Activated carbon derived from rice husk by NaOH activation and its application in supercapacitor

AbstractFour activated carbon (AC) samples prepared from rice husk under different activation temperatures have been characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA–DTA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specific surface area of AC sample reached 2681m2g−1 under activation temperature of 800°C. The AC samples were then tested as electrode material; the specific capacitance of the as-prepared activated carbon electrode was found to be 172.3Fg−1 using cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 5mVs−1 and 198.4Fg−1 at current density 1000mAg−1 in the charge/discharge mode

Research and Design of an X-Band UHF Power Amplifier

Introduction. A method for designing power amplifiers for use in the transmitting channels of X-band transceiver modules is investigated. The design process was aimed at optimizing the relationship between the basic amplifier characteristics, including the operating frequency band, output power level, output linearity, high harmonics suppression, etc.  Aim. Investigation of a method for designing an X-band UHF power amplifier, which is capable of optimizing the relationship between its main characteristics.  Materials and methods. Theoretical calculations were combined with experimental studies into the design of a UHF power amplifier. The stages of the design process are described in detail, including major ideas, principal circuits, and strip circuits. Evaluations were conducted using the Keysight ADS high frequency circuit simulation tool.  Results. A method for designing X-band UHF power amplifiers on the basis of a close combination of theory, simulation, and experimental adjustment was described in detail.  Conclusion. A prototype of an X-band PA was developed; an approach to developing a methodology for manufacturing, measuring, and testing X-band PAs is described.Introduction. A method for designing power amplifiers for use in the transmitting channels of X-band transceiver modules is investigated. The design process was aimed at optimizing the relationship between the basic amplifier characteristics, including the operating frequency band, output power level, output linearity, high harmonics suppression, etc.  Aim. Investigation of a method for designing an X-band UHF power amplifier, which is capable of optimizing the relationship between its main characteristics.  Materials and methods. Theoretical calculations were combined with experimental studies into the design of a UHF power amplifier. The stages of the design process are described in detail, including major ideas, principal circuits, and strip circuits. Evaluations were conducted using the Keysight ADS high frequency circuit simulation tool.  Results. A method for designing X-band UHF power amplifiers on the basis of a close combination of theory, simulation, and experimental adjustment was described in detail.  Conclusion. A prototype of an X-band PA was developed; an approach to developing a methodology for manufacturing, measuring, and testing X-band PAs is described

Induced systemic resistance against rice grassy stunt virus – a promising field for ecological rice production: Research article

Most rice protection methods have currently used toxic chemicals to control pathogens and pests, which leads to environmental pollution. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) taking advantage of natural defence reaction of plants could be proposed as an alternative, ecologically friendly approach for plant protection. Its application into rice production could minimize the chemicals quantity used and could contribute to the decrease of environmental pollution and the development of sustainable agriculture. The research was conducted to select the most effective chemical and suitable method to improve the health of rice plants infected by grassy stunt disease in net-house of Can Tho University. SAR chemicals were used at very low concentrations (in mM). Results showed that the height of rice plants treated with SAR chemicals was higher than that of plants untreated. Besides, the number of diseased plants was reduced and the ratio of firm grain and yield increased when plants were applied by SAR. Among the used substances, oxalic acid provided the best systemic acquired resistance. With oxalic acid, seed soaking was better than seed coating in systemic acquired resistance against rice grassy stunt disease.Hầu hết các phương pháp sản xuất lúa hiện nay đều sử dụng các hóa chất độc hại trong việc phòng trừ bệnh và côn trùng gây hại, nên dẫn đến ô nhiễm môi trường. Kích thích tính kháng lưu dẫn giúp kích hoạt cơ chế tự nhiên kháng bệnh của cây có thể là giải pháp bảo vệ thực vật thay thế an toàn với môi trường. Việc ứng dụng tiến bộ này vào trong sản xuất lúa có thể làm giảm lượng hóa chất sử dụng, đóng góp vào việc giảm thiểu ô nhiễm môi trường và sự phát triển của một nền nông nghiệp bền vững. Nghiên cứu đã được thực hiện tại nhà lưới trường Đại học Cần Thơ để tuyển chọn hóa chất và phương pháp sử dụng hóa chất để tăng cường sức khỏe giúp cây lúa vượt qua bệnh vàng lùn. Hóa chất kích kháng được sử dụng ở một nồng độ rất thấp (đơn vị là mM). Kết quả cho thấy chiều cao cây lúa khi xử lý chất kích kháng tốt hơn so đối chứng không xử lý. Bên cạnh đó, số cây lúa nhiễm bệnh giảm, tỉ lệ hạt chắc và năng suất tăng khi cây lúa được xử lý với chất kích kháng. Trong số các chất kích kháng đã sử dụng, acid oxalic cho hiệu quả vượt trội. Với chất acid oxalic, phương pháp ngâm hạt cho hiệu quả kích kháng tốt hơn phương pháp áo hạt

