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Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Hazardous Formaldehyde over the Cu2O-TiO2 Based Binary-Photocatalysts at Ambient Temperature
Yu-Cheng Shih
,Ren-Jang Wu
,Mohammod Hafizur Rahman
,Sayeed Rushd
,Ammar Al Shayeb
,Md Arifuzzaman
Formaldehyde (HCHO), a prevalent indoor air pollutant released from furniture and building materials, poses significant health risks due to its carcinogenic nature. In this study, a binary cuprous oxide–titanium dioxide (Cu₂O–TiO₂) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method to enable efficient visible-light-driven degradation of gaseous formaldehyde at ambient temperature. The structural, mor-phological, and optical properties of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized us-ing XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. While pristine Cu₂O exhibited a formaldehyde degradation efficiency of approximately 68% under white light illumi-nation, the incorporation of TiO₂ markedly enhanced the photocatalytic performance. Among the different mass ratios tested, the Cu₂O–TiO₂ (1:1) composite demonstrated the highest activity, achieving 83% degradation of formaldehyde within 240 minutes under white light. Enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of a hetero-junction that reduces the effective bandgap, promotes charge separation, and sup-presses electron–hole recombination. Additionally, the generation of carbon dioxide and water as end products confirmed complete mineralization. The catalyst also showed good reusability, retaining over 81% efficiency after five cycles. This work presents a cost-effective, stable, and visible-light-active Cu₂O–TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalyst with strong potential for indoor air purification applications.
Formaldehyde (HCHO), a prevalent indoor air pollutant released from furniture and building materials, poses significant health risks due to its carcinogenic nature. In this study, a binary cuprous oxide–titanium dioxide (Cu₂O–TiO₂) composite photocatalyst was synthesized via a hydrothermal method to enable efficient visible-light-driven degradation of gaseous formaldehyde at ambient temperature. The structural, mor-phological, and optical properties of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized us-ing XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. While pristine Cu₂O exhibited a formaldehyde degradation efficiency of approximately 68% under white light illumi-nation, the incorporation of TiO₂ markedly enhanced the photocatalytic performance. Among the different mass ratios tested, the Cu₂O–TiO₂ (1:1) composite demonstrated the highest activity, achieving 83% degradation of formaldehyde within 240 minutes under white light. Enhanced performance is attributed to the formation of a hetero-junction that reduces the effective bandgap, promotes charge separation, and sup-presses electron–hole recombination. Additionally, the generation of carbon dioxide and water as end products confirmed complete mineralization. The catalyst also showed good reusability, retaining over 81% efficiency after five cycles. This work presents a cost-effective, stable, and visible-light-active Cu₂O–TiO₂ heterojunction photocatalyst with strong potential for indoor air purification applications.
Posted: 19 May 2026
Sex-Specific Associations of SNVs rs324981 NPSR1 and rs10914456 HCRTR1 with Eating Disorders in Pakistani Adults: A Case-Control Study
Pasha Ghazal
,Kishwar Amin
Disordered eating in young adults is shaped by sociocultural pressures and may be modulated by genetic variation. We examined sex differences in eating-pathology, psychosocial correlates, at two candidate loci Hypocretin and Neuropeptide S (HCRTR1 rs10914456; NPSR1 rs324981). A total of 550 individuals visiting various nutrition clinics were initially approached for participation in the study. Of these, 460 consented to take part ,after exclusions, 360 completed SCOFF; 200 scoring >2 proceeded to EAT-26 and comprised the analytic sample (100 males, 100 females). Psychosocial factors (media influence, academic pressure, peer pressure, isolation/loneliness, and K-pop self-comparison) were assessed by a structured questionnaire. EAT-26 total and subscales were compared by sex (t-tests). Genotypes were contrasted by sex using χ² tests; allele frequencies were derived from genotype counts and ORs with CI were computed. Females showed higher EAT-26 total scores than males (29.7±1.9 vs 