Formation Of New Compounds Research Articles

Evaluation of electron beam irradiation on the microbiological, phytochemicals, and aromatic profiles of three paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of electron beam irradiation (EBI) for microbial decontamination and its effects on the physicochemical properties of three paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties. EBI significantly reduced the total populations of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, rendering them almost undetectable at an irradiation dose of 10 kGy (p < 0.05). The color properties of EBI-treated samples showed no significant changes compared to untreated controls (p > 0.05). The total carotenoid content in S17, H23, and QJ irradiated with 25 kGy decreased by 16.91 %, 22.09 %, and 24.76 %, respectively. There was a 10.82 % increase in DPPH scavenging activity in S17 paprika samples treated with 20 kGy of EBI. Notably, no significant difference in capsaicin content was observed in H23 and QJ varieties, regardless the EBI dose increased (p > 0.05). Additionally, analysis of volatile compounds suggested that the formation of new compounds (n-methyl pyrrole and dihydroactinidiolide) was increased as the radiation doses increased. The overall results suggested that EBI treatment up to 10 kGy demonstrated a high level of effectiveness in microbial inactivation while preserving the essential physicochemical properties of paprika. Industrial relevancePaprika is an indispensable condiment in people's diets and a crucial component of the chili industry. However, it is susceptible to microbial contamination during processing, leading to food safety concerns. Irradiation treatment can inactivate microorganisms and enhance the quality of paprika. This study demonstrates that EBI can effectively achieve microbial decontamination, reduce post-harvest losses, improve the hygienic quality of paprika, and provide a technical reference for the safety of paprika and other spices.

E-cigarette exposure increases caries risk and modifies dental surface in an in vitro model

ObjectiveElectronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular and can deliver nicotine at levels comparable to traditional tobacco cigarettes. However, the potential adverse effects of these alternative smoking devices on dental health remain uncertain. This study investigates changes in the cariogenic potential of tooth surfaces and analyzes alterations in the chemical composition of aerosols generated from sweet-flavored e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes. DesignSmoking was simulated using an electronic-cigarette testing machine. Eighty specimens of enamel, dentin and root dentin were divided in two groups according smoking: pre-smoke and post-smoke. The response variables were Microhardness (n=10), SEM (n=5) and FTIR (n=5). E-liquid was analyzed pre-smoke and post-smoke by HPLC-UV/Vis. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests, with a significance level of 5 %. SEM, FTIR and HPLC-UV/Vis data were qualitatively analyzed. ResultsEnamel exhibited higher microhardness values before and after smoking, with all substrates showing significant microhardness reduction after smoking. All dentin specimens presented standard dentinal tubules, and post-smoke enamel prisms appeared disorganized with various orientations. The specimens’ chemical constituents remained stable. Dentin and root dentin post-smoke, carbonate band intensity decreased. There was a thermal degradation of e-liquid products and the formation of new compounds post-vaporization. ConclusionsE-cigarette smoking reduces the microhardness of enamel, dentin, and root dentin, alters enamel morphology, induces chemical interactions between e-liquid and tooth tissues, and may increase the risk of cariogenic potential.

High‐Entropy‐Stabilized Platinum Diborides for Poison‐Resistant Catalysis

AbstractAlloying and solid‐solution formation is a powerful technique that enhances and adds properties through elemental mixing, but unfortunately, some elements simply cannot mix as their chemical nature prevents a thermodynamically stable structure. For example, the inherent nobility of platinum group metals does not favor bond formation and precludes their incorporation into higher (boron‐rich) metal borides. However, we demonstrate that when using five or more constituents, the higher mixing entropy will overcome these chemical limitations and form a stable high‐entropy alloy, demonstrating the formation of new compounds with substituents that are seemingly impossible with a traditional metal alloying approach. The high‐entropy boride (HEB) Al0.2Nb0.2Pt0.2Ta0.2Ti0.2B2 was synthesized, where platinum was forced to occupy a 12‐coordinate site, sandwiched between honeycomb borophene sheets. In addition to the unusual coordination, the boron serves as a poison panacea. Pure platinum is strongly susceptible to sulfur poisoning by adsorption, rendering a platinum catalyst ineffective. Boron is known to be resistant to sulfur poisoning. The boron sheets present in the HEB shield the platinum from sulfur while maintaining high catalytic activity. This is confirmed with the facile hydrogenation of thiol‐containing nitro compounds, where the HEB resists sulfur poisoning while retaining its high catalytic activity.

