High Reduction Research Articles

Boosting charge separation and active sites exposure by hollow S-scheme MoSe2/Fe2O3 heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic peroxymonosulfate activation towards ciprofloxacin removal

Regulating the properties of heterogeneous catalyst for efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation to pollutants degradation remains a challenge in photo-assisted Fenton-like reaction (PF) system. In this study, the novel S-scheme MoSe2/Fe2O3 (H-FMS) heterojunction with hollow nanostructure was successfully developed as visible-light-driven PMS activator for removal of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The prepared H-FMS catalyst in PMS/H-FMS/light system exhibits outstanding photocatalytic performance for CIP degradation, achieving 95.92 % removal of 5 mg/L CIP in 30 min with 0.5 mM PMS. The construction of S-scheme heterojunction provides photoinduced carriers with longer lifetime and higher redox abilities, thus sufficient photogenerated carriers are supplied to directly activate PMS. Simultaneously, the hollow nanostructure possessing multiple light reflection and scattering behaviors further facilitates the utilization of visible light. More importantly, high concentration of photoinduced electrons with high reduction ability in MoSe2 is conducive to continuous exposure of Mo4+ active sites for PMS activation through cycling between transition metal valence states. Overall, effectively separated electron-hole pairs and continuously exposed transition metal active sites both contribute to efficient activation of PMS as well as multi-path generation of ROS, leading to significant improvement in CIP degradation. The results of quenching experiment, electron spin resonance (ESR) technology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation confirm that both free radicals (SO4∙-, •OH and O2∙-) and non radicals (1O2 and h+) attack the active sites of CIP possessing high Fukui index, thus contributing to CIP degradation. This work would provide a novel insight for future development and application of photocatalytic PMS activation catalysts in water remediation.

DNA damage and cell death in human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells: The potential biological effects of cannabidiol

ObjectiveThe present study examined the in vitro effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-3) of cannabidiol (CBD), the main chemical component of Cannabis, proposed as a novel adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cancers. DesignCell viability (MTT assay), morphology (SEM), apoptosis and cell cycle (flow cytometry), and DNA damage (phospho-γ-H2AX immunofluorescence) were evaluated. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with concentrations between 100 µM and 1 µM, and two concentrations were selected for subsequent analysis: 25 µM, as toxic dose, and 6.25 µM, as non-toxic. ResultsCBD caused a dose- and time-dependent reduction in viability of 64 %, 96 %, and 99 % with 25 µM, 50 µM and 100 µM, respectively, after 72 h (p < 0.001), cell cycle arrest in G0-G1 phase with increased apoptosis in particular at 72 h for 25 µM (p < 0.001), significant morphological alterations with 25 µM, still present even at 6.25 µM, and significantly increased cell damage considering a significant increase in the percentage of highly positive cells (5 phosphorylated γH2AX foci), which is around 29 % for 25 µM and 19 % for 6.25 µM after 24 h. ConclusionsCBD inhibits oral cancer growth causing DNA damage. In general, induced cell cytotoxicity appears to be dose- and time-related. Doses of CBD ≥25 μM showed a high reduction in viability. CBD could possibly represent a new therapeutic molecule for its cytotoxic effects against oral squamous cell carcinoma. The mechanism involved in the suppressive effect caused by CBD needs further investigation.

The Development of Uniform-Sized Pt-Based Binary Alloy Electrocatalysts for ORR in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

Developing a highly efficient and durable reduced platinum metal (PtM) alloy catalyst with high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)activity for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) is of significant interest. In this study, platinum-iron (PtFe), platinum-nickel (PtNi), and platinum-cobalt (PtCo) alloys were prepared with an average diameter of ca. 3 nm, uniformly dispersed on a high surface area carbon. The ORR activity of the prepared PtM/C catalysts was investigated under both RDE and MEA conditions. The resulting PtM/C catalysts demonstrated improved I-V cell performance at low-current density (LCD) and high-current density (HCD) regions. These findings suggest that high ORR activity and enhanced durability can be achieved through the formation of uniform Pt skin with higher electrochemical surface area (ECSA).

