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This study employed machine learning, specifically deep neural networks (DNNs) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, to build a model for estimating acid rain pH levels. The Yangming monitoring station in the Taipei metropolitan area was selected as the research site. Based on pollutant sources from the air mass back trajectory (AMBT) of the HY-SPLIT model, three possible source regions were identified: mainland China and the Japanese islands under the northeast monsoon system (Region C), the Philippines and Indochina Peninsula under the southwest monsoon system (Region R), and the Pacific Ocean under the western Pacific high-pressure system (Region S). Data for these regions were used to build the ANN_AMBT model. The AMBT model provided air mass origin information at different altitudes, leading to models for 50 m, 500 m, and 1000 m (ANN_AMBT_50m, ANN_AMBT_500m, and ANN_AMBT_1000m, respectively). Additionally, an ANN model based only on ground station attributes, without AMBT information (LSTM_No_AMBT), served as a benchmark. Due to the northeast monsoon, Taiwan is prone to severe acid rain events in winter, often carrying external pollutants. Results from these events showed that the LSTM_AMBT_500m model achieved the highest percentages of model improvement rate (MIR), ranging from 17.96% to 36.53% (average 27.92%), followed by the LSTM_AMBT_50m model (MIR 12.94% to 26.42%, average 21.70%), while the LSTM_AMBT_1000m model had the lowest MIR (2.64% to 12.26%, average 6.79%). These findings indicate that the LSTM_AMBT_50m and LSTM_AMBT_500m models better capture pH variation trends, reduce prediction errors, and improve accuracy in forecasting pH levels during severe acid rain events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study primarily investigates the effect of fly ash (FA) content on the mechanical properties and hydration performance of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag cement (AAGC) and compares the related properties with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Additionally, we examined the hydration products; performed thermal analysis, MIP, and SEM; and determined chemically bound water and pH values of AAGC. The compressive strength of AAGC showed a retrogression phenomenon from 3 to 28 days, with the 14-day and 28-day compressive strengths of AAGC being higher than those of OPC. The AAGC with 20% FA content exhibited the highest 28-day compressive strength (75 MPa). The hydration heat release rate curve of OPC and AAGC was divided into the initial induction period, induction period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and steady period. As FA content increased, the 28-day pore volume of AAGC increased, while pH values and chemically bound water decreased. SEM images of AAGC with low FA content showed more microcracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lakes and reservoirs are an important sources of drinking water for human life. However, numerous water quality indexes show seasonal fluctuation under different climatic conditions. We conducted a one-year investigation of Taiping Lake in year 2022 to construct relationship between water quality parameters and water quality. High water temperature promotes the growth of algae, and the existence of N species could provide the essential nutrient substance for the growing of algae. Under the irradiation of sunlight, algae will consume carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release oxygen which can raise oxygen levels in the water. However, the rapid growth of algae could influence the acid-base balance in water through the consumption of carbon dioxide; thus, resulting in the increasing of pH values. These pH changes may pose a threat to drinking water.

In this study, Fe3O4/Ag magnetite-silver (MSx) nanocomposites were investigated as catalysts for advanced oxidation processes by coupling the plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles and the ferromagnetism of iron oxide species. A surfactant-free co-precipitation synthesis method yielded pure Fe3O4 magnetite and four types of MSx nanocomposites. Their characterisation included structural, compositional, morphological and optical analyses, revealing Fe3O4 magnetite and Ag silver phases with particle sizes ranging from 15 to 40 nm, increasing with the silver content. The heterostructures with silver reduced magnetite particle aggregation, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering. The UV–Vis spectra showed that the Fe:Ag ratio strongly influenced the absorbance, with a strong absorption band around 400 nm due to the silver phase. The oxidation kinetics of organic pollutants, monitored by in situ luminescence measurements using rhodamine B as a model system, demonstrated the higher performance of the developed catalysts with increasing Ag content. The specific surface area measurements highlighted the importance of active sites in the synergistic catalytic activity of Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposites in the photo-Fenton reaction. Finally, the straightforward fabrication of diverse Fe3O4/Ag heterostructures combining magnetism and plasmonic effects opens up promising possibilities for heterogeneous catalysis and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minced meat is a valuable source of nutrients, but it is vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms commonly present in the environment. Additionally, there is a risk of adulteration with cheaper meat sources, which can be harmful to consumers. Aim: It is crucial to identify meat adulteration with distinct microbiological analysis for legal, economic, religious, and public health purposes. Methods: A total of 100 minced meat samples were collected from several markets in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. These samples were then subjected to bacteriological testing and an advanced multiplex PCR method. This method enables the detection of bovine, equine, porcine, and dog species in meat samples with just one step. Results: The adulterated samples had a higher total bacterial count and pH values compared to pure bovine meat. These differences in bacterial count and pH values were statistically significant, with p-values of 0.843 (log10) and 0.233, respectively. The frequency of E. coli occurrence was 13%, and the O111 serotype was predominant in the adulterated samples. Listeria monocytogenes and S. aureus were isolated with prevalence rates of 3% and 29%, respectively. Besides, the SYBR-green multiplex real-time PCR assay used in this study detected adulteration with dog, equine, and porcine meats in the examined samples at rates of 9%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Conclusion: This method provides a sensitive and specific approach to detect issues related to well-being and safety. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(1.000): 389-397]

This study primarily investigates the effect of fly ash (FA) content on the mechanical properties and hydration performance of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag cement (AAGC) and compares the related properties with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Additionally, we examined the hydration products; performed thermal analysis, MIP, and SEM; and determined chemically bound water and pH values of AAGC. The compressive strength of AAGC showed a retrogression phenomenon from 3 to 28 days, with the 14-day and 28-day compressive strengths of AAGC being higher than those of OPC. The AAGC with 20% FA content exhibited the highest 28-day compressive strength (75 MPa). The hydration heat release rate curve of OPC and AAGC was divided into the initial induction period, induction period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and steady period. As FA content increased, the 28-day pore volume of AAGC increased, while pH values and chemically bound water decreased. SEM images of AAGC with low FA content showed more microcracks.

