Search

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) are promising for many bioapplications due to their unique afterglow luminescence following the stoppage of light excitation. However, PLNPs are prone to surface quenching that results in weak afterglow luminescence. Although some efforts have been made to reduce surface quenching through designing homogeneous core-shell PLNPs, the enhancement in afterglow luminescence was insignificant. We hypothesize that the independent absorption and emission of the shell caused less energy to reach the activator ions in the core. Hence, a heterogeneous core-shell PLNP where the shell has a higher band gap than the core would reduce the absorption and emission of the shell. In this work, ZnGa 2 O 4 and Zn 2 GeO 4 were coated on Zn 1.2 Ga 1.6 Ge 0.2 O 4 :Cr and Zn 3 Ga 2 Ge 2 O 10 :Eu nanocrystals, respectively, to form heterogeneous core-shell PLNPs and significant luminescence enhancement was achieved compared to their traditional homogeneous core-shell nanostructures.

The skin is an effective protective barrier that significantly protects the body from damage caused by external environmental factors. Furthermore, skin condition significantly affects external beauty. In today's era, which is of material and spiritual prosperity, there is growing attention on skincare and wellness. Ultraviolet radiation is one of the most common external factors that lead to conditions like sunburn, skin cancer, and skin aging. In this review, several mechanisms of UV-induced skin cell senescence are discussed, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which have their own characteristics and mutual effects. As an illustration, mitochondrial dysfunction triggers electron evasion and the generation of more reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which in turn causes mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) damage. Based on the current mechanism, suitable prevention and treatment strategies are proposed from sunscreen, dietary, and experimental medications respectively, aimed at slowing down skin cell aging and providing protection from ultraviolet radiation. The effects of ultraviolet rays on skin is summarized, offering insights and directions for future studies on mechanism of skin cell senescence, with an anticipation of discovering more effective prevention and cure methods., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous in environmental media, and their harmful effects on MPs on the ecosystem have attracted more and more attention. Once released into the environment, MPs can trigger oxidative degradation through ultraviolet (UV) to cause photoaging. Photoaging significantly affects the properties of MPs, which leads to changing their environmental behaviors and increasing environmental risks. In this review, the generation of MPs under UV irradiation and the influence of environmental factors on the photoaging of MPs were discussed. Photoaging of MPs is an important process affecting the migration, transformation and interaction of pollutants in water and soil. In order to fully predict the fate and environmental interaction of MPs, more researches are needed in the future to explore the photoaging behavior of different types of MPs under natural environmental conditions.

he properly selected lighting for livestock farms is noted to ensure the optimal productivity of bred animals and poultry and to generate profit for the enterprise. (Research purpose) The research purpose is to substantiate the parameters of energy-saving lighting for agricultural premises and to develop methods for its calculation. (Materials and methods) It has been shown that greenhouse farms most often use high and low pressure sodium lamps for lighting, but their spectrum only partially substitutes the natural one. It has been assumed that expanding the spectrum and approximating it to the solar one could improve product quality and yield. It has been stated that incandescent and fluorescent lamps are traditionally used to illuminate livestock and poultry premises, but they cannot create a lighting system with a «dawn - sunset» function, and their spectrum does not correspond to the full range perceived by animals and birds. It has been noted that the LED light sources’ functioning has such features that make the application of standard calculation methods impossible. We obtained formulas for calculating the light level and flux of photons. (Results and discussion) We provided examples of applying the energy-saving lighting systems developed by us in poultry houses with floor housing system, in cowsheds with tethered housing system and in an experimental phyto-laboratory for growing seedlings. It has been found that after replacing the lighting system based on DRL-125 lamps with a new one, with 36 nine-watt LED lamps, the power consumption decreased from 2,250 to 336 watts, the average light level increased and amounted to 90 lux, while the illumination uniformity and color rendition improved. We have developed a resonant power supply system for LEDs to create lighting systems with a «sunrise - sunset» function. (Conclusions) We have shown the possibility and provided examples of using the developed by us energy-saving controlled lighting systems based on LED light sources.