Next-generation tungsten carbide cutting bits through cryogenic treatment technique for superior rock cutting performance for mining applications: An experimental study

The mining sector seeks innovation to enhance operational efficiency and prolong cutting tool life. This research investigates the impact of cryogenic treatment (CT) for 12, 24, and 36 h on tungsten carbide cutting bits used in mine machineries, focusing on its effects on cutting force, energy consumption, and tool wear during lab-scale linear rock cutting. Microstructural analysis and hardness testing follow CT, revealing improvements in hardness, the formation of new compounds, and the presence of eta carbides. Analysis of linear rock cutting experiments shows that longer holding periods under CT lead to reduced cutting force, energy consumption, and tool wear. Comparing CT 24 to untreated bit at a cutting speed of 200 m/s, CT 24 demonstrates reduction in specific energy by 39.35 %, 41.13 %, and 29.39 % at depth of cut (DoC) of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 6 mm, respectively. Additionally, CT 24 exhibits significantly lower wear rates (79.24 %, 85.44 %, and 85.01 %) compared to UT bits at the same cutting speed. Microstructural analysis identifies multiple wear mechanisms in both treated and untreated worn tools. To optimize the cutting process for mining efficiency, grey relational analysis and Python-based non-dominant sorting are employed. Grey relational analysis identifies 24-h CT, a cutting speed of 200 m/s, and a 2 mm depth of cut as optimal. Non-dominant sorting suggests 24-h CT, a cutting speed of 200 m/s, and 2–4 mm cut depth for optimal results. Pareto solutions indicate specific energy ranging from 14.96 to 9.20 kWh/m3 and wear rates ranging from 0.33 to 0.39 × 10−4 cm3/cm. Insights from this study offer valuable guidance for the mining industry to enhance cutting tool efficiency and promote environmentally sustainable mining practices.

Molecular Detection of Some Virulence Genes and Determination the Inhibitory Efficiency of Nano Hybrid Antibiotic against (Escherichia coli) Isolated from Urinary Tract Infection

Objective: Escherichia coli is considered the most common microorganism in pathological samples related to urinary tract infections especially in women and children. It contains many virulence factors helping in pathogenicity However it is sensitive to fosfomycin that has broad spectrum in its activity against bacteria which its activity also could be confirmed using nanobiotechnology. Methods: The study included 25 isolates of E. coli from patients with urinary tract infections. DNA extracted and PCR technique used for detection of 3 genes (afa, pap and fimh) coding for virulence factor afimbrial adhesions proteins, pilus rod and Type 1 fimbriae respectively. Magnesium oxide was used as a carrier in intercalating of fosfomycin between its layers. fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for characterizing of prepared nanohybrid antibiotic. Antibacterial activity of against E. coli has been tested. Results: PCR results showed bands with 750, 328 and 508 bps for the three genes afa, pap and fimh respectively. The all of three techniques used to confirm the hybrating proccess indicated formation of new compound through the appearance of new group of spectrums in FT-IR, formation of spherical nanoparticles in AFM and appearance of a new diffraction planes in XRD. Conclusion: It can be concluded that E. coli isolate under study were virulent due the presence of virulence genes. Using nanotechnology, Fosfomycin can be used to prepare nanohybrid antibiotic by loading on Magnesium oxide. The prepared nano-particle was efficient in inhibiting E. coli isolated from urinary tract infections.

