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This study developed a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for measuring xanthine using CuO nanostructures made from sugar molasses. The influence of sugar molasses on the surface morphology, crystallization, and optical properties of CuO nanostructures have been investigated during low-temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The influence of different amounts of sugar molasses such as 1 mL (sample 1) and 2 mL (sample 2) on the shape, optical, and crystalline properties of CuO nanostructures was evaluated. The monoclinic phase of sugar molasses CuO nanostructures was confirmed and heterogeneity in the shape orientation was also observed. The optical characterization has revealed a decrease in the optical band gap from 3.36 eV, 2.90 eV, and 2.36 eV for the pure CuO, sample 1, and sample 2, respectively. The proposed CuO nanostructures were found highly active toward electrochemical non-enzymatic detection of xanthine in phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.0. The CuO nanostructures prepared with 1 mL of sugar molasses (sample 1) were observed highly efficient toward non-enzymatic xanthine detection and dynamic linear ranges for various xanthine concentrations were estimated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Both CV and CA have revealed the dynamic linear range of proposed xanthine sensor from 0.0001 to 0.01 mM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.00001 mM. The presented xanthine sensor was evaluated by different sensor evaluation parameters such as selectivity, stability, reproducibility, and the observed performance of sensor was found highly satisfactory. The CuO nanostructures prepared with sugar molasses (sample 1) has shown improved performance due to its high number of active sites, its favorable morphology, its tunable optical band gap, and its fast charge transfer rate at the interface. The CuO nanostructures (sample 1) exhibited charge transfer resistance of 7.72 Ohms and electrochemical active surface area of 0.00202 µF cm−2. Significantly, CV experiments were conducted under real-life conditions to detect xanthine. Taken together, the combined findings of this work clearly emphasize that sugar molasses-derived CuO nanostructures provide enhanced electrocatalytic properties, thereby offering potential use in diverse biomedical, food, and energy storage-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional melting and annealing procedure were used to manufacture glass matrices with a nominal composition of x La2O3-( 20 - x )TiO2-23SiO2-57B2O3 and a gradual partial replacement of TiO2 by La2O3. The present study uses X-ray diffraction (XRD), pulse-echo technique, and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to examine the effects of La2O3 content on the TiO2-B2O3-SiO2 glass. The amorphous structure of the samples was confirmed by (XRD) investigations. The DTA curve showed that the glass transition temperature increased between 501 and 566 °C with an increase in La2O3 content. The elastic properties of the glass were established by utilizing variations in density and ultrasonic velocities. The pulse-echo technique examinations revealed an increase in the ultrasonic velocities, the Debye temperature, the micro-hardness, the connectivity of fractal bonds, the Poisson's ratio, and the mechanical parameters. For prepared glasses, Makishima-theory Mackenzie's has also been shown to be applicable. Additionally, the majority of the experimentally determined elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio values are in good agreement with values estimated using Makishima and Mackenzie's model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 70P2O5-( 30 - x ) BaO- x PbO, where x =0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 glasses have been successfully synthesized using the melt quenching process. It investigated how PbO affected the physical, structural, mechanical, optical, and radiation characteristics of glass samples. The structure of the examined glass samples was examined using several methods, including XRD and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). As the PbO percentage was increased, density increased while molar volume decreased. For these glasses, mechanical moduli were estimated both experimentally and theoretically using the Makishima–Mackenzie model. The calculated results exhibited that as the PbO percentage in the glasses increased, the mechanical moduli also improved. Indirect band gap (Eopt) values decreased as PbO content increased, but Urbach energy ( E u) increased, indicating the presence of the bridging Pb–O–P oxygen linkage in the glass network. The ( E u ) was found to range between 0.21 and 0.33 eV, and the (Eopt) was found to range between 4.76 and 3.14 eV. For the prepared glasses, gamma photon shielding parameters were calculated using the Phy-X/PSD code in the energy range from 0.015 to 15 MeV. The calculated data show that when the PbO level in the examined glasses increased, γ shielding characteristics such as LAC, MAC, and Zeff increased, whereas HVL, TVL, and MFP decreased. The effective removal cross section (ERCSFN) ∑ R (cm2 g-1) was finally computed, and the results demonstrated that G1 had the lowest ∑ R , = 0.192 cm2 g-1, and G5 had the greatest ∑ R , = 0.213 cm2 g-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