A complex and dynamic redox network regulates oxygen reduction at photosystem I in Arabidopsis.

Thiol-dependent redox regulation of enzyme activities plays a central role in regulating photosynthesis. Beside the regulation of metabolic pathways, alternative electron transport is subjected to thiol-dependent regulation. We investigated the regulation of O2 reduction at photosystem I. The level of O2 reduction in leaves and isolated thylakoid membranes depends on the photoperiod in which plants are grown. We used a set of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant plants affected in the stromal, membrane and lumenal thiol network to study the redox protein partners involved in regulating O2 reduction. Light-dependent O2 reduction was determined in leaves and in thylakoids of plants grown in short day and long day conditions using a spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) assay. In wild type samples from short day conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was double that of samples from long day conditions, while this difference was abolished in several redoxin mutants. An in vitro reconstitution assay showed that thioredoxin m, NADPH-dependent reductase C and NADPH are required for high O2 reduction levels in thylakoids from plants grown in long day conditions. Using isolated photosystem I, we also showed that reduction of a photosystem I protein is responsible for the increase in O2 reduction. Furthermore, differences in the membrane localization of m-type thioredoxins and 2-Cys peroxiredoxin were detected between thylakoids of short day and long day plants. Overall, we propose a model of redox regulation of O2 reduction according to the reduction power of the stroma and the ability of different thiol-containing proteins to form a network of redox interactions.

Pore-Scale Mechanism Analysis of Enhanced Oil Recovery by Horizontal Well, Dissolver, Nitrogen, and Steam Combined Flooding in Reducer Systems with Different Viscosities for Heavy Oil Thermal Recovery

Horizontal well, dissolver, nitrogen, and steam (HDNS) combined flooding is mainly applied to shallow and thin heavy oil reservoirs to enhance oil recovery. Due to the lack of pore-scale mechanism studies, it is impossible to clarify the oil displacement mechanism of each slug in the process combination and the influence of their interaction on enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Therefore, in this study, HDNS combined flooding technology was simulated in a two-dimensional visualization microscopic model, and three viscosity reducer systems and multi-cycle combined flooding processes were considered. In combination with an emulsification and viscosity reduction experiment, two-dimensional microscopic multiphase seepage experiments were carried out to compare the dynamic seepage law and microscopic occurrence state of multiphase fluids in different systems. The results showed that the ability of three viscosity reducers to improve viscosity reduction efficiency in HDNS combined flooding was A &gt; B &gt; C, and their contributions to the recovery reached 65%, 41%, and 30%, respectively. In the system where a high viscosity reduction efficiency was shown by the viscosity reducer, the enhancements of both sweeping efficiency and displacement efficiency were primarily influenced by the viscosity reducer flooding. Steam flooding collaborated to improve displacement efficiency. The thermal insulation characteristics of N2 flooding may not provide a gain effect. In the system where a low viscosity reduction efficiency was shown by the viscosity reducer, the steam flooding was more important, contributing to 57% of the sweeping efficiency. Nitrogen was helpful for expanding the sweep area of the subsequent steam and viscosity reducer, and the gain effect of the thermal insulation steam chamber significantly improved the displacement efficiency of the subsequent steam flooding by 25%. The interaction of each slug in HDNS combined flooding resulted in the additive effect of increasing production. In actual production, it is necessary to optimize the process and screen the viscosity reducer according to the actual conditions of the reservoir and the characteristics of different viscosity reducers.

High-Quality Foaming and Weight Reduction in Microcellular-Injection-Molded Polycarbonate Using Supercritical Fluid Carbon Dioxide under Gas Counter Pressure.