Microwave-based and convective drying of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var capitata L.): Computational intelligence modeling, thermophysical properties, quality and mid-infrared spectrometry

This study assessed and compared the impact of hot air oven drying (HAD) at 50, 60 and 70 °C and microwave drying (MWD) at 195, 307 and 521 W on the kinetics of thermophysical properties and quality of dried cabbage. The thermophysical properties were computed using established model equations. The proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity (AOC), color and functional groups were analyzed using Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) test protocol, High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectrometry and Attenuated total reflectance coupled to Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), respectively. The moisture ratio was modeled using probabilistic computational intelligence modeling approaches. The results revealed that only density, thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity appeared to be kinetically controlled by moisture content. Stepwise linear regression (SLR) model and Gaussian process regression (GPR) model were more accurate in simulating the moisture ratio. Increasing HAD temperature preserved all of the proximate compositions except carbohydrates. Similarly, increasing MWD power preserved all the proximate compositions except crude fiber. Increasing HAD temperature from 50 to 60 °C and 60–70 °C decreased the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) by 21.31 % and 13.60 %, respectively but increased the AOC from 27.2 to 39.6 %. Increasing MWD power levels from 195 to 307 W and 307–521 W decreased TFC by 13.2 % and 0.7 %, respectively but increased the TPC by 9.72 % and 13.14 %, thus AOC increased from 35.2 to 45.7 %. MWD presented higher AOC relative to HAD. Drying at 50 °C and 307 W gave the highest whitening index in HAD and MWD. ATR-FTIR analysis revealed the formation of new compounds by thermal effect. SLR and GPR were more accurate in modeling the drying kinetics. HAD and MWD affected the quality parameters of cabbage differently, thus the choice of the dryer type will depend on the parameters of interest.

Dehydration and reduction reactions favored under medium pressure and temperature assisted by photocatalysis

The impact of UV irradiation on the catalytic transformation of dihydroxyacetone molecule (DHA) has been investigated under inert atmosphere, medium pressure (5 Bars) and temperature (<=120°C) in presence of commercial anatase TiO2 samples (UV100 and A100), rutile TiO2 (R100) and mixture of anatase and rutile phase (P90). In absence of light, the main products formed are pyruvaldehyde and lactic acid whatever the temperature playing only a role on kinetic. Under UV irradiation, we highlighted their decomposition and the formation of new compounds, hydroxyacetone (HydA) in high concentration and acrylic acid (AcrAc) together with H2, CO2 and acetaldehyde in gas phase and new condensation products. The higher the number of photons emitted, the greater the HydA and AcrAc formation highlighting the importance of light and especially of the (e-, h+) pairs generated by photocatalysis. Actually, whereas the formation of HydA and AcrAc is similar in presence of all TiO2 samples containing anatase phase, these compounds are formed in low concentration in presence of TiO2 rutile. Mechanisms of the formation of hydA and AcrAc under photocatalysis assisted by pressure and temperature were discussed considering the formation of H+ and reducing agent made possible thanks to simultaneous oxidation reaction occurring via h+ and or OH°

Probiotic Yogurt Supplemented with Lactococcus lactis R7 and Red Guava Extract: Bioaccessibility of Phenolic Compounds and Influence in Antioxidant Activity and Action of Alpha-amylase and Alpha-glucosidase Enzymes.

The industry has increasingly explored the development of foods with functional properties, where supplementation with probiotics and bioactive compounds has gained prominence. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the influence of in vitro biological digestion on the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities of probiotic yogurt supplemented with the lactic acid bacteria Lactococcus lactis R7 and red guava extract (Psidium cattleianum). A yogurt containing L. lactis R7 (0.1%) and red guava extract (4%) was characterized for the content of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and potential for inhibition of digestive enzymes after a simulated in vitro digestion process. After digestion, the caffeic and hydroxybenzoic acids remained, and sinapic acid only in the last digestive phase. Antioxidant activity decreased during digestion by 28.93, 53.60, and 27.97% for DPPH, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals, respectively, and the inhibition of the α-amylase enzyme decreased only 4.01% after the digestion process. α-glucosidase was more efficient in intestinal digestion, demonstrating an increase of almost 50% in probiotic yogurt with red guava extract before digestion. Possibly, the phenolics change their conformation during digestion, generating new compounds, reducing antioxidant activity, and increasing the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase digestive enzymes. It was concluded that the probiotic yogurt formulation supplemented with red guava extract could interfere with the concentration of phenolic compounds and the formation of new compounds, suggesting a positive and effective inhibition of the digestive enzymes, even after the digestive process.

