Average Size Research Articles

Tailoring Ti3C2Tx MXene Flake Sizes for Modified Electrochemical Performance: A Top-down Approach

Introduction: Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as MXene (Ti3C2Tx), have garnered extensive attention in recent years due to their exceptional performance across various domains. The flake size of Ti3C2Tx notably influences its specific surface area, a pivotal factor in interfacial interactions within electrochemistry. Method: Presently, modifying the flake size of bulk Ti3C2Tx typically involves complex and costly processes, like ultrasonic treatment and isolation. Leveraging the specific preparation principle of MXenes, which involves etching the A layers in precursor MAX phases, a topdown strategy for producing Ti3C2Tx flakes of desired sizes, has been proposed in this work. In this approach, precursor Ti3AlC2 particles undergo ball-milling to adjust their size. Result: Through this innovative strategy, dispersions of Ti3C2Tx flakes with varying average lateral sizes are generated, enabling an investigation into the impact of lateral size on the electrochemical properties of Ti3C2Tx flakes. By controlling the ball milling time for Ti3AlC2 powders, the resulting average sizes of Ti3C2Tx (0, 2, 4) are 6.34 μm, 2.16 μm, and 0.96 μm, respectively. Particularly, the Ti3C2Tx (2) electrode, composed of 2.16 μm sheets, demonstrates remarkable performance metrics. It exhibits a high areal capacitance of 845.0 mF/cm2 at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, along with a gravimetric capacitance of 244.0 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. Conclusion: This study presents a facile method to enable mass production of Ti3C2Tx with sheets of varying sizes, addressing both small and large dimensions.

التخليق الحيوي لجسيمات الفضة النانوية باستخدام مستخلصات الشاي الأخضر

اصبح تركيب جسيمات الفضة النانوية بالطرق الخضراء بواسطة النباتات شائعًا بشكل متزايد بسبب ملاءمته للبيئة ، وتوفره ، وفعاليته وكلفته القليلة ، ويمكن التعامل معه بأمان ويمتلك تنوعًا واسعًا من المركبات الفعالة ، مثل مضادات الأكسدة و ومركبات مضادة للميكروبات. في الدراسة الحالية ، تم تصنيع جسيمات الفضة النانوية AgNPs باستخدام المستخلصات المائية والميثانولية لأوراق الشاي الاخضر التي اختزلت نترات الفضة, والتي تم توصيفها باستخدام العديد من التقنيات التحليلية مثل القياس الطيفي المرئي فوق البنفسجي (UV-Vis) ، والتحويل الطيفي بالأشعة تحت الحمراء (FTIR) ، والفحص المجهري الذري (AFM) ، وتشتت الأشعة السينية (XRD) وفحص جهد زيتا. أشارت الملاحظة البصرية إلى أن لون نترات الفضة المائية قد تحول بعد المعاملة بمستخلصات الأوراق وتأكد ذلك بواسطة أطياف UV-Vis. فضلا عن ذلك ، أظهر تحليل AFM أن الجسيمات كانت كروية الشكل ، مفردة أو في مجاميع بمتوسط ​​أحجام 108.3 و 84.76 نانومتر للمستخلصات المائية والميثانولية على التوالي. كذلك, أكدت تقنية XRD الطبيعة البلورية للجسيمات النانوية, وتم تقدير متوسط ​​الحجم وفقًا لمعادلة شيرير اذ بلغت 61.24 و 99.66 نانومتر للمستخلصات المائية والميثانولية (CANPs) على التوالي. بالإضافة إلى قيم زيتا المحتملة كانت-30.31 و -32.33 مللي فولت للمستخلصات المائية والميثانولية CANPs على التوالي.