Microcellular injection molding (MuCell®) using supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent to achieve weight reduction has become popular in carbon emission reduction. In the typical MuCell® process, SCF N2 is commonly used. Although SCF CO2 exhibits high solubility and can achieve a high weight reduction, controlling the foaming is not easy, and its foaming cells are usually larger and less uniform, which limits its industrial application. Our previous studies have shown that gas counter pressure (GCP) can improve the foaming quality effectively. Here, we investigated whether or not the CO2 SCF foaming quality could be improved, and weight reduction was achieved for polycarbonate (PC) material. This is quite important for the electronics industry, in which most of the housing for devices is made of PC materials. MuCell® was subjected to molding experiments using the parameters of the SCF dosage, melt temperature, mold temperature, and injection speed. The results revealed that using CO2 gas for the PC material can reduce the size of microcellular cells to 40 µm and increase the cell densities to 3.97 × 106 cells/cm3. Using GCP significantly improved the microcellular injection-molded parts by reducing the cell size to 20.9 µm (a 45.41% improvement) and increasing the cell density to 8.04 × 106 cells/cm3 (a 102.48% improvement). However, implementing GCP may slightly decrease the target weight reduction. This study reveals that microcellular injection molding of PC parts using SCF CO2 can achieve high-quality foaming and reduce the weight by about 30%.

Comparison of different fertilization rates on yield, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiency of sweet corn under drought-salinity stresses

The present study investigated the effects of three fertilization (N-P2O5-K2O) rates (F1: 240-100-120 kg ha-1, F2: 192-80-96 kg ha-1, F3: 154-64-77 kg ha-1) coupled with four irrigation practices (Control: C, irrigated at the 100% field capacity, Drought: D, irrigated 60% of C, Saline: S, irrigated at the 100% field capacity, Drought and saline: D+S, irrigated 60% of S) on sweet corn yield, evapotranspiration (ET), water use efficiency (WUE), and shoot fresh-dry weights. The obtained results depicted that the grain yield at D, S, and D+S treatments decreased by 24.2%, 46.6%, and 62.0%, respectively, relative to the C treatment. Moreover, grain yield at the F3 condition was reduced by 45.3% compared to the F1 condition. Additionally, the highest ET (330.7 mm) and yield (74.0 g) was achieved with F1×C treatment. The F2 and F3 treatments reduced WUE by 17.9% and 31.5%, respectively, compared to the F1 treatment. The highest reduction in yield, ET, WUE, and shoot fresh-dry weights was found at D+S irrigation treatment under all fertilization conditions. The tallest plants were observed in the F1×C treatment, being 24.0%, 33.5%, and 43.2% taller than plants in the F1×(D+S), F2×(D+S), and F3×(D+S) treatments, respectively. Under F3 conditions, exposing sweet corn plants to single or combined salinity and drought stress remarkably degraded the growth ability of the plants, and therefore, it is not economical and sustainable cultivation for agriculture. Finally, cultivation of sweet corn plants under individual or combined drought-salinity stress is not recommended due to the high reduction in grain yield.

A Refinement of Approximate Invariant Subspaces of Matrices Based on SVD in High Dimensionality Reduction and Image Compression

A Refinement of Approximate Invariant Subspaces of Matrices Based on SVD in High Dimensionality Reduction and Image Compression

Comparative analysis of radiological outcomes among cephalomedullary nails: helical, screw and winged screw.

Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are implants with a high success rate in the surgical treatment of trochanteric fractures. The aim of this study is to compare the radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of femoral trochanteric fractures treated with three different CMNs. Intertrochanteric fractures in patients aged 50 years and older treated with CMN between January 2016 and December 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 158 cases meeting the criteria were included to final analysis. Cases were divided into three groups based on the type of nail used (helical blade: group 1, n=54; screw: group 2, n=53; winged screw: group 3, n=51). Demographic characteristics, mechanical complications, reduction quality, tip-apex distances (TAD) and Cleveland zones were compared between the groups. Femoral neck shortening, varus collapse, lag sliding, changes in abductor length were compared between study groups. Factors affecting mechanical complications were also analyzed. Study groups were homogenic in terms of demographic characteristics, fracture type and reduction quality. Regarding mechanical complications, no statistically significant difference was found between groups. All three implants had similar outcomes on femoral neck shortening, varus collapse and lag sliding. Pooled analysis of 158 cases showed that mechanical complications increase as the quality of reduction decreases (p=0.000) same applies when TAD alters from the desired range (p=0.025) and with non-optimally implanted blade according to Cleveland zones (p=0,000). The radiological outcomes and mechanical complications of helical blade, screw type blade and winged screw type blade proximal femoral nails are similar in selected group. Regardless of the device type, it is necessary to obtain high reduction quality, obtain TAD within described range and optimally place the blade according to Cleveland Zones to reduce the failure rate and avoid complications.