Ultraviolet light from the sun can produce long-term skin damage and cancer. The use of sunscreen products containing one or more UV filters is encouraged by health professionals for preventing the damaging effects resulting from sun exposure. However, recently there have been increasing concerns about the use of sunscreens and their safety for both humans and the environment. The sunscreen manufacturers should take the initiative in testing of the products for possible short-term skin toxicity and long-term health effects that might occur due to the absorption of UV filters through the skin. Published studies have shed light on this topic by investigating the harmful effects of UV filters such as oxybenzone on the hormone system of aquatic animals and humans. Currently, in vitro and in vivo animal models are being used to determine the mechanistic and cellular effects these products produce. With growing awareness of adverse effects posed by UV filters on the environment and exposed organisms, several jurisdictions are prohibiting their use in sunscreens. To our knowledge, very few reviews summarized the potential toxicities associated with UV filters. Therefore, the current reported findings are rather controversial due to the lack of nonclinical safety assessment data to determine the clinical significance of such exposure.

Reactive flame-retardant dimethly allylphosphonate (DA) was prepared using dimethyl phosphite and 3-bromopropy and was grafted onto cotton fabric via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation using N,N'-Methylenebis (2-propenamide) (MBA) as a crosslinker and benzoin dimethyl ether as an initiator. The effects of DA and MBA mass concentrations on the flame retardancy of the cotton fabric were studied. The results indicated that the flame retardancy of the cotton fabric was proportionate to the mass concentrations of DA and MBA. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the cotton fabric could reach 27.2%, and the afterburning time and smoldering time were both 0 s. After 20 washing turns, the LOI could still reach 24.5%. The final cotton fabric exhibited better thermal stability, and the flame-retardant finishing demonstrated no significant effect on the tensile property of the cotton fabric.

In this study, the potential of ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation to alleviate the effects of pollutants in cigarette butt wastewater (CBW) was investigated using different Chlorella sorokiniana strains (F4, R1 and LG1). Microalgae were treated with UV-B (1.7 W m−2) for 3 days prior to their exposure to CBW and then incubated for 4 days in the absence or presence of UV-B. UV-B-untreated microalgae were used as the control. Comparative physiological responses, including photosynthetic pigments and non-enzymatic antioxidants, as well as nicotine and nicotyrine removal, were evaluated in 7-day cultures. UV-B treatments did not negatively impact algal chlorophyll or carotenoid production. UV-B acclimation was strain-dependent, correlating with native environment adaptations and genetic constitutions. UV-B as a pretreatment had long-term positive effects on non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity. However, LG1 needed more time to readjust the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance, as it was the most UV-B-sensitive. Phenolic compounds played an important role in the antioxidant system response to UV-B, while flavonoids did not contribute to the total antioxidant capacity. Although cross-resistance between UV-B and CBW was observed in F4 and R1, only R1 showed nicotine/nicotyrine catabolism induction due to UV-B. Overall, the results suggest that UV-B activates defense pathways associated with resistance or tolerance to nicotine and nicotyrine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

A fluorescence device based on ultraviolet light is proposed in this paper, which currently stands at the design stage with the eventual aim to potentially detect virus/antibody fluorescence reactions. The designed device is proposed to have the characteristics of high reflectivity, low power consumption, wide spectrum of light source, and proper silver coating. For fabrication and raising product quality, 3D printing technology and a sputtering test will be used. In this connection, this paper firstly introduces the design sources; then, the ideas of inventing fluorescence detection devices based on ultraviolet light, followed by the data analysis as well as discussing the results of computer simulations. The design process, materials, methods, and experiments are demonstrated following the reality work procedure. Instead of directly using a virus or antibodies for the experiment, at the current design stage, we focus on using this device to detect the rhodamine B reagent. Experiment shows that this reagent can be successfully detected. With this achievement, we logically believe that such type of an ultraviolet optical sensor, with further development and testing, may have the possible value to detect a single virus such as COVID-19, as well as other viruses or small molecules. Though there is long