Polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs), which contained cellulose tri-acetate used as a polymer base, a plasticizer in the form of o-NPOE, and meso-tetra methyl tetrakis-[methyl-2-(4-acetlphenoxy)] calix[4]pyrrole (KP) used as a carrier, were prepared and tested for the effective purification of aqueous solutions of methylene blue dye. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) were used to define the microstructure and surface of PIMs. Experimental results showed that with the increased concentration of methylene blue in an aqueous solution, the removal percentage also increased. Further observation also showed that the flux increased with the rise of the source phase pH values from 3 to 10. The carrier and plasticizer content in the membrane significantly influenced the membrane’s transport properties. The optimal composition of the membrane in per cent by weight was for KP: 74% plasticizer; 18% support; 8% carrier. It was shown that the membrane with optimal composition showed good reusability and enabled the easy and spontaneous separation of methylene blue from aqueous solutions.

Our environment has been impacted by man-made pollutants mainly industries make substantial use of synthetic dyes which exhibit cytotoxicity and have significant environmental consequences. Effective photocatalyst-based approaches for degrading synthetic dyes into less toxic chemical are of great interest. Synthesizing NPs using biological approaches, particularly plant-based approaches offer advantages, decreasing the risk of NPs losing biocompatibility during synthesis, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. In this study, we employed a green synthesis method to produce manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) utilizing leaf extract from the Lathyrus Aphaca plant. The synthesized MnOx NPs were characterized through various techniques; X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–visible spectroscopy. XRD analysis showed distinct peaks, indicated the presence crystallographic planes within the MnO₂ nanoparticles, thus confirming their crystalline structure. SEM study highlighted closely packed configurations with average size of approximately ≥ 50-70 nm, with well-defined boundaries. EDX analysis showed the presence of elemental manganese (Mn) in the samples, with peaks corresponding to Mn detected at lower energy levels, predominantly represented by MnO. FTIR, showed the presence of the O-O stretching mode at a frequency of 719 cm^-1, the presence of MnO₆ oxides of manganese, and peak at 548 cm^-1 corresponded to the Mn-O stretching mode. Furthermore, the green-synthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles exhibited promising photocatalytic and adsorption capabilities against Methylene Blue (MB) dye, leading to approximately 93.21% degradation of MB when treated with the green-synthesized MnO nanoparticles derived from plant extract. This highlights the efficacy and potential of these nanoparticles in environmental remediation applications, particularly in the degradation of methylene blue contaminants.

The SBA-15 loaded with methylene blue was successfully prepared by sample adsorption of methylene blue in SBA-15 and is characterized by an XRD, SEM, FTIR, and BET. The photocatalytic activity for methyl orange (MO) degradation was investigated under visible light irradiation under LEDs. Experimental results demonstrate that the SBA-15-MB exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than SBA-15 under visible light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of MO (50 ppm) by SBA-15-MB could reach 80% within 180 min under 25W LED visible light. The photocatalytic activity of SBA-15 could be attributed to the excitation of methylene blue by visible light, the transfer of electrons from methylene blue to SBA-15, and the production of radicals at the surface of SBA-15.

When wastewater containing methylene blue, a cationic dye is improperly treated or immediately dumped into the environment, it can degrade the quality of water bodies and contaminate the ecological environment. The removal of methylene blue from the aqueous solution is critical and urgent. The present work focuses on the use of maize stalk agricultural waste to prepare an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye (methylene blue) from an aqueous solution. The prepared maize stalk biochar (MSB) was modified with MnO2 and the modified maize stalk biochar was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Taguchi technique was employed to determine the optimum conditions for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution by MMSB. The factors were adsorbent dose (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/100 mL), initial dye concentration (100, 200 and 300 mg/L), contact time (30, 60, 90 minutes) and pH (4, 6 and 8). Among the investigated process factors, adsorption efficiency was influenced by adsorbent dose and initial MB dye concentration. The optimum parameters were 1 g/100 mL adsorbent dose, 100 mg/L initial dye concentration, 60 minutes contact time and a pH of 8.0. This yielded a removal efficiency of 87.49% with adsorption capacity of 206.53 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics agreed with the pseudo-second-order (R2 of 0.999968) model and fitted a Langmuir isotherm (R2 of 0.9795) representing homogeneous monolayer chemisorption.

Water pollution, driven largely by the discharge of organic dyes from various industrial processes, presents a grave environmental threat. This study delves into the promise of an innovative adsorptive composite material composed of chitosan and activated charcoal, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for removing methylene blue (MB) dye from water sources. Our comprehensive investigation encompasses the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption capabilities of this composite material, revealing its remarkable physicochemical attributes and its substantial capacity to adsorb MB dye. These findings establish it as a compelling candidate for water treatment applications. The assessment of adsorbent dosage shows a direct correlation between higher dosages and enhanced MB dye removal, with an optimal dosage determined at 0.4 g/25 mL. Furthermore, pH-dependent studies demonstrate exceptional performance at lower pH levels, achieving an impressive 95% removal rate at pH 3 after 240 minutes of contact time. The composite exhibits consistent high removal percentages across a wide range of MB dye concentrations, showcasing its adaptability. In terms of reaction time, the composite achieves peak adsorption capacity within the initial 360 minutes and maintains a stable equilibrium, sustaining an impressive 99% removal efficiency thereafter. This study underscores the eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness of the composite material, emphasizing its potential to address water pollution challenges and promote sustainable water resource management. Overall, this research yields valuable insights into a practical approach for mitigating the adverse impact of organic dyes on aquatic ecosystems and public health.

The removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from water was investigated using synthetic nano-clay magadiite (SNCM). SNCM was synthesized by hydrothermal treatment under autogenous pressure. A rosette-shaped single mesoporous magadiite phase with 16.63 nm average crystallite size and 33 m².g^-1 BET-surface area was recorded. The adsorption results indicated the pronounced affinity of the SNCM to the MB dye molecules which reached adsorption uptake of 20.0 mg MB dye/g of SNCM. The elimination of MB dye by the SNCM was kinetically and thermodynamically considered; a pseudo second order kinetic model was attained, and a spontaneous, chemical, and exothermic in nature was verified.

Semiconductor materials have been shown to have better photocatalytic behavior and can be utilized for the photodegradation of organic pollutants. In this work, three-dimensional flower-like SnS₂ were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Core-shell structured SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites were then deposited on the top of the SnS₂ flowers. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The photocatalytic behavior of the SnS₂-SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites was observed by observing the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results show an effective enhancement of photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB especially for the 15 wt. % SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites on SnS₂ flowers.

In the present work report, the MgAl₂O₄and the Ag/MgAl₂O₄ samples were successfully synthesized by the modified hydrothermal and the isovolumetric impregnation methods, respectively. The structural properties of the prepared samples were systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, DRS, XPS and et al techniques. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by the Ag/MgAl₂O₄ and MgAl₂O₄ samples was comparatively studied under UV lamp irradiation. The results revealed that the prepared Ag/MgAl₂O₄ (pH=6) samples were the most active among the samples in photocatalytic of methylene blue. Under UV lamp irradiation, the Ag/MgAl₂O₄ (pH=6) photodegradation of methylene blue reached to 89.6% within 120 min. And the Ag/MgAl₂O₄ (pH=6) complex photocatalysts displayed a high photochemical stability under repeated irradiation. Repeated irradiate the Ag/MgAl₂O₄ (pH=6) compound, which indicated it had a high photochemical stability.

Photocatalysis is a promising method for methylene blue (MB) degradation due to its effectiveness and environmental compatibility. Among photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely used for MB degradation due to its exceptional photocatalytic activity. However, the wide bandgap limits the degradation efficiency of TiO2 under visible light. Herein, an interstitial nitrogen-doped TiO2 (5%NT/TiO2) used thiourea as the N source is fabricated for the visible light-derived MB degradation. 5%NT/TiO2 exhibits an extended visible light absorption range. Besides, photoelectrochemical measurement shows an improvement in photocurrent response and charge transfer behavior on N/TiO2. Thus, 5%NT/TiO2 has enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pristine TiO2 and substitutive N-doped TiO2 (5%NAB/TiO2). The accelerated photocatalytic MB degradation process on N/TiO2 should be mainly attributed to the interstitial N doping, which causes the appearance of new energy states and extended optical properties.

Nanocomposites of TiO₂ Degussa P25 nanoparticles/activated carbon (TiO₂/AC ) were prepared at various mass ratios of (4:1), (3:2), (2:3), and (1:4) by a facile process. The effects of TiO₂/AC mass ratios on the structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties were systematically studied in comparison with bare TiO₂ and bare AC. TiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited dominant anatase and minor rutile phases, and a crystallite size of approximately 21 nm; while AC had XRD peaks of graphite and carbon, and a crystallite size of 49 nm. The composites exhibited tight decoration of TiO₂ nanoparticles on micron-/submicron AC particles, and uniform TiO₂/AC composites were obtained as evidenced by the uniform distribution of Ti, O, and C in an EDS mapping. Moreover, Raman spectra show the typical vibration modes of anatase TiO₂ (e.g., E_1g⁽¹⁾, B_1g⁽¹⁾, E_g⁽³⁾) and carbon materials with D and G bands. The TiO₂/AC with (4:1), (3:2), and (2:3) possessed higher reaction rate constants (k) in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) than that of either TiO₂ or AC. Among the investigated materials, TiO₂/AC = 4:1 achieved the highest photocatalytic activity with a high k of 55.2×10^-3 min^-1 and an MB removal efficiency of 96.6% after 30 min treatment under UV-Vis irradiation (120 mW/cm²). The enhanced photocatalytic activity for TiO₂/AC is due to the synergistic effect of the high adsorption capability of AC and the high photocatalytic activity of TiO₂. Furthermore, TiO₂/AC promotes the separation of photoexcited electron/hole (e^-/h⁺) pairs to reduce their recombination rate and thus enhance photocatalytic activity. The optimal TiO₂/AC composite in this study can be used for treating industrial or household wastewater with organic pollutants.

A sustainable low cost activated carbon substitute was produced based on pretreated lignocellulosic biomass, especially spruce sawdust. A harmful liquid waste, desalination brine was used for the treatment of a solid wood industry waste, spruce sawdust. This approach is in the circular economy theory and aims to the decarbonization of the economy. The pretreated sawdust was tested as an adsorbent appropriate for the removal of a commonly used pollutant, methylene blue, from industrial wastewater. The adsorption capacity of the pretreated material was found to increased four times comparing to the untreated one in the case that the Freundlich equation was fitted to the isotherms’ data. The treatment experimental conditions with desalination brine that gave maximum adsorption capacity correspond to 1.97 combined severity factor in logarithmic form value. The same adsorption capacity was found to increase five to six times comparing to the untreated spruce sawdust in the case that the Langmuir isotherm model was applied at the same data. Moreover, kinetic experiment was cried out as regards the methylene blue adsorption process. The desalination brine pretreated sawdust adsorption capacity increased 1.4 times comparing to the untreated one, in the case of the Lagergren kinetic equation fitting. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of the same material was increased 1.6 times when the second order kinetic model was applied to the same data. Industrial scale applications can be based on the kinetic data findings as they have to do with a very shorter adsorption period comparing to the isotherm data.

The aim of this study was utilization of ground tea waste (GT) left after brewing the black tea as a biofiller of natural rubber (NR) composites. Ionic liquids (ILs), i.e., 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium lactate and 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, often used to extract phytochemicals from tea, were applied to improve the dispersibility of GT particles in elastomeric matrix. The influence of GT loading and ILs on curing characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, thermal stability and resistance of NR composites to thermo-oxidative aging was investigated. The amount of GT did not significantly affect curing characteristics and crosslink density of NR composites, but had serious impact on tensile properties. Applying 10 phr of GT improved the tensile strength by 40% compared to unfilled NR. Further increasing in GT content worsened the tensile strength due to the agglomeration of biofiller in elastomer matrix. ILs significantly improved the dispersion of GT particles in elastomer and increased the crosslink density by 20% compared to the benchmark. Owing to the poor thermal stability of pure GT, it reduced the thermal stability of vulcanizates compared to unfilled NR. Most importantly, GT-filled vulcanizates showed improved resistance to thermo-oxidative aging, since the aging factor increased by 25% compared to the unfilled vulcanizate.

The remarkable adsorption capacity of graphene derived materials has prompted their examination in composite materials suitable for deployment in treatment of contaminated waters. In this study, crosslinked calcium alginate – graphene oxide beads were prepared and activated by exposure to pH 4 by using 0.1M HCl. The activated beads were investigated as novel adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants (Methylene Blue dye and the pharmaceuticals Famotidine and Diclofenac) with a range of physicochemical properties. Effects of initial pollutant concentration, temperature, pH and adsorbent dose were investigated and kinetic models were examined for fit to the data. Maximum adsorption capacities q_max obtained were 1334, 35.50 and 36.35 mg g^-1 for the uptake of Methylene blue, Famotidine and Diclofenac respectively. The equilibrium adsorption had an alignment with Langmuir isotherms while the kinetics were most accurately modelled using a pseudo- first –order and second order models according to the regression analysis. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG^◦, ΔH^◦ and ΔS^◦ were calculated and the adsorption process was determined to be exothermic and spontaneous.