Larger shrubs can maintain high infiltration and evapotranspiration rates in experimental biofiltration systems impacted by high sediment loads

Biofiltration systems can fail over time due to clogging by fine sediments in stormwater. Infiltration can be maintained by plant roots, but species selection for biofiltration to date has largely been driven by pollutant removal efficiency and tolerance of conditions. As a result, plant species diversity in biofilters is typically low and dominated by sedges and rushes. Increased use of woody species could in theory improve plant diversity, aesthetic appeal, infiltration under high sediment loads and volumetric runoff reduction via higher evapotranspiration, without jeopardising nutrient pollutant removal. We tested whether shrubs could maintain infiltration and evapotranspiration in biofiltration profiles treated with a high sediment load, by comparing them with biofilters subjected to tap water without sediment. Following sediment application, biofilter columns planted with shrubs with high total biomass and total root length showed higher infiltration and evapotranspiration than those receiving tap water. These results indicate that shrub species are likely to alleviate clogging and increase stormwater retention in biofiltration systems. However, shrubs with a high root diameter also had low total biomass and total root length and showed 33–51 % lower infiltration rates after sediment application compared with those receiving tap water. As all shrubs had higher root diameters than typical sedges and rushes, we suggest that shrubs need a combination of higher total biomass, total root length and average root diameter to effectively maintain infiltration. While shrubs which maintained infiltration had traits associated with high nutrient removal, nutrient removal efficiency of shrubs needs to be quantified. Although root traits were related to maintenance of infiltration, above-ground stems likely created flow pathways through sediment which requires further investigation. Overall, selecting shrub species with high total biomass has the potential to maintain infiltration and increase evapotranspiration in biofiltration systems impacted by high sediment loads.

Nanotechnology for thermal comfort and energy efficiency in educational buildings with a simulation and measurement approach in BSh climate

Educational buildings have a large share and impact on urban development. While research shows a significant portion of non-industrial energy consumption in these buildings, obtaining optimal thermal comfort in educational buildings remains one of the main concerns in achieving the grounds to promote students’ best performance and efficiency. Extensive research has been done in this field, however, this research presents a new approach to the diverse use of nanotechnology techniques which improve its properties and components in the buildings, aiming to reduce energy consumption and increase thermal comfort. In this paper, thermal comfort and energy consumption are evaluated in a 12-class elementary school located in Shiraz City. Aeropan and nano-Phase change materials (nano-PCMs) is used in the window glass and walls of the studied case. This evaluation presents the simulation and experimental analysis of thermal comfort (PMV) and energy consumption of three classroom alignments in the school building including the Linear-shape (LS), the Integrated Linear-shape (ILS), and the U-shaped (US) alignment. The simulation was performed using EnergyPlus 9.6 software, while the experimental data was collected using TESTO 425 device. The result of this research shows that after applying nano-PCM and Aeropan techniques in window glass and walls, the US alignment has the highest reduction in energy consumption (monthly average of 11.80%) compared to LS and ILS alignments. This alignment includes an energy consumption reduction of 12.03% in the coldest, and, 11.66% in the hottest day of the year in addition to increasing the monthly average thermal comfort of school by the use of nanomaterials.

Design, fabrication and vibration characteristics of a novel composite auxetic structure embedded with resonators