In the present work, the photodegradation of Rhodamine B with different pH values by using Bi2O3 microrods under visible-light irradiation was studied in terms of the dye degradation efficiency, active species, degradation mechanism, and degradation pathway. X-ray diffractometry, polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence spectrophotometry, diffuse reflectance spectra, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, total organic carbon, and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy analysis techniques were used to analyze the crystal structure, morphology, surface structures, band gap values, catalytic performance, and mechanistic pathway. The photoluminescence spectra and diffuse reflectance spectrum (the band gap values of the Bi2O3 microrods are 2.79 eV) reveals that the absorption spectrum extended to the visible region, which resulted in a high separation and low recombination rate of electron–hole pairs. The photodegradation results of Bi2O3 clearly indicated that Rhodamine B dye had removal efficiencies of about 97.2%, 90.6%, and 50.2% within 120 min at the pH values of 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0, respectively. In addition, the mineralization of RhB was evaluated by measuring the effect of Bi2O3 on chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon at the pH value of 3.0. At the same time, quenching experiments were carried out to understand the core reaction species involved in the photodegradation of Rhodamine B solution at different pH values. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometer analysis of pre- and post-Bi2O3 degradation showed that BiOCl was formed on the surface of Bi2O3, and a BiOCl/Bi2O3 heterojunction was formed after acid photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the catalytic degradation of active substances and the possible mechanism of the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B over Bi2O3 at different pH values were analyzed based on the results of X-ray diffractometry, radical capture, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, total organic carbon analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The degradation intermediates of Rhodamine B with the Bi2O3 photocatalyst in visible light were also identified with the assistance of liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minced meat is a valuable source of nutrients, but it is vulnerable to contamination by microorganisms commonly present in the environment. In addition, there is a risk of adulteration with cheaper meat sources, which can be harmful to consumers. Aim: It is crucial to identify meat adulteration with distinct microbiological analysis for legal, economic, religious, and public health purposes. Methods: A total of 100 minced meat samples were collected from several markets in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. These samples were then subjected to bacteriological testing and an advanced multiplex PCR method. This method enables the detection of bovine, equine, porcine, and dog species in meat samples with just one step. Results: The adulterated samples had a higher total bacterial count and pH values compared to pure bovine meat. These differences in bacterial count and pH values were statistically significant, with p-values of 0.843 (log10) and 0.233, respectively. The frequency of Escherichia coli occurrence was 13%, and the O111 serotype was predominant in the adulterated samples. Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated with prevalence rates of 3% and 29%, respectively. Besides, the SYBR-green multiplex real-time PCR assay used in this study detected adulteration with dog, equine, and porcine meats in the examined samples at rates of 9%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Conclusion: This method provides a sensitive and specific approach to detect issues related to well-being and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient synthesis of myofibrillar protein(MRN)-gallic acid (GAD) complex in ultrasound (UID)-assisted processing is a challenging problem in food manufacturing. In this investigation, the effect of viscosity characteristics on the efficiency of UID processing in MRN-based beverages was analyzed. Both viscosity and surface tension can increase sono-physico-chemical effects on the degradation of terephthalic acid and crystal violet, with surface tension having a more significant effect (negative correlation, R2 = 0.99) than viscosity (positive correlation, R2 = 0.79). The structural indicators and microstructure demonstrated that the reaggregation and refolding of the MRN structure during the modification procedure occurred with relatively small three-dimensional dimensions. Compared to the MRN/GAD4 group, the water contact angle of the MRN/GAD7 system enhanced by 129.44%, leading to greater system stability. The ABTS-scavenging capacity of the system increased by approximately 19.45% due to the increase in viscosity of these two categories.

The current study attempts to evaluate the formation, morphology, and physico-chemical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Clinopodium vulgare extract at different pH values and to investigate their antimicrobial and biomedical application potential. The reduction of zinc ions to ZnO NPs was determined by UV spectra, which revealed absorption peaks at 390 nm at pH 5 and 348 nm at pH 9, respectively. The spherical morphology of the nanoparticles was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the size was 47 nm for pH 5 and 45 nm for pH 9. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to reveal the presence of functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity was examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella pneumonia via the agar-well diffusion method. Comparatively, the highest activities were recorded at pH 9 against all bacterial strains, and among these, biogenic ZnO NPs displayed the maximum inhibition zone (i.e., 20.88 ± 0.79 mm) against S. aureus. ZnO NPs prepared at pH 9 exhibited the highest antifungal activity of 80% at 25 mg/mL and antileishmanial activity of 82% at 400 mg/mL. Altogether, ZnO NPs synthesized at pH 9 show promising antimicrobial potential and could be used for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corrosion performance of WC-12Co after different post heat treatments (1100 °C, 1100 °C + 400 °C, 1100 °C + 500 °C, 1100 °C + 600 °C), were tested in 0.05 M H 2 SO 4 , 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 , and 0.1 M NaOH. Heat treatments influence the corrosion performance of WC-12Co in acidic and neutral environments. However, the corrosion properties for WC-12CO in alkaline solutions are independent of the heat treatments. W and C diffuse to Co from the quenching process, dramatically improving corrosion resistance, with higher annealing temperature slightly reduces the corrosion performance. The rank of corrosion nucleation parameter tested by EIS and potentio-dynamic polarisation, with the corrosion expansion rate measured by potentio-static polarisation at +0.2 V SCE , + 0.5 V SCE , and + 0.8 V SCE for 30 min are not the same. The corrosion mechanism tested in different pH values is analysed using SEM, XPS, and DFT calculations. • Heat treatments are applied on WC-12Co to increase W/C and adjust fcc/hcp ratio in Co. • The selective dissolution phase is Co in H 2 SO 4 and Na 2 SO 4 , which is opposed in NaOH. • The corrosion rate is more related to the corrosion product. • The rank of corrosion nucleation potential and corrosion propagation rate is different. • Localised corrosion forms in WC-12Co in acidic and alkaline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms in source waters challenges water treatment processes. During a successive bloom, typical characteristics of elevated cell-density and pH were observed from development to maintenance stage. However, studies about their influences on the coagulation process have been limited. Here, PACl coagulation experiments were conducted to investigate Microcystis removal with varied pH and cell-density. Results showed that PACl coagulation alone was sufficient to remove Microcystis with low cell-density (105–106 cells mL−1), since an elevated pH value (8.5–9.5) can promote PACl coagulation, possibly ascribed to sweeping cells via neutral gelatinous precipitate of alum. Nevertheless, elevated cyanobacterial biomass was a striking factor in decreasing Microcystis removal (80%–100%) by PACl coagulation, since its inhibitory effects on the coagulation process could not be offset by in situ elevated pH value. Chlorination-assisted (1 mg L−1) coagulation was recommended to treat cyanobacteria-laden source waters with high cell-density of >107 cells mL−1, as it promoted cyanobacterial removal and achieved the highest removal ratio of DOC and turbidity among these treatments. These findings will provide an important reference for water supplies to choose the proper water treatment process to treat cyanobacteria-laden source waters during a successive bloom. HIGHLIGHTS Elevated pH (8.5–9.5) enhanced cyanobacterial removal by PACl coagulation.; Elevated cell-density (107 cells mL−1) hindered cyanobacterial removal by PACl coagulation.; Coagulation alone was sufficient to remove cyanobacteria of 105–106 cells mL−1.; Pre-chlorination was necessary to treat elevated cyanobacterial biomass of 107 cells mL−1.;

