Retention Ability Research Articles

Experimental Investigation of Durability Properties of Polymer Coated Pumice Aggregate Lightweight Concretes.

Pumice aggregates with low density and high porosity are widely used in lightweight concrete. The high water retention ability of pumice aggregates adversely affects the properties of fresh concrete. Additionally, pumice aggregates' inadequate mechanical strength and durability hinder concrete performance. In recent years, research on coated aggregates has gained traction to improve the physical properties, mechanical strength, and durability characteristics of concrete. In this study, coarse pumice aggregates were coated with polyester and partially substituted with uncoated aggregates at ratios of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in lightweight concrete formulations. Specific weight and water absorption tests were performed on the aggregates, while slump and unit weight tests were performed on fresh concrete mixtures. SEM-EDX analyses, unit weight, water absorbing capacity, sorptivity, compressive strength, freeze-thaw resistance, and sulfate resistance tests were performed on concrete specimens. The results indicated that the polyester coating significantly increased the specific weight of the aggregates and decreased the water absorption rates by up to 85%. Despite the coated aggregates resulting in decreased compressive strength of concrete specimens, they demonstrated reduced water absorbing capacity and sorptivity characteristics relative to reference concrete. Moreover, concrete made with coated aggregates exhibited better results in freeze-thaw and sulphate resistance tests.

A comprehensive study on the sandwich stacking structures of antiferroelectric/ferroelectric doped hafnium oxide

In this paper, the combinations of sandwich stacking structures of antiferroelectric/ferroelectric doped hafnium oxide are systematically explored. The sandwich stacking ferroelectric capacitors with the optimal structure (2 nm ferroelectric HZO/4 nm antiferroelectric HZO/2 nm ferroelectric HZO) exhibit high remanent polarization (2Pr = 48 μC/cm2), low coercive field (1.15 MV/cm), and excellent retention ability (8% degraded Pr after 105 s) at a low operating voltage of 1.8 V. The endurance of this structure has also been enhanced to over 1010 cycles, compared with the control group of 8 nm ferroelectric HZO (∼109 cycles). This study provides a promising solution for the application of the embedded FeRAM and advanced silicon technology nodes with low-power consumption.

Novel Decellularization Scheme for Preparing Acellular Fish Scale Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

In bone tissue engineering, a suitable scaffold is the key. Due to their similar composition to bone tissue, special structure, good mechanical properties, and osteogenic properties, acellular fish scale scaffolds are potential scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. At present, the fish scale decellularization scheme mostly uses a combination of sodium dodecyl sulfate and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), but this method has problems. We optimized this method using a combined method of Triton X-100, EDTA, and nuclease. In this study, the optimal scheme was screened with respect to the decellularization effect, extracellular matrix composition and structure retention, mechanical properties, cell biocompatibility, and osteogenic differentiation ability. The results showed that the optimal scheme was as follows: the native fish scales were incubated in 0.1% EDTA for 24 h, and then the cellular components were removed with 1% Triton X-100 for 4 days, followed by nuclease digestion for 24 h. On that basis, we proposed a novel and more suitable fish scale decellularization scheme, and the acellular fish scale scaffold prepared by this decellularization scheme may have great potential in bone tissue engineering.

Biocompatible DNA hydrogel composed of minimized Takumi-shaped DNA nanostructure exhibits sustained retention after in vivo administration