The research aims to resolve water pollution generated by dye wastewater. In this paper, the aminated sodium lignosulfonate (AELS) was prepared through the Mannich reaction, and the synthesis conditions were optimized using orthogonal experiments to determine the best amination conditions. The successful preparation of AELS was demonstrated through the use of FT-IR, XRD, TG, SEM and XPS characterization techniques. Then, the adsorption capacity of Methyl blue (MB) by AELS was compared in a range of different circumstances, like pH, adsorbent dose, initial concentration, time, and temperature. Additionally, the kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic properties of the AELS adsorption for MB were studied and discussed. The results indicated that the fitting results were consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, in accordance with the mechanism of single-molecular-layer chemisorption. And the adsorption of MB by AELS was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Upon completion of five adsorption experiments, the adsorption capacity of MB by AELS was determined to be 107.95 mg g-1, which was 5.3% lower than the first experiment. This research promotes the effective use of natural resources and allows for the sustainable use of lignin and the advancement of new applications for it.

Building heterojunction is promising strategy for the achievement of highly efficient photocatalysis. In this study, a novel SnIn4S8@ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction with tight contact interface was successfully constructed through a facile two-step hydrothermal method. The phase composition, morphology, and photophysical properties of SnIn4S8@ZnO were studied through a series of characterization methods, respectively. Methylene blue (MB) was selected as the target pollutant for photocatalytic degradation and the degradation process was fitted with pseudo-first order kinetics. The as-prepared SnIn4S8@ZnO heterojunctions exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activities for the degradation of MB. The optimized sample (ZS800), in which the molar ratio of ZnO to SnIn4S8 was 800, displayed the highest photodegradation efficiency of MB (91%) within 20 min. Furthermore, the apparent rate constant of photodegradation for MB of ZS800 (0.121 min−1) was 2.2 times higher than that of pure ZnO (0.054 min−1). The improvement of photocatalytic activity could be attributed to the effective spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers through a Z-scheme heterojunction with intimate contact interface. This work will provide a new insight into constructing excellent ZnO-based photocatalytic systems for wastewater purification.

In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized from cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) by varying the concentration of silver ions and pH of the CNSL extract. The synthesized AgNPs were further characterized to study their surface, structural, and morphological proper-ties, and tested for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. The results of this study showed that depending on the conditions, particles of various sizes, ranging from 1 to 60 nm, and different degrees of stabilization and agglomeration were produced. The concentration of silver ions equal to 3 mM and the pH of the solution of ~ 4.5 (AgNP3) resulted in the most efficient biosynthesis, where particles appeared to be highly stabilized and homogeneously distributed on the surface, exhibiting a small average particle size and a narrow particle size distribution (6.7 ± 6.5 nm). Such particles further showed the highest degradation of MB, where up to 80 % degradation rates were recorded within the first 20 min. Higher concentrations of silver ions and higher pH of the extract resulted in substantial particle agglomeration and unstable synthesis, respectively, which further negatively affected the ability of particles to degrade MB. Finally, visible light showed no significant effect on the degradation of MB by AgNPs with the average degradation rates found to be about the same as under the dark conditions.

The present work demonstrates the new nanofiber mats prepared through co-electrospinning of two different polymers i.e. corn protein namely Zein and Nylon-6. The composite nanofiber membrane was used as an effective adsorbent material for the removal of toxic reactive dye i.e. Reactive Blue 19 (RB 19) from water solution. These co-electrospun nanofibers had good mechanical strength compared to zein nanofibers alone. Experimental results suggested that zein/nylon nanofibers have greater potential for total removal of RB19 at room temperature within 10 min of contact time from aqueous solution. The maximum capacity was found to be 70 mg/g of nanofibers. The mechanism of RB19 removal on proposed nanofibers is mainly through hydrogen bond and electrostatic means.

The goal of this work was to develop the acrylonitrile-butadiene (NBR) elastomer composites filled with hydroxyapatite (HAP), which were characterized with improved cure characteristics and burning resistance. Silane, i.e., (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane, ionic liquid, i.e., 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide and surfactant, i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, were used to improve the filler’s dispersibility in the elastomer matrix and to reduce the time and temperature of vulcanization. The effect of HAP and dispersants on the cure characteristics, crosslink density and physico-chemical properties of NBR composites was explored. The additives used, especially the ionic liquid and surfactant, effectively improved the dispersion of HAP in NBR matrix. The amount of HAP and the dispersant used strongly affected the cure characteristics and crosslink density of NBR. The optimal vulcanization time significantly increased with HAP content and was pronouncedly reduced when ionic liquid and surfactant were applied. In addition, ionic liquid and surfactant significantly lowered the onset vulcanization temperature, improved the crosslink density and hardness of the vulcanizates, while impairing their elasticity. HAP and dispersants did not significantly affect the damping properties and chemical resistance of NBR vulcanizates. Above all, application of HAP considerably enhanced the resistance of vulcanizates to thermo-oxidative aging and reduced their flammability compared to the unfilled NBR.

Methylene blue has been electropolymerized on the surface of a stainless steel 316. The addition of sodium oxalate and working at a pH near 11 has allowed to obtain steel electrodes coated with electroactive polymer. This polymer shows electrochromic properties similar to those of the monomer, but also appears electroactivity at more positive potentials which is associated to the active centers in the bridges between monomeric units. The study by means of digital video electrochemistry has allowed on the one hand, to quantify the color changes on the entire surface of the stainless steel simultaneously and by means of the mean color intensities to separate the contribution to the overall polymer response of the active centers of the phenothiazine ring and of the inter-monomer bonds. A reduction mechanism for the polymer compatible with the pH variation of the observed electrochemical behavior is proposed.

The Yixian Formation (Lower Cretaceous) of China is famous worldwide for its fossils of early angio-sperms, but there is only one record of flower bud hitherto. A previous fossil record of flower bud just showed the appearance and lacked any internal details. Such a lacuna in knowledge of flower buds hin-ders our understanding of the evolution of flowers. Our new specimen was collected from an outcrop of the Yixian Formation (the Barremian-Aptian, Lower Cretaceous) near Dawangzhangzi, Lingyuan, Liao-ning, China. The specimen was observed and photographed using a Sony ILCE-7 digital camera and a Nikon SMZ1500 stereomicroscope, and details were observed using a TESCAN MAIA3 SEM. Our ob-servations document a fossil flower bud, Archaebuda cretaca sp. nov, from the Lower Cretaceous of China. The occurrence of two species of Archaebuda in the Yixian Formation not only confirms the ex-istence of the expected gynoecium (and possible androecium) in a flower bud, but also underscores the occurrence of typical flowers in the Early Cretaceous.

A new generalized definition of Mersenne numbers is proposed of the form (a^n - (a-1)^n), called Global Generalized Mersenne numbers, or simply Generalized Mersenne numbers and noted GM_{a,n} where a is the base and n is the exponent, both being positive integers. The properties are investigated for prime exponents n and several theorems on Mersenne numbers regarding their congruence properties are generalized and demonstrated. In particular, it is found that, for any base a, Generalized Mersenne numbers are in general such that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are even and divisible by n, a and (a-1) for any odd prime exponent n and by (a(a-1)+1) for any prime exponent n > 5. The remaining factor is a function of triangular numbers of (a-1), specific to each prime exponent n. Four theorems on Mersenne numbers are generalized and four new theorems are demonstrated, allowing to show first, that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are divisible by 6, and more precisely GM_{a,n} are congruent to 1(mod 12) or 7(mod 12) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 4); second, that (GM_{a,n} - 1) are divisible by 10 if n == 1(mod 4) and, if n == 3(mod 4), GM_{a,n} == 1(mod 10), or 7(mod 10) or 9(mod 10) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 5); third, that all factors c_{i} of GM_{a,n} are of the form (2nf_{i}+1) with f_{i} natural integers such that c_{i} is prime itself or the product of primes of the form (2nj+1) with j natural integer; fourth, that for odd prime exponents n, all GM_{a,n} are periodically congruent to either +/-1\(mod 8) or +/-3(mod 8) depending on the congruence of the base a(mod 8); and fifth, that the factors of a composite GM_{a,n} is of the form (2nf_{i}+1) with f_{i} == u(mod 4) and u being either 0, 1, 2 or 3 depending on the congruence of the exponent n(mod 4) and on the congruence of the base a(mod 8). The potential use of Generalized Mersenne primes in cryptography is shortly addressed.

The wettability of the oil-brine-rock systems is very challenging mainly for the carbonate reservoirs and it plays a significant role to enhance the oil recovery (EOR). Carbonate rocks are mad-up of complex lithology, hence these requires careful treatments in controlling their wetting behavior for enhanced oil recovery. Therefore, it is extremely important to modify their wettability from an oil-wet rock behavior to a water-wet so that the residual oil can be produced efficiently. Thus, the present study has examined the effectiveness of alumina nanofluid as well as a new chemical methyl blue to alter the wettability. The methyl blue is released on massive scale from various industries i.e. pharma, textile and food industry which is a key environmental concern which contaminates the water table. Hence the study, explores the effects of MB and alumina nanofluid on the wettability. The effect of nanofluids formulated via dispersing the alumina nanoparticles in aqueous solutions at various concentration (0. 0.05, 0.3, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 wt. %) were tested for wettability modification under different physio-thermal conditions. Subsequently, the wettability change was examined for the samples treated with different concentrations of MB (10, 15, 30, 50 and 100 mg/L) for 7-days at two different temperatures of (25 and 50 0C). The results showed that hydrophobicity of the SML carbonate rock has significantly reversed while treating with alumina nanofluids and MB. Thus, the wettability modification/reversal via treatment of MB and alumina nanofluid can be an effective mechanism to hydrogen injection and for EOR processes.

The methylene blue (MB) adsorption was performed on a natural material powder of Cynarascolymus as identified by Cs. To analyze the Cs material, FTIR, SEM, isoelectric point (pHpzc) analysis, TGA, and DRX were used. The maximum experimental adsorption capacity of the Cs material was 203.333, 192.187, and 179,380 mg•g-1 at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. The correlation coefficients (R2) and average percentage errors APE(%) values for the kinetic and isotherms models indicated that the adsorption kinetics fol-lowed a pseudo-nth order model and that the Traditional isotherm model Red-lich-Peterson (R-P) correctly described the experimental data obtained at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. The steric, energetic, and thermodynamic characteristics of the most rele-vant advanced model (double-energy single-layer model (AM 2)) were analyzed in detail. The number of active sites for the first receptors (n1) was determined to be 0.129, 0.610, and 6.833; whereas the number of second active sites (n2) was determined to be 1.444, 1.675, and 2.036 at 298, 303, and 313 K, respectively. This indicated the presence of both multi–docking and multimolecular modes for the first style of MB ions (n1); while only a multi-molecular mode for the second style of MB ions (n2). Thermodynamic characteristics demonstrated that MB adsorption onto the Cs adsorbent is spontaneous and feasible.

Methylene blue (MB) is a dye hazardous pollutant widely used in several industrial processes that represents a relevant source of water pollution. Thus, the research of new systems to avoid its environmental dispersion, represents an important goal. In this work, an efficient and sustainable nanocomposite material based on green gold nanoparticles for MB water remediation, was developed. Starting from reducing and stabilizing characteristics of compounds naturally present in Lambrusco winery waste (grape marc) extracts, green gold nanoparticles (GM-AuNPs) were synthesized and deposited on a supporting membrane to create an easy and stable system for water MB decontamination. GM-AuNPs, with a specific plasmonic band at 535 nm, and the modified membrane were firstly characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of two breeds of crystalline shapes, triangular platelets and round-shaped pentatwinned nanoparticles, respectively. The crystalline nature of GM-AuNPs was also confirmed from XRD. The photo-catalytic performance of the modified membrane was evaluated under natural sunlight radiation obtaining a complete MB degradation (100%) in 116 minutes. A pseudo-first-order kinetic described the photocatalytic process with a rate constant k equal to 0.044 ± 0.010 min-1. The modified membrane demonstrated high stability since it was reused, without any treatment, for 3 months and for at least 20 cycles maintaining the same performances. GM-AuNPs-based membrane was also tested with other water pollutants (methyl orange, 4-nitrophenol and rhodamine B revealing a high selectivity towards MB.

This study demonstrates the viability of an orange peel-based adsorbent as sustainable alternative for the elimination of the disperse dye C.I. Disperse Blue 56 present in waste waters of the dyeing industry of textiles. The effectiveness of the adsorbent is evaluated at different pH values and the adsorption capacity is determined by systematically comparing orange peel and the final adsorbent chemically treated. Results reveal an spontaneous coagulation-flocculation phenomenon of the dispersed dye at low pH values which represents a sustainable way for the recovery and possible re-use of the dye, together with the industrial valorisation of a wasting product as is orange peel.

The development of novel porous composite materials for organic dye degradation and removal has received increasing attention due to water contamination problem. In this paper, hydrothermal synthesized nano zeolite A have been encapsulated with porous periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) through a simple modified StÖber method an organosilane-directed growth-induced etching strategy, the obtained yolk-shell structured sample was further functionalized by the impregnation of copper, realizing the composite material with hierarchical porous and catalytic properties. The morphology, porosity and metal content of the zeolite Cu/A and Cu/A@Et-PMO were fully characterized. As compared to the parent material, the composite Cu/A@Et-PMO have an efficient adsorption and catalytic degradation performance on methylene blue (MB), the removal efficiency reached as high as 95% of 60 mg/L MB with 10min. These novel structured porous composites may have great potential for adsorption and degradation application including waste effluents.