Comparative analysis of copper X-radiation intensity with LiF and KBr crystals

In this research work, the physical, mechanical and performance characteristics of bituminous binder 90/130 before and after its modification with sulfur in the proportions of 10%, 30% and 50% of the binder weight were analyzed. Experimental results showed the effect of sulfur content on the mechanical characteristics of bituminous binder. By elemental analysis of the spectra of modified bitumen binder samples, it was found that there were no significant chemical changes with increasing sulfur content. The formation of new chemical compounds was not revealed, which is confirmed by the absence of new characteristic peaks in the spectra. Analysis and comparison of the experimental data of softening temperature showed an insignificant influence of the liquid heating rate on the concentration of the modifying agent. However, the increase of sulfur concentration more than 10% in the modified bitumen leads to an increase in softening temperature. This is due to the formation of denser structure and increase in viscosity of bitumen with increasing amount of sulfur in the system. Thus, the presence of sulfur as a dispersed phase in polymer bitumen has a natural effect on the mechanical characteristics of sulfur asphalt concretes, leading to an increase in their mechanical properties with increasing sulfur content.

Optimizing Formic Acid-Assisted Co-HTL of Digested Sewage Sludge and Lignocellulosic Waste for Enhanced Bio-Crude Yield and Energy Recovery

In recent years, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has gained attention as a means of enhancing and increasing the production of biofuels from biomass. Co-HTL involves the simultaneous processing of two or more feedstocks, with the potential for interactions that can affect the overall yield and quality of the resulting biofuels. This study investigates the bio-crude yield, chemical composition, and energy content of bio-crudes obtained through formic acid-assisted hydrothermal liquefaction of combined digested sewage sludge (DSS) and lignocellulose (LC). The bio-crude yields are in the range of 26.8–58.9 wt%, with a higher heating value (HHV) of approximately 32 MJ/kg. The best experiment shows that mixtures with more DSS and high levels of process condition variables (350 °C, formic acid present, and 50 wt% EtOH) give high bio-crude yields with a maximum value of 58.9 wt%. For comparison, pure DSS and LC run at these process conditions resulted in a bio-crude yield of 52.5 wt% and 48.3 wt%, respectively. Partial least squares (PLS) regression reveals a synergistic effect from mixing the feedstocks, as the quadratic term of the regression equation for mixture ratio shows a negative coefficient. GC–MS data show that combining feedstocks results in the formation of new compounds, mostly phenols, that are not present in the bio-crudes from the separate feedstocks. Thus, combining feedstocks will not only increase the resource availability for hydrothermal liquefaction and streamline the process but will also increase the overall production of bio-crude with its synergistic effect.

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION OF SECTIONS AND SELECTION OF SOIL SAMPLES IN ZHAMBYL REGION

Soil contamination with heavy metals, especially in the vicinity of large cities and industrial centers, has become one of the pressing environmental problems. Over the past ten years, the Republic of Kazakhstan has seen a moderate increase in industrial output, with coal production growing by 20%, crude oil and natural gas production by 19%, and metal ore production by 27%. Technogenic pollutants enter the soil in the form of complex organic and mineral compounds, as well as in a metallic state, with subsequent decomposition to simple elements or the formation of new compounds. All this directly affects the environment, deteriorating soil-ecological conditions, and reducing soil fertility. In this regard, we carried out an analysis of the ecology of the soil cover, assessed the condition of the soil and the problems of their solution in the Zhambyl region. Analysis of the study showed that the negative impact of emissions from industrial enterprises and the growing amount of emissions from mobile sources on soil and plants has a strong impact on the soil surface, devoid of vegetation and susceptible to erosion processes. The obtained research results will make it possible to satisfy the need for fertilizers through the use of local raw materials, ensuring the preservation of soil fertility, increasing crop productivity, and obtaining environmentally friendly products at significantly lower costs. The article shows the results of comparison with the surface of damaged and cut off points P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4. Violations of the soil-ecological function of technogenic landscapes destroyed by emissions from mining and metallurgical enterprises were identified.

Copper nanoparticle and point defect formation in Cu+-Na+ ion-exchanged glass using protons of 2 MeV energy.