Folate-chitosan Coated Quercetin Liposomes for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Although quercetin exhibits promising anti-tumor properties, its clinical application is limited due to inherent defects and a lack of tumor targeting. This study aimed to prepare and characterize active targeting folate-chitosan modified quercetin liposomes (FA-CS-QUE-Lip), and its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo was also studied. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface method was used to select the optimal formulation of quercetin liposomes (QUE-LP). On this basis, FA-CS-QUE-LP was obtained by connecting folic acid chitosan complex (FA-CS) and QUE-LP. The release characteristics in vitro of QUE-LP and FA-CS-QUE-LP were studied. Its inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells were studied by the MTT method. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in vivo were studied in healthy Wistar mice and S180 tumor-bearing mice, respectively. The average particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of FA-CS-QUELP were 261.6 ± 8.5 nm, 22.3 ± 1.7 mV, and 98.63 ± 1.28 %, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP had a sustained release effect and conformed to the Maloid-Banakar release model (R2=0.9967). The results showed that FA-CS-QUE-LP had higher inhibition rates on HepG2 cells than QUE-Sol (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in AUC, t1/2, CL and other pharmacokinetic parameters among QUE-LP, FA-CS-QUE-LP, and QUE-Sol (P < 0.05). In in vivo antitumor activity study, the weight inhibition rate and volume inhibition rate of FA-CS-QUE-LP were 30.26% and 37.35%, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells, influenced the pharmacokinetics of quercetin in mice, and demonstrated a certain inhibitory effect on S180 tumor-bearing mice, thus offering novel avenues for cancer treatment.

Comparative Study of Sol-Gel and Green Synthesis Technique Using Orange Peel Extract to Prepare TiO2 Nanoparticles

تم استكشاف المستخلصات النباتية على نطاق واسع كبديل أكثر أمانًا للإجراءات التقليدية لتصنيع الجسيمات النانوية لأكاسيد المعادن. ركز البحث الحالي على تصنيع وتوصيف جزيئات ثاني أكسيد التيتانيوم النانوية (TiO2NPs) باستخدام نهج صديق للبيئة (مستخلص قشر البرتقال) مقارنة بتقنية أخرى (طريقة Sol-Gel) في درجة حرارة الغرفة. تم تحليل جزيئات TiO2 النانوية باستخدام حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD) لتحديد متعدد البلورات مع طور anatase لهيكل رباعي الزوايا ومتوسط ​​حجم بلوري 30.2 نانومتر و 24.2 نانومتر من العينة المحضرة من Sol-gel والطريقة الخضراء على التوالي. تحليل مطيافية فوريرللاشعة تحت الحمراء (FTIR) لمعرفة طبيعة الاواصر وتحديد المجاميع الوظيفية لجسيمات اوكسيد التيتانيوم النانوية. تُظهر الأشعة فوق البنفسجية المرئية للخصائص البصرية (UV-Vis) أن طاقة فجوة النطاق كامت بين 2.85 الكترون- فولت و 3 الكترون- فولت للجسيمات النانوية TiO2 تم تحضيرها باستخدام طرق sol-gel والطريقة الخضراء على التوالي. حدد تحليل FESEM الشكل المورفولوجي لسطح جسيمات TiO2 النانوية بأقطار الجسيمات النانوية في حدود 60-80 نانومتر و 75-85 نانومتر تم تحضيرها عبر طرق sol-gel والطريقة الخضراء على التوالي.

Synthesis, Characterization, Acute Dermal Toxicity, Anti-inflammatory, and Wound Healing Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles in Balb C Mice.

The current study aimed to develop an economic plant-based therapeutic agent to improve the treatment strategies for diseases at the nano-scale. In the current research, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Trillium govanianum aqueous extract. Characterizations were done using UV-Visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vivo biological activities such as acute dermal toxicity, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory were done on Balb C mice. Absorbance at 295 nm corresponds to the out-of-plane quadrupole Plasmon-resonance while at 350 nm corresponds to in-plane dipole resonance. SEM images showed the morphology of TGAgNPs is not exactly spherical while XRD analysis shows that highly crystalline TGAgNPs with an average size of 27.94 nm. The FTIR spectrum represents sharp peaks of aldehyde, amide I, aromatic rings, and polysaccharides. The microscopic assessment did not find any epidermal and dermal layer abnormalities in Blab C mice when exposed to TGAgNPs during acute dermal toxicity. Results revealed that 1000 mg/kg is not a lethal dose. In the wound healing activity, no mortality and no abnormal signs were observed when petroleum jelly, Nitrofuranose, TGaqu, and TGAgNPs-based ointments were applied. Enhanced epithelization was recorded in TGaqu and TGAgNPs treated mice (p≤0.001). The wound contraction percentage was higher in nitrofuranose-treated mice (74%) followed by TGAgNPs (71%), and TGaqu (69%) compared to vehicle-treated and open-wounded mice. The paw edema model proved the potential use of TGAgNPs and TGaqu as anti-inflammatory agents. Hence, the results proved that both TGaqu and TGAgNPs are not toxic and possessed strong anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects due to the presence of phytochemical constituents and could be used in various drug production as a therapeutic agent.

Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Ultrasmall Silver Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Deionized Water

Background: The main objective of this work is the synthesis and evaluation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by using pulsed laser ablation of a silver (Ag) target in deionized water and examining their antibacterial activity. Methods: Colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles were prepared with different pulsed laser energies (620, 880, and 1000) mJ of wavelength 1064 nm and frequency 10 Hz. To determine their structure, optical, morphology, elemental composition, and infrared spectra, the synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using various high-throughput analytical techniques such as (UVVis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microgram (TEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and Zeta potential. Results: The results show that the properties of synthesized Ag NPs depend much more on the laser energy. The laser energy can be used to control the properties of the prepared nanoparticles. Uniform distributions of spherical ultrasmall Ag NPs with an average size of (3) nm were obtained suspended in deionized water, which is the most effective size for antibacterial activity. However, the result indicated that the ablated Ag NPs were stable for 4 months in deionized water. The antibacterial activity of the colloidal solution of synthesized Ag NPs against Gramnegative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria was then examined using the agar-well diffusion method. Conclusion: It was found that the prepared nanoparticles exhibited strong activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria growth. The average zones of inhibition of Ag NPs were found to be about (26) mm for E. coli and (32) mm for S. aureus bacteria.

Stabilizing Diluted Active Sites of Ultrasmall High-Entropy Intermetallics for Efficient Formic Acid Electrooxidation.

The poisoning of undesired intermediates or impurities greatly hinders the catalytic performances of noble metal-based catalysts. Herein, high-entropy intermetallics i-(PtPdIrRu)2FeCu (HEI) are constructed to inhibit the strongly adsorbed carbon monoxide intermediates (CO*) during the formic acid oxidation reaction. As probed by multiple-scaled structural characterizations, HEI nanoparticles are featured with partially negative Pt oxidation states, diluted Pt/Pd/Ir/Ru atomic sites and ultrasmall average size less than 2 nm. Benefiting from the optimized structures, HEI nanoparticles deliver more than 10 times promotion in intrinsic activity than that of pure Pt, and well-enhanced mass activity/durability than that of ternary i-Pt2FeCu intermetallics counterpart. In situ infrared spectroscopy manifests that both bridge and top CO* are favored on pure Pt but limited on HEI. Further theoretical elaboration indicates that HEI displayed a much weaker binding of CO* on Pt sites and sluggish diffusion of CO* among different sites, in contrast to pure Pt that CO* bound more strongly and was easy to diffuse on larger Pt atomic ensembles. This work verifies that HEIs are promising catalysts via integrating the merits of intermetallics and high-entropy alloys.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Cerebral Alveolar Echinococcosis in the Tibetan Region of Sichuan, China.

This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis in the Tibetan region of Sichuan, China. A retrospective analysis of hospitalized cases of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis from six medical units in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, from January 2016 to June 2021 was conducted. The study focused on the characteristics, clinical presentation, and imaging features of the disease. Of 119 cerebral alveolar echinococcosis patients, 76 were male and 43 were female. Occupationally, 62 were farmers, 46 were herdsmen, nine were monks, and two were students. The mean age was 43.9 (± 13.9) years. The primary clinical manifestations were dizziness, headaches, and epilepsy. The incidence of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis was most concentrated within 4 years after the diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (77/119, 64.7%). There were 86 cases (72.3%) with multiple intracranial echinococcosis lesions, with an average size of 2.0 cm × 2.5 cm. The imaging features showed that the lesion was mainly concentrated in the anterior circulation blood supply area, and the lesion had multiple aggregated small vesicular structures as its unique imaging feature. Among 98 follow-up cases, 62 could live independently (63.3%); 18 deaths were recorded (18.4%), with an approximate 5-year survival rate of 81.6%. Regular examination of patients with first diagnosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis without a combination of echinococcosis in other parts of the body can help monitor and prevent the occurrence of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis, improve the understanding of cerebral alveolar echinococcosis in Tibetan areas of Sichuan.

