Search

A series of Cu(OH)2/g-C3N4 photocatalysts were fabricated via precipitation and sonoprecipitation. Various physicochemical and electrochemical techniques were employed to investigate the physical and optical properties of the samples, while their photocatalytic performance was studied based on the water splitting. Based on the observations, Cu(OH)2 was nominated as an stable and highly efficient non-precious cocatalyst for photocatalytic H2 generation. 4Cu(OH)2/C3N4(U) sample demonstrated the highest performance (187 μmol/h/g) among the other samples with various loading of Cu(OH)2 which is 31 times higher than pure C3N4. This enhancement was because of the important role of Cu(OH)2 as electron traps and active sites. Additionally, the photoactivity of the sono-synthesized photocatalyst was significantly higher than the one synthesized by precipitation method by 67%. The findings confirmed the promoting influence of ultrasound irradiation on providing well intimate cocatalyst-semiconductor interfacial contact, higher surface area and better dispersion of cocatalysts. This could facilitate the efficient transfer of electrons to cocatalyst and decrease charge carriers recombination where supported by PL, EIS and transient photocurrent results. This study addresses the sonochemical method as a promised rout for fabrication of a closely contact interface which is a key parameter to achieve more efficient noble metal free cocatalysts.

The urea-nitrate combustion and homogeneous precipitation methods have been comparatively examined for the preparation of CuO/CeO2/ZrO2/Al2O3 catalysts. Their physicochemical properties, as well as...

Historic urban areas are the beating heart of the city, but neglecting them can lead to low resilience. Therefore, paying attention to their regeneration can create a sustainable city. The purpose of this study was to determine the resilience of neighborhoods in Tehran and evaluate effective criteria for the resilience increase. In this study, to evaluate the resilience of Tehran, initially, 18 criteria were considered. Then, using the Delphi technique, 14 criteria among them were selected for final analysis. Using the AHP multi-criteria decision-making method, the importance of each criterion was determined. Using GIS capabilities, the parameters map was prepared, and by combining the prepared maps with AHP weights, a resilience map was created. Finally, 20 neighborhoods with the lowest resilience were identified as priorities for stabilization and regeneration measures, and the criteria status used in them was examined. Results showed that deteriorated urban areas (19.53%) and construction materials (18.51%) were the most important criteria. Non-resilience areas were generally in the southern half of the city. 78% of 20 selected neighborhoods had deteriorated urban areas, while only 14% of the city deteriorated. Finally, by examining the criteria in neighborhoods with the lowest resilience, suggestions were made to regeneration, sustainability, and increase the resilience of these neighborhoods.

Patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 are principally at risk of emerging superinfections, particularly those caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, in this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the presence of bacteria in endotracheal aspirate samples in severe COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation between 20 February 2020 and 21 September 2020 in Mazandaran Heart Center Hospital, Iran. Outcomes were compared between ICU patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (corona group) and those who suffer from other disease (non-corona group). Out of 38 subjects who met the diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ICU, 22 and 16 patients in corona and non-corona groups, respectively, were enrolled in the study. Hospital length of stay in 27% of case in corona group was > 10 days. Also, SOFA score was > 10 in 64% and 25% of corona and non-corona groups, respectively (P

Background: Hyperglycemia during coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) strongly predicts intra- and post-operative adverse consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of glycemic management during CABG in an academic center regarding peripheral blood and coronary sinus values. Methods: This prospective descriptive study encompassed 55 eligible patients undergoing on-pump CABG surgery in 2020. Peripheral blood glucose (BG) was measured four times, before anesthesia induction (T0), before cardiopulmonary bypass pump (CPB) (T1), during CPB (T2), at the end of CPB (T3), and at the end of surgery (T4). The surgeon also took a sample of the coronary sinus BG. Results: The BG variations from T0 to T4 were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The higher values detected in the ASA class III compared to ASA classes II were statistically significant at T1 (P = 0.01) and T2 (P = 0.025): patients with the higher BMI showed the higher levels of BG. In this regard, the differences were significant at T0 (P = 0.0001), T2 (P = 0.004), and T3 (P = 0.015). Regarding coronary sinus, the mean BG was 222.18 ± 75.74 mg/dL. It was also observed that the ASA class III (P = 0.001), longer duration of CPB (P = 0.021), higher IV fluid volume administrated during surgery (P = 0.023), higher BMI (P = 0.0001), and less urine volume at the end of surgery (P = 0.049) were significantly associated with the higher BG of the coronary sinus. Conclusions: The existing glycemic management protocols on the CABG patients were acceptable in our hospital. However, the BG level of the coronary sinus was higher than the peripheral one.

Background: Compared to the general population, persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at increased risk of suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) was used successfully to treat individuals with MDD. Here, we conducted a randomized clinical trial and pilot study, and tested the effectiveness of rTMS adjuvant to a standard pharmacological treatment among persons with MS, compared to a sham condition. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 persons with MS (mean age: 32 years; 42.5% females; median EDSS score: 4) and with moderate to severe symptoms of depression were randomly assigned to the rTMS or to the rTMS sham condition, always as adjuvant intervention to the standard treatment with sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). rTMS consisted of 10 sessions each of 37.5 min; the sham condition was identical to the active condition except for the absence of rTMS stimuli. At the beginning and two weeks after the end of the study, participants reported on their fatigue, while experts rated the severity of participants’ depressive symptoms (Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale; MADRS), cognitive performance (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA), and degree of disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale; EDSS). Results: Data were analyzed per intent-to-treat. Scores for depression, fatigue, and EDSS declined significantly over time (large effect sizes), but more so in the rTMS condition than in the sham condition (large effect sizes for the time by group-interactions). Compared to the sham condition, scores for depression were significantly lower in the rTMS condition. Scores for cognition improved over time in both study conditions (large effect size). Conclusion: Compared to a sham condition, adjuvant rTMS to a standard pharmacological treatment ameliorated typical MS-related symptoms (depression; fatigue; EDSS scores). Results from this pilot study suggested that rTMS might be routinely applied in persons with MS displaying symptoms of depression and fatigue.