28B2O3 – 15CaO – 14SiO2 – 18P2O5 – (25 − x) K2O – x TiO2x = (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol%) glass system was fabricated. XRD was used to verify the amorphousness of the glasses. The molar volume and density have been calculated. Differential thermal analysis was used to investigate the thermal stability of the fabricated glasses. The pulse-echo technique was used to measure ultrasonic velocities. The elastic moduli of the glasses, as well as all mechanical variables, were evaluated. The elastic moduli have been theoretically analyzed. The experimental data of elastic moduli were interpreted using the Bond compression and Makishima - Mackenzie models. Dental prosthetics and orthopedic implants are two examples of applications for these glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five glass samples of a new zinc-iron lithiumborosilicate (LBSFZ) with the chemical formula 64.8B2O3–8.5SiO2–1.5Fe2O3 – (25.2 − x)Li2O - x ZnO x = (0 ≤ x ≤ 16 mol%), using the melt quenching technique has been synthesized. The amorphous phase is affirmed using an X-ray diffraction test. A pulse-echo methodology is utilized to investigate the mechanical features of glasses. With an increase in ZnO content, the LBSFZ glasses' ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli increased. Phy-X/PSD software was used to calculate the gamma shielding performance of the glasses by evaluating mass attenuation coefficients (MAC), mean free path (MFP), tenth and half-value layer (TVL), and (HVL). With an increase in ZnO concentration, the density, MAC, and LAC increased, whereas the molar volume, HVL, TVL, and MFP decreased. It can be concluded based on these results that ZnO in LBSFZ glasses are nontoxic and effective radiation shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid-quenching route was used to prepare Na2B4O7–CaO–SiO2 glass formulations with various Cr2O3 concentrations. XRD analyses were used to determine the amorphous states of glasses. With the addition of Cr2O3, the glass density increased while molar volume reduces. The elastic moduli and velocities have been discovered to be affected by Cr2O3 concentration. A theoretical model of the prepared glasses' gamma-ray shielding ability has also been developed. With increasing photon energy, the mass attenuation coefficient values were found to reduce. As a result, G 5 glass provides more shielding than other glasses. Incorporating Cr2O3 into the investigated glass compositions has a significant influence on their mechanical and gamma shielding features, according to the findings of this study. In the future, this research could be used to improve mechanical efficiency and reduce radiation's harmful effects on organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-doped lead phosphosilicate glasses were synthetic by the technique of melting quenching. The status of glasses were determined using XRD diffractometer methodology. The glass system's molar volume decreases as density rises. The mechanical and radiation properties of the current glass sample are determined by its structure. The elastic modulus and ultrasonic velocities of these glasses are higher. The radiation shielding properties were investigated using Phy-X / PSD. MAC values are positively affected by increases in the Fe2O3 ratio. The HVL value for G 1 is the maximum, whereas G 5 is the lowest. As the Fe2O3 content increased, energy absorption and exposure buildup factor (EABF) & (EBF) values increased. As a result, G5 glasses have the best shielding capacity of all the glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sequence of transparent homogenous glasses consists of 50Na2O – (50–x) SiO2 – xZrO2, (0 ≤ x ≤ 20 mol %), are synthesized by conventional method. All prepared samples are confirmed in an amorphous state by the X-rays diffraction XRD. The glass temperature Tg, crystallization temperature Tc, and temperature of full crystallization Tp values are increased by the increment of ZrO2. For heat-treated glasses, the XRD results show that most selected glasses appear to be completely crystallized. 133Ba, 137Cs and 60 Co sources are used for experimental measurements of the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) of γ-rays at 365, 662, 1172 and 1332 keV respectively and theoretical calculation were depicted using XCOM, MCNP5 and Phy-X/PSD programs procedures. MAC of our samples was compared with some commercial and published nuclear radiation shielding as ordinary concrete, 100% Na2B4O7 and 100% SiO2 glasses systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glass system was fabricated using traditional procedures. Fourier Transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and radiation techniques were used to characterize the glasses. In an experiment, XRD was used to assess the system's amorphous state. As the density of the manufacturing glasses rises, the molar volume declines. Borosilicate network is unaffected due to incorporation of BaO. With incorporation of BaO, FTIR results show a conversion from BO3 to BO4. The gamma ray shielding constraints were defined using the Phy-X software. Finally, adding BaO to the glass network improved the gamma shielding characteristics. As a result, this glass system should be used to shield against radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glass