A mixture of nonlabeled (14N2H4) and 15N labeled hydrazine (15N2H4) in an aqueous solution is oxidized to 15N2, 14N2, and 14N15N molecules, indicating the intermediate existence of the 14NH2-14NH-15NH-15NH2 with subsequent hydrogen transfers and splitting of side N-N bonds. Structures, thermodynamics, and electron characteristics of various N4H6 molecules in aqueous solutions are investigated using theoretical treatment at the CCSD/cc-pVTZ level of theory to explain the crucial part of the hydrazine oxidation reaction. Most N4H6 structures in aqueous solutions are decomposed during geometry optimization. Splitting the bond between central nitrogen atoms is the most frequent, but the breakaway of the side nitrogen is energetically the most preferred. The N-N fissions are enabled by suitable hydrogen rearrangements. Gibbs free energy data indicate the dominant abundance of NH3... N2... NH3 species. The side N atoms have very high negative charges, which should support hydrogen transfers in aqueous solutions. The only stable cyclo-(NH)4…H2 structure has a too high Gibbs energy and breaks the H2 molecule. The remaining initial cyclic structures are split into hydrazine and HN≡NH or H2N≡N species, and their relative abundance in aqueous solutions is vanishing.

The effects of the solvent used for the active layer materials of an OLED based on TADF emitters plays a fundamental role in solution-deposited devices. This work focuses the effects on the performance of different solvents employed to fabricate a very simple two organic layer OLED based on a green TADF emitter, under the concept of host:guest matrix. From the different results of the main figures of merit, it was possible to conclude that the OLED that used toluene as solvent for the active layer reached a maximum EQE of 14%, almost the maximum already obtained for this emitter in more complex device structures. With the analysis of the charge transport processes, it was possible to establish an explanatory model for the obtained results. Through impedance spectroscopy, additional characterization about the nature of charge transport processes was carried out. With these results, it was possible to corelate the relaxation times, with the electrical properties of the active layer, and infer about the interaction between the electrical charges and the defect levels opening new possibilities to further development in the printed OLEDs.

The internet of things and growing demand for smaller and advanced devices has created the problem of high heat production in the electronic equipment which greatly reduces the work performance and life of the electronic instruments. Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are placed in between heat generating micro-chip and the heat dissipater to conduct all the produced heat to the heat sink. Development of suitable TIMs with excellent thermal conductivity (TC) in both in-plane and through-plane directions is a very important need at present. For efficient thermal management, polymer composites are potential candidates. But in general their thermal conductivity is low compared to that of metals. The filler integration into the polymer matrix is one of the two approaches used to increase the thermal conductivity of polymer composites and is also easy to scale up for industrial production. Another way to achieve this is to change the structure of polymer chains, which fall out of the scope of this work. In this review, considering the first approach, the authors have summarized recent development in many types of fillers with different scenarios by providing multiple cases with successful strategies to improve through-plane thermal conductivity (TPTC) (K⊥). For better understanding of TC the comprehensive background is also presented. In the end, it is given a detailed conclusion which provides drawbacks of some filler, multiple significant routes recommended by other researchers to build Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites, future aspects along with direction so that the researchers can get a guideline to design an effective polymer based Thermal interface materials. A number of methods to improve the effective (out-plane) thermal conductivity of polymer composites are also discussed.

Wencheng waxy yam is famous for its glutinous and resilient taste, similar to waxy rice, but there is currently a lack of systematic research on the quality of this featured product, and little is known about its pesticide residues. We carried out a 2-year investigation of Wencheng waxy yam at seven sites from 2021 to 2022 to determine the oxidase content and phytochemical characteristics, namely amylose, amylopectin, protein, reducing sugar, and mineral contents such as K, Fe, and Zn, , including the status of pesticide residues. The results showed that oxidase content was affected by rainfall, and adequate water reduced the production of oxidase, including polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), during the late growth stage of waxy yam, which was beneficial for reducing browning in yam processing. Radar map analysis showed that, with comprehensive evaluation, standardized production sites 1 and 2 had a relatively higher quality than 3–7 with small farmers. The results of pesticide multi-residue testing showed that no pesticides were detected in 64.29% samples, and the detected residues samples were very low, making the consumption of yam safe for consumers. These findings could be beneficial for the exploitation of the health benefits of waxy yam tubers and the innovation of yam-based functional products.

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is one of the most common pathogens that cause myocarditis in humans. However, a sufficient therapeutic drug was not developed yet. Caboxamycin, a benzoxazole antibiotic, isolated from the culture broth of the marine strain Streptomyces sp., SC0774, displayed an antiviral effect in the CVB3-infected HeLa cells and CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model. Caboxamycin significantly inhibited CVB3 VP1 production and cleavage of translation factor eIF4G1 from CVB3-infected HeLa cells at a 100 μg/ml concentration. Moreover, virus RNA amplification was dramatically reduced by caboxamycin treatment in HeLa cells. The caboxamycin cardiac protective effect was observed on the CVB3-mediated myocarditis mice model. The caboxamycin-treated mice survival was significantly increased compared to untreated mice (treated vs untreated, 100 vs 45 %). Heart histologic findings showed that myocardium damage and inflammation were significantly decreased by caboxamycin treatment. Caboxamycin directly inhibited caspase3 activity and cardiac myocytes apoptosis. These results suggested that caboxamycin strongly suppressed cardiac myocyte apoptosis and effectively inhibited the proliferation of CVB3 from in vitro and in vivo conditions. Furthermore, this study proposed that caboxamycin could potentially be applied in developing a new antiviral drug for CVB3-induced myocarditis.

The economics and safety of reactors can be affected by the diffusion of fission products into graphite. Xenon (Xe) fission products diffusing into the graphite is the most critical neutron absorber and poison that can slow down or stop the chain reaction. The transport parameters for inhibiting the xenon diffusion in graphite are therefore the utmost scientific problem. Self-sintered nanopore-isotropic (~ 40nm) graphite (SSNG) derived from green pitch coke can decrease Xe diffusion into the graphite. In this study, a method for measurement of diffusion coefficients of fission products diffusion in graphite by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was reported. The SSNG substrates were implanted with Xe at a dose of 4.8×1015 ions/cm2 and energy of 7 MeV. The RT-implanted samples were annealed in a vacuum at 650°C for 9 h. The implanted and annealed samples were characterized by RBS. The diffusion coefficient D(Xe,650°C) is 6.49×10-20 m2/s. The results indicate the excellent ability to inhibit Xe diffusion of the SSNG and present significance in designing and evaluating the safety of nuclear reactors.

It is important to develop new antibacterial drugs since the emergence of bacterial resistance to available antibiotics. Metal nanoparticles have the potential to combat antibiotic resistance and are effective antibacterial agents. Here, we demonstrate the biogenic production of zinc nanoparticles using Rhododendron arboreum stem bark. The biosynthesized ZnNPs were characterized through different analytical techniques such as UV-vis, FTIR, EDX, SEM, and XRD. Clinical isolates such as E. coli, S. aureus, and K. pneumonia were used to check the antibacterial efficacy of the biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles. The MIC and MBC values against K. pneumonia, S. aureu, and E. coli were found to be 34±0.21 and 11.71±0.47, 47±0.11 and 23.86±0.84 and 94±0.18 and 40.43±0.16 µg/mL, respectively. It dramatically decreased the integrity of the cell membrane and markedly increased the permeability of both inner and outer membranes. The green synthesized ZnNPs have good catalytic activity. It degraded 65% of methyl orange dye within 6h when the mixture was kept in direct sunlight, thus demonstrating good photodegradation potential and can be employed as a good photocatalyst. According to these results, biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles could be a potential therapy option for controlling bacterial pathogenesis and an effective photocatalyst for the elimination of hazardous water contaminants.

In the present study, the efficiency of a biomimetic approach by coating demineralized bone matrix (DBM) amorphous calcium phosphate (DBM+CaP), including its combination with serum albumin (DBM+CaP+BSA), was investigated. The intact structure of DBM promotes the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate (CaP) into DPCD with a characteristic plate shape and particle size of 5–35 µm. The inclusion of BSA in the coating resulted in a better and more uniform distribution of CaP on the surface of DBM trabeculae. MG63 cells showed that both the obtained forms of CaP and its complex with BSA did not exhibit cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 10 mg/ml in vitro. Ectopic (subcutaneous) implantation in rats revealed pronounced biocompatibility, as well as strong osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic effects for both DBM+CaP and DBM+CaP+BSA, but more pronounced effects for DBM+CaP+BSA. In addition, for the DBM+CaP+BSA samples, a pronounced full physiological intrafibrillar biomineralization and proangiogenic effect with the formation of bone-morrow-like niches, accompanied by pronounced processes of intramedullary hematopoiesis, indicating a powerful osteogenic effect of this composite have been achieved.

The introduction on Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOn) in sunscreens solved the issue of poor spreadability of these formulations, which often left a white film on the skin. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the topical application of ZnOn. Some studies employed commercial sunscreens to address the safety issues of the topical application of ZnOn; however, commercial formulations are often complex and contain a wide range of ingredients that could attenuate the potential damage caused by the ZnOn. Therefore, in this study we aimed to develop a simple stable formulation containing 20% of coated and uncoated ZnOn, characterize the formulations and the nanoparticles, and assess the skin penetration in Franz diffusion cell. The Feret's diameter for the uncoated and coated ZnOn was 137 nm and 134 nm, respectively. For the uncoated ZnOn the hydrodynamic size in water was 368 nm and for the coated ZnOn, the average hydrodynamic size in ethyl acetate was 135 nm. The incorporation of ZnOn led to formulations more consistent and easier to spread, as suggested by the lower work of shear and higher values of firmness, cohesiveness, consistency and index of viscosity compared with the vehicle. The stability assessment at 45ºC suggested that the formulations containing the ZnOn were stable for 30 days and the vehicle was stable for 90 days. The assessment off the skin penetration by reflectance confocal laser microscopy indicated that the formulations did not permeate into the deepest layers of the skin, but accumulated on the skin furrows, hair and hair follicle.

This paper presents an investigation of the oxidation of Alloy X-750 containing 5% Fe in a simulated boiling water reactor (BWR) environment. To mimic the conditions in which the bare metal is exposed to the reactor water the samples were not pre-oxidized. The specimens were exposed for durations ranging from 2 to 840 hours, and the development of the oxide microstructure was mainly studied using electron microscopy. The results showed that the oxide scale consisted of blocky crystals of trevorite on top of a porous inner layer rich in Ni and Cr. After the longest exposure time, the trevorite crystals completely covered the specimen surface. The study further revealed that the speed at which the oxide grew and the metal dissolved both decreased with time. Additionally, the metal thinning process was found to be sub-parabolic. Given the significant variation in iron content in the X-750 specification, the influence of this element on the material's corrosion performance in BWR was examined by comparing the results from this investigation with those from previous work on material containing 8 wt% Fe. The study demonstrated that the oxide growth, metal dissolution and metal thinning were slower in the material with higher Fe content, indicating the importance of this element in limiting the degradation of Alloy X-750 in BWR environments.

We investigate the structural correlation of non-covalent crown ether/H+/L-tryptophan (CR/TrpH+) host-guest complexes in the solution phase with those in the gas phase generated through electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) techniques. We perform quantum chemical calculations to determine their structures, relative Gibbs free energies, and infrared spectra. We compare the calculated infrared (IR) spectra with the IR multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectra observed for the 18-Crown-6/TrpH+ complex by Polfer and co-workers [J. Phys. Chem. A 2013, 117, 1181−1188] for assigning the IR bands. We observe that the carboxyl group remains ‘naked’, lacking hydrogen bonding with the CR unit in the gas phase, and that this most stable conformer originates from the corresponding lowest Gibbs free energy structure in solution. Based on these findings, we propose that gas phase host-guest complexes directly correlate with those in solution, reinforcing the possibility of obtaining invaluable information about host-guest-solvent interactions in solution from the structure of the host-guest pair in the gas phase.

Although the effect of thermal modification (TM) on teak wood color is well documented, a few studies were carried out in closed system processes, as well as it remains unclear the effect of different processes on the same material. This work aimed to verify the effect of closed and open system processes of TM on the color of fast-growing teak wood. Thermally modified wood was evaluated in a closed system at 160 °C (CS160) and in an open system at 185 °C and 210 °C (OS185 and OS210). We measured the moisture content (initial and final) of wood, and the corrected mass loss (CML). The chemical analyses encompassed the contents of alpha-cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives (total, in acetone and dichloromethane). Wood color was measured before and after TM according to the CIEL*a*b* color space. It was possible to achieve the same color using different processes of thermal modification (CS160 and OS210). TM reduced wood lightness (L*), red-green chromaticity coordinate (a*), and yellow-blue chromaticity coordinate (b*). L* and a* had the bigger and lower variations, respectively. The color of thermally modified wood was significantly changed, even at the mildest condition tested (OS185, 0.33% CML).

