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Fast and efficient cleanup of high-viscosity oil spills on the sea is still a global challenge today. Traditional recycling methods are either energy demanding or inefficient. Hydrophobic/oleophilic sorbents are promising candidates to handle oil spills, but they have limited ability to recover high viscosity oil. In this work, we report a superhydrophobic/oleophilic carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polypyrrole (PPy) coated melamine sponge (m-CNT/PPy@MS). The CNT/PPy coating enables the sponge to convert light and electricity to heat, ensuring that the absorbent can adapt to various working environments. The rapid heat generation on the sponge surface can significantly reduce the viscosity of crude oil and accelerate the absorption rate, thereby achieving the purpose of rapid recovery of oil spills. Under one sun illumination (1.0 kW/m2) and an applied voltage (8 V), the surface temperature of the m-CNT/PPy@MS can reach 118.6 °C. The complete penetration time of oil droplets is 93.5% less than that of an unheated sponge. In addition, under half sun irradiation intensity and 11 V, the porous sponge absorbed 6.92 kg/m2 of crude oil in the first minute, which is about 31 times as much as that of an unheated sponge. Finally, we demonstrate a continuous absorption system, consisting of a self-heating m-CNT/PPy@MS and peristaltic pump, that can continuously recover oil spills on the sea surface. In view of its unique design, lower cost and fast oil absorption speed, this work provides a new option to tackle large-scale oil spill disasters on the sea surface. ga1 • Superhydrophobic/oleophilic m-CNT/PPy@MS were rationally constructed by in-situ polymerization and dipping method. • m-CNT/PPy@MS exhibits excellent mechanical properties and durability. • m-CNT/PPy@MS shows efficient and stable heating performance. • m-CNT/PPy@MS significantly reduces the viscosity of crude oil via photothermal and Joule heating for oil spills recovering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Environmental friendly carbonized aerogel is constructed by utilizing waste cotton. • Efficient and fast adsorption of particulate matters (PM) by using electric field force. • Filter displays a good removal efficiency under an ultrahigh PMs concentration. • Regenerated PM adsorber are promising for sustainable PMs capturing without pressure drop. Particulate matter (PM) has been the main contributor to air pollution that has posed a serious threat to human health. Here we designed an environmentally-friendly conductive air filter for sustainable and highly efficient PM particle capturing under the assistance of an electrostatic field. Waste cotton fibers were used as the raw materials to prepare carbonized cellulose aerogel. Then molybdenum disulfide was vertically grown on the aerogel surface. Due to the high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity of the carbonized aerogel, and the strong electrostatic force between the air filter and PM particles, the removal efficiency of PM 2.5 and PM 10 is over 99.91% and 99.95%, respectively. The high efficiency can be maintained for up to 600 min demonstration (PM 2.5 > 98.6%, PM 10 > 99.1%). This composite air filter also exhibited excellent reusability: the adsorption efficiency was greater than 97.80% after 5 cycles, and regeneration can be simply realized by washing. The current work not only provides a new strategy to designing more efficient PM filter, but also suggests an avenue to recycle waste cotton fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method was developed to evaluate water-absorbing characteristics of rice. • The water-absorbing characteristics of each rice grain could be analyzed. • The water-absorbing characteristics had positive correlation with expansion. • The appearance of cracks accelerated the absorption of water. • Different factors had significant effect on the water-absorbing characteristics. A visualization and quantification image analysis method is developed to evaluate the water-absorbing characteristics of rice. A projected image of soaked rice was obtained by a scanner in real time, the expansion ratio of the soaked rice in the projected image was calculated with computer software, and the change in the internal structure was analyzed. The results showed that water absorption had a positive correlation with expansion and the cracks occurred in the internal structure of rice could accelerate the water absorption. The maximum expansion ratio of Japonica rice gradually increased with increased milling time, but that of Japonica glutinous rice was not significantly different (P > 0.05). A high soaking temperature shortened the time to reach the maximum expansion ratio and resulted in a lower expansion ratio in the Indica and Indica glutinous rice but had no significant effect (P > 0.05) in the Japonica and Japonica glutinous rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The superhydrophobic BSSS is fabricated by mimicking the stomata effect of leaves. • A facile swelling-vesiculating-cracking method is developed. • The BSSS is provided with wonderful durability in different solvents. • A theoretical model for BSSS is established to elucidate the stomata effect. Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces by simple techniques is of significant interest. Herein, inspired by the "stomata effect" of plant leaves, a superhydrophobic surface with bionic stomata randomly on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is fabricated by a facile swelling-vesiculating-cracking method. Neither multistep modification of nanostructure nor introduction of low surface energy substance is carried out during the fabrication. The water contact angle (CA) of the bio-inspired superhydrophobic surfaces with stomata-like structures (BSSS) can reach 168.4 ± 1° with 8.9° sliding angle and less than 10° contact angle hysteresis (CAH). The structure and wettability of the BSSS are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effects of swelling ratio, heat treatment temperature and surface morphology on the hydrophobicity of the BSSS are investigated systematically. Noticeably, the BSSS are provided with wonderful durability in organic solvents, ice water, and strong acid solution. Furthermore, a theoretical model for BSSS based on the Cassie-Baxter relation is established to elucidate the "stomata effect". The model reveals that the water contact angle will reach 180° when the stomata-like structure is suitable. The fabrication of BSSS provides a potential strategy for the development of novel superhydrophobic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A semi-interpenetrating network ionic conductive hydrogel is synthesized. • The hydrogel exhibits high transparency, excellent repeatability and fast response ability. • The network hydrogel can be bonded by CMC membrane via capillary force. • The hydrogel strain sensor demonstrates good sensing ability for human motion detection. Transparent conductive hydrogels with intrinsic flexibility, high sensitivity and outstanding repeatability and nearly real-time response are highly demanded for wearable devices/sensors. Here we report a novel ionic conductor hydrogel consisting of interpenetrating sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) microsheets and polyacrylamide (PAAm) network. Intrinsic interactions between the CMC and PAAm endow the hydrogel with outstanding physical, mechanical robustness. The ionic hydrogel shows a very high transparency (98.2%), high adhesion efficiency (64% in strength), outstanding repeatability (500 cycles at the strain of 300%), sensitivity (Gauge factor = 3.15), and nearly real-time response (360 ms) to a small amount of stress. Additionally, two pieces of the semi-interpenetrating hydrogel can be bonded together with CMC membrane instantly without any external stimulation. Strain sensor based on the semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel has been demonstrated reliable in detecting a small strain caused by a subtle vibration up to a very large deformation by stretching. The hydrogel-based strain sensor may be applied in human motion detection, smart cushion and soft robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nowadays, as demand for reducing feed waste is increasing, it is imperative to apply enzyme preparations to achieve maximum effectiveness of feed. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with phytase and protease in low-energy and low-protein diet on the growth performance, serum metabolism parameters, and intestinal digestive enzyme activities of meat ducks, which provided new insights into the positive roles of phytase and protease in growth performance, serum metabolism parameters, and intestinal digestive enzyme activities. This study contributes to the improvement in appropriate applications of exogenous enzyme preparations for poultry industry. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with protease and phytase on growth performance, serum physiochemical parameters, and activities of digestive enzymes in jejunal digesta of meat ducks. Experiment 1 was carried out to determine the effects of different protease or phytase on growth performance, serum physiochemical parameter, and activities of digestive enzymes in jejunal digesta of meat ducks to select the optimal phytase or protease. According to the hatching age and initial weight, a total of 5040 Cherry Valley ducks (15 days of age) were randomly assigned into six treatments. Treatments included a basal control diet (CON) and 5 basal diets supplemented with different enzyme preparations, which were phytase preparation A (PA, 160 g/t), phytase preparation B (PB, 800 g/t), protease preparation A (PTA, 80 g/t), protease preparation