Irradiation Time Research Articles

Microbial Contamination and Sterilization Methods in an Air Circulation-Type Geothermal Ventilation System

A simulated system was created to evaluate an air circulation-type geothermal ventilation system, focusing on measuring microbial contamination levels on the surface of the heat exchange unit. Additionally, this study examined sterilization methods using UV lamps on the surface of the heat exchanger. The fungal concentration on the surface of the heat exchanger showed a tendency to increase over time. Although direct comparison is challenging due to the varying concentrations of outdoor air fungi at different measurement times, the surface fungal concentration was highest at a minimum airflow rate of 150 m3/h compared to other conditions. However, since the adhesion of contaminants from outdoor air to the surface of the heat exchanger is influenced not only by airflow but also by outdoor temperature and relative humidity conditions, future research needs to consider these factors. According to the ATP measurement results, microbial contamination was evaluated as “slightly dirty” after 24 h and “dirty” after 48 h of operating the experimental apparatus. Therefore, it is advisable to clean the internal surfaces of the geothermal ventilation system every 1–2 days. The results of the sterilization experiments using UV lamps indicated that irradiation for approximately 30 min inactivated 94.5%-to-96.1% of microorganisms derived from outdoor air. However, since the sterilization dose varies depending on the type of microorganism, it is necessary to determine the optimal irradiation time based on the target microorganisms and the UV lamp’s irradiation intensity.

Versatile platform of 3D/2D/1D:ZnFe2O4/NiAl-LDH/MWCNTs nanocomposite for photocatalytic purification of dinoseb and electrocatalytic O2 evolution reaction.

Integrating photocatalysis with electrocatalysis may represent a synergistic approach to address environmental and energy challenges. In this context, we explored synthesizing a series of nanocomposite materials using a solid-state approach involving simple grinding and subsequent thermal treatment for the photocatalytic purification of dinoseb and electrocatalytic oxygen evolution (OER). Interestingly, among the series of synthesized materials, 40 weight percentage of 3D/2D/1D:ZnFe2O4/NiAl-LDH/MWCNTs ternary nanocomposite (40-NZM) showed highly improved dinoseb detoxification and OER efficiencies compared to those of pure materials. Importantly, approximately 98% detoxification of dinoseb was observed within 75 min of irradiation time under a visible light source. Remarkably, the 40-NZM nanocomposite exhibited the highest rate constant value (k = 4.1×10-2 min-1) with a favorable R2 (0.98) parameter. Furthermore, 40-NZM showed promising electrocatalytic OER performance, requiring only 217 mV of overpotential to achieve 10 mAcm-2 of current density with a smaller Tafel slope of 66.6 mVdec-1. Additionally, long-term stability was tested by recording 2000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. The results revealed that 40-NZM could maintain its catalytic activity for a longer duration as it required only 227 mV to attain 10 mAcm-2 even after 2000 CV cycles. Consequently, these outstanding characteristics of 40-NZM nanocomposite underscore the significant potential for catalytic water purification and sustainable energy conversion.

FLIP: a novel method for patient-specific dose quantification in circulating blood in large vessels during proton or photon external beam radiotherapy treatments

Purpose.To provide a novel and personalized method (FLIP, FLowand Irradiation Personalized) using patient-specific circulating blood flows and individualized time-dependent irradiation distributions, to quantify the dose delivered to blood in large vessels during proton or photon external beam radiotherapy.Methods.Patient-specific data were obtained from ten cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, including the blood velocity field in large vessels and the temporal irradiation scheme using photons or protons. The large vessels and the corresponding blood flow velocities are obtained from phase-contrast MRI sequences. The blood dose is obtained discretizing the fluid into individual blood particles (BPs). A Lagrangian approach was applied to simulate the BPs trajectories along the vascular velocity field flowlines. Beam delivery dynamics was obtained from beam delivery machine measurements. The whole IS is split into a sequence of successive IEs, each one with its constant dose rate, as well as its corresponding initial and final time. Calculating the dose rate and knowing the spatiotemporal distribution of BPs, the dose is computed by accumulating the energy received by each BP as the time-dependent irradiation beams take place during the treatment.Results.Blood dose volume histograms from proton therapy and photon radiotherapy patients were assessed. The irradiation times distribution is obtained for BPs in both modalities. Two dosimetric parameters are presented: (i)D3%, representing the minimum dose received by the 3% of BPs receiving the highest doses, and (ii)V0.5 Gy, denoting the blood volume percentage that has received at least 0.5 Gy.Conclusion.A novel methodology is proposed for quantifying the circulating blood dose along large vessels. This methodology involves the use of patient-specific vasculature, blood flow velocity field, and dose delivery dynamics recovered from the irradiation machine. Relevant parameters that affect the dose received, as the distance between large vessels and CTV, are identified.

