Assessing the effect of the electrode orientation on the performance of soil microbial fuel cells

Soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are a sub-class of the microbial fuel cells family, in which the soil acts as the electrolyte, and as the source of microorganisms and organic fuel. Given the great simplicity of the system design, SMFCs show a promising avenue for energy generation in remote areas. In this study, we investigate the influence that geometrical factors, such as the electrode orientation, have on the electrochemical performance of SMFCs. Two types of electrode orientations: horizontal and vertical, were tested. Additionally, the influence of anode and cathode immersion in soil was explored too. Our results demonstrate that vertical positioning of the cathode in soil is not a viable option. The increase in cathodic immersion leads to a more rapid performance decay, attributed to more anaerobic conditions along soil’s depth. The increase in anode immersion has a positive effect on the evolution of the negative electrode potential. However, with the increase in electrode spacing, the performance drops due to a greater internal resistance.

Application of Microextraction-Based Techniques for Screening-Controlled Drugs in Forensic Context—A Review

The analysis of controlled drugs in forensic matrices, i.e., urine, blood, plasma, saliva, and hair, is one of the current hot topics in the clinical and toxicological context. The use of microextraction-based approaches has gained considerable notoriety, mainly due to the great simplicity, cost-benefit, and environmental sustainability. For this reason, the application of these innovative techniques has become more relevant than ever in programs for monitoring priority substances such as the main illicit drugs, e.g., opioids, stimulants, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, dissociative drugs, and related compounds. The present contribution aims to make a comprehensive review on the state-of-the art advantages and future trends on the application of microextraction-based techniques for screening-controlled drugs in the forensic context.

The effect of time-dilation on Bell experiments in the retrocausal Brans model

The possibility of using retrocausality to obtain a fundamentally relativistic account of the Bell correlations has gained increasing recognition in recent years. It is not known, however, the extent to which these models can make use of their relativistic properties to account for relativistic effects on entangled systems. We consider here a hypothetical relativistic Bell experiment, where one of the wings experiences time-dilation effects. We show that the retrocausal Brans model ( Found. Phys. , 49 (2), 2019) can be easily generalized to analyse this experiment, and that it predicts less separation of eigenpackets in the wing experiencing the time-dilation. This causes the particle distribution patterns on the photographic plates to differ between the wings—an experimentally testable prediction of the model. We discuss the difficulties faced by other hidden variable models in describing this experiment, and their natural resolution in our model due to its relativistic properties. In particular, we discuss how a ψ -epistemic interpretation may resolve several difficulties encountered in relativistic generalizations of de Broglie–Bohm theory and objective state reduction models. Lastly, we argue that it is not clear at present, due to technical difficulties, if our prediction is reproduced by quantum field theory. We conclude that if it is, then the retrocausal Brans model predicts the same result with great simplicity in comparison. If not, the model can be experimentally tested.

Father Porphyry (Peter) Chuchman is an example of the catacomb clergy

In the context of the study of the features of the monastic life of the Greek Catholics during the underground period, the author highlights the history of the life and ministry of the Studite hieromonk of Peter - Porphyry - Pavel Chuchman. In the difficult realities of the then reality, the monastic community did not cease its activities, retained monastic charter, adhered to monastic vows, and took care of the replenishment of the monastic congregations at the expense of the youth. The Father of Porphyry was characterized by great simplicity, immediacy, meekness and kindness in relation to those who came to him daily with help.

Application of the hole-drilling method for the evaluation of residual stresses near rounded ends

The experimental measurement of residual stresses by the hole-drilling method is a versatile technique due to its great simplicity. The technique consists of drilling on a material surface and measuring the relieved deformation on the surface by means of strain gauge rosettes. The most widespread method to obtain residual stresses from relieved deformation is the integral method and is found in the ASTM E837-13a standard. The procedure is standardised for very specific conditions, which are based on the application of the technique on a large flat-plate. To apply this technique to situations outside the standard scope, it is necessary to perform studies that validate its applicability. One of these situations is to evaluate the stresses introduced in hot- or cold-rolled profiles, where the residual stresses are concentrated on the rounded corners generated by rolling operations. In this study, a numerical simulation by finite elements has been carried out to obtain the relieved deformations for the case of drilling near rounded ends. The results show that the hole-drilling technique is applicable for the case of rounded ends; however, there is a significant deviation from the flat-plate condition which can be minimised by considering new matrices for the specific rounding radius and thickness of the analysed workpiece.

The Reality of Olympic Sprinting

Every four years, people from around the world gather together to watch the Summer Olympic Games. It is a time of excitement, unity, and excellent competition. However, it is also a time of inspiration for those watching, to pursue a new passion in sports. Moreover, one of the sports all individuals are so easily drawn is that of sprinting. For there is a great simplicity, yet true power to being one of the fastest men or women on the planet. Whether an individual is competing or modestly observing, the world predominantly desires to see, not just who is fast, but who is the fastest. Moreover, this comes from many with the expectation of a world record from one or all sprinting events. However, are these expectations too high, or should the world feel let down when another Olympics passes without a new sprinting world record to claim? This paper aims to provide the exact answer to that question using the fundamental tools from mathematical statistics and probability.

Computing Hardware

Digital computers are built from hardware of great simplicity. First, they are built from devices with two states: on or off, one or zero, high voltage or low voltage, or logical TRUE or FALSE. Second, the devices are connected with extremely fine connections, currently on the order of size of a large virus. Their utility, value, and perceived extreme complexity lie in the software controlling them. Different devices have been used to build computers: relays, vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Theoretically, all can run the same software, only slower or faster. More exotic technologies have not proved commercially viable. Digital computer hardware has increased in power by roughly a factor of 2 every 2 years for five decades, an observation called Moore’s Law. Engineering problems with very small devices, such as quantum effects, heat, and difficulty of fabrication, are increasing and may soon end Moore’s Law.

Chapter V

The beam of the declining sun, softened by the stained panes of a small gothic window, suffused the chamber of the Lady Superior of the convent of Mowbray. The vaulted room, of very moderate dimensions, was furnished with great simplicity and opened into a...

The Psalms in French and Ukrainian Literatures: Versions by Clément Marot and Taras Shevchenko

The article deals with the first exemplars of the psalms translations into French and Ukrainian. Sociohistorical factors leading to a departure from canonical languages are analyzed. Similarities and differences in the process of psalms translation into national languages are identified. Translations of psalms are spread in those countries where the national language and literature are at the stage of search and formation. At that, both in Protestant and Catholic poetry one can easily trace the tendency for the departure from the original, the manifestation of individual author’s origin due to the movements for the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation which considerably changed attitude towards individuality. The Book of Psalms, having its problematic and thematic elaboration of the expression of human feelings, distinctive lyricism, strength and intensity of emotions, bright ideas, providential vigour, precision and great simplicity in the poetic representation of religious feeling, in this case became a universal model prototext which inspired poets to its further actualization