Minimal Degradation Research Articles

Output Enhancement of a 3D‐Printed Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using Laser Surface 3D Patterning

This study investigates the performance of contact separation and sliding modes of triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) using COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment. The output performance of a plain surface TENG is compared with square, rectangular, and pyramid‐patterned TENGs. The pyramid pattern emerges as the most efficient geometry, demonstrating a solid output of 95.8 V (Voc) and 0.99 μA (Isc). Advanced 3D printing techniques (3DP) including powder‐based multijet fusion and resin‐based polyjet fusion are utilized to print polyamide 12 (PA12) and VeroClear, respectively. The laser surface patterning technique is used to make precise micropatterns on the surfaces of the VeroClear and PA12 layers, resulting in a consistent and effective surface morphology that enhances the surface area of triboelectric layers, and outperforms traditional approaches of patterning in consistency and efficacy. The validation of simulation results is made where the pyramid pattern is emerged as the most efficient geometry experimentally. Performance is maintained with minimal degradation after 102 cycles, and a 22 μF–63 V capacitor is successfully used to store the generated charge. This study not only sets the path for pre‐experimental analysis using simulation environment but also provides a clear demonstration of advanced manufacturing techniques for printing and patterning 3D‐printed triboelectric materials.

Robust Deep UV Photodetectors Based on One‐Step‐Grown Polycrystalline Ga2O3 Film via Pulsed Laser Deposition toward Extreme‐Environment Application

AbstractGallium oxide (Ga2O3), with an ultrawide bandgap corresponding to the deep ultraviolet (DUV) range, has attracted significant attention in optical filter‐free photodetectors. In practical terms, DUV photodetectors employed in extreme conditions, for example, flame detection and space exploration, face the challenges of performance degradation caused by high/low‐temperature transformation. Here, DUV photodetectors are tailored with high durability and stability by one‐step‐grown β‐Ga2O3 films via pulsed laser deposition. A high‐oxygen‐pressure scheme effectively addresses the issue of film‐free deposition at specifically high temperatures, facilitating the formation of polycrystalline high‐resistivity β‐Ga2O3 films. As a result, the devices exhibit outstanding performance, including a low dark current (4.4 pA @30 V), high photoresponsivity (147.36 A W−1), and fast response time (3.1/22.6 ms). Additionally, the photoresponse performance shows minimal degradation at high temperatures up to 300 °C and even improves at low temperatures down to −100 °C, ranking it among the most robust DUV photodetectors. The mechanism of photoresponse, involving the exciton formation, bandgap evolution, carrier‐phonon scatter, etc., is also elucidated in a wide temperature range. This work provides an efficient solution for developing robust Ga2O3 DUV photodetectors with excellent performance for extreme‐condition applications.

Recyclable multiscale composite structural supercapacitor

AbstractThis study presents a proof‐of‐concept for a fully recyclable and sustainable composite structural supercapacitor. The fabricated device shows promising energy storage capabilities and mechanical strength. Generally, structural supercapacitors capacitance is considerably lower than non‐load‐bearing mono‐functional supercapacitors and are made via thermoset polymer electrolyte. Here, the device is fabricated using an optimized solid electrolyte composition of carbon aerogel modified carbon fibers, fumed silica, lithium salt, and a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The supercapacitor exhibits a high capacitance of 5225 mFg−1 (193 mFcm−2) at 1 mVs−1 scan rate and a large voltage window of 4 V. A simple dissolution/reprecipitation method is used to demonstrate the recycling feasibility, with minimal mechanical degradation (<10%) in the polymer matrix and no chemical structure changes in the electrolyte. This work establishes a promising ecologically‐sound structural energy storage technology with favorable performance compared to prior studies.Highlights A proof‐of‐concept fully recyclable composite structural supercapacitor is made. Thermoplastic‐based robust polymer electrolytes are fabricated. Recycling via dissolution and re‐precipitation of components is demonstrated. Comparison to prior structural supercapacitors shows favorable performance.