way to go to achieve such a goal, future works experimenting with the detection device on real virus or antibodies can take place more efficiently with a good foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are sources of sunscreen ingredients that prevent cellular mutations involved in skin cancer and aging. This study investigated the sunscreen properties of the extracts from some ornamental plants growing in Colombia. The UV filter capability of the flower extracts obtained from Rosa centifolia L., Posoqueria latifolia (Rudge) Schult, and Ipomoea horsfalliae Hook. was examined. Photoprotection efficacies were evaluated using in vitro indices such as sun protection factor and critical wavelength. UVB antigenotoxicity estimates measured with the SOS Chromotest were also obtained. Extract cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were studied in human fibroblasts using the trypan blue exclusion and Comet assays, respectively. Major compounds of the promising flower extracts were identified by UHPLC–ESI+–Orbitrap–MS. The studied extracts showed high photoprotection efficacy and antigenotoxicity against UVB radiation, but only the P. latifolia extract showed broad-spectrum photoprotection at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The P. latifolia extract appeared to be safer for human fibroblast cells and the R. centifolia extract was shown to be moderately cytotoxic and genotoxic at the highest assayed concentrations. The I. horsfalliae extract was unequivocally cytotoxic and genotoxic. The major constituents of the promising extracts were as follows: chlorogenic acid, ecdysterone 20E, rhamnetin-rutinoside, cis-resveratrol-diglucoside, trans-resveratrol-diglucoside in P. latifolia; quercetin, quercetin-glucoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, and kaempferol-rhamnoside in R. centifolia. The potential of the ornamental plants as sources of sunscreen ingredients was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum hydrocarbons in light nonaqueous-phase liquid (LNAPL) can cause significant contamination when released into the environment. The identification, delineation, and understanding of their interactions with hydrostratigraphic media are essential for geoenvironmental site characterizations. Investigations of LNAPL-contaminated sites in Brazil are mostly conducted using monitoring wells, which have limitations in identifying LNAPL. Site characterization techniques based on ultraviolet light (UV) emissions, which are commercially known as Ultraviolet Optical Screening Tool (UVOST) and Optical Image Profiler (OIP), are more effective in identifying and providing qualitative LNAPL data. A bench testing campaign was conducted to evaluate the performance of an alternative, low-cost UV light device for determining the presence of LNAPL contamination in soil samples. This device creates a dark environment and uses UV light at different wavelengths combined with filters with different colors. Three different soils (e.g., organic, fine-medium sand, and well-sorted medium sand), three petroleum hydrocarbon products (e.g., lubricating oil, gasoline, and diesel) and deionized water were used. A total of 54 bench tests were conducted for hydrocarbon detection to assess the applicability of the alternative, low-cost UV light device. A UV-C light with a red filter produced the best results for identifying soil contamination. It was found that the UV light device is more efficient when using different wavelengths that are associated with more than one color filter. The application of this system has been broadened as it has now become more efficient when used with different combinations of soil types and LNAPL sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coated and laminated fabrics intended for out-door application suffer from property degradation due to hazardous environmental factors, which results in poor durability and limited shelf-life. In this study, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) film having completely ultraviolet (UV) blocking property was developed by solution casting method with optimizing different process parameters. UV blocking property was achieved by pigmentation of pristine PVDF films using titanium dioxide (TiO2). Various characterizations and tests were carried out to determine mechanical, thermal, EDX, FTIR and light transmission properties etc. in case of pristine and pigmented films and the results obtained were analyzed to judge the stability, structure and suitability of the developed films. Pigmented film was then laminated with light sensitive textile substrate by adhesion bonding method. The laminated fabric was subjected to natural and artificial weathering conditions for assessment of efficacy of developed film. The obtained results indicated that film laminated sample exhibited excellent weathering protection compared to control sample (without film) which was evaluated in terms of tensile strength loss after exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as blue light, which is part of visible light, is harmful to skin, samarium—cerium compounds containing Sm2O2S were synthesized