Mechanism of miR-190b with Albumin Nanoparticles as Carrier Mediating Islet β Cells in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

A variety of diseases are often observed during pregnancy and miR-190b involves in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study assesses miR-190b’s role in GDM. Electron microscopy analyzed the size of nanoparticles. miR-190b expression in tissues was detected and its effects on islet cells were detected by MTT method, BrdU staining method and ELISA method. Insulin secretion was further detected by molecular biology techniques. Electron microscopy showed similar average particle size of each formulation. miR-190b was overexpressed in the placental tissues of GDM and its overexpression promoted cell proliferation and insulin secretion, whereas downregulation of miR-190b exerted opposite effects. In addition, miR-190b negatively modulated NKX6-1 level and their relationship was confirmed by bioinformatics techniques and a luciferase reporter gene. NKX6-1 overexpression reversed miR-190b mimics’ effect, and miR-190b knockdown promoted insulin secretion by upregulating NKX6-1. The inhibitory effect of miR-190b overexpression on islet β cells using nano-albumin particles as a carrier was partially reversed by NKX6-1 overexpression. Silencing of miR-190b by nano-albumin particles as a carrier promoted β-cell function, which may be one of the mechanisms by which miR-190b affects GDM.

Technology-based learning effect on the learning outcomes of Indonesian students: a meta-analysis

The utilization of information technology in education offers learners access to a variety of learning resources that are not restricted. It is expected that this use will enhance the success of the learning process and the attainment of educational goals. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of information technology-based learning on the academic performance of students in Indonesia. This research adopts a meta-analysis design and utilizes a selection process based on established criteria to gather studies from the Google Scholar and Scopus databases. The study adheres to the PRISMA protocol. There were 51 studies included, comprising 44 academic journals and seven proceedings. The analysis technique applied is a meta-analysis using the random effect size model. The results of this study indicate that the utilization of information technology in education has a significant impact on the learning achievement of Indonesian students. The analysis of 51 studies, including 44 scientific journals and seven proceedings, showed that the effect sizes of the studies varied from -0.80 to 5.85, indicating heterogeneity in the studies analyzed. The effect size model used in this meta-analysis was a random effect size model, with the summary effect value showing a large effect size with a value of 1.285, a p-value&amp;lt;0.001, and a confidence interval ranging from 1.012 to 1.559. Subgroup analysis also revealed a significant difference in the average effect size across different levels of education, including elementary, secondary, and tertiary education. The results of the study showed no evidence of publication bias.

First Report of Ilyonectria coprosmae Causing Root Rot of Bletilla striata in Yunnan province of China.