Enhancing the thermal cyclic reliability of salt-based shape-stabilized phase change materials by in-situ SiO2–C interconnectivity in rice husk carbon

Utilizing salt-based shape-stabilized phase change materials (ss-PCMs) for high-temperature thermal energy storage stands as a pivotal avenue in realizing carbon neutrality. However, the performance of ss-PCMs significantly deteriorates after thermal cycling. This study utilizes rice husk carbon (RHC) with an in-situ SiO2–C interconnected structure as the encapsulating material, along with expanded graphite (EG) and MgO, to encapsulate ternary chloride (TC). In this approach, RHC simultaneously acts as a thermal conductivity materials (TCM) and a ceramic supporting material (CCM). The results showed that this encapsulation method can effectively encapsulate up to 65% of TC. The 60 wt% TC-10 wt% RHC-10 wt% EG-20 wt% MgO sample named 60T/10R/10E/20M is considered a close to optimal formulation in terms of thermal conductivity and phase change enthalpy. This ss-PCM has a thermal conductivity of 8.86 W m−1 K−1, and phase change enthalpy of 153.6 J g−1. The ss-PCMs maintained shape stability even after 1000 cycles, with minimal mass loss and thermal conductivity degradation compared to the non-RHC-added ss-PCM. This study has prepared high performance and reliability thermal storage materials through a green and low-cost approach.

Surface Crystal and Degradability of Shape Memory Scaffold Essentialize Osteochondral Regeneration.

The minimally invasive deployment of scaffolds is a key safety factor for the regeneration of cartilage and bone defects. Osteogenesis relies primarily on cell-matrix interactions, whereas chondrogenesis relies on cell-cell aggregation. Bone matrix expansion requires osteoconductive scaffold degradation. However, chondrogenic cell aggregation is promoted on the repellent scaffold surface, and minimal scaffold degradation supports the avascular nature of cartilage regeneration. Here, a material satisfying these requirements for osteochondral regeneration is developed by integrating osteoconductive hydroxyapatite (HAp) with a chondroconductive shape memory polymer (SMP). The shape memory function-derived fixity and recovery of the scaffold enabled minimally invasive deployment and expansion to fill irregular defects. The crystalline phases on the SMP surface inhibited cell aggregation by suppressing water penetration and subsequent protein adsorption. However, HAp conjugation SMP (H-SMP) enhanced surface roughness and consequent cell-matrix interactions by limiting cell aggregation using crystal peaks. After mouse subcutaneous implantation, hydrolytic H-SMP accelerated scaffold degradation compared to that by the minimal degradation observed for SMP alone for two months. H-SMP and SMP are found to promote osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, respectively, in vitro and in vivo, including the regeneration of rat osteochondral defects using the binary scaffold form, suggesting that this material is promising for osteochondral regeneration.

Rapid Joule heating-induced welding of silicon and graphene for enhanced lithium-ion battery anodes

In the pursuit of enhanced energy storage solutions, the application of silicon-based anode materials faces significant hurdles, primarily stemming from the rapid capacity degradation during battery cycles. This study introduces a novel and efficient method for fabricating Si/graphene composites (F-Si@rGO), enhancing the performance and longevity of silicon-based anodes. Utilizing ultra-high-speed thermal treatment, this technique controls the thermal interaction between carbon and silicon phases, leading to the formation of silicon carbide “riveting points” that firmly anchor silicon nanoparticles within the graphene matrix. This novel method effectively minimizes the problems of phase segregation, which are caused by varying degrees of wettability alteration in the two phases during conventional heat treatments, and guarantees a robust integration of graphene and silicon. This integration results in homogeneous charging and outstanding structural stability of the composites, over extended cycles of use. The resulting Si/graphene composites exhibit exceptional electrochemical performance, achieving a high initial capacity of 1141.3 mAh g−1 at 1C and maintaining a capacity of 894.95 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with minimal degradation (0.0216 % per cycle). This synthesis method, notable for its speed and scalability, offers a potential advancement in battery material technology, suggesting a path towards more resilient and efficient energy storage solutions.

Development of a high-capacitance flexible supercapacitor with enhanced cycling stability based on nanotubular polyaniline-modified titanium sheet

Nanotubular polyaniline modified titanium (PANI/Ti) sheet was synthesized via one-step chemical polymerization of aniline on a Ti sheet. The structural and morphological investigations of the PANI/Ti sheet were performed using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These investigations revealed that a nanotubular PANI network with an average diameter of 37.5 nm was vertically aligned on the Ti sheet. Electrochemical properties of PANI/Ti were investigated via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging/discharging, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a three-electrode system. The PANI/Ti sheet exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance (Csp) of 1174 mF/cm2 at 2 mA/cm2, which was significantly higher than that of the PANI/GC (199.53 mF/cm2) and the bare Ti sheet (0.87 mF/cm2). The prepared PANI/Ti sheet exhibited a power density of 21.99 mW/cm2 at an energy density of 3.05 mWh/cm2. Moreover, the electrode demonstrated outstanding cycle stability, maintaining 97.62% efficiency over 3000 cycles and exhibited impressive flexibility, with minimal performance degradation even when bent at angles up to 90°. Furthermore, PANI/Ti sheet significantly reduces the solution and charge transfer resistance compared to bare Ti sheet. So PANI-modified Ti sheet will be a good choice for the fabrication of new flexible energy storage as well as electronic devices in the future.