Water pollution with dyes is a critical environmental issue because off the huge amount of dyes disbarred annually which cause severe damage for the ecosystem and human life. On the other hand, the core-shell based magnetic materials have showed amazing character for controlling the material synthesis with targeted structure to enhance the adsorptive-removal of pollutants. Herein, Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 and Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 double shell nanoparticles were prepared by first (R1) and second (R2) routes. The preparation procedure is controlled to prepare the magnetic core with further coating layers from silica and titania for the uptake of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. The reported adsorption capacities for R1-0.2, R1-0.4 and R2 samples were 46, 38 and 50 mg/g respectively at pH 6 after 80 min contact time form 50 ppm methylene blue solution. The adsorption process of methylene blue onto Fe3O4core-meso SiO2/TiO2 double shell was well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlish isotherm which suggested the quick and multilayer adsorption mechanism. In addition, results of thermodynamic investigation indicated that the surfaces of Fe3O4 core-mesoSiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/mesoSiO2 double shell exhibit spontaneous tendency to adsorb methylene blue from the aqueous solutions. These results will encourage the further application of Fe3O4 core-meso SiO2/TiO2 and Fe3O4 core-TiO2/meso SiO2 double shell for removal of other dyes and pollutants from wastewater.

In the present study, the ability of novel carbon microspheres (CMs) derived from a date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) biomass using a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process and activated using phosphoric acid in removing methylene blue dye was investigated. Three types of palm-based wastes (seeds, leaflet and inedible crystallized date palm molasses) were used and converted to CMs via HTC process. The prepared samples were then activated using phosphoric acid via incipient wetness impregnation method. The CMs samples before and after activation were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis and scanning (CHNS), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) and Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET) method. The samples exhibited high BET surface areas after activation (1,584 m2/g). The methylene blue adsorption results showed good fittings to the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm models for all activated samples. The maximum adsorption capacity achieved was 409.84 mg/g for activated CM obtained from the palm date molasses, indicating high potential for application as dye-based adsorption materials.

Hazardous chemicals like toxic organic dyes are very harmful to the environment and their removal is quite challenging. Therefore there is a necessity to develop techniques, which are environment friendly, cost-effective and easily available in nature for water purification and re-mediation. The present research work is focused on the development` and characterization of the ecofriendly polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alginate (Alg) hydrogel beads incorporating natural bentonite (Bent) clay as beneficial adsorbents for removal of toxic methylene blue (MB) from industrial water. PVA−Alg/Bent nanocomposite hydrogel beads with different Bent content (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were synthesized via external ionic gelation method. The designed porous and steady structure beads were characterized by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The performance of the beads as MB adsorbents was investigated by treating batch aqueous solutions. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of Bent (30 w%) in the nanocomposite formulation sustained porous structure, preserved water uptake, and increased MB removal effi-ciency by 230 % compared to empty beads. Designed beads possessed higher affinity to MB at high pH 8, 30 °C, and fitted well to pseudo-second-order kinetic model a high correlation coefficient. Moreover, designed beads had a good stability and reusability as they exhibited excellent removal efficiency (90%) after six consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Adsorption process was found be combination of both monolayer adsorption on homogeneous surface and multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of the designed beads system as calculated by Langmuir isotherm was found to be 51.34 mg/g, which is in good agreement with the reported clay-related adsorbents. The designed PVA−Alg/Bent nanocomposite hydrogel beads demonstrated good adsorbent properties and could be potentially used for MB removal from polluted water.

This paper presents the results of investigations on the kinetic of Brilliant Blue FCF (BB) discoloration reactions in aqueous solutions with different ozone concentrations and pH conditions. Kinetic studies involve knowledge of the structure and properties of the dye and ozone, as well as the experimental conditions. In general, scientists admit that the predominant oxidation pathway is direct (by free oxygen atoms) or indirect (by free hydroxyl radicals), it will depend on influencing factors such as: the physicochemical properties of the dye, the pH of the aqueous solution, ozone concentration, reaction time and the contact mode with/without stirring. In the experimental research, two pathways were chosen following CBB = f(t): 1. constant dye concentration and different ozone concentration on the concentration range (100 - 250 mg/L) at three pH media (acidic, neutral and basic) with and without stirring; 2. Constant concentration of ozone and different dye in the range of concentrations (2.5 - 10 mg/L) under the conditions of point 1. With obtained experimental data the curves CBB = f(t) were drawn and were processed by the integral method of classical kinetic based on first and second order equations. Unfortunately, this simple procedure this not yield any minim full results and any pH level. The rate constants been negative and/or the reaction order been dependent on initial conditions. Due to its structure, the BB dye has several chromophore groups, thus multiple attack centers, resulting in more oxidation by-products, which is why the 1H - NMR spectrum of BB discoloration with ozone was recorded.

Exergy analysis evaluates the efficiency of system components by quantifying the rate of entropy generation. In general, the exergy destruction rate or irreversibility rate was directly obtained through the exergy-balance equation. However, this method cannot determine the origin of the component's entropy generation rate, which is a very important factor in system design and improvement. In this study, a thorough energy, exergy thermoeconomic analysis of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) was performed, providing the heat transfer rate, entropy generation rate and cost loss rate of each component. The irreversibility rate of each component is obtained by the Gouy-Stodolar theorem. Detailed and extensive exergy and thermoeconomic analyses of PEMFC system have determined that water cooling units experience the greatest heat transfer among the components in the studied PEMFC system, resulting in the greatest irreversibility and thus the greatest monetary flow loss.

Photocatalytic ammonia decomposition to produce N2 and H2 was achieved using single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanohybrids. Physical modification of ferrocene-dye-encapsulated CNTs by amphiphilic C60-dendron yielded nanohybrids with a dye/CNT/C60 coaxial heterojunction. Upon visible light irradiation, an aqueous solution of NH3 and dye@CNT/C60-dendron nanohybrids produced both N2 and H2 in a stoichiometric ratio of 1:3. Action spectra of this reaction clearly demonstrated that the encapsulated dye acted as the photosensitizer, with an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 0.22% at 510 nm (the λmax of the dye). This study presents the first example of dye-sensitized ammonia decomposition and offers a new avenue for developing efficient and sustainable photocatalytic hydrogen production systems.

Fatigue is a recognized concern in air traffic management, prompting international bodies like ICAO and EASA to advocate for Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS). EU Regulation 2017/373, effective since January 2020, imposes specific requirements on air traffic service providers regarding controllers' fatigue, stress, and rostering systems, as part of safety management protocols. Despite active campaigns promoting fatigue awareness in air traffic control (ATC), there remains a need for standardized operational requirements. Eurocontrol recently published "Guidelines on fatigue management in ATC rostering systems" (April 23), aiming to facilitate the adoption of common fatigue operational standards. However, neither EU Regulation 2017/373 nor existing documentation specifies exact rostering criteria. Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) typically derive these criteria from scientific literature, best practices, historical data, and legal and operational necessities. Yet, assessing and monitoring fatigue in operational settings can be complex and require long-term studies due to its multifaceted nature, spanning factors such as sleep quality, circadian rhythms, psychosocial influences, individual traits, and environmental conditions. The case studies reported in this paper represent an attempt to create an evidence-based protocol for fatigue risk monitoring in ATC operations, utilizing a non-invasive approach and collecting multidimensional data. The two case studies involved en-route and tower controllers from different ATC Centers, and the results underscore the importance of fatigue assessment in ATC and elucidates challenges in implementing fatigue monitoring within operational contexts.

Inorganic nanoparticles based on magnetite improve the mechanical, thermal, and magnetic properties of microporous cryogel polymer composites. Here we report the synthesis of microporous cryogel based on the crosslinked sodium vinyl sulfonate (Na-VS) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium salt (Na-AMPS). The magnetite nanoparticles were inserted into Na-VS/Na-AMPS cryogel either during its crosslinking polymerization or by in-situ technique after its crosslinking. The morphology, particle sizes, thermal stability and magnetite contents of Na-VS/Na-AMPS cryogel and its magnetite composites were investigated. The prepared Na-VS/Na-AMPS cryogel and its magnetite composites were used as adsorbents for methylene blue (MB) cationic dye using optimum conditions. The magnetite Na-VS/Na-AMPS cryogel composite prepared by in-situ technique achieved the best adsorption MB removal capacity for 7 cycles among the other adsorbents via chemical adsorption mechanism at room temperature.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an intestinal disease that results in poor performance, inefficient nu-trient absorption, and has a devastating economic impact on poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of a saponin-based product (Clarity Q [CQ]) during a NE challenge. A to-tal of 1,200 male chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (10 pens/treatment; 30 birds/pen): treatment 1 (NC): a non-medicated corn-soybean basal diet; treatment 2 (PC) NC + 50 g/metric ton (MT) of Bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD); treatments 3 (CQ15) and 4 (CQ30) NC + 15 and 30 g/MT, respectively. On day (d) of placement, birds were challenged by a coccidia vaccine to induce NE. On d 8, 14, 28, and 42, performance parameters were measured. On d 8, three birds/pen were necropsied for NE lesions. On d 8 and d 14, jejunum samples from one bird/pen were collected for mRNA abundance of tight junction proteins and nutrient trans-porter genes. Data were analyzed in JMP (JMP Pro, 16) and significance (P ≤ 0.05) between treatments identified by Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test. Compared to PC and NC, CQ15 had higher average daily gain (ADG), while CQ30 had lower average daily feed in-take (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). NE lesions in the duodenum were lower in CQ15 compared to all other treatments. On d 8, mRNA abundance of CLDN1, CLDN5, AMPK, PepT2, GLUT2, and EAAT3 were significantly greater in CQ30 (P < 0.05) compared to both PC and NC. On d 14, mRNA abundance of ZO2 and PepT2 was significantly lower in PC when compared to all treatments, while that of ANXA1, JAM3, and GLUT5 was comparable to CQ15. In summary, adding Clarity Q to broiler diets has the potential to alleviate adverse effects caused by this enteric disease by improving performance, reducing intestinal lesions, and positively modulating the mRNA abundance of various tight junction proteins and key nutrient transporters during peak NE infection.

This study explores the synthesis and application of BODIPY-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the sensitive detection of biothiols via an indicator displacement assay coupled with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) techniques, alongside their efficacy for in vitro cancer cell imaging. Moreover, the assay allowed a visible colorimetric detection of biothiols under normal and ultraviolet light conditions. The BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene) fluorophores were strategically conjugated to the surface of gold nanoparticles, forming a robust nanohybrid that leverages the plasmonic properties of AuNPs for enhanced spectroscopic sensitivity. The detection mechanism exploits the displacement of the BODIPY indicator upon interaction with biothiols, triggering a measurable change in fluorescence and SERS signals. This dual-mode sensing approach provides high selectivity and sensitivity for biothiol detection, with detection limits reaching nanomolar concentrations using fluorescence and femtomolar concentration for cysteine using SERS. Furthermore, the BODIPY-AuNP complexes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and photostability, facilitating their use in fluorescence imaging of biothiol distribution within cellular environments and highlighting their potential for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in biomedical research.

Dye/salt separation has gained increasing attention in recent years, prompting the quest for cost-effective and environmentally-friendly raw materials for synthesis high performance nanofiltration (NF) membrane for effective dye/salt separation. Herein, a high-performance loose structured NF membrane was fabricated by via a simple vacuum filtration method using a green nanomaterial, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxide radical (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF), by sequentially filtrating larger-size and finer-size TOCNFs on a microporous substrate, followed by cross-linked with trimesoyl chloride. The resultant TCM membrane possesses a separating layer composed entirely of pure TOCNF, eliminating the need for other polymer or nanomaterials additives. TCM membranes exhibits high performance and effective dye/salt selectivity. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis shows that the TCM membrane with Fine-TOCNF layer has a tight layered structure. Further characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the presence of functional groups and chemical bonds of the crosslinked membrane. Notably, the optimized TCM-5 membrane exhibits a rejection rate of over 99% for various dyes (Congo red, orange yellow) and 14.2% for NaCl, showcasing a potential candidate for efficient dye wastewater treatment.

We introduce a series of twisted donor-acceptor (D-A) carbazole-benzophenone based electroactive bipolar derivatives that were synthesized through the reaction of 4-fluorobenzophenone with various partially alkylated 3,3’-bicarbazoles. The comprehensive structural characterization of these compounds is provided. These amorphous materials exhibit suitable glass transition temperatures ranging from 57 to 102 °C and demonstrate high thermal stability, with decomposition temperatures reaching 400 °C. Moreover, the developed materials exhibit elevated photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of up to 75.5% and favorable HOMO-LUMO levels, along with suitable triplet-singlet state energy values. Due to their good solubility and suitable film-forming properties, all the compounds were evaluated as blue emitters dispersed in 4,4’-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,10-biphenyl (CBP) host for the fabrication of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) in concentration dependent experiments. Among these experiments, the device containing 15 wt% of the guest 4-(9’-{2-ethylhexyl}-[3,3’]-bicarbazol-9-yl)benzophenone demonstrated the best characteristics, achieving maximum brightness of 3581 cd/m2, current efficiency of 5.7 cd/A, power efficiency of 4.1 lm/W and external quantum efficiency of 2.7%.

