Concentration Ratio Research Articles

Coplanar Pattern and Temperature Transient Control in Intelligent Wearable Multi‐Color Alternating Current Electroluminescence Devices

AbstractFlexible alternating current electroluminescence (ACEL) devices integrated into textiles are gaining significant attention for their potential in lighting displays and health monitoring applications. Traditional challenges include high‐voltage “breakdown” and limited color output due to the inherent properties of ZnS:Cu. This study introduces a novel multi‐color ACEL device featuring a fluorescent dye color conversion layer alongside a robust protective layer designed to enhance device stability. The optimal ratio of dielectric layer concentration and protective layer thickness is systematically investigated to mitigate the risk of “breakdown”. Utilizing the principles of photoluminescence and electroluminescence, luminous electronic textile devices is successfully developed that exhibit both purple and green luminescence. Additionally, integration with a temperature sensor enables the device to serve as a health‐monitoring tool by signaling changes in body temperature. This research delineates the protective capabilities of the protective layer and the efficacy of the color conversion mechanism in maintaining consistent brightness under various conditions. The findings suggest a viable pathway for broadening applications and potentially accelerating the commercialization of wearable electroluminescent technologies.

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF EXTRACT COMBINATION OF GINGER AND LEMONGRASS

Aim and objective: This study to determine the antioxidant activity of the combination of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) on reducing DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Methods: Quantitative measurement of the antioxidant activity of ginger and lemongrass extracts, as well as a combination of both with a concentration ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2 using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 516 nm to determine the IC50 value. Results: IC50 value of ginger extract 10.76 µg/mL, lemongrass extract 26.69 µg/mL, IC50 value 6.69 µg/mL for combination with concentration ratio 1:1, IC50 value 3.32 µg/mL for combination with concentration ratio 2:1. IC50 value 9.34 µg/mL for combination with concentration ratio 1:2 Conclusions: The combination of ginger and lemongrass extracts has synergistic antioxidant activity that can increase the antioxidant effect from the strong category to very strong category. Peer Review History: Received 17 October 2024; Reviewed 9 November; Accepted 18 December; Available online 15 January 2025 Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, ahmad.najib@umi.ac.id Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10

Effect of Nitrogen Composition on Band Gap Energy and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-N/Zeolite Composite

In this study, the application and performance of TiO2-N/Zeolite composites for MB photodegradation under UV irradiation have been reviewed. To improve the removal performance, the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite was varied based on the concentration ratio of urea to TiO2, where urea is a precursor of nitrogen. UV-Vis DRS tests were also carried out to compare and evaluate differences in band gap energy for each variant, analysis of degradation results and MB removal mechanisms by TiO2-N/Zeolite composites are described in this study. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the urea to TiO2 concentration ratio (urea:TiO2), on the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite and also its physical characteristics, namely band gap energy. Thus, as a comparison, TiO2 and TiO2-N were also tested for photocatalytic activity and band gap energy physical characteristics. The conclusion obtained from this research is that the smaller the nitrogen composition in the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite, the greater the photocatalytic activity capability in degrading MB, in this case the TiO2-N/Zeolite (1.5) sample has the best photocatalytic activity. The next conclusion is that the higher the nitrogen composition in the TiO2-N/Zeolite composite, the smaller the band gap energy.

Optimizing the concentration ratio of multi-faceted focusing heliostats

Abstract This paper aims at optimizing the concentration ratio of multi-faceted focusing heliostats implemented into a solar tower power plant. The ideal shape of a heliostat located off-axis in the field is known to be the local section of a fictitious paraboloïd whose parameters are varying continuously with the Sun angular position. We describe an optimization procedure applicable to those heliostats. The flux densities formed at the solar receiver and the achievable concentrating ratios are computed using an improved convolution algorithm. It is shown that the optimized heliostat shape can produce typical concentration gains of approximately 10%, even when the heliostats reflect the Sun under large incidence angles.