There are several applications for irradiating materials with protons that could provide alternative methodologies to synthesize and induce the formation of new compounds of different size scales. In this study, we explored the effects of proton irradiation oncommercial glass silicate that was previously subjected to a Cu+-Na+ ion exchange (IE) treatment at 600 °C for a duration of 60 min. The ion-exchanged glass samples were irradiated with protons (p+) of 2 MeV energy at doses in the range of thousands of grays (3.3 × 103, 7.9 × 103 Gy) and hundreds of thousands of grays (3.6 × 105 Gy). Significant changes in the optical and structural properties were observed post the radiation treatment. The UV-Visible absorption spectra of the irradiated samples revealed the appearance of overlapping absorption bands, which could be deconvoluted into three Gaussian-shaped bands peaking at 566, 620 and 680 nm. These three bands could be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of copper nanoparticles, non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHCs) and self-trapped hole (STH) defects, respectively. Prominent photoluminescence (PL) was observed in the Cu-exchanged and irradiated samples, mainly induced by the presence of both Cu+ and Cu2O. Increasing the irradiation dose led to an increase in the PL intensity due to the conversion of Cu2+ ions into Cu+. This result was confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy that shows a decrease in the Cu2+ signal when increasing the dose of proton exposure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (TEM and HRTEM) observations confirmed the presence of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in the doped and p+ irradiated Cu-exchanged glass silicate samples. These CuNPs were found to be crystalline with an average size of 12.39 nm.

Development and Rheological studies of gels with Essential oil of Chamomile (Chamomillae recutita L.)

The article presents the results of research on the development of dosage forms with essential oil of chamomile (Chamomillae recutita L.) for dental use. The object of study was hydrophilic gel base under the code name "Chamazulenogelum". Materials and Methods. Rheological studies were carried out on a rotational viscometer Visco Star Plus (Fungilab, Spain). The study of the structural and mechanical properties of the "Chamazulenogelum" ointment was carried out at temperatures of 25, 40, 55 and 70°C. The shear stress and dynamic viscosity of the gels were measured. Based on the obtained results, graphs are constructed that characterize the change in the logarithm of the effective viscosity on the shear flow rate gradient and the dependence of the shear flow rate gradient on the shear stress. The results of rheological studies showed the absence of structural changes in the shear field with destruction or the appearance of new compounds; the thixotropic properties of the hydrophilic gel bases "Chamazulenogelum" were also established. Results and Discussion. As a result of studying the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of dosage forms with chamomile essential oil, it was found that the gels inhibit the growth of test cultures in vitro to some extent. High-intensity antimicrobial activity was shown by the hydrophilic gel "Chamazulenogelum" against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: The investigated samples of "Chamazulenogelum" gels do not undergo strong structural changes in the shear field, that is, there are no intrasystem rearrangements with destruction or with the formation of new compounds. The thixotropic properties on the hydrophilic gel base "Chamazulenogelum" have been established, which characterize good smearability and the ability to extrude from the tube. The pronounced antimicrobial activity of the developed gels "Chamazulenogelum" for topical use provides a basis for further tests included in the drug development cycle.

Direct writing immersion laser lithography on graphene monolayers using two-photon absorption

Direct writing laser lithography has become increasingly attractive due to its mask-free nature, offering significant design flexibility and minimizing additional costs associated with new exposure masks. Among the various direct laser writing techniques, two-photon absorption direct laser writing stands out for its ability to fabricate very small features through nonlinear optical effects. Operating this technique in immersion, where the air gap between the lens and photoresist or probe is liquid-filled, has been shown to enable reduced feature sizes [D. P. Sanders, Chem. Rev. 110, 321 (2010).]. Previous studies have typically employed an immersion oil for this purpose [Jakkinapalli et al., J. Micromech. Microeng. 30, 125014 (2020).]. However, our experiments revealed that prolonged immersion times can lead to oil interacting with the photoresist, resulting in the formation of new compounds that are challenging to remove. Consequently, the altered photoresist becomes unresponsive to both exposure and development. In light of these findings, we conducted tests using alternative immersion liquids and propose a combination of different immersion liquids and air direct writing as a means to achieve optimal writing results.