With the rapid development of shipbuilding and aerospace industries, the mechanical performance requirements for structures are becoming increasingly demanding. Conventional vibration reduction structures cannot meet the requirements for lightweight, high load capacity, low frequency and broadband vibration reduction. Therefore, it is necessary to consider new structural topologies and material systems. Inspired by the lightweight and high strength characteristics of composite materials, the negative Poisson's ratio characteristics and the locally resonating phononic crystal, the carbon fiber composite auxetic structure embedded with resonators is proposed. Embedded resonators within composite auxetic structures can be strategically positioned to introduce gaps, thereby enhancing the vibration damping performance. The basic auxetic structure is prepared by simpler methods including molding and bonding, and the outer shell of resonator is made by 3D printing technology. The method enables the design of appropriate outer shell based on various cavity types within the structure, ensuring a stable connection between resonators and the structure itself. The range of the band gap can be predicted based on the negative effective mass. Vibration behavior and band gap characteristics of the structure are proved through vibration experiments and numerical simulations. It is revealed that the structure can generate local resonant band gaps at lower frequencies. Meanwhile, the coupling relationship between the auxetic structure and the resonator makes an impact to the band gap range. Therefore, the proposed structure can meet the required multi-functional integrated performance requirements. Furthermore, the parametric analysis is carried out, and the relevant conclusions can provide theoretical guidance for designing porous composite structures with effective low-broadband vibration reduction capabilities.

Dynamic Behavior of Ribbed Viscoelastic CNT‐PDMS Thin‐Films for Multifunctional Applications

AbstractTailored ribbing structures are obtained by large‐scale rolling in polymer PDMS thin‐films by adding carbon nanotubes (CNT) inclusions, which significantly improved the mechanical behavior of systems subjected to dynamic compressive strain rates. A nonlinear explicit dynamic three‐dimensional finite‐element (FE) scheme is used to understand and predict the thermomechanical response of the manufactured ribbed thin‐film structures subjected to dynamic in‐plane compressive loading. Representative volume element (RVE) FE models of the ribbed thin‐films are subjected to strain rates as high as 104 s−1 in both the transverse and parallel ribbing directions. Latin Hypercube Sampling of the microstructural parameters, as informed from experimental observations, provide the microstructurally based RVEs. An interior‐point optimization routine is also employed on a regression model trained from the FE predictions that can be used to design ribbed materials for multifunctional applications. The model verifies that damage can be mitigated in CNT‐PDMS systems subjected to dynamic compressive loading conditions by controlling the ribbing microstructural characteristics, such as the film thickness and the ribbing amplitude and wavelength. This approach provides a framework for designing materials that can be utilized for applications that require high strain rate damage tolerance, drag reduction, antifouling, and superhydrophobicity.

Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia on AuCu Single-atom Alloy Aerogels under Wide Potential Window.

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NO3RR) is very attractive for nitrate removal and ammonia production in industrial processes. However, the nitrate reduction reaction is characterized by intense hydrogen competition at strong reduction potentials, which greatly limits the Faraday efficiency at strong reduction potentials. Herein, we reported an AuxCu single-atom alloy aerogels (AuxCu SAAs) with three-dimensional network structure with significant nitrate reduction performance of Faraday efficiency (FE) higher than 90% over a wide potential range (0 ~ -1 VRHE). The FE of the catalyst was close to 100% at a high reduction potential of -0.8 VRHE, accompanying with NH3 yield reaching 6.21 mmol h-1 cm-2. More importantly, the catalyst maintained a long-term operation over 400 h at 400 mA cm-2 for the NO3RR using a continuous flow system in a H-cell. Experimental and theoretical analysis demonstrate that the catalyst can lower the energy barrier for the hydrogenation reaction of *NO2, leading to a rapid consumption of the generated *H, facilitate the hydrogenation process of NO3RR, and inhibit the competitive HER at high overpotentials, which efficiently promotes the nitrate reduction reaction, especially in industrial applications.

Evaluation of the Bioavailability of Iodine and Arsenic in Raw and Cooked Saccharina japonica Based on Simulated Digestion/Caco-2 Cell Model.