Analysis of the Seasonal Distribution Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in a Southern China

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease affecting children, particularly prevalent in Asian countries. In a city in southern China, the annual number of HFMD cases exceeds 40,000, yet this data has not been thoroughly analyzed to date. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention collected data on HFMD cases in this southern city from 2014 to 2019, with cases recorded on a monthly basis. We aimed to analyze the seasonal distribution characteristics of HFMD in the city using two methods: the Concentration Method and the Seasonal Index Method. The study aims to fill the existing data gap and provide insights for developing effective prevention and control strategies. Over the six-year period from 2014 to 2019, a total of 187,887 cases of HFMD were reported in the province. The average annual incidence rate was 48.94 per 100,000 population. The concentration ratio (M) was calculated to be 0.335, with annual M values ranging from 0.151 to 0.554, indicating a significant degree of seasonality in the incidence of HFMD. The seasonal index (C) exceeded 100% from April to July, peaking in June at 228.418%, which suggests that the epidemic season for HFMD in this city is from April to July. Given the distinct seasonal characteristics of HFMD in the southern city, it is imperative that prevention and control measures are implemented in advance of the peak season. Concurrently, robust surveillance and early warning systems should be maintained to mitigate the spread of HFMD and prevent outbreaks.

Relationships Between Floodplain Topography, Peat, Soil Moisture, and Alder Growth over a Decade After River Meandering Restoration in the Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan

This study aimed to identify the predominant factors that are important for environmental sustainability in wetland restoration in the Kushiro Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan, where a nature restoration project was implemented over a decade ago. Field surveys of topography and vegetation, as well as laboratory soil tests, were conducted in the meandering-restored section of the Kushiro River, where alder trees have flourished, and in the reference section, where wetland grasslands have been maintained. We then applied correlation analysis to the data to examine the relationship between the peat soil characteristics and alder tree size. The results showed a significant positive correlation between organic matter and the water content ratio in all the survey sections (correlation coefficient: 0.88; p-value < 0.05). The reference section had 24.1 ± 11.1% organic matter, indicating well-developed peat with sufficient moisture retention, while the re-meandering section had 13.1 ± 3.8%, indicating underdeveloped peat with limited moisture retention. Furthermore, no correlation was found between the relative elevation and water content ratio (correlation coefficient: −0.01; p-value > 0.05), nor was there any difference in nutrient concentrations between the survey sections. Therefore, it is possible that the difference in alder tree sizes between the sections depended on the soil moisture retention capacity based on the degree of peat soil development. These results suggest that peat soil restoration is crucial in human sustainable development for suppressing alder proliferation and restoring original peat grasslands.

Hydrogen Bonding-Driven Adaptive Coacervates as Protocells.

Coacervation based on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been widely used for the preparation of artificial protocells and to mimic the dynamic organization of membrane-free organelles. Most complex synthetic coacervates are formed through electrostatic interactions but cannot withstand high ionic strength conditions (>0.1 M). Alternative components and driving forces are highly desired for the formation of natural organelles to overcome the drawbacks of traditional coacervates. Herein, hydrogen bonding-driven adaptive coacervates are reported via the complexation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and tannic acid (TA). The LLPS behavior of these adaptive coacervates is dependent on the concentration and mass ratio of PEG and TA, which can be used to tune the size of coacervates ranging from 70 nm to 10 μm as well as the morphology of isotropic particles and hollow capsules. Coacervates are stable at high ionic concentrations up to 1 M and can serve as protocells to mimic cellular behaviors including metabolism (e.g., nutrient uptake), phagocytosis, and membrane fusion. The reported approach provides a platform for the rational design of hydrogen bonding-driven coacervates with controllable size and morphology, offering potential applications in protocell construction and therapeutic delivery.