Our previous studies showed that DNA hydrogels containing unmethylated CpG motifs effectively induced antigen-specific immune responses when combined with the appropriate antigens. A potential drawback of existing DNA hydrogels for further applications is the need for many oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) types. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to optimize and minimize the nanostructured DNA units for DNA hydrogels to reduce the preparation cost, design difficulty, and possible risk of sequence-dependent off-target effects, and prepare DNA hydrogels with sustained retention ability. A Takumi-shaped unit with a stem and four flanking cohesive parts was constructed using one type of ODN with a palindromic sequence. A DNA hydrogel was prepared by mixing two Takumi-shaped units with complementary cohesive parts. The required length of the cohesive part was first examined using ODNs with 14 or 18 bases of stem length. Electrophoresis, melting temperature measurements, and viscoelastic analysis showed that the properties of the cohesive part determined the hydrogel properties. ODNs with a cohesive part consisting of GC-rich 5′-ccgcaagacg-3′ efficiently formed a hydrogel with sustained retention in mice after administration. Several ODNs with optimized cohesive sequences and different stem lengths and sequences were designed. Analyses showed that a stem of 10 bases or longer was required for efficient hydrogel formation, and ODNs with a 12-base stem part exhibited the most prolonged retention after subcutaneous injection into mice. Thus, the present study demonstrated the requirements of minimal DNA units for preparing DNA hydrogels with sustained retention ability.

Evaluation of drain quality and nutrient load management scenarios by using QUAL2kw model.

The examination of wastewater and effluents flowing into receiving water bodies is crucial for identifying pollutant sources and implementing scenarios to reduce them. In this study, QUAL2kw was used to identify, assess, and predict the pollutant load of a drainage canal located 6 km away from Anzali Wetland. Initially, the model was calibrated and validated with data collected in 2017. The NRMSE of the values was mostly less than 20%, except for flow accounting for 37% during calibration. The model did well in simulating EC and ammonium levels, but there is room for improvement in predicting nitrate and inorganic P concentrations. Field visits and sampling were done during the rice growth period in April-June 2021. The model was simulated for a three-time series in 2021; the simulation showed that May was the most critical, as the levels of nitrates, ammonium, and phosphates were at their highest. This study focused on the employment of QUAL2kw to drainage canals, emphasizing its suitability for regions with limited data availability. Scenarios were employed to explore ways to enhance water resource quality, showcasing how targeted interventions can effectively mitigate nutrient loads. Scenarios were considered to reduce nutrient loads. Reducing the amount of fertilizer led to a 9-27% while applying water stress resulted in a 0.1-1% reduction in the discharge outflow from the drain and less than 1% reduction in the amount of ammonium and nitrate. It is concluded that reduction in fertilization is more efficient in reducing concentrations and pollutant loads at the exit point of the canal to water resources compared to applying water stress since urea fertilizer contains a high percentage of nitrogen, and declining water application can enhance the soil's nutrient retention ability but only to a small degree.

177Lu Radiolabeled Polydopamine Decorated with Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor for Locoregional Treatment of Glioma.

Radionuclide therapy is expected to be a powerful tool for glioma treatment. Here, we introduce a novel nuclear nanomedicine based on polydopamine (PDA), incorporating fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) and macrocyclic chelator (DOTA) for specific cancer targeting and 177Lu labeling. The synthesized nanoradiopharmaceutical, 177Lu-DOTA-PEG-PDA-FAPI, exhibits good stability in serum, saline and PBS over 5 days. 177Lu-DOTA-PEG-PDA-FAPI shows efficient specific uptake and internalization when incubated with U87MG cells. In vivo distribution visualized prominent accumulation and long retention ability of 177Lu-DOTA-PEG-PDA-FAPI at tumor sites after local administration. Moreover, 177Lu-DOTA-PEG-PDA-FAPI has satisfactory antitumor ability without apparent toxic and side effects observed from therapy assay and H&E staining. This study highlights the feasibility of using PDA as a nanocarrier for glioma endoradiotherapy by targeting fibroblast activation protein.

Comparative study on structure, properties, functions, and in vitro digestion characteristics of dietary fiber from Chinese chestnut prepared by different methods.

