Graphene oxide as an efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into solar fuel

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into solar fuel such as methane and methanol, is an attractive approach to simultaneously solve the energy crisis and global warming problem. Herein, comparative photocatalytic activity of graphene oxide nanosheets have been investigated for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 into methane and methanol in continuous gas and liquid phase photoreactor system. The graphene oxide sheets were prepared according to Tour's method. The chemical composition and optical properties was evaluated through XPS and UV-vis spectroscopy. Graphene oxide nanosheets exhibited maximum amount of 224.87 μmol/g.h methanol and 14.8 μmol/g.h methane in liquid and gas phase system, respectively. Higher yield of methanol in liquid phase compared to methane in gaseous system can be attributed to dispersion of graphene oxide sheets in water. Hence, graphene oxide nanosheets are efficient photocatalyst for CO2 reduction into methanol. Nevertheless, further research is essential to improve the photostability of graphene oxide sheets for real application of photocatalytic CO2 reduction

COMT Val(158)Met genotypes differentially influence subgenual cingulate functional connectivity in healthy females

Brain imaging studies have cons stently shown subgenual Anterior Cingulate Cortical (sgACC) involvement in emotion processing. catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val(158) and Met(158) polymorphisms may influence such emotional brain processes in specific ways. Given that resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) may increase our understanding on brain functioning, we integrated genetic and rsfMRI data and focused on sgACC functional connections. No studies have yet investigated the influence of the COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism (rs4680) on sgACC resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) in healthy individuals. A homogeneous group of 61 Caucasian right-handed healthy female university students, all within the same age range, underwent isfMRI. Compared to Met158 homozygotes, Val(158) allele carriers displayed significantly stronger rsFC between the sgACC and the left parahippocampal gyrus, ventromedial parts of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). On the other hand, compared to Val(158) homozygotes, we found in Met(158) allele carriers stronger sgACC rsFC with the medial frontal gyrus (MEG), more in particular the anterior parts of the medial orbitofrontal cortex. Although we did not use emotional or cognitive tasks, our sgACC rsFC results point to possible distinct differences in emotional and cognitive processes between Val(158) and Met(158) allele carriers. Hovvever, the exact nature of these directions remains to be determined

Multifocal intraocular lens differentiation using defocus curves

Purpose: To determine the most appropriate analysis technique for the differentiation of multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) designs using defocus curve assessment of visual capability.Methods:Four groups of fifteen subjects were implanted bilaterally with either monofocal intraocular lenses, refractive MIOLs, diffractive MIOLs, or a combination of refractive and diffractive MIOLs. Defocus curves between -5.0D and +1.5D were evaluated using an absolute and relative depth-of-focus method, the direct comparison method and a new 'Area-of-focus' metric. The results were correlated with a subjective perception of near and intermediate vision. Results:Neither depth-of-focus method of analysis were sensitive enough to differentiate between MIOL groups (p>0.05). The direct comparison method indicated that the refractive MIOL group performed better at +1.00, -1.00 and -1.50 D and worse at -3.00, -3.50, -4.00 and -5.00D compared to the diffractive MIOL group (

Ooid distribution and fabric in the Miaolingian of Xiaweidian Section, Beijing (North China Platform)

This study is an attempt to describe the distribution and fabric of the Cambrian ooids from the Xuzhuang, Zhangxia and Gushan formations at the Xiaweidian section. The oolitic banks occupy the upper parts of the 3rd order depositional sequences recognized for these formations. Petrographical techniques were applied to describe the sedimentary features of ooid grains. Different characteristics of ooids including size distribution, composition, morphology and the internal and external cortical architecture were taken into consideration. Radial-concentric, micritic, superficial, composite, pseudo-oids, neomorphosed and geopetal ooids are properly studied under the microscope. Different fabrics of ooids have been linked to their different depositional settings, and a variety of sub-environments has been established. The oolitic grain banks are composed mainly of calcite, with noteworthy presence of aragonite and dolomite. The two-fold role of microorganisms during and after the formation of ooids can be recognized under the microscope. The mechanism of ooids fabric modification has been elaborated in detail. Firstly, the dark laminae in several ooids most probably show the remains of filamentous cyanobacteria taking part in the construction of ooids. Secondly, they destroy the cortex through boring, which is then subsequently filled by aragonite. In order to apprehend the sedimentological features of the Miaolingian strata in the Xiaweidian section, this research highlights the distribution of oolites and their resultant fabric in response to relative sea-level variations. The Miaolingian ooids in the Xiaweidian section provide a good reference example of the depositional pattern of oolitic grain banks