Computational mining of a novel Acetyl‐CoA synthetase for the biosynthesis of unnatural Phenylalanine butyramide

Phenylalanine butyramide (FBA) is an unnatural amide with the potential to be a postbiotic derivative due to its improved organoleptic and physicochemical properties compared to butyric acid and salts. However, a green biosynthesis method to prepare FBA has not been studied to date. In this study, we mined a novel Acetyl‐CoA synthetase from Methanocella arvoryzae (MethACS) for the synthesis of FBA using a sequence and structure‐guided database mining approach that combines solubility prediction with binding free energy of the protein. MethACS exhibits excellent catalytic performance, pH stability, and good thermophilicity. 0.35 g/L FBA could be produced by MethACS with a 100% conversion rate when the concentration ratio of butyric acid to phenylalaninamide was >1:4. Through density‐functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulation, we gained insight into the mechanism of the synthesis of FBA catalyzed by MethACS. Trp264 was further identified as a crucial residue influencing the substrate specificity by saturation mutagenesis. Substrate profiling revealed that MethACS can catalyze the formation of amide derivatives of short‐ and medium‐chain fatty acids. This study offers an efficient approach for investigating the biosynthesis of unnatural substances.

In vitro and molecular docking evaluation of black sesame seeds' anti-prostate cancer and antioxidant activity processed by nine steaming nine drying

Black sesame seeds, known for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, hold significant potential as natural therapeutics against prostate cancer, a major health challenge for men today. This study explores the traditional processing technique of nine cycles of steaming and drying, which enhances the bioactive potential of these seeds. The impact of this processing on the antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer properties of black sesame seeds was systematically investigated, focusing on the key lignans, sesamin and sesamolin. HPLC was utilized to analyze the content ratios of sesamin and sesamolin, while DPPH and FRAP assays evaluated antioxidant capabilities, and MTT assays assessed anti-cancer properties against DU145 cells. Findings reveal that three cycles of steaming and drying significantly enhance antioxidant and anti-cancer activities against DU145, achieving peak concentrations of sesamin and sesamolin of 21.583% and 14.991%, respectively, with an optimal ratio of 1.4397:1. The superior antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer activity of this sample is attributed to optimal processing conditions that maximize the stability and extraction of bioactive compounds, particularly non-lignan antioxidants, while minimizing degradation; this is likely enhanced by the interplay between various phytochemicals and the effects of thermal processing on cellular structure. Processed seeds consistently outperformed raw seeds—except for those subjected to a single cycle. Additionally, molecular docking analyses revealed compelling interactions between sesamin and sesamolin and key proteins implicated in prostate cancer (FYN, ITGB3, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and PIK3R1), demonstrating higher LibDock scores than the standard anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil. This research highlights the exceptional antioxidant and anti-cancer potential of black sesame seeds, particularly through the three-steaming and three-drying method, emphasizing the importance of the sesamin to sesamolin ratio in developing future anti-cancer therapeutics.

Sustainable material as a column filler in soft clay bed reinforced with encased column: numerical analysis

Soil reinforcement is one of the techniques used to enhance the engineer characteristics of the soil. Various techniques can be employed to stabilise problematic soils, such as soft clay. These include the utilisation of portland cement, lime, fly ash, ground freezing, jet grouting, prefabricated vertical drains, and thermal approaches. Similarly, stone columns are one of the most popular methods for enhancing soil and have been adopted across the world to enhance bearing capacity and minimise total and differential settlements of structures built on soft clay. Additionally stone columns serving as vertical drains, thus accelerate consolidation process. But with higher demand of construction material and depletion of natural resources, there is a need of using waste products as a substitute to existing construction materials. In this paper, manufacturing waste like steel slag is used as a sustainable material for column infill and can be affordable and also address the current environmental concern which by removing solid waste… A series of numerical investigation was carried out to study the various behavioural characteristics of virgin soft clay bed, clay bed installed with ordinary steel slag column and also with encased steel slag column. A comparison was made among all for studying the various parameters such as settlement, excess pore water pressure, stress concentration ratio & lateral deformation of columns.