This study compared the effects of enzyme extraction (E-DF), enzyme-acid extraction (EAc-DF), enzyme-alkaline extraction (EAl-DF), ultrasonic-enzyme extraction (EU-DF), and microwave-enzyme extraction (EM-DF) on the yield, chemical composition, structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, physiological activities, and hypoglycemic activities of dietary fiber (DF) from Chinese chestnut. EAl-DF had the highest yield (25.44±0.70%) among all five extraction methods. The structural analysis indicated that other extracts, particularly EAl-DF, had a more complex and porous structure than E-DF. Analysis of monosaccharide composition showed that the main sugars in Chinese chestnut DF included Ara, Gal, Glc, and Man. Notably, EAl-DF exhibited the highest water and oil retention ability and hypoglycemic activity. The DFs extracted by five methods can resist digestion in the digestive tract. These results indicate that enzymatic-alkaline method is a high-quality method for extracting DF from Chinese chestnut. And this study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient preparation and development of Chinese chestnut DF.

Planting design for urban overpasses based on atmospheric particulate matter retention in Changsha

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) emission from overpasses is serious. To optimize the solution of planting design in the overpass, it is essential to understand the plant’s ability to capture PM. In this study, leaf samples were collected from 11 plant species commonly existing in five overpass greening areas in Changsha, China. The PM retention per unit leaf area (M leaf), PM retention on a unit greening land (M land), and leaf surface microstructure were measured and analyzed. Results showed that the M leaf of Ophiopogon japonicus (1.59 g/m2) exhibited the highest value, and that of Nandina domestica (0.23 g/m2) was the lowest value. The M land of O. japonicus, Fatsia japonica, and Magnolia grandiflora was the highest based on the leaf area index. Leaves with wide gullies and cuticular wax significantly affected the PM retention ability of plants. Plant height played an important role in the PM retention ability in the overpass. Multilayered canopy structures such as arbor–shrub–herb had great potential for PM retention in overpasses. Based on the results, a PM retention design scheme of overpass greening space was proposed. This study provided an optimal solution for providing critical insights and guidance for developing effective PM reduction strategies in urban overpass environments.

Design of ZnO coating on diatomite ceramic separator and construction of stable electrolyte/anode interface for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion battery

In aqueous zinc-ion batteries, Zn dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction and by-product generation upon Zn anode seriously affect the battery performance. To address these issues, in this paper, a diatomite ceramic separator with a porous structure is prepared by sintering diatomite. The diatomite ceramic separator possesses excellent electrolyte affinity, high porosity, and remarkable electrolyte retention ability, and the high mechanical strength of the diatomite ceramic separator has a physical inhibition effect on Zn dendrite growth. When assembled into a Zn ‖ NHVO cell, diatomite ceramic separator can effectively inhibit the discharge capacity decay by stabilizing electrolyte/anode interface. To further improve the performance of the diatomite ceramic separator, nanoscale ZnO is coated on the separator surface to construct a more uniform 3D pore structure, which achieves the efficient transport of Zn2+ in the coated separator and improves the ion conductivity of the coated separator (12.0 mS cm-1). ZnO coating expands the electrochemical window of diatomite ceramic separator (2.10 V), homogenizes the deposition of Zn2+ on the surface of Zn anode, reduces the nucleation overpotential (26.5 mV), and further inhibits the growth of Zn dendrites and the production of by-products. The Zn ‖ MnO2 cell assembled with the ZnO coated diatomite ceramic separator exhibits a higher specific discharge capacity of 228.7 mA h g-1 and a higher capacity retention rate at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, and the cell still has a specific discharge capacity of 99.5 mA h g-1 at a current density of 2.0 A g-1, which is superior to the electrochemical performance of the cell with glass fiber separator. The design of ZnO coating on diatomite ceramic matrix opens up a new idea for the practical application of high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Rice bran oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by Amur catfish myofibrillar protein: Characteristics and its application in surimi gels