Chalcones are a class of flavonoids possessing a variety of biological activities, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Therefore, chalcones and their derivatives have potential use in the control of postharvest diseases. In this work, the effects of 2ʹ,4ʹ-dichloro-chalcone on the in vitro growth and in vivo pathogenicity of F. tricinctum and T. roseum were investigated. The results showed that 100 µM of 2ʹ,4ʹ-dichloro-chalcone strongly inhibited mycelial growth and conidial production of F. tricinctum (32.3%) and T. roseum (65.2%) in vitro. This treatment also significantly inhibited the expansion of potato dry rot from F. tricinctum (48.6%) and apple rot spot from T. roseum (36.2%). The incubation of F. tricinctum and T. roseum conidia with this agent for 2 h increased their cell membrane permeability by 25% and 22.5%, respectively and conidial membrane permeability by 41.7 and 65.4%, respectively. This treatment also significantly inhibited the total respiration rate and activated the cyanide-resistant respiratory pathway in both pathogens. Protein immunoblotting showed that the treatment increased alternative oxidase (AOX) levels after 4 h in F. tricinctum and T. roseum by 52.76% and 39.13%, respectively. Conclusion: 100 µM 2ʹ,4ʹ-dichloro-chalcone significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore production in F. tricinctum and T. roseum in vitro and reduced their pathogenicity in postharvest potato and apple crops. Further analysis indicated that 2ʹ,4ʹ-dichloro-chalcone disrupted the integrity of cell membranes and the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain which leaded to ROS burst and oxidative stress, AOXs were induced directly or indirectly, and the cyanide resistant respiratory pathway was activated. The in vitro growth and pathogenicity of F. tricinctum and T. roseum were inhibited.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are being used extensively in modern industries that require high strength-to-weight ratio such as aerospace, automotive, motorsport, and sports equipment. However, although reinforcement with carbon fibers improves the mechanical properties of polymer, this comes on the expense of abrasive wear resistance. Therefore, to efficiently utilize CFRPs in dry sliding contacts, solid lubricant is used as a filler. Further, to facilitate fabrication of objects with complex geometries, selective laser sintering (SLS) can be employed. Accordingly, in the present work, graphite-filled carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide 12 (CFR-PA12) specimens were prepared using SLS process to explore the dry sliding friction and wear characteristics of the composite. The test specimens were aligned along four different orientations in the build chamber of SLS machine to determine the orientation-dependent tribological properties. The experiments were conducted using pin-on-disc tribometer to measure the coefficient of friction (COF), interface temperature, friction-induced noise, and specific wear rate. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tribo-surfaces was conducted to specify the dominant wear pattern. The results indicated that the steady state COF, contact temperature, and wear pattern of graphite-filled CFR-PA12 are orientation-independent, and that the contact temperature is likely to approach an asymptote far below the glass transition temperature of amorphous PA12 zones, thus eliminating the possibility of matrix softening. Additionally, the results showed that the Z-oriented specimen exhibits the lowest level of friction-induced noise along with the highest wear resistance. Moreover, SEM of tribo-surfaces determined that abrasive wear is the dominant wear pattern.

Fosmidomycin (FOS) is a naturally occurring compound active against the enzyme DXR in the MEP pathway, and using it as a template for lead structure design is an effective strategy in developing new active compounds. In this work, by replacing the hydroxamate unit of FOS with pyrazole, isoxazole and the related heterocycles that also have the metal ion binding affinity, while retaining the monophosphonic acid in FOS or replacing it with a bisphosphonic acid group, heterocycle-containing mono- and bisphosphonic acid compounds as FOS analogs were designed. The key steps involved in the facile synthesis of these FOS analogs include the Michael addition of diethyl vinylphosphonate or tetraethyl vinylidenebisphosphonate to β-dicarbonyl compounds and the subsequent cyclic condensation with hydrazine or hydroxylamine. Two additional isoxazolinone-bearing FOS analogs were synthesized by the Michaelis-Becker reaction with diethyl phosphite as a key step. The bioactivity evaluation on model plants demonstrated that several compounds have better herbicidal activities compared to FOS, with the most active compound showing a 3.7-fold inhibitory activity on Arabidopsis thaliana, while on the root and stalk of Brassica napus L. and Echinochloa crus-galli in pre-emergence inhibitory activity test, the activities of this compound were found to be 3.2- and 14.3-, 5.4- and 9.4-fold, respectively, and in post-emergency activity test on Amaranthus retroflexus and Echinochloa crus-galli, 2.2- and 2.0-fold inhibition activities were displayed. Despite the significant herbicidal activity, this compound exhibited a DXR inhibitory activity lower than that of FOS but comparable to that of other non-hydroxamate DXR inhibitors, and the dimethylallyl pyrophosphate rescue assay gave no statistical significance, suggesting a different target might be involved in the inhibiting process. This work demonstrates that using bioisosteric replacement can be considered a valuable strategy for discovering new FOS analogs that may have high herbicidal activity.

This study presents a combined electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy(SKPFM) investigation on the natural passivation process of stainless steels (AISI 316 and AISI 304) and nickel-based alloy (INCONEL 600) as a function of immersion time in an alkaline medium (pH = 13). EIS measurements show an increase in the resistance of the film with increasing immersion time in the electrolyte. After 3 days of immersion, for the three alloys, the films formed constitute an effective barrier to the dissolution of the alloys as shown by AFM and SKPFM. The oxide film growth on each substrates is only influenced by trenches formed during the polishing step and don’t depend on the chemical composition.

The aim of this study was to investigate the parameters affecting the extraction of positive molecules such as chlorogenic acids and antioxidants, as well as potentially carcinogenic substances such as acrylamide, in different coffee brewing methods. Three coffee varieties, each assigned to different roasting degree, were used to prepare coffee brews following eight diverse preparation methods. Acrylamide was quantified by HPLC-MS/MS instrument while chlorogenic acids and caffeine by HPLC-DAD system. Three spectrophotometric analyses were also performed (DPPH, TFC and TPC) to evaluate antioxidant activity as well. The results showed that the main brewing parameters, that have the greatest influence on the final content of these compounds were the volume of water used, more specifically the brewing ratio (coffee to water ratio), the extraction time and the particle size of the coffee powder.

Inspired by the process of bone formation in living organisms, many studies have been conducted to develop organic-inorganic composite materials by generating calcium phosphate crystals within solutions or dispersions of polymers with appropriate functional groups. Bones are composite materials consisting of organic polymers (mainly Type I collagen), carbonated apatite, and water, with volume fractions 35-45%, 35-45%, 15-25%, respectively. Carbonated apatite in bone contributes to rigidity, while organic polymers and water contribute to toughness. The inorganic crystal, carbonated apatite, is a plate-shaped crystal with dimensions of 50 nm × 25 nm × 1-4 nm, generating a significant organic-inorganic interface due to its nanoscale size. This interface is believed to absorb externally applied forces to dissipate mechanical energy to thermal energy. Creating such nanometer-scale structures using top-down approaches is challenging, making bottom-up methods like co-precipitation of polymer and inorganic crystals more suitable. In this account, efforts to develop eco-friendly mechanical materials using biomass such as cellulose and starch based on the bottom-up approach to bone-like composites are described.

Treatment regimens are regularly evolving, together with novel therapies and drugs. Such evolution is necessary to circumvent resistance mechanisms and to give patients the best possible health care. When dealing with cancer, most regimens involve multiple treatments (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.). The purpose of this study was to associate in a single compound metal-based drugs and photosensitizers to combine chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Two arene-ruthenium tetrapyridylporphyrin compounds (2H-TPyP-arene-Ru and Zn-TPyP-arene-Ru) have been synthesized and evaluated on two colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 and HT-29). The cytotoxicity and phototoxicity have been evaluated. In addition, the anticancer mechanism and the cell death process mediated by the two compounds were studied. The results showed that the two arene-ruthenium photosensitizer-containing complexes have a strong phototoxic effect after photoactivation. The 2H-TPyP-arene-Ru induced outstanding cytotoxicity when compared to the Zn-TPyP-arene-Ru analogue. Moreover, under light, these two arene-ruthenium photosensitizers induce an apoptotic process in human colorectal cancer cell lines.

Germanium films were grown on c-plane sapphire with a 10 nm AlAs buffer layer using molecular beam epitaxy. The effects of Ge film thickness on the surface morphology and crystal structure were investigated by ex-situ characterization techniques. The nucleation of Ge proceeds by forming (111) oriented three-dimensional islands with two rotational twin domains about the growth axis. The boundaries between the twin grains are the origin of 0.2% strain and tilt grains. The transition to a single-grain orientation reduces the strain and results in a better-quality Ge buffer. Understanding the role of thickness on material quality during the Ge(111)/Al2O3(0001) epitaxy is vital for achieving device quality when using group IV material on the sapphire platform.

Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands a reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs, delve into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising class of bioactive molecules with the potential to combat infections associated with medical implants and biomaterials. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of antimicrobial peptides in medical implants and biomaterials, along with their diverse clinical applications. The incorporation of AMPs into various medical implants and biomaterials has shown immense potential in mitigating biofilm formation and preventing implant-related infections. We review the latest advancements in biomedical sciences and discuss the AMPs that were immobilized successfully to enhance their efficacy and stability within the implant environment. We also highlight successful examples of AMP coatings for the treatment of surgical site infections (SSIs), Contact lenses, Dental Applications, AMP-Incorporated Bone Grafts, Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Medical Implants, etc. Additionally, we discuss the potential challenges and prospects of AMPs in medical implants, such as effectiveness, instability and implant-related complications. We also discuss strategies that can be employed to overcome the limitations of AMP-coated biomaterials for prolonged longevity in clinical settings.

Metallic masters can be used as a metallic mold to replicate polymeric pieces with high resolution. Metallic masters with high resolution were created by photolithography technique and nickel electrodeposition technique. AZ 9260 photoresists and SPR 220-7.0 photoresists were used to coat metallic substrates and to compare results. Steel substrate and nickel substrate were used as the metallic substrate to compare results. Two different nickel electrodeposition protocols were used to compare results. In the conclusion section, was determined the best photoresist, metallic substrate, and nickel electrodeposition protocol to fabricate metallic masters.

This comprehensive review addresses topics relevant to understanding of characterization of antimicrobial coatings used in surface modifications of yarns and materials intended for usage in medical and dental applications. These coatings are created using various physical and chemical methods to achieve efficient, homogeneous, and uniform layers on different surfaces and materials, with the goal of imparting antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties. Antimicrobial coatings must contain active compounds effective against various microorganisms, including those resistant to antibiotics. Examples of such compounds include metallic nanoparticles (such as silver, copper, and gold) and nanoparticles of metal oxides (such as zinc, titanium, and aluminum). Once materials intended for medical applications are coated, they undergo extensive testing and characterization, for which the methodologies will be presented in this chapter. Despite their wide efficiency in medical applications, concerns are raised regarding the potential toxicity of nanoparticles to living organisms. Therefore, the development of novel legal frameworks is anticipated, which will depend on proper characterization and testing procedures. This paper provides a summary of the current state-of-the-art methodologies for characterizing nanoparticles in antimicrobial coatings on materials with different roughness and structures and specifies the problems related with accumulation of antimicrobial nanoparticles in a human body.

The traditional processing of Dendrobium officinale (DO) is manufactured through five necessary processing steps: fresh strips, drying at 85 °C, curling, molding, and drying at 35 °C (Fengdou), and the antioxidant activity of DO were increased after processing into Fengdou. To comprehensively analyses the changing functional components, a plant-wide target metabolomics were employed. In total, 739 differential ingredients were identified in five processing treatments, mainly highlighting differences in variation with phenolic acids, flavonoids, lipids, and amino acids and their derivatives, and glycosylation of aglycone result in the up-regulation in flavonoid glycosides levels. Temperature is a key step in DO processing production. In addition, the main enrichment of specific differential ingredients was found in five different metabolic pathways, including glucosinolate biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, ubiquinone and other terpene quinone biosynthesis. Correlation analysis clarified that total phenols and flavonoids showed a significant positive correlation with antioxidant capacity. This study provides new insights into the influence of processing processes on DO quality, which may lead to guidance for the high-quality production of DO.

In the present work, we report on a 3D MOF of {[Pb5(3-OH)(3-NO3)3(6-pmdc)3·H2O}n formula (pmdc = pyrimidine-4,6-dicarboxylate) synthesized by an oven-heated solvent-free procedure. The large connectivity afforded by the three ligands in their coordination to lead(II) ions grows cubic building units characterized by a central Pb atom with an unusual coordination index of 12 and six pmdc ligands occupying the faces. These cubic units are linked one another giving rise to a quite condensed structure that represents an unprecedented topology showing the (4.62)6(43)2(45.610)3(45.68.82)6(46.69)6(612.83) point symbol. The crystalline material has been characterized by routine physico-chemical techniques to confirm its purity and its thermal behaviour has been also studied by thermogravimetric and thermodiffractometric analyses. The solid presents greenish blue photoluminescent emission based on pmdc ligands, as revealed time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations, by that is substantially more intense than in free H2pmdc ligand according to its improved quantum yield. The emissive capacity of the material is further analysed according to decreasing temperature of the polycrystalline sample, finding that sizeable long-lasting phosphorescence is present.

Three novel iron(II) coordination polymers, [Fe(H2O)2(ttmb)2](ClO4)2·4H2O (1), [Fe(H2O)2(ttmb)2](BF4)2·4H2O (2), [Fe(ttmb)2(NCS)2] (3), were synthesized with the linker 1,3,5-tris(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene (ttmb). The single-crystal structures show that all three compounds form a double chain structure with the adjacent iron atoms being bridged by two ttmb linkers. The iron(II) ions are octahedrally surrounded by four N4 donor atom from the 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl groups of four different ttmb linkers which form an equatorial plane and two trans-coordinated aqua ligands in 1 and 2 or isothiocyanato ligands in 3 in the axial positions. In view of the neutral bridging ttmb linker, there is a counter-anion in all structures; uncoordinated ClO4– and BF4–in 1 and 2 or coordinated NCS–in 3. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural. Interestingly, the ttmb linker only utilizes two of its three potentially coordinating triazole groups. All iron(II) coordination networks are colorless or have a light-yellow color, being indicative of the high-spin state.