This study explores the near-surface dispersion mechanisms of contaminants in coastal waters, leveraging a comprehensive method that includes using dye and drifters as tracers, coupled with diverse observational platforms like drones, satellites, in-situ sampling, and HF radar. The aim is to deepen our understanding of surface currents' impact on contaminant dispersion, thereby improving predictive models for environmental incident management, including pollutant releases. Rhodamine WT dye, chosen for its significant fluorescent properties and detectability, along with drifter data, allowed us to investigate the dynamics of near-surface physical phenomena such as the Ekman current, Stokes drift, and wind-driven currents. Our research emphasizes the importance of integrating scalar tracers and Lagrangian markers in experimental designs, revealing differential dispersion behaviors due to near-surface vertical shear caused by the Ekman current and Stokes drift. The elongation direction of the dye patch aligns with the Ekman current direction during slow current conditions. Analytical calculations of vertical shear, based on the Ekman current and Stokes drift, closely matched those derived from tracer observations. Over a 7-hour experiment, the vertical diffusivity of near-surface water was observed at 2×10-4 m2/s, and the horizontal eddy diffusivity of the dye patch and drifters reached the order of 1 m2/s and at a 1000m length scale. Particle tracking models demonstrate that while HF radar currents can effectively predict the trajectories of tracers near the surface, incorporating near-surface currents, including Ekman current, Stokes drift, and windage, is essential for a more accurate prediction of the fate of surface floats.

This work aimed to develop an anionic cellulose nanofiber (CNF) bio-adsorbent from palm date tree waste and to investigate its removal efficiency against cationic methylene blue dye from contaminated water. Palm date pulp was first prepared from palm date leaves through acid hydrolysis using H2SO4, followed by hydrolysis in a basic medium using KOH, in which the process completely removed the components of hemicellulose, lignin, and silica. To obtain anionic CNF, the resulting pulp was further treated with H2SO4, followed by centrifugation. Biogel formation of the CNF suspension was promoted by sonication, where its removal efficiency of methylene blue dye was studied as a function of dye concentration, temperature, contact time, and pH value. Two equilibrium models, the Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed, and the Langmuir model was found to be consistent with the experimental data. The highest removal efficiency was obtained at 60oC and was 5mg/gm. Furthermore, several kinetic models were used to gain insight into the adsorption mechanism. The pseudo-second-order model provided an accurate description of the adsorption process, while the Elovich equation suggested a chemical reaction between methylene blue dye and CNF. The study’s findings were in agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating general chemical reactions. The study indicates that CNF adsorbents derived from renewable natural waste sources such as palm date leaves can be effective in removing cationic contaminants such as methylene blue dye.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) belong to the group of thin-film solar cells which have been extensively researched for over two decades due to their low cost of fabrication, flexibility and ability to function under low-light conditions. Some issues have to be addressed in terms of energy losses, material integration, weak photocurrent generation and stability to improve the performance of DSSCs. One of the approaches to enhance the performance of DSSCs is through luminescent materials. These are materials which can absorb light and re-emit at different wavelengths which can be used to convert ultraviolet (UV) and near infra-red (NIR) light that are not efficiently utilized by the DSSCs, into visible light that can be absorbed. The main objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on the impact of luminescent materials in DSSCs. Research interest in luminescent materials particularly, down conversion, up conversion and quantum dots were analyzed from the “Web of Science”. It reflected a remarkable number of over 200, 000 publications in the past decade. Therefore, the state of the art of luminescent materials for enhancing the performance of the solar cells were reviewed, which showed significant potential in enhancing the performance of DSSCs.

The surface characterization of indium tin oxide (ITO) films was processed by oxygen (O2) plasma gas using a magnetron sputtering method of varying O2-plasma gas from 20 sccm to 100 sccm for potentially fostering in electronic devices applications on dye-sensitize solar cells (DSSC) in this work. In order to gain an outstanding performance rate with high-quality thin films, the affect of correlation between the electrical, optical, and morphology properties was significantly investigated. Clearly, the content of investigation exhibited that the films properties was changed by variation of the gas composition. These changes have contemporary relevance to the sputtering gas during the deposition process. To conclude, the greatest electrical properties was displayed by O2 -plasma gas flow rate of 20 sccm, which showed the lowest resistivity. In addition to this, the final products were practically fabricated to active layers for dye-sensitize solar cells (DSSC) applications. The highest efficiency of DSSC device was indicated of approximately 0.35% which was located by 40 sccm of the O2-plasma gas. Consequently, the study could be a possibility way of preparing ITO thin films with improved special properties of substantial applications for solar cells devices in the near future.

Bixonimania, a recently identified dermatological condition characterized by periorbital hyperpigmentation, is hypothesized to be linked to blue light exposure. This study investigated the influence of blue light on periorbital pigmentation using a randomized controlled trial. Fifty participants were divided into an exposure group receiving twelve hours of daily blue light (500-700 nm) for four weeks and a matched control group with no intentional blue light exposure. Objective assessment through spectrophotometry/colorimetry revealed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in periorbital pigmentation intensity in the exposure group compared to controls. Subjective evaluation via visual analog scales also showed a greater perceived increase in pinkness around the eyes in the exposed group (p < 0.01). Notably, individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types Q and Z exhibited a more pronounced rise in pigmentation. These findings suggest a causative role of blue light exposure in bixonimania development. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore preventative strategies to mitigate bixonimania.

DSSC devices are among the most widely studied thin-film solar cells because of their cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, and simple fabrication method. However, there is still much scope for replacing current DSSC materials due to their high cost, low volume, and lack of long-term stability. Accordingly, ITO-nanorod films were fabricated by E-beam evaporation using the glancing angle deposition method in this study. Then, the ITO-nanorod was treated by oxygen plasma via a bias-magnetron RF sputtering process to improve the efficiency of DSSC under a varying gas flow rate of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 sccm. The FE-SEM investigation of the ITO film structure revealed that the obtained nanorod structures have slightly different diameters. At the same time, an increase in the oxygen flow rate resulted in a rougher film surface structure. In this, the lower sheet resistance was received because of rougher morphology. When comparing the DSSC efficiency test results, we found that at a gas flow rate of 100 sccm, the highest efficiency value showed by 9.5%. On the other hand, the ITO-nanorod without plasma treatment exhibited the lowest efficiency. Hence, plasma technology can be practically applied to improve the efficiency of DSSC devices. This study will be a prototype of a highly advanced solar cell manufacturing method for the solar cell industry.

ATTO 565, a Rhodamine-type dye, has garnered significant attention due to its remarkable optical properties, such as a high fluorescence quantum yield, it is a relatively stable structure, and has low biotoxicity. ATTO 565 has found extensive applications in combination with microscopy technology. In this review, the chemical and optical properties of ATTO 565 are introduced, along with the principles behind them. Then, the functionality of ATTO 565 in confocal microscopy, stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, single-molecule tracking (SMT) techniques, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is discussed. These studies demonstrate that ATTO 565 plays a crucial role in areas such as biological imaging and single-molecule localization, thus warranting further in-depth investigation. Finally, we present some prospects and concepts for the future applications of ATTO 565 in the fields of biocompatibility and metal ion detection.

The potential of biological consortia designed for laccase production and dye treatment is discussed in this review. The poor yields in laccase production and low efficiency in dye decolorization of monoculture-based treatments has encouraged the use of designed biological consortia. A consortium is a system where the growth of two or more organisms, chosen to improve a particular bioprocess, is induced in the same medium. Chemical and natural mediators are being replaced by consortia for the production of laccases because, in addition to being less toxic, they induce new enzyme isoforms and lead to high laccase yields. On the other hand, consortia act synergistically in the decolorization of azo dyes through the enzymes they produce, so overall degradation is improved. Designed consortia are an attractive alternative still in development that could provide new biotechnological tools for the treatment of textile effluents.

The crystals, C11H4BrF5N2S, (I), 1-((4-bromothiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazine and C12H6BrF5N2S, (II), 1-((4-bromo-5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methylene)-2-(perfluorophenyl)hydrazine are molecules with two rings and hydrazone part like a centre of the molecule. The compounds have been synthesized and characterized by elemental, spectroscopic (¹H-NMR) analysis. The crystal structures of the solid phase were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. They crystallize in the monoclinic space group with Z = 4 and Z = 2 molecules per unit-cell. The compound (I) crystallizes as a racemate in the centrosymmetric space group and the compound (II) crystallizes as a non-racemate in the non-centrosymmetric space group. The “absolute configuration and conformation for bond values” were derived from the anomalous dispersion (ad) for (II). The crystal structures are revealed diverse non-covalent interactions such as intra- and interhydrogen bonding, π-ring···π-ring, C-H···π-ring and they were investigated. The expected stereochemistry of hydrazones atoms C7, N2 and N1 were confirmed for (I) and (II). The hole molecule of the (I), and (II) possesses “a boat conformation” like a 6-membered ring. The results of the single crystal studies are reproduced with the help of Hirshfeld surface study and Gaussian software.

This study proposes a flexible and adaptable protocol for the establishment of agricultural management zones that utilises remote sensing, ground truthing (apparent electrical conductivity and soil sampling), the IRRIGOPTIMAL® system and machine learning. This protocol could contribute significantly to the rational use of inputs (water, fertilizers and pesticides) and to the further efficient development of an optimal irrigation system with variable irrigation rates. The methodology to develop this protocol was applied to olive and alfalfa plots in Heraklion (Crete, Greece) to monitor soil and crop responses for the period 2022-2024. Spatial and temporal assessment of selected soil and plant parameters (moisture, photosynthetic activity) using ground and vegetation reflectance mapping by satellites and unmanned aerial systems provides important information in both the pre- and main phases of the management zone delineation. Geophysical methods such as electromagnetic induction, applied in the main phase of management zone delineation, provide a robust technique to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of apparent electrical conductivity. The Random Forest machine learning model was found to be most suitable for predicting soil electrical conductivity based on satellite-derived salinity indices and ground electromagnetic induction. Finally, the IRRIGOPTIMAL® system provides real-time monitoring of a variety of weather and soil parameters to determine the optimal cultivation of crops based on the creation of agricultural management zones.

In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO)/ granular activated carbon (GAC) composites at different ZnO concentration (0.25M-ZnO@GAC, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC, and 0.75M-ZnO@GAC) were prepared by an in-situ hydrothermal method and demonstrated synergistic photocatalytic degradation and ad-sorption of Rhodamine B (RhB). The thermal stability, morphological structure, elemental com-position, crystallographic structure, and textural properties of developed catalysts were charac-terized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive-x-ray (SEM-EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. Successful loading of ZnO onto GAC was confirmed by SEM-EDS and XRD analysis. The BET surface areas of GAC, 0.25M-ZnO@GAC, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC, and 0.75M-ZnO@GAC were 474 m2/g, 450 m2/g, 453 m2/g, and 421 m2/g, respectively. The decrease in GAC could be attributed to the successful loading of ZnO on the GAC surface. Notably, 0.5M-ZnO@GAC exhibited the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 82% and 97% under UV-A and UV-C light over 120 min, attributed to improved crystallinity and visible light absorption. The photocatalytic degradation parameters revealed that lowering the RhB concentration, raising the catalyst dosage and pH be-yond the point of zero charge (PZC) would favor the RhB degradation. Photocatalytic reusability was demonstrated over 5 cycles. Scavenger tests revealed that the hydroxyl radicals (•OH), su-peroxide radicals (O2−•), and photoinduced hole (h+) radicals play a major role during the RhB degradation process. Based on the TOC results, the RhB mineralization efficiency of 79.1% was achieved by 0.5M-ZnO@GAC. Additionally, GAC exhibited a strong adsorptive performance towards RhB with adsorption capacity and RhB removal of 487.1 mg/g and 99.5% achieved within 90 min equilibrium time. The adsorption characteristics were best described by pseu-do-second-order kinetics, suggesting chemical adsorption. This research offers a new strategy for the development of effective photocatalyst materials with potential for wider wastewater treat-ment applications.

Adaptive hyperactivity, characterized by increased activity levels and novelty-seeking traits without mood disorders, is prevalent among older adults in Sardinia's "blue zone," an area with high longevity. This study aims to evaluate the adaptive nature of hyperac-tivity concerning quality of life, social rhythms, and mood symptoms in individuals from this region, particularly among older adults over 80. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included adults and older adults over 80 years from Sardinia's blue zone, recruited from the dermatology clinic at the University Hospital of Cagliari. Partici-pants underwent psychiatric interviews and completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), SF-12, and Brief Social Rhythm Scale (BSRS). Data were compared with national and regional normative data. Results: Older adults in the blue zone demonstrated higher MDQ positivity (22.58%) compared to na-tional averages (0.87%), without corresponding increases in dysregulated rhythms, de-pressive symptoms, or reduced quality of life. Younger elders (65-79 years) showed in-creased rhythm dysregulation (BSRS score: 20.64±7.02) compared to adults (17.40±6.09, p=0.040), but this trend was not observed in older elders (80+ years). No significant differ-ences were found in CH3SH and (CH3)2S levels between groups. Conclusions: Hyperactiv-ity observed in older adults from Sardinia's blue zone appears adaptive, not linked to so-cial rhythm dysregulation, depressive symptoms, or diminished quality of life, suggesting resilience factors that may contribute to longevity. These findings support the potential classification of such hyperactivity as beneficial rather than pathological, warranting fur-ther research into biomarkers and psychoeducational interventions to prevent the onset of bipolar disorders in predisposed individuals.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in numerous biological processes and serve crucial regulatory functions in both animals and plants. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding of lncRNAs and their patterns of expression and roles in sharks. In the current study, we systematically identified and characterized lncRNAs in the blue shark Prionace glauca from four tissues (liver, spleen, muscle, and kidney) using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools. A total of 21,932 high confidence lncRNAs were identified with 8,984 and 3,067 stably and tissue-specific expressed lncRNAs, respectively. In addition, a total of 45,007 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs were obtained among tissues, with kidney versus muscle having the largest numbers across tissues. DE lncRNAs trans target protein-coding genes were predicted, and functional gene ontology enrichment of these genes showed GO terms such as muscle system processes, cellular/metabolic processes, and stress and immune responses, all of which correspond with the specific biological functions of each tissue analyzed. These results advance our knowledge of lncRNAs in sharks and present novel data on tissue-specific lncRNAs, providing key information to support future functional shark investigations.