The objective of this investigation was to isolate amur catfish myofibrillar protein (AMP), emulsify it with rice bran oil, and assess its application in the silver carp surimi gel. The proportion and addition of AMP/rice bran oil emulsion on the gel properties were compared. The emulsion stabilized by 3 % AMP was stable when an oil/water ratio of 0.70 and 0.75 was employed, as evidenced by its appearance, microstructure, and rheological characteristics. The L*, a* and whiteness values of gels observably elevated when the emulsion blended (p < 0.05). The mechanical capacities (texture and rheology indicators) of surimi gels were dramatically improved with 5 % emulsion added (p < 0.05). However, the addition of excessive emulsion (up to 15 %) impeded the formation of surimi protein network and lowered water retention ability of surimi gels. Moreover, 5 % emulsion was distributed uniformly throughout the gel matrix, giving rise to the development of a dense and uniform network with high water binding capacity. Furthermore, the study on protein solubility expressed that the addition of the emulsion facilitated protein-protein interactions in surimi gels. In summary, the addition of 5 % AMP stabilized rice bran oil emulsion could yield a stronger surimi gel with increased whiteness. The resulting gels could serve as healthy fat-rich surimi-based products.

Membrane fouling behavior and cleaning control of a dual-charged nanofiltration membrane in treating acid mine drainage after neutralization

The study evaluated the membrane fouling behavior of a dual-charged nanofiltration (NF) membrane in treating acid mine drainage (AMD) after neutralization. After 10 h of fouling, the membrane demonstrated an 89.52 % recovery rate and exhibited excellent retention ability for divalent ions (91.21 % Mg2+, 89.24 % Ca2+, 91.51 % Mn2+, 93.72 % SO42-), as well as outstanding anti-pollution performance. Membrane fouling characterization revealed that the primary cause of membrane fouling was inorganic salt fouling from CaSO4 and MgSO4. In the initial stage of NF separation, when the inorganic salt fouling was close to the membrane surface, the adhesion-free energy between the membrane and the inorganic salt fouling was dominant, causing the inorganic salt fouling to be deposited on the membrane surface. As time progressed, the deposited inorganic salt fouling gradually covered the membrane surface, with agglomeration-free energy between the inorganic salt fouling dominating subsequent stages of membrane fouling. The fitting of the membrane plugging model revealed that, in addition to the deposition of inorganic salt fouling on the membrane surface, some inorganic salt fouling would also penetrate the membrane pores and obstruct them, leading to a rapid decline in membrane flux and subsequently reducing the membrane separation performance. Following cleaning with deionized (DI) water, citric acid (CA), NaOH, and EDTA, it was observed that the CA cleaning agent achieved the highest membrane flux recovery rate at 91.84 %. The EDTA cleaning agent demonstrated superior retention effects on bivalent ions (94.21 % Mg2+, 93.21 % Ca2+, 96.74 % Mn2+, 97.45 % SO42-). This work provides a reference direction and theoretical guidance for the behavior and control strategy of membrane fouling in neutralized AMD treated by the dual-charged NF membrane.

OLM-SLAM: online lifelong memory system for simultaneous localization and mapping

Abstract Simultaneous Localization and Mapping is a fundamental task for robots in unknown environments. However, the poor generalization ability of learning-based algorithms in unknown environments hinders their widespread adoption. Additionally, artificial neural networks are subject to catastrophic forgetting. We propose a lifelong SLAM framework called OLM-SLAM that effectively solves the neural network catastrophic forgetting problem. To ensure the generalization of the neural network, this paper proposes a method for the sensitivity analysis of the network weight parameters. Meanwhile, inspired by human memory storage mechanisms, we design a dual memory storages mechanism that retains dynamic memory and static memory. A novel memory filtering mechanism is proposed to maximize image diversity within a fixed-size memory storage area addressing the problem of limited storage capacity of embedded devices in real-world situations. We have extensively evaluated the model on a variety of real-world datasets. Compared with CL-SLAM, the overall translation error of the test sequence is improved by 44.9%. The translation and rotation errors of Retention Ability (RA) were improved by 111.6% and 66.7%, respectively. The results demonstrate that OLM-SLAM can outperform previous methods of the same type, and OLM-SLAM has high RA when facing different sequences of the same type of environment.