The current study attempts to evaluate the formation, morphology, and physico-chemical properties of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Clinopodium vulgare extract at different pH values and to investigate their antimicrobial and biomedical application potential. The reduction of zinc ions to ZnO NPs was determined by UV spectra, which revealed absorption peaks at 390 nm at pH 5 and 348 nm at pH 9, respectively. The spherical morphology of the nanoparticles was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the size was 47 nm for pH 5 and 45 nm for pH 9. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to reveal the presence of functional groups on the surface of nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity was examined against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella pneumonia via the agar-well diffusion method. Comparatively, the highest activities were recorded at pH 9 against all bacterial strains, and among these, biogenic ZnO NPs displayed the maximum inhibition zone (i.e., 20.88 ± 0.79 mm) against S. aureus. ZnO NPs prepared at pH 9 exhibited the highest antifungal activity of 80% at 25 mg/mL and antileishmanial activity of 82% at 400 mg/mL. Altogether, ZnO NPs synthesized at pH 9 show promising antimicrobial potential and could be used for biomedical applications.

[Display omitted] • Preheating treatment at alkaline pH can reduce the average particle size and turbidity of thermal aggregates. • The smaller particle size helps to form a tight gel network structure. • With increasing the preheating temperature and pH, the WHC and gel strength of gels improved. The goals of this study were to investigate the effect of preheating conditions on the formation of thermal aggregates of commercial soy isolate protein (SPI) and to characterize the textural properties and microstructure of acid-induced SPI gels. SPI was subjected to preheating treatments at different temperatures (85 °C, 95 °C) and pH values (7.0, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5), and the treated SPI was then used to form acid-induced gels. Characterization of the different gels showed that lower temperatures and pH values favored protein aggregation and the formation of larger aggregates, while higher temperatures and pH values led to a lower degree of aggregation and the formation of smaller aggregates. The lowest average particle size (340.77 nm) and turbidity (0.063), and the highest solubility (81.79 %) were obtained when the preheating temperature of the thermal aggregates was 95 °C and the pH was 9.5. Higher preheating temperature and pH values caused the unfolding of SPI's tertiary structure, decreased the content of β-sheet structure, and increased the exposure of hydrophobic groups and free sulfhydryl groups. These exposed groups facilitated protein–protein interactions during network assembly, resulting in denser and stronger gel networks. Notably, SPI subjected to higher temperatures and pH values exhibited greater binding capacity for water molecules, higher water holding capacity, and gel strength. Overall, the results showed that modification of preheating temperature and pH can control the formation state of SPI thermal aggregates, ultimately impacting the properties of SPI acid-induced gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mycelium-free supernatant (MFS) of a five-day-old culture medium of Fusarium oxysporum was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The experimental design of the study was to answer the question: can this production process of AuNPs be controllable like classical chemical or physical approaches? The process of producing AuNPs from 1 mM tetrachloroauric (III) acid trihydrate in MFS was monitored visually by color change at different pH values and quantified spectroscopically. The produced AuNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The presence of capping agents was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Two AuNP samples with acidic and alkaline pH were selected and adjusted with the pH gradient and analyzed. Finally, the size and zeta potential of all samples were determined. The results confirmed the presence of the proteins as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs and confirmed the production of AuNPs at all pH values. All AuNP samples exhibited negative zeta potential, and this potential was higher at natural to alkaline pH values. The size distribution analysis showed that the size of AuNPs produced at alkaline pH was smaller than that at acidic pH. Since all samples had negative charge, we suspect that there were other molecules besides proteins that acted as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs. We conclude that although the biological method of nanoparticle production is safe, green, and inexpensive, the ability to manipulate the nanoparticles to obtain both positive and negative charges is limited, curtailing their application in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to assess the blood physiology and antioxidant and immune responses of the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) following pH changes in the water. P. olivaceus (mean weight 95.7 ± 6.5 g and mean length 21.4 ± 1.3 cm) were exposed to the different pH levels (pH 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) for 2 weeks. Blood physiology parameters, such as the levels of hematocrit, magnesium, glucose, glutamic oxalate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly altered by low (acidic) pH or high (alkaline) pHs. With regard to antioxidant responses, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities in the liver were significantly altered by the pH changes, but there were no significant changes of these activities in the gill tissues. The immunoglobulin M levels increased significantly at pH 10 after 2 weeks. The results of this study suggest that pH changes (acidity: < pH 6, alkalinity:> pH 9) affect blood physiology, as well as antioxidant and immune responses in P. olivaceus.