23.2±1.3; t(198)=2.82, p<0.005); 68% of females and 76% of males scored ≥20. Anorexia subscale scores were greater in females (t(198)=3.713, p<0.0003), as well as binge-eating scores (t(198)=1.722, p<0.05); bulimia indices did not differ by sex (p>0.05). Body dissatisfaction was common (87%) without sex difference (p>0.05).Significant sex associations were observed for media influence (χ²=67.94, p<0.05), academic pressure (χ²=45.6, p<0.0001), K-pop self-comparison (χ²=112.12, p<0.0001), peer pressure (χ²=46.37, p<0.05),and isolation/loneliness (χ²=28.72, p<0.0001).Genotyping data revealed marked sex-dependent associations at both loci. For HCRTR1 rs10914456, female cases showed a significantly higher frequency of the risk (TT) genotype, conferring 4.86-fold greater odds of carrying T-allele relative to males (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.46–16.17, p = 0.001). In contrast, for NPSR1 rs324981, males exhibited a pronounced T-allele–driven risk pattern, being T-carriers (AT+TT) relative to females (OR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.23–13.68, p = 0.022).Within females specifically, the AA genotype was significantly overrepresented compared with T-carrying genotypes (AA vs AT+TT: OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.59–6.66, p = 0.0013).Collectively, these results highlight a female-specific recessive risk pattern at HCRTR1 and a male-specific dominant T-allele effect at NPSR1, underscoring robust sex-differentiated genetic susceptibility to disordered eating. Overall females exhibited severe eating-pathology and heightened psychosocial sensitivity than males, while genetic risk showed locus-specific sex patterns. Integrating psychosocial screening with genetic profiling may lead to early intervention.
Disordered eating in young adults is shaped by sociocultural pressures and may be modulated by genetic variation. We examined sex differences in eating-pathology, psychosocial correlates, at two candidate loci Hypocretin and Neuropeptide S (HCRTR1 rs10914456; NPSR1 rs324981). A total of 550 individuals visiting various nutrition clinics were initially approached for participation in the study. Of these, 460 consented to take part ,after exclusions, 360 completed SCOFF; 200 scoring >2 proceeded to EAT-26 and comprised the analytic sample (100 males, 100 females). Psychosocial factors (media influence, academic pressure, peer pressure, isolation/loneliness, and K-pop self-comparison) were assessed by a structured questionnaire. EAT-26 total and subscales were compared by sex (t-tests). Genotypes were contrasted by sex using χ² tests; allele frequencies were derived from genotype counts and ORs with CI were computed. Females showed higher EAT-26 total scores than males (29.7±1.9 vs 23.2±1.3; t(198)=2.82, p<0.005); 68% of females and 76% of males scored ≥20. Anorexia subscale scores were greater in females (t(198)=3.713, p<0.0003), as well as binge-eating scores (t(198)=1.722, p<0.05); bulimia indices did not differ by sex (p>0.05). Body dissatisfaction was common (87%) without sex difference (p>0.05).Significant sex associations were observed for media influence (χ²=67.94, p<0.05), academic pressure (χ²=45.6, p<0.0001), K-pop self-comparison (χ²=112.12, p<0.0001), peer pressure (χ²=46.37, p<0.05),and isolation/loneliness (χ²=28.72, p<0.0001).Genotyping data revealed marked sex-dependent associations at both loci. For HCRTR1 rs10914456, female cases showed a significantly higher frequency of the risk (TT) genotype, conferring 4.86-fold greater odds of carrying T-allele relative to males (OR = 4.86, 95% CI: 1.46–16.17, p = 0.001). In contrast, for NPSR1 rs324981, males exhibited a pronounced T-allele–driven risk pattern, being T-carriers (AT+TT) relative to females (OR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.23–13.68, p = 0.022).Within females specifically, the AA genotype was significantly overrepresented compared with T-carrying genotypes (AA vs AT+TT: OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.59–6.66, p = 0.0013).Collectively, these results highlight a female-specific recessive risk pattern at HCRTR1 and a male-specific dominant T-allele effect at NPSR1, underscoring robust sex-differentiated genetic susceptibility to disordered eating. Overall females exhibited severe eating-pathology and heightened psychosocial sensitivity than males, while genetic risk showed locus-specific sex patterns. Integrating psychosocial screening with genetic profiling may lead to early intervention.
