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Selective chemical synthesis using visible light is challenging. Herein we present photooxidation and subsequent acetalization of alcohols in tandem with high selectivity employing sulfur‐doped polymeric carbon nitride (CNS) under mild conditions. Distinctive electronic structure of CNS allows it to efficiently catalyze the oxidation of alcohols and subsequent acetalization of the obtained products with primary alcohols introduced at the outset. The process is green, utilizes visible light and air, and has a broad substrate scope with good activity and selectivity. Catalytic system works without any significant loss in activity after multiple reaction cycles, offers a sustainable way to produce a variety of acetals/ketals for green synthesis applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced photosynthesis is essential for improved plant survival and agricultural benefits in terms of biomass and yield. Photosynthesis is the hub of energy metabolism in plants; however, drought stress (DS) strongly perturbs photosynthetic efficiency due to biochemical and diffusive limitations that reduce key photosynthetic components and close stomata. This review describes photosynthetic responses, chloroplast retrograde signalling, and genetic imprints that curtail DS damage to photosynthetic machinery. While stomatal closure, disrupted photosynthetic systems, over‐reduced electron transport rates (ETR), partial hindrance of the Calvin cycle, and reduced pigment contents strongly affect the repertoire of photosynthetic processes under DS, chloroplast retrograde signalling also has a plausible role in preserving photosynthetic capacity. Progress in agronomic, genetic engineering approaches and isoprene regulation would help to rescue photosynthetic apparatus under DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lassa virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. It is responsible for Lassa fever, an acute viral zoonosis of the severe hemorrhagic fever type with manifestations of fever, muscle pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and chest and abdominal pain. Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa, where the first case was reported in 1969 in Lassa, a town in Nigeria, more than 50 years ago, and it is estimated that nearly 5000 deaths occur in West Africa each year. Nigeria is one of the endemic hotspots and has experienced numerous recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever due to the increased multiplication of the host reservoir, Mastomys natalensis. For the Lassa epidemics in 2022 and January 2023 alone, Nigeria accounts for a quarter of the annual deaths from this disease. Poor lifestyle and hygiene, difficulty in diagnosis due to nonspecific symptomatology, lack of effective treatment based on clinical evidence, an ineffective human immunization program combined with a health system that is not adapted or equipped to control and prevent recurrent deadly epidemics, and an outdated regional disease surveillance system in West Africa are some of the challenges that must be overcome to rapidly and effectively eradicate this disease, whose area of spread is constantly expanding as a result of the movement of populations in the context of economic and socio‐cultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising treatment for drug‐refractory epilepsies (DRE) when targeting the anterior nuclei of thalamus (ANT). However, targeting other thalamic nuclei, such as the pulvinar, shows therapeutic promise. Our pioneering case study presents the application of ambulatory seizure monitoring using spectral fingerprinting (12.15–17.15 Hz) recorded through Medtronic Percept DBS implanted bilaterally in the medial pulvinar thalami. This technology offers unprecedented opportunities for real‐time monitoring of seizure burden and thalamocortical network modulation for effective seizure reduction in patients with bilateral mesial temporal and temporal plus epilepsies that are not suitable for resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat grain quality, an important determinant for human nutrition, is often overlooked when improving crop production for stressed environments. Climate change makes this task more difficult by imposing combined stresses. The scenarios relevant to climate change include elevated CO2 concentrations (eCO2) and extreme climatic events such as drought, heat waves, and salinity stresses. However, data on wheat quality in terms of climate change are limited, with no concerted efforts at the global level to provide an equitable and consistent climate risk assessment for wheat grain quality. Climate change induces changes in the quality and composition of wheat grain, a premier staple food crop globally. Climate‐change events, such as eCO2, heat, drought, salinity stress stresses, heat + drought, eCO2 + drought, and eCO2 + heat stresses, alter wheat grain quality in terms of grain weight, nutrient, anti‐nutrient, fiber, and protein content and composition, starch granules, and free amino acid composition. Interestingly, in comparison with other stresses, heat stress and drought stress increase phytate content, which restricts the bioavailability of essential mineral elements. All climatic events, except for eCO2 + heat stress, increase grain gliadin content in different wheat varieties. However, grain quality components depend more on inter‐varietal difference, stress type, and exposure time and intensity. The climatic events show differential regulation of protein and starch accumulation, and mineral metabolism in wheat grains. Rapid climate shifting impairs wheat productivity and causes grain quality to deteriorate by interrupting the allocation of essential nutrients and photoassimilates. