weight-for-height z-score > or = -1.5 SD in daily and weekly programs. RESULTS: Institutional costs to the implementing organization were similar for both programs (approximately US $4 per child per day). The daily programs resulted in a significantly higher proportion of recovered children (78.6% vs. 65.4%) and higher weight gain (3.7 vs. 2.2 g/kg/day) than the weekly programs. About 6% to 7% of the total cost of the programs was accounted for by locally produced RUF-Nias biscuits. The social cost borne by the community for the weekly programs was about half that for the daily programs. CONCLUSIONS: The daily programs achieved better results for the implementing organization than the weekly programs; however, the weekly programs were preferred by the community because of the lower time constraints and the lower opportunity cost of time. The willingness of community and household members to invest their time in more intensive activities in the daily programs led to better program outcomes.

Improved nutrition knowledge and practice through intensive nutrition education: a study among caregivers of mildly wasted children on Nias Island, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate nutrition knowledge and feeding practices of caregivers are among several important causes of persistent malnutrition problems in young children. Thus, it is essential to provide caregivers with the necessary knowledge to help them modify their feeding practices. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of two different nutrition education methods, weekly intensive nutrition education (INE) and monthly nonintensive nutrition education (NNE), designed for caregivers of mildly wasted children (weight-for-height z-score ≥ -1.5 to < -1) aged ≥ 6 to < 60 months on Nias Island, Indonesia. METHODS: To assess the impact of the two different nutrition education approaches on nutrition knowledge and practice of caregivers with their children, respondents were assigned to receive either weekly INE (n=114) or monthly NNE (n=96). The knowledge and practice levels of the mothers in each group were assessed and compared using a pretested validated questionnaire at admission and after the intervention period. RESULTS: At admission, the knowledge and practice levels of caregivers in both groups were not statistically significantly different. After participating in the nutrition education program, the percentage of correct answers on nutrition knowledge and practice in the INE group was significantly higher than that in the NNE group. Significant improvement in knowledge and practice scores was observed in the INE group after the intervention (p < 0.001), whereas only a significant improvement in knowledge was found in the NNE group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with NNE, the INE approach was significantly better in bringing about a positive change in knowledge and practice of caregivers of mildly wasted children in the study area.

How has external knowledge contributed to lithium-ion batteries for the energy transition?

Innovation in clean-energy technologies is central toward a net-zero energy system. One key determinant of technological innovation is the integration of external knowledge, i.e., knowledge spillovers. However, extant work does not explain how individual spillovers come about: the mechanisms and enablers of these spillovers. We ask how knowledge from other technologies, sectors, or scientific disciplines is integrated into the innovation process in an important technology for a net-zero future: lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), based on a qualitative case study using extant literature and an elite interview campaign with key inventors in the LIB field and R&D/industry experts. We identify the breakthrough innovations in LIBs, discuss the extent to which breakthrough innovations-plus a few others-have resulted from spillovers, and identify different mechanisms and enablers underlying these spillovers, which can be leveraged by policymakers and R&D managers who are interested in facilitating spillovers in LIBs and other clean-energy technologies.

Electrodeposition of Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite on low modulus beta-type Ti-45Nb and effect on in vitro Sr release and cell response.