Enhanced photocatalytic and filtration properties of carbon-doped g-C3N4 membranes reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose

Carbon-doped g-C3N4 was synthesized using a simple high-temperature process (calcination at 550 °C for 4 h). One-dimensional nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) materials were then inserted into the two-dimensional g-C3N4 material by vacuum filtration method at room temperature. The prepared g-C3N4/NFC composite membranes were systematically characterized using a series of techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, and SEM. The results showed that the carbon-doped photocatalysts possessed a narrow band gap, which prolonged the visible light absorption and favored the organic pollutant degradation. The incorporation of NFC enlarged the interlayer spacing, leading to an increase in the water flux. The water flux of C0.02CN/NFC (15%) composite membranes reached 73.7 L•m-2•h-1•bar-1, which is more than that of g-C3N4/NFC membrane. At the same time, the carbon doped composite membranes showed enhanced retention and photocatalytic degradation ability. The retention rate of the C0.02CN/NFC (5%) composite membranes could reach 89.3% from 80.8% after three-cycle photocatalytic experiments. The membrane maintained a good retention rate and feed flux, which confirms the composite membrane has good self-cleaning ability and stability. It could potentially be applied for water treatment.

Recovery effects of sodium carboxymethylcellulose-xanthan gum hydrogels containing peptide‑iron complexes against iron deficient anemia in vivo

In this study, the sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and xanthan gum (XG) were used to prepare the CXM-Fe hydrogels (CMC: 20 mg/mL, XG: 10 mg/mL) with the addition of Mytilus edulis protein hydrolysate‑iron (MEPH-Fe) complexes. The incorporation of MEPH-Fe complexes formed a denser network structure and the CXM-Fe hydrogels had better pH stability as well as gastrointestinal retention ability. Compared with ferrous sulfate and MEPH-Fe complexes, the CXM-Fe hydrogels at moderate doses (Fe2+:2 mg/kg) showed impressive recovery effects on iron deficiency anemia (IDA) mice in terms of hematological indices, organ coefficients and iron content, antioxidant capacity, and remarkedly attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells as well as the levels of inflammatory factors in iron deficiency-induced colonic inflammation.

In-situ thermally induced formation of an ultra-glossy hydrophilic surface for oil fouling prevention in TiO2@MXene membranes

Oil droplets are inevitably deposited on the surface of membranes, resulting in membrane contamination during oily sewage separation. To effectively prevent oil fouling, a TiO2@MXene membrane with an ultra-glossy hydrophilic surface was designed via in-situ thermal induction to regulate the membrane surface structure and properties. Through high temperature-induced evolving the Ti valence and the functional groups of Ti3C2Tx, uniform TiO2 nanoparticles were generated in-situ on the Ti3C2Tx surface while altering the surface structure and properties, which considerably improved the hydrophilicity, underwater oleophobic properties, and surface finish of the membrane. Specifically, the TiO2@MXene membrane (MT600) exhibited a low water contact angle of 7.5° and a high underwater oil contact angle of 133.3°. Notably, the oil adhesion force of the membrane was as low as 0.0013 μN, outperforming most oil water separation membranes. Thus, the unique structure and surface properties endowed MT600 membrane with excellent oil retention (TOC removal efficiency of > 95 %) and antipollution ability (permeance decay rates of < 10 %) for oil-in-water emulsion separation. This is because the ultra-glossy hydrophilic and oleophobic surface prompted the formation of a continuous and stable hydration layer on the membrane surface and prevented oil droplets from falling into the membrane grooves. Benefiting from the robust, ultra-glossy surface, the MT600 membrane exhibited excellent long-term durability and reusability (emulsion permeance recovery of > 90 %) in high-salt, highly acidic, and highly alkaline environments. This study opens pathways to realize ultra-glossy membrane surface for the efficient demulsification of small size emulsions and long-lasting, stable oil water separation.