In this study, we investigated the effects of three surface treatment techniques on 316L stainless steel, low-temperature immersion corrosion, shot peening followed by immersion corrosion, and electrochemical corrosion. Surface alterations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and α-step thin-film thickness profiling. Human osteoblast adhesion was evaluated using Liu’s stain and metallographic optical microscopy. The results revealed weak cell adhesion after low-temperature immersion and shot peening followed by immersion corrosion. By contrast, electrochemical corrosion, particularly with a high current density and low corrosive solution concentration, resulted in a uniformly corroded surface, thus promoting dense cell adhesion. All three techniques resulted in porous oxide layers. Overall, our experimental findings highlighted shot peening (1 kg/cm2 for 20 s) and electrochemical corrosion (0.5 M HCl) as effective processes. Electrochemical corrosion produced uniformly dense corrosion pits, whereas shot peening produced semicircular grooves with small corrosion pits, both favorable for cell adhesion. Electrochemical corrosion also yielded excellent cell adhesion, emphasizing its suitability for biomedical activity. We developed a process for creating a porous surface layer and thereby enhancing the cell adhesion to 316L stainless steel for potential biomedical implant applications.

Functional dependence of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D with respect to a properly chosen geometrical parameter (Dstr) in metal complexes is termed the Magnetostructural D-Correlation. In mononuclear hexacoordinate Ni(II) complexes with the ground electronic term 3B1g (3A2g in the regular octahedron) it proceeds along two intercepting straight lines allowing to predict the sign and magnitude of the D-parameter by knowing the X-ray structure alone; Dstr is constructed from the metal-ligand bond lengths. In hexacoordinate Co(II) complexes it is applicable only in the segment of the compressed bipyramid where the ground electronic term 4B1g is orbitally non-degenerate so that the spin Hamiltonian formalism holds true. The D vs Dstr correlation is strongly non-linear and it is represented by a set of decreasing exponentials. In tetracoordinate Co(II) complexes, on the contrary, the angular distortion from the regular tetrahedron is crucial so that the appropriate structural parameter Dstr is constructed of bond angles. All of these empirical correlations originate in the electronic structure of metal complexes that can be modelled by the generalized crystal-field theory. As the barrier to spin reversal in the single-molecule magnets is proportional to the D-value, for a rational tuning and/or prediction of the single-molecule magnetic behavior knowledge/prediction of the D-parameter is beneficial. In this review, we present the statistical processing of an extensive set of structural and magnetic data of Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, which were published over the past 15 years. Magnetostructural D-correlations defined for this data set are reviewed in detail.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) as a semiconductor in its crystalline or amorphous form is still a promised material, especially under isobaric and isothermal ensembles. In this work, Parallel and Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics and DL_POLY_4 software are employed to predict the relationship between the behavior of ZnO chemical bonds and the phase transition literatures, using correlation function g(r) of Zn-Zn, Zn-O, and O-O pairs. Our system is composed of 5832 atoms of ZnO rocksalt structure (2916 atoms of Zn2+ and 2916 atoms of O2-), under the temperature of 300 (K) and the range of pressure 0-400 (GPa). The lengths of ZnO bonds, the standard error, standard deviation, the maximum of g(r), and the percentage of the variation of the bonds are analyzed. The interatomic interactions are modeled by the potential of Buckingham for short-range and Coulomb for long-range interactions. The calculations were run on the RAVEN Supercomputer of Cardiff University (UK). Our data are mostly in the vicinity of available information of bonds lengths; the rest can be deduced from the pressure of phase transition to use it as a new approach of phase transition confirmation. However, the rest of our results are still a prediction because of no results under extended pressure used in this work.

A novel polymer containing β-cyclodextrin, α-cyclodextrin, γ -cyclodextrin and chitosan (cy-clodextrin-chitosan) was synthesized, characterized and used for extracting two kinds of pharmaceuticals ibuprofen and progesterone. This polymer is amorphous and porous with a high swelling capacity. The cyclodextrin-chitosan polymer exhibits high extraction capacity towards progesterone and ibuprofen. Add to that, the effect of different operator variables was studied and discussed (i.e., the effects of contact time, solute concentration, pH, ionic strength and temperature). In this study adsorption kinetic was investigated, where it follows a pseudo-second order model in case of ibuprofen and progesterone.

DFT-D3 calculations based on structural X-ray diffraction data obtained for 3-oxo-camphorsulfonyl imine (1), camphorsulfonyl chloride (2) and seven camphor sulfonimines (O2SNC10H13NR, L1-L7) from which L2 (R=4-OHC6H4), L4 (R=4-ClC6H4) and L6 (R=3,5-(CH3)2C6H3) are new, provide information into the intra and inter molecular interactions with concomitant elucidation of the supramolecular arrangement of the compounds. The DFT D3 calculations performed in small clusters of 2 or 3 molecular units reproduce the interactions observed by X-ray analyses showing that as a general trend the structural arrangement of the molecules is driven by electronic rather than by packing parameters. In all compounds the self-assembly of 3D structures involves the sulfonyl imine group ( NSO2) either to establish hydrogen bonds, through the oxygen atoms or non-classic oxygen-aliphatic hydrogen or non-bonding interactions (NBI) which also involve the sulfonyl oxygens. Interestingly, the camphor sulfonimine compounds (L2, L3) having protic groups (R=C6H4X: X=OH, L2 or X=NH2, L3) at the aromatic imine substituents (=NR) present an extra π-π stacking which is absent in the other compounds aromatic derivatives. The X-ray analysis shows that all the reported camphor sulfonimine compounds display the E configuration with respect to the imine substituent (R). The study of the redox behavior of the compounds by cyclic voltammetry allows an insight into the solution properties of the compounds and the rationalization of the molecular interactions that stand in the solid and solution states. Camphor sulfonimine compounds (L) display appropriate binding atoms to coordinate transition metals. The herein results show that monodentate coordination through the nitrogen atom of the sulfonimine 5-membered ring to the {Ag(NO3)} metal center is favored. When this imine nitrogen atom is not itself involved in the Organic Framework DFT-D3 calculations shows that the complexation does not affect the non-covalent interactions that are reproduced in the MOF structure.

The type of implant at the fracture site has effects not only from biological perspective but also from mechanical perspective in fracture healing. Biodegradable implants such as magnesium (Mg) based alloys have shown faster secondary bone healing properties as compared to bioinert implants such as titanium (Ti). The general reasoning behind this is the benefit of Mg from biocompatibility perspectives. We study the effect of Ti and Mg as base materials for implants with their different mechanical properties. The focus of our work is on the displacements at the fracture site of the tibia and their influence on the stimulus for bone healing. We have found that in comparison to Ti, Mg implants have minimal stress shielding problem, only which led to better mechanical stimulus at the fracture site.

The aim in this paper is the presentation of the influence of modification of polypropylene (PP) fibres on sorption capabilities of fibres. Modification of PP fibres were made with inorganic additives in the mass with a view to improving silicate composites – in construction. The prepared modified PP fibres were compared with pure PP fibres and their mechanical and thermomechanical properties were evaluated. And we wanted to evaluate and compare the sorption capabilities of these fibres using the Washburn method. However, the obtained results led us to the conclusion that the given method rather points to the excellent transport properties of PP fibres, as if it evaluated the sorption of the fibres.

A series of novel substituted isoxazolidine derivatives was synthesized through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of α-aryl-N-methyl nitrones with various ethylene moieties, resulting in the formation of isoxazolidine derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods. The [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of α-aryl-N-methyl nitrones with diverse ethylene substituents were computed employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–31G(d) level, upgrading bond parameters. An investigation of the electron localization function (ELF) unveiled the zwitterionic nature of α-aryl-N-methyl nitrones, devoid of pseudoradical or carbenoid centers. Utilization of CDFT indices enabled the prediction of global electronic flux from the strongly nucleophilic α-aryl-N-methyl nitrones to the varied electrophilic ethylene functionalities. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted on the isoxazolidine derivatives against the EGFR receptor (PDB: 4ZAU). In silico assessment of the synthesized isoxazolidines involved molecular docking, wherein the compound with the highest docking score was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations. Compound 11a, out of the thirty isoxazolidine derivatives, displayed the most substantial binding energy, yielding a g score of -6.57 kcal/mol. These observations highlighted the functional role of amide NH2 and NO2 in the binding process with the target protein, influencing its activity. Furthermore, prediction of ADME drug-likeness properties was performed to identify a suitable candidate.

New complexes of manganese(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate [Mn(hfac)2] with 2-(1-R-3-pyrazol-4-yl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl (R = CHF2, CH2CH2F, CH2CHF2 or CH2CF3) were synthesised and characterised structurally and magnetically. All complexes were prepared under similar conditions. Nonetheless, their crystal structures were considerably different. Depending on the structure of fluorinated alkyl substituent R, the complexation reaction led to complexes of three types: chain-polymeric complexes with the head-to-head or head-to-tail motif and complexes of molecular structure. All complexes show strong antiferromagnetic behaviour in a high-temperature region (150−300 K) and weak ferro- or antiferromagnetic exchange interactions at low temperatures. The stronger antiferromagnetic exchange, –101.7 ± 1.5 or –136 ± 10 cm–1, –82.3 ± 1.3 cm–1 and –87.4 ± 1.3 cm–1, was attributed to the magnetic interaction in three- or two-spin clusters: {>N∸O–Mn2+–O∸N<} or {>N∸O–Mn2+}, respectively. The weaker antiferromagnetic interaction, –0.005, between three-spin clusters or ferromagnetic interactions, 0.18–0.81 cm–1, between two-spin clusters are realised through the pyrazole ring or intermolecular contacts.

We studied Ni2FeSi, Co2FeSi and Co2MnSi -based full Heusler alloy glass-coated microwires with the same geometric aspect ratio ρ ≈ 0.50 ± 0.01 prepared using Taylor-Ulitovsky method. The fabrication of X2YZ; (X = Co & Ni, Y = Fe & Mn and Z = Si) based glass coated microwires with fixed aspect ratio is a quite challenging due to the different samples preparation conditions. The XRD analysis shows nanocrystalline microstructure for all the samples. Space group Fm3¯m (FCC) with disordered B2 and A2-types for Ni2FeSi and Co2FeSi and ordered L21-type for Co2MnSi are observed. The change in the positions of Ni, Co and Mn, Fe in X2YSi resulted in a variation in the lattice cell parameters and the average grain size of the sample. Room temperature magnetic behavior shows a dramatic change depending on the chemical composition, where Ni2FeSi-MWs shows the highest coercivity (Hc) compared to Co2FeSi-MWS and Co2MnSi-MWs. The Hc –value of Ni2FeSi-MWs is 16 times higher than that of Co2MnSi-MWs and 3 times higher than that of Co2FeSi-MWS. Meanwhile, the highest reduced remanence is reported for Co2FeSi-MWS (Mr =0.92), , being about 0.33 and 0.22 for Ni2FeSi-MWs and Co2MnSi-MWs, respectively. From the analysis of the temperature dependence of the magnetic properties (Hc and Mr) of X2YZ-MWs we deduced that Hc shows a stable tendency for Co2MnSi-MWs and Co2FeSi-MWs, meanwhile two flipped points are observed for Ni2FeSi-MWs where the behavior of Hc changes with temperature. For Mr monotonic increase by decreasing the temperature is observed for Co2FeSi-MWs and Ni2FeSi-MWs and roughly stable for Co2MnSi-MWs. The thermomagnetic curves at low magnetic field show irreversible magnetic behavior for Co2MnSi-MWs and Co2FeSi-MWs and regular ferromagnetic behavior for Ni2FeSi-MWs. The current result illustrates the ability to tailor the structure and magnetic behavior of X2YZ-MWs at a fixed internal stresses, i.e., with fixed aspect ratio. Additionally, a different behavior was revealed in X2YZ-MWs depending on the degree of ordering and elements distribution. The tunability of magnetic properties of X2YZ-MWs makes them suitable for sensing applications.

This research examines the fire resistance of geopolymer composites (GCs), formulated using alka-li-activated metakaolin and aluminum powder. The production method involves spray-coating carbon steel plates with fresh GCs, followed by a 28-day curing period at room temperature. Sub-sequently, fire performance and aging tests are conducted to evaluate fire resistance. The study investigates GC properties, including apparent density, bending strength, compression strength, thermal conductivity, porosity, and production cost. Morphological changes before and after fire and aging tests are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results demonstrate GC foams' outstanding thermal insulation, providing up to 75 minutes of fire resistance with a 6 mm coating, reducing temperatures by 300 °C compared to uncoated steel. GCs exhibit a density of 670 kg/m³, thermal conductivity of 0.166 W/m·K, 68% porosity, and cost efficiency at 250 dollars per cubic meter. This study underscores the potential of foamed geopolymer coatings for effective and economical surface protection.

The changes in consumer lifestyles have raised awareness of the variety of food options and packaging technologies. Active and smart packaging represents an innovative technology that serves to enhance the safety and quality of products. Smart packaging, as a subset of this technology, entails the integration of additives into packaging materials, thereby facilitating the preservation or extension of product quality and shelf life. This technological approach stimulates a heightened demand for safer food products with prolonged shelf life. Active packaging predominantly relies on the utilization of natural active substances. Therefore, the combination of active substances has a significant impact on the characteristics of active packaging particularly on polymeric blend like Polylactic acid (PLA) as a matrix. So, This review will summarize and explains how the addition of natural active agents influenced the properties related to the performance of active packaging through systematic analysis, providing new insights about the relationship between the types of active agents on physical-mechanical properties, bacterial colony reduction, and applications in foods packaging such as meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Through their integration, the market for active and smart packaging systems is expected to have a bright future.