Arsenate reductase gene from Pityrogramma calomelanos L. enhances tolerance to arsenic in tobacco

Arsenic (As) contamination in soil, water and air is an alarming issue worldwide and has serious effects on human health and environment. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, and water, and exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to a range of health problems. The effects of arsenic contamination can also be felt in the environment, as it can harm plants and animals and disrupt ecological systems. The major purpose of this study was to produce transgenic plants with improved tolerance to and accumulation of arsenic via transformation of arsenate reductase gene (ArsC) into tobacco genome. Transgenic plants were screen by PCR and southern blot. Further, their tolerance and accumulation to arsenic were evaluated. In the result, we have cloned, characterized, and transformed the ArsC gene from Pityrogramma calomelanos L. (PcArsC). Its phylogenetic analysis revealed 99% homology to ArsC gene in GenBank (accession number X80057.1). Moreover, Southern blot analysis showed that ArsC gene was integrated into the tobacco genome as a single-copy. These single-copy transgenic lines showed much higher tolerance to and accumulation of As than wild type, with no other phenotypes observed. These results demonstrated that Pityrogramma calomelanos ArsC gene can improve arsenic tolerance and accumulation in transgenic tobacco lines. Thus, using Pityrogramma calomelanos L. ArsC gene for genetic engineering has potential implications in the decontamination of arsenic-containing soil

SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVATED CARBON SUPPORTED MnO2 FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CAPACITOR

MnO2 was synthesized by adding activated carbon into KMnO4 solution and stirred in a magnetic or ultrasonic stirrer. The obtained MnAC samples were characterized by means of XRD, TGA, TPR-H2, SEM and BET. All samples are amorphous and have porous structure. MnAC-M prepared by magnetic stirring have higher manganese content, earlier reduction temperature, smoother surface area while MnAC-U prepared by ultrasonic stirring have larger specific surface area and pore volume

Current advances in seagrass research: A review from Viet Nam

Seagrass meadows provide valuable ecosystem services but are fragile and threatened ecosystems all over the world. This review highlights the current advances in seagrass research from Viet Nam. One goal is to support decision makers in developing science-based conservation strategies. In recent years, several techniques were applied to estimate the size of seagrass meadows. Independent from the method used, there is an alarming decline in the seagrass area in almost all parts of Viet Nam. Since 1990, a decline of 46.5% or 13,549 ha was found. Only in a few protected and difficult-to-reach areas was an increase observed. Conditions at those sites could be investigated in more detail to make suggestions for conservation and recovery of seagrass meadows. Due to their lifestyle and morphology, seagrasses take up compounds from their environment easily. Phytoremediation processes of Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides are described exemplarily. High accumulation of heavy metals dependent on their concentration in the environment in different organs can be observed. On the one hand, seagrasses play a role in phytoremediation processes in polluted areas; on the other hand, they might suffer at high concentrations, and pollution will contribute to their overall decline. Compared with the neighboring countries, the total Corg stock from seagrass beds in Viet Nam was much lower than in the Philippines and Indonesia but higher than that of Malaysia and Myanmar. Due to an exceptionally long latitudinal coastline of 3,260 km covering cool to warm water environments, the seagrass species composition in Viet Nam shows a high diversity and a high plasticity within species boundaries. This leads to challenges in taxonomic issues, especially with the Halophila genus, which can be better deduced from genetic diversity/population structures of members of Hydrocharitaceae. Finally, the current seagrass conservation and management efforts in Viet Nam are presented and discussed. Only decisions based on the interdisciplinary cooperation of scientists from all disciplines mentioned will finally lead to conserve this valuable ecosystem for mankind and biodiversity