Leather waste was carbonized at 800 °C in inert atmosphere. The resulting biochar was coated in situ with polypyrrole nanotubes produced by the oxidation of pyrrole in the presence of methyl orange. The composites of carbonized leather with deposited polypyrrole nanotubes of various composition were compared with similar composites based on globular polypyrrole. Their molecular structure was characterized by infrared and Raman spectra. Both conducting components formed a bicontinuous structure. The resistivity determined by four-point van der Pauw method was monitored as a function of pressure applied up to 10 MPa. The typical conductivity of composites was of the order of tenths to units S cm−1 and it was always higher for polypyrrole nanotubes than for globular polypyrrole. The conductivity decreased by 1–2 orders of magnitude after treatment with ammonia but still maintained a level acceptable for applications operating under non-acidic conditions. The composites were tested for dye adsorption, viz. cationic methylene blue and anionic methyl orange, using UV-spectroscopy. The composites are designed for the future use as functional adsorbents controlled by the electrical potential.

This research has developed a process for producing ZnO thin film from DEZn deposited onto a PET substrate with low-pressure, high-frequency Ar + O2 plasma using a chemical vapor deposition technique. The aim is to study the film production conditions that affect electrical properties, optical properties, and thin film surfaces. This work highlights the use of plasma energy produced from a mixture of gases between Ar + O2. Plasma production is stimulated with an RF power supply to deliver high chemical energy and push ZnO atoms from the cathode inside the reactor onto the substrate through surface chemical reactions. The results showed that increasing the RF power in plasma production affected the chemical reactions on the substrate surface of film formation. The film preparation at RF power 300 W will give the thickest films. The film has a continuous columnar formation, and the surface has a granular structure. This results in the lowest electrical resistivity of 1.8 x 10-4 Ω-cm. In addition, when fabricated into a DSSC device, the device tested the PCE value and showed the highest value at 5.68%. This is due to the very rough surface nature of the ZnO film, which increases the scattering and storage of sunlight, making cells more efficient. Therefore, the benefit of this research is that it will be a highly efficient prototype of thin film production technology using a chemical process that reduces production costs and can be used in the industrial development of solar cells.

Appropriate governance structures are extremely important for the fishery dependent communities to develop integrated territorial development strategies and adaptive capacity to change, including the climate one. This paper assesses to what extent fisheries co-management schemes (e.g Fisheries LAGs, being regional/local governance instruments in fishing communities) are strengthening sustainability. The latter includes improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy sources (RES), coping with climate crisis, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting sustainable blue economy. For detecting policy aspects of aligning climate neutrality and sustainable blue economy, the research lens focuses on the Greek Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) given that these are mostly located in coastal/marine and insular territories with significant blue growth potential. To map and assess their capacity and efficiency in pursuing Green Deal objectives, a co-development process with FLAG managers was put in place. The results and findings of this process reveal the scarcity of sustainability and blue economy related strategies. Key conclusion is that transition to a post-carbon blue economy on a local level, requires the understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of fisheries co-management schemes. The latter, being multi-sectoral structures, may boost dialogue and cooperation to harmonize local development strategies and EU policies. Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as an evolutionary governance process itself, can be a driver for making FLAGs evolve, and strengthen commonization and blue justice and equity for fishers.

A non-negligible fraction of quasars are red at optical wavelengths, indicating (in the vast majority of cases) that the accretion disc is obscured by a column of dust which extinguishes the shorter-wavelength blue emission. In this paper we summarise recent work by our group, where we find fundamental differences in the radio properties of SDSS optically selected red quasars. We also present new analyses, using a consistent colour-selected quasar parent sample matched to four radio surveys (FIRST, VLA Stripe 82, VLA COSMOS 3 GHz and LoTSS DR1) across a frequency range 150 MHz-3 GHz and four orders of magnitude in radio flux. We show this enhancement is driven by systems with small-scale radio emission (∼kpc) and peaks around the radio-quiet threshold (defined as the ratio of 1.4 GHz luminosity to 6μm luminosity) across the four radio samples. Exploring the potential mechanisms behind this enhancement, we rule out star-formation and propose either small-scale jets or dusty winds interacting with the interstellar medium; this will be tested in detail using new multi-band uGMRT data. Overall our results cannot be explained with a simple viewing angle hypothesis, and so may point towards red quasars representing a key phase in the evolution of galaxies.

The treatment of the bulky Rind-based dibromosilanes, (Rind)2SiBr2 (2) [Rind = 1,1,7,7-tetra-R1-3,3,5,5-tetra-R2-s-hydrindacen-4-yl: EMind (a: R1 = Et, R2 = Me) and Eind (b: R1 = R2 = Et)], with two equivalents of tBuLi in Et2O at low temperatures resulted in the formation of blue solutions derived from the diarylsilylenes, (Rind)2Si: (3). Upon warming the solutions above −20 °C, the blue color gradually faded, accompanying the decomposition of 3 and yielding the cyclic hydrosilanes (4) via intramolecular C−H bond insertion at the Si(II) center. The molecular structures of the bulky Eind-based 3b and 4b were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Thus, at −20 °C, blue crystals were formed (Crystal-A), which were identified as mixed crystals of 3b and 4b. Additionally, colorless crystals of 4b as a singular component were isolated (Crystal-B), whose structure was also determined by an X-ray diffraction analysis. Although the isolation of 3 was difficult due to their thermally-labile nature, their structural characteristics and electronic properties were discussed based on the experimental findings complemented by computational results. We also examined the hydrolysis of 3b to afford the silanol, (Eind)2SiH(OH) (5b).

A novel cytoplasmic dye decolorizing peroxidase from Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated that oxidizes anthraquinone dyes, lignin model compounds and general peroxidase substrates like ABTS efficiently. Unlike related enzymes, an aspartate residue replaces the first glycine of the conserved GXXDG motif in Dictyostelium DyPA. In solution, Dictyostelium DyPA exists as a stable dimer with the side chain of Asp146 contributing to the stabilization of the dimer interface by extending the hydrogen bond network connecting two monomers. To gain mechanistic insights, we solved the Dictyostelium DyPA structures in the absence of substrate as well as in the presence of potassium cyanide and veratryl alcohol to 1.7, 1.85, and 1.6 Å resolution, respectively. The active site of Dictyostelium DyPA has a hexa-coordinated heme iron with a histidine residue at the proximal axial position and either an activated oxygen or CN^- molecule at the distal axial position. Asp149 is in an optimal conformation to accept a proton from H₂O₂ during the formation of compound I. Two potential distal solvent channels and a conserved shallow pocket leading to the heme molecule were found in Dictyostelium DyPA. Further, we identified two substrate-binding pockets per monomer in Dictyostelium DyPA at the dimer interface. Long-range electron transfer pathways associated with a hydrogen-bonding network that connects the substrate-binding sites with the heme moiety are described.

Development of biomarkers of analytes with interest in clinic is an important field of study. In this work, we synthesized and analyzed the new fluorescent acetate-biomarker, Iso-PG. The mechanism of detection is the acetate buffer mediated proton transfer reaction. The rate constants involved were obtained, and we measured the change in the fluorescence lifetime produced as a consequence of the presence of acetate in the medium. Finally, we checked its potential use as acetate biomarker in synthetic serum

This review covers the last 25 years literature on analogs of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA, known also as Vorinostat) acting as HDAC inhibitor. In particular, the topic has been focused on the synthesis and biological activity of compounds where the phenyl group (the surface recognition moiety, CAP) of SAHA has been replaced by an azaheterocycle through a direct bond with amide nitrogen atom, and the methylene chain in the linker region is of variable length. Most of the compounds reported displayed good to excellent inhibitory activity against HDACs and in many cases showed anti-proliferative activity against human cancer cell lines.

In this study, we aim to evaluate how cyclodextrin molecules affect the hydrophilicity and selec-tivity of PVDF membrane. Herein, we prepared PVDF-PVP(1-x) β-CDx membranes, with x rang-ing from 0 to 1 wt%. The membranes were deeply characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR), Raman spectroscopies, Thermal gravimet-ric analysis (TGA), Contact angle measurement (CA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The study unequivocally demonstrates the effectiveness of the addition of β-CD molecules on membranes' structural, morphological, and dielectric properties. Adding 0.25wt% β-CD enhanced hydrophilicity, with CA decreasing from 72.6° to 56° and roughness decreasing from 81 to 29 nm. The PVDF-PVP(1-x) β-CDx membranes were then fully characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to determine their dielectric properties, which clearly showed that the presence of β-CD induced polarization of the mem-brane. The separation of various dyes with different sizes and charges was utilized. These dyes included methylene blue (MB, positive, 0.504 nm), methyl red (MR, neutral, 0.487 nm), rose Bengal (RB, negative, 0.588 nm), and brilliant blue (BB, negative, 0.798 nm). Based on our re-search, we found that the membrane's selectivity is determined by both exclusion factors (such as size and dielectric properties) and inclusion inside the β-CD cage. We found that using alpha-CD instead of beta-CD led to the disappearance of dye inclusion. These findings strongly sug-gest that β-CD molecules can be a viable solution for dye removal from wastewater.

Over the years, scarcity of fresh potable water has increased the demand for clean water. Meanwhile, with the advent of nanotechnology, the use of nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants in wastewaters has increased. Herein, a new type of nanohybrids of La and Mn co-doped bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃) nanoparticles embedded into transition metal carbide sheets (MXene) were prepared by a low-cost double solvent sol-gel method, and investigated for their photocatalytic activity. The photoluminescence results showed that pure BFO has highest electron hole recombination rate as compared to all the co-doped BFO/MXene nanohybrids. The larger surface area and higher electron-hole pair generation rate provides suitable environment for fast photo-degradation of organic molecules. The band gap of the prepared nanohybrids was tuned to 1.96 eV having largest BiFeO₃ surface area (147 m²g⁻¹) reported till date. Moreover, the BLFO/MXene and BLFMO-5/Mxene degraded the 92% organic pollutant from water in dark and remaining in light spectrum as compare to undoped BFO/Mxene due to enhancement of the surface area and electron-hole recombination rate upon doping. Therefore, these synthesized nanohybrids could be a promising candidate for photocatalytic applications in future.

The focus of this research is to improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) through the adoption of high-quality FTO thin films and incorporation of graphene with DSSC photoanode to enhance its electrical transport. In this research, nanostructured FTO films were first grown with homemade Streaming Process for Electroless and Electrochemical Deposition technology (SPEED) using Tin (II) chloride dihydrate and ammonium fluoride and other chemical formulations. The FTO structural property was measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD); the films’ optical property was determined with transmittance spectra to curve over the wavelength range of 200-1000 nm measured with a spectrophotometer while scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the morphological properties of the samples. The electrical transport was evaluated by Hall Effect measurements at room temperature with a four-point probe. The FTO samples with the best structural, optical and electrical properties were employed as electrodes and counter electrodes of DSSC along with titanium dioxide. Thus, effect of graphene on the efficiency of DSSC was investigated. It was shown that a graphene-based DSSC showed an efficiency of 7.98% which is slightly higher than that of DSSC prototype without graphene (6.02%). The higher efficiency obtained with graphene can be credited to the ultrahigh surface area and thermal conductivity of graphene which tend to enhance the charge mobility and photovoltaic performance of DSSC. More research is however required to determine the exact amount of graphene that could achieve optimal DSSC performance. Further studies will also offer an adequate clarification for starting point of the better incorporation of graphene in DSSCs.

Flexible polymer-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) offer promising potential for lightweight, cost-effective and versatile photovoltaic applications. However, the critical challenge in their widespread applications is the weak thermal stability of the majority of polymeric substrates, which can only withstand a maximum temperature processing of 150°C. In this study, we propose a facile and low-cost strategy to develop at low temperature DSSC flexible photoanode based on a polymeric matrix. Highly porous nanocomposites fibrous mats composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanobars were prepared through electrospinning process using different configurations (uniaxial electrospinning, coaxial electrospinning, and electrospray-assisted electrospinning). These techniques enabled precise control of the microstructure and the positioning of TiO2 within the composite nanofibers. Therefore, the as-produced photoanodes were loaded with N719 dye and tested in DSSC prototype using iodide-triiodide electrolyte and platinum (Pt) coated counter electrode. The results show that incorporating TiO2 on the fiber surface through the electrospray-assisted electrospinning enhanced the performance of the nanofiber composite, leading to improved dye loading capacity, electron transfer efficiency and photovoltaic performance.