system 22SiO2- 23Bi2O3-37B2O3-13TiO2 − (5 − x) LiF- x BaO , (0 ≤ x ≤ 5) mol. % . was fabricated using melt-quenching techniques. X-ray diffraction and ultrasonic techniques were used to characterize the glasses. X-ray diffraction patterns were used to prove that fabricated glasses are amorphous. The impacts of incorporating BaO on the composition dependence of the elastic characteristics of fabricated samples were explained. Density of the manufacture glasses increment, and molar volume reduced. The elastic moduli were investigated experimentally then compared using theoretical arguments. Makishima – Mazinize model were used to determine the elastic moduli theoretically for fabricated samples. Elastic moduli increase with BaO, and experimental and theoretical elastic moduli are in good agreement. Deviation values between elastic moduli (both experimentally and theoretically) were estimated. All the experimental variations values of elastic moduli of fabricated glasses were increment as BaO increased. Latent heat of melting, diffusion constant, and Grüneisen factor have been used to link the mechanical and thermodynamic characteristics of manufactured glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using melt-quenching techniques, the glass system 22SiO2- 23Bi2O3-37B2O3-13TiO2 − (5 − x) LiF- x BaO was prepared. The amorphous status of fabricated samples were established using X-ray diffraction patterns. Differential thermal analysis (glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, and thermal stability) as well as optical properties (molar refractivity, bandgap, molar polarizability, reflection loss, metallization, electronegativity, and electron polarizability) of these glasses have been investigated. These structural changes influence the thermal properties, as we discovered. Indeed, as BaO levels rise, all the thermal parameters rise as well. With increasing BaO content, density, and refractive index rise. Bandgap energies for direct and indirect transitions reduced as the BaO content increased while Urbach energy increases. This interpretation attributable to the increment in the bond length of Ba-O. This study suggests that the fabricated glasses' optical and thermal characteristics have improved, making them suitable for a variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of melting – quenching used for the manufacturing of investigated glasses. Aim of the study is to learn about and comprehend the structural, thermal, and crystallization features of these glasses. The method of X-ray diffraction was originally used to check the status of manufacture samples. Molar volume was decreased while density was raised in this investigation. Fourier transform infrared investigated showed that as Y2O3 replaced by TiO2. Bridging oxygens (BOs) increment, while non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) reduce, enhancing the structural units and interconnection. Differential thermal analysis was used to examine these glasses' thermal stability. The thermal stability enhanced as Y2O3 concentration increased. The glass-ceramic was created using controlled heat and analysed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Glass-ceramic samples' ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli enhance as internal energy rises. The Y2O3 modifier's effect on the glass system has been established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research work, we have produced tungsten (W) doped ZnO nanostructures via low-temperature aqueous chemical growth method. The morphology, crystal arrays and composition was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) respectively. The SEM results indicate the nanowire morphology before and after the doping of W into ZnO and XRD study has shown the hexagonal crystallography of W doped ZnO samples. The EDX study has confirmed the successful doping of W into ZnO crystal lattices. The photodegradation performance of methylene blue was evaluated with W doped ZnO samples and pristine ZnO in aqueous solution. The measured degradation efficiencies for the different W doped ZnO samples were 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt% and 20 wt% at pH 5 are 87.8%, 92.3%, 92.8% and 96.9%), at pH 9 (72.1%, 90.7%, 92.1%, and 96.4%) and at pH 11 (80%, 85%, 87% and 89%) for the time interval of 90 min respectively. The pH of dye solution has significant effect on the degradation efficiency. These findings show that the W doped ZnO samples have superior degradation efficiency of 96.6% in a very short interval of time. The swift degradation kinetics for the W doped ZnO samples is attributed to the reduction in the energy band gap, decrease in particle size, enhanced surface area, decrease in the recombination rate and foster charge separation process. The obtained results are exciting and providing efficient earth-abundant photocatalysts for the energy and environmental purposes.Kindly confirm the Given names and Family names for all the authors.They are correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quadruple glass system with the composition 60SiO2 -35Pb3O4 – (5-x) ZnO- x WO3, where (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol %) was synthesized by the classic quenching method. X-ray diffractograms prove the amorphous description of present glasses. Some physical parameters like density, molar