A multi-step approach: Coupling of biodegradation and UV photocatalytic oxidation TiO2 for the treatment of naphthenic acid fraction compounds in oil sands process-affected water

Bitumen extraction in Alberta's oil sands region uses large volumes of water, leading to an abundance of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). OSPW contains naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) which have been found to contribute to OSPW toxicity. This study utilized a multistep treatment, coupling biological degradation with UV photocatalytic oxidation, and nutrient addition to boost the native microbial community's degradation capacity. OSPW initially contained 40–42 mg/L NAFCs with a toxicity of 3.8–3.9 TU. Initial biodegradation (Step 1) was used to remove the easily biodegradable NAFCs (11–25% removal), followed by a light or heavy dose of oxidation (Step 2) to breakdown the recalcitrant NAFCs (66–82% removal). Lastly, post-oxidation biodegradation with nutrients (Step 3) removed the residual bioavailable NAFCs (16–31% removal). By the end of the multistep treatment, the final NAFC concentrations and toxicity ranged from 5.3 to 6.8 mg/L and 1.1–1.2 TU. Analysis showed that OPSW was limited in phosphorus (below detection limit), and the addition of nutrients improved the degradation of NAFCs. Two treatments throughout the multistep treatment never received nutrients and showed minimal NAFC degradation post-oxidation. The native microbial community survived the stress from UV photocatalytic oxidation as seen by the post-oxidation NAFC biodegradation. Microbial community diversity was reduced considerably following oxidation, but increased with nutrient addition. The microbial community consisted predominately of Proteobacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria), and the composition shifted depending on the level of oxidation received. Possible NAFC-degrading microbes identified after a light oxidation dose included Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Xanthomonadales, while Xanthobacteracea and Rhodococcus were the dominant microbes after heavy oxidation. This experiment confirms that the microbial community is capable of degrading NAFCs and withstanding oxidative stress, and that degradation is further enhanced with the addition of nutrients.

60‐4: Minimal Efficiency Degradation and Elevated Radiometric Power Density of Ultraviolet‐A Micro‐LED with Homoepitaxial Structure

As display technology continues to advance, UVA micro‐LEDs are becoming increasingly important in a variety of display and beyond‐display applications. In this study, we investigate the optoelectronic characteristics of UVA micro‐LEDs based on a homogeneously epitaxial structure on freestanding gallium nitride (GaN) substrates. The device exhibits a central wavelength of 390 nm, positioned at the overlap of UVA and visible light spectra. It demonstrates an impressively low ideality factor of 1.49 at 2.86 V and a series resistance of 9.88 O beyond 3 V. Optically, our device shows virtually no wavelength shift across a wide current density range of 0.1‐1000 A/cm2, indicating exceptional optical stability and color accuracy. The emitted light is typical purple, reaching an expansive color gamut of 115.3% of Rec.2020. Furthermore, the GaN‐on‐GaN structure, with its superior crystal structure and heat dissipation properties, results in a very low droop ratio in EQE. This ensures sustained highpower output at high current densities, showcasing great potential in applications such as 3D printing, maskless photolithography, and fluorescence tagging.

Effects of postharvest management on the nutrient content of potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers during storage

An experiment was performed to assess the effect of two plant powders and six storage methods on the proximate composition of potato tubers stored under ambient conditions to find a simple technology for storing potato tubers with a minimal nutrient degradation to reduce postharvest losses by smallholder farmers. Two plant powders and six storage methods were used in the study, which was designed as a 3 x 6 factorial experiment laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated three times. The application of neem leaf powder to potato tubers and storage in the pit significantly (P ≤ 0.05) maintained protein (5.65%), fat (0.91%), fiber (0.75%), ash (2.70%), dry matter (30.63%), moisture (69.34%), and carbohydrate (20.62%) contents. Similarly, the pit storage method has influenced the nutrient content significantly (P ≤ 0.05) and is the best method for retaining protein (5.74%), fiber (0.78%), ash (2.81%), and moisture (69.83%) contents of potato tubers during storage under ambient conditions, and there is no significant (P > 0.05) interaction effect between the plant powder and the storage method. The study has found that the neem leaf powder and the pit storage significantly preserved the nutrient content of potato tubers during the four weeks of storage, which helped minimize postharvest losses. Keywords: basket, carton, floor, ginger, jute bag, neem, pit, polypropylene bag

Power Amplifier Predistortion Using Reduced Sampling Rates in the Forward and Feedback Paths.