Cutaneous mycoses are common infections whose treatment has become more complex due to increasing antifungal resistance and the need for prolonged therapies, hindering patient adher-ence and increasing the incidence of adverse effects. Consequently, the use of physical therapies, especially photodynamic therapy (PDT), has increased for the treatment of onychomycosis due to its antimicrobial capacity mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. This study investigates the in vitro effect of the combination of blue light (448 nm) and red light (645 nm) with terbinafine on the cell viability of human keratinocytes and the production of reactive ox-ygen species. The combination of terbinafine and blue light exhibits a synergistic effect on the production of reactive oxygen species and a significant increase in the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme involved in the reduction of superoxide ions (O2-) and the genera-tion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Such effect could be useful in clinical practice to improve the response of cutaneous mycoses to pharmacological treatment, reduce their toxicity, and shorten their duration.

Three filamentous freshwater cyanobacterial strains were grown at high light intensity to produce lipidic dyes composed of xanthophylls, carotenes and chlorophyll a. The properties of the pigments were evaluated as suitable natural compounds to be applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The assembled DSSC were characterized using the density current vs. potential profiles and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With an efficiency of 0.127 %, our results are higher than those previously reported using similar structured compounds from natural sources as algae and cyanobacteria, among others. The best efficiencies were probably related to the strains with high content in pigments probably related to myxoxanthophyll-like derivates and aphanizophyll, carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups able to interact with the semiconductor surface. The stability of the bonding between the dyes and the titanium oxide of the photoelectrode is crucial to ensuring acceptable performance of the DSSC, which was successfully achieved in our experiments with carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups. Our results point to cyanobacterial pigments as a promising source of natural dyes for use in solar cells.

One of the important research directions in the field of photovoltaics is integration with construction. The integration of solar cell systems with a building can reduce installation costs and help optimize the used space. One of the interesting types of cells is dye-sensitized solar cells. In addition to their interesting properties, they also have aesthetic value. In the classic arrangement, they are constructed using glass with a transparent conductive layer (TCL). This article describes replacing a classic glass counter electrode with an electrode based on a ceramic tile and nickel foil. This solution makes it possible to expand their construction applications. The advantage of this solution is full integration with construction while simultaneously generating electricity. A dye-sensitized solar cell was built layer-by-layer on ceramic tile and nickel foil. An atomization method was used to deposit fluorine-doped tin oxide, and then a screen printing method was used to deposit a platinum layer. The electrical parameters of the manufactured DSSCs with and without a counter electrode tile were characterized by measuring their current-voltage characteristics under standard AM 1.5 radiation. A dye-sensitized solar cell integrated with ceramic tiles and nickel foil was produced and displayed an efficiency of over 4%.

Forensic detection of non-volatile nitro explosives poses a tough analytical challenge. A colorimetric sensor comprising ultrasonically prepared silica-dye microspheres was developed for sensitive gas detection of cyclohexanone, a volatile marker of explosives 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazinane (RDX) and 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocane (HMX). The silica-dye composites were synthesized from the hydrolysis of ultrasonically sprayed organosiloxanes under mildly heating conditions (150 ^oC), which yields microspherical, nanoporous structures with high surface area (~300 m²/g) for gas exposure. The sensor inks were deposited on cellulose paper and gave sensitive colorimetric responses to trace amount of cyclohexanone vapors even at sub-ppm levels, with the detection limit down to ~150 ppb. The sensor showed high chemical specificity towards cyclohexanone against humidity and other classes of common solvents, including ethanol, acetonitrile, ether, ethyl acetate, and ammonia. Paper-based colorimetric sensors with hierarchical nanostructures could represent an alternative sensing materials for practical applications in the detection of explosives.

The Blue Economy represents a sustainable development model emphasizing the responsible use of ocean resources to foster economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems. This approach aims to balance economic prosperity with environmental conservation, recognizing the oceans' crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Key sectors within the Blue Economy include fisheries, tourism, renewable energy, maritime transportation, and aquaculture. As global populations rise and climate change impacts intensify, the Blue Economy is increasingly seen as essential for addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development. Responsible fisheries management, such as implementing fishing quotas and creating marine protected areas, is crucial to combat overfishing and ensure food security. Sustainable aquaculture practices further alleviate pressure on wild fish stocks. Marine tourism, or ecotourism, promotes responsible practices that benefit local communities and the marine environment. Activities like beach clean-ups, wildlife conservation, and responsible diving practices are integral to this sector, supporting local economies and conservation initiatives. The Blue Economy significantly impacts the global economy, with the potential to double its contribution to the world's GDP by 2030. Sustainable marine sectors create jobs, drive economic growth, and contribute to energy security by harnessing renewable ocean-based energy sources. Additionally, the Blue Economy fosters innovation and technological advancements, enhancing competitiveness across various industries. Despite its potential, the Blue Economy faces challenges like overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which threaten marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Addressing these issues requires international cooperation, effective governance, and public awareness to promote sustainable practices and protect marine resource.

Salting influences microbial growth, enzymatic activity and biochemical reactions during ripening, thus contributing to the final quality of cheese. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different salting methods (dry salting at 12, 24 and 48 h; in brine; and curd salting) on the chemical (moisture and salt content), physico-chemical (pH, titratable acidity and water activity) and sensory (texture profile analysis, colour and sensory attributes) characteristics of an industrial blue vein cheese. Dry salted cheeses had lower moisture content and water activity, and higher salt/moisture content and acidity than those salted in brine and curd. Dry-salted cheeses were also characterised by higher values for hardness, fracturability and instrumental gumminess. Dry-salted cheeses showed differences only in the red/green colour component (a*), with the curd-salted cheeses being less greenish. All cheeses scored high (around 7) in the tasters' overall impression, with the dry-salted cheeses at 12 and 24 h showing optimal growth and even distribution of mould, as well as better flavour and texture.

Nonlinear rheological properties of chiral crystal cholesteryl oleyl carbonate (COC) in blue phase III are investigated under different shear deformations; large amplitude oscillatory shear, step shear deformation, and continuous shear flow. Rheology of the liquid crystal is significantly affected by structural rearrangement of defects under shear flow. One of the examples on the defect-mediated rheology is the blue phase rheology. Blue phase is characterized by three dimensional network structure of the disclination lines. It has been numerically studied that the rheological behavior of the blue phase is dominated by destruction and creation of the disclination networks. In this study, we find that the nonlinear viscoelasticity of BPIII is characterized by the fracture of the disclination networks. Depending on the degree of the fracture, the nonlinear viscoelasticity is divided into two regimes; the weak nonlinear regime where the disclination network locally fractures but still show elastic response, and the strong nonlinear regime where the shear deformation breaks up the networks, which results in a loss of the elasticity. Continuous shear deformation reveals that a series of the fracture process delays with shear rate. The shear rate dependence suggests that force balance between the elastic force acting on the disclination lines and the viscous force determines the fracture behavior.

Hierarchical micro-/mesoporous graphitic carbon spheres (HGCS) with a uniform diameter of ~0.35 μm were synthesized by Fe-catalyzed graphitization of amorphous carbon spheres resultant from hydrothermal carbonization. The HGCS resultant from 3 h at 900 °C with 1.0 wt% Fe catalyst had high graphitization degree and surface area as high as 564 m²/g. They also exhibited high specific capacitance of 140 F/g at 0.2 A/g, good electrochemical stability with 94% capacitance retention after consecutive 2500 cycles. The graphitization degree of the HGCS contributed about 60% of their specific capacitance, and their specific capacitance per unit surface area was as high as 0.2 F/m² which was much higher than in the most cases of porous amorphous carbon materials reported before. In addition, the HGCS showed a high adsorption capacity of 182.8 mg/g for methylene blue (MB), which was 12 times as high as that in the case of carbon spheres before graphitization.

Organic solar cells are contributing extensively to the production of future large area and cost-effective sources of renewable energy with a compact environmental impact. Moreover, due to tunable optical properties of the active medium, the semi-transparent organic solar cell can be fabricated and become a promising nominee for building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), vehicles, and mobile electronic devices. Therefore, three newly synthesized polymers used as were host materials for the active medium and blended with beetroot dye. Hence, based on BHJ structure two ternary systems have been constructed and utilized to fabricate semitransparent solar cells and characterized. The results show that the natural dye has a crucial impact on solar cell characteristic parameters. Consequently, large value of V_OC close to 1V were obtained for ternary systems and acceptor material named PINDOLE exhibits potentials for electron transport layer (ETL) and shows an improvement in both fill factor and device efficiency.

Styryl dyes are generally poor fluorescent molecules inherited from their flexible molecular structures. However, their emissive properties can be boosted by restricting their molecular motions. A tight confinement into inorganic molecular sieves is a good strategy to yield highly fluorescent hybrid systems. In this work, two Mg-aluminophosphate zeotypes (AEL framework, a one-dimensional channeled structure with elliptical pores of 6.5 Å x 4.0 Å; and CHA framework, composed by large cavities of 6.7 Å x 10.0 Å connected by 8-ring narrower windows) were selected for the encapsulation of 4-DASPI dye (trans-4-[4-(Dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide). The synthesis and photophysical properties of 4-DASPI styryl dye occluded within these two types of confinements, AEL and CHA, are optimized and analyzed. The resultant hybrid systems display significantly improved photophysical features compared to 4-DASPI in solution. Molecular simulations reveal a tighter confinement of 4-DASPI in the elliptical channels of AEL, whilst a particular orientation is found within the CHA framework, where one 4-DASPI molecule spans along two adjacent cavities. In the latter scenario, each aromatic ring is positioned on these adjacent cavities and the polymethine chain resides within the 8-ring window, being this confinement slightly less tight than for AEL.

The present study analyzed the efficiency of a naturally derived fenugreek powder for removal of Congo red dye from the aqueous solution. The flocculation Studies on Congo Red (CR) a hazardous, textile dye onto Fenugreek Powder and its adsorption was analyzed. Fenugreek Powder is Eco-friendly, biodegradable and locally available in the market. The dye adsorption process was performed in different batches at varying pH, dye concentration, adsorbent concentration and contact time to get the best results. The result showed that the maximum removal of dye was 42.4% with 10mg/l of Fenugreek powder at pH 4.

The dye effluent is usually difficult to be degraded by conventional wastewater treatment in leather industry. In order to develop efficient and cost-effective treatment methods, we evaluate the effect of white-rot fungus immobilization for dye decolorisation in this paper. The Phanerochaete chrysosporium BKM-F-1767 was used for immobilization. This research found that the white-rot fungus immobilization had an obviously decolorisation effect in dye wastewater treatment, and plant carriers such as sorghum stalk and corn cob were helpful to the growth of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in white-rot fungus immobilization. Due to the stability and recyclability, the white-rot fungus co-immobilization was considered as the most suitable treatment for decolorisation of dye effluent which enjoyed the advantages of both adsorption immobilization and entrapment immobilization. Furthermore, the dye decolorisation evaluation was carried out to find the most suitable carrier for co-immobilization, and it found that sorghum stalk - calcium-alginate gel spherical particle (SS-CGPB) has better decolorisation effect than corn cobs - calcium-alginate gel spherical particle (CC-CGPB), and the dye decolorisation rate was 86.77%. After 5 cycles, the dye decolorisation rate was 85.87% which indicated the SS-CGPB preserved functional integrity successfully. By further analyzing the biodegradation process with white-rot fungus immobilization, the intermediate products were observed and the degradation pathway of acid golden yellow dye molecular was proposed. The results showed that the C-N single bonds attached to the central benzene in the dye molecule were attacked and destroyed in white-rot fungus co-immobilization treatment, thus the structure of dye molecule could be successfully degraded into small molecules which would be more easily treated by conventional treatment methods. Therefore, the white rot fungus co-immobilization might be appropriate for pre-treatment as an important biotechnology for the advanced treatment of dye effluent.

Indoor crop cultivation systems such as vertical farms or plant factories necessitate artificial lighting. Light spectral quality can affect plant growth and metabolism and, consequently, the amount of biomass produced and the value of the produce. Conflicting results on the effects of light spectrum in different plant species and cultivars make it critical to implement a singular lighting solution. In this study we explored the response of green and red leaf lettuce cultivars (’Aquino’, CVg, or ‘Barlach’, CVr, respectively) to long-term blue-enriched light application (WB). Plants were grown for 30 days in a growth chamber with optimal environmental condi-tions (temperature: 20°C, relative humidity: 60%, ambient CO2, Photon Flux Density (PFD) of 260 µmol m-2 s-1 over an 18-h photoperiod). At 15 days after sowing (DAS) white spectrum LEDs (WW) were compared to WB (λPeak = 423 nm) maintaining the same PFD of 260 µmol m-2 s-1. At 30 DAS, both lettuce cultivars resulted adapted to the blue light variant, though the adaptive re-sponse was specific to the variety. Rosette weight, light use efficiency and maximum operating efficiency of PSII photochemistry in the light, Fv/Fm’, were comparable between the two light treatments. Significant light quality effect was detected on stomatal density and conductance (20% and 17% increase under WB, respectively, in CVg) and, on the modified anthocyanin re-flectance index (mARI) (40% increase under WB, in CVr). Net photosynthesis response was gen-erally stronger in CVg compared to CVr; e.g. net photosynthetic rate, Pn, at 1000 µmol m-2 s-1 PPFD increased from WW to WB by 23% in CVg, compared to 18% in CVr. Results obtained suggest the occurrence of distinct physiological adaptive strategies in green and red pigmented lettuce cultivars to adapt to the higher proportion of blue light environment.