An Ultra-high Quality Factor Terahertz Photonic Crystal Cavity

oai:ojs.rev-jec.org:article/345High quality factor Terahertz (THz) cavities are highly desired for many THz applications. This paper presents an ultra-high quality factor terahertz planar photonic crystal cavity at 300 GHz range. Two approaches are employed to reduce the losses in the cavity increasing the quality factor of the cavity. Firstly, short embedded photonic crystal waveguides are employed to reduce the in – plane loss. Secondly, a novel way of hole displacement is adopted for four edged holes of the L3 – type photonic crystal cavity to decrease the radiation loss. An ultra – high quality factor of 65000 at a resonant frequency of 315.3 GHz was achieved for the designed cavity. This result could enable promising applications such as THz sensing

PHÂN HUỶ MẪU ĐỂ XÁC ĐỊNH VI NHỰA TRONG CÁC BỘ PHẬN CỦA CÁ ĐỐI

In this study, a 10% KOH solution was used to decompose the meat, skin, and digestive system of mullets. The factors in each experiment are as follows: 1) VKOH:mmeat is 10/1 (mL·g–1), incubated at 25 °C for 72 h; VKOH:mskin is 15/1 (mL·g–1), incubated at 40 °C for 72 h; VKOH:mdigestive system is 20/1 (mL·g–1), incubated at 40 °C for 72 h. The actual sample images display microplastics in the surveyed parts of the mullets with different shapes and colours.Trong nghiên cứu này, dung dịch KOH 10% được sử dụng để phân huỷ thịt, da và hệ tiêu hoá của cá đối. Các yếu tố ảnh hưởng bao gồm tỉ lệ thể tích KOH:mẫu thịt là 10/1 (mL·g–1), ủ mẫu ở 25 °C trong 72 giờ; thể tích KOH:mẫu da là 15/1 (mL·g–1), ủ mẫu ở 40 °C trong 72 giờ; thể tích KOH:mẫu hệ tiêu hoá là 20/1 (mL·g–1), ủ mẫu ở 40 °C trong 72 giờ. Hình ảnh phân tích mẫu thực tế cho thấy sự tồn tại của vi nhựa trong các bộ phận nghiên cứu với hình dáng và màu sắc khác nhau

Study on the effect of carbon black, carbon nanotube on the properties of rubber blend acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

The effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) in combination with carbon black (CB) on the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (70/30) were investigated. The results reveal that the maximal tensile strength of the rubber blend was obtained by the fillers ratio of CB:CNT = 39:1. At this filler ratio, the thermal stability and heat conductivity of the rubber blend were also significantly improved. The analysis of FE-SEM images and DMA diagram indicate that the dispersion of filler as well as the interaction between fillers and rubber matrix was improved by the incorporation of CNT. Keywords. NBR/PVC blends, carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon black (CB), nanocomposites

Terra-i+ webtool: Simplifying agroforestry sustainability monitoring

In an ever-evolving landscape of regulations and commitments to net-zero emission commodity chains, Terra-i+ offers a satellite-based solution for agroforestry supply chain sustainability management. At its core, Terra-i+ functions as an integrated platform to access critical information about the sustainability status of coffee supply chains. With Terra-i+, stakeholders gain access to essential metrics and insights, empowering them to make informed decisions that drive adoption of sustainable practices