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green method is not only harmonious to our environment but saves time and is comparatively cheaper than other methods. The current study is aimed to synthesize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the green method by using the leaves of Loranthus pulverulentus Wall (LPW) which functioned as a reducing as well as capping agent. The synthesis of biogenic AgNPs was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis.), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The absorbance maxima of the synthesized AgNPs were observed in the range of 405–435 nm. The SEM was used to find out the size and shape of the synthesized AgNPs, which revealed that the NPs were rectangular having sizes from 05 to 16 nm. XRD revealed that the synthesized NPs were crystalline and face‐centered cubic (FCC). EDX analysis reflected the elemental composition of the synthesized product and showed that the percentage of silver = 92. FTIR was used to confirm the functional groups responsible for the reduction and stabilization of silver ions. It revealed that biomolecules present in plant extract were responsible for the reduction and stabilization of silver ions. The effect of temperature, pH, reaction time, silver nitrate concentration, and plant extract concentration on the synthesis of AgNPs were also investigated. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested against four bacterial strains which showed strong antibacterial activity. We conclude that biogenic silver nanoparticles could be used as antibacterial agents to treat various diseases. Research Highlights: Loranthus pulverulentus Wall leaf extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles.Effects of pH 3, 4, 6, 9, and 11, reaction time 5, 10, 20, 40 min, 1, 2, and 3 h, temperature 30, 40, 50, 60°C, silver nitrate concentration 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM and plant extract concentration 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g on the AgNPs synthesis were also studiedScanning electron microscopy analysis revealed a small size of synthesized silver nanoparticles (8 nm).The synthesized silver nanoparticles were found effective against various bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The optic nerve is surrounded by the extension of meningeal coverings of the brain. When the pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid increases, it causes a distention of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), which allows the use of this measurement by ultrasonography (US) as a noninvasive surrogate of elevated intracranial pressure. However, ONSD measurements in the literature have exhibited significant heterogeneity, suggesting a need for consensus on ONSD image acquisition and measurement. We aim to establish a consensus for an ONSD US Quality Criteria Checklist (ONSD US QCC). Methods: A scoping systematic review of published ultrasound ONSD imaging and measurement criteria was performed to guide the development of a preliminary ONSD US QCC that will undergo a modified Delphi study to reach expert consensus on ONSD quality criteria. The protocol of this modified Delphi study is presented in this manuscript. Results: A total of 357 ultrasound studies were included in the review. Quality criteria were evaluated under five categories: probe selection, safety, positioning, image acquisition, and measurement. Conclusions: This review and Delphi protocol aim to establish ONSD US QCC. A broad consensus from this process may reduce the variability of ONSD measurements in future studies, which would ultimately translate into improved ONSD clinical applications. This protocol was reviewed and endorsed by the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: It is unknown if patients with neuromuscular diseases prefer in‐person or virtual telemedicine visits. We studied patient opinions and preference on virtual versus in‐person visits, and the factors influencing such preferences. Methods: Telephone surveys, consisting of 11 questions, of patients from 10 neuromuscular centers were completed. Results: Five hundred and twenty surveys were completed. Twenty‐six percent of respondents preferred virtual visits, while 50% preferred in‐person visits. Sixty‐four percent reported physical interaction as "very important." For receiving a new diagnosis, 55% preferred in‐person vs 35% reporting no preference. Forty percent were concerned about a lack of physical examination vs 20% who were concerned about evaluating vital signs. Eighty four percent reported virtual visits were sufficiently private. Sixty eight percent did not consider expenses a factor in their preference. Although 92% were comfortable with virtual communication technology, 55% preferred video communications, and 19% preferred phone calls. Visit preference was not significantly associated with gender, diagnosis, disease severity, or symptom management. Patients who were concerned about a lack of physical exam or assessment of vitals had significantly higher odds of selecting in‐person