The feasibility of implementing digital predistortion for next-generation wireless communication is faced with a dilemma due to the ever-increasing demand for faster data rates. This causes the utilized bandwidth to increase significantly, as seen in the 5G NR standard in which bandwidths as high as 400 MHz are utilized. Hence, the development of new predistortion techniques in which the forward and feedback paths operate at lower sampling rates is of utmost importance to realize efficient and practical predistortion solutions. In this work, a novel predistortion technique is presented by which the predistortion is divided between the digital and analog domains. The predistorter is composed of a memoryless AM/AM gain function that is implementable in the analog domain, and a nonlinear model with memory effects in the digital domain to relax the sampling rate requirements on both the forward and feedback paths. Experimental validation was carried out with a 20 MHz and a 40 MHz 5G signal, and the results indicate minimal linearization degradation with a sampling rate reduction of 50% and 30%, respectively. This sampling rate reduction is concurrently applied in the digital-to-analog converter of the forward path and the analog-to-digital converter of the feedback path.

An ultralight all‐fiber‐structure sponge with thermal and electromagnetic integrated insulation property

AbstractThe integration of thermal and electromagnetic interference (EMI) insulation is of great significance for fields such as aerospace that face extreme environments. The challenge lies in ensuring that the protective layer is lightweight while simultaneously possessing the ability to suppress heat conduction, heat convection, thermal radiation, and electromagnetic radiation. To address these challenges, we propose a novel ultralight all‐fiber‐structure composite sponge, yttria‐stabilized zirconia/polyvinyl butyral‐supported silver (YAP) nanofiber sponge, with ultralight mass (∼65 mg/cm3), exceptionally low thermal conductivity (21 mW/m K at 25°C, and 329 mW/m K at 500°C), and remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (∼62.6 dB). Moreover, benefiting from its all‐fiber‐structure, the YAP nanofiber sponge can endure 100 cycles of compression up to 50% of its original volume while retaining its mechanical properties with minimal degradation. These characteristics render YAP nanofiber sponge an ideal material for integrated thermal and EMI insulation, offering a promising solution to the rigorous demands of extreme environment protection such as space exploration.

Identification and Dynamics of Microsecond Long-Lived Charge Carriers for CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dots, Featuring Ambient Long-Term Stability.

We analyze the stability and photophysical dynamics of CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs), fabricated under mild synthetic conditions and embedded in an amorphous silica (SiOx) matrix (CsPbBr3@SiOx), underscoring their sustained performance in ambient conditions for over 300 days with minimal optical degradation. However, this stability comes at the cost of a reduced photoluminescence efficiency. Time-resolved spectroscopic analyses, including flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity and time-resolved photoluminescence, show that excitons in CsPbBr3@SiOx films decay within 2.5 ns, while charge carriers recombine over approximately 230 ns. This longevity of the charge carriers is due to photoinduced electron transfer to the SiOx matrix, enabling hole retention. The measured hole mobility in these PeQDs is 0.880 cm2 V-1 s-1, underscoring their potential in optoelectronic applications. This study highlights the role of the silica matrix in enhancing the durability of PeQDs in humid environments and modifying exciton dynamics and photoluminescence, providing valuable insights for developing robust optoelectronic materials.

Engineering Tough and Elastic Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Hydrogel with Antimicrobial Properties

Hydrogels have been extensively used for tissue engineering applications due to their versatility in structure and physical properties, which can mimic native tissues. Although significant progress has been made toward designing hydrogels for soft tissue repair, engineering hydrogels that resemble load‐bearing tissues is still considered a great challenge due to their specific mechanophysical demands. Herein, microporous, tough, yet highly compressible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐based hydrogels are reported for potential applications in repairing or replacing different load‐bearing tissues. The synergy of freeze‐thawing and the Hofmeister effect, which controlled the spatial arrangement and aggregation of polymer chains, facilitated the formation of microstructured frameworks with tunable porosity. While the maximum mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability of the engineered hydrogel were ≈390 kPa, ≈388 kJ m−3, and ≈170%, respectively, Young's modulus based on compression testing wasfound to be in the range of ≈0.02–0.30 MPa, highlighting the all‐in‐one mechanically enriched nature of the hydrogel. Furthermore, the minimal swelling and degradation rate of the engineered hydrogel met the specific requirements for load‐bearing tissues. Finally, excellent antibacterial resistance as well as in vitro biocompatibility of the hydrogel demonstrates its potential for the replacement of load‐bearing tissues.