by co-precipitation method. This kind of compounds blocks not only UV light, but also blue light. The minimum values of average transmittance (360–450 nm) and band gap of samarium—cerium compounds were 8.90% and 2.76 eV, respectively, which were less than 13.96% and 3.01 eV of CeO2. Elemental analysis (EA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectra determined that the samples contained Ce4O7, Sm2O2S, Sm2O3, and Sm2O2SO4. The microstructure of samples was analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM). X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) showed that cerium had Ce3+ and Ce4+ valence states, and oxygen was divided into lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancy, which was the direct cause of the decrease of average transmittance and band gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photodetector capable of detecting light illuminations ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to visible light spectrum using earth-abundant and environmentally friendly Cu-doped zinc tin oxide (Cu-doped ZTO) thin films is reported. Trilayer photodetector devices comprising P+-Si/10 at.% Cu-doped-ZTO-thin-film/indium-tin-oxide were successfully fabricated using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. Optical and photoconductive characteristics of trilayer photodetector devices were investigated. The devices were found to exhibit superior photodetection capabilities, including high sensitivities of 1147 and 758, under 630-nm and 352-nm light illumination, respectively, and corresponding fast photoresponse times with a rise-time/fall-time of 8.9 ms/8.0 ms and 8.8 ms/8.0 ms. The induced mid-gap states from the Cu-dopant contributed extensively to the photoresponse through stable optical transitions. Air-annealing the Cu-ZTO thin films at 600°C effectively reduced the dark current, enabling Cu-ZTO thin films suitable for UV–visible light, wide spectral photodetector applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of ultra-violet (UV) light to replace the traditional brewing process to make cold tea in terms of inactivation of endogenous microflora has not been explored. Thus, the efficacy of emerging technologies such as UV-C by tea leaves/water ranging from 1 to 3 %, number of lamps ranging from 2 to 8, and number of cycles ranging from 4 to 8 were performed to determine the inactivation of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and total mold and yeast (TMY) and changes in quality properties in cold drip white tea. The UV-light process was effective to reduce both TMAB and TMY. Increased number of cycles provided a significant amount of inactivation on both TMAB and TMY. The reduction of initial number of TMY was determined as 3.40±0.03 log cfu/mL with the number of lamps of 5, the number of cycle of 4, and tea leaves/water ratio of 1%, whereas TMAB were found as 3.12±0.08 log cfu/with the number of lamps of 2, the number of cycles of 6 and tea leaves/water ratio of 1%. The resulting datasets were used to predict the inactivation of TMAB and TMY in cold drip white tea using gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT), random forest regression (RFR), and artificial neuron network (ANN) models. The ANN model provided the lowest RMSE and highest R2 value for predicted inactivation of TMAB. TMY has not been predicted using either machine or neural networks. UV treatment possess a viable alternative for microbial inactivation without adverse effect on the quality properties of cold drip white tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: skin aging; ultraviolet light; solar radiation; pollution; reactive oxygen species; oxidative stress; antioxidants; chelators EN skin aging ultraviolet light solar radiation pollution reactive oxygen species oxidative stress antioxidants chelators N.PAG N.PAG 20 08/29/22 20220801 NES 220801 1. Pollutant-induced photo-oxidative stress can lead to the depletion of skin surface antioxidants, especially vitamin E, vitamin C and glutathione, resulting in structural skin damage and an impairment of the barrier function, as well as skin aging. However, environmental pollutants can modulate the activity of these cutaneous antioxidant enzymes and alterations in their activity can be associated with inflammatory skin conditions [[137], [139]], altering skin redox homeostasis, skin barrier function, and lead to skin aging and carcinogenesis [[14], [140], [142]]. AhR activation has been involved in the exacerbation of skin pathologies such as acne, atopic dermatitis, skin aging, carcinogenesis, and skin barrier impairment [[118], [120], [122]]. Skin Micronutrients and Topical Antioxidant Application Besides endogenous enzymes, skin is equipped with a non-enzymatic set of antioxidant molecules that can be absorbed through the diet and they play a key role in protecting the skin from oxidative reactions, and lipid peroxidation, and promote keratinocyte differentiation, as well as skin barrier function [[14], [149], [151]]. [Extracted from the article]