Bletilla striata is a valuable medicine in China, belonging to the Orchidaceae family, and is used for treating various ailments such as hemoptysis, pyocutaneous disease, and anal fissure by preventing blood flow, reducing swelling, and promoting granulation. In June 2022, a disease with symptoms similar to root rot was observed on B. striata in the pineland (the area was 0.4 hectare) of Lancang County (22°48'17" N, 99°46'58"22 E), Yunnan Province, China. The root rot incidence rate reached 16% (Table S1). The root rot incidence was calculated as follows: root rot incidence (%) = (number of root rot seedlings/total number of seedlings investigated) × 100. In May 2023, the similar symptoms were observed in the field, and the disease incidence was 17% (Table S1). Initially, there were no obvious symptoms on the leaves. Subsequently, the leaves wilted and brown spots appeared. Later, the entire leaf browned, withered and eventually died (Fig. S1A, B). The roots were brown and the browning spread from the root edge to the center, causing vascular bundle browning and dead lignified fibers in the cortex (Fig. S1C, D). To isolate the causal pathogen, 20 symptomatic root tissues were collected from 20 plants. Cutting the diseased tissues into small pieces (0.5 × 0.5 cm). After surface sterilization (30s with 75% ethanol and 3 min with 2% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed three times with sterile water), the disinfected root tissues were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25℃ for 4 to 6 days with 12 h light/dark photoperiod. A total of 10 single-spore isolates with similar morphology and conidial characteristics were obtained. one representative isolate BJG6 was selected for identification and further study. The fungal colony was reddish-brown or orange-white on PDA after 8 days of incubation at 25℃. The mycelium was like carpet or cotton, and the edge of colony was uniform (Fig. S1E). Large conidia were formed on simple conidial peduncles (Fig. S1F, G). The conidia with 1~3 septates and 1 mostly, with cylindrical shapes and narrow tops but sharp bases (Fig. S1H-J). Conidia with 1 septate measured as 5.5 (4.3-6.7) × 20.7 (16.0-25.4) μm (n=30), while those with 2 septates measured as 6.6 (5.8-7.4) × 26.5 (21.7-31.3) μm (n=30), and those with 3 septates was 6.9 (6.2-7.8) × 31.8 (29.3-34.3) μm (n=30). Ellipsoidal microconidia could be formed on conidiophore and measured as 2.4 (1.9-2.9) × 4.9 (5.9-3.9) μm to 2.7 (2.2-3.2) × 5.4 (4.3-6.5) μm (n=30). Spherical or subspherical chlamydospores were produced on low-nutrient agar, with an average size of 5.8(5.0-6.6) μm×5.3 (4.4-6.2) μm (n=30) (Fig. S1K, L). According to the morphology and conidial features, the pathogen was consistent with the description of Ilyonectria coprosmae (Cabral et al. 2012). The total genomic DNA was extracted, and primer pairs ITS4/ITS5 were used to amplify and sequence the rDNA-ITS region (ITS1-5.8 S rRNA-ITS2 gene regions) (White et al. 1990). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (SUB13905750 for ITS). BLAST searches revealed BJG6 showed 98% homology with corresponding sequences of Ilyonectria coprosmae in GenBank (JF735260). A phylogenetic tree (MEGA 7.0) was constructed using maximum-likelihood methods (Fig. S2). To identify pathogenicity, a cultured medium in a size of 6mm containing isolate BJG6 was inoculated onto ten healthy roots of B. striata, PDA plugs alone were used as the uninoculated controls. All samples were placed in a dark inoculation chamber at 25℃. The pathogenicity test was replicated three times. After two weeks, all inoculated roots appeared similar symptoms identical to those observed on field plants (Fig. S1M, N-P), while control plants remained healthy (Fig. S1Q, R). The same pathogenic fungus was reisolated from the symptomatic root rot, and the characteristics of colony and conidia were the same as the original isolates (Fig. S1S, T). These results confirmed I. coprosmae as the causal pathogen of root rot disease on B. striata in China by Koch's postulates tests for the first time. Further exploration should be conducted to understand the occurrence and migration of this disease, so as to develop specific and efficient disease management strategies in the future.

First Report ofLasiodiplodia hormozganensisCausing Leaf Spot Disease onAreca catechuin China.