Light‐Responsive Aldehyde‐Reduction Catalysis Through Catalyst Encapsulation

We report a light‐responsive tetrahedral metal–organic capsule that binds a perrhenate catalyst, which is released selectively upon irradiation with 350 nm light, turning on the catalytic reduction of organic carbonyls by hydrosilanes. The catalytic activity can be switched off by heating at 75 °C for 2.5 h, which stimulates capsule reformation and catalyst re‐encapsulation. Multiple on‐off cycles were shown, with a clear relationship between product yield and light irradiation time. Encapsulation thus enables the coupling of light‐responsiveness to catalysis in a manner that might be generalized to other catalysts and capsules.

Light-Responsive Aldehyde-Reduction Catalysis Through Catalyst Encapsulation.

We report a light-responsive tetrahedral metal-organic capsule that binds a perrhenate catalyst, which is released selectively upon irradiation with 350 nm light, turning on the catalytic reduction of organic carbonyls by hydrosilanes. The catalytic activity can be switched off by heating at 75 °C for 2.5 h, which stimulates capsule reformation and catalyst re-encapsulation. Multiple on-off cycles were shown, with a clear relationship between product yield and light irradiation time. Encapsulation thus enables the coupling of light-responsiveness to catalysis in a manner that might be generalized to other catalysts and capsules.

The Effects of FR and UVA Irradiation Timing on Multi-Omics of Purple Lettuce in Plant Factories

The synergistic application of far-red (FR) and ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation presents a promising approach for enhancing growth and the enrichment of secondary metabolites in plants. However, prolonged exposure to these combined light qualities imposes significant stress on plants, hindering their development. Therefore, an initial period of FR irradiation to promote plant growth, followed by a subsequent period of UVA irradiation to enhance the accumulation of plant quality, constitutes a viable strategy. Our study, focusing on purple lettuce, aims to elucidate the response mechanisms of the lettuce leaf under standard white light in commercial production, with the addition of different durations of FR and UVA irradiation, and to explore the complex dynamic changes at the multi-omics level. The results indicate that the duration of FR exposure is crucial in determining biomass-related phenotypes such as fresh weight, while the duration of UVA exposure significantly influences the accumulation of phenotypic markers like anthocyanins. At the transcriptional level, the most extensive transcriptional regulation was observed when FR was applied throughout the entire growth period, and UVA was applied eight days before harvest, significantly impacting pathways such as MAPK signaling cascades, plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthetic processes, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Metabolomic analysis corroborated the transcriptomic findings, with particular emphasis on antioxidant activity, photoprotection, and defense mechanisms. Our comprehensive analysis suggests that short-term UVA irradiation prior to harvest, based on full growth period FR irradiation, is feasible. The combined application of FR and UVA irradiation fine-tunes plant growth, developmental trajectories, and stress responses by modulating light signals, hormonal signals, and secondary metabolic pathways. These findings not only reveal the adaptive mechanisms of plants to fluctuating light environments but also provide a scientific basis for optimizing light management strategies in controlled plant production systems and precision agriculture.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with microbubble mediated JNK/c-Jun pathway to reverse multidrug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer

To investigate the effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with microbubble (LIPUS-MB) mediated JNK/c-Jun pathway reversal on multidrug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer and the underlying mechanisms. An orthogonal experiment was designed to screen for the optimal parameters of LIPUS-MB in MDA-MB-231/DOX cells. The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the drug resistance of the cells and to measure their proliferation activity and resistance reversal efficiency at the optimal parameters. Hoechst 33,342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining were employed to detect cell morphological changes and apoptosis, respectively. The MDA-MB-231/DOX models of transplanted tumor were established in BALB/c. The impact of LIPUS-MB on allograft tumor growth was observed in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was employed to investigate the expression of P-gp, ABCG2, and Ki-67 in tumor tissues, while western blot was utilized to assess the protein expression of P-gp, ABCG2, JNK, p-JNK, c-Jun, p-c-Jun, Bcl-2 and Bax in both MDA-MB-231/DOX cells and allograft tumor tissues. The optimal LIPUS-MB parameters for MDA-MB-231/DOX cells are the microbubble concentration of 20%, ultrasound intensity of 1.0 W/cm2, and irradiation time of 60 s. The drug resistance index of MDA-MB-231/DOX cells is 19.17. Following the optimal parameter application, the IC50 value of the cells decreases by 5.71-fold, with a reversal efficiency of 87.03%, and a simultaneous decrease in cell proliferation activity. Compared with other groups, the DOX + LIPUS-MB group displayed the highest incidence of apoptotic nuclear morphology, and the greatest quantity of cellular apoptosis and the most pronounced decrease in the expression levels of P-gp, ABCG2, p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Bcl-2 proteins within the cells. Conversely, the expression levels of Bax proteins reach the highest levels (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, in vivo subcutaneous tumor transplantation experiments in nude mice revealed that the DOX + LIPUS-MB group exhibited smaller tumor growth rate, volume and the expression of P-gp, ABCG2, and Ki-67 compared to the DOX + LIPUS group, indicating the most pronounced inhibitory effect on tumor growth and it significantly inhibited tumor proliferation, promoted its apoptosis. In conclusion, following parameter optimization, LIPUS-MB was found to reduce the drug resistance of MDA-MB-231/DOX cells. The underlying mechanism may involve the downregulation of P-gp and ABCG2 proteins expression through the modulation of the JNK/c-Jun pathway by LIPUS-MB, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation activity and promoting apoptosis, and enhancing the in vivo anti-tumor effect of DOX, thus reversing multidrug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer.

Distinct pathway of multiferroic silver-decorated zinc ferrite nanocatalyst performance for Acinate insecticide oxidation

The current study investigating the preparation and application of a Multiferroic nano-scale silver zinc ferrite substance (Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocatalyst) has been established. Multiferroic silver zinc ferrite substance is prepared by co-precipitation technique as hybridized composite. This synethsized nanoparticles was characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) as well as Scanning Electron Miscospopy (SEM). Such nanoparticles are used as a sustainable recyclable photo-Fenton’s reagent precursor for treating insecticide in wastewater. The results revealed a high Acinate oxidation rate reached to 97% removal within 40 min of irradiance time. To increase the performance, the operating variables are optimized. pH 3.0 and 40 and 400 mg/L for Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 and hydrogen peroxide, respectively are identified as the optimum values. Also, kinetics and thermodynamic are evaluated and the reaction is subsequent the first-order kinetics model and exothermic and non-spontaneous in nature with a low energy barrier of 35.02 kJ/mol. The advantage of Ag0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 catalyst is its sustainability since it recovered for multiple reuse with a high activity reached to 80% removal rate after six cyclic use compared to 97% of fresh catalyst use.

Photoinduced On and Off Polymeric Room Temperature Phosphorescence Based On Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Isomers.