Introduction: The COVID-19 has been associated with many problems for the general public and especially health care workers (HCWs). This study conducted to provide predictors of COVID-19 outcomes on HCWs in Rasht, Iran.Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, 381 HCWs with positive RT-PCR or high-resolution lungs computed tomography for COVID-19 from February 21 to April 19, 2020 evaluated. The prevalence, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological presentations and outcomes and their correlation were studied.Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 in HCWs was 5.62%, and the total mortality rate was 0.2%. The mortality rates were different between genders (P=0.002) and in general ward compared to intensive care unit (P=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, age (OR:1.12, 95%CI 1.02–1.23, P=0.014), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR:10.73, 95%CI 1.91–60.3, P=0.007), blood group B (OR:19.2, 95%CI 1.8–199.984, P=0.013), the presence of peribronchovascular involvement (OR:1.1, 95% CI OR:1.02–1.2, P=0.019), dyspnea on admission (OR:1.05, 95%CI 1.01–1.09, P=0.013), higher neutrophil count (OR:1.09, 95%CI 1.04–1.14, PP=0.001), and longer prothrombin time (OR:1.027, 95%CI 1.008–1.046, P=0.005) increase the risk of mortality. The cutoff of 90% for oxygen saturation on admission (sensitivity=91.9%, specificity=88.9%) and 1004 for absolute lymphocyte count (sensitivity=81.8%, specificity=66.6%) were estimated as predictors of mortality.Conclusions: Old age, male sex, underlying disease of DM and hypertension, O2 saturation less than 90%, and absolute lymphocyte count less than 1004/mL in HCWs are prone to adverse outcomes such as the need for mechanical ventilation or death.

Background For men, early ejaculation is a serious health concern. Here, we tested the influence of modafinil (Profinil®) on early ejaculation. To this end, we performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial among men with early ejaculation. Methods A total of 46 men with early ejaculation (mean age: 37.35 years) and in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile-vaginal intercourse were randomly assigned either to the modafinil (100 mg) or to the placebo condition. Compounds were taken about 4–6h before intended penile-vaginal intercourse. At baseline and four weeks later at the end of the study, participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering early ejaculation. Female partners also rated their male partners’ early ejaculation profile. Results Dimensions of early ejaculation improved over time, but only so in the modafinil condition, while no improvements were observed in the placebo condition. Conclusions Among male adults in stable marital relationships with regular weekly penile-vaginal intercourse modafinil improved dimensions of early ejaculation, always compared to placebo. Given the strong effect of modafinil on cognitive-executive processes, it is conceivable, that modafinil acted both via physiological and cognitive-executive pathways.

Magnetic MgO/MgFe2O4 nanocatalysts synthesized by microwave-assisted combustion method by using various fuel ratios and employed in the production of biodiesel. To evaluate the influence of microwave heating, its results were compared to those of conventional furnace. MgO was dispersed on all the samples using simple and cost-effective impregnation method. Characterizations of the magnetic spinel nanocatalysts were performed via XRD, FESEM, SPSD, BET-BJH, FTIR, TG and EDX analyses. Accordingly, the sample synthesized by microwave irradiation with a fuel ratio of 1.5 exhibited the largest effective area and pore volume and appropriate pore size for transesterification reaction with coarse molecules.

Purpose Although customer satisfaction (CS) has been evaluated through using statistical and decision-making techniques so far, no research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has been conducted for implementing both groups simultaneously and clarifying the different or similar aspects of the results given by these techniques. The purpose of this paper is to compare the techniques and clarify these unknown aspects. Design/methodology/approach First, the effect of the elements related to service marketing mix on CS was examined by using structural equation model (SEM). Then, the statistical methods such as Friedman test (FT) and SEM, and decision-making technique such as Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were systematically compared for prioritizing the elements of service marketing mix. The sample included 159 special customers of an anonymous bank in Bojnurd, Iran. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by using Cronbach’s α (r=0.934). In addition, SPSS, Expert Choice and Smart PLS software were used. Findings Based on the results, FT and AHP method had exactly the same ranking for the elements of the marketing mix, as well as almost identical relative weights. The ranking included people, process, product, physical evidence, place, price and promotion, respectively, while the SEM technique had very different outcomes. Finally, none of the methods could assure the marketer to come to a reliable decision separately. Originality/value In this study, the authors’ contribution is the understanding of the role of an effective marketing mix evaluation technique selection on marketing strategy. Different techniques had different and in some cases even contradicting outcomes.

Non-noble metal Ni with different loadings was coated on precipitated CeO2–ZrO2 support by the sonochemistry method and examined for catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol. The structure of the nanocatalysts was determined by BET, FESEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses. The results showed non-uniform morphology of the nanocatalyst at lower Ni contents changed to homogenous morphology with spherical nano particles at higher Ni contents. While the size of NiO crystals remained constant with rising Ni content, the crystallinity of NiO significantly increased. If the crystallinity of NiO was 100% in 20% wt Ni/CeO2–ZrO2, the crystallinity of NiO in 5% wt Ni was found to be 41.13%. The average particle size in Ni(15%)/CeO2–ZrO2 was 77 nm in which 85.71% of particle diameters were less than 100 nm. Catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol with different Ni loadings indicated improvement of phenol destruction at higher amounts of active phase. Removal of phenol increased with increasing catalyst loading from 4 to 9.0 g/l but further increase to 10 g/l declined the catalyst reactivity. Keywords: Ni/CeO2–ZrO2, Sonochemistry, Precipitation, Nanocatalyst, CWAO, Phenol

Different crystallization times were studied during hydrothermally synthesis of ZSM-5 framework at moderate temperature to investigate the physicochemical properties and MTO catalytic behavior. The...

Background A key feature of major depressive disorders is the lack of emotional processing such as empathy. To counter this, we tested, if brain stimulation on areas rich of mirror neurons on the left inferior parietal lobe (lIPL) might improve emotional processing, including empathy, compared to a standard brain stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC). Methods Twenty inpatients (mean age: 38.9 years; 55% females) with severe major depressive disorders and stable treatment of sertraline at therapeutic dosages were randomly assigned to either the rTMS condition on areas of mirror neuron stimulation, that is, the left inferior parietal lobe (rTMS-lIPL), or to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rTMS-lDLPFC; control condition). Interventions lasted for two consecutive weeks (2 × 5 interventions of 30′). At baseline and at the end of the study, patients completed questionnaires on current mood state and emotion regulation. In parallel, experts rated patients’ depression severity. Results Mood improved over time, but more so in the control condition, compared to the rTMS-lIPL condition (medium-large effect sizes). Emotion regulation improved over time; specifically, empathy improved, but only in the rTMS-lIPL condition, compared to the control condition. Symptoms of depression decreased over time, but more so in the rTMS- lIPL condition. Conclusions The pattern of results suggests that among inpatients with severe major depressive disorders, and compared to a standard procedure of rTMS, rTMS targeting on areas rich of mirror neurons appeared to improve emotion regulation, and specifically empathy, while there was no advantage on acute mood.