Green synthesis of ZnO NPs with long-lasting and ultra-high antimicrobial activity

The continual onslaught of pathogenic microorganisms against humans, coupled with the escalating global challenge of antibiotic resistance, has led to a pervasive health crisis. To produce efficient antibacterial agents and combat bacterial resistance, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized, through green synthesis method by using Magnolia officinalis, Goldthread, and Lonicera japonica as extracts, respectively. Notably, there were no additional chemical reagents used in the synthesis route, emphasizing its eco-friendly nature. The antimicrobial efficacy of these ZnO NPs was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Botrytis cinerea. The results revealed the ZnO NPs exceptional antimicrobial properties, demonstrating a minimum antimicrobial concentration (MIC) of 10 mg/L. Magnolia officinalis-ZnO NPs (M-ZnO NPs) exhibited 99.99 % antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, along with 99.63 % effectiveness against Botrytis cinerea. Additionally, it was observed that the antibacterial characteristics of ZnO NPs exhibited minimal degradation after being stored in ambient air conditions at standard room temperature for a half-year. This study conclusively affirms the potent antimicrobial efficacy of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the particle size of ZnO NPs is 20–40 nm. Plant extracts contribute to the reduction processes of metal ions, and can also control the size and stability of formed nanostructures while avoiding the use of hazardous solvents. This green synthesis results in smaller particle sizes and sustains a long-term high antibacterial effect. Overall, this research expands the prospects for development involving nanomaterials, offering promising avenues for further exploration and innovation in this field.

20 nm-ultra-thin fluorosiloxane interphase layer enables dendrite-free, fast-charging, and flexible aqueous zinc metal batteries

Dendrite growth of zinc (Zn) anode at high current density severely affects the fast-charging performance of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). While interfacial modification strategies can optimize Zn performance, challenges such as complicated preparation processes, excessive layer thicknesses, and high voltage hysteresis should be addressed. Herein, we utilize a cost-effective liquid fluorosiloxane, (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)trimethoxysilane, for scalable modification of Zn foil via drop-casting at room temperature, resulting in an ultra-thin interphase layer of only 20 nm. The Si-O-Zn bonds formed between fluorosiloxane and Zn ensure interfacial stability, and the Si-O-Si bonds between fluorosiloxane molecules help to homogenize the electric field distribution. Additionally, the abundant highly electronegative fluorine atoms on the anode surface act as zincophilic sites, promoting the uniform deposition of Zn2+. Thus, the modified Zn foil (SiFO-Zn) exhibits excellent dendrite suppression, reduced voltage hysteresis, and prolonged cycle life at ultra-high current density (40 mA/cm2), achieving a cumulative areal capacity of 12.9 Ah/cm2. Further, the full cell assembled with 10 μm-thick SiFO-Zn anode and MnO2 cathode achieves 2600 cycles at 5 A/g with minimal capacity degradation, and a large-size (22.5 cm−2) pouch cell powers the light-emitting diode even after reverse bending, demonstrating the potential of AZMBs for fast-charging flexible devices.

Carbon functionalized cladding bismuth tungstate-based 3D twisted micro-flowers for benzaldehyde detection under ultraviolet light excitation

Although semiconducting metal oxide displayed remarkable gas sensing capabilities, their path to commercialization is impeded by several challenges. A primary hurdle is the consistent response of sensing films with impervious feature under diverse detection environment. This report introduces an efficient fabrication technique that yields carbon functionalized cladding bismuth tungstate-based benzaldehyde sensors. The 3D twisted micro-flowers feature was obtained and carbon cladding was uniformly attached by a one-pot wet chemistry strategy. The C0.75/WO3/Bi2WO6 sensor demonstrates superior sensing capabilities for benzaldehyde at a wide range of detection. It features a remarkable sensitivity (33.7 @ 50 ppm), swift recovery time of 49 seconds, enduring stability exceeding 15 days, and robust selectivity, all at a modest room temperature. Even in conditions of high moisture, the response value exhibited minimal degradation, decreasing by a mere 8.96% compared to its performance in the absence of ambient humidity. The complementary density functional theory calculations suggest that the Cx/WO3/Bi2WO6 exhibits a greater benzaldehyde adsorption energy and more robust anti-humidity feature compared to WO3/Bi2WO6, contributing to its enhanced gas-sensing efficacy.