Asphaltene precipitation and deposition pose significant operational challenges in both reservoirs and surface facilities by inducing formation damage. To understand the kinetics involved in asphaltene particle nucleation, growth, and aggregation, this study employed confocal microscopy and centrifuge-based methods under a unified set of experimental parameters. The acquired time-resolved particle size images were analyzed using MIPAR image processing software, while asphaltene mass yield was quantitatively evaluated through centrifugation. Experimental conditions were varied to study the effects of heptane concentration, asphaltene concentration, and shear rate. Notably, this investigation introduces, for the first time, the parameter of particle count as an additional variable influencing asphaltene mass production. This study aims to discern how particle count correlates with asphaltene mass yield over time. Results indicate that the minimum mean particle diameter was observed to be 2 microns, which progressively grew up to 80 microns. The mean particle diameter exhibited a positive correlation with both asphaltene concentration and shear rate, whereas an inverse correlation was seen with heptane concentration. Furthermore, the asphaltene mass yield was found to increase with greater asphaltene and heptane concentrations, as well as with higher shear rates. The relationship between mean particle diameter and mass yield was found to be nonlinear. In the early stages, a higher prevalence of small particles contributed to a greater total particle count, while at later stages, particle aggregation led to the formation of larger particles that influenced the overall asphaltene mass. The insights gained from understanding the relationship between particle diameter, count, and mass yield are crucial for advancing the fundamental science of asphaltene precipitation and deposition. These findings may also guide future research that relies solely on particle counts for assessing asphaltene deposition.

Three new polyketides (penidihydrocitrinins A–C, 1–3) and 14 known compounds (4–17) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived Penicillium citrinum W17. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analyses of 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and ECD calculations. Compounds 1–17 were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporotic bioactivities. All isolates exhibited significant inhibitory effects on microglial activation in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells in a dose-response manner. Notably, compound 14 displayed the strongest effect with the IC50 value of 4.7 µM. Moreover, compounds 6, 7, and 8 not only suppressed osteoclastogenesis, but also promoted osteoblast mineralization.

Epitaxial lithium ferrite (LiFe5O8) films with different thicknesses have been successfully fabricated on SrTiO3 (001) substrates by magnetron sputtering deposition technique. The microstructural and magnetic properties are characterized by advanced transmission electron microscope and magnetic measurement device. It was found that the formation of structural defects can be influenced by the thickness of the film. Apart from the misfit dislocations, the orientation domains form in thinner film and twin boundaries appear in thicker film, respectively, contributing to the misfit strain relaxation in the heterosystem. The magnetic measurement shows that the thinner films have enhanced magnetization and a relatively lower coercive field compared with the thicker films containing the antiferromagnetic twin boundaries. Our results provide a way for tuning the microstructure and magnetic properties of lithium ferrite films by changing the film thickness.

It is necessary to address the scarcity of crushed stones for pavement structural layers. So fly ash can be proved to be promising solution as more than 270 tonnes of fly ash is generated in India. Though, numerous research has been conducted for the use of fly ash intreated and untreated form, high volume of fine particles and brittleness of the stabilized fly ash pose a great problem for its use in subbase and base. Moreover, stiffness or modulus of stabilized fly ash is vital elastic parameter which is used for mechanistic pavement design. Hence, in this study an extensive experimental investigation is carried out to study its strength and stiffness properties such as compressive strength, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength, cyclic indirect tensile modulus and flexural modulus of fiber reinforced cement stabilized fly ash, stone dust, aggregate mixtures. The stone dust and aggregates have been added to enhance the gradation of the composite’s mixture. The study presents the effect of fiber on strength and stiffness properties. The experimental result reveals that addition of polypropylene (PP) fibers up to 0.25 wt.% enhances the compressive strength and any further addition of fiber results in decrease of the strength. However, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength increases with increase in fiber percentage up to 0.5 wt.%. Cement content is observed to be the dominant parameter for stabilized materials. Suitable relationships have been developed between strength and modulus parameters for stabilized mixtures. Based on the strength and stiffness study, 70% fly ash and 30% stone dust-aggregate and 60% fly ash and 40% stone dust-aggregate with 6% cement can be considered for the base layer. Based on the indirect tensile strength and flexural strength behavior, 0.35% is considered as the optimum fiber percentage.

Structure and reversibility of cross-link junctions play pivotal roles in deter- mining the nature of thermoreversible gelation and dynamic mechanical prop- erties of the produced polymer networks. We attempt to explore new types of sol–gel transitions with mechanical sharpness by allowing cross-links to grow without upper bound. We consider thermoreversible gelation of the primary molecules R{Af} carrying the number f of low molecular weight functional groups (gelators) A. Gelators A are assumed to form supramolecular assemblies. Some examples are: telechelic polymers (f = 2) carrying π–π stacking benzene derivatives at their both ends, trifunctional star molecules (f = 3) bearing mul- tiple hydrogen-bonding gelators. The sol–gel transition of the primary molecules becomes sharper with the cooperativity parameter of the stepwise linear growth of the cross-links. There is a polymerization transition (crossover without singu- larity) of the junctions in the postgel region after the gel point is passed. If the gelator A tends to form supramolecular rings competitively with linear chains, there is another phase transition in the deep postgel region where the average molecular weight of the rings becomes infinite (Bose-Einstein condensation of rings). As a typical example of binary cross-links where gelators A and B form mixed junctions, we specifically consider metal-coordinated binding of ligands A by metal ions B. Two types of multi-nuclear supramolecular complexes are studied: (i) linear stacking (ladder) of the sandwich A2B units, (ii) linear train of egg-box A4B units. The average molecular weight, the gel fraction, the av- erage length of the cross-link junctions are calculated for all of these models as functions of the functionality f, the concentration of the solute molecules, and temperature. Potential candidates for the realization of these new types of thermoreversible gelation are discussed.

Recently, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has shown promising dental applications; although surface treatment is essential for dental applications owing to its poor surface energy and wettability, no consensus on an effective treatment method has been achieved. In this study, we attempt to carboxylate PEEK sample surfaces via Friedel–Crafts acylation using succinic anhydride and AlBr3. The possibility of further chemical modifications using carboxyl groups is examined. The samples are subjected to dehydration–condensation reactions with 1H,1H-pentadecafluorooctylamine and N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. The sample surface properties at each reaction stage are evaluated. An absorption band in the 3300–3500 cm-1 wavenumber region is observed. Additionally, peak suggestive of COOH is observed in the sample spectra. Secondary modification diminished the absorption band in 3300–3500 cm-1 and a clear F1s signal is observed. Thus, Friedel–Crafts acylation with succinic anhydride produces carboxyl groups on the PEEK sample surfaces. Further chemical modification of the carboxyl groups by dehydration-condensation reactions is also possible. Thus, a series of reactions can be employed to impart desired chemical structures to PEEK surfaces.

We report on a new form of nanoscale carbon nitride in the shape of single layer half dome structures grown on the step edges of boron nitride sheets. The half dome structure grown on the step edges of boron nitride sheets. The half dome structures are formed spontaneously at high temperature using Iron oxide nanoparticles capped with tetremethylammonium hydroxide supported on BN sheets. During the combustion process the support, firstly, acted as a reducing agent, secondly, as a source of nitrogen that permitted the transformation of the organic capping agent in sp1 CN chains linked with sp2 CN domains. During the Ostwald ripening process smaller nanoparticles migrates towards bigger nanoparticles, when the nanoparticles come across the step edges of few layer boron nitride sheets the half dome structure is formed. This new method of synthesis has demonstrated for the first time the formation of half dome structures containing cyanopolyynes sp1 chains and sp2 carbon nitride domains.

Wound infection is a common complication of chronic wounds. It can impair healing, which may not occur without external help. Antimicrobial dressings (AMDs) are a type of external help to infected chronic wounds. In this study, highly porous membranes made of only chitosan and containing the antiseptic polyhexanide (poly(hexamethylene biguanide); PHMB) were prepared by cryogelation, aiming to be used in AMDs. These membranes exhibited high water swelling capacity, fast water absorption and high water vapor transmission. The best drug loading method involved simultaneous loading by soaking in a PHMB solution and sterilization by autoclaving, resulting in sterilized, drug-loaded membranes. The drug release kinetics was comparable to that of a commercial PHMB-releasing AMD assayed under the same conditions. These membranes exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are bacterial species commonly found in infected wounds, and blood clotting activity. The obtained results suggest that these membranes may be suitable for use in the development of AMDs.

The development of photocatalysts with a wide spectral response and effective carrier separation capability is essential for the green degradation of tetracycline. In this work, a magnetic recyclable Z-scheme ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterojunction (ZZF) was successfully constructed by the solid phase method using MIL-88A(Fe)@Zn as the precursor. Appropriate band gap width and Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism make ZZF have excellent visible light absorption performance, efficient charge separation and strong redox ability. Under visible light irradiation, the degradation efficiency of TCH for optimal sample ZZF2 can reach 86.3 % within 75 min in deionized water, and achieve 92.9 % within 60 min in tap water, which exhibits superior stability and reusability after five cycles. Moreover, the catalyst in the water can be conveniently recovered by magnetic force. After visible light irradiation for 70 minutes, the temperature of the reaction system increased by 21.9 °C. Its degradation constant (35.53×10-3 min-1) increases 5.1 times that at room temperature (6.95×10-3 min-1). Thermal energy perfects the kinetic driving force of the reactants and promotes carrier migration to produce more •O2- and •OH. This work provides a potential candidate and inspires the design of photocatalyst for tetracycline hydrochloride degradation.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of strontium oxide addition on zirconium silicate recrystallization when adding strontium oxide to the glaze composition. Zirconia glazes (4 different contents) were prepared to which strontium oxide was added in amounts of 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 mass%. SrO. The characteristic temperatures of the raw glazes were measured, based on which the maximum firing temperatures were determined. The fired glazes were subjected to study of the phase composition and observation of the microstructure. Analysis of the characteristic temperatures showed a fluxing effect, but it was not as strong for all glazes. Differences in the amount of the crystalline phase of zirconium silicate obtained in fired glazes and the partial transition of zirconium silicate to the amorphous phase were observed. Observations of the microstructure clearly indicated an increase in the homogeneity of the distribution of zirconium silicate.

Nowadays the preservation and restoration of historical building needs to be faced in accordance with a novel sensibility regarding environment to preserve the future generations. In this context, the scientific community is focusing on novel and sustainable materials and techniques allowing durability and mechanical performances and at the same time compatibility with the existing heritage. Alkali activated materials represent a great challenge to produce new materials starting from the existing ones with reducing consumption, emission of greenhouse gases and environmental impact. This study deals with the valorization of waste materials coming from demolition and construction activities in the manufacture of geocomposites suitable for restoration and conservation of historical heritage. In particular, waste from tuff sawing and brick grinding were used as raw materials, then the geopolymeric samples produced were characterized from physical-chemical and mechanical point of view in order to investigate their performance and evaluate their suitability as materials for historical buildings recovery. Brick waste based geocomposites resulted to be more compact than the tuff-based ones as showed by the higher density values and the lower values of open porosity and water absorption and as further confirmed by the trend of the mechanical performance. Moreover, experimental data showed that physical and mechanical properties of both bricks and tuff waste-based geocomposites, even with different waste content, are compatible with existing building materials and to all the traditional repairing products.

The creation of mitochondria-targeted vector systems is a new tool for the treatment of socially significant diseases. Phosphonium groups provide targeted delivery of drugs through biological barriers to organelles. For this purpose, a new class of alkyl(diethylamino)(phenyl) phosphonium iodides (bromides) 1 containing one, two, or three diethylamino groups were obtained by the reaction of alkyl iodides (bromides) with (diethylamino)(phenyl)phosphines under mild conditions and high yields. The structure of compounds 1 was established by NMR and XRD. In vitro a high cytotoxicity against the lines M-Hela, HuTu 80, PC3, DU-145, PANC-1 and MCF-7 was found. Selectivity index are in the range of 0.06-4.0 M (SI 17-277) for the most active compounds. ROS production, mitochondrial localization and the process of cellular apoptosis were investigated. Decorated by 1 of lipid systems (liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles) improve the cytotoxicity and a decrease in toxicity against normal cell lines. Compounds 1 induce apoptosis proceeding along the mitochondrial pathway. Aminophosphonium salts 1 also exhibit a high selective activity against the Gram-positive bacteria strains S. aureus 209P, B. segeus 8035, including methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus (MRSA-1, MRSA-2), comparable to the activity of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic norfloxacin. A moderate in vivo toxicity in CD-1 mice was established for the lead compounds.

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges and the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI), it is crucial for universities to adapt their chemistry education to remain relevant and contribute to sustainability and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report offers critical insights into the development of university chemistry education over the next 10-20 years, forecasts its development over the next 10-20 years, and offers recommendations for the Ministry of Education and universities to ensure the continued relevance of chemistry programs in the face of AI.

Various 4-aminotetrahydropyridinylidene salts were treated with aldehydes in alkaline medium. Their conversion to 5-substituted -hydroxyketones in a one-step reaction succeeded only with an aliphatic aldehyde. Instead, aromatic aldehydes gave 5-substituted -aminoketones or a single -diketone. The new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods and a single crystal structure analysis. Some of them showed anticancer and antibacterial properties.