• Pb(OH) 3 - adsorption by C-A-S-H is mainly chemisorption with spontaneity. • Pb(Ⅱ) Adsorption behavior by varied Ca/Si and Al/Si ratios of C-A-S-H are studied. • Active Si-OH (Q1 or Q2b) dehydrate and condense with Pb(OH) 3 - to form Si-O-Pb bonds. • Pb(Ⅱ) can partially replace Ca(Ⅱ) in C-A-S-H during the adsorption process. • Pb(OH) 3 - preferentially forms Si-O-Pb in the 2SA-S-Pb transformation pathway. Calcium silicate aluminate hydrate (C-A-S-H) is the main hydration product and its porous adsorption property can effectively inhibit Pb(II) leaching from alkaline pore solution of alkali-activated municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash compacts. The study examines how different ratios of Ca/Si and Al/Si in C-(A)-S-H affect Pb(II) adsorption behavior and mechanism in high alkaline conditions. The results showed that Al-doped C-A-S-H gels have increased specific surface area and cumulative pore volume, and slightly decreased average pore size. Pb(OH) 3 - adsorption by C-A-S-H was mainly chemisorption with spontaneity. Temperature, pH value, Al/Si and Ca/Si ratios of C-A-S-H affected Pb(II) adsorption. Equilibrium adsorption capacity (Q e) initially increased then decreased with higher Al/Si for C-A-S-H with Ca/Si 0.60 but decreased with higher Al/Si for Ca/Si 1.20. Active Si-OH (Q1 or Q2b) and Al-OH (Q2(1Al)) in aluminosilicate tetrahedra chains dehydrate and condense with Pb(OH) 3 - to form Si-O-Pb or Al-O-Pb bonds. Higher interlayer water content in low Ca/Si and Al/Si C-A-S-H facilitated ion exchange during Pb(II) adsorption. After adsorption, aluminosilicate tetrahedra chain length increased while interlayer water content decreased. Ca(II) and Pb(II) in C-A-S-H underwent partial ion exchange during the adsorption process. Simulation results indicate Pb(OH) 3 - was more likely to polycondensate with silica tetrahedral bridging oxygen in Si 2 AlO 2 (OH) 8 to form Si-O-Pb than Al-O-Pb bonds. These findings provide theoretical support for designing dosages of alkali activators and doped aluminosilicate minerals to improve the solidification efficiency of Pb(II) in alkali-activated MSWI fly ash compacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central South University is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The mycelium-free supernatant (MFS) of a five-day-old culture medium of Fusarium oxysporum was used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The experimental design of the study was to answer the question: can this production process of AuNPs be controllable like classical chemical or physical approaches? The process of producing AuNPs from 1 mM tetrachloroauric (III) acid trihydrate in MFS was monitored visually by color change at different pH values and quantified spectroscopically. The produced AuNPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The presence of capping agents was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Two AuNP samples with acidic and alkaline pH were selected and adjusted with the pH gradient and analyzed. Finally, the size and zeta potential of all samples were determined. The results confirmed the presence of the proteins as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs and confirmed the production of AuNPs at all pH values. All AuNP samples exhibited negative zeta potential, and this potential was higher at natural to alkaline pH values. The size distribution analysis showed that the size of AuNPs produced at alkaline pH was smaller than that at acidic pH. Since all samples had negative charge, we suspect that there were other molecules besides proteins that acted as capping agents on the surface of the AuNPs. We conclude that although the biological method of nanoparticle production is safe, green, and inexpensive, the ability to manipulate the nanoparticles to obtain both positive and negative charges is limited, curtailing their application in the medical field.

In this study, experiments were designed to reveal in-depth information of the effect of pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on biohydrogen fermentation from liquid swine manure supplemented with glucose using an Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (ASBR) System. Five values of HRT (8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h) were first tested and the best HRT determined was further studied at five pH levels (4.4, 4.7, 5.0, 5.3, and 5.6). The results showed that for HRT 24 h, there was a dividing H2 content (around 37%) related to the total biogas production rate for the ASBR System running at pH 5.0. When the H2 content went beyond 37%, an appreciable decline in biogas production rate was observed, implying that there might exist an H2 content limit in the biogas. For other HRTs (8 through 20 h), an average H2 content of 42% could be achieved. In the second experiment (HRT 12 h), the highest H2 content (35%) in the biogas was found to be associated with pH 5.0. The upswing of pH from 5.0 to 5.6 had a significantly more impact on biogas H2 content than the downswing of pH from 5.0 to 4.3. The results also indicated good linear relationships of biogas and H2 production rates with HRT (r=0.9971 and 0.9967, respectively). Since the optimal ASBR operating conditions were different for the biogas/H2 production rates and the H2 yield, a compromised combination of the running parameters was determined to be HRT 12 h and pH 5.0 in order to achieve good biogas/H2 productions.

The measurement of pH value of solutions is crucial in many fields of modern science. We deposited MWCNTs coating on a planar capacitive structure consisting of interdigitated gold and aluminium electrodes on a flexible Kapton foil substrate, to develop the pH sensors. MWCNTs coating acts as an H+ ion sensing layer. The complete structural, mechanical and electrical characterization has been performed. The sensors involve supplying gold/aluminium electrodes with an input voltage and measuring the changes in the capacitance, resistance and impedance when the sensor chip is exposed to different pH solutions. The experimental setup was built for dipping the sensors in the sample liquids of different pH values from 4 to 9, being very flexible, reproducible and robust. • pH sensors fabricated using two conductive materials gold (Au) and aluminium (Al). • MWCNT coating was created on the top of IDC sensor structure to increase sensitivity. • Complete structural, mechanical and electrical characterization has been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with two wells in the country of Brno-district (Brčálka well and Well Olšová). The aim of work was monitoring of elementary parameters of water at regular monthly intervals to measure: water temperature, pH values, solubility oxygen and spring yield. According to the client's requirements (Lesy města Brno) laboratory analyzes of selected parameters were done twice a year and their results were compared with Ministry of Health Decree no. 252/2004 Coll.. These parameters: nitrate, chemical oxygen demand (COD), calcium and magnesium and its values are presented in graphs, for ammonium ions and nitrite in the table. Graphical interpretation of spring yields dependence on the monthly total rainfall and dependence of water temperature on ambient temperature was utilized. The most important features of wells include a water source, a landmark in the landscape, aesthetic element or resting and relaxing place. Maintaining wells is important in terms of future generations.