In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been recognized as a physical therapy in wound management. Despite several published research papers, the mechanism underlying photobiomodulation is still not completely understood. The investigation about application of blue light to improve wound healing is a relatively new research area. Tests in selected patients evidenced a stimulation of the healing process in superficial and chronic wounds treated with a blue LED light emitting at 420 nm; a study in animal model pointed out a faster healing process in superficial wound, with an important role of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Here we present a study aiming at evidencing the effects of blue light on the proliferation and metabolism in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Different light doses were used to treat the cells, evidencing inhibitory and stimulatory effects. Electrophysiology was used to investigate the effects on membrane currents, while Raman spectroscopy revealed the mitochondrial Cytochrome C (Cyt C) oxidase dependence on blue light irradiation. In conclusion, we observed that the blue LED light can be used to modulate the activity of human fibroblasts, and the effects in wound healing are particularly evident when studying the fibroblasts and keratinocytes co-cultures.

Water pollution is regarded as a dangerous problem that needs to be resolved right away. This is largely due to the positive correlation between the increase in global population and waste production, especially food waste. Hydrogel beads based on sodium alginate (Alg) and pomegranate fruit peels (PP) were developed for the adsorption of Safranin O dye (SO) in aqueous solutions. The obtained Alg-PP beads were widely characterized. The effects of the contact time (0-180 min) and initial concentration (10-300 mg/l), the initial pH (2-10), the adsorbent dosage (1-40 g/l) and the temperature (293-333 K) were investigated through batch tests. The data proved that the adsorption kinetics of SO reached equilibrium within 30 min and up to 180 min. The adsorption data of SO onto synthesized beads follow the pseudo second-order model. The experimental data fitted very well to both Freundlich and Langmuir models. The maximum adsorption capacity of Alg-PP could reach 8.99 mg/g at 293 K. Calculation of Gibbs free energy and enthalpy indicated that adsorption of SO onto Alg-PP is spontaneous and endothermic. Finally, analysis of diffusion and mass transport phenomena were presented. The reported results revealed that the Alg-PP beads could be used as a novel natural adsorbent for the removal of cationic dye pollutants from aqueous environments.

This study presents a straightforward electrochemical and plasma deposition method for producing Cobalt-doped Blue-TiO2 nanotubes with enhanced catalytic properties. After a titanium plate has been anodized, specific procedures are carried out that cause oxygen vacancies to form inside the TiO2 nanostructures. The obtained catalysts were subjected to electrochemical tests (to identify charge transfer resistance and flat band potential), optical analysis (to determine the band gap and Urbach energy) and also characterized in terms of morphology, wettability and antibacterial effect in order to understand and analyze the impact of the Co doping method on the final catalyst characteristics. A hydrophilic film with star-shaped structures and with antibacterial effect was created when cobalt was electrochemically doped to Blue-TiO2 nanotubes. By using this electrochemical doping technique, the Urbach energy was raised from 1.171 to 3.836 eV while the band gap energy was decreased from 3.04 to 2.88 eV. Additionally, photodegradation experiments using artificial doxycycline (DOX) water were conducted to determine the practical relevance of the research findings. In areas like antimicrobial applications and photodegradation of DOX, these extra experiments aimed to show the practical applicability and potential advantages of the research findings.

Heating has been recently used as an alternative application to electrical stimulation to modulate excitability and to induce neuritogenesis and the expression of neuronal markers, but a long-term functional differentiation has not been described so far. Here we present the results obtained by a new approach for scalable thermal stimulation on the behavior of a model of dorsal root ganglion neurons, the F-11 cell line. Initially, we performed experiments of bulk stimulation in incubator for different time intervals and temperatures, and significant differences in neurite elongation and in electrophysiological properties were observed in cultures exposed at 41,5°C for 30 minutes. Thus, we exposed the cultures to the same temperature increase by irradiating, with a near infrared laser, a disc of Prussian Blue nanoparticles and poly-vinyl alcohol, that we stuck on the outer surface of the petri dish. In irradiated cells neurites were significantly longer and the electrophysiological properties (action potential firing frequency and spontaneous activity) were significantly increased compared to the control. These results suggest that a targeted thermal stimulation could be a promising technique to induce differentiation and support the future application of this method as a strategy to modify neuronal behavior in vivo.

Gold nanohole arrays are periodic metastructures gathering huge interest for biosensing applica-tions. The grating-like structure defines their plasmonic mode features and their angular disper-sion can be used to highlight efficiently their interaction with the fluorescence emission of a properly tuned fluorophore. Resorting to a properly tuned/engineered/optimised plasmonic na-nohole array and a commercial organic dye, we performed an accurate resolved angle-resolved optical characterization. The plasmonic fingerprints was consequently identified as a modification of the dye photoluminescence signal in terms of both spectral redistribution and enhancement. Interestingly, by analyzing the results, an advantageous measurement configuration can be iden-tified to better engineer a suitable platform for efficiency maximization in plasmon-enhanced flu-orescence-based applications. Therefore, the coupling mechanism with the plasmonic modes, and nanostructure properties can be carefully co-optimized.

Dye sensitized solar cell technology is having an important role in renewable energy research due to its features and low cost manufacturing processes. Devices based on this technology appear very well suited for integration into glazing systems due to their characteristics of transparency, color tuning and manufacturing directly on glass substrates. Field data of thermal and electrical characteristics of dye sensitized solar modules (DSM) are important since they can be used as input of building simulation models for the evaluation of their energy saving potential when integrated into buildings. However still few works in the literature provide this information. The study here presented wants to contribute to fill this gap providing a thermal and electrical characterization of a DSM in real operating conditions using a method developed in house. This method uses experimental data coming from test boxes exposed outdoor and dynamic simulation to provide thermal transmittance and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of a DSM prototype. The device exhibits an U-value of 3.6 W/m²K, confirmed by an additional measurement carried on in the lab using a heat flux meter, and a SHGC of 0.2, value compliant with literature results. Electrical characterization evidences an increase of module power with respect to temperature causing DSM suitable for integration in building facades.

Key elements of Blue-Green Infrastructure are vegetation and stormwater storage. A combination of a bioretention cell with an underlying trench (BC-T) serving as a tree pit is often used in dense urban environments. An adequate ratio of drained area to bioretention cell area is a crucial design parameter. The ratio is derived from the hydrological balance; however, input data are often difficult to obtain or uncertain. The goal is to study the sensitivity of such data (tree water uptake and water holding capacities of soil filter and trench substrate) in the BC-T design. Sensitivity analysis is performed for the setup of a BC-T used in Prague, Czech Republic. A 10-year rainfall series (1 hour resolution) is used as an input. Data that are subject to the sensitivity analysis are changed for different trench exfiltration rates, and the effect on the size of the drained area is studied. At low trench exfiltration rates (1.8 mm.h-1), both the water holding capacity of the trench substrate and potential tree water uptake have a significant influence (more than a 20% change in the size of the drained area) and cannot be neglected. At good exfiltration rates (more than 18 mm.h-1) or when the trench is equipped with an underdrain, all studied parameters can be neglected. However, it is recommended to reduce the size of the drained area by 10-20%.

The prevalence of digital devices in modern society has raised concerns about the potential neg-ative effects of blue light emissions on eye health and biological rhythms. Research into blue light emissions from digital devices and their potential impact on eye health emphasizes the importance of understanding and quantifying the extent and scope of blue light emissions produced by commonly used screens (smartphones, tablets and computers). This comparative study specifically evaluates three popular Apple devices: iPhone 12 mini®, iPad Pro 12.9® and MacBook Pro®. The devices' spectral power was measured using a spectroradiometer while displaying text and a game at different brightness levels. The study also examines the effectiveness of blue-blocking lenses from well-known brands. The research highlights the importance of quantifying blue light emissions and understanding their potential impact on eye health. By doing so, appropriate measures can be developed to mitigate adverse effects on ocular structures. Above all, this research provides valuable information about the risks associated with exposure to blue light, showing that all tested devices have blue wavelength peaks between 445 nm and 455 nm. By recognizing and addressing the potential negative impacts of blue light, the risks of eye health problems can be reduced and ensure more responsible and conscious use of digital devices.

The amendment or removal of superfluous government support policies is typically difficult, yet in the ever more important debate on low-carbon (i.e. clean) marine energy policy under the international law of climate action, the law of the sea, and international investment protection, there are additional dimensions of legal or economic peril. Coastal states enact policies subsidising clean energy investments, such as offshore wind energy generation, in their exclusive economic zones or continental shelves. Investors are attracted to the prospect that policies granting subsidies for ostensibly new industries are sufficiently durable. Are such subsidy policies salient or stale? In principle, the purpose of regulatory policy is the promotion of social welfare, and hence there is an optimal incidence, magnitude, and duration of the subsidy, in essence, an ideal strategy for starting, altering, or exiting such policy. We aim to introduce the concept of optimisation to the design and implementation of regulatory policy in this context. Our contribution is to offer three maxims of optimal clean marine energy law and policy: the efficiency and equity of alternative regulatory arrangements; the continuous optimisation of such arrangements; and the recognition of linguistic entanglements in the law. We test these maxims against the case of clean marine energy policy on offshore wind energy generation. One legal implication for international investment protection is that coastal states should establish a policy exit clause in their investment contracts. Our analysis of policy optimisation is generalisable across policies supporting the transition to sustainable energy forms.

The kinetics and modeling of dual-wavelength controlled photopolymerization confinement (PC) are presented and measured data are analyzed by analytic formulas and numerical data. The UV-light initiated inhibition effect is strongly monomer-dependent and different monomers have different C=C bond rate constants and conversion efficacy. Without the UV-light, for a given blue-light intensity, higher initiator concentration (C₁₀) and rate constant (k’) lead to higher conversion, as also predicted by analytic formulas, in which the total conversion rate (R_T) is an increasing function of k’R, which is proportional to k[gB₁C₁]^0.5. However, the coupling factor b₁ plays a different role that higher b₁ leads to higher conversion only in the transient regime; whereas higher b₁ leads lower steady-state conversion. For a fixed initiator concentration C₁₀, higher inhibitor concentration (C₂₀) leads to lower conversion due to stronger inhibition effect. However, same conversion reduction was found for the same H-factor of H₀ = [b₁C₁₀ - b₂C₂₀]. Conversion of blue-only are much higher than that of UV-only and UV-blue combined, in which high C₂₀ results a strong reduction of blue-only-conversion, such that the UV-light serves as the turn-off (trigger) mechanism for the purpose of spatial confirmation within the overlap area of UV and blue light. For example, UV-light controlled methacrylate conversion of a glycidyl dimethacrylate resin formulated with a tertiary amine co-initiator, and butyl nitrite, subject to a continuous exposure of a blue light, but an on-off exposure of a UV-light. Finally, we developed a theoretical new finding for the criterion of a good material/candidate governed by a double ratio of light-intensity and concentration, [I₂₀C₂₀.]/[I₁₀C₁₀].

In this research work, we describe the preparation process, characterization, and photo-physical studies of an ionic liquid (IL) based semiconductor Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized by an economical wet chemical precipitation method. For the first time, an IL was synthesized with the help of a chemical reaction between triethylamine (TEA) and bromoacetic acid (BAA). A polyamide dye was prepared by a reaction between two monomers, ethylenediamine (EDA) and trimesoylchloride (TMC), under room temperature conditions. The polyamide dye was capped on ZnO nanoparticles, and the final product was divided into three different samples, A, B, and C, according to level of concentrations of IL and Polyamide dye. These samples were characterized with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) spectra, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), and Fluorescence spectroscopies. The formation of polyamide linkages in the ionic liquid has been confirmed by a spectroscopic method using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The capping of polyamide dye molecules on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles revealed two things: (i) improved UV absorption spectra and (ii) enhanced luminescence in the photoluminescence spectra. Hence, during investigations, broad absorption bands were observed at peaks 263 nm, 278 nm, and 276 nm respectively for samples A, B, and C. Further, IL was used as an electrolyte or redox mediator and polyamide as a dye material in the fabrication of ZnO Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). The samples A, B, and C were used in the fabrication of photo-anode assemblies for ZnO DSSCs. The ZnO DSSCs were tested under strong simulated light at Air Mass (AM) 1.5 solar irradiations. The observed photovoltaic results shown that solar cell SCB generated a maximum power conversion efficiency (η) of 5.65%, higher than the power conversion efficiencies of solar cells SCA (3.99%) and SCC (4.46%) respectively. The Incident Photon to Current Conversion Efficiency (IPCE) spectra values of ZnO DSSCs shown a significant improvement in the incident photon to current conversion efficiency of solar cell SCB (IPCE=61%) as compared to SCC (enhanced by 6%) and SCA (enhanced by 4%). Such solar cell assemblies can be suitable for green and clean energy applications.