Maternal Omega-6/Omega-3 Concentration Ratio During Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study.

The balance of omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) is crucial for proper brain function as they have opposite physiological roles. To analyze the association between maternal serum ratios of n-6/n-3 in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy and the neurodevelopment of their children in the early days after birth in the population of Northern Spain's Mediterranean region. Longitudinal study in which 336 mother-child pairs participated. Mother serum concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA) were determined. Sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle habits, and obstetrical variables were collected. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III) was used to assess infant neurodevelopment. Multiple linear regression models adjusting for confounding factors were performed. In the third trimester, a higher maternal n-6/n-3 ratio was negatively associated with infant motor development (β = -0.124, p = 0.023). Similarly, higher ARA/DHA ratios were negatively associated with total motor (β = -2.005, p = 0.002) and fine motor development (β = -0.389, p = 0.001). No significant associations were observed in the first trimester nor for the ARA/EPA ratio in the third trimester. Our findings indicate that an elevated n-6/n-3 ratio and ARA/DHA ratio in the third trimester of pregnancy are associated with poorer motor development outcomes in infants. These results highlight the importance of optimizing maternal fatty acid balance during pregnancy to support fetal neurodevelopment, suggesting a need for further research to verify these associations and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and its pharmacologically active metabolite fingolimod phosphate obtained during routine health care of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Fingolimod is a first-in-class, orally administered drug indicated for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It acts as an immunomodulator, is classified as a "disease-modifying therapy", and its main mechanism of action is the modulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. In this prospective pilot study, whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate obtained during routine health care were measured. In this study, we aimed to determine whether therapeutic monitoring of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate concentrations can help personalise pharmacotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study group consisted of 73 patients treated with oral fingolimod (0.5 mg) once daily. Blood samples were collected between July 2021 and January 2022. The whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate were analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The relationship between the measured concentrations and the absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count was evaluated. Fingolimod concentrations ranged from 0.61 to 6.21 µg/L, and fingolimod phosphate concentrations from 0.48 to 4.28 µg/L. Significantly higher concentrations of the active metabolite, fingolimod phosphate, and a significantly higher fingolimod phosphate/fingolimod concentration ratio were observed in women. The sum of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate concentrations was significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with a lower absolute peripheral blood lymphocyte count. Although all patients were treated with the same dose of fingolimod (0.5 mg orally daily), a 10-fold difference was observed in the achieved whole blood concentrations of fingolimod and fingolimod phosphate. This wide inter-individual variability may lead to potential toxicity or suboptimal concentrations, with the risk of further deterioration in the clinical condition of patients with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, fingolimod is a suitable candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring, including monitoring patient adherence to treatment.

Enhancing fish sludge bioconversion kinetics for nutrient recovery in aquaponics using a modified biological aerated filter with a novel media of polyhedral hollow spheres.

Nutrient recovery from aquaculture sludge is vital for promoting hydroponic plant growth and achieving near-zero solid waste discharge in aquaponic systems. Modified biological aerated filters (MBAFs) are promising because of the dual capabilities of aquaculture sludge collection and aerobic mineralization. However, the bioconversion kinetics, which is indirectly related to the packed media, need to be improved. In this study, a novel polyhedral hollow sphere (PHS) medium was used in an MBAF (MBAF-PHS) to overcome the shortcomings of the current medium, facilitating fish sludge retention and enhancing subsequent bioconversion kinetics for nutrient recovery. An average rate of 36.9g/d for dry weight of fish sludge was achieved during 29d of filtration and an average reduction rate of 31.30g/d during 26d of bioconversion. The total mass of fish sludge was converted by 76.2% via the co-action of the solubilization of organic solids and degradation of dissolved organic matter. MBAF-PHS was competitive for macronutrient recovery compared with the MBAF-sponge previously used. The ratios of the final concentrations of the macronutrients (P, Mg, and S) to the concentrations in Hoagland solution (Cf/CH, %) were 278.1, 162.8, and 200.9%, respectively, whereas the ratios of N, K, and Ca were 65.9, 37.1, and 51.0%, respectively. High bioconversion kinetics of NO3--N and PO43--P were obtained within 7d with an MNO3-N/MTN of 79.9% and MPO4-P/MDTP of 80.3%. The nutrient bioconversion of fish sludge was associated with the diversity of the microbial community in the MBAF-PHS, especially the population of nitrogen-removing microbial species that developed after 9d of mineralization.