According to the principles of simultaneous equilibria and mass equilibria, CuInSe2 (CIS) were prepared by total aqueous process at normal pressure and room temperature. A series of thermodynamic equilibrium equations were deduced for the complex system of Cu+-In3+-Se2--NH3-L2--Cl--H2O (T=298 K), and the equilibrium curves of lgc-pH were drawn. It was found from these equilibrium diagrams that[NH3]T primarily affected the[Cu+]T concentration,[L2-]T influenced the[In3+]T concentration, and[Cl-]T had impact on both. The highest precipitation coefficient was obtained at pH 7.0-8.5. As a result, based on the principles of simultaneous equilibria and mass equilibria of the Cu+-In3+-Se2--NH3-L2--Cl--H2O system (T=298 K) and used total aqueous process at normal pressure and room temperature, CIS nanoparticles can be synthesized by adjusting the pH value to 7.0-8.5, and their size is about 20 to 50 nm.

The effect of pH values on the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in simulated acidic soils was investigated by weight-loss measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and polarization curve analysis. When the pH values are 4.0, 4.5 and 5.1, the corrosion rate of Q235 steel are 0.68, 0.48 and 0.42 mm·a-1, respectively. With the increase of soil pH values, the rust becomes more compact and the etch pits change from narrow and deep to wide and shallow. All the corrosion products are mainly composed of SiO2, α-FeOOH, γ-FeOOH, Fe2O3 and Fe3O4, and the mass ratio of α-FeOOH/γ-FeOOH in the corrosion products is higher with increasing pH values. Additionally, polarization curve analysis shows that when the soil pH value rises, the corrosion potential of Q235 steel increases, the corrosion current density decreases, and the corrosion rate becomes lower.

Copyright of Al-Mustansiriyah Journal of Science is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lead-free Bi 0.5 (Na 0.8 K 0.2 ) 0.5 TiO 3 (abbreviated as BNKT) thin films were grown on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrates using a sol-gel/spin coating technique and were then annealed at different temperatures (350 °C, 550 °C, 750 °C and 850 °C). Analysis of the XRD patterns and FT-IR spectra were used to determine the main reactions and the phase formation process of BNKT thin films during the sol-gel process. The results show that the dielectric constant of the thin films attains a maximum at a set temperature and then decreases at higher annealing temperatures, which can be attributed to phase formation and transformation. Moreover, the morphologies of the BNKT thin films improve with the increase in grain size and the formation of distinct grain boundaries. Furthermore, through increasing the pH of the precursor solutions, the size of the sol-gel colloidal particles increases slightly and the grains formed from the corresponding solutions tend to be small and uniform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton transfer mechanism on the carbon cathode surface has been considered as an effective way to boost the electrochemical performance of Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitors (SCs) with both ionic liquid and organic electrolytes. However, cheaper, potentially safer, and more environmental friendly supercapacitor can be achieved by using aqueous electrolyte. Herein, we introduce the proton transfer mechanism into a Zn-ion hybrid supercapacitor with the ZnSO4 aqueous electrolyte and functionalized activated carbon cathode materials (FACs). We reveal both experimentally and theoretically an enhanced performance by controlling the micropores structure and hydrogen-containing functional groups (−OH and −NH functions) of the activated carbon materials. The Zn-ion SCs with FACs exhibit a high capacitance of 435 F g−1 and good stability with 89% capacity retention over 10,000 cycles. Moreover, the proton transfer effect can be further enhanced by introducing extra hydrogen ions in the electrolyte with low pH value. The highest capacitance of 544 F g−1 is obtained at pH = 3. The proton transfer process tends to take place preferentially on the hydroxyl-groups based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The results would help to develop carbon materials for cheaper and safer Zn-ion hybrid SCs with higher energy.

