Doping dependency of chitosan and PAA controlled CdSe quantum dots for catalytic and bactericidal behavior by inhibiting DNA gyrase and DHFR through molecular docking.

The presence of toxic dyes in industrial waste dramatically diminishes the beneficial effects of remediation efforts. To overcome the hazardous impacts of dyes on biodiversity and environment, we integrated polymers into nanoparticles to substantially enhance their functionality and performance. 2 and 4 wt% of chitosan (CS) and 3 wt% of polyacrylic acid (PAA) doped cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanostructures (NSs) were prepared by co-precipitation approach.

Advanced imidazole-functionalized metal-organic framework-based dual-mode sensor for rapid detection of FLU pesticide residues in food.

In this study, an advanced imidazole-functionalized 2D metal-organic framework (HBU-169), {[Cd(L)HO](HO)}·(4HO)·(DMF) was presented, which possesses both fluorescent properties and oxidase-like activity. HBU-169 demonstrates the ability to detect fluazinam (FLU) via fluorescent and colorimetric modes. In the fluorescent mode, a pronounced fluorescence quenching is observed, with the limit of detection (LOD) of 1.

Onsite ammonia synthesis from water vapor and nitrogen in the air.

An innovative method for onsite ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions has been developed using a catalyst mesh composed of magnetite (FeO) and Nafion polymer. We pass air through the catalyst, which condenses microdroplets from atmospheric water vapor and uses nitrogen from the air, resulting in ammonia concentrations ranging from 25 to 120 μM in 1 hour, depending on local relative humidity. Operated at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, this technique eliminates the need for additional electricity or radiation, thereby substantially reducing carbon dioxide emissions compared to the traditional Haber-Bosch process.

Study on the optimal scheme of shale complex cracks formation based on Xsite discrete lattice method.

In the contemporary energy industry, shale gas, as an important unconventional energy resource, has been widely concerned. However, the exploitation of shale gas is faced with complex geological conditions and technical challenges, one of the main challenges is that it is difficult to form discrete complex crack networks in shale, which greatly reduces the recovery rate. For different geological conditions and engineering needs, the criteria for evaluating the effect of reservoir reconstruction will be different.

Highly Dispersed AuCu Nanoparticles Confined in Zr-MOFs for Efficient Methanol Synthesis from CO Hydrogenation.

Making use of novel materials to develop efficient catalysts is one of the research hotspots for CO hydrogenation to methanol. Herein, UiO-66, a typical Zr-MOF, was modified by ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to serve as a substrate for the synthesis of AuCu bimetallic catalysts. The resultant AuCu@UiO-66-EDTA catalyst exhibited a superior methanol production rate, which delivered a high space-time yield of methanol (3.

Superhydrophilic membrane coupled with hydroxide ion-assisted bubbles for efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil/water emulsions.

Developing a feasible and efficient membrane for the purification of surfactant-stabilized emulsions is urgently needed but impeded by the issues of membrane fouling and the inherent trade-off between separation efficiency and permeation flux. A superhydrophilic conductive membrane was developed by coating MXene/carbon nanotubes layer and polydopamine-hydrogel molecular layer, which as cathode integrates feasible hydroxide ion-assisted bubbles on its surface by electrolysis of water. These bubbles are more effective than conventional ones in removing surfactant-stabilized oil droplets because the hydroxide ions significantly promote the aggregation of oil droplets and bubbles by reducing their Debye length.

Study on brittleness characteristics of deep shale: A case study of Lu211 well in the Luzhou block.

Ensuring the sustainability of energy is pivotal for achieving a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. The mechanical behavior of deep shale reservoir rocks is intricate, presenting challenges in ascertaining their brittleness characteristics. To address this, the study employed a suite of evaluation techniques, encompassing analyses of stress-strain curve attributes, energy dissipation patterns, and mineral composition profiles.

Innovative bioinspired hydrogel scaffolds enabling in-situ hybrid nanoflower integration for dual-mode acetylcholinesterase inhibitor profiling.

This study introduces an innovative bioinspired hydrogel scaffold tailored to facilitate the in-situ integration of hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs) into the sensing interface, thereby establishing a versatile dual-mode platform for the sensitive profiling of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, a pivotal aspect in the pursuit of Alzheimer's disease therapeutics. Mimicking the tenacious anchoring of natural tree roots, our design employs magnetic bead imprinting with Strep-Tactin-coated magnetic beads (STMBs) to shape the hydrogel, which is then complemented by the integration of AChE-specific aptamers. This configuration creates a stable and biomimetic environment that nurtures HNF growth, thereby enhancing the binding integrity of HNFs with sensing interfaces.

Advanced mechanisms and applications of microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon-based materials: a brief review.

The interaction of microwave radiation with carbon-based materials induces rapid, instantaneous heating. When combined with the plasma excitation capabilities of microwaves, this property presents novel avenues for synthesizing carbon-based materials that require high temperatures and catalytic activity. This review investigates the response of carbon-based materials to microwave radiation, analyzes the dielectric loss mechanism responsible for heat generation, and details the microwave plasma excitation mechanisms employed in the synthesis and processing of carbon-based materials.

Correction: The green reduction of graphene oxide.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C6RA03189G.].

Multi-gradient energy-saving smart windows with thermo-response and multimodal thermal energy storage.

Buildings, especially installed windows, account for a large proportion of global energy consumption. The research trend of smart windows leans towards multi-functional integration, concurrently achieving solar modulation and thermal management. However, sometimes a one-time performance switch cannot meet demands, making the design of multi-gradient adjustable smart windows particularly important.

A stable zeolite with atomically ordered and interconnected mesopore channel.