Beta-type Ti-based alloys are promising new materials for bone implants owing to their excellent mechanical biofunctionality and biocompatibility. For treatment of fractures in case of systemic diseases like osteoporosis the generation of implant surfaces which actively support the problematic bone healing is a most important aspect. This work aimed at developing suitable approaches for electrodeposition of Sr-substituted hydroxyapatite (Srx-HAp) coatings onto Ti-45Nb. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements in electrolytes with 1.67 mmol/L Ca(NO3)2, which was substituted by 0, 10, 50 and 100% Sr(NO3)2, and 1 mmol/L NH4H2PO4 at 333 K revealed the basic reaction steps for OH- and PO43- formation needed for the chemical precipitation of Srx-HAp. Studies under potentiostatic control confirmed that partial or complete substitution of Ca2+- by Sr2+-ions in solution has a significant effect on the complex reaction process. High Sr2+-ion contents yield intermediate phases and a subsequent growth of more refined Srx-HAp coatings. Upon galvanostatic pulse-deposition higher reaction rates are controlled and in all electrolytes very fine needle-like crystalline coatings are obtained. With XRD the incorporation of Sr-species in the hexagonal HAp lattice is evidenced. Coatings formed in electrolytes with 10 and 50% Sr-nitrate were chemically analyzed with EDX mapping and GD-OES depth profiling. Only a fraction of the Sr-ions in solution is incorporated into the Srx-HAp coatings. Therein, the Sr-distribution is laterally homogeneous but non-homogeneous along the cross-section. Increasing Sr-content retards the coating thickness growth. Most promising coatings formed in the electrolyte with 10% Sr-nitrate were employed for Ca, P and Sr release analysis in Tris-Buffered Saline (150 mM NaCl, pH 7.6) at 310 K. At a sample surface: solution volume ratio of 1:200, after 24 h the amount of released Sr-ions was about 30-35% of that determined in the deposited Srx-HAp coating. In vitro studies with human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSC) revealed that the released Sr-ions led to a significantly enhanced cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation and that the Sr-HAp surface supported cell adhesion indicating its excellent cytocompatibility.

DC- and RF-GD-OES measurements of adsorbed organic monolayers on copper.

Our direct current (DC)- and radiofrequency glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (RF-GD-OES) measurements of adsorbed organic monolayers were inspired by the work of Shimizu et al., who presented the first example of depth profile analysis of an adsorbed monolayer by RF-GD-OES in 2004. The great potential of RF-GD-OES for analyses of layers with thicknesses in the subnanometer range was surprising. Shimizu et al. discussed not only the qualitative detection of atoms of the organic monolayer (C, H, N, S), but also the determination of the different orientation of the molecules relative to the surface due to a significant peak sequence. This latter assumption was questioned in the analytical community. We intend to demonstrate the potential of the GD-OES technique for surface analysis in terms of reliability and reproducibility by using an advanced vacuum instrumentation and presputtering with silicon. It will be shown that comparable measurements can be reproduced not only with RF-GD-OES but, above all, also with DC-GD-OES. The experimental steps to adsorb thiourea molecules on a copper substrate are described in detail. Further experiments with other organic molecules, e.g. benzotriazole (BTA) or benzothiazole (BTH), disprove the predicted correlation between the orientation of the molecules relative to the surface and the occurrence of peak separation. Ultimately, a quantification of compounds of the organic monolayer in the case of adsorbed thiourea is achieved.

Electroless-Deposited Platinum Antennas for Wireless Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors.

In an effort to develop a cost-efficient technology for wireless high-temperature surface acoustic wave sensors, this study presents an evaluation of a combined method that integrates physical vapor deposition with electroless deposition for the fabrication of platinum-based planar antennas. The proposed manufacturing process becomes attractive for narrow, thick, and sparse metallizations for antennas in the MHz to GHz frequency range. In detail, narrow platinum-based lines of a width down to 40 µm were electroless-deposited on γ-Al 2O 3 substrates using different seed layers. At first, the electrolyte chemistry was optimized to obtain the highest deposition rate. Films with various thickness were prepared and the electrical resistivity, microstructure, and chemical composition in the as-prepared state and after annealing at temperatures up to 1100 ∘C were evaluated. Using these material parameters, the antenna was simulated with an electromagnetic full-wave simulation tool and then fabricated. The electrical parameters, including the S-parameters of the antenna, were measured. The agreement between the simulated and the realized antenna is then discussed.

Electrodeposited metal-organic framework films as self-assembled hierarchically superstructured supports for stable omniphobic surface coatings.

Superhierarchically rough films are rapidly synthesised on metal substrates via electrochemically triggered self-assembly of meso/macroporous-structured metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals. These coatings are applied to immobilise a functional oil with low surface energy to provide stable coatings repellent to a wide range of hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic fluids. Such omniphobic surfaces are highly interesting for several applications such as anti-fouling, anti-icing, and dropwise condensation, and become easily scalable with the presented bottom-up fabrication approach. As investigated by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), the presented perfluorinated oil-infused Cu-BTC coating constitutes of a flat liquid-covered surface with protruding edges of octahedral superstructured MOF crystals. Water and non-polar diiodomethane droplets form considerably high contact angles and even low-surface-tension fluids, e.g. acetone, form droplets on the infused coating. The repellent properties towards the test fluids do not change upon extended water spraying in contrast to oil-infused porous copper oxide or native copper surfaces. It is discussed in detail, how the presented electrodeposited MOF films grow and provide a proficient surface morphology to stabilise the functional oil film due to hemiwicking.