Posted: 19 May 2026
Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms, Arthralgia, and Marked Liver-Test Abnormalities as Presenting Features of Probable Celiac Disease in Primary Care: A Case Report
Tomasz Karczewski
,Dawid Karczewski
Posted: 19 May 2026
Five-Meter Accuracy 3D Maps and Generative AI Illuminate Ancient Japan 1,800 Years Ago: Yamatai Queendom and First Emperor Jimmu
Masayuki Kanazawa
Posted: 19 May 2026
Chronic MIGRAINE as an emergent Systems Failure: Integrating Upstream Neuroimmunology, Gut–Brain Dysregulation, and Computational Chronification
Geert A. Sulter
Posted: 19 May 2026
Modern Continual Learning with Foundation Models, Evaluation Challenges, and Future Directions
Zahid Ullah
,Minki Hong
,Jihie Kim
Posted: 19 May 2026
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Feed Mixer-Distributor Equipped with a Leveling–Mixing Device
Daniyar Abilzhanov
,Tokhtar Abilzhanuly
,Nurakhmet Khamitov
,Anuar Adilsheev
,Olzhas Seipataliyev
,Dauren Kosherbay
A hypothesis was proposed that continuous dual-circuit mixing can be achieved by equipping a feed mixer-distributor with two leveling–mixing finger shafts, which, after lifting the feed mass to a certain height, collect it in the central part of the hopper and divide it into two flows directed toward the end walls of the hopper. In this case, continuous dual-circuit mixing is performed during each rotation of the leveling–mixing shaft. A structural and technological scheme, engineering documentation, and an experimental prototype of the feed mixer-distributor were developed. The machine consists of a 3.0 m³ hopper, two horizontal augers, two leveling–mixing finger shafts, a loading conveyor, and a drive mechanism. Theoretical investigations were conducted, and analytical expressions were obtained to determine the circumferential velocity of the fingers of the leveling–mixing device, which should ensure the movement of the feed mixture without scattering and provide the release of the feed mass from the finger surface at a finger rotation angle of 30°. Calculations based on the obtained analytical expressions showed that the critical circumferential velocity of the fingers was 0.8 m/s, while the rotational speed of the finger shaft was 19 min-1. An analytical expression was also obtained to determine the velocity of feed mixture movement along the finger surface. Based on the calculations, the optimal value of this velocity was found to be 0.7 m/s. This value corresponds to the rational velocity of feed mixture transportation toward the end walls of the hopper. Laboratory experiments were carried out using the feed mixer-distributor at a leveling–mixing finger shaft rotational speed of n = 20 min-1. The optimal mixing time required to achieve the target mixture uniformity was 5.5 min, which is 15.4% lower than that of existing machines. Comparative experiments also showed that incorporating the leveling–mixing device into the feed mixer-distributor reduced the power consumption of the mixing process by 34%.
A hypothesis was proposed that continuous dual-circuit mixing can be achieved by equipping a feed mixer-distributor with two leveling–mixing finger shafts, which, after lifting the feed mass to a certain height, collect it in the central part of the hopper and divide it into two flows directed toward the end walls of the hopper. In this case, continuous dual-circuit mixing is performed during each rotation of the leveling–mixing shaft. A structural and technological scheme, engineering documentation, and an experimental prototype of the feed mixer-distributor were developed. The machine consists of a 3.0 m³ hopper, two horizontal augers, two leveling–mixing finger shafts, a loading conveyor, and a drive mechanism. Theoretical investigations were conducted, and analytical expressions were obtained to determine the circumferential velocity of the fingers of the leveling–mixing device, which should ensure the movement of the feed mixture without scattering and provide the release of the feed mass from the finger surface at a finger rotation angle of 30°. Calculations based on the obtained analytical expressions showed that the critical circumferential velocity of the fingers was 0.8 m/s, while the rotational speed of the finger shaft was 19 min-1. An analytical expression was also obtained to determine the velocity of feed mixture movement along the finger surface. Based on the calculations, the optimal value of this velocity was found to be 0.7 m/s. This value corresponds to the rational velocity of feed mixture transportation toward the end walls of the hopper. Laboratory experiments were carried out using the feed mixer-distributor at a leveling–mixing finger shaft rotational speed of n = 20 min-1. The optimal mixing time required to achieve the target mixture uniformity was 5.5 min, which is 15.4% lower than that of existing machines. Comparative experiments also showed that incorporating the leveling–mixing device into the feed mixer-distributor reduced the power consumption of the mixing process by 34%.