Textile industry is one of the major industries responsible for environmental pollution globally. This is mainly due to the use of synthetic dyes, toxic ingredients and solvents for dy-ing/treatments/protocols of textiles. Replacement of those non ecofriendly ingredients would be a very challenging target to develop novel sustainable textile dying strategies. Using biobased and bioactive pigments, antibacterial ingredients and especially natural solvents are recently pointed out as substances to included in the related formulations. In this study the dyeing ability of the crude gel prodigiosin produced by non-pathogenic bacteria Serratia plymuthica as a natural pigment was investigated on various multifiber fabrics at different condition (temperature and pH) and by using salts (NaOH and Na2S2O4) and alternative mordants (a conventional: FeSO4 and a new bio-mordant: L-Cysteine (L-Cys)) in the recipes with different compositions and especially replacing of organic solvent with a new type of gel-based Choline chloride (ChCl) : Lactic acid (LA) (1 : 2) deep eutectic solvents (DES) as a dyeing medium. For determination of the dying process performances, the color strength (K/S value) of dyed fabric and the dyeing equalization (dE) parameters were evaluated. The fastness properties of the dyed fabrics which displayed as a higher K/S value and good dE were evaluated. The nylon fabrics dyed with 3.0% owf L-Cys at pH = 8.3 improved the color fastness to washing, while the gel-based ChCl : LA (1 : 2) DES dyebath provided a better color fastness to light. Moreover, the nylon fabrics under these conditions exhibited remarkable anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). As conclusion, the use of the crude gel prodigiosin pigment revealed an advantageous ability to dye the textile materials, responding to consumers' demand for more ecological and sustainable products. Furthermore, the natural reducing agent L-Cys, never tested before as a bio-mordant, and the use of gel-based DES as a dyeing medium demonstrated enhanced colorimetric and antibacterial properties on dyed nylon with crude gel prodigiosin pigment.

Hybrid biomaterials were engineered using the electrospinning technique, incorporating the dipeptide Boc-L-phenylalanyl-L-Isoleucine into microfibers composed of biocompatible polymers. The examination by scanning electron microscopy affirmed the morphology of the microfibers, exhibiting diameters ranging between 0.9 to 1.8 µm. The dipeptide self-assemblies into spheres with a hydrodynamic size between 0.18 to 1.26 µm. The dielectric properties of these microfibers were characterized through impedance spectroscopy, where variations in both temperature and frequency were systematically studied. The investigation revealed a noteworthy rise in the dielectric constant and AC electric conductivity with increasing temperature, attributable to augmented charge mobility within the material. The successful integration of the dipeptide was substantiated through the observation of Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization, affirming the uniform dispersion within the microfibers. In-depth insights into electric permittivity and activation energies were garnered using the Havriliak-Negami model and the AC conductivity behavior. Very importantly, these engineered fibers exhibited pronounced pyroelectric and piezoelectric responses, with Boc-Phe-Ile@PLLA microfibers standing out with the highest piezoelectric coefficient, calculated to be 56 pC/N. These discoveries help us understand how dipeptide nanostructures embedded into electrospun nano/microfibers can greatly affect their pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties. They also point out that polymer fibers could be used as highly efficient piezoelectric energy harvesters, with promising applications in portable and wearable devices.

This research explores a novel encapsulating agent for establishing a synbiotic relationship with Bacillus (B.) coagulans by combining different ratios of wall materials, including skim milk powder (S), maltodextrin (M), and cellulose acetate phthalate (C). The ratio options are represented as SMC1 (1:2:1), SMC3 (3:2:1), SMC5 (5:2:1), and SMC7 (7:2:1). These wall materials are incorporated with 5% inulin (a prebiotic). The results show that these agents effectively protect B. coagulans spores during spray-drying, resulting in spore vitality exceeding 6 log cfu/g; SMC5 and SMC7 yielded the highest spore viability values. Furthermore, SMC5 demonstrated the highest levels of antioxidant activity, encompassing the scavenging of DPPH, hydroxy radicals, and superoxide radicals. Additionally, it displayed notable antidiabetic effects, including inhibitions of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In comparison, SMC7 exhibited the most potent antidiabetic activity by inhibiting DPP-IV. Subsequently, after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, SMC5 and SMC7 showed a slight decrease in spore viability during the 6-hour simulation. Therefore, the most suitable condition for synbiotic production was found to be SMC5, which can potentially protect B. coagulans spores and exhibit bioactive activities after microencapsulation and passage through gastrointestinal digestion. This innovative product can be utilized as an advanced food delivery system and as a functional ingredient in functional food products.

In this study, we considered the structural stability, electronic properties, and phonon dispersion of the cubic (c-ZrO₂), tetragonal (t-ZrO₂), and monoclinic (m-ZrO₂) phases of ZrO₂. We found that the monoclinic phase of zirconium dioxide is the most stable among the three phases in terms of total energy, lowest enthalpy, highest entropy, and other thermodynamic properties. The smallest negative modes were found for m-ZrO₂. Our analysis of the electronic properties showed that during the m–t phase transformation of ZrO₂, the Fermi level first shifts by 0.125 eV toward higher energies and then decreases by 0.08 eV in the t–c cross-section. The band gaps for c-ZrO₂, t-ZrO₂, and m-ZrO₂ are 5.140 eV, 5.898 eV, and 5.288 eV, respectively. Calculations based on the analysis of the influence of doping 3.23, 6.67, 10.35, and 16.15 mol. %Y₂O₃ onto the m-ZrO₂ structure showed that the enthalpy of m-YSZ decreases linearly, which accompanies further stabilization of monoclinic ZrO₂ and an increase in its defectiveness. A doping-induced and concentration-dependent phase transition in ZrO₂ under the influence of Y₂O₃ was discovered, due to which the position of the Fermi level changes and the energy gap decreases. It has been established that, not only for pure systems but including those doped with Y₂O₃, the main contribution to the formation of the conduction band is made by the p-states of electrons. The t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) surface models were selected as optimal surfaces for water adsorption based on a comparison of their surface energies. An analysis of the mechanism of water adsorption on the surface of t-ZrO₂ (101) and t-YSZ (101) showed that H₂O on unstabilized t-ZrO₂ (101) is adsorbed dissociatively with an energy of -1.22 eV, as well as by the method of molecular chemisorption with an energy of - 0.69 eV and the formation of a hydrogen bond with a bond length of 1.01 Å. In the case of t-YSZ (101), water is molecularly adsorbed onto the surface with an energy of -1.84 eV. Dissociative adsorption of water occurs at an energy of -1.23 eV, near the yttrium atom. The results show that ab initio approaches are able to describe the mechanism of doping-induced phase transitions in (ZrO₂+Y₂O₃)-like systems, based on which it can be assumed that DFT calculations can also flawlessly evaluate other physical and chemical properties of YSZ, which have not yet been studied quantum chemical research. The obtained results complement the database of research works carried out in the field of the application of biocompatible zirconium dioxide crystals and ceramics in green energy generation and can be used in designing humidity-to-electricity converters and creating solid oxide fuel cells based on ZrO₂.

Halloysite and kaolinite are dioctahedral TO phyllosilicates that drive the interest of scientists for formulating environmental friendly materials, and consequently in the field of ceramics. The main scope of this study was the understanding of the texture evolution upon the dehydroxylation reaction and the influence of the presence of halloysite. In situ synchrotron (002) and (111) poles figures were recorded on the DiffAbs beamline at SOLEIL Synchrotron, from room temperature to 1000°C, on kaolinite and/or halloysite-rich samples shaped by tape casting. Commercial kaolins and halloysite provided by Imerys company were used. The samples were labeled KRG100, KCS100, H100, KRG50H50 and KRG59H50 in relation with the wt. % of kaolin (KRG, KCS) or halloysite (H) clays. In samples KCS100 and KRG100, a strong texture was observed until in situ annealing at 700°C, with respect to the c-axis of kaolinite. One the contrary, the texture with respect to the c-axis of halloysite for the sample H100 was weak whatever the temperature was. Moreover, this weak texture disappeared before the complete dehydroxylation of halloysite. This is due to the opening of some halloysite tubes. When considering the samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50, a significant texture was observed with the c-axis preferentially oriented perpendicular to the sample surface . The presence of kaolinite platelets predominated onto the alignment of halloysites tubes. Furthermore, it was noted that the halloysite influenced the (002) diffracted intensity into the temperature range 20 °C and 400 °C. Above 400°C, the behavior obtained for the (002) reflection in samples KRG50H50 and KCS50H50 was similar to the behavior noticed for pure kaolins KRG100 and KCS100 respectively. The dehydroxylation temperature range appeared to be relevant with combined effect of kaolinite and halloysite transformations arising from KRG100 or KCS100 and H100 samples. Therefore, the onset point of dehydroxylation is 550 °C ± 25 °C for KRG100, KCS100 KRG50H50 and KCS50H50. For the pure halloysite H100 sample, the dehydroxylation starts at lower temperature 475°C. It was also noted that during the dehydroxylation of kaolinite, the characteristic portion of ring related to the diffracted intensity of the (111) reflection located at χ = 45 ° tended to disappear above 550 °C and led to the formation of a new transitory phase with a (111) reflection with perpendicular alignment to the c-axis. Indeed, an epitaxial relationship with the (111) kaolinite reflection could be assumed. Further X-ray scattering experiments allowed highlighting the effective offset temperature of the dehydroxylation, which was identified as close to 720 °C. The metakaolinite obtained undergone structural transformation to another transitory phase at 1000°C.

Block copolymers are a class of materials particularly interesting for their ability to self-assemble into ordered structures. In this context, the coupling between environment and dynamics is particularly relevant, given that movements at the molecular level influence various properties of macromolecules. Mixing the polymer with a second macromolecule appears to be an easy way to study these relationships. In this work, we studied a system based on two diblock copolymers of methyl methacrylate as first block and 3-methyl-4-[6-(methylacryloyloxy)-hexyloxy]-4’-pentyloxy azobenzene as second block and their blends with PMMA. The relaxational properties of these systems were investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy sensitive to nanometric length-scales. The results of the study on the blends were related to the dynamic behavior of the copolymer. The study evidenced the presence of fast and slow molecular sites for the molecular reorientation at nanoscale, modulated by the ability of block copolymer to form supramolecular structures. For blends, the heterogeneities at nanoscale are still detected. However it was found that the presence of the PMMA as the major component of the blends modified their dynamic behaviour.

Neat polyimide films are known to be dense and rigid. They are therefore not suitable for use in membranes, sensors and sustainable energy storage applications. In this study a novel technique has been used to simulta-neously improve the rigidity, damping ability and impact resistance of polyimide membranes. It is demonstrated that dispersion of a small amount of polyaniline copolymer-modified clay of about 0.25-0.5 wt.% into the pol-yimide matrix, resulted in enhanced storage modulus while maintaining high damping ability and glass transition temperature, Tg. Novel polyimide/substituted polyaniline-copolymer-clay nanocomposite membranes containing poly(N-ethyl-aniline-co-aniline-2-sulfonic-acid-modified-clay (SPNEAC) was successfully prepared and in-corporated into polyimide matrix to form modified clay/polyimide nanocomposites. UV-Vis analysis of the nanocomposite films show that the optical transparency of the SPNEAC-PI nanocomposite membranes de-creased with increasing SPNEAC concentration due to the high UV-Vis absorption of SPNEAC. Transmittance of about 3 % was observed in the nanocomposite membrane containing 5wt.% modified clay at 500 nm wave-length, which is significantly lower than that for the neat PI membrane of about 36 %. The dispersion of SPNEAC containing high concentration of clay (≥ 40 wt.% clay), SPNEAC2 in polyimide matrix, resulted in attainment of a higher degree of imidization than was possible for the neat organoclay/polyimide nanocomposite. This behavior is believed to be due to the synergistic interaction between PI and polyaniline copolymer modified clay. The viscoelastic property of polyimide and the nanocomposite membranes was measured by using the dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, DMS. It was shown that the glass transition temperature, Tg of the nano-composites decreased, while the damping ability and impact energy increased with increasing weight fraction of fillers.

The utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has garnered significant attention in recent times, particularly in the field of biomedical research. The utilization of AuNPs in chemical synthesis procedures raises apprehensions regarding their potential toxicity in living organisms, which is inconsistent with their purported eco-friendly and cost-effective aspects. In this investigation, AuNPs were synthesized via the green synthesis approach utilizing Jeju Hallabong peel extract (HPE), a typical fruit variety indigenous to South Korea. The visible-range absorption spectrum of gold nanoparticles from green synthesis (HAuNPs) that are red wine in color occurs at a wavelength of λ = 517 nm. The morphology and particle size distribution were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ImageJ software. The TEM images reveal that the HAuNPs exhibit a high degree of dispersion and uniformity in their spherical shape, with an average size of approximately 7 nm. Moreover, elevating the initial pH level of the mixed solution has an impact on the decrease in particle dimensions, as evidenced by the blue shift observed in the UV-visible spectroscopy absorbance peak. Elevating the reaction temperature may accelerate the synthesis duration. However, it does not exert a substantial impact on the particle dimensions. The outcomes of an avidin-biocytin colorimetric assay provide preliminary analyses of possible sensor tunability using HAuNPs. The cytotoxicity of HAuNPs was evaluated through in vitro studies using the MTT assay on RAW 264.7 cell lines. The results indicated that the HAuNPs exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to both chemically reduced gold nanoparticles (CAuNPs) and commercially available gold nanoparticles (SAAuNPs).