B (PTB, 300 g/t) and protease preparation C (PTC, 200 g/t). The enzyme activities were as follows: Phytase A and B as well as protease A, B, and C were 50,000, 10,000, 250,000, 50,000, and 60,000 U/g, respectively. Each treatment had 7 replicates with 120 meat ducks per replicate. Experiment 1 lasted for 28 days. The results showed that: compared with the CON group, the PA group significantly decreased contents of serum phosphorus and calcium (p < 0.05), and the PTA, PTB, and PTC groups had higher activities of trypsin in jejunal digesta (p < 0.05), and the activity of jejunal chymotrypsin in PTA group was greater (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was carried out to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with protease and phytase in low-energy and low-protein diet on growth performance, serum physiochemical parameters, and activities of digestive enzymes in jejunal digesta of meat ducks. According to the hatching age and initial weight, a total of 5760 Cherry Valley ducks (15 days of age) were randomly assigned into four treatments on the basis of a trial of 2 × 2 factorial design. Treatments included a basal control diet (PC), basal diet supplemented with enzymes (PCE), low-energy and low-protein diet (LEP), and low-energy and low-protein diet supplemented with enzymes (LEPE), the nutrient levels of energy and CP of basal diet were 2747.2 cal·ME/kg and 16.80%, respectively, and the nutrient levels of energy and CP of low-energy and low-protein diet decreased 45.90 kcal·ME/kg and 0.52% on the basis of basal diet, respectively. According to the results of experiment 1, phytase A and protease A were determined as the optimal enzyme combination of Experiment 2, and additional dosage of which were identical with Experiment 1. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 240 meat ducks per replicate. Experiment 2 lasted for 28 days. The results showed that: compared with PC and LEP groups, PCE and LEPE groups had higher final weight and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05), higher activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin in jejunal digesta (p < 0.05), lower contents of serum calcium and phosphorus as well as higher levels of high-density lipoprotein in the serum (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with phytase and protease in different energy and protein diets could increase digestive enzymes in jejunal digesta, effect serum physiochemical parameters, improve metabolic status, and increase the growth performance of meat ducks. Meanwhile, with the dietary supplementation with phytase and protease in the lower energy and protein diet, the growth performance could reach to the degree of the higher energy and increased protein diet, but without the addition of phytase and protease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts, and causing moderate to severe diarrhea in humans. Cryptosporidium infections are frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide, but little research has been done on local pig breeds such as Tibetan pigs and Yunan Black pigs and imported pig breeds such as Landrace pigs in China. Therefore, a total of 1089 pig fecal samples from four intensive farms in four areas of China, including Tibetan pigs from Gongbujiangda County (n = 180) and Mainling County (n = 434), Tibet, Yunan Black pigs from Sanmenxia, Henan Province (n = 246), and Landrace pigs from Kaifeng, Henan Province (n = 229), and were screened for the presence of Cryptosporidium with microscopy and nested PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA gene. Results: The total infection rate of Cryptosporidium in 1089 fecal samples of three different pig breeds was 2.11% (23/1089), and the infection rates of Tibetan pigs, Yunan Black pigs, and Landrace pigs were 0.49% (3/614), 0.41% (1/246), and 8.30% (19/229), respectively. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in weaned piglets (1–2 months) (4.36%, 21/482) than in younger and older age groups (p < 0.01). Sequence analysis of positive samples revealed that there was no mixed infection in our study population, which included 12 cases of C. suis mono-infections (52.17%, 12/23) and 11 cases of C. scrofarum mono-infections (47.83%, 11/23). C. suis was identified in one pre-weaned piglet (< 1 month) and 11 weaned piglets (1–2 months), while C. scrofarum was only detected in 10 weaned piglets (1–2 months) and one finished pig (> 2 months). Conclusions: This is the first report on the identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in Tibetan pigs, and our findings also elucidate the occurrence and distribution of Cryptosporidium in three different pig breeds in Tibet and Henan, China. More molecular epidemiological studies are required to better clarify the prevalence and public health significance of Cryptosporidium in different pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous study found that Chinese chive could significantly (p < 0.01) raise testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) levels in mice serum. However, the specific functional components of this traditional remedy are still unknown. In order to isolate and identify the active constituents from Chinese chive for enhancing testosterone and NO levels, the Chinese chive leaves were extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n‐butanol and water respectively. Results indicated that the n‐butanol extract had a significant effect on NO and testosterone blood levels. Subsequently, n‐butanol extract was further isolated by D101 macroporous adsorption and eluted with 50% ethanol and then isolated by Sephadex LH‐20 and preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography to obtain nucleosides. The fraction eluted with 70% ethanol was further isolated by RP‐18 and pre‐HPLC to obtain nucleotides. Four novel compounds were identified, and their effects on testosterone and NO levels of male mice were evaluated. Results showed that nucleotides, especially the adenosine in Chinese chive leaves, increased serum testosterone and NO levels in male mice, which had not been reported before. This finding might bring into perspective the treatment strategy for those doctors who treat hormone deficiencies, and might be suitable for using in functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the environmental and energy problems caused by the rapid consumption of fossil fuels, water splitting for hydrogen production by utilizing semiconductor photocatalysts has been extensively studied as a promising route to produce clean and renewable hydrogen. In article 1800184, Yuekun Lai and co‐workers review some main strategies to construct various dimensional TiO2 nanostructures, and modified strategies to enhance solar light harvesting and energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the mechanism and potential applications of sustainable photo/photoelectro‐catalytic hydrogen production are comprehensively summarized and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising alternative clean energy to fossil fuels, H2 has been given increasing attention, and efficient H2 production is urgently required. Photocatalytic H2 generation from water splitting (WS) is deemed to be a promising and green route for H2 production. TiO2 has been widely utilized in WS owing to the stability, low cost, corrosion resistance, and environmental safety properities. Nevertheless, two dominant defects (inferior absorption performance in visible light and recombination of photogenerated e−–h+ pairs) still impede the development of TiO2. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the progress of various routes for TiO2 nanostructures (0D–3D) and diversified modifications for enhanced H2 production. Further, the perspectives and opportunities for TiO2 based materials are promoted. Persistent efforts are needed to equip the TiO2 nanomaterials with original advanced commercialization and functionality. The state‐of‐the‐art development of fabrication methods on 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D TiO2 nanostructures is reviewed first. Then, some critical engineering strategies to enlarge the active surface area, enhance visible light absorption, and suppress the recombination of electrons/holes that benefit their photo/phtotelectron‐catalytic water splitting activity, are looked into. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two fungal isolates, F12‐20 and F3‐1, were collected from postharvest blueberry in China. By phylogenetic analysis with the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and morphological analyses, they were initially identified as Penicillium and Arthrinium sacchari (A. sacchari). The results showed that water‐soluble chitosan (WCS) and sulfonated chitosan (SCS) could significantly reduce the radial growth of fungal mycelia. The best concentrations were 0.25 and 16 g L–1 for WCS and 0.50 and 64 g L–1 for SCS against Penicillium sp. and A. sacchari, respectively. Importantly, SCS exhibited selective antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea and A. sacchari. As different species of fungi may respond differently to fungicides, the findings of this study will provide a basis for the development of target‐specific pathogen control and will be useful in designing and implementing fungicide resistance management for control postharvest decay, thus extending the storage life of fresh blueberry. Practical application Experimental results obtained herein are useful for designing and implementing fungicide resistance management for control postharvest decay in blueberry to improve marketable fruit and extend the storage life of fresh blueberries. And sulfonated chitosan can be applied to the target‐specific pathogen control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]