In this paper the application of recycled Li-ion batteries spent cathode (LIB-SC) combined with NaHCO₃/H₂O₂ system is presented for the first time in the literature as an alternative for degradation of potentially toxic organic molecules. The model pollutant choice was methylene blue molecule. The spent cathode composition corresponds to LiCoO₂, which was proved by the XRD and EDX. Regarding the decolorization of methylene blue solution, the addition of NaHCO₃ in comparison with only H₂O₂ reduces the complete decolorization time in 96%. This reduction occurs because the radical CO₃ is more stable than OH. In this way, the application the system proposed in this article is aimed at solving two major global problems: the disposal of cell phone batteries and the pollution of liquid effluents.

Water quality control employs techniques mostly targeting individual analytes; group detection is also practiced, but the choice of group methods is limited, which supports interest in developing such methods. We have examined an interaction of hypochlorite with a chlorine-containing heptamethine carbocyanine dye in the presence of 30 organic and inorganic model analytes that were found to induce diverse color changes in the system. The main supposed mechanisms are retardation of the dye oxidation with hypochlorite (presumably by scavenging chlorine radicals) and substitution of chlorine atom in the dye by the most nucleophilic analytes (amines, amino acids, proteins, DNA, phenol). The grass-green substitution product is more contrastingly visible against the dark-purple hypochlorite oxidation product of the dye than against the original emerald-green dye. The indicator reaction is monitored photographically for 10–40 min and the images are processed using principal component analysis (PCA) or linear discriminant analysis (LDA), allowing for data convolution for the complex color transitions. Nitrogen compounds are discriminated from the others, and more reactive analytes (tryptophan, cysteine, bovine serum albumin, and DNA) are detected in the presence of less reactive ones in natural water. The system is promising for the development of group assays for dissolved organic matter and discrimination of water samples.

Background/Objectives: Meconopsis has long been used in traditional Tibetan medicine to treat various diseases. However, blue-flowered Meconopsis (M. betonicifolia) is becoming increasingly scarce due to overharvesting. As a potential alternative, yellow-flowered Meconopsis (M. integrifolia) shows promise but requires comprehensive characterization. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory potential of yellow- and blue-flowered Meconopsis species. Methods: LC-MS was used to analyze the chemical profiles of yellow- and blue-flowered Meconopsis. Putative targets of shared constituents were subjected to GO and disease enrichment analysis. The LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model was employed to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Metabolomics was applied to gain mechanistic insights. Results: LC-MS revealed over 70% chemical similarity between species. Enrichment analysis associated targets with inflammation-related pathways. In macrophage assays, both species demonstrated dose-dependent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, with yellow Meconopsis exhibiting superior efficacy. Metabolomics showed modulation of key inflammatory metabolic pathways. Conclusions: This integrative study validated yellow-flowered Meconopsis as a credible alternative to its blue-flowered counterpart for anti-inflammatory applications. Metabolic profiling provided initial clues regarding their multi-targeted modes of action, highlighting clinical relevance and potential for sustainable utilization and biodiversity conservation.

Many cities are increasingly adopting blue-green infrastructure (BGI) to bolster resilience against environmental challenges. Beyond its well-acknowledged environmental benefits, the role of BGI in enhancing social resilience is becoming an equally important area of focus. However, the integration of BGI to foster social resilience presents complexities, stemming from the evolving and occasionally ambiguous definition of social resilience. Considering the broad application of BGI across various disciplines makes the evaluation of social resilience within a BGI framework complex. Consequently, a structured approach to develop a clear framework tailored to understanding and measuring social resilience in a BGI setting is needed. This study consolidates various existing frameworks of social resilience, especially utilizing the detailed 5S framework proposed by Saja et al. [1]. It integrates findings from an extensive review of literature on social resilience to develop a novel conceptual framework, the BGI Social Resilience Framework. This new framework specifically aims to capture the distinct social aspects and advantages associated with BGI. The BGI Social Resilience Framework is organized into a three-tier model focusing on four critical aspects of social resilience—social values, social capital, social structure, and social equity—and explores how these aspects are interconnected. Characteristics and indicators are customized to accomodate the BGI context in a way that integrates the physical and human dimensions within a comprehensive approach to measurement that uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Specifically, this research formulates a theoretical framework for BGI with the aim of investigating BGI strategies and viewpoints that bolster social resilience. The BGI Social Resilience Framework takes into account the varied demographics and the physical characteristics of urban areas to explore ways to create BGI spaces that are more inclusive and contribute to the enhancement of social resilience.

With the rapid development in Beijing, there is a critical need to explore the circumstance and reveal the mechanisms of precious urban natural resources. In this context, urban blue space has attracted more and more attention by driving microcirculation, cooling heat islands, and relaxing residential. We extracted the UBS at Beijing using remote sensing, explored the spatial and temporal development in the last two decades via USDA methods, uncovered the full spectrum of landscape patterns from an ecological perspective, and simulated the mechanisms of the UBS area and the landscape quantitatively. We found that: (1) The UBS area in Beijing increased with fluctuation from 2000 to 2020. (2) The spatial clustering has distributed stable with some subtle changes. (3)The ecological circumstance has improved in the last 21 years in Beijing, with the increasing habitat diversity and richness, while the inferior landscape fragmentation has indicated some severe challenges. (4) Natural factors impact urban blue space areas more than social ones, while both similarly influence the UBS landscape. (5) Vegetation circumstances and precipitation are the most important natural factors on both area and landscape of UBS, and population and artificial surface are the most important social factors.

Na-magadiite exchanged with cetyl-trimethylammonium cations provided organophilic silicate materials that allowed the effective removal of the acidic dye "eosin". The organic cations were intercalated into the interlayer spacing of the layered silicate via an exchange reaction between the organic cations from their bromide salt and the solid Na-magadiite at room temperature. Different techniques were used to characterize the effect of the initial concentration of the surfactant on the structure of the organo-magadiites. The C, H, N analysis indicated that a maximum of organic cations of 1.03 mmol/g was achieved at initial concentrations higher than 0.25 mmol/g and was accompanied by an expansion of the basal spacing of 3.15 nm, with a tilted angle of 64.5° to the silicate layers. The conformation of the organic surfactants was probed using solid-state ¹³C, finding mainly the trans conformation similar to that of the starting cetyl trimethylammonium bromide salt (C16TMABr). Thermal gravimetric analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability of the resulting organo-magadiites. The intercalated surfactants started to decompose at 200 °C, with a mass loss percentage of 8 % to 25 %, depending on the initial loading of the surfactant, and was accompanied by a decrease of the basal spacing from 3.20 nm to 2.51 nm, as deduced from the in situ X-ray diffraction studies. At temperatures below 220 °C, an expansion of the basal spacing from 3.15 to 3.35 nm occurred. These materials were used as a removal agent for the anionic dye "eosin". The maximum amount of the dye removed was related to the organic cation content and to the initial concentration of eosin, with an improvement from 2.5 mg/g to 98 mg/g. This value decreased when the organo-magadiite was preheated at temperatures above 200 °C. The regeneration tests indicated that an 85 % removal efficiency was maintained after 6 cycles of use for the organo-magadiites.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract at 80 ° C (ZnO-80) and 180 ° C (ZnO-180). The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) under sunlight irradiation. The results of the characterizations by XRD, TEM and SEM showed that the size of the NPs of ZnO-80 was smaller than that of ZnO-180 which exhibited flakier agglomerated spherical structures. Photocatalytic tests showed ZnO-80 which was prepared by a cheap and easy procedure compared to ZnO-180 effectively degrades MB and CV dyes under sunlight. The superior performance of ZnO-80 over ZnO-180 can be explained by the differences in their textural properties. This is because ZnO-80 has a smaller crystallite size, a specific surface area and a higher pore volume than ZnO-180. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyzes revealed that both samples contained an adsorbed carboxylate group (COO-), and accordingly a mechanism was proposed for the formation of ZnO NPs that include the carboxyl group.

Mangrove forests store and sequester large area-specific quantities of blue carbon (C_org). Except for tundra and peatlands, mangroves store more C_org per unit area than any other ecosystem. Mean mangrove C_org stock is 738.9 Mg C_org ha⁻¹ and mean global stock is 6.17 Pg C_org, which equates to only 0.4–7% of terrestrial ecosystem C_org stocks but 17% of total tropical marine C_org stocks. Seagrasses sequester more C_org per unit area than mangroves (179.6 g C_org m⁻²·a⁻¹) but twice the C_org sequestered by mangroves globally (15 Tg C_org a⁻¹). Mangroves sequester only 4% (range 1.3–8%) of C_org sequestered by terrestrial ecosystems, indicating that mangroves are a minor contributor to global C storage and sequestration. CO₂ emissions from mangrove losses equate to 0.036 Pg CO₂-equivalents a⁻¹ based on rates of C sequestration but 0.088 Pg CO₂-equivalents a⁻¹ based on complete destruction for conversion to aquaculture and agriculture. Mangrove CO₂ emissions account for only 0.2% of total global CO₂ emissions but 18% of CO₂ emissions from the tropical coastal ocean. Despite significant data limitations, the role of mangrove ecosystems in climate change mitigation is globally insignificant but may be more significant and effective at the national and regional scale.

Dye-containing effluent generated in textile industries is polluting and complex wastewater. It should be managed adequately before the final destination. The up-flow anaerobic blanket (UASB) reactor application is an eco-friendly and cost-competitive treatment. The present study briefly reviews the UASB application for dye wastewater valorization. Bioenergy and clean water production potential during dye-containing wastewater treatment are emphasized to promote resource recovery in textile industries. Efficiencies of color and chemical oxygen demand of 50–97% and 60–90% are reported in bench-scale UASB studies. A biogas yield of 0.36–36.04 L d-1 in UASB, which treats dye-containing effluents, is documented. Bioenergy production and water reuse allow environmental and economic benefits. However, data on full-scale UASB treating dye wastewater are missing. Besides, studies on combined systems integrating membrane processes, such as ultrafiltration and nanofiltration, and pretreatment of wastewater and sludge for improvements in biogas production might realize the complete potential for resource recovery of UASB technology.

The design of highly efficient sensitizers is one of the most significant areas in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) research. We have studied a series of benzothiadiazole-based D-π-π-A organic dyes, putting emphasis on the influence of the donor moiety on the DSSC’s efficiency. Using linear response time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) with the CAM-B3LYP functional different donor groups were characterized in terms of electronic absorption spectra and key photovoltaic parameters. As a reference a dye has been considered which has a benzothiadiazole fragment linked via thiophene rings to a diphenylamine donor and a cyanoacrylic acid acceptor. The different systems are first studied in terms of individual performance parameters, which are eventually aggregated into the power conversion efficiency. Here only the amino-substituted species shows a modest increase, whereas the dimethylamino case even shows a decrease.

The hetero Diels-Alder (HDA) reaction between the ambident heterodiene 3-methylene-2,4-chromandione (MCDO) and the non-symmetric methyl vinyl ether (MVE) is investigated within the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) computational level. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the molecular mechanism and to elucidate the factors that control the selectivity found experimentally. DFT-based reactivity indices reveal that MCDO exhibits strong electrophilic character, while MVE displays a strong nucleophilic character. Meanwhile, Parr function explains the ortho regioselectivity of this HDA reaction. The highly polar nature of this HDA reaction, supported by the high global electron density transfer (GEDT) taking place at the transition state structures (TSs), accounts for the very low activation energy associated with the most favorable TS-4on. The ambident nature of MCDO allows the formation of two constitutional isomeric cycloadduct. In the case of MVE, the pseudocyclic selectivity is attained by a thermodynamic control. This polar HDA reaction displays an endo stereoselectivity and a complete ortho regioselectivity. A comparative Relative Interacting Atomic Energy (RIAE) analysis of the two diastereomeric TS-4on and TS-6on indicates a highly likeness between them, which explains the low pseudocyclic selectivity under kinetic control.

Objective: To explore the effect of time exposure to flat screen electronic devices with LED lighting and the Mediterranean diet on macular pigment optical density (MPOD). Methods MPOD was measured by heterochromatic flicker photometry in 164 eyes (47 of young women 20-31 years and 35 adult women 42-70 years). Exclusion criteria: evidence of macular degeneration and eyes with cataracts. Data on the use of electronic devices and Mediterranean diet adherence were collected through a survey. Nonparametric analysis of variance and independent sample t-tests were used to compare subjects. Results Significant differences (p

Indigo leaves form various plant species are sources of dyes/pigments, not fully exploited for making sustainable textiles. Blue indigo vat dye extracted from indigo leaves, yields high wash colorfastness but fades slowly with light, and is not easily used for direct printing. Indigo leaves can be used to produce textiles of various color shades, while light resistant Mayan-inspired hybrid pigments have not yet been used for textile coloring. Using blue indigo dyes from 3 plant species, with exhaustion dyeing, intense wash resistant blue colored textiles are produced, and in the case of Indigofera Persicaria tinctoria, textiles have antibacterial activity against S. Epidermis and E. Coli.100% Natural Mayan-inspired blue indigo pigment, made from Sepiolite clay and indigo dye, was used both in powdered and paste forms to perform pigment textile dyeing by pad cure process, and direct screen printing on textiles. A water-based bio-binder (40%) was used efficiently for both padding and printing. Bio-based Na Alginate thickener allowed color fast printing on both polyester and cotton fabrics, while bio-based glycerin allowed good print color fastness on polyester only, yielding prints with excellent color fastness to wash (5/5), to dry and wet rubbing (5/5) and light (7/7).