The areca palm (Areca catechu L.) is one of the significant cash crops in Hainan Province (China), and a valuable tropical medicinal plant (Cao et al. 2020). In September 2020, spots were found on about 80% of the area of the leaves in a 1,000-acre plantation of areca palms in Haikou City, Hainan Province, and the average incidence was 25%. Initially, Elliptical or irregular dark brown spots appeared on the leaves, with an average size of about 1.5 cm2. With the further expansion of the disease, the spot turned light brown in the center with dark brown edges and a prominent yellow halo. Later stage of the disease, the spots became grayish-white in the center, with obvious whorls, on which many small black spots (pycnidia) were scattered. Eventually the leaves dried out. Ten leaves with typical symptoms were collected from the field. Lesion marginal tissues (5×5 mm2) were surfaced sterilized in 75% ethanol for 20 s, followed by 4 min in 1% NaClO, rinsed 3 times with sterile water, plated on PDA and incubated at 28 ℃. A fungus was isolated with a 98% isolation rate. This strain was named HNAC-5. Subcultures were 80 mm in diameter, white, villous, and neatly edged, after two days of incubation at 28 ℃ in dark. Pycnidia were solitary or clustered in stromata, with orifices that oozed black liquid. Conidiogenous cells were colorless and short cylindrical. Conidia unicellular, initially hyaline, aseptate, ellipsoid to ovoid with granular content, becoming pigmented, 1-septate with longitudinal striations, and measuring 20-31×10-13 μm (n=100). These morphological characteristics were similar to Lasiodiplodia spp. (Abdollahzadeh et al. 2010). The internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA, β-tubulin gene, and translation elongation gene were amplified using ITS1/ITS4, Bt2a/Bt2b, and EF1-728F/EF1-986R primers, respectively (Alves et al. 2008; Glass and Donaldson 1995; White et al. 1990). The resulting sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OR272043, OR282568, and OR282567. BLAST analysis showed that the three sequences of HNAC-5 were more than 99% similar to strain CBS 124709 of L. hormozganensis. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood method based on the three-gene combined dataset with MEGA 7.0 software. The results indicated that HNAC-5 was grouped in the same clade as otherL. hormozganensis Abdollahzadeh, Zare & A.J.L. Phillips. Pathogenicity test was carried out on 15 healthy leaves by in vivo inoculation. Ten leaves were pricked with a sterile needle and divided into group 1 and 2. The remaining five uninjured leaves were group 3. Group 1 and 3 were inoculated with 5-mm-diameter mycelial plugs obtained from 3-day cultures, and group 2 treated with PDA plugs served as controls. Fifteen leaves were cultured at 28°C and 100% relative humidity. After 5 days, leaves of group 1 showed symptoms of the disease and on the tenth day showed the same symptoms as the initial onset of the disease in the field, while leaves of Group 2 and 3 showed no symptoms. Pathogenicity tests were conducted three times with the same results. L. hormozganensiswas re-isolated from the inoculated symptomatic leaves, thus, Koch's postulates were confirmed. In China, L. hormozganensis has been reported to cause Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. branch blight disease (Li et al. 2015), and Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. leaf spot disease (Zhang et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. hormozganensiscausing leaf spot disease onA. catechuin China.

Enhancing anammox process with granular activated carbon: A study on Microbial Extracellular Secretions (MESs)

Granular activated carbon (GAC), a porous carbon-based material, provides increased attachment space for functional microorganisms and enhances nitrogen removal by facilitating extracellular electron transfer in the anammox process. This study investigates the effects of GAC on the biosynthesis of microbial extracellular secretions (MESs) and explores the roles of these secretions in anammox activities. Four lab-scale reactors were operated: two downstream UASB reactors (D1 and D2) receiving effluents from the upstream UASB reactors (U1: no-GAC, U2: yes-GAC). Our results indicate that MESs were enhanced with the addition of GAC. The effluent from U2 exhibited a 59.62 % higher amino acid content than that from U1. These secretions contributed to an increase in the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) in the downstream reactors. Specifically, NLR in D1 increased from 130.5 to 142.7 g N/m3/day, and in D2, it escalated from 137.5 to 202.8 g N/m3/day, likely through acting as cross-feeding substrates or vital nutrients. D2 also showed increased anammox bacterial activity, enriched Ca. Brocadia population and hao gene abundance. Furthermore, this study revealed that D2 sludge has significantly higher extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) (48.71 mg/g VSS) and a larger average granule size (1.201 ± 0.119 mm) compared to D1 sludge. Overall, GAC-stimulated MESs may have contributed to the enhanced performance of the anammox process.