As family members of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, compound anthracene (Ant) and phenanthrene (Phe) as isomers are widely used in organic optical materials and electronic materials. But their photochemical and physical properties are very different. In this work, the room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) properties of PVA-B-Ant and PVA-B-Phe are discussed carefully which are prepared by B-O click reaction through polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with 9-anthraceneboronic acid (B-Ant) and 9-phenanthrenylboronic acid (B-Phe), respectively. PVA-B-Phe 1 % film exhibits excellent fluorescence (FL) emission at 374 nm and RTP emission at 523 nm with green afterglow and around 1.9 s phosphorescence lifetime. However, PVA-B-Ant 1 % film only shows strong blue FL emission at 414 nm, and the emission intensity decreases seriously with the extension of irradiation time. Experimental and theoretical calculations results suggest that the photodimer of Ant which is formed in PVA matrix under the UV light irradiation would be competitive with the process of RTP emission. This work demonstrates that the RTP properties of organic molecules might be probably affected by the photostability of the organic phosphor under UV irradiation.

Green synthesized nano-TiO2 from Tamarindusindica leaf extract for photo-degradation of combination of dyes by suspension and immobilization on inert supports

ABSTRACT The present study aims to use green synthesized TiO2 as a photocatalyst in suspended and immobilized form under UV light to efficiently degrade a combination of reactive dyes, namely titan yellow, methyl orange, rhodamine B, and methylene blue. TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Tamarindus indica leaf extract and were utilized to parametrically study photo-degradation at room temperature. The green synthesized NPs were characterized by Powder XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques to understand the crystalline phase/purity, morphology, and functional groups respectively. The TiO2 in suspension under UV light showed >90% degradation towards a 10 ppm composite dye at a loading of 1.5 gL−1, pH 7, and an irradiation time of 120 min. Subsequently, TiO2 was further immobilized in-situ, on inert supports of perlite granules and glass and studied for catalytic activity in batch and continuous modes. The TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on perlite granules and glass showed 59 and 48% degradation in batch operation under the same conditions as in suspended form. In continuous mode, the highest degradation activity was recorded at 2 Lh−1 after 4 passes. Further, kinetic studies reveal that the degradation reaction is best described by Langmuir Hinshelwood kinetics for both suspended and immobilized TiO2.

Design of Remote-Controllable Diels-Alder Platform on Magnetic Nanoparticles via Layer-by-Layer Assembly for AC Magnetic Field-Triggered Drug Release.

Diels-Alder chemistry was exploited to develop a remote-controllable drug release platform on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). For this purpose, MNPs were decorated with anionic poly(styrenesulfonic acid-co-furfuryl methacrylate) (poly(SS-co-FMA)) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) by layer-by-layer assembly. The decorated MNPs successfully underwent DA reaction to produce covalent bonding between FMA (diene) and maleimide (dienophile)-terminated model drug. Thermal treatment above 80 °C caused the retro Diels-Alder reaction (rDA) between FMA and the drug, resulting in drug release. The retro DA could be also achieved by applying an alternating-current (AC) magnetic field to the decorated MNPs. This could spatially limit the heat generation around MNP without heating entire system. Drug release could be also accelerated with the irradiation time when a threshold temperature was met or exceeded the required energy for rDA reaction. Our results highlight the potential of DA chemistry as a new strategy to provide a remote controllable drug release platform for improving the therapeutic efficiency.

Impact of gamma radiation on marginal adaptation of nanohybrid composite and composition of dental hard tissues – Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis: An in vitro pilot study