The extraction method for simultaneously analyzing fatty acids (Myristic acid, cis-Palmitvaccenic acid, Palmitic acid, Palmitic-9,9-d2 acid, Oleic acid, Stearic acid and Stearic-2,2-d2 acid) related to biodiesel fuel in large algae was developed. The introduction of trimethylaminoethyl (TMAE) derivatives into the hydroxyl group (-OH) functional group of the analyte was able to improve ionization and obtain high sensitivity. Liquid Chromatography (LC) was used to investigate the optimal mobile phase composition and flow rate for the separation of five derived fatty acids. In this study, a solid phase extraction (SPE) column was introduced for efficient extraction of fatty acids, and the optimal conditions for SPE were set by comparing the recovery rate according to the solvent for each step (loading, washing, and elution) of SPE from macroalgae.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can boost the pristine Raman signal by ~ 108 times that could be exploited for producing innovative sensing devices with advanced properties. However, the inherent complexity of SERS systems restricts their further applications in rapid detection, especially in situ detection in narrow aera. Here, we construct an efficient and flexible SERS-based LOP sensor by integrating Ag/Au nanocap arrays obtained by Ag/Au coating polystyrene nanospheres on the optical fiber face. We obtain rich “hotspots” at the nanogaps between neighboring nanocaps and further achieve the excellent SERS performance with the assistance of laser induced thermophoresis on the metal film that can achieve high efficiency aggregation of detected molecules. We achieve a high Raman enhancement with a low detection limitation of 10-7 mol/L for the most efficient samples based on the above sensor. This sensor also exhibits good repeatability and stability under multiple detections, revealing the potential application in situ detection based on the reflexivity of optical fiber.

Sustainable biomass production has significant potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and is a promising alternative for the production of eco-friendly biofuels, biochemicals, and carbonaceous materials for biological, energetic, and environmental applications. Biomass from agroforestry and agricultural wastes is the richest natural carbon source and a sustainable option for woody biomass from a circular economic perspective. Portugal has several residues and by-products of agriculture, food processing, and forestry origin, and has a high availability of residual biomass. Portugal intends to reduce its dependence on energy imports and the use of fossil fuels, thereby increasing its economic performance while using biomass waste to produce high-value-added products. In this context, this review aims to explore the potential of agri-food wastes obtained from Portuguese industries via thermochemical conversion technologies as a promising sustainable alternative to woody biomass for the development of eco-friendly biofuels, biochemicals, and high-value carbonaceous materials and their applications. This strategy based on the circular bioeconomy concept can contribute to reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and minimising greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the demands of the growing population and providing a sustainable waste management solution.

We present synthetic experiments of lactic acid (LA) polycondensation to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA), as well as kinetic modeling calculations that capture the polymer molecular weight increase with time, given the initial concentrations. Tin-octoate-catalyzed polycondensation of (D,L)- or L-lactic acid, was carried out in pre-dried toluene after azeotropic dehydration for 48-120 hours at 130-137 °C. The polymerization was optimized by varying lactic acid and catalyst concentrations as well as the temperature. Gel Permeation Chromatography was used to experimentally follow the evolution of molecular weights and the products were characterized by NMR, TGA, DSC and IR. Under optimal conditions, PLLA with weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 161 kDa could be obtained. The rate equations that describe polycondensation kinetics were recast in a condensed form that allowed very fast numerical solution and calculation of the number-average molecular weight with time. Deviations with respect to the experiment were minimized in a least-squares fashion, to determine rate constants. The optimized kinetics parameters are shown to reproduce the experimental data accurately

The real-time monitoring of food freshness in refrigerators is of significant importance in detecting potential food spoiling and preventing serious health issues. One method that is commonly reported and has received substantial attention is the discrimination of food freshness by the tracking of volatile molecules. Nevertheless, the ambient environment of low temperature (normally below 4^oC) and high humidity (90% R.H.) as well as poor selectivity in sensing gas species remain the challenge. In this research, an integrated smart gas-tracking device is designed and fabricated. By applying pump voltage on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) membrane, the oxygen concentration in the testing chamber can be manually tailored. Due to the working principle of the sensor following the mixed potential behavior, distinct differences in sensitivity and selectivity are observed for the sensor that operated at different oxygen concentrations. Typically, the sensor gives satisfactory selectivity to H₂S, NH₃, and C₂H₅OH at the oxygen concentrations of 10%, 30%, and 40%, respectively. In addition, an acceptable response/recovery rate (within 24 s) is also confirmed. Finally, a refrigerator prototype that includes the smart gas sensor is built, and satisfactory performance in discriminating food freshness status of fresh or semi-fresh is verified for the proposed refrigerator prototype. In conclusion, these aforementioned promising results suggest that the proposed integrated smart gas sensor could be a potential candidate for alarming food spoilage.

In the recent rechargeable battery industry, lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) have demonstrated promising candidate battery to serve as the next-generation secondary battery owing to its enhanced theoretical specific energy, economy, and environmental friendliness. Its inferior cyclability, however, which is primarily due to electrode deterioration caused by the lithium polysulfide shuttle effect, is still a major problem for the real industrial usage of LSBs. Optimization of the separator and functional barrier layer is an effective strategy for remedying these issues. In this article, the current progress based on classification and modification on functional separator is summarized. We will also describe their working mechanisms as well as the resulting LSB electrochemical properties. In addition, necessary performance for separators also will be mentioned in order to gain optimized LSB performance.

We report on a new form of nanoscale carbon nitride in the shape of single layer half dome structures grown on the step edges of boron nitride sheets. The half dome structure grown on the step edges of boron nitride sheets. The half dome structures are formed spontaneously at high temperature using Iron oxide nanoparticles capped with tetremethylammonium hydroxide supported on BN sheets. During the combustion process the support, firstly, acted as a reducing agent, secondly, as a source of nitrogen that permitted the transformation of the organic capping agent in sp1 CN chains linked with sp2 CN domains. During the Ostwald ripening process smaller nanoparticles migrates towards bigger nanoparticles, when the nanoparticles come across the step edges of few layer boron nitride sheets the half dome structure is formed. This new method of synthesis has demonstrated for the first time the formation of half dome structures containing cyanopolyynes sp1 chains and sp2 carbon nitride domains.

At this time, nanoparticles used to been considered for various biomedical applications due to their particular properties[1, 2]. It is already known that one of the major advances in the relative application of nanoparticles is the recognition of the steric stabilization which can increase the particle stability in the biological environment and provide the opportunities of the application of nanoparticles in the development of drug delivery systems (DDSs) for achieving drug targeting and controlled drug release. Nano crystalline silver particles (AgNPs) have major applications in biomolecular recognition of highly sensitive, anti-microbial treatment, catalysis and manufacture sensors [3-7]. The NPs for various applications medical like image quality, medicine, tissue, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of targeting tissues and cells styles. This is particularly the case of AgNPs significantly encompasses the whole a wide range of industrial and medical applications. In this study, we have been synthesized incorporated omeprazole and omeprazole sulfide drugs with AgNPs and the results was investigated with TEM, FT-IR, DRS and XRD. The particle size has been seen in imaging TEM about 80 nm. Moreover either Omeprazole@AgNPs or omeprazole sulfide@AgNPs are able to excrete bacteria. In this study, the antibacterial properties of drugs with silver nanoparticles also increased.

Three monoruthenium complexes 1(PF6)23(PF6)2 bearing a N(CH3)-bridged ligand have been synthesized and characterized. These complexes have a general formula of [Ru(bpy)2(L)](PF6)2, where L is a 2,5-di(N-methyl-N-(pyrid-2-yl)amino)pyrazine (dapz) derivative with various substituents and bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine. The photophyscial and electrochemical properties of these compounds have been examined. The solid-state structure of complex 3(PF6)2 is studied by single crystal X-ray analysis. These complexes show two well-separated emission bands centered at 451 and 646 nm (max = 195 nm) for 1(PF6)2, 465 and 627 nm (max = 162 nm) for 2(PF6)2, and 455 and 608 nm (max = 153 nm) for 3(PF6)2 in dilute acetonitrile solution, respectively. The emission maxima of the higher-energy emission bands of these complexes are similar, while the lower-energy emission bands are dependent on the electronic nature of substituents. These complexes display two consecutive redox couples owing to the stepwise oxidation of the N(CH3)-bridged ligand and ruthenium component. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations are carried out to elucidate these experimental findings.

Actinobacteria are known for their production of bioactive specialized metabolites, but still under-exploited due to silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) not expressed in conventional laboratory cultures conditions. In this study, three marine-derived actinobacteria were cultured using the one strain many compounds method (OSMAC) to explore the real potential of these microorganisms. Salinispora arenicola (SH-78) and two Micromonospora sp. (SH-82 and SH-57) were grown under varying parameters such as time, medium composition, and culture support. The microbial extracts produced were chemically screened by high-resolution analysis (HRMS/MS). The data were used to build ion identity molecular networks (IIMN) and annotate the specialized metabolites detected. A selection of extracts was biologically screened for their cytotoxic and antiplasmodial activities. The IIMNs and the annotations produced were used to assess the impact of culture parameters on the metabolomic diversity of the selected actinobacteria and highlight the presence of unique molecules to specific culture conditions. Micromonospora sp. SH-57 produced a greater quantity of metabolites in liquid culture, with higher associated biological activity. The method employed allowed to explore deeper the specialized metabolites production and to identify the best culture conditions to produce bioactive natural products.

The Randić index of a graph G is the sum of (dG(u)dG(v))−1/2 over all edges uv of G, where dG(u) denotes the degree of vertex u in G. In this paper, we investigate a few graph transformations that decrease Randić index of graph. By applying those transformations, we determine the minimum Randić index on tricyclic graphs, and characterize the corresponding extremal graphs.

The work presents a mathematical model of a thermogravimetric curve for the growth and simultaneous sublimation of scale on a metal or alloy surface. Reduction of the reaction area as a result of the formation of oxides of alloying elements (for obtaining the basic oxide) is considered for the alloy. For metals, the case where this area is increased as a result of powder metal crushing is also considered. The equations that were obtained are employed to explain the kinetic curves of the mass change of the samples.

Four different Mn and Re catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction have been studied by IR spectroelectrochemistry (SEC) in dry acetonitrile. In the case of Mn(apbpy)(CO)3Br (apbpy= 4(4-aminophenyl)-2,2’-bipyridine) SEC suggests that a very slow catalytic reduction of CO2 occurs in acetonitrile also in the absence of proton donors, but at rather negative potentials. On the contrary, the corresponding Re(apbpy)(CO)3Br clearly displays a slow catalytic conversion already at the first reduction potential. Switching to saturated CO2 solutions in a mixture of acetonitrile and 5% of water as proton donor, the SEC of Mn(apbpy)(CO)3Br displays faster catalytic behavior.

Series of bifunctional catalysts, MoS2/Al2O3(70 wt.%)-zeolite (30 wt.%) (zeolite – ZSM-5, ZSM-12, ZSM-22 and silica aluminophosphate SAPO-11), were synthesized for hydroconversion of methyl palmitate (10 wt.% in dodecane) in a trickle-bed reactor. Mo loading was about 7 wt.%. Catalyst and supports were characterized by different physical-chemical methods (HRTEM-EDX, SEM-EDX, XRD, N2 physisorption, FTIR spectroscopy). Hydroprocessing was performed at temperature of 250-350°C, hydrogen pressure 3.0-5.0 MPa, liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) 36 h-1, H2/feed ratio – 600 Nm3/m3. Complete conversion of oxygen-containing compounds was achieved at temperature 310°C in the presence of MoS2/Al2O3-zeolite catalysts, the selectivity for the conversion of methyl palmitate via the ‘direct’ hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) route was over 85%. The yield of iso-alkanes gradually increases in order: MoS2/Al2O3 < MoS2/Al2O3-ZSM-12 < MoS2/Al2O3-ZSM-5 < MoS2/Al2O3-SAPO-11 < MoS2/Al2O3-ZSM-22. The sample MoS2/Al2O3-ZSM-22 demonstrated the highest yield of iso-alkanes (40%). Hydroisomerization activity of the catalysts was in a good correlation with concentration of Brønsted acid sites of synthesized supports.

Upcycling recycled carbon fibers recovered from waste carbon composites can reduce the price of carbon fibers while improving disposal-related environmental problems. This study assessed and characterized recycled carbon fibers subjected to sizing treatment using N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) chemically coordinated with polyamide 6 (PA6) and polypropylene (PP) resins. Sizing treatment with 1 wt.% APS for 10 s yielded O=C-O on the surface of the carbon fiber, and the -SiOH in the APS underwent a dehydration-condensation reaction that converted O=C-O (lactone groups) into bonds of C-O (hydroxyl groups) and C=O (carbonyl groups). The effects of C-O and C=O on the interfacial bonding force increased to a maximum, resulting in an oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/C) of 0.26. The polar/surface energy ratio showed the highest value of 32.29% at 10 s, and the interfacial bonding force showed the maximum value of 32 MPa at 10 s, which is about 15% better than that of commercial carbon fiber (PA6-based condition). In 10-s resizing treatments with 0.5 wt.% 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS), C-O, C=O, and O=C-O underwent a dehydration-condensation reaction with -SiOH, which broke the bonds between carbon and oxygen and introduced a methacrylate group (H2C=C(CH3)CO2H), resulting in a significant increase in C-O and C=O, with an O/C of 0.51. The polar/surface free energy ratio was about 38% at 10 s, with the interfacial bonding force increasing to 27% compared to commercial carbon fiber (PP-based conditions). The MPS exhibited a superior interfacial shear strength improvement, two times higher than that of APS, with excellent coordination with PP resin and commercial carbon fiber, although the interfacial bonding strength of the PP resin was significantly lower.