Wavelength Scanning with a Tilting Interference Filter for Glow-Discharge Elemental Imaging.

Glow discharges have long been used for depth profiling and bulk analysis of solid samples. In addition, over the past decade, several methods of obtaining lateral surface elemental distributions have been introduced, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Challenges for each of these techniques are acceptable optical throughput and added instrumental complexity. Here, these problems are addressed with a tilting-filter instrument. A pulsed glow discharge is coupled to an optical system comprising an adjustable-angle tilting filter, collimating and imaging lenses, and a gated, intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, which together provide surface elemental mapping of solid samples. The tilting-filter spectrometer is instrumentally simpler, produces less image distortion, and achieves higher optical throughput than a monochromator-based instrument, but has a much more limited tunable spectral range and poorer spectral resolution. As a result, the tilting-filter spectrometer is limited to single-element or two-element determinations, and only when the target spectral lines fall within an appropriate spectral range and can be spectrally discerned. Spectral interferences that result from heterogeneous impurities can be flagged and overcome by observing the spatially resolved signal response across the available tunable spectral range. The instrument has been characterized and evaluated for the spatially resolved analysis of glow-discharge emission from selected but representative samples.

Efficacy of mitoxantrone and intrathecal triamcinolone acetonide treatment in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis patients.

Treatment approaches are rare for chronic progressive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective was to evaluate the clinical benefit of repeated intrathecal application of the sustained release steroid triamcinolone acetonide or the administration of mitoxantrone (MIX) in 2 similar cohorts of chronic progressive patients with MS in an open-label fashion. Expanded Disability Status Scale scores significantly decreased after the first 6 intraspinal triamcinolone acetonide injections, which were performed every third day, and then remained stable. Walking distance significantly increased and did not reduce until the end of the 1-year-long trial period. Mitoxantrone treatment did not improve the Expanded Disability Status Scale score; however, no further significant deterioration appeared. Walking distance did not significantly decrease. Both treatment regimens were safe; the patients experienced nearly no adverse effects. Triamcinolone acetonide application provided a clinical benefit, whereas MIX administration prevented further worsening of MS symptoms. We stress that only specialists with a broad experience in intraspinal triamcinolone acetonide application and MIX administration should perform both kinds of therapy only after a careful information and risk-benefit evaluation in cooperation with the patient. Future trials will show the efficacy of combination of both treatment approaches in chronic progressive patients with MS.

Efficacy and safety of repeated intrathecal triamcinolone acetonide application in progressive multiple sclerosis patients.

Available immunomodulatory and conventional steroid treatment options for patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) only provide limited symptomatic benefit. We performed an open trial on the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of repeated intrathecal application of the sustained release steroid triamcinolone acetonide (TCA) in 36 progressive MS patients. Six TCA administrations, performed every third day, reduced the EDSS score (initial: 5.6+/-0.93 [mean+/-S.D.]; end: 4.9+/-1.0; p<0.001) and increased the walking distance (WD) (initial: 294+/-314 m; end: 604+/-540 m; p<0.001). Twenty MS patients continued intrathecal TCA treatment with one TCA injection performed with a variable frequency ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. Both EDSS and walking distance remained stable in these patients until the end of the follow-up investigation period. No serious side effects occurred. We conclude that repeated intrathecal TCA injection provides substantial benefit for progressive MS patients with predominantly spinal symptoms.

Small interacting peptides. Part I. Interaction of cyclohexapeptides with an unspecific SiOH surface: comparison of infrared investigations and force field calculations.