Glow-discharge plasma was utilized for treating the KOH/carbonated calcium aluminate synthesized by MCM. Treated and untreated nanocatalysts were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX-dot mapping, TEM, TGA/DSC, FTIR and N2 adsorption-desorption measurements. Moreover, some analyses were performed on the catalyst after assessment its catalytic activity in the microwave-assisted transesterification reaction. Treated and untreated nanocatalyst presented Ca12Al14O33 structure as support which was covered by carbon groups. The plasma treating was significantly effect on the potassium component as surface active phase and interaction of potassium and calcium with aluminium cations such that no agglomeration of active phases with the highest crystallinity was observed. The plasma treated sample showed better textural properties than untreated nanocatalyst. The main advantage of plasma was clearly observed on the stability of the nanocatalyst that the reduction the activity of untreated sample was more than two times of those for treated nanocatalyst. The plasma treated KOH/Ca12Al14O33-C exhibited no deformation of support structure and leaching of calcium component in the reaction medium against of untreated sample. Therefore, the plasma–microwave hybrid synthesis method provides an excellent rout for preparation of surface modified nanocatalysts for biodiesel production with the highest activity and stability to decrease the production cost.

The present study examines whether mental toughness moderates the relationship between stress and four mental health outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, burnout, and insomnia). In total, 207 medical students (Mage = 22.04 years, SD = 2.74, 51% male) from Iran took part in this cross-sectional study and completed a series of self-report questionnaires including the Perceived Stress Scale, the Mental Toughness Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Student Survey, and the Insomnia Severity Index. The findings show that stress was associated with more frequent health complaints across all outcomes, r = .36 to .72, p < .001, whereas mental toughness was associated with fewer mental health complaints (r = −.39 to −.71, p < .001). Elevated stress was only associated with higher depressive symptoms among students with low mental toughness scores, not among students with high mental toughness scores. Thus, our findings suggest that mental toughness may operate as a stress resilience resource among university students and may constitute a target variable for health interventions aimed at student populations. (APA PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)

In this study, in order to scrutiny the effect of adding Silica Aerogel to the BiOI for evaluation of photocatalytic performance, BiOI-Silica Aerogel with different percentages of Silica Aerogel (10, 20 and 30%) was synthesized by Sono-solvothermal method. In order to determine the physical, chemical and optical characteristics of synthesized photocatalysts, XRD, FESEM, EDX-dot mapping, FTIR, BET-BJH, UV–vis DRS and pHpzc have been used. The results of the characterization techniques showed that adding Silica Aerogel had a significant effect on physicochemical properties of BiOI. Photocatalytic activity of the samples was measured by degradation of organic pollutants such as Methylene Blue, Acid Orange 7 and Rhodamine B under visible light. From experimental data, it was also found that the amount of Silica Aerogel impressed photocatalyst performance. The best photocatalytic performance was obtained by adding 20% Silica Aerogel to BiOI. Furthermore, the effect of operational parameters such as pH, concentration of MB on the activity of BiOI(80)-SA(20) composite was evaluated. The results showed that MB at pH = 9 and a 0.5 g dosage of BiOI(80)-SA(20) had the highest removal percentage (96.5%) in 120 min. Finally, after 4 cycles, only 9.7% of the photocatalytic activity declined.

Background Evidence indicates that pro-inflammatory Th17 and Th1 cells are involved in major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis. Development of Th17 and Th1 are regulated by IL-6 and IFN-γ, respectively. In this study, the levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ, and mRNA expression of related signaling components and, Th17/Th1 transcription factors were investigated in MDD patients with/without selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication. Materials and methods Forty-six patients and 38 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Twenty patients were received the SSRI (sertraline 50–200 mg/day) for at least 1 year, and 26 patients were not received medication. Expression of IL-6R, IFN-γR, JAK1, JAK2, TYK2, STAT1, STAT3, T-bet and RORγt were assessed with Real-Time-PCR. Serum and supernatant levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ were determined using ELISA. Results and discussion The serum and supernatant levels of IL-6 were increased in patients without (SSRI−) compared with HCs, while its levels was reduced in SSRI+. Elevated expressions of IL-6R, STAT3 and RORγt were observed in SSRI− compared with HCs. Expressions of IL-6R, STAT3, RORγt and IFN-γR, were decreased in SSRI+ compared to SSRI− patients. Conclusion Increased IL-6 involved in MDD, and SSRI regulates IL-6 pathway and IL-6 production. MDD patients may benefit from IL-6/IL-6R targeted therapeutic intervention.

Ag/C3N4-Clinoptilolite nano-photocatalyst with a high activity was synthesized by ultrasound energy and employed in the photocatalytic removal of the tetracycline from aqueous solutions. XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET and FTIR analyses revealed that C3N4-Clinoptilolite was successfully synthesized with efficient dispersion of Ag nanoparticles. DRS analysis indicated that the loading of Ag nanoparticles increased the absorption intensity in the simulated solar-light region due to of the surface plasmon resonance and decreased the band gap which made the composite to utilize more solar spectrum. Therefore, the Ag/C3N4-Clinoptilolite nano-photocatalyst displayed an excellent photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light irradiation. Approximately 90% of the antibiotic tetracycline in aqueous solution was decomposed after 3 h by this nano-photocatalyst, while only 73%, 68%, 58.5% of the pollutant was removed using Ag–C3N4, C3N4-Clinoptilolite, and C3N4, respectively. The effects of pH, the loading of nano-photocatalyst and tetracycline concentration on photodegradation efficiency were evaluated. Also, the appropriate stability after 4 runs observed for Ag/C3N4-Clinoptilolite nano-photocatalyst.

