Strain Regulating and Kinetics Accelerating of Micro-Sized Silicon Anodes via Dual-Size Hollow Graphitic Carbons Conductive Additives.

Micro-sized silicon (µSi) anode features fewer interfacial side reactions and lower costs compared to nanosized silicon, and has higher commercial value when applied as a lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode. However, the high localized stress generated during (de)lithiation causes electrode breakdown and performance deterioration of the µSi anode. In this work, hollow graphitic carbons with tailored dual sizes are employed as conductive additives for the µSi anode to overcome electrode failure.

Use of Neural Networks for Lifetime Analysis of Teeming Ladles.

When describing the behaviour and modelling of real systems, which are characterized by considerable complexity, great difficulty, and often the impossibility of their formal mathematical description, and whose operational monitoring and measurement are difficult, conventional analytical-statistical models run into the limits of their use. The application of these models leads to necessary simplifications, which cause insufficient adequacy of the resulting mathematical description. In such cases, it is appropriate for modelling to use the methods brought by a new scientific discipline-artificial intelligence.

Synergized N, P dual-doped 3D carbon host derived from filter paper for durable lithium metal anodes.

Lithium metal is deemed a promising anode material for the next-generation batteries with high specific energy. Unfortunately, the growth of Li dendrites and infinite volume change during cycling, caused by the "hostless" feature of metallic Li, have posed a great challenge to the commercialization of Li metal anode. The introduction of appropriate host materials for Li metal is highly desirable.

Roles of substrates in removing antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in constructed wetlands: A review.

Antibiotics and corresponding antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are emerging pollutants in wastewater that pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a cost-effective technology for eliminating these pollutants through substrates, plants, and microorganisms. Detailed reviews of the roles of CW substrates on antibiotic and ARG removal and recent progress in the field are lacking.

Enhancement of biomethane recovery from batch anaerobic digestion by exogenously adding an N-acyl homoserine lactone cocktail.

Biomethane recovered through anaerobic digestion (AD) is a renewable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative energy source that has the potential to help address rising energy demands. Efficient bioconversion during AD depends on the symbiotic relationship between hydrolytic bacteria and methanogenic archaea. Interactions between microorganisms occur in every biological system via a phenomenon known as quorum sensing (QS), in which signaling molecules are simultaneously transmitted and detected as a mode of cell-to-cell communication.

A novel approach for measuring membrane permeability for organic compounds via surface plasmon resonance detection.

Well-known methods for measuring permeability of membranes include static or flow diffusion chambers. When studying the effects of organic compounds on plants, the use of such model systems allows to investigate xenobiotic behavior at the cuticular barrier level and obtain an understanding of the initial penetration processes of these substances into plant leaves. However, the use of diffusion chambers has disadvantages, including being time-consuming, requiring sampling, or a sufficiently large membrane area, which cannot be obtained from all types of plants.

Spatial-social evaluations of ecosystem services of adaptive aquaculture models using SAR and multivariate analyses: a case in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta.

The presented study is conducted to investigate the efficiency of two important aquaculture models of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD)'s Soc Trang province via quantifying and mapping the supporting ecosystem services (ES). The study targets the two most prevalent rearing practices, intensive and semi-intensive, covering four rural districts: My Xuyen, Tran De, Cu Lao Dung, and Vinh Chau. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining remote sensing, grass-root social survey, and multivariate statistical analyses.

Microbial communities and processes in biofilters for post-treatment of ozonated wastewater treatment plant effluent.

Ozonation is an established solution for organic micropollutant (OMP) abatement in tertiary wastewater treatment. Biofiltration is the most common process for the biological post-treatment step, which is generally required to remove undesired oxidation products from the reaction of ozone with water matrix compounds. This study comparatively investigates the effect of filter media on the removal of organic contaminants and on biofilm properties for biologically activated carbon (BAC) and anthracite biofilters.

Potential application of chitosan stabilized silver nanoparticles for simultaneous control of dengue virus and mosquito vectors.