Posted: 19 May 2026
Routine-to-Research-to-Innovation (R2R) Framework for Translational Microbiology: Linking Probiotics, Microbial Metabolites, Natural Products, and Thai Patent Mapping
Monthon Lertcanawanichakul
,Tuanhawanti Sahabuddeen
Posted: 19 May 2026
Unraveling the Complexity of Immune System & Tumor Cells; A Narrative Overview
Preeti Sharma
,Pradeep Kumar
,Rajesh Kumar Maurya
Posted: 19 May 2026
From Context to Aspects: LLM Based Implicit Aspect Extraction with Paraphrased Input and Knowledge Graph Support
Lujain Alawwad
,Mohamed El Bachir Menai
Posted: 19 May 2026
On the Implications of Maximal Proper Acceleration on Full Inverse Compton Scattering
Ricardo Gallego Torromé
Posted: 19 May 2026
A Systematic Literature Review on Machine Learning for Intrusion Detection Systems
Ali Ahmed
,Ramy Mostafa
,Mahmoud H. Qutqut
,Noha Ragab
Posted: 19 May 2026
Gestational Week 20 as the Biomechanical Inflection Point of Retroperitoneal Fascial Lamination: A Mechanobiological Model Integrating Geometric Scaling and Evolutionary Front-Loading
Hiromu Tokuchi
Posted: 19 May 2026
Integration of Marine Spatial Planning, Remote Sensing and IoT Data for Adaptive Biodiversity Conservation in Shallow Water Ecosystems: A Case Study of the Tidung Islands, Indonesia
Mulyanto Darmawan
,Sitarani Safitri
,Bayu Sutejo
,Arief Sartono
,Munawaroh Munawaroh
,Nanin Anggraini
,Irmadi Nahib
,Fahmi Amhar
,Syarif Budhiman
,Sri Suryo Sukoraharjo
Posted: 19 May 2026
Intermolecular Interaction–Driven Adaptive Remodeling: A Network Perspective on Plant Abiotic Stress Responses
Leidi Liu
,Xiangfei Cheng
,Yihua Xu
,Lu Liu
,Shuai Zhong
,Xiaohua Chao
,Yumin Chen
,Chengde Yu
,Chengming Fan
,Changsong Zou
Posted: 19 May 2026
Creating a Depot Long‑Acting Injection Antidepressant Through Artificial Intelligence Modelling
Carlo Lazzari
,Marco Rabottini
Posted: 19 May 2026
SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance in Free-Ranging Wildlife in the Northeastern United States, 2022–2025
Idrissa Nonmon Sanogo
,Wendy B. Puryear
,Alexa F. Simulynas
,Elena Cox
,Maureen Murray
,Zain Khalil
,Harm van Bakel
,Martin J. R. Feehan
,Zak Mertz
,Priya Patel
+3 authors
Posted: 19 May 2026
Spatiotemporal Evaluation of Multi-Source Precipitation Products in the Sudan Sahel: Evidence from White Nile State
Abdelbagi Yanes Fadlalmwlla Adam
,Zoltán Gribovszki
,Péter Kalicz
Posted: 19 May 2026
Surface Mine Planning Adaptations for the Integration of Autonomous Haulage Systems: A Review
Tinotenda Chimbwanda
,Tyler Bettencourt
,Nathalie Risso
,Tejo Bheemasetti
,Angelina Anani
,Moe Momayez
Posted: 19 May 2026
Cyclic Altitude Training, Mitochondrial Health, and the Oral-Airway Axis: Intermittent Hypoxia between Adaptation and Disease
Mark Cannon
,John Peldyak
,Paul R. Reynolds
,Benjamin Bikman
Posted: 19 May 2026
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