A Study on the Persistence of Immunity Following Two-Dose Varicella Vaccination With Varying Intervals in Chinese Children Aged 2-7 years.

Varicella, a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), remains prevalent in China despite the introduction of the varicella vaccine in 1997. The current vaccination protocol in China involves a voluntary, self-funded single-dose regimen. This study aims to investigate the longevity of immune response in Chinese children following two-dose varicella vaccination administered at different intervals, with the objective of optimizing vaccination strategies. This 4-year prospective cohort observational study categorized participants into three groups based on the interval between the two varicella vaccine doses: 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals. Antibody detection was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The temporal evolution of IgG antibody levels following the two-dose vaccination was analyzed using a binary logistic regression model with restricted cubic splines (RCS). The study revealed a significant decline in both seropositivity rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMC) over time following the two-dose vaccination. Seropositivity rates decreased from 100.0% to 79.8%, while GMC dropped from 575.1 to 251.9 mIU/mL. No statistically significant differences were observed in seropositivity rates or GMC among the different interval groups (p > 0.05). The RCS-fitted model demonstrated an "inverted U-shaped" relationship between the time since the last vaccination and seropositivity. Antibody levels peaked approximately 22 months after the second dose, with the odds ratio (OR) for antibody concentrations ≥ 50 mIU/mL exhibiting a nonlinear trend in relation to time post-immunization (poverall < 0.001, pnonlinear ≤ 0.001). While the interval between vaccine doses did not significantly impact long-term immune response, a critical turning point in antibody levels was observed at approximately 22 months postvaccination. Furthermore, enhanced long-term monitoring of postvaccination immune responses, particularly beyond the identified turning point, is recommended to facilitate the evaluation and optimization of existing vaccination protocols.

High-concentration diamond nitrogen vacancy color center fabricated by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition and its properties

Diamond nitrogen vacancy (NV) color centers have good stability at room temperature and long electron spin coherence time, and can be manipulated by lasers and microwaves, thereby becoming the most promising structure in the field of quantum detection. Within a certain range, the higher the concentration of NV color centers, the higher the sensitivity of detecting physical quantities is. Therefore, it is necessary to dope sufficient nitrogen atoms into diamond single crystals to form high-concentration NV color centers. In this study, diamond single crystals with different nitrogen content are prepared by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) to construct high-concentration NV color centers. By doping different amounts of nitrogen atoms into the precursor gas, many problems encountered during long-time growth of diamond single crystals under high nitrogen conditions are solved. Diamond single crystals with nitrogen content of about 0.205, 5, 8, 11, 15, 36, and 54 ppm (1ppm –10&lt;sup&gt;–6&lt;/sup&gt;) are prepared. As the nitrogen content increases, the width of the step flow on the surface of the diamond single crystal gradually widens, eventually the step flow gradually disappears and the surface becomes smooth. Under the experimental conditions in this study, it is preliminarily determined that the average ratio of the nitrogen content in the precursor gas to the nitrogen atom content introduced into the diamond single crystal lattice is about 11. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows that as the nitrogen content inside the CVD diamond single crystal increases, the density of vacancy defects also increases. Therefore, the color of CVD high nitrogen diamond single crystals ranges from light brown to brownish black. Compared with HPHT diamond single crystal, the CVD high nitrogen diamond single crystal has a weak intensity of absorption peak at 1130 cm&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt; and no absorption peak at 1280 cm&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt;. Three obvious nitrogen-related absorption peaks at 1371, 1353, and 1332 cm&lt;sup&gt;–1&lt;/sup&gt; of the CVD diamond single crystal are displayed. Nitrogen atoms mainly exist in the form of aggregated nitrogen and single substitutional N&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt; in diamond single crystals, rather than in the form of C-defect. The PL spectrum results show that defects such as vacancies inside the diamond single crystal with nitrogen content of 54 ppm are significantly increased after electron irradiation, leading to a remarkable increase in the concentration of NV color centers. The magnetic detection performance of the NV color center material after irradiation is verified, and the fluorescence intensity is uniformly distributed in the sample surface. The diamond single crystal with nitrogen content of 54 ppm has good microwave spin manipulation, and its longitudinal relaxation time is about 3.37 ms.