A series of Co 3 O 4 catalysts were prepared at different pH values via a facile precipitation method and their catalytic performances were evaluated for complete methane combustion. The catalysts were characterized by various techniques such as BET, XRD, SEM, XPS, Raman, H 2 -TPR and NH 3 -TPD. It is observed that the pH values in the process of preparation significantly influenced the catalytic activity and long-term stability and the Co 3 O 4 -9.0 catalyst showed the best performance. The influence of pH values in the methane combustion activity was discussed on basis of the microstructure, surface and reduction properties of catalysts. The superior performance of Co 3 O 4 -9.0 catalyst would origin from the higher ratios of A Tetrahedral /A Octahedral and O ads /O latt , although it has the smallest surface area and biggest crystalline size. That is to say, the tetrahedral sites Co 2+ concentration and surface active oxygen species play a decisive role for the catalytic activity of methane combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many civil engineering constructions, soft clayey soils are often stabilized with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) whose production process is energy intensive and emits a large quantity of CO. In this paper, an OPC-based clay stabilizer (CSCN) which contains some eco-friendly materials is studied to compare with OPC by investigating the mechanical properties of the stabilized clays. Microstructural and mineralogical studies using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are performed to reveal the mechanisms controlling the development of the strength and modulus. The test results indicate that the compressive strength and secant modulus increase with increasing the content of CSCN and curing age. To achieve the equivalent improvement of the strength and modulus, much less CSCN is needed relative to OPC, which illustrates that CSCN can be a more effective and relatively eco-friendly clay stabilizer. The analysis on pH values and moisture consumption indicates that the hydration and pozzolanic reactions in CSCN-stabilized clays may be quicker than those in OPC-stabilized clays. The microstructural analyses confirm the formation of C-S-H gels in stabilized clays and the types of C-S-H gels are dependent upon the Ca/Si molar ratio according to EDX results. The types and amounts of new minerals in stabilized clays are the possible mechanisms controlling the enhancement of mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon aerogels were synthesized through a sol-gel process by polycondensation of phloroglucinol, resorcinol and formaldehyde, using salicylic acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid and succinic acid as the acid catalyst, respectively. The effects of reactants solution pH values on the gel time were studied, and the structure of carbon aerogels was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The specific surface area, pore size distribution and pore volume were measured by surface area analyzer. Electrochemical properties of carbon aerogels were measured by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The results show that the gel time was the shortest and the specific surface area of carbon aerogel was the highest, up to 753 m g, and the specific capacitance was 97 F g at pH 1.58 in the presence of oxalic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, there have been several attempts to deliver anticancer drugs into the body. It has been shown that compared to other available carriers, colloidal gelatin nanoparticles (CGNPs) have distinct properties due to their exceptional physico‐chemical and biological characteristics. In this study, a novel water‐soluble palladium (II) anticancer complex was first synthesised, and then loaded into CGNPs. The CGNPs were synthesised through a two‐step desolvation method with an average particle size of 378 nm. After confirming the stability of the drug in the nanoparticles, the drug‐loaded CGNPs were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cells. The results showed that the average drug encapsulating efficiency and drug loading of CGNPs were 64 and 10 ± 2.1% (w/w), respectively. There was a slight shift to higher values of cumulative release, when the samples were tested in lower pH values. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity test indicated that the number of growing cells significantly decreased after 48 h in the presence of different concentrations of drug. The results also demonstrated that the released drug could bind to DNA by a static mechanism at low concentrations (0.57 µM) on the basis of hydrophobic and hydrogen binding interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot dip galvanizing technology is now widely used as a method of protection for steel rebars. The corrosion behaviors of Q235 carbon steel and hot galvanized steel in a Ca(OH)2 solution with a pH from 10 to 13 was investigated by electrode potential and polarization curves testing. The results indicated that carbon steel and hot galvanized steel were both passivated in a strong alkaline solution. The electrode potential of hot dip galvanized steel was lower than that of carbon steel; thus, hot dip galvanized steel can provide very good anodic protection for carbon steel. However, when the pH value reached 12.5, a polarity reversal occurred under the condition of a certain potential. Hot dip galvanized coating became a cathode, and the corrosion of carbon steel accelerated. The electrochemical behaviors and passivation abilities of hot dip galvanized steel and carbon steel were affected by pH. In the higher pH solutions, passivation occurred with ease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) could regulate physiological functions in the gastrointestinal tract. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of GABA on colon health in mice. The female Kunming mice were given GABA at doses of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg/d for 14 days. Afterwards, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentrations, pHvalues, colon index, colon length and weight of colonic and cecal contents were determined to evaluate the effects of GABA on colon health. The results showed that intake of GABA could increase the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total SCFAs in colonic and cecal contents, as well as the weight of colonic and cecal contents. The colon index and length of the 40 mg/kg/d GABA-treated group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, decrease of pH values in colonic and cecal contents was also observed. These results suggest that GABA may improve colon health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen/sulfur co-doped and hierarchical porous graphene hydrogels (DHGHs) are prepared by facile self-assembly process. The results show that the pH values of preparation process significantly affect the microstructures and electrochemical properties of DHGHs and the mechanism has been discussed. The as-prepared DHGHs can be directly used as binder-free electrodes to assemble full-cell supercapacitor devices. It is surprising that the DHGHs prepared at basic condition (DHGH-12) delivers a specific capacitance of 251 F g −1 (0.5 A g −1 ). Moreover, the DHGH-12 shows rectangular cyclic voltammetry shape at a high scan rate of 3000 mV s −1 and symmetrical galvanostatic charge/discharge curves at 100 A g −1 which exhibits a specific capacitance of 136.5 F g −1 , a high energy density of 4.74 Wh kg −1 and high power density of 25.47 kW kg −1 . Additionally, DHGH-12 presents superior cycling stability (96.8% retention after 2000 cycles at 20 A g −1 ) in 6 M KOH solution. Therefore, the novel DHGHs can be considered as promising candidate for high energy density supercapacitors at high rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of fermentation and aerobic stability were evaluated in corn silage inoculated with different doses of Lactobacillus buchneri. The whole corn plant (300 g/kg DM) was ensiled in quadruplicate laboratory silos (7L). L. buchneri 40788 was applied at 5×10(4), 1×10(5), 5×10(5) and 1×10(6) cfu/g of fresh forage. Silages with no additive were used as controls. After 130 d of ensiling, the silages were subjected to an aerobic stability evaluation for 12 days, in which chemical and microbiological parameters as well as the temperature of the silage were measured to determine the aerobic deterioration. The addition of L. buchneri resulted in increased acetic acid concentrations. The number of yeast colonies was low in all treated silages. The pH, lactic and propionic acid concentrations did not differ between silages. Under aerobic conditions, all the treated silages showed a low number of yeasts and a great aerobic stability. Therefore, L. buchneri is effective against yeasts and improves the aerobic stability of corn silage in laboratory silos. However, doses equal or superior to 1×10(5) cfu/g of fresh forage were more efficient in the control of aerobic spoilage.

Nanocomposites which consist of polymer matrix and nanoparticles of noble metal are a very important class of nanomaterials. The optical properties of these materials are strongly dependent on the nanoparticles size as well as on the synthesized procedure of nanocomposites preparation. In this work the Au nanoparticles were synthesized by the simple radiolytic procedure, using steady state gamma irradiation, under different pH values. PVA/Au nanocomposite films were obtained by solvent evaporation from Au colloids. UV-Vis absorption spectra of Au colloids show absorption in the range of 450 to 650 nm with the maximum around 520 nm, which is the typical plasmon band of Au nanoparticles. Absorption spectra of PVA/Au nanocomposites are red shifted compared to corresponding primary Au colloids. This red shift is not result of any change in particle size distribution and can be explained by the change of dielectric property of surrounding medium. IR spectra indicated anchoring the OH groups of PVA molecule at the cluster surface. This effect limits the growing of the metal clusters and confirmed that the PVA is a god matrix for in situ synthesis of Au nanoparticles. The size of Au nanoparticles is dependent on the experimental conditions. Obtained results indicated that the pH value of solution played an important role. The values of absorption maximum (λmax) were not dependent on the concentration of Au cations, but show strong dependence on the pH value of the initial solution. The increase of pH value reduced the mean diameters of nanoparticles. The lowest value of λmax was obtained for colloid with pH 7, which theoretically corresponds to the nanoparticles with minimum dimension. These results are in agreement with the XRD measurement of PVA/Au nanocomposite films and theoretical calculations. According to obtained results of radiolytic synthesis of Au nanoparticles in PVA solution can be conclude that it is possible to control the particle size by tuning the pH value of solution.