Dengue fever pandemic caused by dengue virus has been claimed for many lives, however, no specific treatment is available. Prevention based on vector control posed to be the most effective measure so far. The application of chitosan stabilized silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) to control larvae and adult mosquitoes has recently discovered, but their ability to inhibit Dengue virus has scarcely discussed.

A critical review on the synthesis of NH-MIL-53(Al) based materials for detection and removal of hazardous pollutants.

Nowadays, emerging hazardous pollutants have caused many harmful effects on the environment and human health, calling for the state of the art methods for detection, qualification, and treatment. Metal-organic frameworks are porous, flexible, and versatile materials with unique structural properties, which can solve such problems. In this work, we reviewed the synthesis, activation, and characterization, and potential applications of NH-MIL-53(Al).

Heavy metals in cultured oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) and clams (Meretrix lyrata) from the northern coastal area of Vietnam.

Oysters and clams are abundant and popularly consumed seafood in Viet Nam. These bivalves were proved to be suitable bioindicators to assess the heavy metal accumulation in the aquatic environment. The study is to investigate heavy metals such as As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the cultured oysters Saccostrea glomerata and clams Meretrix lyrata collected in VanDon - Quang Ninh, and CatBa - Hai Phong.

Biosignature stability in space enables their use for life detection on Mars.

Two rover missions to Mars aim to detect biomolecules as a sign of extinct or extant life with, among other instruments, Raman spectrometers. However, there are many unknowns about the stability of Raman-detectable biomolecules in the martian environment, clouding the interpretation of the results. To quantify Raman-detectable biomolecule stability, we exposed seven biomolecules for 469 days to a simulated martian environment outside the International Space Station.

Distribution characteristics and ecological risks of heavy metals in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter released from municipal solid waste incinerators in northern Vietnam.

Residue concentrations of heavy metals, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were determined in bottom ash, fly ash, and particulate matter (PM) samples collected from five municipal incinerators in northern Vietnam to assess their occurrence, distribution characteristics, and potential risks. Concentrations and profiles of heavy metals are presented, showing the dominance of Zn in all types of samples. Highly volatile elements (Cd, Pb, and Zn) were found at elevated proportions in PM but not fly ash.

Multifunctional porous β-cyclodextrin polymer for water purification.

Keeping water clean is of vital significance for human health and environmental protection. In order to remove organic micro-pollutants and natural organic substances in water bodies and kill pathogenic microorganisms simultaneously, this study synthesized a multifunctional porous β-cyclodextrin polymer with a high specific surface area by introducing quaternary ammonium groups and rigid benzene rings, respectively, which was then polymerized with crosslinking agent-4,4'-bis (chloromethyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (BCMBP) in an ionic liquid system. The grafting of quaternary ammonium groups was beneficial for the removal of negative-charged humic acid (HA) and sterilization.

Synthesis of vacant graphitic carbon nitride in argon atmosphere and its utilization for photocatalytic hydrogen generation.

Graphitic carbon nitride (CN) was synthesised from melamine at 550 °C for 4 h in the argon atmosphere and then was reheated for 1-3 h at 500 °C in argon. Two band gaps of 2.04 eV and 2.

Plasma Surface Engineering of NiCoS@rGO Electrocatalysts Enables High-Performance Li-O Batteries.

The sluggish redox reaction kinetics for aprotic Li-O batteries (LOBs) caused by the insulating discharge product of LiO could result in the poor round-trip efficiency, low rate capability, and cyclic stability. To address these challenges, we herein fabricated NiCoS supported on reduced graphene oxide (NiCoS@rGO), the surface of which is further modified via a unique low-pressure capacitive-coupled nitrogen plasma (CCPN-NiCoS@rGO). The high ionization environment of the plasma could etch the surface of NiCoS@rGO, introducing effective nitrogen doping.

Fluoride-free synthesis of anodic TiO nanotube layers: a promising environmentally friendly method for efficient photocatalysts.