Aims: This pilot study aimed to compare the marginal adaptation of composite resin at the tooth-restoration interface, before and after radiation. Subjects and Methods: Fifteen extracted premolars were divided into 2 experimental groups (based on the timing of irradiation) and 1 control group of 5 teeth each. In Group I (control group), teeth were restored but not exposed to radiation at any stage, Group II: teeth were irradiated before cavity preparation and restoration, and Group III: after cavity preparation and restoration employing selective etch technique, teeth were exposed to radiation. The samples were then sectioned buccolingually to analyze the extent of the marginal gap under scanning electron microscopy and compositional alteration of dental hard tissues by X-ray diffraction study. The data collected were analyzed statistically. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical software used was IBM SPSS version 23 New York, USA, and analysis was done using two-way ANOVA followed by Turkey’s post hoc test, this difference in the mean marginal gap between all three groups was nonsignificant (P ≥ 0.05). Results: In the control group (Group I), a minimum gap (4.203 µm ± 0.533) was observed at the tooth-restoration interface, indicating the highest level of adaptation as compared to Group II (5.816 µm ± 0.762) and Group III (4.862 µm ± 1.018). This suggests that radiation adversely affected the bonding between composite materials and both enamel and dentin, attributed to the alterations induced by radiotherapy in the chemical, physical, and morphological properties of both tooth structure and composite resin. Conclusions: Ionizing radiations adversely affect the bonding between enamel, dentin, and composite resin. Hence, restorative procedures should be performed before undergoing radiotherapy.

Optimization of Microwave-Assisted Polyphenol Extraction and Antioxidant Activity from Papaya Peel Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network

The objective of the present study is to determine the optimal conditions of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) such as microwave power (MWP), irradiation time (I-time), ethanol concentration (EtOH%), and solvent-to-solid ratio (S/S) for maximizing total polyphenol content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity from papaya peel. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used considering MWP 300–600 W, I-time 60-120 s, EtOH% 30-70%, and S/S 30-70 mL/g. Additionally, response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN) were employed for modelling, with cross-validation to enhance reliability. These models were combined with the desirability function (DF) and/or genetic algorithm (GA) optimization approaches. Maximizing TPC and DPPH activity while maintaining MWP, I-time, EtOH%, and S/S within their respective ranges using hybrid optimization approaches (RSM-DF: TPC = 1058 mgGAE/100g, and DPPH = 83%, RSM-GA: TPC = 1064 mgGAE/100g and DPPH = 79%, and ANN-GA: TPC = 1086 mgGAE/100g, and DPPH = 83%,) yielded consistent optimal results. An additional optimization approach (RSM-DF: TPC = 955 mgGAE/100g, and DPPH = 90%), aimed at minimizing MWP, I-time, EtOH%, and S/S while maximizing TPC and DPPH activity, showed a significant reduction of approximately 3 L in ethanol consumption for each 100 g of dry samples. The maximized TPC and DPPH activity in all four approaches showed a significant (p < 0.05) alignment with their corresponding validation tests, demonstrating the better performance of these modelling and optimization processes. In terms of assessing the effectiveness of microwave assistance, conventional solvent extraction was also performed, maintaining a 70 mL/g S/S ratio of 55% ethanol at 60°C for 2 h. This method resulted in lower values of TPC (857 ± 23 g GAE/100g) yield and DPPH activity (72 ± 5%) compared to the optimized condition of MAE.

A minute-resolution downscaling algorithm for high-resolution global irradiance time series

Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant impact of the resolution of solar irradiation data on the outcomes of hourly production models. Accurate integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems sometimes demands a high-resolution global horizontal irradiance (GHI) time series to capture the rapid fluctuations in PV power output induced by swift irradiance changes. Most of the available databases provide data at hourly resolution, leading to a lack of accuracy in PV simulations. Those existing hourly averages of global horizontal irradiance in open sources fail to represent this volatility adequately, especially when PV systems are coupled with fast ramp rate technologies. In the present work, an easy-to-use algorithm is implemented to synthesize high-resolution GHI time series from hourly averaged and clear sky irradiance datasets. By employing Linear interpolation, a technique that helps to achieve the desired time resolution and afterward computing critical factors, the algorithm identifies periods characterized by short-term weather phenomena, thus creating a high-resolution time series that accurately represents these dynamics. Avoiding the probabilistic components and machine learning techniques conserves computational power and reduces calculation time, but this comes at the cost of reduced fidelity in reproducing the results. Improving accuracy in PV simulations is not always directly related to reproducing real phenomena, but enhancing the amount of information contained in the data is sufficient. This study’s approach enhances user-friendliness and facilitates seamless integration into existing energy modeling frameworks, aiming for representation with sub-hourly time steps. The algorithm’s effectiveness is demonstrated by applying the model to hourly averaged data to revert them to a one-minute time step, and finally comparing the synthetically produced one-minute GHI data to the original measured data. The comparative analysis between synthesized and measured data demonstrated a strong agreement, with normalized mean bias error (MBE) values ranging between 1.8% and 9.6% and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) values between 2.7% and 16.1%, depending on weather conditions. Additionally, the coefficient of determination (R2) consistently remained above 0.64. Successful algorithm validation makes our algorithm suitable for use in meteorological datasets and locations, with similar climatic characteristics.