In this study, sulfated zirconia on MCM-41 prepared through a new ultrasound-assisted sulfation method for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil. The effect of different sonication times (15, 30 and 45 min) on nanocatalyst properties were studied using BET, EDX, FESEM, NH3-TPD, FTIR and XRD analyses. The XRD patterns along with the results of FTIR and BET analysis revealed the MCM-41 framework destruction while Zr doping and sulfation of nanocatalysts. The FESEM images of the nanocatalysts illustrated a well distribution and uniform morphology for the SZM(T = 45). The size distribution of the SZM(T = 45) were subsequently determined by FESEM images. Biodiesel production carried out under following constant operational parameters to evaluate catalytic performance of synthesized samples: 5 wt% catalyst loading, 60 °C reaction temperature, methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1 and 6 h reaction time. Using ultrasound-assisted sulfation method in nanocatalysts preparation was increased dispersion of active phase and stability of synthesized nanocatalysts. Obtained results demonstrated that longer irradiation time in nanocatalyst preparation led to higher biodiesel conversion. Additionally, after five cycles, the sonicated sample showed higher reusability compared to non-sonicated one. Among the prepared samples, the longer sonicated SZM(T = 45) nanocatalyst showed the highest conversion (93.5%) and significant stability in biodiesel production. Sono-sulfated zirconia nanocatalyst supported on MCM-41 was synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted impregnation/hydrothermal hybrid synthesis method. The effect of irradiation time was studied by changing time of the sonication (15, 30, 45 min) during the synthesis which led to different physiochemical properties of the nanocatalyst. It was found that, the performance of investigated nanocatalysts in biodiesel production from sunflower oil showed sonicated catalysts have higher conversion in comparison to non-sonicated catalyst. Biodiesel conversion in catalyst with 60 W and 45 min ultrasonic irradiation showed higher biodiesel conversion and also reusability in reaction environment.

In the present work, Mobil Composite Material no. 41 (MCM-41) utilized as the catalyst support for biodiesel production from Waste Cooking Oil (WCO). Different amounts of Si/Ce molar ratios (5, 10, 25, 50 and Ce = 0) introduced to the MCM-41 structure to synthesize the bifunctional nanocatalysts and achieve a modified support of high stability and acidity. Then, ultrasound used to disperse MgO active phase on support surface. The prepared nanocatalysts were investigated using various techniques as follows: XRD, EDX, TEM, FESEM, FTIR and BET. The XRD patterns along with the results of FTIR and BET analysis revealed the MCM-41 framework destruction while increasing the Ce content. The FESEM images of the nanocatalysts illustrated a well distribution and uniform morphology for the Mg/CeM (Si/Ce = 10). The particle size and size distribution of the Mg/CeM (Si/Ce = 10) were subsequently determined by TEM and FESEM images. Biodiesel production carried out under following constant operational parameters to evaluate catalytic performance of synthesized samples: T = 70 °C, catalyst loading = 5 wt%, methanol/oil molar ratio = 9, and 6 h reaction time. Ce substitution in support framework considerably enhanced the biodiesel conversion. The Mg/CeM (Si/Ce = 10) nanocatalyst demonstrated the highest conversion of 94.3%. The reusability of the Mg/CeM (Si/Ce = 10) studied in seven reaction cycles and biodiesel conversion reached to 88.7% at the end of seventh cycle which demonstrated its significant stability.

Herein, the novel solid solution (BiOBr)x(Bi7O9I3)1-x nanophotocatalysts with different x values (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) have been synthesized with an one-pot sono-solvothermal method to degrade the antibiotic levofloxacin, as an emerging pollutant, under simulated solar light. Moreover, to investigate the effect of microjets energy produced from ultrasound, the solid solution (BiOBr)x(Bi7O9I3)1-x, with optimum x, has been prepared using the one-pot solvothermal route. Synthesized products have been characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, BET-BJH, FTIR, DRS and pHpzc. It was found that (BiOBr)0.75(Bi7O9I3)0.25-U fabricated with the presence of ultrasound had the highest percentage in the 50 mg/L levofloxacin degradation, which was 95.4%. This result was assigned to its high activation in the solar spectrum range due to the band gap at around 2.43 eV, more effective charge transportation and separations, decrease in the recombination rate, large specific surface area (125.3 m2/g), great total pore volume (0.589 cm3/g) and also uniform dispersion and increased nucleation owing to the presence of ultrasound energy, which has led to an increase in the catalytic active sites. Also operational parameters such as the photocatalyst loading, concentrations of pollutant and pH of solution were investigated. Furthermore, the reaction mechanism was suggested for levofloxacin photodegradation.

In this study, the plasmon silver/bulk graphitic carbon nitride-clinoptilolite (denoted as: Ag/BCN-CLT) nanophotocatalysts synthesized using sono-photoreduction dispersion of Ag over C3N4 nanophotocatalyst with various contents of acid-treated clinoptilolite (10, 20, 40 wt%) that was employed in the tetracycline degradation, as the model antibiotic pollutant, using simulated solar-light radiation. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-Dot mapping, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda, particle size distribution, and Ultraviolet–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses results showed a high quality of synthesis of nanophotocatalysts and good dispersion of particles on the surface of nanophotocatalyst. Using photodegradation results, the Ag/BCN-CLT(10) sample with 10 wt% of clinoptilolite showed a better tetracycline degradation efficiency (87.23%), which is a result of a high surface area of nanophotocatalyst due to the exerting sonication in synthesis procedure. Also, using Ag nanoparticles as a noble metal and creation of surface plasmon resonance effect, the edge of light absorption was shifted to the visible light region, which was proven by UV–Vis DRS results. Furthermore, the using of both Ag and acid-treated clinoptilolite had an efficient influence on decreasing band gap energy position. At last, the effect of different operational parameters and the reusable property of the photocatalyst have experimented. Finally, the suggested mechanisms of the tetracycline degradation reactions were drawn and were analyzed accurately.

Background: Substance abuse is one of the main health challenges that lead to addiction and physical, psychological, and social issues. It can also eliminate the foundation of family and community. Objectives: The present study aimed at determining the frequency of experience of at least once abuse of addictive drugs in high school students in Hamedan, Iran. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in 2015 in high schools of Hamedan City. A self-report questionnaire was used to identify the number of cigarette smokers and other addictive substances abusers. The data were analyzed, using SPSS V. 14. Results: Out of 800 distributed questionnaires, 29 questionnaires were incomplete. In total, 18% of the students had abused addictive substances at least once. The most common substances were hookah, cigarette, and alcohol. Independent risk factors for substance abuse experience included male gender, non-governmental and vocational schools, mathematics major, history of the educational failure, an average of less than 17.00 GPA, unemployment of a student’s father, and student’s employment other than education. Conclusion: The prevalence of hashish (cannabis) abuse and anabolic-androgenic steroids is high in Iran and codeine is the most commonly used substance in the non-prescribed groups.