FORMATION OF PROTECTIVE COATINGS FOR PARTS OF GROUND LAUNCH COMPLEXES WITH ULTRA-DEEP MODIFICATION WITH MICROPARTICLES

Abstract.The rapid development of the latest technologies necessitates the widespread use of metal materials with unique properties. The main factors that determine the competitiveness of manufacturers of structural materials are a number of indicators, such as the creation of new effective technologies for the production of materials with a new set of physico-chemical and mechanical properties, the reduction of energy costs for the production of new materials and protective coatings for parts of the ground launch complex. The research is aimed at studying the impact of microparticles on metal targets using mass spectrometry and metallography. Experiments revealed the formation of new elements, in particular manganese, in metal structures as a result of bombardment with microparticles. Experimental data confirmed the possibility of reactions occurring in metal targets during bombardment with microparticles. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the synthesis of new elements that are of interest for obtaining protective coatings on parts of rocket technology for ground-based launch complexes. The study shows deep structural changes in metals under the influence of microparticles, accompanied by the destabilization of atoms and the formation of new compounds. The formation of new elements, in particular manganese, on the surface of metals after exposure to microparticles was revealed. It is shown that the processes of penetration are provided by the formation of plasma in the contact of a microparticle with a target, which occurs due to quantum mechanical effects that cause the breaking of interatomic bonds. These results open prospects for improving the operational properties of ground launch complexes. Potential applications are proposed, including the use of the effect of plasma formation in the processes of obtaining protective coatings on parts of launch complexes and the development of the theory of ultra-deep penetration of microparticles into solid partitions. The obtained results not only supplement experimental data, but also lay the foundation for new research in the field of rocket engineering and materials science. This study makes a significant contribution to science, providing a deep understanding of the physical processes involved in the collision of microparticles with metal structures. The obtained results open new horizons for rocket engineering and stimulate further research in the field of creating materials with unique properties and application in technological processes.

Experimental study of the influence of modified sulfur components on physical and mechanical characteristics of bitumen compositions

In this research work, the physical, mechanical and performance characteristics of bituminous binder 90/130 before and after its modification with sulfur in the proportions of 10%, 30% and 50% of the binder weight were analyzed. Experimental results showed the effect of sulfur content on the mechanical characteristics of bituminous binder. By elemental analysis of the spectra of modified bitumen binder samples, it was found that there were no significant chemical changes with increasing sulfur content. The formation of new chemical compounds was not revealed, which is confirmed by the absence of new characteristic peaks in the spectra. Analysis and comparison of the experimental data of softening temperature showed an insignificant influence of the liquid heating rate on the concentration of the modifying agent. However, the increase of sulfur concentration more than 10% in the modified bitumen leads to an increase in softening temperature. This is due to the formation of denser structure and increase in viscosity of bitumen with increasing amount of sulfur in the system. Thus, the presence of sulfur as a dispersed phase in polymer bitumen has a natural effect on the mechanical characteristics of sulfur asphalt concretes, leading to an increase in their mechanical properties with increasing sulfur content.

The effect of thermal stabilization process on mineralogy, morphology and engineering properties of red soil in southern Iran

Red soil from southern Iran is widely utilized in structural foundations, road construction, brick making, and high-level landfills. When subjected to heat, soils undergo significant changes in their physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics. This study aims to investigate the impact of temperature on the engineering properties of red soil, with a focus on the microstructural perspective. To achieve this, we conducted a series of macrostructural tests (unconfined compressive strength, gradation, weight loss, and permeability) and microstructural analyses (pH, electrical conductivity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) on Iran red soil samples. The samples were subjected to temperatures ranging from 100 ℃ to 900 ℃ for 2 h. The key findings of this research highlight significant changes in the engineering properties of red soil, particularly at temperatures between 500 ℃ and 900 ℃. Microstructural observations revealed various alterations, including dehydration, dehydroxylation, changes in soil texture, formation of cavities, and increased porosity within the soil structure. Notably, at high temperatures (approximately 900 ℃), new crystalline minerals such as Gehlenite, Diopside, Anorthite, Sanidine, and Mullite were formed. The unconfined compressive strength values exhibited a remarkable increase, reaching nearly 20 times, from 0.12 MPa to 2.3 MPa, concurrently with the formation of new compounds, including the α -β quartz transition. Overall, this study sheds light on the profound effects of temperature on the engineering properties of red soil in southern Iran, offering crucial insights for its practical applications in construction and related fields.