visits than no preference. Discussion: Although neither technology, privacy, nor finance burdened patients in our study, more patients preferred in‐person visits than virtual visits and 40% were concerned about a lack of physical examination. Interactions that occur with in‐person encounters had high importance for patients, reflecting differences in the perception of the patient‐physician relationship between virtual and in‐person visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a composite of zerovalent copper‐biochar was investigated for its ability to remove lead from water. The prepared material was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffractomter (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pH effect on adsorption of lead was investigated within the range of 2–8 and the effect of temperature was studied at 303, 308, 313, and 318 K. The kinetics of lead adsorption on biochar composite was evaluated and the equilibrium time of 12 hr was established. To further evaluate the nature of adsorption, Langmuir model was tested and the adsorption capacities were evaluated for lead adsorption on the surface of copper biochar composite. The activation energy, entropy, and enthalpy values indicated the adsorption phenomenon to be chemisorptive and spontaneous in nature. Comparison of adsorption capacities with the reported adsorbents in the literature concluded zerovalent copper‐biochar composite to be an efficient adsorbent for the removal of lead in the experimental conditions under study. Research Highlights: Highly efficient composite of zerovalent copper with biochar was synthesized for lead adsorption.XPS and XRD shows the presence of zerovalent copper in the biochar composite.pH and temperature were the main governing factors in the adsorption process.Adsorption capacity for lead is higher than many of the reported adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial drug resistance is increasing with the passage of time due to wide and improper use of broad spectrum drugs and the demand of the new drug increases day by day. The present study was planned to encounter this problem by synthesizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by an eco‐friendly route using Cannabis sativa leaves extract. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were calcined at 100, 300, 600, and 900°C in a muffle furnace. The crystallographic parameters were studied by X‐ray diffraction and the phase transition occurred above 600°C. The surface morphology of the synthesized samples was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the particle size was measured through the ImageJ software. The elemental composition and purity of all the samples were studied by performing energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). All the synthesized TiO2 NPs were tested for their antimicrobial effect against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. The activity was found higher against Gram‐negative bacteria and compared to Gram‐positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe is the fourth abundant element in the earth crust. Fe toxicity is not often discussed in plant science though it causes severe morphological and physiological disorders, including reduced germination percentage, interferes with enzymatic activities, nutritional imbalance, membrane damage, and chloroplast ultrastructure. It also causes severe toxicity to important biomolecules, which leads to ferroptotic cell death and induces structural changes in the photosynthetic apparatus, which results in retardation of carbon metabolism. However, some agronomic practices like soil remediation through chemicals, nutrients, and organic amendments and some breeding and genetic approaches can provide fruitful results in enhancing crop production in Fe‐contaminated soils. Some quantitative trait loci have been reported for Fe tolerance in plants but the function of underlying genes is just emerging. Physiological and molecular mechanism of Fe uptake, translocation, toxicity, and remediation techniques are still under experimentation. In this review, the toxic effects of Fe on seed germination, carbon assimilation, water relations, nutrient uptake, oxidative damages, enzymatic activities, and overall plant growth and development have been discussed. The Fe dynamics in soil rhizosphere and role of remediation strategies, that is, biological, physical, and chemical, have also been described. Use of organic amendments, microbe, phytoremediation, and biological strategies is considered to be both cost and environment friendly for the purification of Fe‐contaminated soil, while to ensure better crop yield and quality the manipulation of agronomic practices are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary success of phytophagous insects depends on their ability to efficiently exploit plants as a source of energy for survival. Herbivorous insects largely depend on the efficiency, flexibility, and diversity of their digestive physiology and sophistication of their detoxification system to use chemically diverse host plants as food sources. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a polyphagous pest of many commercially important crops. To elucidate the ability of this insect pest to adapt to host plant mechanisms, we evaluated the impact of primary (corn) and alternate (rice) host plants after 11 generations on gut digestive enzymatic activity and expression profiles of related genes. Results indicated that the total protease and class‐specific trypsin‐ and chymotrypsin‐like protease activity of S. frugiperda significantly differed among host plant treatments. The class‐specific protease profiles greatly differed in S. frugiperda midguts upon larval exposure to different treatments with inhibitors compared with treatments without inhibitors. Similarly, the single and cumulative effects of the enzyme‐specific inhibitors TLCK, TPCK, and E‐64 significantly increased larval mortality and reduced larval growth/mass across different plant treatments. Furthermore, the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results revealed increased transcription of two trypsin (SfTry‐3, SfTry‐7) and one chymotrypsin gene (Sfchym‐9), which indicated that they have roles in host plant adaptation. Knockdown of these genes resulted in significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of the trypsin genes. This was related to the increased mortality observed in treatments compared with the dsRED control. This result indicates possible roles of S. frugiperda gut digestive enzymes and related genes in host plant adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among different abiotic stresses, drought stress is the leading cause of impaired plant growth and low productivity worldwide. It is therefore essential to understand the process of drought tolerance in plants and thus to enhance drought resistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that phytohormones are essential signaling molecules that regulate diverse processes of plant growth and development under drought stress. Plants can often respond to drought stress through a cascade of phytohormones signaling as a means of plant growth regulation. Understanding biosynthesis pathways and regulatory crosstalk involved in these vital compounds could pave the way for improving plant drought tolerance while maintaining overall plant health. In recent years, the identification of phytohormones related key regulatory genes and their manipulation through state-of-the-art genome engineering tools have helped to improve drought tolerance plants. To date, several genes linked to phytohormones signaling networks, biosynthesis, and metabolism have been described as a promising contender for engineering drought tolerance. Recent advances in functional genomics have shown that enhanced expression of positive regulators involved in hormone biosynthesis could better equip plants against drought stress. Similarly, knocking down negative regulators of phytohormone biosynthesis can also be very effective to negate the negative effects of drought on plants. This review explained how manipulating positive and negative regulators of phytohormone signaling could be improvised to develop future crop varieties exhibiting higher drought tolerance. In addition, we also discuss the role of a promising genome editing tool, CRISPR/Cas9, on phytohormone mediated plant growth regulation for tackling drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen is a limiting factor for plant growth and development under submerged and waterlogged conditions. Plants are subjected to a varying range of oxygen concentrations, such as normoxia, hypoxia and anoxia which may differ over time and space. To endure oxygen deprivation, plants have evolved a series of morphological and anatomical adaptations, which have been extensively studied. However, metabolic reactions and molecular regulation under oxygen deprivation are not well understood. A comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to oxygen deficiency for stress tolerance and integrated approaches are imperative for developing anoxia and hypoxia tolerant varieties for the flood‐prone and waterlogged areas. In this review, adaptations and recent advances in biochemical and molecular approaches during oxygen deprivation have been discussed. Acquiring tolerance against anoxia and hypoxia is an active process consuming a considerable amount of plant resources for the functional maintenance of post‐anoxia escape strategies. Understanding of biochemical and molecular mechanisms may help devise contemporary molecular and traditional breeding approaches, and management strategies to improve anoxia‐hypoxia tolerance in crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design and synthesis of bactericidal and fungicidal agents is very important to protect human beings from different diseases. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess good bactericidal properties. Synthesis of these nanoparticles (NPs) via green route is cost‐effective and environmentally harmonious as compared to the chemical and physical approaches. In this work, AgNPs were synthesized through green synthesis method using Populus ciliata leaf extract. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) techniques. The XRD pattern depicted the characteristic Bragg's peaks of (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes which are the features of face centered cubic (FCC) geometry of the synthesized AgNPs. TEM micrographs revealed the spherical shaped particles having average size of 4 nm. The AgNPs showed inhibitory effects against selected gram positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes) and gram negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes). The maximum zone of inhibition (26 mm) was observed for gram negative bacterium (Serratia marcescens) when 25 mg/ml solution of AgNPs was used and for similar concentration of these NPs, the maximum zone of inhibition (25 mm) was observed against gram positive bacteria (S. pyogenes). The results indicated good bactericidal potential of the synthesized AgNPs. Research Highlights: Populus ciliata leaf extract mediated synthesis of AgNPs.Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed very small size of the synthesized AgNPs (4 nm).The synthesized AgNPs were found very effective against various bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agribusiness is central to human life, and eco‐innovation is the key driving force behind economic and ecological growth. However, in developing countries, setting economic and environmental goals remains challenging for entrepreneurs. This article focuses on the perceived role of entrepreneurial opportunity identification (EOI) factors on eco‐innovation in Tunisian agribusiness. A combination of external and sustainable factors was used to create an integrated model to assess the potential of EOI for stimulating eco‐innovation and sustainable development. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the positive effect of these factors and investigate the mediating role of entrepreneurial alertness. The findings confirm (a) the positive influence of EOI factors on eco‐innovation, which serves as an innovative way for entrepreneurs to gain profits; (b) entrepreneurial alertness constitutes the most important factor for adopting eco‐innovation; (c) entrepreneurial alertness plays a mediating role between (1) prior knowledge and (2) social networks and eco‐innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, methylene blue (MB) removal has been studied from its aqueous solution, using Ficcus palmata leaves (FPL)‐based plant material. The effect of different parameters such as contact time (10–100) minutes, initial concentration (5–25) mg/L, pH (4–13), temperature (298–318 K), and adsorbent dosage (0.15–0.45 g/0.05 L) was investigated. The maximum removal efficiency was calculated to be 98% for sample having initial concentration 15 mg/L along with 0.45 g of adsorbent agitated for 80 min at 318 K and pH = 7. The data were fitted to adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) and kinetic models (pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, and intra‐particle diffusion). The data were found to be best fitted with Freundlich adsorption isotherm (R2 = 0.99) and pseudo‐second‐order (R2 = 0.991). Thermodynamic parameters (free energy change, enthalpy change, and entropy change) were also estimated. The Gibbs free energy values were found to be −1.808, −5.139, and −5.991 kJ/mol at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively. The decrease in free energy with increasing temperature has indicated spontaneity of adsorption process, and positive enthalpy change (35.75 kJ/mol) showed that the adsorption process was endothermic. 0.1 M HCl was found to be most effective desorbing agent with percent desorption 53.51%. Practitioner points: FP leaves are low cost and easily available biomass for removal of MB from aqueous solution.The adsorption capacity was obtained to be 6.89 mg/g at (15 mg/g dye concentration, pH = 7, and contact time 80 min).The maximum removal efficiency for MB was 98%.The thermodynamic studies indicated the endothermic adsorption process.The 0.1 M HCl was found as best desorbing agent for MB loaded on FP leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In plant–insect interactions, phytotoxins such as gossypol, exert a defensive role on behalf of the plant by interfering with the essential metabolic, biochemical and physiological pathways of herbivorous insects. The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), is a key pest for many important crops including a range of vegetables, ornamentals, and cotton. In this study, we investigated how resistance to deltamethrin relates to enzyme activity in gossypol‐pretreated larvae of S. exigua. RESULTS: Following selection with deltamethrin insecticides on gossypol‐pretreated larvae for 10 generations, the Gos‐SEL population developed a 113.29‐fold resistance. Under the same conditions, the Delta‐SEL selected population showed a 69.76‐fold increase in resistance along with corresponding levels of xenobiotic defense enzyme activity. Similarly, the fecundity of the Delta‐SEL population together with male and female longevity were found to be significantly lower when compared with the Gos‐SEL population and the laboratory susceptible‐strain group (SS‐Strain). In addition, the activities of cytochrome P450s in S. exigua were significantly enhanced when the insects were fed on a deltamethrin and gossypol‐pretreated diet compared with being fed on deltamethrin alone. CONCLUSION: The reproductive capacity of S. exigua is significantly reduced in Delta‐SEL and Gos‐SEL populations compared with the control group (SS‐Strain). Elevation of the major detoxification enzyme cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase might have an important role in inducing tolerance to deltamethrin in gossypol‐fed S. exigua populations. This study enhances our understanding of detoxification enzyme pathways for S. exigua gene expression and their role in responses to insecticides and plant secondary metabolites. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry Graphical figure shows the induced effect of gossypol on resistance to pyrethroid insecticide, enzymes activity and fitness gain parameters of spodoptera exigua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa is recently introduced to Pakistan as a salt‐tolerant crop of high nutritional value. Open field trials were conducted to evaluate its performance on normal and salinity/sodicity‐degraded lands at two locations of different salinity/sodicity levels, S1 (UAF Farm, Normal Soil), S2 (Paroka Farm UAF, saline sodic), S3 (SSRI Farm, normal) and S4 (SSRI Farm, saline sodic) during 2013–2014. Two genotypes (Q‐2 and Q‐7) were grown in lines and were allowed to grow till maturity under RCBD split‐plot arrangement. Maximum seed yield (3,062 kg/ha) was achieved by Q‐7 at normal field (S1) soil which was statistically similar with yield of same genotype obtained from salt‐affected field S2 (2,870 kg/ha). Furthermore, low yield was seen from both genotypes from both S3 and S4 as compared to S1 and S2. Q‐7 was best under all four conditions. Minimum yield was recorded from Q‐2 (1,587 kg/ha) at S4. Q‐7 had higher SOD, proline, phenolic and K+ contents, and lower Na+ content in leaves as compared to Q‐2. High levels of antioxidants and K+/Na+ of Q‐7 helped to withstand salt stress and might be the cause of higher yields under both normal and salt‐affected soils. Seed quality (mineral and protein) did not decrease considerably under salt‐affected soils even improved seed K+, Mg2+ and Mn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Selective release of hydrogen from formic acid (FA) is deemed feasible to solve issues associated with the production and storage of hydrogen. Here, we present a new efficient photocatalytic system consisting of CdS nanorods (NRs), Ni, and Co to liberate hydrogen from FA. The optimized noble‐metal‐free catalytic system employs Ni/Co as a redox mediator to relay electrons and holes from CdS NRs to the Ni and Co, respectively, which also deters the oxidation of CdS NRs. As a result, a high hydrogen production activity of 32.6 mmol h−1 g−1 from the decomposition of FA was noted. Furthermore, the photocatalytic system exhibits sustained H2 production rate for 12 h with sequential turnover numbers surpassing 4×103, 3×103, and 2×103 for Co–Ni/CdS NRs, Ni/CdS NRs, and CoCl2/CdS NRs, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the impact of research and development (R&D$$ \mathrm{R}\&\mathrm{D} $$) investment and financial development on environmental degradation measured by carbon emissions (CO2), and energy use along with some other variables in a panel of 12 Asian economies using balanced panel data from 1997 to 2020. The empirical estimates of fully modified ordinary least squares$$ \mathrm{fully}\ \mathrm{modified}\ \mathrm{ordinary}\ \mathrm{least}\ \mathrm{squares} $$ and dynamic ordinary least squares reveal that R&D$$ \mathrm{R}\&\mathrm{D} $$ spending, financial development, and globalization lower environmental degradation by reducing CO2$$ {\mathrm{CO}}_2 $$ emissions. In contrast, economic growth, energy use, population, and industrialization increase environmental degradation (Model 1). Moreover, economic growth, R&D spending, financial development, environmental degradation, and industrialization have a positive direct effect on energy use, whereas population and globalization have an inverse relationship with energy use (Model 2). These empirical findings recommend that the management authorities of Asian economies need to develop thoughtful action plans to achieve a balance between economic growth, financial and industrial development, and the accomplishment of sustainable development goals by reducing carbon emissions and sustaining energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) is attracting more and more attention for its thickness-depended direct band gap. As a new appearing 2D transition metal dichalcogenide, the studies on synthesis method via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is still rare. Here a systematically study on the CVD growth of continuous bilayer ReS2 film and single crystalline hexagonal ReS2 flake, as well as their corresponding optoelectronic properties is reported. Moreover, the growth mechanism has been proposed, accompanied with simulation study. High-performance photodetector based on ReS2 flake shows a high responsivity of 604 A·W−1, high external quantum efficiency of 1.50 × 105 %, and fast response time of 2 ms. ReS2 film-based photodetector exhibits weaker performance than the flake one; however, it still demonstrates a much faster response time (≈103 ms) than other reported CVD-grown ReS2-based photodetector (≈104-105 ms). Such good properties of ReS2 render it a promising future in 2D optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which reports a lyme disease and atypical cases of neuroborreliosis in children.

In the title compound, C17H21N3O3, the non-planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.212 Å) ethyl (oxo)acetate group is oriented towards the phenyl substituent. The triazole and benzene rings are twisted with respect to each other, making a dihedral angle of 41.69 (6)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are arranged into centrosymmetric R 2 (2)(10) dimers via pairs of C-H⋯O inter-actions involving the ethyl (oxo)acetate groups. In addition, the triazole rings show π-π stacking inter-actions, with their centroids at a distance of 3.745 (2) Å.