Green Synthesis of High Temperature Stable Anatase Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Gum Kondagogu: Characterization and Solar Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dye

The present study reports a green and sustainable method for the synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) from titanium oxysulfate solution using Kondagogu gum (Cochlospermum gossypium), a carbohydrate polymer, as the NPs formation agent. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were categorized by techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope- Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and particle size analysis. Additionally, the photocatalytic actions of TiO2 NPs were assessed with regard to their ability to degrade an organic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solution in the presence of solar light. Various parameters affecting the photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 NPs were examined, including catalyst loading, reaction time, pH value and calcination temperature of the aforementioned particles. This green synthesis method involving TiO2 NPs explores the advantages of inexpensive and non-toxic precursors, the TiO2 NPs themselves exhibiting excellent photocatalytic activity against dye molecules

Enhancing flood risk mitigation by advanced data-driven approach

Flood events in the Sefidrud River basin have historically caused significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human settlements, highlighting the urgent need for improved flood prediction capabilities. Traditional hydrological models have shown limitations in capturing the complex, non-linear relationships inherent in flood dynamics. This study addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced machine learning techniques to develop more accurate and reliable flood estimation models for the region. The study applied Random Forest (RF), Bagging, SMOreg, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) models using historical hydrological data spanning 50 years. The methods involved splitting the data into training (50–70 %) and validation sets, processed using WEKA 3.9 software. The evaluation revealed that the nonlinear ensemble RF model achieved the highest accuracy with a correlation of 0.868 and an root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.104. Both RF and MLP significantly outperformed the linear SMOreg approach, demonstrating the suitability of modern machine learning techniques. Additionally, the ANFIS model achieved an exceptional R-squared accuracy of 0.99. The findings underscore the potential of data-driven models for accurate flood estimating, providing a valuable benchmark for algorithm selection in flood risk management

Assembly of the Inner Perivitelline Layer, a Homo log of the Mammalian Zona Pellucida: An Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

The avian inner perivitelline layer (IPVL), a homologous structure to the mammalian zona pellucida, is deposited between the granulosa cells and the oocyte cell membrane during folliculogenesis. The glycoprotein meshwork of the IPVL forms a 3-dimensional matrix and possesses important functions in the fertilization process: it contributes to the binding of avian spermatozoa to the oocyte and induces acrosomal exocytosis. In contrast to the zona pellucida of mammals, the IPVL does not prevent the physiological polyspermy found in birds. Previous studies have shown that in the Japanese quail (Cotumix japonica) at least 5 glycoproteins are constituents of the IPVL (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4, and ZPD). In this study, we investigated the spatiotennporal assembly pattern of the IPVL during folliculogenesis using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods. The obtained results clearly show that these glycoproteins are incorporated into the IPVL at distinct points during follicular development, supporting the hypothesis that ZP2 and ZP4 form a type of prematrix into which ZP1, ZP3, and ZPD are integrated at a later stage of development. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Base

Laser spectroscopy for breath analysis : towards clinical implementation

Detection and analysis of volatile compounds in exhaled breath represents an attractive tool for monitoring the metabolic status of a patient and disease diagnosis, since it is non-invasive and fast. Numerous studies have already demonstrated the benefit of breath analysis in clinical settings/applications and encouraged multidisciplinary research to reveal new insights regarding the origins, pathways, and pathophysiological roles of breath components. Many breath analysis methods are currently available to help explore these directions, ranging from mass spectrometry to laser-based spectroscopy and sensor arrays. This review presents an update of the current status of optical methods, using near and mid-infrared sources, for clinical breath gas analysis over the last decade and describes recent technological developments and their applications. The review includes: tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, integrated cavity output spectroscopy, cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy, quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy, and optical frequency comb spectroscopy. A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) is presented that describes the laser-based techniques within the clinical framework of breath research and their appealing features for clinical use.Peer reviewe

Rare earth elements and uranium in Minjingu phosphate fertilizer products : plant food for thought

DATA AVAILABILITY : Data will be made available on request.Minjingu phosphate ore is Tanzania's sole domestic supply of phosphorus (P). The ore contains medium to high concentrations of naturally occurring P2O5 (20–35 %) and relevant concentrations of uranium and rare earth elements (REEs) are also suspected to be present. Currently, neither uranium nor REEs are recovered. They either end up in mine tailings or are spread across agricultural soils with fertilizer products. This work provides a first systematic review of the uranium and REE concentrations that can be expected in the different layers of Minjingu phosphate ore, the way the ore is presently processed, as well as a discussion on alternative processing pathways with uranium/REE recovery. The study analyzed ten distinct Minjingu phosphate ore layers, four mine tailings, and five intermediate and final mineral fertilizer products from the Minjingu mine and processing plant located in northern Tanzania. The results confirm that the uranium concentrations and to a lesser degree, the REE concentrations are indeed elevated if compared to concentrations in other phosphate ores. The study does not identify a significant risk resulting from this. The development of techno-economic solutions for more comprehensive utilization of Minjingu ore is, however, strongly encouraged and suggestions on such processes are provided.The Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) through Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalization (OeAD) and BMBWF/OeAD support through a Ernst Mach Grant.https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/resources-conservation-and-recyclinghj2024Chemical EngineeringChemistrySDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur

Software and hardware needs assessment for a numerical capability at IMD/NRC

The first phase of evaluation of several commercial computer codes has been completed. The objective of the review was to select existing tools to develop numerical capabilities of IMD for both short and long term goals.NRC publication: Ye

Effect of CoSi2 interfacial layer on the magnetic properties of Si vertical bar CoSi2 vertical bar Sm-Co thin films

Magnetic thin films with a layer sequence of Si vertical bar CoSi2 vertical bar Sm-Co were grown by direct sputter deposition at elevated temperatures, through interfacial diffusion between Si (1 0 0) substrate and the overlying Sm-Co layer. HR-TEM analysis revealed the occurrence of CoSi2 -interfacial layer close to the Si-substrate surface, with controllable thicknesses of similar to 20 and 35 nm at deposition temperatures: 450 and 500 degrees C, respectively. XRD studies confirmed the crystallization of Sm2Co17 and SmCo5 magnetic phases accompanied by the other phases such as CoSi2 and SmCoSi2 due to the intermixing of Co and Si-atoms at higher deposition temperatures. The measured coercivity values are found to be increased from 8.7 to 11.6 kOe at higher CoSi2-layer thickness. The angular-dependent hysteresis measurements demonstrated a distinct isotropic and uniaxial magnetic anisotropy characteristics for the Sm-Co films consisting of 35 and 20-nm thick CoSi2 interfacial layers, respectively and the associated magnetization reversal mechanisms are discussed using the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. The temperature coefficients of remanence (alpha) and coercivity (beta) were determined from the temperature-dependent hysteresis curves. The Sm-Co films consisting of 35-nm thick CoSi2-layer exhibited a better thermal stability with 'alpha' and 'beta' values of 0.35 +/- 0.05%/degrees C and -0.13 +/- 0.02%/degrees C, respectively. The results of present study provide splendid opportunities for exploiting the potential of CoSi2 as an under layer, for growing the Sm-Co films towards high-temperature applications

Bioplastic Fibers from Gum Arabic for Greener Food Wrapping Applications

The fabrication of bioplastic fibers from gum arabic (GA), a natural tree gum exudate, is described via the electrospinning method. The enrichment in surface properties of this bioplastic fiber was evaluated by methane plasma and gamma-ray irradiation treatments. The fibers with their modified forms, both treated and untreated, were investigated by various characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ay diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, BET surface area, water contact angle, and tensile strength measurements. A switchable hydrophobic/hydrophilic functionality on GA bioplastic fibers was established through CH4 plasma and gamma-ray irradiation treatments; higher water contact angle (130 degrees) was observed in GA bioplastic fibers that had undergone methane plasma treatment. However, the untreated and gamma-ray-irradiated GA bioplastics exhibited hydrophilic behavior. The comparative properties such as water resistance, antioxidant potency, gas barrier attributes, antibacterial effectiveness, biodegradability and food contact migration through the GA bioplastic fibers (untreated, plasma treated, and gamma-ray-irradiated) were assessed. The present work, in contrast to other existing bioplastic fibers, has the potential of becoming a viable option in greener food packaging as well as in environmental and medically related products based on tree gums

Microscopic Techniques for the Analysis of Micro and Nanostructures of Biopolymers and Their Derivatives

Natural biopolymers, a class of materials extracted from renewable sources, is garnering interest due to growing concerns over environmental safety; biopolymers have the advantage of biocompatibility and biodegradability, an imperative requirement. The synthesis of nanoparticles and nanofibers from biopolymers provides a green platform relative to the conventional methods that use hazardous chemicals. However, it is challenging to characterize these nanoparticles and fibers due to the variation in size, shape, and morphology. In order to evaluate these properties, microscopic techniques such as optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are essential. With the advent of new biopolymer systems, it is necessary to obtain insights into the fundamental structures of these systems to determine their structural, physical, and morphological properties, which play a vital role in defining their performance and applications. Microscopic techniques perform a decisive role in revealing intricate details, which assists in the appraisal of microstructure, surface morphology, chemical composition, and interfacial properties. This review highlights the significance of various microscopic techniques incorporating the literature details that help characterize biopolymers and their derivatives