volume, oxygen packing density, interionic distance are investigated. These parameters were found to be dependent on tungsten ions in PZS glasses. Optical spectra are measured at ordinary temperature. The dispersion issues as refractive index (n) and extinction coefficient (k) are established in the wavelength range of 300–2500 nm. The energy band gap(Eg) and Urbach energy(Eu) with indirect and direct transitions are assessed using the Tauc model. It is found that the optical energy band gap shifts toward lower energy with increasing tungsten ions in the glass samples. It decreases from 2.815 eV to 2.41 eV and from 2.917 eV to 2.791 eV for indirect and direct band gaps calculation respectively, with increasing WO3 ions concentration from 0 to 5 mol%. The constant of dielectric function in form of real and imaginary parts are examined. Additional physical issues as steepness, skin depth, cut-off wavelength, dissipation factor, optical and electrical conductivities, molar reflectivity, molar polarizability, optical basicity, electronic polarizability and electronegativity are estimated as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In glasses with the composition 45P2O5–45PbO2− (10 - x) CdO– x MoO3, x = (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol%), melt quenching technique was used to fabricate these samples. The structural characteristics of the proposed glasses were determined using X-ray diffraction. Fabricated glasses were found to have a higher density and refractive index. The spectroscopic characteristics of fabricated glasses were evaluated using UV–VIs. Energy bandgap increases as the content of MoO3 increases, while Urbach energy decreases. Phy-X/PSD has been used to investigate radiation shielding properties. Mass attenuation coefficient values are positively affected by increases in the MoO3 ratio. G1 has the maximum half-value layer value, whereas G5 has the minimum. The exposure and energy absorption build-up factor (EBF and EABF) values decreased slightly as the MoO3 content increased. As a result, among all other glasses, G5 glasses have the best shielding capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glass system 42.5P2O5–42.5B2O3–( 15 - x ) Li2O– x MoO3 x = (0 , 2.5 , 5.10 and 15 ), was fabricated using a melt-quenching technique. Optical features are examined depending on measuring the absorption and transmission of the prepared glasses. The energy gap ( E opt ), increases from 2.23 to 2.49 e.V. Urbach ( E u ), decreases from 0.513 to 0.5 e.V. Basicity, polarizability, electronegativity, and some physical constants are determined. The temperature of the glass transition Tg, increases from 493 to 532 °C, the temperature of onset glass crystallization Tc increases from 493 to 532 °C and the temperature of the crystallization Tp increases from 606 to 636 °C. Radiation shielding properties have been examined by Phy-X / PSD. The impact of adding MoO3 to the glasses on their shielding ability was investigated. The lower value of the (MFP) sample has been detected at a higher MoO3 concentration and it is good radiation attenuation glasses. For radiation protection applications, the investigational glasses had superior characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tellurite glass systems become an essential component for several medical and nuclear technologies. Radiation shielding characteristics of a newly developed tellurite glasses containing Sb2O3 and V2O5 in energy range from 0.1 to 10 MeV are reported in this work. A FLUKA simulation along with a suitable theoretical model is carried out to examine the shielding performance of the involved glass system against gamma, neutron, and charged-particles radiations. HVLs of the TSP glasses vary in order of TSP-D < TSP-C < TSP-B < TSP-A, whereas both Zeff values and Neff values have the following tend: TSP-A < TSP-B < TSP-C < TSP-D. TSP-D has the biggest µen/ρ values in the present TSP glasses. Ranges of electron, proton, alpha, and carbon enhance by stages as energy rises. The ∑ R value of TSP-A is the highest among the TSP glasses. Penetration depth values boost as the neutron energy increases, whereas total cross-section values descend as the energy enhances. We found that the addition of Sb2O3 content plays an important role to evolve the shielding ability against gamma and thermal-neutron radiations; however, the Sb2O3 addition has no significant influence on the shielding ability against charged-particles and fast-neutron radiations. Therefore, the suggested glass system showed a potential use in the radiation application whether this is in a hospital or any nuclear facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, author investigate the mechanical characteristics of examined glasses and glass–ceramics by replacing Li2O for Y2O3. X-ray diffraction revealed the glasses' amorphous nature. FT-IR analysis revealed that as replacing Li2O for Y2O3, increase in bridging oxygens (BOs), whereas non-bridging oxygens are declining. By increasing the Y2O3 content, the mechanical characteristics of the investigated glasses can be improved. This improvement is correlated with enhanced rigidity of the glass matrix, which is accountable for the increment in both packing density and Y–O bond strength. The author discovered that when Li2O is substituted for Y2O3, the thermal variables, hardness, and elastic