Herein, novel BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10/rGO heterostructured nanocomposites with various contents of rGO were designed through a simple sono-solvothermal method, employing in the photo-elimination of fluoroquinolone antibiotics under the simulated solar-light. Their properties were described using various analyses such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, HRTEM, surface particle size distribution, BET-BJH, DRS and photoluminescence analyses. The results revealed the suitable dispersion of BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10 nanoparticles on the rGO nanosheets and the creation Bi-C bonds in BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10/rGO. On the basis of experimental outcomes, it was concluded the strong influence of the rGO value into BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10/rGO structure on the fluoroquinolone photo-degradation and the high photo-activity was obtained on the BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10/rGO(0.5%) with the elimination rate constant 1.6 times contrasting to the bare BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10 in the ofloxacin photo-removal. This consequence was devoted the decrease of band gap and the enhanced light absorption features which can lead to enhancing production of electron-hole pairs, the raising separation and transmission of charge carriers and reducing recombination rate of them, the increasing surface adsorption of contaminant molecules and the increment of accessible active sites. Besides, the synthesized BiOCl-Bi24O31Cl10/rGO(0.5%) was exposed the great stability.

The aim of this research is to investigate the performance of three micro-spherical sprayed dried samples with SAPO-34 of different particle sizes. Physiochemical properties of the catalysts were identified by XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET and FTIR techniques. Furthermore, TGA and FTIR techniques were implemented to characterize the coke deposition. Methanol to olefins performance tests were carried out to study the activity of the catalysts in fixed bed reactor. The optimized catalyst was also tested in a fluidized bed reactor. The results of XRD analysis exhibit typical SAPO-34 and kaolinite phase for all the three formulated catalysts. It represents the successful spray drying that crystallite structure of the shaped samples by the spray dryer is composed of both kaolinite and SAPO-34 phase. With the comparison of FESEM results of the samples, the larger and more spherical particles are obtained for the sample spray dried with SAPO-34 of the smallest size. Furthermore, rapid diffusion of the products prohibiting subsequent transformations of them to heavier products occurs for the sample shaped with the SAPO-34 having the smallest particle size. Furthermore, the optimal shaped sample showed excellent activity of near 5 h during methanol to olefins reaction in fluidized bed reactor. S-T-TDT-F catalyst which was selected for more studies in fluidized bed reactor has lower coking rate and longer life time. It can be explained in a way that pore blockage and acid sites coverage were postponed in the mentioned catalyst.

A series of Mn3O4-BiOCl nanophotocatalysts has been synthesized in present research and their photocatalytic activity was examined toward AO7 photomineralization as a representative of azo dyes. The photocatalysts physicochemical and optical properties were analysed by different characterization methods including XRD, FTIR, FESEM, PSD, DRS, EDX and BET. The photocatalytic experiments illustrate that Mn3O4(5)-BiOCl(95) possess much better photoactivity than pure BiOCl, Mn3O4. It is basically ascribed to formation of p-p type heterojunction with matching band gaps alignments, which greatly promotes separation of photoinduced charge carriers. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was also rendered for this novel binary nanocomposite. Operational factors consist of catalyst loading, dye concentration and preliminary pH have been investigated. The reusability tests were done in four cycles. The results showed almost same photoactivity in each run. The XRD post characterization was done after 4 cycles. It didn’t show any changes in XRD pattern of used sample compared to fresh one which confirmed high stability of new nanocomposite.

The novel flowerlike Bi7O9I3-MgAl2O4 nano-heterostructure photocatalysts with different mass percentages of Bi7O9I3 and MgAl2O4 were synthesized by the sono-solvothermal method. Synthesized samples were studied in the photocatalytic removal of MB under simulated solar light irradiation. Physical, chemical and optical properties of as-prepared photocatalysts were investigated utilizing characterization techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET-BJH, FTIR, DRS and pHpzc. Bi7O9I3(80)-MgAl2O4(20) nanophotocatalyst was identified as the optimum sample by removing 96.1% of methylene blue from water. The p-n heterostructure formation of Bi7O9I3-MgAl2O4 nanophotocatalyst led to increase the light absorption capability. Subsequently, it improved the separation of excited electron-hole pairs and reduced the recombination rate of them, which caused the higher photocatalytic activity of that sample than bare Bi7O9I3 and MgAl2O4. Moreover, the effects of initial solution pH, photocatalyst dosage, and initial dye concentration as efficient parameters on the photocatalytic performance were evaluated in this study. Finally, the reaction mechanism of methylene blue degradation from water was proposed.

This research presents a novel p-BiOBr-p-Mn3O4 heterostructure nanophotocatalyst fabricated via a simple precipitation deposition route. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, FESEM, DRS, EDX, FTIR, TEM, BET-BJH, PL and PSD have been used to investigate the optical and physicochemical features of the samples. Degradation of acid orange 7 (AO7) was applied in order to investigate the photoactivity of as-synthesized nanophotocatalysts under simulated sunlight irradiation at room temperature. It was disclosed that deal of Mn3O4 is a deciding factor in the photocatalytic properties of BiOBr-Mn3O4. The optimum percentage of Mn3O4 in the samples was situated at 10 (wt.%) content, which exhibited superior photoactivity in comparison to other corresponding samples or pure samples with almost 97% AO7 degradation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOBr(90)-Mn3O4(10) is ascribed to the separation efficiency of the carriers. Additionally the effects of catalyst loading, pH, dye concentration were investigated for the nanophotocatalyst with optimum weight percentage.