Comparison of occlusal settling, patient compliance, and retention ability between hawley’s and van der linden retainers – A randomized controlled trial

To compare occlusal settling, patient compliance, and retention ability between Hawley’s and Van Der Linden retainers. Randomized, Parallel-Group, Active Controlled Trial. Randomization and allocation to the particular trial group was done through a lottery system. A total of 72 subjects were randomly assigned in both the groups- Hawley's retainer group (HL) (n = 36) and Van Der Linden group (VL) (n = 36). Each subject was given a removable maxillary retainer and a fixed bonded lingual mandibular retainer. Impressions were recorded on three different time spans i.e. at the time of retainer delivery (T0), 3 months later (T1), and post 6 months of retention (T2). Bite registration records and questionnaire evaluation were taken at time intervals T1 and T2. Each time assessments were performed from the cast by Little's Irregularity Index (LII), Inter Canine Width (ICW), and Inter Molar Width (IMW). Patient compliance was gauged with the help of a Questionnaire. The occlusal settling, patient compliance, and retention ability were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Both groups showed a rise in the number of total contacts (5.39 in HL and 2.42 in VL), and true contacts (6.89 in HL and 4.64 in VL), whereas near contacts declined (-1.53 in HL and 2.22 in VL) at T2. Post 6 months, the difference in LII, ICW, and IMW were slightly higher for VL than HL. This proved the better retention ability of the HL group. Patient compliance determined with the questionnaire showed that overall compliance was greater with HL than with VL. In the course of 6 months of retention, the total near contacts were reduced in both retainers but the total (True + near) contacts elevated, which suggests both retainers facilitated occlusal settling. Changes in values of LII, ICW, and IMW were not significantly different for both groups during T2, which proved the retention ability of both retainers. Patient compliance increased as patients wore either of the retainers, but they were more comfortable with HL.

Advanced Eutectogel Electrolyte for High‐Performance and Wide‐Temperature Flexible Zinc‐Air Batteries

AbstractDespite ongoing challenges, achieving further breakthroughs in the development of gel polymer electrolytes with a wide temperature range, excellent liquid retention capability and enhanced anode compatibility in flexible zinc‐air batteries (FZABs) remains a significant objective. This study presents a significant advancement in the development of choline chloride/ethylene glycol‐polyvinyl alcohol (ChCl/EG‐PVA) eutectogel electrolyte, tailored for high‐performance operation across a wide temperature range. Systematic in‐situ and ex‐situ characterizations and theoretical simulations confirm the formation of robust hydrogen bonding and denser polymer cross‐linked networks within the prepared eutectogel, leading to enhanced liquid retention ability (93.7 % after 96 h exposure to air) and ion transport capacity (ionic conductivity of 171.3 mS cm−1). Additionally, the zincophilicity nature of the choline cation in eutectogel effectively suppresses dendrites growth. The assembled FZAB utilizing this eutectogel electrolyte achieves a peak power density of 109.3 mW cm−2 and a cycle life of 90 h. Notably, the power density of FZAB is maintained as high as 38.2 mW cm−2 at −40 °C and 63.2 mW cm−2 at 50 °C, demonstrating its prominent suitability for applications in extreme temperature conditions. The design of eutectogel provides a novel way to achieve the high‐performance FZAB.

Advanced Eutectogel Electrolyte for High-Performance and Wide-Temperature Flexible Zinc-Air Batteries.