Zeolites are crystalline microporous materials constructed by corner-sharing tetrahedra (SiO and AlO), with many industrial applications as ion exchangers, adsorbents and heterogeneous catalysts. However, the presence of micropores impedes the use of zeolites in areas dealing with bulky substrates. Introducing extrinsic mesopores, that is, intercrystal/intracrystal mesopores, in zeolites is a solution to overcome the diffusion barrier.

Systematic review on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) emissions; health impact assessment; and detection techniques in oil and natural gas operations.

The ONG industry emits VOC such as BTEX, which pose health risks to workers. This study analyzed peer-reviewed research articles to provide BTEX emission profiles from three primary ONG operations and their associated health risks. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews) was used to choose relevant articles for this review paper.

Microscopic investigation of chemical and physical alteration behaviors in sandstone minerals induced by CO-HO-rock interactions during CO saline aquifer storage.

CO saline aquifer storage represents a promising strategy for mitigating the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions. However, the long-term effects of CO dissolved in formation water on rock minerals remain insufficiently understood. This study utilizes cast thin section analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry techniques to perform a comprehensive microscopic investigation on this issue.

Preparation and Investigation of Temperature-Responsive SiO-PSBMA Janus Nanosheet with Salt-Tolerant Properties for Enhanced Recovery of Heavy Oil.

Enhancing heavy oil recovery is crucial to ensuring stable crude oil production. The development of stimulus-responsive Janus Pickering emulsifiers tailored for a reservoir environment has garnered significant attention in the field of reservoir production, emerging as a promising alternative to traditional surfactants. In this study, silica-based Janus nanosheets with temperature-responsive properties (OH-SiO-PSBMA JNs) are synthesized using sol-gel process and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method.

Electrostatic adsorptive loading of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole on chitosan nanoparticles to prolong the drug delivery process with preserved antibacterial activities: formulation and characterization.

This study presents the formulation and evaluation of chitosan-based homogeneous nanoparticles of ciprofloxacin (CP) and metronidazole (MTZ) with improved loading efficiency to enhance the controlled release of drug within the human body as well as for the enhancement of the antibacterial activity. The drug-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were prepared using deacetylated chitosan extracted from shrimp shells. The characterization of the drug-loaded CSNPs were performed by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TEM analyses.

Modified natural polymers as additives in high-temperature drilling fluids: A review.

Drilling fluids are often referred to as the "blood" of the drilling process, as they play a crucial role in determining both the efficiency and safety of drilling operations. Natural polymers, derived from renewable sources, such as cellulose, lignin, chitosan, xanthan gum, and starch, offer inherent advantages such as sustainability, biodegradability, and environmentally-friendliness when used as additives in drilling fluids. However, the inherent properties of natural polymers are adversely affected by thermal degradation due to their low heat resistance under harsh drilling conditions, where temperatures can exceed 150 °C.

Ag-coated Au nanostar-based Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Highly Sensitive Influenza A virus antibody Detection in Colorimetric and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) modes.

Antibody testing for virus aids diagnosis, promotes vaccination and development, and evaluates antibody treatment efficacy. Hence, it is essential to examine and monitor antibody levels for accurate disease diagnosis and prevention. Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) is a technique that is known for its simplicity and speed, making it a popular choice for immediate detection.

Study on the discoloration phenomenon caused by iron ion oxidation in Boston ivy pads and its effect on adhesion force.

Boston ivy has received much attention from researchers owing to its exceptional climbing abilities. However, many aspects of their adhesion behavior remain unresolved. Our research has discovered a phenomenon of oxidation and discoloration in Boston ivy pads, which leads to a significant decrease in adhesion force.

Dual-mode and multiplex lateral flow immunoassay: A powerful technique for simultaneous screening of respiratory viruses.

Respiratory viral infectious usually exhibit similar clinical symptoms, making a great challenge for their accurate diagnostic in early stages. Herein, we developed a dual-mode and multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), in which near-infrared (NIR)-responsive Janus Au-FeO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized as new reporters for highly sensitive colorimetric/photothermal detection of H3N2 influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses in a single assay. The Janus Au-FeO well combined the NIR responsiveness and high molar absorption coefficient of Au and magnetic properties of FeO.

Out-of-Plane Longitudinal Sound Speed Determination in GaS by Broadband Time-Domain Brillouin Scattering.

Two-dimensional semiconducting gallium sulfide (GaS) has garnered notable interest for its distinct structural and optical properties, which position it as a promising candidate material for various applications ranging from photodetection and photovoltaics to nonlinear frequency conversion. In this work, we determined the out-of-plane longitudinal sound velocity, , via impulsive time-domain femtosecond broadband Brillouin scattering measurements performed on a single flake-like GaS crystal. We obtained a value (3140 ± 20) m/s, which yields an out-of-plane compressive elastic constant, = (38.

At risk but not adequately included: People with disabilities' experience of COVID-19 in Zambia.

Background: COVID-19 had an impact on all sections of society, including people with disabilities.

Objectives: The authors aimed to explore the needs and experiences of people with disabilities in Zambia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, we used a semi-structured interview guide to collect data from a purposive and snowball sample of 40 people with disabilities and their caregivers.

Effective carbon footprint assessment strategy in fly ash geopolymer concrete based on adaptive boosting learning techniques.

In light of the growing need to mitigate climate change impacts, this study presents an innovative methodology combining ensemble machine learning with experimental data to accurately predict the carbon dioxide footprint (CO-FP) of fly ash geopolymer concrete. The approach employs adaptive boosting to enhance decision tree regression (DTR) and support vector regression (SVR), resulting in a robust predictive framework. The models used key material features, including fly ash concentration, fine and coarse aggregates, superplasticizer, curing temperature, and alkali activator levels.