Novel S-scheme WO3/ZnO-modified g-C3N4 heterojunction for optimizing norfloxacin photodegradation condition via DoE: Synthesis, characterization, and mechanism evaluation

Norfloxacin, an antimicrobial agent, has been recurrently observed in municipal wastewater facilities, posing a conjectured threat to human health and environmental integrity. Herein, novel ternary heterojunction of WO3/ZnO-modified g-C3N4 was fabricated utilizing the impregnation technique for the organic pollutant degradation, presenting a significant challenge. XRD, XPS, TEM, HR-TEM, SEM, EDS, BET, EIS, Mott-Schottky, ESR, PL, photocurrent, and DRS techniques were used to explore the structural, morphological, textural, and optical features of the produced materials. In this ternary system, ZnO served as an electron transfer conduit, facilitating the formation of a heterojunction interface between the semiconductor constituents. Establishment of the S-scheme within the charge transfer dynamics of the heterojunction markedly augmented charge separation, enhancing the efficacy of the photocatalytic activity. Under optimized conditions via the DoE software (i.e.; photocatalyst dosage: 0.54 g/L, NOR concentration: 25.87 mg/L, Irradiation time: 41.71 min and pH: 6.9), 97.19 % of NOR elimination was achieved by the optimized 20-WZC photocatalyst with a pseudo-first-order kinetic model (k = 0.05 min−1). ESR data, alongside quenching experiments, corroborated the pivotal involvement of O2−, OH, and h+ in the NOR degradation mechanism. The investigation of NOR's potential decontamination pathways was performed using HRLC-MS. TOC analysis revealed a significant mineralization of 82.45 %, indicating the conversion of NOR into H2O, CO2, and other degradable substances. The optimized photocatalyst also demonstrated notable efficiency in the degradation of Tetracycline: 98.15 %, Ciprofloxacin: 93.27 %, Methylene Blue: 98.89 %, and Enrofloxacin: 91.54 % pollutants. The photocatalytic activity of the 20-WZC catalyst remained consistently high, without significant reduction, over five successive cycles.

Measurement of temporal evolution of antiferromagnetic domain change in nickel oxide driven by 2TO phonon mode excitation via pump-probe experiment

The temporal evolution of antiferromagnetic domain pattern changes under resonant excitation of the second-order transverse optical phonon mode in nickel oxide was investigated using mid-infrared free electron laser (MIR-FEL) pulses and visible nanosecond probe laser pulses at room temperature. We visualized the domain patterns through magneto-optical polarized microscopy in transmission and observed their temporal variation after the phonon excitation via MIR-FEL. We evaluated the differences throughout the timeline using the structural similarity index measure technique from domain images with and without MIR-FEL irradiation. We found that the MIR-FEL irradiation induces significant structural changes in the domain patterns. The maximum difference was observed at the timing of the MIR-FEL irradiation and exponentially recovered with the time constant of 1.4 ± 0.2 ms. This rather long-time constant could be owing to the spin relaxation, whilst further investigation is needed to confirm the underlying mechanism.