Kelp is a traditional healthy food due to its high nutritional content; however, its relatively high contents of iodine and arsenic have raised concerns about its edible safety. This study explored the effects of different cooking treatments on the contents of iodine and arsenic in kelp, evaluated the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iodine and arsenic in kelp using in vitro digestion, and compared the differences in the transport characteristics of iodine in kelp and KIO3 using a Caco-2 monolayer cell transport model. The results show that the content of target elements that reached systemic circulation could be reduced by cooking and gastrointestinal digestion. The highest reductions in iodine and arsenic were 94.4% and 74.7%, respectively, which were achieved by boiling for 10 min. The bioaccessibility and bioavailability of iodine and arsenic were significantly improved by a cooking treatment. However, the contents of iodine and arsenic decreased significantly, with the bioaccessibility of iodine reducing from 3188.2 μg/L to 317.0 μg/L and that of arsenic reducing from 32.5 μg/L to 18.1 μg/L in the gastric phase after boiling. The findings also show that the efficiency of iodine transport in kelp and KIO3 was positively correlated with the transport time and negatively correlated with the concentration of iodine. With the increase in the iodine concentration, the rate of iodine transport in kelp decreased from 63.93% to 3.14%, but that of KIO3 was stable at around 35%, which indicates that the absorption efficiency of iodine from kelp was limited, even when too much kelp was ingested. In conclusion, the edible safety of kelp is significantly improved after cooking. The risk of excessive iodine and arsenic intake caused by consuming kelp is extremely low, and as an effective iodine supplement source, kelp has higher edible safety compared with KIO3. This study clarifies the safety of algae based on iodine and arsenic contents and also provides a basis for the formulation of food safety standards.

Using weight loss to predict outcome and define a humane endpoint in preclinical sepsis studies

Preclinical mouse models are critical for understanding the pathophysiological response to infections and developing treatment strategies for sepsis. In keeping with ethical values, researchers follow guidelines to minimize the suffering of the mice. Weight loss is a criteria used as a humane end point, but there is no official recommendation for a maximum weight loss leading to euthanasia. To evaluate whether the thresholds used in daily practice are optimal, we performed a comprehensive retrospective analysis of data generated over 10 years with > 2300 mice used in models of infection with Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Candida albicans and H1N1 influenza virus. Weight loss segregated mice that survived from those that did not. Statistical analyses revealed that lowering the weight loss thresholds used (none, 30% or 20%) would have increased mortality rates due to the sacrifice of mice that survived infections (p < 0.01–0.001). Power calculations showed high variability and reduction of power as weight loss thresholds approached 20% for S. pneumoniae and L. monocytogenes models. Hence, weight loss thresholds need to be adapted to each model of infection used in a laboratory. Overall, weight loss is a valuable predictor of mortality that contributes to the robustness of composite scores. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive study exploring the relationship between weight loss threshold and sepsis outcome. It underscores the importance of the infection-model-specific evaluation of weight loss for use in clinical scores defining humane endpoints to minimize mouse suffering without compromising statistical power and scientific objectives.

Impact of Inverse Manganese Promotion on Silica-Supported Cobalt Catalysts for Long-Chain Hydrocarbons via Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis

One of the challenges in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is the high reduction temperatures, which cause sintering and the formation of silicates. These lead to pore blockages and the coverage of active metals, particularly in conventional catalyst promotion. To address the challenge, this article investigates the effects of the preparation method, specifically the inverse promotion of SiO2-supported Co catalysts with manganese (Mn), and their reduction in H2 for FTS. The catalysts were prepared using stepwise incipient wetness impregnation of a cobalt nitrate precursor into a promoted silica support. The properties of the catalysts were characterized using XRD, XPS, TPR, and BET techniques. The structure–performance relationship of the inversely promoted catalysts in FTS was studied using a fixed-bed reactor to obtain the best performing catalysts for heavy hydrocarbons (C5+). XRD and XPS results indicated that Co3O4 is the dominant cobalt phase in oxidized catalysts. It was found that with increase in Mn loading, the reduction temperature increased in the following sequence 10%Co/SiO2 &lt; 10%Co/0.25%Mn-SiO2 &lt; 10%Co/0.5%Mn-SiO2 &lt; 10%Co/3.0%Mn-SiO2. The catalyst with the lowest Mn loading, 10%Co/0.25%Mn-SiO2, exhibited higher C5+ selectivity, which can be attributed to less MSI and higher reducibility. This catalyst showed the lowest CH4 selectivity possibly due to lower H2 uptake and higher CO chemisorption.