The interaction of cyclohexapeptides c(X(1)(1)K(2)X(2)(3)K(4)X(3)(5)K(6)) in water with hydrolysed silicon surfaces were studied by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FTIR) spectroscopy and by force field calculations. The band sequences (1800-1500 cm(-1)) for dissolved and adsorbed cyclohexapeptides were recorded and compared with those obtained after flushing with distilled water in order to eliminate the background signal of the peptides in solution. Band analyses and principal component analyses were carried out for the characteristic peptide vibrations in order to evaluate the spectra. In addition, force field calculations were performed to study the binding energies to the surface and to illustrate the possible structures of the cyclohexapeptides. The positively charged lysine side chains of the cyclohexapeptides interact with the OH groups of the surface, as indicated by band shifts. This also was verified by the force field calculations. The bonding stability increases with the number of interacting sites (lysine side chains and other peptide residues) to the surface. These sites are determined by structure and polarity of the cyclohexapeptides.

Small interacting peptides. Part II: Interaction of cyclohexapeptides with immobilised model peptides. Comparison of infrared investigations, principal components analysis and force field calculations.

The interaction of cyclic peptides with surface-bound model peptides was investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, principal components analysis and force field calculations. Information about the interacting functional COOH, COO-, and NH3+ groups and the peptide backbone was gained through a set of cyclohexapeptides (seven of the type c(X1KX2KX3K) (K = L-lysine) and one of the type c(X1KX2KX3k) (k = D-lysine), which are interacting with L-arginine- or tripeptide-coated Si-ATR crystals. All measurements were performed in aqueous solutions. Spectra evaluation in the range 1800-1500 cm(-1) was done by band and principal components analysis (PCA). Only adsorbed molecules were present in these spectra. The coatings were investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy too in order to characterise their functional groups. Based on this knowledge, the spectra of the interacting partners could be evaluated in relation to cyclohexapeptides and coatings. As a result, it was possible to identify the distinct differences in the bonding behaviour of the various peptides.

The effect of heating rate on the surface chemistry of NiTi.

The impact of the heating rate on the Ni content at the surface of the oxide layer of biomedical NiTi is explored. Heat treatment emulating common shape-setting procedures was performed by means of conventional and inductive heating for similar annealing time and temperature, applying various heating rates from ~0.25 K s(-1) to 250 K s(-1). A glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy method was established and employed to evaluate concentration profiles of Ni, Ti and O in the near-surface region at high resolution. The Ni content at the surface of the differently treated samples varies significantly, with maximum surface Ni concentrations of ~20 at.% at the lowest and ~1.5 at.% at the highest heating rate, i.e. the total amount of Ni contained in the surface region of the oxide layer decreases by >15 times. Consequently, the heating rate is a determinant for the biomedical characteristics of NiTi, especially since Ni available at the surface of the oxide layer may affect the hemocompatibility and be released promptly after surgical application of a respective implant. Furthermore, apparently contradictory results presented in the literature reporting surface Ni concentrations of ~3 at.% to >20 at.% after heat treatment are consistently explained considering the ascertained effect of the heating rate.

Impact of Daily versus Weekly Supply of Locally Produced Ready-to-Use Food on Growth of Moderately Wasted Children on Nias Island, Indonesia.

This study reports the outcomes of daily (semi-urban areas) and weekly (remote rural regions) programs for moderately wasted children supplemented with locally produced ready-to-use foods in the form of fortified cereal/nut/legume-based biscuits on Nias Island, Indonesia (RUF-Nias biscuit). Thirty-four children in daily and twenty children in weekly programs aged ≥6 to <60 months with weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) ≥ -3 to < -2 SD were recruited (October 2007-June 2008) on Nias and admitted into existing nutrition centers in the Church World Service project area. Individual discharge criterion was WHZ ≥ -1.5 SD. Weight gain of the children in daily and weekly programs was 3.9 ± 3.8 and 2.0 ± 2.0 g/kg/day, respectively. A higher proportion of children in daily than weekly programs reached target WHZ (76% vs. 35%, P = 0.004). Weight gain at program discharge/closure was highly predicted (R (2) = 0.228, P < 0.001) by compliance to RUF biscuits: high vs. low compliance resulted in a 1.33 (95% CI 0.16 to 1.53) g/kg/day higher weight gain. Compliance and admission in daily programs were significant factors in reducing the risk of not reaching the discharge criterion. However, mothers complained more frequently about time constraints in the daily relative to weekly programs.