Preparation of CuWO4/Bi2WO6 composite and its sonocatalytic removal of tetracycline by combined persulfate

In this study, CuWO4/Bi2WO6 composites were prepared by the one-pot method and characterized. The sonocatalytic performance of the CuWO4/Bi2WO6 composites was investigated using tetracycline (TET) as a model of organic pollutant, in which the best catalytic performance was achieved by CB-10. When the addition of CB-10 was 1.0 g/L, the ultrasonic power was 500 W, the concentration of TET was 20 mg/L, and the addition of K2S2O8 was 2.7 g/L, the removal rate of TET was achieved 98.77 ± 1.55% after 60 min of ultrasonic irradiation time. The results indicated that the construction of CuWO4/Bi2WO6 Type-II heterojunction could effectively separate the e--h+ pairs generated in the CuWO4/Bi2WO6 composite during the sonocatalytic process, which could significantly enhance the sonocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6. The combination of this sonocatalytic system and K2S2O8 could effectively remove TET. The results of the present paper provide a good basis for the development of novel sonocatalysts and the practical application of sonocatalytic degradation technology in pharmaceutical wastewater purification.

Visible light degradation of antibiotics catalyzed by nanoporous carbon/V2O5 nanocomposite: structural, optical and electrochemical properties

In this study, nanoporous carbon (NPC) decorated V2O5 (NPC/V2O5) nanocomposite synthesized by a hydrothermal technique using biomass-derived NPC nanoflakes towards the application of berberine hydrochloride (BH) dye degradation under visible light irradiation. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV-Visible and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Charge transfer resistance was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and liner sweep voltammetry (LSV). XRD studies confirm the orthorhombic crystal structure of NPC/V2O5 nanocomposite. FE-SEM and TEM analysis validate their particle-like and sheet-like morphology of V2O5 and NPC respectively. Further, UV-visible DRS and PL spectra of the green synthesized NPC/V2O5 nanocomposite exhibited a low band-gap and reduced recombination rate compared to the pure counterpart which is better light-absorbing ability in the visible light region. Batch experiments represent the incorporation of NPC and V2O5 would lead to an increase the photocatalytic performance of NPC/V2O5 toward BH dye degradation. During the photocatalytic reaction, the NPC/V2O5 nanocomposite degraded rate around 97.7% against BH dye within 80 min while pure V2O5 degraded 92.5% of BH dye under same visible light irradiation time. Finally, the cyclic stability experiment exhibits the photocatalyst even stable after five consecutive tests.

Modification of ZIF-8 Membranes for Gas Separation Using X-ray Radiation.

We report an X-ray radiation-induced modification of the structure and gas permeation behavior of ZIF-8 membranes. With 300 min irradiation time, CO2 permeance decreases by only 9%, while N2 and CH4 permeances reduce by 75 and 65%, respectively, leading to 3.7- and 2.6-fold enhancements in ideal selectivity for CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4.

Physicochemical, techno-functional, and thermal properties of Kabuli chickpea's aquafaba extracted by optimized microwave-assistive process

Aquafaba, a liquid by-product from the soaking and cooking of legumes, is often discarded in canning processes despite its rich protein, carbohydrate content, and functional properties. This study investigates the impact of microwave irradiation pretreatment on the extraction efficiency and the physicochemical, techno-functional, and thermal properties of Kabuli chickpea aquafaba. The findings revealed that increased microwave irradiation time and power led to a reduction in foaming ability and extraction efficiency but significantly enhanced the soluble protein content, density, dry matter, and foam stability of aquafaba. Optimal extraction was achieved with 5 min of irradiation at 900 W, yielding the highest extraction efficiency (175.3 %), protein concentration (1779.12 mg kg-1), density (1.019 g/mL), dry matter (4.11 %), foaming ability (341.21 %), and foam stability (49.56 %). Thermogravimetric analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed that microwave pretreatment improved the thermal stability of aquafaba without altering its chemical structure. Microwave-assisted extraction improves the quality and functionality of aquafaba, offering a sustainable alternative to waste disposal in the food industry. While the initial investment in microwave technology may be high, it transforms aquafaba from a waste by-product into a valuable resource, leading to significant profitability for canning industries. Given the high techno-functional, physicochemical, and thermal properties of aquafaba, it appears to be a suitable alternative to more expensive ingredients like egg whites and a promising substitute in vegan products.