Atomically dispersed nickel-bismuth dual-atom sites for high rate electrochemical CO2 reduction

We report a diatomic-site catalyst configuration constituted by Ni-N3 and Bi-N4 embedded in ultrathin nitrogenated carbon nanosheets (Ni/Bi-N-C) which showed dramatically improved activity and selectivity for the conversion of CO2 to CO. Specifically, the catalyst exhibited high CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO) of above 90 % over a wide potential window from −0.76 to −2.22 versus reversible hydrogen electrode with the maximum CO partial current density up to 312 mA cm−2 in a flow cell, and coupled with robust durability. Ni/Bi-N-C-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) device presented ultrahigh FECO of 95.7 % at 750 mA and over 100 h of continuous operation without decay under constant current density of 100 mA cm−2. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory calculations reveal that regulating the CO2RR catalytic performance via nearby Ni and Bi active sites can potentially break the activity benchmark of the single metal counterparts because the neighboring Ni and Bi active sites work in synergy to decrease the reaction barrier for the formation of *COOH and desorption of *CO. This work presents an efficient combination of two metal atomic sites which was designed by optimizing the interaction between the atomic sites and key reaction intermediates, resulting in the high-rate electrocatalytic CO2 reduction.

Enhancing Onshore Wind Tower Foundations: A Comprehensive Automated Design Approach

The realm of green energy is in constant flux, drawing considerable attention from stakeholders dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, reducing costs, and developing structures that align with stringent standards. This study introduces an innovative approach aimed at improving onshore wind tower foundation systems, emphasizing both engineering and financial feasibility. The approach involves a comprehensive analysis of design load cases, particularly emphasizing resistance against overturn, while ensuring compliance with Eurocode guidelines. The foundation system is conceptualized as a beam slab with voids filled by soil material. High reduction in concrete quantity is achieved by reaching 30%, while the steel reduction reaches 90%. It is worth mentioning that the total cost is reduced by up to 70%. Furthermore, as a future trend, this study aims to integrate the new foundation system with steel 3D printing technology in the manufacturing process of the wind tower’s structural elements. This integration is expected to enhance the precision and customization of the superstructure-foundation system, thereby improving overall performance and efficiency. The optimized design not only significantly reduces construction costs but also streamlines installation, saving time. Simultaneously, this study enhances the structural behavior of the wind tower foundation by focusing on elements crucial to its efficiency.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anticancerous Effects against Human Lung Cancer Cells of a Terpenoid-Rich Fraction of Inula viscosa.

Inula viscosa is a widely used plant in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern medicine for various illnesses. I. viscosa has been shown to have anticancer effects against various cancers, but its effects against lung cancer have been under limited investigation. At the same time, I. viscosa is rich in terpenoids whose anti-lung cancer effects have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts of stems and leaves of I. viscosa and its terpenoid-rich fraction against human lung cancer A549 cells. Results showed that the methanolic extracts of I. viscosa had significantly higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and radical scavenging capacity than the aqueous extracts. In addition, leaves methanolic extracts (IVLM) caused the highest reduction in viability of A549 cells among all the extracts. IVLM also reduced the viability of human ovarian SK-OV-3, breast MCF-7, liver HepG2, and colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. A terpenoid-rich I. viscosa fraction (IVL DCM), prepared by liquid-liquid separation of IVLM in dichloromethane (DCM), displayed a substantial reduction in the viability of A549 cells (IC50 = 27.8 ± 1.5 µg/mL at 48 h) and the panel of tested cancerous cell lines but was not cytotoxic to normal human embryonic fibroblasts (HDFn). The assessment of IVL DCM phytochemical constituents using GC-MS analysis revealed 21 metabolites, highlighting an enrichment in terpenoids, such as lupeol and its derivatives, caryophyllene oxide, betulin, and isopulegol, known to exhibit proapoptotic and antimetastatic functions. IVL DCM also showed robust antioxidant capacity and decent polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis indicated that IVL DCM reduced proliferation (reduction of proliferation marker Ki67 and induction of proliferation inhibitor proteins P21 and P27), contaminant with P38 MAP kinase activation, and induced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (P53/BCL2/BAX/Caspase3/PARP) in A549 cells. IVL DCM also reduced the migration of A549 cells, potentially by reducing FAK activation. Future identification of anticancer metabolites of IVL DCM, especially terpenoids, is recommended. These data place I. viscosa as a new resource of herbal anticancer agents.