Recoverable Privacy-Preserving Image Classification through Noise-like Adversarial Examples

With the increasing prevalence of cloud computing platforms, ensuring data privacy during the cloud-based image-related services such as classification has become crucial. In this study, we propose a novel privacy-preserving image classification scheme that enables the direct application of classifiers trained in the plaintext domain to classify encrypted images without the need of retraining a dedicated classifier. Moreover, encrypted images can be decrypted back into their original form with high fidelity (recoverable) using a secret key. Specifically, our proposed scheme involves utilizing a feature extractor and an encoder to mask the plaintext image through a newly designed Noise-like Adversarial Example (NAE). Such an NAE not only introduces a noise-like visual appearance to the encrypted image but also compels the target classifier to predict the ciphertext as the same label as the original plaintext image. At the decoding phase, we adopt a Symmetric Residual Learning (SRL) framework for restoring the plaintext image with minimal degradation. Extensive experiments demonstrate that (1) the classification accuracy of the classifier trained in the plaintext domain remains the same in both the ciphertext and plaintext domains; (2) the encrypted images can be recovered into their original form with an average PSNR of up to 51+ dB for the SVHN dataset and 48+ dB for the VGGFace2 dataset; (3) our system exhibits satisfactory generalization capability on the encryption, decryption, and classification tasks across datasets that are different from the training one; and (4) a high-level of security is achieved against three potential threat models. The code is available at https://github.com/csjunjun/RIC.git .

Urban regeneration VS residential property characteristics: which is the most influential on property values?

AbstractUrban regenerations have always been a tool towards the improvement of the urban environment through environmental integration and thereafter the quality of life of citizens. However, all regenerations do not have the same success and impact on the surrounding properties. In this paper, two major urban regenerations of Thessaloniki, the second largest city of Greece, are studied through the scope of their effect on property values in combination with the analysis of the effect of traditional property characteristics on values. This study was necessary to fill the gap of determining that sustainable urban planning and environmental integration are nowadays proven more important than property characteristics, when population gathering in urban areas is at its highest point. The current study applied geographically weighted regression, spatial autocorrelation and hot-spot analysis through the environment of ArcGIS to determine which are the factors that citizens seek in their residential area and if these factors are more important than their property characteristics. The findings of the study indicate that citizens always seek for additional urban green and urban quality even in areas where the urban environment is already at a very good level. The difference appears in the fact that in areas where urban green or open spaces are upsent, the weight leans on the characteristics of the wider area and its citizens (socio-economic characteristics, habits etc.) rather than on the property characteristics, when determining property values. On the other hand, citizens living in areas with urban green and open spaces, move a step forward and seek for larger and more friendly green or regenerated areas as a counterpoint for already increased property values. In general, the result of this research underlines that a targeted urban planning for each sub-area is one of the keys toward property values stabilization against economic variations and towards the improvement of the quality of citizens’ lives through environmental integration. Therefore, decision makers and urban designers should take into account all different needs of the citizens in each area setting the goal of maximum possible urban sustainability and resilience and the minimum environmental degradation.

In vitro bioactivity of biodegradable films based on chitosan/quince seed mucilage reinforced with ZnO-nanoparticle

In this study, biodegradable active films were designed by adding ZnO-NPs to the quince seed mucilage/chitosan matrix. The films were investigated for characterization and in vitro bioactivity. According to the results, a significant decrease in moisture content, water holding capacity and light (L*) occurred with the addition of ZnO-NP. (p < 0.05). FT-IR spectra showed the interaction between ZnO-NPs and N-H quince seed mucilage and chitosan groups. Nanocomposite films containing ZnO-NP showed improved thermal stability. The developed bionanocomposite films were easily buried in soil and subjected to degradation. The minimum degradation of the film in soil after 20 days was 62.02%. The maximum cell viability (%) of C/ZnO-NP and C/QSM/ZnO-NP films were determined as 86.81% and 91.22%, respectively, and the films were found to be non-toxic. Moreover, while the quince seed mucilage film did not show antibacterial performance, chitosan and ZnO NPs showed antibacterial effects against the tested bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 7644) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 35,150). In this context, the design bionanocomposite films can be used as an active food packaging material for food preservation by controlling food-borne pathogens. In addition, the developed films do not pose a threat to the environment and therefore have great potential for the sustainable food packaging industry.