Despite ongoing challenges, achieving further breakthroughs in the development of gel polymer electrolytes with a wide temperature range, excellent liquid retention capability and enhanced anode compatibility in flexible zinc-air batteries (FZABs) remains a significant objective. This study presents a significant advancement in the development of choline chloride/ethylene glycol-polyvinyl alcohol (ChCl/EG-PVA) eutectogel electrolyte, tailored for high-performance operation across a wide temperature range. Systematic in-situ and ex-situ characterizations and theoretical simulations confirm the formation of robust hydrogen bonding and denser polymer cross-linked networks within the prepared eutectogel, leading to enhanced liquid retention ability (93.7 % after 96 h exposure to air) and ion transport capacity (ionic conductivity of 171.3 mS cm-1). Additionally, the zincophilicity nature of the choline cation in eutectogel effectively suppresses dendrites growth. The assembled FZAB utilizing this eutectogel electrolyte achieves a peak power density of 109.3 mW cm-2 and a cycle life of 90 h. Notably, the power density of FZAB is maintained as high as 38.2 mW cm-2 at -40 °C and 63.2 mW cm-2 at 50 °C, demonstrating its prominent suitability for applications in extreme temperature conditions. The design of eutectogel provides a novel way to achieve the high-performance FZAB.

Tuning the photoelectric properties of ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterojunction via shear strain and electric field

This paper uses the first principle calculation method based on density functional theory to systematically analyze the effects of different stacking modes, shear strain, and electric fields on the photoelectric properties of ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterojunction. Firstly, we analyze five different stacking modes and select the mode with the lowest formation energy. At the same time, ZrS2/ZrSe2 is a heterostructure with a direct band gap by shear strain and applied electric field calculation and analysis. The stability of the structureis provedby calculating the phonon spectrum. The shear strain and the applied electric field can effectively regulate the band gap of ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterostructures. The heterostructures have metallic properties when the electric field is 0.8 V/Å. The shear strain and the applied electric field can significantly change the dielectric constant of the ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterostructure and the charge retention ability of the heterostructure. The optical absorption and reflection ability of ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterostructureis enhancedunder the action of the electric field. However, the absorption and reflection abilityis significantly reducedwhen the electric field size is 0.8 and −0.05 V/Å. It shows that the applied electric field has a practical regulation effect on optical absorption and reflection. These findings broaden the potential applications of ZrS2/ZrSe2 heterostructures in optoelectronics.

Physiological changes in shrub species due to different sources of dust pollution in an urban environment.

Plants effectively filter ambient air by adsorbing particulate matter. The correct selection of landscape plants can exert greater dust retention benefits in different polluted areas. However, few studies have focused on the dust retention ability and related physiological responses of plants under continuous dust pollution from different dust sources. Here, we assessed the particle retention dynamics and plant physiology (chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, soluble sugar content, and peroxidase activity) of six shrubs (Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea, Ligustrum vicaryi, Rosa multiflora, Sorbaria sorbifolia, Swida alba, and Syzyga oblata) under continuous dust pollution from different dust sources (industrial sources: area below the direction of the coal-fired thermal power plant in Chengyang District, Qingdao, China; traffic sources: both sides of the road in each direction at the intersection of Great Wall Road and Zhengyang Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao, China; clean sources: Qingdao Agricultural University Campus, Qingdao Olympic Sculpture Park). The results showed that R. multiflora had the highest dust retention per unit leaf area of 3.27 ± 0.018g·m-2 and 2.886 ± 0.02g·m-2 in the experimental treatments of fuel source dust and clean source dust, respectively. The chlorophyll content of the tested shrubs significantly decreased due to the influence of dust treatment time, the range of cellular osmoregulatory substances (soluble sugars, soluble proteins, proline) tended to first increase and then decrease, and the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase) tended to increase and then decrease after continuous dust treatment. The greatest physiological changes were observed in plants within the industrial dust treatment area. The peroxidase activity and chlorophyll could be used as sensitive indicators of dust pollution in plants. R. multiflora showed better resistance to dust and had a greater dust retention capacity than other shrubs, making it more suitable for planting as a greening tree in industrial and traffic-polluted areas. S. alba and S. sorbifolia are sensitive to dust pollution, so they can be used as sensitive tree species to indicate atmospheric dust pollution. Our results may help design a feasible approach for urban shrub greening.