Photoelectrochemical activation of peroxymonosulfate using Sn-doped α-Fe2O3 thin film for degradation of anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drug

Introduction of oxygen vacancies (OVs) has been investigated as a promising way to improve the electrical and catalytic characteristics of a hematite (α-Fe2O3) based photoelectrode. In this work, we develop a novel method for preparing porous Sn-doped α-Fe2O3 (Sn:Fe2O3) thin films with intrinsic OVs. The procedure included spin-coating an iron precursor onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, followed by thermal treatment at elevated temperatures. The influence of Sn dopant on the optoelectronic properties of α-Fe2O3 was demonstrated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements. The combined effect of OVs and Sn doping was found to play a synergistic role in reducing the charge recombination’s. The Sn:Fe2O3 photoanodes were used as a dual catalyst to oxidise water and break down an anti-inflammatory drug called 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid (IBPA). The Sn:Fe2O3 thin film with a 30-minute heat treatment time displayed the highest incident photon-to-current efficiency. For the first time, Sn:Fe2O3 thin films were utilised in the effective PEC degradation of IBPA employing peroxymonosulfate (PMS) under visible light illumination. The hydroxyl radicals (OH), singlet oxygen (1O2), photogenerated holes (h+), and sulfate radicals (SO4−) were discovered to be the main reactive species during PEC degradation. IBPA degradation and the formation of new compounds were verified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The Lepidium sativum L phytotoxicity test reveals that PEC-treated wastewater with IBPA exhibits decreased toxicity.

Formation and Microscopic Appearance of Fireworks-like Objects Created from Synthetic DNA (E. coli) Crown Cells with Adenosine-DNA (E. coli)

Techniques for producing artificial cells (DNA crown cells), in which the outer membrane surface is covered with DNA were established in 2012. Such cells, hereafter referred to as synthetic DNA crown cells, can be readily synthesized using sphingosine (Sph)-DNA-adenosine mixtures and can proliferate within egg white or in vitro. However, how synthetic DNA crown cells proliferate within egg white or grow in vitro has not yet been clarified in detail. Synthetic DNA (E. coli) crown cells formed assemblies, which were reconstructed either spontaneously or in the presence of salts. The formation of new compounds, such as adenosine-DNA compounds, may occur within the reconstructed assembly. In this study, adenosine-DNA (E. coli) compounds were first prepared then the possible effect on adenosine-DNA (E. coli) by cell formation was investigated. The present experiments showed that fireworks-like objects were formed from synthetic DNA (E. coli) crown cells together with adenosine-DNA (E. coli) compounds. The findings suggested that adenosine-DNA played a role in the new of cell formation mechanism and participated in cell generation.

Novel nontarget LC-HRMS-based approaches for evaluation of drinking water treatment

A conventional evaluation methodology for drinking water pollution focuses on analysing hundreds of compounds, usually by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. High-resolution mass spectrometry allows comprehensive evaluation of all detected signals (compounds) based on their elemental composition, intensity, and numbers. We combined target analysis of 192 emerging micropollutants with nontarget (NT) full-scan/MS/MS methods to describe the impact of treatment steps in detail and assess drinking water treatment efficiency without compound identification. The removal efficiency based on target analytes ranged from − 143 to 97%, depending on the treatment section, technologies, and season. The same effect calculated for all signals detected in raw water by the NT method ranged between 19 and 65%. Ozonation increased the removal of micropollutants from the raw water but simultaneously caused the formation of new compounds. Moreover, ozonation byproducts showed higher persistence than products formed during other types of treatment. We evaluated chlorinated and brominated organics detected by specific isotopic patterns within the developed workflow. These compounds indicated anthropogenic raw water pollution but also potential treatment byproducts. We could match some of these compounds with libraries available in the software. We can conclude that passive sampling combined with nontargeted analysis shows to be a promising approach for water treatment control, especially for long-term monitoring of changes in technology lines because passive sampling dramatically reduces the number of samples and provides time-weighted average information for 2 to 4 weeks.