Heterostructure Bi 2 MoO 6 -g-C 3 N 4 composites with different pH values were prepared by a facile impregnation method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by various physicochemical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, UV–vis and FT-IR. The obtained samples exhibited highly photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The Bi 2 MoO 6 -g-C 3 N 4 sample obtained at pH = 7 exhibited the best photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the prepared sample showed good stability and recyclability properties which were beneficial for its practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black glutinous rice is known to have an antioxidant property due to the presence of phenolic compounds and anthocyanin. In this study, the antioxidant properties of black glutinous rice solution fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus were determined at different final pH values. Black glutinous rice grain was milled to become powder with the size of less than 595 μm, soaked in distilled water at a ratio of 1:5 for 30 min at room temperature and heated at 95±1°C for 30 min. The heated rice solution that had a pH of 5.90±0.00 was aseptically inoculated with Lb. bulgaricus at a level of 104 to 107 cfu/ml and incubated at 41±1°C until the pH of the fermented rice solution reached a value of 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0. During the fermentation time, the number of Lb. bulgaricus increased between 1.33 and 4.33 log cfu/ml. Both parameters of lactobacilli inoculation levels and final pH values of the fermented rice solution affected the antioxidant properties of the final rice product. At a final pH of 4.5, the level of anthocyanin improved from 15.43±1.05 to 23.15±0.16 mg/g when the inoculation levels of Lb. bulgaricus increased from 4.0 to 7.0 log cfu/ml. A similar finding was also found for phenolic compounds of the fermented rice solution at a final pH of 4.0. On the other hand, the content of phytic acid decreased from 17.92±2.19 to 5.59±2.69 μg phytic acid equivalents/ml in the fermented rice solution as the inoculation levels of the lactobacilli increased, irrespectively to the final pH value. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was determined in the fermented rice solution added with the lowest inoculation level of Lb. bulgaricus when the final pH values of rice solution were 4.0 and 4.5. A combination of an inoculation level of 7.0 log cfu/ml Lb. bulgaricus and a final pH of 4.5 produced a fermented rice solution with the highest anthocyanin (23.15±0.16 mg/g) and phenolic contents (114.93±1.66 μg gallic acid equivalents/g) and the lowest phytic acid of 5.59±2.69 μg phytic acid equivalents/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-powered means of slaughter chickens production cause on certain individuals abnormal biochemical development of postmortal changes in their muscles. It consequently lead to interferences of sensory quality of the chicken meat. So called myopathies of the chicken breast meat occur in the low extent. It is typical variation in dark colouring of breast muscle. Veterinary supervision confiscates chickens embodying myopathy by reason of sensorical unacceptable dark muscle colour. Deepness of colour is evaluated by adspection of veterinary supervisors. It is tendency leading to find out objective parameters for evaluating this sensual chicken meat colour variation. Incidence of the chickens with myopathy has been evaluating for 3 years in big poultry slaughter, therewithal high-quality chickens and chickens with perspicuous myopathy have been taking out of slaughter-line. Electric conductivity values and pH values were measuring during 60 till 330 minutes post mortem in breast muscles. Aproximately 9 millions chicken was annually slaughtered and 13 thousands of them was confiscated out of the slaughter line by reason of myopathy. It amounts to 0.14 per cent of annually count of processed chickens. Myopatical chickens had significantly higher muscle pH values as compared with healthy ones. Healthy chicken muscles decreased on ultimative pH values aproximately past 3 hours post mortem. It means pH 6.03, and after 300 minutes decreased to pH 5.82. However, myopatical chickens values varied from pH 6.46 to pH 6.30. Concurrently measured values of electric conductivity significantly corellated with pH values. Whereto, it's predication of similarity chicken myopathies and dark, firm, dry (DFD) pork or turkey meat. Beyond unacceptable dark meat colour have disadvantage in poor post mortem acidifying of the meat and in consequence of microbial proteolyse. Significantly correlation between pH and electric conductivity values foreshadows on identification of myopatical chicken meat by means of conductivity measuring.

La condición PSE (pálida, suave y exudativa) altera el color, la textura y el sabor de la carne, acidificándola y ocasionándole baja retención de agua, menor valor nutricional y rechazo por el consumidor. Para determinar la presencia de la característica PSE se hace medición de pH a 45 minutos (pH45) y a 24 horas post-mortem (pH24), en 520 canales de cerdo. Los valores medios de pH45 indican que el 33.65% de las canales son PSE, el 47.12% es carne normal y el 19.23% se clasifica como DFD (oscura, firme y seca). El pH24 indica aumento de PSE llegando al 68% de las canales, mientras que los porcentajes de carne normal (31.23%) y DFD (0.77%) disminuyen. Al comparar el cambio de los estados de la carne entre 45 minutos y 24 horas, el 62.44% de la carne normal pasa a ser PSE, el 87% de carne DFD pasa a ser PSE, y el 94.85% de carne PSE continua igual. Las canales presentan alta incidencia de la condición PSE tanto a 45 minutos, como a 24 horas, indicando problemas antes y después del sacrificio. Existe diferencia altamente significativa (P < 0.01) para los tres estados de la carne evaluados entre las mediciones de pH45 y pH24.The PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat condition alters the color, the texture and the flavor of pork, increasing its acidity and occasioning low water retention, low nutritional level and rejection by the consumer. To determine the presence of the PSE characteristic, the pork carcasses are evaluated by pH measurements at 45 minutes (pH45) and 24 hours (pH24 after the slaughter of the pigs. The mean pH45 values indicate that 33.65% of the carcasses present the PSE condition, 47.12% are Normal and 19.23 % can be described as DFD (dark, firm and dry). The pH24 values indicate an increase in the PSE carcasses up to 68% while the normal and DFD ones decrease to 31.23 % and 0.77%, respectively. Comparing the change of the meat characteristics from 45 min to 24 hours, after the pig slaughter , it is observed that 62.44% of the normal meat and 87% of DFD one become PSE meat and 94.85% of the initial PSE one does not suffer any transformation. The pork carcasses present high incidence of the PSE characteristics at 45 minutes as well as 24 hours, indicating that there is problems before and after the slaughter of the pigs. High statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) is found for the three meat conditions evaluated at pH45 and pH24.

