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The enhancement in the capacitance of a supercapacitor has been successfully achieved by synthesizing Bi 2 WO 6 (BW), TiS 2 (T), and Bi 2 WO 6 /TiS 2 (BW/T) composites utilizing the hydrothermal process. The possible growth mechanism has also been presented. The morphological and structural characteristics of the cultivated samples were observed using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques. TiS 2 nano platelets uniformly dispersed across the hierarchically opened surface of Bi 2 WO 6 in the synthesized hierarchical composite. This leads to an increase in surface porosity and surface area, which in turn enhances the transport of electrons and ions on the composite BW/T surface. The optimal electrode BW/T@40 % composite electrode shown a substantial enhancement in particular capacitance (1153.3 F/g) compared to the separate BW (523.7 F/g) and T (453.3 F/g) electrodes due to its rapid ion transfer, many active sites on its large surface area, and strong synergistic impact. Furthermore, the BW/T@40 % combination demonstrated exceptional stability, with over 92 % of its capacitance maintained after 4500th cycles and b value (0.71) proved the supercapacitor behavior. Therefore, BW/T@40 % binary metal oxide and sulfide composites exhibit improved specific capacitance and greatly prolonged life-cycle, confirming its potential use in high-performance energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of Mn-based catalysts in oxidizing toluene is greatly influenced by the manganese valence and oxygen vacancies. In this study, hollow nanocomposite microspheres of Mn-Ni catalysts were synthesized. Through the interaction between nickel and manganese, the content of Mn valence and oxygen vacancies in the catalyst was changed, and their effects on the catalytic oxidation of toluene were studied. The results demonstrate that the 0.15Mn-Ni catalyst exhibits outstanding toluene oxidation activity, with a T 90 value of 219 °C. By utilizing Ni as an electron mediator, the reciprocal conversion between Mn3+ and Mn4+ can be achieved at a lower potential. Simultaneously, the unsaturated environment resulting from the interaction between manganese and nickel facilitates the generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby promoting the adsorption and transfer of surface-active oxygen and facilitating the deep oxidation of toluene. [Display omitted] • Hollow nanocomposite microspheres Mn-Ni catalysts were successfully constructed. • The synergistic effect of manganese and nickel can reduce the T 90 to 220 °C for 0.15Mn-Ni. • The Mn valence and the ratio of Mn4+/Mn3+ were adjusted with the help of Ni as an electron staircase. • Abundant oxygen vacancies improve the surface oxygen species and promote the efficient oxidation of toluene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Autoverification-based quality rules can prevent the release of potentially erroneous results. • Turbid specimens may account for the majority of lipemia index alarms. • Some cases of pseudohypoglycemia or pseudohyperkalemia may be identified via autoverification-based quality rules. The preanalytical phase of testing accounts for the majority of the errors. Software-based quality rules, such as autoverification, can assist in preanalytical error detection; therefore, preventing erroneous results from being reported. Two autoverification rules, turbidity/lipemia, and pseudohypoglycemia/pseudohyperkalemia alarms, are highlighted. Increased sample turbidity may arise from several causes outside of lipemia. Typically, this can be resolved by clarifying the sample with standard centrifugation. Truly lipemic specimens typically require higher centrifugation speeds and greater centrifugation time. At our facility, 96% of direct bilirubin (DBIL), 95% of aspartate transaminase (AST), and 98% of alanine transaminase (ALT) turbidity/lipemia alarms were found to be from sample turbidity versus lipemia. Secondly, a pseudohypoglycemia/pseudohyperkalemia rule was employed for specimens with delayed separation from cellular material. Of the total potassium results >6.0 mmol/L or glucose results <40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L), 30% and 50% respectively were noted to have delayed sample separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A super strong DAPU with efficient self-healing enabled by partially mixing reversible DA bonds was synthesized. • The tensile strength of DAPU reached up to 65 MPa and the elongation at break up to 1053 % with the toughness of 216 MJ/m3. • The self-healing process was completely healed in 2 h at 110 °C and the self-healing degree reached 95 %. The reversible chain extender Diels-Alder-diol (DA-diol) containing thermally dissociable Diels-Alder adducts (DA adducts) was synthesized and combined with 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as complexed chain extenders used for preparing a transparent polyurethane elastomer (DAPU) with high mechanical strength and efficient self-healing ability by partially mixing reversible hard domains. The optimal DAPU occupies a desired high tensile strength of 65 MPa, and its elongation at break and toughness are of 1050 % and 216 MJ·m−3, respectively. Meanwhile, the DAPU-0.2 elastomer heals at 110 °C for 2 h with a healing efficiency of 95 %. The desirable mechanical strength and efficient self-healing ability are attributing to the BDO chain extended hard segments ensure the high strength at room temperature, while DA-diol chain extended hard segments endow the as-prepared DAPUs with self-healing ability at an elevated temperature. This work overall points to a strategy in designing self-healing polyurethane elastomers with markedly improved mechanical strength