K-promoted bimetallic NiCo NiAl2O4 nanocatalysts with various loadings of potassium (0, 0.25, 0.75 and 1.25) were fabricated by utilization of hybrid sol-gel plasma method. Nanocatalysts were assessed by XRD, FESEM, AFM, EDX, BET-BJH and TPR analyses. Also, used nanocatalysts were tested by TG-DTG, XRD, and EDX analyses. Nanocatalysts were appraised in O2-enhanced dry reforming of CH4. XRD patterns indicated that by increasing of K loadings, amorphous behaviour was amplified. However, intensity of all peaks was decreased but reduction amount in the case of prone planes for coke formation slightly was greater than others. Great surface area and uniform dispersion was gained for the non-promoted nanocatalyst (NCK0A (SGP)), but surface covering by K addition led to the unsuitable properties. Owing to the EDX and FESEM, for K rich samples, surface area was decreased, average particle size got larger and dispersion of particles got worse. Noted attributes led to the lower yields of syngas for K rich samples. Despite the adverse impact of K such as lower activity, covering of defected site, enhanced reducibility and improving the rate of carbon gasification, led to the improved stability and less amount of coke deposition for K rich ones. Efficiency of NCK0A (SGP) and 0.25 wt% K promoted one (NCK0.25A (SGP)) were close to each other, but lower amount of deposited coke and more stable performance was gained for NCK0.25A (SGP). However, H2 yields of NCK0A (SGP) and NCK0.25A (SGP) at first tests of TOF was close to each other but due to the 48 h test, they reached to 73 and 75%, respectively. Yields drop of NCK0A (SGP) was 8.5% while for NCK0.25A (SGP) was just 2.8%. Based on opposite tendency of TOF and yields and also, excellent properties of NCK0.25A (SGP) such as high enough activity, stable performance and high coke resistance, it seems that NCK0.25A (SGP) is a promising nanocatalyst for O2-enhanced dry reforming of CH4. H2 yield of NCK0.25A (SGP) at 850 °C was 87%. Small average particle size, tunable morphology, larger surface area and optimum amount of appended K, were the reasons which led to the superior performance of NCK0.25A (SGP).

In this study, Co promoted NiAl2O4 nanocatalysts were fabricated via combustion, sol-gel and hybrid sol-gel plasma methods. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET, TPR and FTIR analysis. Catalytic performance of the samples was tested in combined reforming of CH4/CO2/O2. Based on the XRD patterns, in the case of sol-gel based nanocatalysts, especially the plasma treated one, lower grown up rate of the prone plane to coke formation, exacerbated amorphous behavior and smaller crystal size was obtained. Moreover, based on the FESEM and EDX analysis, the above noted samples illustrated more uniform dispersion and finer particle size. The average particle size of the plasma utilized sample was 14.7 nm, and 94.5% of the particles were less than 20 nm. Additionally, based on the BET and TPR analysis, the noted sample exhibited the largest surface area (261 m2/g), high reducibility and strongest metal-support interaction. Moreover, the optimum reaction condition were found at GHSV = 24 l/gcat.h and CH4/CO2 = 1 and also, feed composition of CH4/CO2/O2 = 1/1/0.08. Sol-gel-plasma nanocatalyst demonstrated the best catalytic activity among the prepared samples (XCH4 at 850 °C was 96.5%). Furthermore, the results of the stability tests (during 2880 min and at 750 °C) caused deactivation in all the nanocatalysts but the sol-gel-plasma catalyst was more stable. The EDX and TG-DTG results demonstrated that the more homogeneous distribution and the lowest amount of coke deposition were obtained for the plasma treated nanocatalyst. Thus, we can conclude that sol-gel-plasma is a proper method for fabricating nanocatalysts in this process. It seems that due to the promoted catalytic performance and excellent characterizations, the sol-gel-plasma fabricated sample is a promising nanocatalyst for combined reforming of CH4/CO2/O2 to syngas.

Cr/MgO(x)–CeO2(100−x) nanocatalysts were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The effect of ceria addition on their physicochemical characteristics was investigated, and the results were correlated with their catalytic performance in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane. A decrease in the size of the metal particles was found when adding a suitable content of ceria to the support. Crystalline Cr2O3 was not found in the calcined samples, indicating good dispersion of Cr species on the support. All samples showed nanosized particles with uniform morphology, with the best surface morphology for the Cr/MgO(50)–CeO2(50) sample, on which the particle distribution mainly lay in the range of 40–60 nm. Variation of the amount of Ce in the support led to an enhancement of the Cr6+/Cr3+ ratio, with the highest value for the Cr/MgO(50)–CeO2(50) sample. This catalyst effectively dehydrogenated ethane to ethylene with CO2 at 700 °C even after 5 h on-stream, giving 42.76 % ethylene yield.

To evaluate the effect of non-thermal plasma and ultrasound treatment on the catalytic physicochemical properties and hydrodesulfurization activity, a series of NiMoW/FMWCNT nanocatalysts (4%NiO, 12%MoO3, and 6% WO3) were prepared via co-precipitation method. The co-precipitated and treated by ultrasound or plasma-ultrasound nanocatalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, EDX dot-mapping, BET and FTIR techniques. The XRD data confirmed the formation of NiO, WO3, and Mo2C as the crystalline phase on carbon support. The results indicated ultrasound irradiation and non-thermal plasma treatment have significant influences on phase structure, morphology, and surface area. The optimum amount of applied voltage of plasma was found to be 500 V in which the maximum surface area and well-dispersion of the active phase were found. Further applied plasma voltage led to a decrease in catalytic activity due to the higher support-metal interaction and unpleasant distribution of the particles on nanocatalyst surface. The plasma–ultrasound hybrid synthesis method was able to eliminate 100% of sulfur in the initial solution of thiophene during hydrodesulfurization process.

In this research, ZnO/graphene oxide nanocomposite is prepared by a simple sono-dispersion method as a high performance photocatalyst for the process of organic dye removal from water. The effects of graphene oxide and sonication on the properties of the synthesized samples are studied and were compared with physicochemical properties of ZnO, ZnO/graphene oxide (ZnO/GO) that synthesized via precipitation method (ZG-P) and sono-precipitated method (ZG-SP). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), the Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer analyses are used to investigate the properties of the samples. High surface area and pore volume, narrow size and uniform distribution of particles and improvement in optical properties are the improved properties due to ultrasound utilization in the synthesis procedure. These improved properties can have a positive effect on photocatalyst performance. Methylene blue, malachite green and eosin yellow as coloured materials and ciprofloxacin as a colourless organic material have been used as water pollutant and their degradation efficiency by the prepared photocatalyst is studied. The effect of initial pH, photocatalyst dosage, initial dye concentration and photostability of ZG-P and ZG-SP samples are examined in this work. It is observable graphene oxide as a carbon allotrope with the oxygenic functional groups has an electron acceptor role, which prevents electron-hole recombination and enhances photocatalyst reusability.