Corneal epithelium removal during photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), TransPRK, or corneal cross-linking (CXL) means that patients experience pain and inflammation after the procedure, which need to be carefully managed with topical drug regimens. One highly effective class of topical analgesics is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but these must be used carefully, as their use has been associated with delayed re-epithelialization and, in rare cases, corneal melting. However, our clinical experience has been that the concomitant use of topical corticosteroids obviates this risk. Here, we present a mechanistic explanation for our observations, our TransPRK and epithelium-off CXL protocols, and the postoperative medication regimens where topical NSAIDs are used in combination with topical steroid therapy during the first two postoperative days (where pain and inflammation levels are the highest). We detail the results of a single-center retrospective case analysis that examined eyes that underwent TransPRK (n = 301) or epithelium-off CXL (n = 576). Topical NSAID use in the first two postoperative days to control pain and inflammation after PRK/TransPRK or epithelium-off CXL, when used in combination with topical steroid therapy, does not appear to be associated with corneal melting or delayed epithelial healing. This approach may represent an improvement over current methods of handling post-surgical pain in procedures that require corneal epithelial debridement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet (UV)-based photocatalysis has been the subject of numerous investigations focused on mitigating undesirable pollutants in the gas phase. Few works report on applications beyond the proof of the concept. Even less is known about the current state of the art of UV photocatalysis in the context of animal agriculture. A growing body of research published over the last 15 years has advanced the knowledge and feasibility of UV-A photocatalysis for swine and poultry farm applications. This review paper summarizes UV-A photocatalysis technology's effectiveness in mitigating targeted air pollutants in livestock and poultry farms. Specifically, air pollutants include odor, odorous VOCs, NH3, H2S and greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O). We trace the progression of UV-A photocatalysis applications in animal farming since the mid-2000 and developments from laboratory to farm-scale trials. In addition, this review paper discusses the practical limitations and outlines the research needs for increasing the technology readiness and practical UV application in animal farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) is a promising route to achieve rapid curing of epoxy‐based thermosets, requiring only a localized exposure with UV light. In the presence of a diaryliodonium‐based photoinitiator and a thermal radical initiator, a self‐sustaining hot front cures epoxide monomer via a cationic mechanism. However, the cationic polymerization of diglycidyl ether derivatives is slow (in comparison with other epoxides with higher reactivity) and, as a consequence, frontal polymerization is sluggish because the heat loss is not compensated by the rate of heat release. Cycloaliphatic epoxies possess a higher ring strain than diglycidyl ether derivatives and can be blended with the latter to increase its rate of frontal polymerization. In the current work, a comprehensive study on the influence of 3,4 epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3,4‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (CE) on cure kinetics, viscosity, front velocity, mechanical, and thermo‐mechanical properties of frontally cured bisphenol A diglycidyl ether derivatives is presented. The results show a direct relationship between frontal velocity and amount of reactive diluent while an inverse relationship with the storage viscosity is observed. It is found that increasing the content of cycloaliphatic epoxide reduces the glass transition but increases mechanical properties of frontally cured bisphenol A diglycidyl ether derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising candidates to develop flash memories with premium performances as compared to conventional bulk materials, because of their ultra-thin thickness and highly tunable electrical properties. So far, most of the reported 2D material based flash memories work in the uni-polar mode, which usually further integrate additional local gate to achieve bi-polar function. However, such approach is volatile, meaning that the gate bias has to be applied persistently to maintain the polarity change and thus increases the power consumption. Here, we report a bi-polar memory based on MoTe2/h-BN/graphene semi-floating gate (SFG) heterostructure, which has non-volatile and dynamically tunable polarity. The SFG configuration has the channel layer of MoTe2 and dielectric layer of h-BN half-stacked on the floating gate layer of graphene. The off-graphene half of the MoTe2 channel can be tuned between n-type and p-type by simultaneously applying ultraviolet (UV) illumination and electrical field through the back gate, which maintains this polarity after the removal of both stimuli. As a