TiO nanotube (TNT) layers are generally prepared in fluoride-based electrolytes electrochemical anodization that relies on the field-assisted dissolution of Ti metal forming nanoporous/nanotubular structures. However, the usage of fluoride ions is considered hazardous to the environment. Therefore, we present an environmentally friendly synthesis and application of TNT layers prepared in fluoride-free nitrate-based electrolytes.

Hematites Precipitated in Alkaline Precursors: Comparison of Structural and Textural Properties for Methane Oxidation.

Hematite (α-FeO) catalysts prepared using the precipitation methods was found to be highly effective, and therefore, it was studied with methane (CH), showing an excellent stable performance below 500 °C. This study investigates hematite nanoparticles (NPs) obtained by precipitation in water from the precursor of ferric chloride hexahydrate using precipitating agents NaOH or NHOH at maintained pH 11 and calcined up to 500 °C for the catalytic oxidation of low concentrations of CH (5% by volume in air) at 500 °C to compare their structural state in a CH reducing environment. The conversion (%) of CH values decreasing with time was discussed according to the course of different transformation of goethite and hydrohematites NPs precursors to magnetite and the structural state of the calcined hydrohematites.

Simultaneously screening for methicillin-resistant and its susceptibility to potentiated penicillins.

We recently revealed that a significant proportion of clinical methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates are susceptible to pencillins and clavulanic acid (potentiated penicillins), including widely available combinations such as co-amoxiclav. These isolates also showed increased susceptibility to oxacillin on Iso-Sensitest Agar (ISA). The increased susceptibility to oxacillin displayed on ISA by these MRSA isolates may be used to distinguish them from the resistant ones.

Reproductive Span of is Extended by Sp.

The reproductive span (RS) of organisms could be affected by different factors during their lifetime. In the model nematode, , RS is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. However, none of the factors identified so far were related to environmental bacteria, which may incidentally appear anywhere in the habitats of .

Strategies to improve membrane performance in wastewater treatment.

Membrane technology has rapidly gained popularity in wastewater treatment due to its cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendly tools, and elevated productivity. Although membrane performance in wastewater treatment has been reviewed in several past studies, the key techniques for improving membrane performance, as well as their challenges, and solutions associated with the membrane process, were not sufficiently highlighted in those studies. Also, very few studies have addressed hybrid techniques to improve membrane performance.

Stochastic LCA Model of Upscaling the Production of Microalgal Compounds.

Microalgae are currently being investigated for their promising metabolites but assessing the environmental impact of producing these compounds remains a challenge. Microalgae cultivation performance results from the complex interaction of biological, technological, geographical, and physical factors, which bioengineers try to optimize during the upscaling process. The path from the discovery of a microalgal compound to its industrial production is therefore highly uncertain.

Anaerobic biogas formation from crops' agricultural residues - Modeling investigations.

The cultivation of field crops necessarily produces large quantities of organic residues, which could be used for the production of biogas. However, this is only successfully possible if the operators of such biogas plants have sufficient expertise in running these plants, e.g.

Highly sensitive determination of paracetamol, uric acid, dopamine, and catechol based on flexible plastic electrochemical sensors.

Flexible sensing is an alternative to traditional sensing and possesses good flexibility and wearability. Intrinsically conductive polymers, particularly poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), have received significant attention due to their high mechanical flexibility and good biocompatibility. Here, we report the design of highly conductive and electrochemically active PEDOT:PSS-coated plastic substrate electrodes by combining N-doped graphene (NG) or S-doped graphene (SG) with methanesulfonic acid-treated PEDOT:PSS (denoted as NG-f-MSA-PEDOT:PSS/PET and SG-f-MSA-PEDOT:PSS/PET) by a simple drop-coating method.

Short-term inhalation exposure evaluations of airborne antibiotic resistance genes in environments.

Antibiotic resistance is a sword of Damocles that hangs over humans. In regards to airborne antibiotic resistance genes (AARGs), critical knowledge gaps still exist in the identification of hotspots and quantification of exposure levels in different environments. Here, we have studied the profiles of AARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and bacterial communities in various atmospheric environments by high throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.