moduli of glasses and glass–ceramics increment. XRD analysis of crystalline phase of studied glasses demonstrates all the predicted phases. In this article, Y2O3 is described as a strong nucleating agent capable of causing crystallization and supporting in the establishment of glass–ceramic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, the physical, optical, and radiation shielding features of 65PbO–(20−x)B2O3–15Bi2O3–xAlO9P3 (x: 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mol%) glasses coded as PBB-Al0, PBB-Al1, PBB-Al2, and PBB-Al3, respectively, are presented. Gamma-ray linear and mass attenuation coefficients were estimated via FLUKA simulations and validated by XCOM calculations for photon energies between 0.1 and 10 MeV. Also, charged particles (electron (e−) proton (p+), α-particle (He2+) and carbon ion (C+)) attenuation competence, Σ R , σ tot , and scattering cross-section for fast, thermal, and cold neutrons of the glasses were estimated. With an increase in AlO9P3 doping rate, the glass density ρglass exhibits a downward trend from 7.358 to 6.987 g⋅cm−3 for PBB-Al0 to PBB-Al3, respectively. Contrary to this, the molar volume Vm grew from 36.06 to 39.77 cm3⋅mol−1, as a function of insertion ratio in AlO9P3 from 0 to 7.5 mol%. Optical parameters such as refractive index (n), dielectric constant (ϵ), molar refractivity (Rm), and molar polarizability (αm) of the glasses were found to vary depending on AlO9P3 content. Analysis of the obtained radiation shielding parameters revealed that gamma-ray shielding capacity of the glasses follows the trend PBB-Al0 > PBB-Al1 > PBB-Al2 > PBB-Al3. However, the influence of Al(PO3)3 on the charged particle shielding abilities of the glasses was insignificant. Furthermore, Σ R ranged between 0.1095 and 0.11113 cm−1. σ tot for thermal neutron declined as the weight fraction of B, Pb, and Bi declined in the glasses. On the other hand, the scattering cross-section of cold neutrons in the glasses rose throughout the considered energy spectrum as Al(PO3)3 concentration declined in the glass matrix. Comparatively, the investigated PBB-Alx glasses are superior gamma-ray photon shields than ordinary concrete, RS-360 commercial glass shield, P2 polymer, and some recently investigated glass shields. This study concludes that the presently investigated glasses have a significant role to play as alternative radiation shields in contemporary and future application of radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research article focuses on the significant role of Tb2O3 content on the optical properties and radiation shielding performance of Ga2O3–B2O3–Al2O3–GeO2 glasses named as GBAGT1, GBAGT2, GBAGT3, and GBAGT4 for Tb2O3 of 14, 18, 22 and 25 mol%, respectively. The findings of the optical study indicate that the optical dielectric constant of the present samples increased from 1.85 to 2.06 as the Tb2O3 content increased from 14 to 25 mol%. The results of the radiation shielding confirm that increasing Tb3+-dopant content in GBAGT4 increased its specific gamma ray constant (Γ) values over all other glass samples in the whole energy region. With increasing electron energy, the mass stopping power decreased for all samples and reached the minimum 1.372 and 1.327 (MeV cm2/g) for BGAGT1, BGAGT4, respectively, at 1 MeV electron energy. For a beam of neutrons of 0.1 meV, the total cross section in GBAGT1, GBAGT2, GBAGT3, and GBAGT4 was 294.54, 312.88, 317.24 and 311.69 (cm−1), respectively. The smallest MFP values of GBAGT4 glass sample in all energy regions confirm the superior shielding performance of the studied glass sample among other shielding materials namely traditional concrete and commercial polymers/glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the influence of La2O3 addition on the optical and photon shielding properties of 75P2O5 – (25-x)Ce2O3 –xLa2O3 (where x = 0, 5, 10, and 15 mol% coded as PCL-A, PCL-B, PCL-C, and PCL-D, respectively). The optical features of the P2O5−Ce2O3:La2O3 glass system were studied by determining several parameters such as optical transmission (T) and optical dielectric constant (εoptical). Using FLUKA simulations, the photon shielding parameters of the glass samples were estimated and analysed for photon energies in the range 284–2510 keV. The shielding parameters include the self-attenuation coefficients (Cf), transmission factors, linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), and radiation protection efficiency (RPE). LAC values were enhanced as La2O3 content of the glasses increased. Based on the estimated parameters, the RPE of the glasses follows the sequence: (RPE)PCL-A < (RPE)PCL-B < (RPE)PCL-C < (RPE)PCL-D. A comparison of the shielding effectiveness of the investigated glasses with some contemporary shields reveals that the PCL glasses show superior photon absorption capacity which makes them potential candidates for photon shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the elastic properties and radiation shielding ability of ZnO–P2O5/B2O3 glass system containing six samples named as ZBP1, ZBP2, ZBP3, ZBP4, ZBP5, and ZBP6. For ZBP1, ZBP2, ZBP3, and ZBP4 samples, we investigated the influence of ZnO/P2O5 substitution (with absence of B2O3), while the effect of P2O5/B2O3 substitution was studied and discussed for ZBP5, and ZBP6 samples. The findings indicate that the Young′s modulus (Eth) as well as Bulk modulus (Kth) and Shear modulus (Sth) increased under both the ZnO/P2O5 substitution and the P2O5/B2O3 substitution. The values of gamma constant (Γ) rise with growing energy levels and the highest Γ was observed around 10 MeV and they were of 111,33, 111,83,116,60,119,69,119,86,120,57 R.m2/Ci.h for the investigated glasses of ZBP1- ZBP2- ZBP3- ZBP4- ZBP5 and ZBP6, respectively. The stopping power (SP) for electron was around 3.30 MeV cm2/g at the energy of 0.1 MeV for all of the involved glasses. The maximum cross section for fast neutron was observed for ZBP6 with the value of 0.11432 cm−1. The ZBP6 sample has the best properties among the other investigated samples for shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The malachite green (MG) is very difficult to degrade in water; thus, it needs an efficient photocatalyst. In this study, neem extract was used to tune the surface and crystal properties of ZnO nanostructures for the photodegradation of MG. The biosynthesized ZnO samples were prepared by hydrothermal method in the presence of 5, 10 and 15 mL of neem extract. The structural characterization has shown nanoparticle like morphology of ZnO as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hexagonal phase was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The XRD analysis has shown a shift in the 2 theta towards lower angle for ZnO with increasing amount of neem extract. Also, the crystallite particle size of ZnO was decreased with increasing neem extract. The UV–visible spectroscopy has shown the decrease in the optical band gap of ZnO, and the lowest band gap is possessed by ZnO sample produced with 15 mL of neem extract. The ZnO sample obtained with 15 mL of neem extract has shown approximately 99% degradation efficiency for MG for 70 min in aqueous solution. The superior photocatalytic activity of ZnO sample with 15 mL of neem extract could be attributed from the decrease in charge recombination rate due to the decreased optical band gap and particle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the dye-sensitized solar cells has been enhanced using a modified ruthenium dye. Two modified ruthenium dyes with formulas: Ru(bpy)2(bqdi) (PF6)2 (Ru-D1) and Ru(bpy)2(dmbqdi) (PF6)2 (Ru-D2) were prepared with chemical route. The FT-IR, structure, thermal and optical properties of the synthesized dye were investigated using a range of analytical techniques: FT-IR spectrophotometer, XRD diffractometer, differential scanning calorimetry and UV–Vis. spectrophotometer. The structural properties measurements reveal the crystalline nature of Ru-D1 and amorphous nature of Ru-D2 dyes. The photovoltaic performance of the assembled dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on the modified ruthenium dye has been explored under 100 mW/cm2. The achieved open-circuit voltage (Voc) values are enhanced to 0.74 V and 0.70 V based on Ru-D1 and Ru-D2 dyes, respectively, as compared with unmodified one (0.6 V). 23% enhancement in Voc has been achieved for the assembled DSSC based on Ru-D1 dye as compared with that of unmodified one. The obtained power conversion efficiency are 1.46% and 1.13% for Ru-D1 and Ru-D2, respectively. The Voc decay measurements of the assembled DSSCs based on Ru-D1 and Ru-D2 have exhibited good stability and reproducibility. This novel result presents the modified ruthenium dye as an active candidate in DSCCs applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the synergetic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and porous Cu interlayer (PCI) on the intermetallic compound (IMC) formation and shear strength of Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC 305) solder system was investigated. The solder joints were prepared by subjecting two different series of MWCNTs-reinforced SAC 305 solder systems (i.e., SAC–0.01CNT and SAC–0.04CNT) sandwiched with porous Cu interlayer having pores per inch (PPI) of 15, 25 and 50 to reflow soldering on Cu substrate. Electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were used to view and detect the intermetallic compound phases, respectively. The scallop-shaped Cu6Sn5 IMC phase was observed at the solder/PCI interface, while on the other hand, an additional layer-type Cu3Sn IMC phase formed alongside the Cu6Sn5 IMC at the solder/Cu interface. Given the promising properties of PCI material, empirical findings showed that the presence of PCI in the solder joint inhibited the formation of interfacial IMC layer at the solder/Cu substrate with the SAC–0.01CNT–25PCI exhibiting the least IMC thickness. More so, the PCI material effectively enhanced the shear strength of the MWCNTs-reinforced composite solder joints. Generally, the strengthening capacity of the PCI material was greatly underscored in the SAC–0.01CNT–xPCI series with the sample prepared with PCI of 15 PPI demonstrating the superior shear strength of 21.1 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a wet chemical method was used to produce iron-doped CuO nanostructures. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to record sensor signals in a saline phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.3. Iron added into CuO nanostructures contributed electrons to the conduction band of CuO, showing a well-resolved electro-oxidation peak for uric acid. The developed sensor exhibits a wide linear range of uric acid concentrations from 0.05 mM to 4 mM. The limit of detection for the sensor was found to be 0.01 mM. The sensor is highly selective, sensitive, and stable. The results of the in vitro analysis of uric acid motivated the researchers to measure the uric acid from the marine shellfish Perna viridis and razor clam Solen dactylus. The obtained results reveal that the proposed sensor will help to avoid the gout and could be used as an early safeguard of human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO microstructures are produced in the presence of water-soluble amino acids by hydrothermal method. The used amino acids include isoleucine, alpha alanine, and arginine as a soft template and are used for tuning the morphology of CuO nanostructures. The crystalline and morphological investigations were carried out by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The XRD study has shown that CuO material obtained in the presence of different amino acids is of high purity and all have the same crystal phase. The CuO microstructures prepared in the presence of arginine were used for the development of sensitive and selective glucose biosensor. The linear range for the glucose detection are from 0.001 mM to 30 mM and limit of detection was found to be 0.0005 mM. The sensitivity was estimated around 77 mV/decade. The developed biosensor is highly selective, sensitive, stable and reproducible. The glucose biosensor was used for the determination of real human blood samples and the obtained results are satisfactory. The CuO material is functional therefore can be capitalized in wide range of applications such as lithium ion batteries, all oxide solar cells and supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catch and effort data analysis (CEDA) and ASPIC (a stock assessment production model incorporating covariates) computer software packages were used to estimate the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) from the catch and effort data of Greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil fishery of Pakistan from 1986 to 2009. In CEDA three surplus production models of Fox, Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson were used. Here initial proportion ( IP) of 0.5 was used because the starting catch was roughly 50% of the maximum catch. With IP = 0.5, the estimated MSY from Fox model were 20.59 mt and 38.16 mt for normal and log-normal error assumptions, while the MSY from Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson were 60.40, 60.40 and 60.40 mt, for normal, log-normal and gamma error assumptions respectively. The MSY values from Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models of three error assumptions were the same. The R values from those three models were above 0.6. When IP = 0.5, the MSY values estimated from ASPIC from Fox were 132 mt, and from logistic model were 69.4 mt, with R value above 0.8. Therefore we suggest the MSY of S. tumbil fishery from Pakistan to be 60-70 mt, which is higher than the latest catch, thus we would recommend that the fishing efforts for this fishery may be kept at the current level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maximum sustainable yield estimates of spiny lobster fishery were analyzed using catch effort data analysis (CEDA) computer programme. The major parameters of this package are: Maximum sustainable yield ( MSY), catchability coefficient ( q) carrying capacity ( K), intrinsic growth rate ( r), Replacement yield and Final population. CEDA has ability to assess the parameters of Fox, Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models. In addition it has an ability to estimate three error assumptions i.e. normal, log normal and gamma. In this study, the Maximum sustainable yield outputs of three models of Fox, Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson are: 828 t, 970 t and 970 t respectively. The outputs of error assumption of normal and log normal are 983 t ( R = 0.57) and 950 t ( R = 0.53) in Schaefer and Pella-Tomlinson models respectively. MSY outputs of normal error assumption of Fox are 817 t ( R = 0.56). All the gamma error assumptions are (790 t) similar. The coefficient of variation (cv) of the estimated MSY was about 0.7 and the larger value (1.0) whereas lowest (0.5) were recorded. The Fox model output are more conservative hence the best fits and is close to the annual average landings of the spiny lobster fishery in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence in the rat omentum of intercellular pores (the classical stomata of von Recklinghausen) between the mesothelial cells overlying aggregates of lymphoreticular cells (the classical milky spots of Ranvier) and the apparent migration of lymphocytes through these stomata were recorded for the first time by scanning electron microscopy. Previous studies on passage of cells across the peritoneum and omentum used experimentally administered cells, while in the present study no cells were administered to the rats and their own lymphocytes were observed in situ. The possible role of lymphocytes in the peritoneal cavity is also briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As seen by scanning electron microscopy, the mitochondrial helix in the developing midpiece of mouse testicular spermatozoa is dextral in direction and consists of spherical mitochondrial units