result, the SFG memory can work in the non-volatile bi-polar mode, with a on/off ratio of ∼ 100 and switching speed of 1 ms. On the other hand, the on-graphene half of the MoTe2 channel remains n-type under UV illumination and electrical bias, so that the MoTe2 full floating gate memory maintains n-type, which implements the integration of both n- and p-type memories in a single 2D heterostructure. This capability provides great flexibility for memory devices adapting in various emerging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Members of the Mycobacterium abscessus complex have now emerged as clinically significant respiratory pathogens in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), potentially leading to increased disease severity, antibiotic treatment, and persistence dilemmas. Many of these species are resistant to disinfectants and biocides commonly used to clean and disinfect the hospital environment, thus necessitating the need to examine innovative ways to eliminate these organisms from such environments. It was, therefore, the aim of this study to examine the individual effect of ultraviolet-c (UVc) light (? = 254 nm) and ozone (O3) on the growth of the M. abscessus complex organisms, as well as on seven other clinically significant CF pathogens, including Achromobacter spp., Burkholderia gladioli, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia multivorans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Methods: Bacterial isolates (n = 46), including M. abscessus complex (n = 6) (M. abscessus subsp abscessus [n = 2], M. abscessus subsp. bolletii [n = 2], M. abscessus subsp. massiliense [n = 2]), and other CF pathogens (n = 40) including Achromobacter spp., B. gladioli, B. cenocepacia, B. multivorans, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. maltophilia, were exposed for 1 h to UVc light (254 nm), as well as to ozone (O3; 26 ppm). Results: UVc light inactivated all M. abscessus complex organisms (n = 6), as well as the 40 isolates from the other genera and species. No bacterial species tested was able to survive the UVc treatment. O3 was unable to inactivate all isolates of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus (n = 2), M. abscessus subsp. bolletii (n = 2), and one isolate of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense, but killed one strain of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense. Overall, O3 inactivated only 20% of total isolates, allowing the posttreatment growth of the remaining 80% of isolates. There was no difference in the growth dynamic of P. aeruginosa from the environmental waters which had received O3 treatment and the control (untreated with O3). Bacterial growth, while occurring post-O3 treatment, was not as prolific in all remaining organisms, as in the untreated controls, demonstrating some but limited antibacterial effect. Conclusions: From the data presented by this study, UVc light at 254 nm was effective at eliminating all organisms examined, including members of the M. abscessus complex. Given the refractory nature of these organisms against conventional wet chemical disinfection, UVc potentially offers a physical method to control and eliminate the survival of these organisms on health-care surfaces and fomites. For many CF species examined in this study, these data represent the first reports of the organisms susceptibility to UVc light. Further work is now required to establish time/distance parameters incorporated into newly designed innovative devices, to allow disinfection protocols to be optimized, and delivered to exploit this vulnerability with these nontuberculous mycobacterial organisms, as well as with the other bacterial species examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most synthetic dyes are toxic and hardly biodegradable compounds that enter the environment mainly through the discharged of non-treated textile industry effluents. The present study investigated the removal of the textile monoazo dye Reactive Red 198 (RR-198) from aqueous solutions using the ultraviolet light and ozonation alone and in combination (i.e., UV/O3) followed by a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). The pH (5 ≤ pH ≤ 9) and dye initial concentration (50–300 mg/L) parameters were optimized in the ozonation process at reaction time of 0–60 min. Then, TOC removal and dye discoloration percentage was compared with the O3, UV and O3/UV processes. In order to compare the performance of the SBR in dye discoloration of RR-198 and TOC removal, four types of effluent, including Raw dye, O3-pretreated dye, UV-treated dye and UV/O3-pretreated dye were separately treated in the SBR system. In the ozonation process, by increasing the pH and reducing the initial dye concentration increased the discoloration percentage. The highest dye discoloration percentage and TOC removal obtained in the hybrid UV/O3/SBR process. Combining biological systems and Advanced Oxidation Processes is an appropriate option for the decomposition of resistant pollutants and increasing the biodegradability of these compounds and is applicable in the water and wastewater industry.