This study explores the potential of titanium disulfide (TiS2) as an active material for aqueous calcium-ion batteries (CIBs). We investigate the electrochemical redox reactions of calcium ions within TiS2 and assess its suitability for use in aqueous CIBs. Additionally, we examine the im-pact of different electrolyte concentrations on TiS2 electrode reactions. Our findings reveal that TiS2 exhibits distinct charge-discharge behaviors in various aqueous calcium-ion electrolytes. Notably, at higher electrolyte concentrations, TiS2 effectively suppresses the hydrogen genera-tion reaction caused by water decomposition, demonstrating its potential as an active material for aqueous CIBs. In-situ X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the intercalation of Ca2+ ions be-tween TiS2 layers during charging. This confirmation is groundbreaking, as it represents the first experimental evidence of calcium ions being electrochemically inserted between TiS2 layers from aqueous solutions, signifying a previously unreported achievement and strongly suggesting TiS2's applicability in aqueous CIBs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis further supports the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the TiS2 electrode surface, contributing to the suppression of electrolyte decomposition reactions. Furthermore, we investigate the influ-ence of anions in the electrolyte on charge-discharge behavior. Our findings suggest that the choice of anion coordinated with Ca2+ ions affects SEI formation and cycling performance. Un-derstanding the role of anions in SEI formation is crucial for optimizing aqueous CIBs. In con-clusion, this research underscores TiS2's potential as an active material for aqueous calcium-ion batteries and emphasizes the importance of electrolyte composition in influencing SEI formation and battery performance. These findings contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient energy storage technologies.

Although 4Ce4YSZ has high corrosion resistance, it faces challenges concerning sinterability and ionic conductivity. Therefore, we studied destabilization behavior caused by corrosion and oxygen vacancy ordering according to ZnO doping. The powders of (4Ce4YSZ)1-x(ZnO)x (x=0.5, 1, 2, 4 mol%) were synthesized through the sol-gel method. With the addition of ZnO, the cubic phase increased, and secondary phases were not observed. The (111) peak showed a higher angle shift in ZnO-doped 4Ce4YSZ compared to 4Ce4YSZ, and TEM-SAED revealed a reduction in the spacing of the (011)t plane, suggesting lattice contraction due to the substitution of the smaller Zn2+ (60 Å) for Zr4+ (84 Å) in the lattice. The local atomic structure analysis was conducted using EXAFS to investigate the oxygen vacancy ordering behavior. Zr K-edge Fourier-transform data revealed a decrease in the Zr-O1 peak intensity with an increasing amount o ZnO doping, indicating an increase in oxygen vacancies. The Zr-O1 peak position shifted to the right, leading to an increase in the Zr-O1 interatomic distance. In the Y K-edge Fourier-transform data, the Y-O1 peak intensity did not decrease, and there was little variation in the Y-O1 interatomic distance. These results suggest that the oxygen vacancies formed due to ZnO doping are located in the neighboring oxygen shell of Zn, rather than in the neighboring oxygen shells of Y and Zr. Impedance measurements were conducted to measure the conductivity, and as the amount of ZnO doping increased, the total conductivity increased, while the activation energy decreased. The increase in oxygen vacancies by ZnO doping contributed to the enhancement of conductivity and it is considered that these created oxygen vacancies did not interact with Zn2+ and did not form defect associations. Fluoride-based molten salts were introduced to the specimens to assess corrosion behavior in a molten salt environment. Yttrium depletion layers (YDLs) were formed on the surfaces of all specimens due to the leaching of yttrium. However, Ce remained relatively stable at the interface according to EDS line scans, suggesting a reduction in the phase transformation (cubic, tetragonal to monoclinic) typically associated with yttrium leaching in YSZ.

The objective of the this study was to reduce the benzo[a]pyrene-induced hepatotoxicity method in herbal medicine products and to give proof that neferine, daidzein, genistein possess antihepa-totoxic effects. B[a]P which classified as a group 1 carcinogen and metabolized to B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) causes mutagenic DNA addition products. The reduc-tion of BPDE-DNA adduct formation by B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) was derived by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). In HepG2 cells, B[a]P exhibited toxicity and substance treatment of the cells with B[a]P with neferine in lotus and daidzein, genistein in soybean reduced the BPDE-DNA ad-ducts level. The level of B[a]P-metabolites in the substance treatment of the cells was presented that BPDE levels were reduced by neferine in lotus and daidzein, genisten in soybean. These results suggest that neferine in lotus and daidzein, genistein in soybean prevent B[a]P-induced hepato-toxicity for BPDE-DNA adduct formation.

The effective treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has transformed a highly lethal disease into a chronic and manageable condition. However, better methods need to be developed for eliminating the virus from reservoirs, enhancing patient access and adherence to therapy, and improving treatment in the long term to reduce adverse effects. From the perspective of drug discovery, one promising strategy is the development of anti-HIV prodrugs. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy and safety of treatment, promoting the development of more appropriate and convenient systems for patients. In this review, we discussed the use of the prodrug approach for HIV antiviral agents and emphasized nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. We comprehensively described various strategies that are used to enhance factors such as water solubility, bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters, permeability across biological membranes, chemical stability, drug delivery to specific sites/organs, and tolerability. These strategies might help researchers conduct better studies in this field. We also reported successful examples from the primary therapeutic classes while discussing the advantages and limitations. In this review, we highlighted the key trends in the application of the prodrug approach for treating HIV/AIDS..

Alginate-gelatin hydrogels are extensively used in bioengineering. However, despite different formulations being utilized for growing different cell types in vitro, their pH and its effect, together with the crosslinking ions, of those formulations are still infrequently assessed. In this work we studied how these elements can affect hydrogel stability and printability and influence U2OS and NIH/3T3 cell viability and metabolism on the resulting 3D prints. In this context, 6% alginate + 2% gelatin hydrogels were prepared with 0.1 M MES buffer with pH 5.5, 6.5, 7.0 or 8.0, printed by extrusion-based 3D printing, and crosslinked immediately after printing with either CaCl2 or BaCl2. Our results showed that both the buffer pH and the crosslinking ion (Ca2+ or Ba2+) influence the swelling and degradation rates of the prints. Moreover, the buffer pH influenced the printability of the hydrogel in air, but when printed directly in a fluid-phase CaCl2 or BaCl2 crosslinking bath. In addition, both U2OS and NIH/3T3 cells showed greater cell metabolic activity on one-layer prints crosslinked with Ca2+. Besides, Ba2+ increased cell death of NIH/3T3 cells while had no effect on the U2OS cell viability. The pH of the buffer also caused an important impact on the cell behaviour. U2OS cells showed a 2.25-fold cell metabolism increase on one-layer prints prepared at pH 8.0 in comparison to those prepared at pH 5.5. Whereas, NIH/3T3 cells showed greater metabolism on one-layer prints with pH 7.0. Finally, we observed a difference on cell arrangement of the U2OS cells growing on prints prepared from hydrogels with acidic buffer in comparison to cells growing on those prepared using neutral or basic buffer. These results show that both pH and crosslinking ion influence hydrogel strength and cell behaviour.

porous silicon-based photodetectors have attracted more researches due to their high luminous efficiency, good stability and low cost. In this paper, a PbS quantum dots/porous silicon hybrid structure has been fabricated. The PbS quantum dots (QDs) partly infiltrated into the porous silicon (PSi) layer and partly deposited on its surface, which could increase the absorption of near-infrared wavelength range and extend the light absorption in silicon for wavelengths longer than 1100 nm. After that, A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) device is fabricated and its response spectrum could extend to the 1200 nm at -3 V. As a silicon-based photodetector (PD), one can envision its role for operation from visible light to short-wavelength infrared range.

An analytical method was established by HPLC-DAD-ELSD with C18-NH2 column tandem for the simultaneous determination of hydrophobic components atractylenolide I, II, III, atractylone and hydrophilic compounds glucose, fructose and sucrose in the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (a natural raw material for health foods, Bai-Zhu aka. in Chinese). The method combines different separation capabilities of reversed-phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography, can provide a new choice for the simultaneous determination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds in traditional Chinese medicines and health foods. It provided a reference method for the quality control of Bai-Zhu. The results showed that the linear correlation coefficients of the established column tandem chromatographic method were all greater than 0.9990, the relative standard deviation was 0.1%-2.8%, and the average recovery was 96.7%-103.1%. The contents of atractylenolide I, II, III, atractylone, fructose, glucose, and sucrose in 17 batches of Baizhu were 172.3-759.8 μg/g, 201.4-612.8 μg/g, 160.3-534.2 μg/g, 541.4-8723.1 μg/g, 6.9-89.7 mg/g, 0.7-7.9 mg/g, and 1.2-21.0 mg/g, respectively.

TiC particles were prepared from Ti and C powders, and TiC-reinforced Cu-based composites were prepared by powder metallurgy with SPS sintering. The effects of SPS sintering temperature and TiC particle reinforcement phase content on the electrical and mechanical properties of Cu-based composites were investigated. The reinforcement of TiC particles by thermal mismatching at increasing sintering temperature has a significant strengthening effect on the composites, but the high temperature causes softening of the Cu matrix and the growth of grains reduces the properties of the composites. In this study, the effects of porosity and density on the composite properties were not significant.

The transferability of structure-property relationships for laser-pretreated metal adhesive joints to laser-pretreated metal – carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) bonds is investigated. Single-lap shear tests were performed on hybrid AW 6082-T6 – CFRP specimens pretreated with the same pulsed laser surface parameter sets on the metal surface as previously tested AW 6082-T6 – E320 metal adhesive joints. The fracture surfaces were characterized to determine the type of failure and elucidate differences and commonalities in the link between surface structures and single-lap shear strengths. Digital image analyses of the hybrid specimens fractured surfaces were used to quantify remaining CFRP fragments on the metallic joint side. The results indicate that high surface enlargements and the presence of undercut structures leads to single-lap shear strengths exceeding 40 MPa and 35 MPa for unaged and aged hybrid specimens respectively. While for the metal-polymer joints the trend from high strength to weakly bonded specimens was largely continuous with the degree of surface structuring, hybrid metal – CFRP joints exhibit a drastic drop in joint performance after aging if the laser-generated surface structures are less pronounced with low surface enlargements and crater depths. Surface features and hydrothermal aging determine whether the specimens fail cohesively or adhesively.

Natural laterite fixed-bed column intercalated with activated carbon prepared from Balanites ae-gyptiaca (BA-AC) was used for As(III) removal from an aqueous solution. Investigations were carried out to solve the problem of column clogging which appears during water percolation through the column. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the hydraulic conductivity and the effects of various parameters such as grain size, bed height, and initial As(III) concentra-tion. The breakthrough increased from 15 to 85 h with the increase of the bed height from 20 to 40 cm, and decreased from 247 to 32 h with the increase of initial As(III) concentration from 0.5 to 2 mg/L. The permeability data showed that the fixed-bed column filled with laterites layers intercalated with activated carbon performs much better than the non-intercalated adsorbent col-umn. The Bohart-Adams model showed that increasing the bed height induced a decrease in kAB and N0 values. The critical bed depths determined using the bed depth service time (BDST) mod-el for As(III) removal were 15.23 and 7.98 cm for 1 and 20% breakthrough, respectively. The re-sults showed that the new low-cost filtration system, based on laterite layers alternated with BA-AC layers, could be used for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated water.

The flux growth of InVO4 bulk single crystals has been explored for the first time. The reported eutectic composition at a ratio of V2O5:InVO4 = 1:1 could not be used as a self-flux, since no sign of melting was observed up to 1100 °C. Crystals of InVO4 of typical size 0.5×1×7 mm3 were obtained using copper pyrovanadate (Cu2V2O7) as a flux, using Pt crucibles. XRD confirmed the orthorhombic Cmcm structure. Rests of flux material were observed on the sample surface, with occasional traces of Pt indicating some level of reaction with the crucible. X-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that oxidation states of indium and vanadium ions are +3 and +5, respectively. The size and high quality of the obtained InVO4 crystals makes them excellent candidates for the further study of their physical properties.

68Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals are routinely used for PET imaging of multiple types of tumors tumours. Gallium-68 is commonly obtained from 68Ge/68Ga generators, which are limited in the quantity of activity produced. Alternatively, gallium-68 can easily be produced on a cyclotron using liquid targets. In this study we optimized the GMP production of [68Ga]GaFAPI-46 using gallium-68 produced from a standard medical cyclotron using liquid targets. Starting from the published synthesis and quality control procedures described for other 68Ga-based radiopharmaceuticals, we have validated the synthesis process and the analytical methods to test the quality parameters of the final product to be used for routine clinical studies. [68Ga]GaFAPI-46 was successfully produced with high radiochemical purity and yield using an IBA Synthera® Extension module. Gallium chloride was cyclotron produced on a medical cyclotron using a liquid target with an activity of 4.31 ± 0.36 GBq at the end-of-purification (EOP). Analytical methods were established and validated meeting Ph. Eur. standards. Fully GMP production was also validated in three consecutive batches, producing 2.50 ± 0.46 GBq of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 at the end-of-synthesis (EOS), with 98.94 ± 0.72% radiochemical purity by radio-HPLC. Quality was maintained for up to 3 h after the EOS. Production of [68Ga]GaFAPI-46 was performed and validated using a standard medical cyclotron with liquid targets. Quality control parameters (e.g. sterility, purity, and residual solvents) conform to Eur. Phar. and shelf life of 3 h was established. Activity of [68Ga]GaFAPI-46 produced is substantially higher than the one obtained with generators enabling a better response to the clinical need for this radiopharmaceutical.