Local honey reflects environmental changes in metal concentrations and lead isotope ratios during COVID-19 restrictions in Brussels, Belgium, and Vancouver, Canada.

Effective methods for measuring sudden environmental changes are crucial for understanding how cities respond to shifts in human activity. This study examines atmospheric metal outputs during the COVID-19 restrictions using honey samples collected from three land use types in Brussels Capital Region (BCR), Belgium, and Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD), Canada to study changes as the result of restrictions. By comparing these cities with distinct sizes, ages, and structures, we assess how urban environments responded to pandemic-induced restrictions. We present honey samples, analyzed for metal concentration and Pb isotope ratios, to provide insights into the impacts of reduced human activity in different land use types. In BCR, significant increases of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Ti, and V were observed in suburban sites, while in MVRD, significant decreases of Cr, Pb, Sb, Ti, and V were observed in suburban sites. The increase in metal concentrations in BCR suburban sites indicates a shift in metal emission patterns due to changes in human activity during the restrictions. Conversely, the decrease in metal concentrations in MVRD suburban areas aligns with expectations of reduced pollution during restrictions. Pb isotope ratios of BCR vary more widely and do not show any spatial trends by land use, suggesting that Pb concentrations in BCR may be more homogenized. In MVRD, significant differences in 208Pb/206Pb were observed during the restrictions, wherein honey sampled from rural sites had more radiogenic (lower 208Pb/206Pb) Pb isotope ratios. This difference suggests that honey may be more sensitive to Pb isotope ratio changes in environments with a less extensive history of metal use, such as rural British Columbia. This research demonstrates the potential of honey as a biomonitor for sudden environmental shifts. This study contributes to a global geochemical honey database, enabling tracking of environmental trends across diverse urban settings worldwide.

Impact of ultrasound assisted pretreatment and drying methods on quality characteristics of underutilized vegetable purslane.

The present study was aimed to determine the effect of ultrasound pretreatment and different drying methods viz sun drying, solar drying, cabinet drying, vacuum drying, microwave assisted drying and freeze drying on physicochemical, phytochemical activity, rehydration ratio and drying time of the purslane. The purslane was ultrasonicated for 15, 30, 45 and 60min following by drying. The ultrasound pretreatment (60min) combined with freeze drying retained the highest antioxidants (95.59%), phenolic content (7.85 mgGAE/100g), total carotenoid content (99.74mg/100g), ascorbic acid (399.94mg/100g) and rehydration ratio (6.80). Moreover, the same combination revealed higher L and a* values when compared with other drying methods. However, the purslane pretreated with ultrasonication for 60min and then dried via microwave took less time for drying. This study suggests that Ultrasound pretreatment (60min) followed by freeze drying is recommended for preserving the nutritional and functional properties of purslane. It could be scaled up for commercial applications in the functional food and nutraceutical industries, where high-quality preservation is crucial.

Quantification and source apportionment of atmospheric oxidation capacity in urban atmosphere by considering reactive chlorine species and photochemical loss of VOCs.