and efficient self-healing ability by partially mixing reversible hard domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the malodorous gases generated by sewage treatment plants have gradually received widespread attention due to their sensory stimulation and health hazards. The emission concentration, sensory evaluation and health risk assessment of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) were all explored in two municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with oxidation ditch and anaerobic/oxic treatment process, respectively. The VSCs concentration showed the highest amount in the primary treatment unit in both the two WWTPs (73.3% in Plant A and 93.0% in Plant B), while the H 2 S took the main role in the composition of VSCs. However, H 2 S took a larger percentage in Plant A (84.5% ∼ 87.0%) rather than Plant B (61.2% ∼ 83.5%), which may be due to the different operating conditions and sludge properties in different treatment process. Besides, H 2 S also gained the first rank in the sensory evaluation and health risk assessment, which may cause considerable sensory irritation and health risk to workers and surrounding residents. Furthermore, the influencing factor analyses of VSCs emission showed that the temperature of water and air, ORP of sludge made the greatest effect on VSCs release. This study provides theoretical and data support for the research of VSCs emission control in WWTPs. [Display omitted] • Different concentration level but same change trend of VSCs from two WWTPs. • H 2 S dominates the VSCs emission from both WWTPs. • Sensory and health risk assessment of H 2 S from both WWTPs exceed the standard. • Both temperature of water and air have significant effects on VSCs generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are significant components of environmental pollution, causing significant damage to the Earth's ecosystem and human health. Catalytic technology offers the advantages of low cost and high catalytic efficiency. Among these, the development of novel catalysts is crucial to the advancement of catalytic technology methods. In recent years, researchers have conducted extensive studies and developed several novel catalysts that enable efficient catalytic treatment of multi-pollutants. The primary objective of this article is to examine the advancements made in the field of catalyst research pertaining to the synergistic catalysis of NOx and VOCs. It begins by reviewing the types, sources, risks, and abatement technologies for NOx and VOCs, as well as the current status of synergistic catalysis. The main part of the article is a systematic classification and review of different types of catalytic reaction systems. From the perspective of commercial vanadium-tungsten-titanium, transition metal, and noble metal catalysts, the latest research results of bifunctional catalysts in synergistic catalysis of VOCs and NOx are summarized in detail. Among them, the methods of synthesis of the catalysts, the relationship between the structure and the performance, and the effects of the two reaction pathways are discussed. Finally, the microscopic principle and the effect of each component on the catalytic reaction are explored, as well as the problems and weaknesses in the current practical application and the future development trend of VOCs and NOx synergistic catalysis. [Display omitted] • Synergistic degradation of NOx and VOCs by different catalysts was reviewed. • Relationship between structure and performance is discussed emphatically. • Mechanism of synergistic catalysis of NOx and VOCs was summarized. • The current challenges and future strategies of synergistic catalysts are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of waste material for value-added applications is a sustainable approach towards reduction of global waste. Herein, the waste rust iron is transformed into useful Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (FNPs). Here for the first time, FNPs were uniquely utilized in multiple applications, including resistive switching (RS), tribo and piezo-electric nano-generators, magnetic hyperthermia, and toxic dyes adsorption from water. The RS characteristics of the Ag/FNPs/ITO device emphasized bipolar switching with excellent cyclic stability, endurance, and memory retention. Afterward, the FNPs based tribo and piezo-electric nanogenerator device demonstrated greater instantaneous power (5200 µW) at 10 MΩ, surpassing previously reported inorganic or garbage materials. Furthermore, the pertinency of FNPs was explored for biomedical application by induction heating studies for magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). MFH revealed an increase in temperature of 14.9 °C and 23.4 °C for 5 mg and 10 mg FNPs ferrofluid, respectively, thus indicating the potential of FNPs for possible cancer treatment with biocompatibility suggestions. Finally, the adsorption study reveals that the FNPs are a promising candidate for the adsorption of safranin M.S., methylene blue, malachite green, and lemon yellow powder, (77, 78, 59, and 56 mg/g, respectively). We believe that our current study will result in a significant impact to reduce the future burden of global waste and thus encourage its utilization for value-added applications. [Display omitted] • Waste rust iron converted to Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles (FNP) via. grinding and annealing. • The FNPs first time utilized for four different applications. • Resistive switching of the FNPs emphasized excellent performance. • Tribo/piezo-electric nanogenerator showed greater instantaneous power (5200 µW). • FNPs hold application in magnetic hyperthermia and adsorption of toxic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • MWCNT (EG)-N