In-situ exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride during the forced flow of highly elastic polylactide to fabricate electrospun fibrous film with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) have promising applications in thermal management materials, due to their high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss. However, it is still challenging to fabricate BNNS with large lateral size and structural integrity via solvent-free methods. Here, we report a novel processing method for in-situ exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) to fabricate BNNS with an average lateral size of 1.45 μm, average thickness of 4.88 nm and few lattice defects during the forced flow of polylactide (PLA) in a highly elastic state. We further fabricate flexible and bio-degradable PLA/BNNS electrospun fibrous film for electronic devices to replace petroleum-based composites. The PLA/BNNS fibrous film exhibits an in-plane thermal conductivity of 4.9 W/(m·K) at the BNNS loading of 20 wt%. Moreover, the fibrous film also has a low dielectric loss (0.007 at 1 kHz) and good electrical insulation. The in-situ exfoliation strategy is simple, economical and environmentally friendly, providing an effective route to design thermal management materials with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric loss in the future of electronic devices.

Highly efficient catalytic degradation of organic dyes using iron nanoparticles synthesized with Vernonia Amygdalina leaf extract

Today, nanoscience explores the potential of nanoparticles due to their extraordinary properties compared to bulk materials. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method for environmental remediation, which gets global attention due to pollution-led global warming. In the present study, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were successfully synthesized by the green method using Vernonia amygdalina plant leaf extract as a natural reducing and capping agent. Biosynthesized FeNPs were characterized with different analytical techniques such as UV–visible, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The analysis revealed the formation of amorphous FeNPs with an irregular morphology and non-uniform distribution in size and shape. The average particle size was approximately 2.31 µm. According to the catalytic degradation investigation, the FeNPs produced via the green approach are highly effective in breaking down both CV and MB into non-toxic products, with a maximum degradation efficiency of 97.47% and 94.22%, respectively, when the right conditions are met. The kinetics study exhibited a high correlation coefficient close to unity (0.999) and (0.995) for the degradation of MB and CV, respectively, for the zero-order pseudo-kinetics model, which describes the model as highly suitable for the degradation of both dyes by FeNPs compared to other models. The reusability and stability of biosynthesized nano-catalysts were studied and successfully used as efficient catalysts with a slight decrease in the degradation rate more than four times. The results from this study illustrate that green synthesized FeNPs offer a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient means for the catalytic degradation of organic dyes.

Influence of temperature and cumulative strain on microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-directional forged Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy

The multidirectional forging (MDF) experiments of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy were performed. The effects of temperature and cumulative strain on microstructure and mechanical properties of multi-directional forged Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy were studied. The results showed that the recrystallization ratio of the alloy gradually increased with the initial forging temperature after 3 passes of MDF. Under the condition of the initial forging temperature of 500 °C, the grain size was gradually refined with increasing MDF passes, and the average grain size was refined to 1.49 μm after 12 MDF passes. With the increase in MDF passes, the maximum texture density of the alloy gradually decreased. The mechanical properties gradually increased with the MDF passes. In the first 6 MDF passes, the mechanical properties greatly increased, but after that, the increase gradually slowed down with additional MDF passes. The optimal mechanical properties were obtained after 12 MDF passes, and the tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation after fracture were 362 MPa, 294 MPa, and 14.5%, respectively.

Investigation of the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of bimodal TiN-reinforced 316L stainless steel composite fabricated by SLM

ABSTRACT Selective Laser Melting (SLM) preparation of TiN-reinforced 316L stainless steel effectively addresses the weaknesses of 316L stainless steel in terms of strength and hardness. While ensuring the flowability of the composite powder, this study employs dual-sized TiN particles to enhance 316L stainless steel. Experimental results indicate that micrometre-sized TiN particles are embedded in the matrix, and other TiN particles dissolve and re-form into cubic TiN particles with a diameter of around 200 nm. Samples produced at high laser energy density exhibit high density, consistently above 99%. The average grain size of the austenite is refined to 2.38 μm, and the tensile samples with a 90° interlayer rotation angle and island size of 60 × 10mm2 exhibit a maximum yield strength of 661 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 950 MPa and elongation of 35.5%. Samples with lower laser energy density demonstrate the highest microhardness, reaching 365 HV. The corrosion resistance of samples with different scanning strategies is similar to pure 316L stainless steel, with the 67° interlayer rotation angle strategy showing the optimal corrosion resistance.