The Impact of Business Intelligence Systems on Profitability and Risks of Firms

202105 bcvcAccepted ManuscriptRGC155009/15BEarly releas

Parthenium hysterophorus Herbage Mulching: a Potential Source of Weeds Control in Soybean (Glycine max)

peer-reviewedWeeds have indirect effects on crop plants. Crop development is affected by allelopathy from certain weed species. Allelochemicals from allelopathic weeds can disturb the root and shoot growth of emerging crop seedlings, as well as cause several other types of damage. A study was carried out to investigate the allelopathic potential of Parthenium hysterophorus for weed response in soybean. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with split plot arrangements and replicated thrice. Sowing methods (broadcast and line sowing) were kept in the main plot and mulching treatments (surface mulching and soil incorporation) were kept in the sub-plots. Mulching of Parthenium hysterophorus was applied at the rate of 1.0 t ha-1, 2.5 t ha-1, 5 t ha-1 with control (no parthenium). Manual weed control was also used as treatments. The results revealed that significantly higher shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weigh, root dry weight, number of nodules per plant, nodules fresh and dry weight, number of branches, number of pods per plant, thousand seed weight biological yield, economic yield, dry matter yield and harvest index were recorded with the soil incorporation of Parthenium herbage at the rate of 2.5 t ha-1. Maximum weed density and weed dry biomass were recorded in control plots while weed control efficiency was seen greater in plots where Parthenium herbage was applied to surface at the rate of 5 t ha-1. The results suggested that the use of Parthenium hysterophorus herbage mulching can reduce infestation of weeds by its allelopathic effects and increase the yield of soybean under sub-humid agro-climatic conditions

Novel controlled-release polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles for sodium thiosulphate, a hydrogen sulphide donor, retains pro-angiogenic potential of hydrogen sulphide

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous signalling molecule observing cardioprotective qualities in various experimental models. However, its therapeutic application is limited due to rapid release in vivo and potential toxicity. Controlled-release nanoparticles (NPs), such as polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) NPs entrapping H2S compounds may address these issues. PLGA NPs’ encapsulating sodium thiosulphate (STS), a H2S donor, were prepared by emulsification and sonication-solvent evaporation in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Sonication time was varied between 15 and 45 s and PVA concentration varied between 0.3 and 0.7% w/v. NPs were characterised, cellular uptake, H2S generation and encapsulated STS angiogenic potential was explored. An increase in sonication time as well as PVA concentration decreased NPs size resulting in an increase in STS release kinetics and cellular uptake over 24 h. Encapsulated STS gave a controlled release of H2S over 24 h whereas non-encapsulated STS peaked at 2 h. Finally, we observed entrapped STS maintained pro-angiogenic potential. PLGA NPs are a promising controlled-release delivery system with potential to offer sustained H2S levels. Results of this study demonstrate formulation of STS-loaded PLGA NPs provides a controlled-release of STS and therefore H2S. NPs are internalised into cells and critically, PLGA NPs are able to maintain the pro-angiogenic potential of H2S

Unusual cause of a painful right testicle in a 16-year-old man: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Urgent surgical exploration of the scrotum of a child or teenager who presents with a painful and swollen testicle is paramount if testicular torsion is not to be missed. It is extremely rare for a non-scrotal pathology to present with acute scrotal signs. Here we present such a rare case and emphasize the importance of being aware of this potential clinical pitfall.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 16-year-old Caucasian man presented as a surgical emergency with a five to six hour history of a painful, red, and swollen right hemiscrotum. He also complained of vague lower abdominal pain, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. He had a temperature of 38.5°C and a tender, red, and swollen right hemiscrotum. The right testicle appeared elevated. He was mildly tender in his central and upper abdomen and less so in the lower abdomen. No convincing localizing abdominal signs were noted. He had an increased white cell count (15 × 10⁹/L) and C-reactive protein (CRP; 300 mg/L). Urgent right hemiscrotal exploration revealed about 5 ml of pus in the tunica vaginalis and a normal testicle. A right iliac fossa incision identified the cause: a perforated retrocecal appendix. Appendectomy was performed, and both the abdomen and scrotum washed copiously with saline before closure. The patient made an uneventful recovery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Acute appendicitis presenting with scrotal signs due to a patent processus vaginalis is an extremely rare clinical entity. To date, fewer than five such cases have been reported in the medical literature. It is, therefore, extremely important to be aware of this unusual clinical scenario, as only a high index of suspicion will enable prompt, successful management of both the appendicitis and the scrotal abscess.</p

Optimal power flow and unified control strategy for multi-terminal HVDC systems

© 2019 IEEE. This paper presents an automation strategy for multi-terminal HVDC (MT-HVDC) systems combining a dc optimal power flow (dc OPF) routine and a unified reference controller (URC). In the presented automatic framework, the dc OPF algorithm is implemented at the power dispatch center (PDC) of the MT-HVDC system to find optimal reference operation points of the power converters to minimize the losses during the operation of the MT-HVDC grid and solves the contradiction between minimizing losses and preventing commutation failure. At the local control systems, the operating points of the voltage-source converter (VSC) stations are tuned based on the calculations executed in the PDC, which enables fast response to power fluctuation and ensures a stable dc voltage. However, if the communication between the two control layers is lost, the MT-HVDC grid remains stable based on the pre-defined $V$-$P$ droop characteristics for the power converter stations till the connection establishes again, and a set of new operating points is generated and sent. The static and dynamic simulations conducted on the CIGRE B4 HVDC test grid establish the efficient and effective grid control performance with the proposed automation strategy. The analysis shows that the proposed control scheme achieves the desired minimum losses while, at the same time, satisfying the system constraints