H-bonding, including H-bond donor (HBD) with electron-rich part of a substrate and H-bond acceptor (HBA) with electron-deficient part of a substrate, has achieved massive success. Faster transformation often correlates with more donicity of HBD. Besides the positive charge are employed to enhance the donicity of HBD, the electron withdrawing groups become a dissimilar approach for increasing the donicity of HBD. We describe newly designed H-bond donor catalysts, tris(monoalkylamino)cyclopropenium, implemented by vicinal positive charged on the cyclopropenium core. The counter anion became potential HBA to activate the electron-deficient part of a substrate. The tris(phenylamino)cyclopropenium chloride (TPAC·Cl) as a representative catalyst was applied in Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes. X-ray analyses of a single crystal of TPAC·Cl described the 3D architecture and the delocalized cationic charge in the solid state. Unit formal positive charge turned N–H moieties into H-bond donor (HBD) and the counter chloride anion exhibited potential H-bond acceptor (HBA). The HBD and HBA displayed cooperative organocatalysis in Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indoles with nitroalkenes. A new class of hydrogen bonding catalysis and working mechanism were proposed.

An advanced, cost-effective and portable DNA biosensor capable of detecting multiple bacteria simultaneously have been developed. The biosensor consists of a fast and inexpensive potentiostat that controls the applied potential to a screen-printed electrochemical array platform functionalized with MoS2 flakes and bacteria DNA probes, and monitors the current response obtained by the use of à la carte thionine functionalized carbon nanodots (Ty-CDs) as electrochemical indicator of the hybridization event. The design of the potentiostat prioritizes achieving an optimal signal-to-noise ratio and incorporates a user-friendly interface compatible with various devices such as computers, mobile phones and tablets. The device is compact, lightweight, and manufactured at a low cost. The key components of the potentiostat include a data acquisition board capable of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously and a controller board. The results obtained confirm the ability of the developed device to successfully detect specific bacteria DNA sequences, demonstrating the reliability and performance of the developed multiplexing portable biosensor with better sensibility than using a traditional, more complex and laboratory oriented potentiostat.

Ryegrass is one such cereal that has been underutilized in human nutrition despite its high nutritional and functional value due to the presence of phytochemicals and dietary fibers It is a viable option, especially for countries that do not produce wheat, as it is easily adaptable and overgrows, making it economically viable. This study evaluated the nutritional impact, bioactive compounds, and physicochemical and technological properties of partially substituting maize flour (MF) with sprouted whole ryegrass flour (SR) in developing extrusion-cooked breakfast cereals. A completely randomized design with substitutions ranging from 0 to 20 % of MF with SR was employed as the experimental strategy (P < 0.05). Partial incorporation of SR increased the bioavailability of γ-aminobutyric acid and total soluble phenolic compounds. Using sprouted grains can adversely affect the technological quality of extruded foods, but ryegrass, with its high dietary fiber and low lipid content, mitigates these negative effects. Consequently, breakfast cereals containing 4 and 8 % SR exhibited better physicochemical properties, such as reduced hardness and increased crispness. These results are promising for ryegrass and suggest combining the age-old germination process with extrusion can enhance cereal-based breakfast products' nutritional quality and bioactive compound content.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of strontium oxide addition on zirconium silicate recrystallization when adding strontium oxide to the glaze composition. Zirconia glazes (4 different contents) were prepared to which strontium oxide was added in amounts of 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 mass%. SrO. The characteristic temperatures of the raw glazes were measured, based on which the maximum firing temperatures were determined. The fired glazes were subjected to study of the phase composition and observation of the microstructure. Analysis of the characteristic temperatures showed a fluxing effect, but it was not as strong for all glazes. Differences in the amount of the crystalline phase of zirconium silicate obtained in fired glazes and the partial transition of zirconium silicate to the amorphous phase were observed. Observations of the microstructure clearly indicated an increase in the homogeneity of the distribution of zirconium silicate.

The regenerated magnesia-calcium brick samples that had added 0, 1.5, 3.0 wt.% aluminium oxide (Al2O3) were prepared by using spent magnesia-calcium bricks, fused magnesia and Al2O3 powder additive as the main raw materials. The phases, microstructures, room temperature and hot flexural strength, resistance to cement clinker corrosion and strength of coating adherence were investigated respectively. It indicated that the addition of Al2O3 increased mainly resulting in the content of tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) and tricalcium aluminate (C3A) increased in the regenerate samples. The bulk density, the room temperature flexural strength and the strength of coating adherence all increased, while the hot flexural strength and corrosion resistance both deteriorated along with the increase of Al2O3 addition. It was because that on the one hand the low melting point phases of C4AF and C3A improved the sinterability of the regenerated samples during the burning stage, on the other hand they melted or existed in liquid phase during the experimental temperature (1573 K and 1823 K) which degraded hot flexural strength and corrosion resistance, and enhanced the strength of coating adherence as the wettability of the liquid phase. The content of Al2O3 in the regenerated magnesia-calcium brick should not be higher than 1.1 wt.%, considering its room and high-temperature performances for cement rotary kiln.

Hydrogels prepared from natural polymer have attracted extensive attentions in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, wound healing, and regenerative medicine due to their good biocompatibility, degradability and flexibility. This review outlines the commonly used natural polymer in hydrogel preparation, including cellulose, chitosan, collagen/gelatin, alginate, hyaluronic acid and starch. The polymeric structure and process/synthesis of natural polymers are illustrated, and natural polymer-based hydrogels including the hydrogel formation and properties are elaborated. Subsequently, the biomedical application of hydrogels based on natural polymer in drug delivery, tissue regeneration, wound healing and other biomedical field is summarized. Finally, the future perspectives of natural polymers and hydrogels based on them are discussed. For natural polymer, novel technologies such as enzymatic and biological methods are developed to improve the structural properties and the development of new natural based polymers or natural polymer derivatives with high performance is still very important and challenging. For natural polymer-based hydrogels, novel hydrogel materials, like double-network hydrogel, multifunctional composite hydrogels and hydrogel microrobots are designed to meet the advanced requirements in biomedical application, and new strategies such as dual-crosslinking, microfluidic chip, micropatterning and 3D/4D bioprinting, have been explored to fabricate advanced hydrogel materials with designed properties for biomedical application. Overall, natural polymeric hydrogels have attracted increasing interests in biomedical application, and the development of novel natural polymer-based materials and new strategies/methods for hydrogel fabrication is badly desirable and still challenging.

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon atom with a hexagonal honeycomb-like structure in which the sp2 hybridization occurs. GO sheets are highly oxidized and have oxygen-containing groups. Properties of electronics, mechanicals, magnetics, and optics, Oxidized Methods for Brodies, Staudenmaier, Hofmann, Hummers, Improved Hummers, and Tour's Methods Reduction of Graphene oxide methods Chemical Reduction using sodium borohydride, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, Hydrazine hydrate, Thermal Reduction, Hydrothermal Reduction, Exfoliation Reduction, Catalytic Reduction, and the green synthesis route for reduction, The reduction of graphene oxide has a wide range of applications, including its use in energy storage devices for Solar cells, Supercapacitors, LIG-based sensors, River Water sensors, Battery, hydrovoltaic generators, OLED Screen, and Graphene Shielding. This review will determine the future of a few applications.

We studied the magnetostriction coefficients, λs, Curie temperature, Tc, and their dependence on annealing conditions in Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2 and Co67Fe3,9Ni1,5B11,5Si14,5Mo1,6 amorphous glass-coated microwires with rather different character of hysteresis loops. A positive λs≈20x10-6is observed in as-prepared Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2, while low and negative λs ≈-0.3x10-6 is ob-tained for Co67Fe3,9Ni1,5B11,5Si14,5Mo1,6 microwire. Annealing affects the magnetostriction coeffi-cients and Curie temperatures, Tc, of both Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2 and Co67Fe3,9Ni1,5B11,5Si14,5Mo1,6 glass-coated microwires in a similar way. Observed dependencies of hysteresis loops, λs and Tc on annealing conditions are discussed in terms of superposition of internal stresses relaxation and structural relaxation of studied microwires. We observed linear λs dependence on applied stress, σ, in both studied microwires. A decrease with applied stress is observed for Co-rich mi-crowires with negative magnetostriction coefficient. In contrast, a linear increase of the magne-tostriction coefficient with applied stress is observed for Fe-Ni- rich microwires with positive magnetostriction coefficient. Observed results are discussed in terms of influence of internal stresses and short range atomic rearrangements induced by annealing on hysteresis loops, magnetostriction coefficients and Curie temperatures of studied microwires.

Leather waste was carbonized at 800 °C in inert atmosphere. The resulting biochar was coated in situ with polypyrrole nanotubes produced by the oxidation of pyrrole in the presence of methyl orange. The composites of carbonized leather with deposited polypyrrole nanotubes of various composition were compared with similar composites based on globular polypyrrole. Their molecular structure was characterized by infrared and Raman spectra. Both conducting components formed a bicontinuous structure. The resistivity determined by four-point van der Pauw method was monitored as a function of pressure applied up to 10 MPa. The typical conductivity of composites was of the order of tenths to units S cm−1 and it was always higher for polypyrrole nanotubes than for globular polypyrrole. The conductivity decreased by 1–2 orders of magnitude after treatment with ammonia but still maintained a level acceptable for applications operating under non-acidic conditions. The composites were tested for dye adsorption, viz. cationic methylene blue and anionic methyl orange, using UV-spectroscopy. The composites are designed for the future use as functional adsorbents controlled by the electrical potential.

The necessity to reduce the effect of the greenhouse phenomenon imposed the turn of the food packaging technology to the use of biobased raw materials decreasing the carbon dioxide fingerprint. In this direction alginates derived from brown algae species are of the most promising biobased biopolymers, used for development of edible active coatings, capable to protect food from oxidation/bacterial spoilage. In this study sodium alginate, which was plasticized with glycerol and mixed with a biobased thymol/natural halloysite nanohybrid, was used to develop novel edible active coatings. Active nanocomposite coatings developed by mixing of pure halloysite with sodium alginate/glycerol matrix were produced for comparison purposes. X-Ray and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicated higher compatibility of thymol/halloysite nanohybrid with sodium alginate/glycerol matrix compared to the relevant of pure halloysite. This increased compatibility led to higher tensile properties, water/oxygen barrier properties, and total antioxidant activity. All coating samples were applied as edible active coatings for “tsalafouti” spreadable soft cheese, exhibited a reduction of mesophilic microbial population of more than one log10(cfu/g) unit comparing with uncoated cheese. Moreover, the reduction of mesophilic microbial population was increased by increasing halloysite and thymol content which indicates the sodium alginate/glycerol/thymol/halloysite as promising edible active coatings for “tsalafouti”.

The atomic nucleus contains protons and neutrons surrounded by a structured electron cloud. Some combinations of protons and neutrons induce the nucleus to behave like a microscopic magnet, possessing a unique magnitude and orientation known as the nuclear magnetic moment (µ). When the numbers of protons and neutrons are both even then µ=0, but otherwise each nu-clide’s nuclear magnetic moment is unique. A second unique nuclear physical property relates to the nucleon binding energy (BE), which can be thought of as the energy between protons and neu-trons bound within the nucleus. The sequence of stable nuclides increases one nucleon at a time through 36Ar. The binding energy associated with the addition of each successive nucleon (∆BE) through this progression is unique. The hypothesis here is that the unique non-zero magnetic mo-ment and ∆ binding energy of each nuclide derive from its respective microscopic nuclear struc-ture, analogous to the way that the atomic physical properties of an element ultimately derive from its unique electron orbital structure. By extension, the identification of nuclear periodic pat-terns might eventually inform a theory of nuclear structure. The light, stable nuclides through 36Ar were arranged in ascending order according to atomic mass, and their nuclear magnetic mo-ments and binding energies were evaluated for periodic patterns. Fixed-period lengths from 4 through 18 nuclides per period were considered. These fixed periods, each of equal length, were stacked one upon the other and analyzed for vertical trends. The best evidence of periodicity in both µ and ∆BE converges precisely at the fixed 12-nuclide period. Implications for nuclear structure are discussed.

Perilla frutescens leaves are expected to exhibit antioxidant activity and amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation inhibitory activity due to the presence of polyphenol-type compounds, etc. These activities fluctuate daily; however, measuring the contents of constituents and functionalities is cumbersome and unsuitable for instantaneous measurements in the field. In this study, we developed a facile method to analyze the activity and content of the components in leaves on-site based on the fluorescence spectra obtained by irradiating the perilla leaves with excitation light. The constituent contents (Chlorophyl (Chl), Total polyphenol content (TPC), Total flavonoid content (TFC), rosmarinic acid (RA) and functional properties DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), Aβ aggregation inhibitory activity) were evaluated using established analytical techniques. The correlation between the fluorescence spectrum and the contents and activities was calculated using normalized difference spectral index (NDSI), ratio spectral index (RSI), and difference spectral index (DSI) analyses. We identified a predictive model with a high coefficient of determination R² ≥ 0.57 for content of the constituents, and R² ≥ 0.49 for functional properties. This allows convenient, simultaneous, and non-destructive monitoring of the constituent contents and the functionalities of perilla leave and a simple harvest-time diagnosis. The model established using this method is simple and suggesting that it can simultaneously infer the constituents and functionalities of perilla leaves.