Atmospheric oxidation capacity (AOC) reflects the potential of the atmosphere in converting primary pollutants into secondary aerosols and ozone (O3). In this study, the AOC at an urban supersite in Wuhan, a megacity in central China, was quantified by considering the reactions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon monoxide (CO) with atmospheric oxidants (OH, NO3, O3, and Cl). Photochemical loss of total VOCs (13.7-23.7%) during transport was accounted for by monitoring the concentration ratio of o-xylene and ethylbenzene, a VOC pair with diverse reaction rate constants with OH. AOC would be underestimated by 9.0-25.2% in the 4 seasons if being estimated from the observed VOCs instead of photochemical-loss corrected VOCs. The atmospheric oxidants were measured or indirectly estimated using well-established parameterizations. In particular, hourly reactive chlorine species were measured using an iodide-based chemical ionization mass spectrometer (I-CIMS). Cl radical concentration was calculated by assuming a steady-state between the production from reactive chlorine species and the removal by O3 and VOCs. The result showed that AOC would be underestimated by 14.5% and 1.9% in winter and spring if Cl radicals were neglected. Based on the above quantification, the composition of AOC was further apportioned to atmospheric oxidants, VOC categories, as well as the sources of VOC and CO. In winter, CNG combustion exhaust, electronics industry, and secondary formation were critical for regulating the AOC. In spring, secondary formation was the most important AOC source, followed by electronics industry and biogenic sources.

Toxic effects and mechanisms of nanoplastics and sulfonamide antibiotics on Scenedesmus obliquus.

The prevalence of nanoplastics (NPs) and sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in the aquatic environment is potentially harmful to the environment, and these pollutants are often present in the environment in the form of composite ones, thereby introducing more complex effects and hazards to the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the toxic effects of the individual target pollutants and their mixtures. In this study, we used Scenedesmus obliquus as the test organisms, two types of NPs: polystyrene (PS) and amine-modified (NH2-PS), four SAs: sulfapyridine (SPY), sulfamethazine (SMR), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP), and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), and their eight binary mixtures were examined. We investigated the toxic interactions of the eight binary mixtures on Scenedesmus obliquus and assessed the impact of the 14 mixtures on the physiological and biochemical properties of Scenedesmus obliquus. Interaction of pollutant assemblages with algal cells observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the six target pollutants and their eight binary mixtures were significantly toxic to Scenedesmus obliquus within 96 h. The toxicity of individual pollutants was in the order of SPY (EC50: 12.38 mg/L) > SMZ (EC50: 20.43 mg/L) > SMP (EC50: 32.96 mg/L) > SMR (EC50: 41.06 mg/L) > PS (EC50: 284.13 mg/L) > NH2-PS (EC50: 754.13 mg/L); the toxicity of binary mixtures composed of NPs and SAs (89.13 ∼ 1905.46 mg/L) was generally less toxic than that of unitary SAs (12.38 ∼ 41.06 mg/L). Suggesting that the presence of NPs reduced the toxicity of the SAs. The different types of NPs influenced the interaction and toxicity of the mixtures. The effects-based model deviation ratio method was used to quantitatively assess the interactions of the mixture systems in the 10∼90 % experimental effect range. The majority of the PS-containing mixtures exhibited antagonistic interactions. The interactions of NH2-PS-containing mixtures on Scenedesmus obliquus showed different interactions depending on the concentration ratios of the mixture components. The exposure of two NPs and four SAs and their binary mixtures differently promoted or inhibited superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in algal cells to different degrees and resulted in elevated levels of malondialdehyde content, suggesting that oxidative stress led to significant inhibition of chlorophyll content, total protein content, and growth of algal cells. The SEM image can be a more intuitive means of observing the interaction of nanoplastics with algal cells. These findings offer valuable data for the ecological risk assessment of NPs and SAs.

Effect of content ratio of copper cobalt phosphate in supercapacitor application

Effect of content ratio of copper cobalt phosphate in supercapacitor application