Mechanism study of highly ordered jets in an improved electrospinning process

An improved electrospinning (IE) is suggested byplacing two positively charged ringsbetween the needle and the parallel electrode collectorto fabricate highly ordered nanofibers. The theoretical analysis and experimental study were performed to investigate the mechanism of highly ordered jets in the spinningprocess. The influence of the distance between two rings on the product?s properties was analyzed theoretically and verified experimentally. The results illustrated the addition of two rings with the optimal distance between them could further improve the ordered degree of nanofibers.

REDISTRIBUTION OF SPUTTERED MATERIAL IN A PLANE IONPLASMA SYSTEM WITH AN ABNORMAL GLOW DISCHARGE

The redistribution of the flow of sputtered material of a target (cathode) between the collector and the target in a plane-parallel electrode system with an anomalous glow discharge is analyzed in the kinetic approximation. Sputtering is the result of bombardment of the target by gas ions accelerated in the near-cathode space charge layer and by fast neutral atoms formed as a result of resonant ion charge exchange. Sputtered atoms partially return to the target due to collisions with gas molecules. The formulas were obtained, which were confirmed in the experiment that makes it possible to correctly estimate the ratio of the sputtered material flows deposited on the collector and the target. The results of the work are used to calculate the parameters of the processes of coating deposition and ion cleaning of the target under conditions of the anomalous glow discharge.

Economical fabrication of graphite/paper-based humidity sensor

<p>Paper is regarded as a promising alternative for low-cost and biodegradable substrate. Paper can be a very good humidity detecting substrate due to its capability to absorb water vapour, thanks to its porous surface. This work explores the feasibility of developing a paper-based humidity sensor using simple and low cost fabrication process. Two type of electrode structures, namely interdigitated and parallel electrode, were formed by using two different pencil grade. The pencil grades used were 2B and 6B. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the fabricated device were measured under different relative humidity and its humidity sensing operation was analyzed. It was observed that the sensor with the 6B and parallel electrode configuration was the most responsive to humidity changes while the 6B interdigitated sensor was the second best. The sensors fabricated with the 6B electrodes are better at sensing humidity changes compared to the sensors fabricated using 2B electrodes.</p>

Structure and electrochemical performance of electrospun-ordered porous carbon/graphene composite nanofibers

Ordered carbon/graphene composite nanofibers (CGCNFs) with different porous configurations were used as a material to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes. These nanofibers were synthesized by applying a modified parallel electrode to the electrospinning method (MPEM) in order to generate electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers containing graphene. After synthesis, these fibers were submitted to carbonization under a N2 atmosphere at 1100 °C. The influence of the ordering and porosity of CGCNFs on their electrochemical performance was studied. The results showed that by adding deionized water to the spinning solution one could increase the number of mesopores and the specific surface area of CGCNFs, thereby significantly increasing their specific capacitance. In addition, the ordering of CGCNFs within the electrode improved the electron transfer efficiency, resulting in a higher specific capacitance.

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Lumbar Medial Branch Thermal Radiofrequency Neurotomy, Stratified for Diagnostic Methods and Procedural Technique

Objective To determine the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch thermal radiofrequency neurotomy based on different selection criteria and procedural techniques. Design Comprehensive systematic review. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and all authors screened and evaluated the studies. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was used to assess all eligible studies. Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure assessed was the success rate of the procedure, defined by varying degrees of pain relief following neurotomy. Data are stratified by number of diagnostic blocks and degree of pain relief, as well as procedural technique with perpendicular or parallel placement of electrodes. Results Results varied by selection criteria and procedural technique. At six months, 26% of patients selected via single medial branch block with 50% pain relief and treated via perpendicular technique achieved at least 50% pain relief; 49% of patients selected via dual medial branch blocks with 50% pain relief and treated via parallel technique achieved at least 50% pain relief. The most rigorous patient selection and technique—two diagnostic medial branch blocks with 100% pain relief and parallel electrode placement—resulted in 56% of patients experiencing 100% relief of pain at six months. Conclusions This comprehensive systematic review found differences in the effectiveness of lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy when studies were stratified by patient selection criteria and procedural technique. The best outcomes are achieved when patients are selected based on high degrees of pain relief from dual medial branch blocks with a technique employing parallel electrode placement.