arranged in an orderly array of four units per gyre: three appearing in face view and a fourth hidden from view at the back of the gyre. As the spermatozoa mature, the dextral helix is transformed into a sinistral helix. Its constituent spherical mitochondria either change direction abruptly without changing shape; or having first become semilunar or diamond-shaped, they change direction gradually. Mitochondrial division follows the change in helical pitch producing a double sinistral helix. The spherical (or semilunar/diamond-shaped) mitochondria presumably elongate to form the units of the mature midpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze-etch preparations of mesothelial cells taken from the peritoneum of mouse reveal the presence of vesicles invaginating the apical and the basal cell surfaces. These vesicles are scarcely seen within the cytoplasm. Long tortuous tubular profiles extend for considerable distance within the cytoplasm and are frequently associated with the vesicles. The possible nature and role of the vesicles and the tubules in transport phenomena across the mesothelial barrier, are discussed in relation to the pore theory advanced by physiologists and the 'stomata' concept observed by early German and contemporary anatomists. 'Occludens' junctions of the leaky type are seen though their macular or zonular nature is yet to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empty spaces are seen under both light and electron microscopes inside the taste buds of the dog lingual circumvallate papillae. They average 10 μ in diameter and 20 μ in length. Lacking endothelial lining, they are bordered directly by cell membranes of neighboring bud cells, and thus represent enlarged intercellular spaces. Intergemmal blood capillaries encircle the buds in close proximity to these intragemmal spaces. It is suggested that these spaces act as reservoirs for tissue fluid which may flow from them to the exterior via the intercellular spaces and the gustatory pores. This provides an effective mechanism whereby taste buds may be flushed of stimulating agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine morphology of, and the light microscopic distribution of ATPase in, pancreatic secretory capillaries suggest that they may be absorptive channels receiving material from the general blood circulation rather than secretory channels communicating with the duct system. This assumption is based upon many observations; 1. The pattern of microvilli of their wall differs from that of acinar lumen. 2. The material retained by them in ultrathin sections differs from that retained by acinar lumen. 3. They ramify, basally, to the level of Golgi region. 4. The lack of release of zymogen droplets in them. 5. Their points of origin from acinar lumen are controlled by zonulae occludentes. 6. Gulf-like extensions from the basal surface of acinar cell communicate with them. 7. Fenestrated blood capillaries run in their vicinity. 8. Blood capillaries and acinar cells share a joint basement lamina. 9. Light microscopically, ATPase activity is associated with their wall and not with the basal acinar cell surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original article Magnus Willander's last name is spelled incorrectly. It is correct as reflected here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the optical properties of alloyed lead zinc sulfide quantum dots (Pb0.8Zn0.2S QDs) photoanodes have been explored for optoelectronic applications. The alloyed QDs photoanodes were prepared by SILAR technique for different deposition cycles (0–8 times). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) were used to investigate the morphological and elemental measurements respectively. A UV–visible spectrophotometer was utilized to study the optical properties. The obtained energy band gap (Eg) values of the prepared photoanodes vary from 1.98 to 3.32 eV as the number of the deposition cycles is increased from 1 to 8 times. The best photovoltaic performance of the assembled QDs sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) is achieved for the 6 times SILAR deposition cycles. This result is mainly attributed to the absorption enhancement and the harmony of the energetic alignment levels of the prepared QDSSC's layers. The prepared alloyed photoanodes could be novel candidates in many optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and optical properties of RF sputtered Nb2O5 thin films are studied before and after gamma irradiation. The films are subjected to structural and surface morphological analyses by using X-ray (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope techniques. In the wavelength range of 300-2000 nm, the optical parameters for amorphous and crystalline Nb2O5 thin films are estimated at differently exposed γ-irradiation doses (0, 50, 100 and 200 kGy). The optical constants, such as optical energy band gap, absorption coefficient, refractive index and oscillators parameters of amorphous and crystalline Nb2O5 thin films are calculated. The optical band gaps of γ-irradiated amorphous and crystalline Nb2O5 thin films are determined. In the non-absorbing region, the real part of the refractive index of amorphous and crystalline Nb2O5 thin films slightly increases with the increase in the exposed γ-irradiation dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]