A novel Bi2O7Sn2-Bi7O9I3 nano-heterostructure photocatalyst with the different weighted percentages and as I-type heterojunction, which acts as pseudo-type II heterojunction, were successfully synthesized using sono-solvothermal manner for the first time. The coupled nanophotocatalysts with various weighted contents of Bi2O7Sn2 and Bi7O9I3 were characterized with XRD, FESEM, EDX, DRS, BET-BJH and pHpzc analyses. Meanwhile, the photocatalytic activity of various nanocomposites was evaluated in the remediation of the antibiotic tetracycline after 90 min irradiation. Results depicted that the ball-flowerlike Bi2O7Sn2(60)-Bi7O9I3(40) nanophotocatalyst, as a mesoporous structure and the type I-heterostructure which appears as an efficient solar-light-driven pseudo-type II heterojunction, represented the best photocatalytic efficiency. This is addressed by the suitable absorption of light range, high separation of charge carriers and its large surface area which provide more active sites for absorption of tetracycline molecules. Furthermore, to elucidate the how the influence of various parameters on the photodegradation efficiency, the different experiments were conducted over Bi2O7Sn2(60)-Bi7O9I3(40). The high activity was obtained in the medium with pH = 6, catalyst loading = 1 g/L and tetracycline concentration = 35 mg/L. Moreover, the capable of reusability and reaction mechanism of improved photodegradation on mentioned photocatalyst were investigated.

The grain-like BiOCl (60%)–Bi24O31Cl10 (40%) intra-heterojunction nanophotocatalyst was fabricated by a facile one-pot combustion route using sorbitol fuel. It was characterized by the utilization of XRD, FESEM, PSD, BET–BJH and DRS, which proved its successful synthesis. The solar-light-driven photocatalytic activity of BiOCl (60%)–Bi24O31Cl10 (40%) was appraised through the destruction of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQAs) such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin as persistent and resisting emerging pollutants in an aqueous solution. Consequences obtained were implied to its prominent performance. To investigate the individual and interplay influences of the input operating parameters (catalyst loading, initial pollutant concentration, initial pH and reaction time), the modelling of the photocatalytic destruction of ofloxacin as the response was done by 2-level full factorial experimental design approach. A semi-empirical fourth-order regression model with R2= 0.9878 was expressed to relate between the response and independent variables. Results obtained of the mentioned approach demonstrated the high adequacy of the model. The influence of individual parameters and their interactions on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ofloxacin was possessed by the main effect graphs, contour and response surface plots. This study not only illustrates a hopeful application of the grain-like BiOCl–Bi24O31Cl10 in the solar-light-driven photo-destruction of resistant pollutants such as FQAs but also shows the favourable direction to gain the high-performance.

In this paper, the acidity of MCM-41 was improved by Al addition (Si/Al molar ratio of 50) and it was used as support in nanocatalysts with various loadings of calcium (10, 20 and 30 wt %) for biodiesel production. The catalysts were synthesized by two methods: impregnation and sono-dispersion. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, BET and FTIR analysis. The XRD patterns of the samples demonstrated formation of the crystalline structure of MCM-41 and CaO. The FESEM images of the samples proved the nanoscale of catalysts and along with EDX and TEM analysis showed a better dispersion of calcium on support for ultrasonic irradiated sample compared to impregnated one. The performance of nanocatalysts was examined under constant conditions (Temperature of 70 °C, Methanol/Oil ratio of 12 and catalyst loading of 10 wt %). The result showed that the conversion of transesterification reaction and following that the quality of produced biodiesel was increased significantly by increasing the calcium amounts in catalysts. Furthermore, for two samples with the same amount of calcium loading, the sonicated sample showed a higher conversion. Among all of the samples Ca(30)/Al-MCM-41(U) showed the maximum conversion for biodiesel production reaction.

Methanol to light olefins (MTO) process utilizes a fluidized bed reactor which is preferable from various points of view. In order to implement the catalysts in fluidized beds, they need to be prepared in fluidizable shape to achieve the fluidization of particulate solids. Fluidizable catalysts have at least three major components including filler, binder and zeolite or zeotype. The filler is mostly a clay which is incorporated into the catalyst in order to dilute its activity. Kaolin was used in fluidizable catalysts preparation. Its activation was studied as a chemical treatment method. Filler was called active matrix/filler in case it was treated with inorganic acids. Physiochemical properties were studied by different techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, FTIR, BET and NH3-TPD. Furthermore, TGA and NH3-TPD analyses were applied in order to characterize the used catalysts. MTO activity tests were done in a fixed and fluidized bed reactor. Pore volume and surface area increased with acid treatment consideration. By the implementation of kaolin which was already treated with acid, the intensity of acid sites was increased. MTO reaction results indicates that the catalyst with active filler has the ability to convert methanol to desired light olefins and it enhances the corresponding performance in terms of making induction period shorter. Coking rates with the simplified assumption of uniform coke formation during the catalyst life time can put a light on defining the dominant cycle according to the dual cycle mechanism. Increasing WHSV in fluidized bed reactor results in further aging of organic species according to the aromatic cycle. Resultantly, the catalyst with active matrix owning higher density of active centres deactivates earlier in fluidized bed due to the increased rate of reaction in whole catalyst bed. Furthermore, uniform occurrence of the MTO reaction in the whole catalyst bed in fluidized bed accelerates the deactivation of the catalyst with active matrix.

A stable process for green fuel production by means of a combined CO2 reforming of methane and partial oxidation was evaluated during this research work. The goal was achieved by using Co-W promoters with NiO spinel on Al2O3 support. Sol-gel technique based on the privileged characterization such as homogeneous distribution was used for the synthesis of enhanced Co-W catalyst on NiAl2O4 spinel. Structural and morphological attributes of fabricated samples were investigated through XRD, FESEM, EDX, BET and FTIR techniques. Eventually, homogeneous distribution of particles, less than 50 nm, high specific surface area and homogeneous structure were observed. Catalysts stability and resistance to carbonaceous deposits in operated conditions are evaluated by TG-DTG technique. In this study, reduction of deposited coke after the reaction was achieved by raising the tungsten amount in catalyst. According to obtained results, CoNiAl2O4 promoter with 1 wt% W (CoW1/NiAl2O4) nanocatalyst has obtained higher conversion along with high H2 and CO yields. Also, CoW1/NiAl2O4 was considered as an optimum nanocatalyst for methane combined reforming by illustrating the tremendous stability at 750 °C and during the 48 h time on stream performance.