High mobility group box 1 cytokine targeted topical delivery of resveratrol embedded nanoemulgel for the management of atopic dermatitis.

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound showing anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of high mobility group box 1 cytokine responsible for the activation of nuclear factor-κB pathway in atopic dermatitis. To evaluate the efficacy of resveratrol through topical route we have developed resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel for the effective management of atopic dermatitis in mice model. The resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsion (0.5%, 0.75% and 1% w/w) was optimized by spontaneous nano-emulsification. The optimized resveratrol-loaded nanoemulsions showed average globule size in the 180-230nm range and found to be monodispersed. The resveratrol nanoemulgel was prepared with a SEPINEO™ P 600 gel base and propylene glycol. Ex vivo permeation and retention study resulted in significantly higher skin retention of resveratrol from resveratrol-loaded nanoemulgel than free resveratrol-loaded gel. Preclinical efficacy of resveratrol nanoemulgel displayed promising therapeutic outcomes where, western blotting of skin tissues disclosed a significant reduction in the relative expression of high mobility group box 1, the receptor for advanced glycation end products, toll-like receptor-4 and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB. Further, real-time polymerase chain reaction also disclosed a significant reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, interleukin-31, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. The histopathological examination of skin sections showed improvement in the skin condition. Collectively, the findings from our study showcased the significant improvement in the atopic dermatitis skin condition in mice model after topical application of resveratrol loaded nanoemulgel.

“Enhancing Fruit Preservation: Fungal Growth Inhibition with Grape Seed‐Mediated Ag@AgCl Nanoparticles through Desirability‐Based Optimization”

AbstractBiological processes were used to create Ag@AgCl nanoparticles in an eco‐friendly manner. Grape seed extracts were used to create Ag@AgCl nanoparticles for this study. The antifungal activity of nanoparticles was tested using fruit‐rotting fungi. UV‐Vis spectrophotometry was used to analyze the nanoparticles to determine the extent of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band formation. The phytochemicals employed in nanoparticle synthesis were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that the Ag@AgCl nanoparticles were crystalline. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) was used to determine the morphological structure of the nanoparticles. FE‐SEM images determined the average particle size of Ag@AgCl. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDAX was used to examine the elemental composition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed. Fungi that cause fruit deterioration have been isolated from bananas and papaya fruits. The Ag@AgCl nanoparticles were evaluated for fungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria species, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Fusarium oxosporum. An agar‐well diffusion study indicated that these nanoparticles had good antifungal sensitivity against fungal infections. However, this study was adequate to allow the inhibitory activity to proceed to the optimization phase, where we dealt with RSM‐based desirability function prediction. The results also demonstrate that the model performs well, implying that it can provide an accurate estimate of output. usingthe impact,the desirability of each factorzoneson

Thermal performance of ecosystems: Modeling how physiological responses to temperature scale up in communities

Understanding how ecosystems respond to their environmental temperature is a major challenge. Thermodynamic constraints on species’ metabolic rates are expected to affect ecosystem characteristics, but species interactions and interspecific variation in physiological thermal response curves (TRC) may obscure ecosystem-level responses to temperature. As a result, macroecological patterns related to temperature are still poorly understood.We investigate how physiological TRC scale up to ecosystem-level thermal responses by modifying the Tangled Nature (TaNa) model, a stochastic network model of ecology and evolution. We include new parameterizations that make reproduction, death, and mutation temperature-dependent. We find that ecosystem survival probability depends on how the minimum fitness required for species survival varies with temperature. The thermal response of ecosystem survival probability is the only ecosystem property that is sensitive to interspecific variation in TRC. Species richness scales up directly from the TRC of mutation rate, and average species population sizes are inversely related to mutation rate, with Species Abundance Distributions (SADs) exhibiting more rare species in warmer temperatures. Interactions between species are also inversely related to mutation, with positive interactions occurring more frequently in colder temperatures. The abundance of surviving ecosystems is not sensitive to temperature. This work helps clarify the specific relationships between physiological responses to temperature and ecosystem-level repercussions when species are interacting and adapting to their thermal environments.