The use of metals and alloys in dentistry has seen remarkable progress due to the deep research on their biocompatibility or the application of advanced technologies to improve surface properties by controlling material/environment interactions occurring in the mouth. The biocompatibility of metals and alloys is a consequence of the presence of the surface oxide layer. The chemical properties and therefore the interface chemical processes are determined precisely by this oxide layer and not the metal itself. The material response to changes in pH, to the application of force or the degrading effects of fluids may impair biocompatibility. Corrosion resistance, an important feature of the biocompatibility, can be verified by studying the electrochemical behaviour of metals and alloys in specific environments. This paper presents some research results on the corrosion behaviour of Co-Cr biomaterial composition in aqueous solutions with different pH (Fusayama - Meyer artificial saliva, Hank’ s and Ringer’ s solutions, citric acid) given that many of chemical reactions in the mouth are extremely sensitive to the environmental pH. The electrochemical methods used (free potential, potentiodynamic curves and cyclic polarization) are relevant methods for studying interactions of materials - specific environment of use/exploitation. Research has shown different behaviour of the alloy according to the pH, the chloride content and the oxidizing nature of the environment.

Li 2 MnO 3 -coated LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 materials are successfully synthesized by sol–gel method. The effects of various pH values and Li 2 MnO 3 contents on the structural and electrochemical properties of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 cathode materials are systematically investigated, respectively. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer confirm that the particles of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 are completely coated by crystalline Li 2 MnO 3 phase. Electrochemical tests show that suitable Li 2 MnO 3 -coated samples exhibit higher rate capacity and better cycling performance than those of the pristine one. This improvement can be attributed to the synergetic contribution from the neutral pH value and appropriate Li 2 MnO 3 amount. The neutral pH environment can protect the core material from damaging during the coating process and is conducive to relieving the rapid moisture uptaking problem of LiNi 0.5 Co 0.2 Mn 0.3 O 2 . While, suitable Li 2 MnO 3 coating can protect the bulk from directly contacting the electrolyte and offer a fast Li + diffusion path at the interface of bulk and electrolyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using targeted genetical genomics, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting the initial postmortem pH value of chicken breast muscle (Pectoralis major) on chromosome 1 (GGA1) recently was fine-mapped. Thirteen genes were present in the QTL region of approximately 1 Mb. In this study, 10 birds that were inferred to be homozygous for either the high (QQ) or low (qq) QTL allele were selected for resequencing. After enrichment for 1 Mb around the QTL region, >500 x coverage for the QTL region in each of the 10 birds was obtained. In total 5056 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified for which the genotypes were consistent with one of the QTL genotypes. We used custom tools to identify putative causal mutations in the mapped QTL region from these SNPs. Four nonsynonymous SNPs differentiating the two QTL genotype groups were identified within four local genes (PRDX4, EIF2S3, PCYT1B, and E1BTD2). Although these are likely candidate SNPs to explain the QTL effect, 54 additional consensus SNPs were detected within gene-related regions (untranslated regions, splicing sites CpG island, and promoter regions) for the QQ birds and 71 for the qq birds. These could also play a role explaining the observed QTL effect. The results provide an important step for prioritizing among a large amount of candidate mutations and significantly contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms affecting the initial postmortem pH value of chicken muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of pure and well dispersed lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG) powder is crucial and important for the preparation of LuAG transparent ceramics. In this paper, high purity and well dispersed LuAG powders have been synthesized via co-precipitation method with lutetium nitrate and aluminum nitrate as raw materials. Ammonium hydrogen carbonate (AHC) was used as the precipitant. The influence of aging time, pH value, and dripping speed on the prepared LuAG powders were investigated. It showed that long aging duration (>15 h) with high terminal pH value (>7.80) resulted in segregation of rhombus Lu precipitate and Al precipitate. By decreasing the initial pH value or accelerating the dripping speed, rhombus Lu precipitate was eliminated and pure LuAG nano powders were synthesized. High quality LuAG transparent ceramics with transmission >75% at 1064 nm were fabricated using these well dispersed nano LuAG powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pH during co-precipitation on the structural and physicochemical properties of a FeVO 4 /TiO 2 –WO 3 –SiO 2 catalyst was investigated by using XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, BET, TPD, TPR and XPS. The as-prepared catalysts were tested in an NH 3 -SCR reaction within a wide temperature range of 175–500 °C. When the active component FeVO 4 was synthesized at pH = 4.5, the corresponding catalyst (FeVO 4 -4.5-C) showed the best catalytic activities with high resistance to H 2 O and SO 2 poisoning under a gas hourly space velocity of 30,000 h −1 . It could even reach over 90% NO x conversions in a wide temperature range of 246–476 °C with relatively high N 2 selectivity in the presence of 10% H 2 O. Taking the structure performances into consideration, the FeVO 4 /TiO 2 –WO 3 –SiO 2 may be defined as a kind of structure-sensitive catalyst. For such FeVO 4 -4.5-C, the SEM and TEM results showed that it displayed relatively uniform particles and crystal morphologies with the smallest average particle sizes. The NH 3 -TPD patterns showed that it had the largest amount of acid sites. The H 2 -TPR and XPS results indicated that the remarkably improved redox performance and deep surface-enrichment of FeVO 4 played a key role in its enhanced catalytic performance. The surface-enrichment and the particle sizes effect induced, synergistically, a larger amount of oxygen vacancies. All of the above-mentioned account for the excellent catalytic performance. Summarizing these characterization results, it can be concluded that the pH values adopted during the synthesis can greatly affect the nano-structures and morphologies, which play a dominant role in the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth molybdate single-crystallites were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at different pH values. The as-fabricated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM); it has been found that the pH values of the precursors can significantly influence the structures of the products. Under the Bi/Mo ratio of 2:1 conditions (a nominal composition of Aurivillius structure), low pH leads to the formation of γ-Bi2MoO6 with Aurivillius type structure, while neutral and higher pH values lead to the formation of γ- Bi2MoO6/Bi2O3 composite, and Bi2O3, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the samples with different structures were measured for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under simulated sunlight irradiation. Among the as-fabricated bismuth molybdate samples, the γ-Bi2MoO6 exhibited superior photocatalytic efficiency to the γ- Bi2MoO6/Bi2O3 composite and the Bi2O3, mainly due to its unique layered Aurivillius structure, smaller band gap structures and smaller particle sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]