has the lowest sensor response among the modified MWCNT-Ns. • The increase of MWCNT amount in the network causes a decrease on the sensor response. • Measurement temperature and sonication time have also influence on the response. • The sensor can distinguish the vodka, the most ethanol content among the beverages. • The HAc amount in vinegar has been detected by use of MWCNT (HDA)-N sensor. Abstract This paper endeavors to answer an important question posed during the fabrication of vapor sensors based on multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs): How do the preparation and measurement conditions influence the sensor response in real-life situations? A satisfactory answer could be given in view of the effects produced by the surface functionalization of MWCNTs and various solvent vapors. To this end, this case study was designed upon modified-MWCNT-networks (Ns) with alkyl diol (EG) and alkyl diamine (EDA, HDA) treatments, and the sensor responses of these networks were examined in respect of the following vapors: water and different solvents from the groups of paraffinic hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, halohydrocarbon, ether, ketone, aldehyde, ester, and nitrogen containing compounds, sulphur containing compounds, alcohols and acids. In addition, an applied sensor based on MWCNT (HDA)-N was evaluated by measuring various alcoholic beverages and vinegar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Te (tellurium) film used for semiconductors and photocathode is prepared by a resistive heating evaporation system in this paper. The evaporation property is assessed by comparing the evaporation rate of In-Te alloy with different compositions and structures. The morphology and structure of Te films prepared by In 5 Te 95 , In 10 Te 90 , and In 15 Te 85 alloy are characterized. The result shows that the In-Te alloy consists of the Te phase and the In2Te5 phase with a hexagonal and monoclinic structure. The primary Te phase and eutectic Te phase are obtained in In 5 Te 95 alloy, and the eutectic Te phase is displayed in In 10 Te 90 and In 15 Te 85 alloy only. The content of Te is 100% in the primary Te phase and eutectic Te phase. Alloying has reduced the evaporation of Te effectively, while the evaporation rate is affected by the distribution of the Te phase. The Te films prepared with three alloys are consisting of the needle-shape Te grain. The Te film deposited from the eutectic Te phase has smaller grain size and the film thickness is affected by the evaporation rate. The composition of Te is confirmed by XPS. The peak value of XPS spectra matches the Te3d 5/2 and Te3d 3/2. • A new evaporation source of In-Te alloy is presented instead of traditional pure Te source. • The evaporation rate is affected by composition and structure of alloy. • The In 10 Te 90 alloy gives the most compact Te film with the smallest grain size. • The roughness of Te film is connected with the evaporation rate. • The content of indium in the source material does not affected the purity of the Te film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Artificial neural networks are an integral part of emerging technologies, and ongoing research has shown that they can be applied to a variety of applications. This paper proposes a new cryptographic algorithm using chaotic neural networks, whose function is enhanced by construction with polynomials that exhibit chaos, namely, nonlinear Hermite and Chebyshev polynomials. These polynomials incorporate a memristor conductance, which is used as an activation function in the chaotic neural networks. Further, a function of the weights obtained from the chaotic neural networks, is used to generate the initial values that are used in the cryptographic process. The encryption algorithm employed here is inspired by the Lai–Massey block cipher with cubic and two-dimensional logistic maps, and the evaluation of these chaotic equations is performed using correlation values. The correlation values between the cipher and plain text are also examined to determine the undecipherability of the message to be sent on a public channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Mycophenolic acid (MPA) has clinical applications as an immunosuppressive agent. • Various biowastes were tested as potential substrates for solid-state fermentation of MPA. • The best combination was scaled-up to a bioreactor. • Processed with supercritical CO 2 and ethanol mixture. • Optimum conditions were elicited as 30 MPa, 50 °C and 15 g/min CO 2 flow rate entrained with 10% ethanol. Abstract Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a secondary metabolite of Penicillium species with diverse biological properties and has clinical applications mainly as an immunosuppressive agent. Production of MPA was carried out using Penicillium brevicompactum (DSM 2215) by solid-state fermentation (SSF). Six different carbon sources (wheat bran, rice husk, rice bran, potato peel and rice husk - rice bran, rice bran-potato peel mixture) were examined by SSF in order to obtain the highest yield of mycophenolic acid. Rice bran-potato peel mixture was determined as the best solid substrate and used in scale up studies which was applied in the tray bioreactor. Supercritical CO 2 and soxhlet extractions were analyzed for the recovery of MPA from the fermentation broth. The highest recovery (0.47 g MPA/100 g substrate) was obtained by supercritical CO 2 at 30 MPa, 50 °C at a CO 2 flow rate of 15 g/min with 10% ethanol as co-solvent for 3 h. The results obtained by the scale-up in bioreactor and optimization of supercritical CO 2 entrained with ethanol can provide basis for the production of the immunosuppresant compound on industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]