The synthesis of MgO/MgAl2O4 was conducted using hybrid microwave-impregnation with different glycine fuel ratios (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5). To this end, the combustion synthesis (CS) and microwave heating were applied for the synthesis of MgAl2O4, and impregnation was used for the dispersion of MgO active phase on the given samples. The characterization of samples was done using TGA, XRD, BET, BJH, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX to reach the optimal glycine fuel ratio for CS. The best physiochemical properties were observed in 1.5 ratio. The pore size, the surface area, and the mean pore diameter of the mentioned nanocatalyst were respectively 0.358 cm3/g, 93.8 m2/g, and 5 nm. Finally, transesterification reaction was employed for the preparation of biodiesel to measure the nanocatalysts activity. The findings showed that the nanocatalyst produced by hybrid microwave-impregnation method with fuel ration of 1.5 (at the presence of glycine) is highly desirable for biodiesel production. Using optimal sample, transesterification reaction conversion reached 92.7%. Reusability investigation of the optimal catalyst showed that this sample possessed a relatively good reusability for biodiesel production. Regarding the simple and fast synthesis method (hybrid microwave impregnation), it can be said that the catalyst synthesized by this method is suitable for industrial biodiesel preparation.

In this research, ZnO-Bi5O7I and ZnO-Bi2ClHO3 as novel composites for methylene blue photocatalytic degradation as an organic water effluent are synthesized by a simple sono-chemical method. Physicochemical and dynamical properties of the prepared samples are studied by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area, UV–vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and UV–vis spectrophotometer analyses. Also, pHpzc of the sample with best photocatalytic performance is evaluated for investigation of water acidity effect on photocatalytic performance. Bi2ClHO3 and Bi5O7I are in bismuth oxyhalides category with BiO and Bi5O7 as cationic and OH, Cl and I as anionic layers in these materials structure, respectively. OH− layer in Bi2ClHO3 structure and I− in Bi5O7I act as electron acceptors, which prevent electron-hole pair recombination. Sonication is used in the synthesis procedure for improvement of uniform particle size distribution that affected in samples crystallinity. Improvement of these parameters clearly makes photocatalytic promotion.

To identify active and selective catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane in presence of CO2, MgO–ZrO2 supports with varying amounts (0–100 wt%) of ZrO2 were synthesized via a coprecipitation method then impregnated with NH4VO3. In addition, the impact of the aging temperature on the structural properties and catalytic activity was examined. To characterize the prepared catalysts, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis were applied. The results of XRD and EDX analyses confirmed successful synthesis of MgO–ZrO2 nanocomposite. In presence of zirconia, the dispersion of V-species was improved, decreasing the particle size of vanadium oxide and thus promoting the catalytic activity. However, for higher concentration of ZrO2 on the support, agglomeration of particles was observed and the ratio of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase of zirconia decreased. On the other hand, the presence of MgO stabilized the tetragonal phase of zirconia. According to the applied characterization methods and catalytic activity tests, VOx/ZrO2(25)–MgO(75)-A was selected as the most active catalyst, showing C2H4 yield of 60.13 % as well as ethane conversion of 67.14 % at 700 °C. This catalyst remained stable during 10 h on stream at 700 °C, indicating that the presence of a proper amount of zirconia not only increased the activity of the catalyst but also prevented its deactivation.

Background: To treat patients with bipolar disorders (BPD) during the acute phase, the standard procedure is to administer lithium or sodium valproate. To further optimize treatment, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil and galantamine have gained increased interest, though with conflicting results. In the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we investigated whether, and to what extent, adjuvant rivastigmine might improve symptoms of mania in patients with BPD during the acute manic phase. Methods: A total of 70 patients with BPD in an acute state of mania (mean age 33.8 years; 24% females) took part in this study. After a thorough clinical interview, standard treatment consisted of 20mg/kg/day of sodium valproate; next, patients were randomly assigned either to the adjuvant rivastigmine or to the placebo condition. The study duration was 24 days. The dose of rivastigmine was 1.5 mg for the first 7 days and 3 mg from day 8 to day 24. Experts blind to the patients’ study condition rated patients’ mania scores, symptom severity, and symptom improvements at baseline (except symptom improvements) and 4, 8, 12, and 24 days after the beginning of this study. Results: Symptoms of mania improved over time, but more so in the adjuvant rivastigmine compared to the placebo condition. Greater improvements were observed from day 8 on. Conclusions: The pattern of results from the present randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study suggests that adjuvant rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, improved symptoms of mania among a larger sample of inpatients with BPD and in the acute manic state. However, the improvements were modest, and the results should be replicated and above all balanced against side effects.

A series of cupper/carbon based hybrid nanostructured composites is fabricated. Their photocatalytic performance has been investigated for photocatalytic degradation of acid orange 7. Physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transition electron microscopy (TEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analyzer and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. Reactor tests indicate that Cu/RGO nanocomposite possess much higher photoactivity than Cu/MWCNT and Cu/AC. The pHpzc of Cu/RGO nanocomposite was further determined to be 6 by drift method. The superior photoactivity of Cu/RGO among Cu/MWCNT and Cu/AC is mainly because of a synergistic effect between RGO and Cu nanoparticles. In fact, excellent charge carrier mobility on the surface of RGO prolongs recombination of excited electrons; which results in improved photocatalytic performance of Cu/RGO. Furthermore, superconductivity of RGO due to its particular lattice, superior electron mobility and their electron acceptor behavior is regarded as an effective component in photocatalysis heterojunction systems. The effect of dye concentration, catalyst dosage and pH on degradation performance investigated.

CaO–Al2O3 mixed oxides were prepared by different preparation methods–such as sol–gel, co-precipitation, impregnation, and MW-assisted solution combustion synthesis (M-SCS)–and then impregnated with KOH to examine their activity in transesterification of canola oil to biodiesel. Synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, BET/BJH, and SEM/EDX. The mixed oxides, except those prepared by M-SCS method, exhibited a nearly amorphous structure with some diffraction peaks of calcium oxide. Due to high combustion temperature during the M-SCS process, Ca ions could diffuse into the alumina lattice to form CaAl2O4. But upon impregnation with KOH, the former transformed to Ca12Al14O33. The KOH/Ca12Al14O33 nanocatalyst prepared by M-SCS method exhibited better basicity, mean pore size, and activity, as well as highest Ca/Al and K/Al ratios. In the presence of this catalyst, around 86% of canola oil were converted to biodiesel in the transesterification reaction carried out at 65°C, methanol/oil molar ratio 12: 1, 4 wt% catalyst, 4 h. Such parameters seem appropriate for industrial application. The M-SCS method is technically simple, cost effective, time/energy saving and requires no further thermal treatment.