Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for suspended graphene integrated with silicon nanowire array

Local chemical and mechanical properties of suspended graphene structure integrated with an array of slicon nanowires (SiNW) are investigated by employing Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS). Clear difference in the shift of the major graphene peak positions is observed between Raman spectra without the tip and TERS spectra across the graphene located on the edge of the SiNW underneath. Localised defects that might be induced by the graphene transfer on the array are identified with the spatial resolution of approximately 100nm by the analysis of the peak intensity ratio. The results suggest that TERS is a promising technology for further improvement of graphene-based nanoelectromechanical device fabrication processes

Dietary Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) Waste Inhibits Experimentally Induced Eimeria tenella Challenge in Japanese Quails Model

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of dietary 3% oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) waste in enhancing the anticoccidial effects in broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella infection. The experiment involved a total of 600 Japanese quails, raised from one to thirty-five days of age, which were divided into four treatment groups. These included a negative control group that received a basal diet (BD) without any anticoccidial or antibiotic supplementation in the non-challenged birds (negative control, NC); a positive control (PC) group consisting of NC birds challenged with E. tenella; a group that received the BD with an anticoccidial drug (standard); and a group that received the BD supplemented with 3% waste from oyster mushrooms (3% Pleurotus ostreatus). The results showed that the feed intake, body weight gain, and feed efficiency were significantly lower in the PC (p < 0.05). However, the growth traits were similar in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups. Similarly, there was no difference (p < 0.05) in the mortality rate, oocyst count in the feces, and lesion score between the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus groups. Based on intestinal histology evaluation, the villi height and width were significantly higher in the standard and 3% Pleurotus ostreatus-treated groups compared to those of the PC (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it was found that 3% Pleurotus ostreatus effectively mitigated the low growth rate of Japanese quails induced by coccidial infection