University of Alberta

About: University of Alberta is a education organization based out in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 65403 authors who have published 154847 publications receiving 5358338 citations. The organization is also known as: Ualberta & UAlberta.

High-density sodium and lithium ion battery anodes from banana peels

Abstract: Banana peel pseudographite (BPPG) offers superb dual functionality for sodium ion battery (NIB) and lithium ion battery (LIB) anodes. The materials possess low surface areas (19–217 m2 g–1) and a relatively high electrode packing density (0.75 g cm–3 vs ∼1 g cm–3 for graphite). Tested against Na, BPPG delivers a gravimetric (and volumetric) capacity of 355 mAh g–1 (by active material ∼700 mAh cm–3, by electrode volume ∼270 mAh cm–3) after 10 cycles at 50 mA g–1. A nearly flat ∼200 mAh g–1 plateau that is below 0.1 V and a minimal charge/discharge voltage hysteresis make BPPG a direct electrochemical analogue to graphite but with Na. A charge capacity of 221 mAh g–1 at 500 mA g–1 is degraded by 7% after 600 cycles, while a capacity of 336 mAh g–1 at 100 mAg–1 is degraded by 11% after 300 cycles, in both cases with ∼100% cycling Coulombic efficiency. For LIB applications BPPG offers a gravimetric (volumetric) capacity of 1090 mAh g–1 (by material ∼2200 mAh cm–3, by electrode ∼900 mAh cm–3) at 50 mA g–1. The...

NXY-059 for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract: Background The free-radical–trapping agent NXY-059 showed promise as a neuroprotectant in the Stroke–Acute Ischemic NXY Treatment I (SAINT I) trial, reducing disability when given to patients who had acute ischemic stroke We sought confirmation of efficacy in a second, larger trial Methods We enrolled 3306 patients with acute ischemic stroke in a randomized, double-blind trial to receive a 72-hour infusion of intravenous NXY-059 or placebo within 6 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms Our primary end point was the distribution of disability scores on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days We examined scores on neurologic and activities-of-daily-living scales as secondary end points We also tested the hypothesis that NXY-059 would reduce alteplase-related intracranial hemorrhages Results The efficacy analysis was based on 3195 patients Prognostic factors were well balanced between the treatment groups Mortality was equal in the two groups, and adverse-event rates were similar The distribution of

Reducing Phosphorus to Curb Lake Eutrophication is a Success

Abstract: As human populations increase and land-use intensifies, toxic and unsightly nuisance blooms of algae are becoming larger and more frequent in freshwater lakes. In most cases, the blooms are predominantly blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), which are favored by low ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus. In the past half century, aquatic scientists have devoted much effort to understanding the causes of such blooms and how they can be prevented or reduced. Here we review the evidence, finding that numerous long-term studies of lake ecosystems in Europe and North America show that controlling algal blooms and other symptoms of eutrophication depends on reducing inputs of a single nutrient: phosphorus. In contrast, small-scale experiments of short duration, where nutrients are added rather than removed, often give spurious and confusing results that bear little relevance to solving the problem of cyanobacteria blooms in lakes.

Ingredients for change: revisiting a conceptual framework

Abstract: Finding ways to deliver care based on the best possible evidence remains an ongoing challenge. Further theoretical developments of a conceptual framework are presented which influence the uptake of evidence into practice. A concept analysis has been conducted on the key elements of the framework—evidence, context, and facilitation—leading to refinement of the framework. While these three essential elements remain key to the process of implementation, changes have been made to their constituent sub-elements, enabling the detail of the framework to be revised. The concept analysis has shown that the relationship between the elements and sub-elements and their relative importance need to be better understood when implementing evidence based practice. Increased understanding of these relationships would help staff to plan more effective change strategies. Anecdotal reports suggest that the framework has a good level of validity. It is planned to develop it into a practical tool to aid those involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating the impact of changes in health care.

Effect of eliminating compensation for pain and suffering on the outcome of insurance claims for whiplash injury

Abstract: Background and Methods The incidence and prognosis of whiplash injury from motor vehicle collisions may be related to eligibility for compensation for pain and suffering. On January 1, 1995, the tort-compensation system for traffic injuries, which included payments for pain and suffering, in Saskatchewan, Canada, was changed to a no-fault system, which did not include such payments. To determine whether this change was associated with a decrease in claims and improved recovery after whiplash injury, we studied a population-based cohort of persons who filed insurance claims for traffic injuries between July 1, 1994, and December 31, 1995. Results Of 9006 potentially eligible claimants, 7462 (83 percent) met our criteria for whiplash injury. The six-month cumulative incidence of claims was 417 per 100,000 persons in the last six months of the tort system, as compared with 302 and 296 per 100,000, respectively, in the first and second six-month periods of the no-fault system. The incidence of claims was high...