AIM: To investigate the clinical effect of transepithelial rapid cross-linking combined with wearing rigid gas permeable contact lens(RGPCL)in keratoconus patients.METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with progressive keratoconus diagnosed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in October 2014, and underwent transepithelial rapid keratoplasty. After surgery 16 patients(25 eyes)used RGPCL. Average age was 25.31±5.92 years old, maximum preoperative corneal curvature was 58.96±6.76D, thinnest corneal thickness was 439.52±53.24μm. Rapid cross-linking was performed using riboflavin and 45mW/cm2 ultraviolet light(UV)irradiation with a total energy of 7.2J/cm2. RGPCL was used after surgery. Follow up of 3-6a, average follow-up time was 52.44±11.39mo. The best corrected visual acuity [(BCVA), in RGPCL], corneal curvature of flat meridian(K1), corneal curvature of steep meridian(K2), maximum corneal curvature(Kmax), corneal refractive power(MPP), Baiocchi Calossi Versaci index of anterior and posterior surface(BCVf and BCVb)asymmetry index of anterior surface curvature(SIf), asymmetry index of posterior surface curvature(SIb), the highest point of anterior cone cornea(KVf), the highest point of posterior cone cornea(KVb), the change of corneal thickness(ThkMin), lens opacity, and corneal endothelial cell count were observed.RESULTS: All patients had a successful operation, and no intraoperative complications. On the first day after surgery, all cases felt slight tingling and slight photophobia tears. After 1d of operation, the corneal epithelium was removed in two eyes. While 3d after re-wearing the bandage, the epithelium healed. None of lens in the patients was opacified during follow-up, and there was no significant difference in corneal endothelial cell count compared with preoperative(P>0.05). The BCVA(wearing RGPCL)after operation is obviously improved compared with preoperative. All postoperative Kmax, SIf, KVf, BCVf, BCVb were lower than preoperative(P

Abstract Background Favipiravir is used in treatment of Covid-19 patients. We aimed to share of ocular surface fluorescence in a patient after Favipiravir treatment in this case report. Case presentation A 20-year-old male patient declared no known systemic disease prior to Covid-19. He applied to us with blurry vision and blue light reflection after Covid-19 treatment with Favipiravir. We observed bilateral fluorescence on his eyes and fluorescence of his nails. Biomicroscopic examination was insignificant. Conclusion We investigated the fluorescence of favipiravir tablets under ultraviolet light. Drug demonstrated fluorescence. We recorded the favipiravir fluorescence in-vitro. This appears to be a strong evidence in terms of the linkage between the fluorescence of the ocular surface and favipiravir.

• Incoherent UV light treatment significantly enhances CFRP bonding strength. • UV treatment yields 10% higher bonding strength than laser-texturing. • The adhesion of UV treated samples exceeded the CFRP interlaminar strength. • UV treatment reduces CFRP surface WCA from 90° to 20°. • Combined IR laser & UV treatment has small gain over single laser treatment. The preparation of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) surfaces for adhesive bonding has been widely reported. Such reports include laser texturing using both near-infrared (IR) lasers and ultraviolet (UV) lasers. In this report, we present, for the first time, findings showing that surface treatment of CFRP using incoherent UV light, at 254 nm wavelength, can increase the adhesive bonding strength of CFRP by 75 % compared to non-treated samples. It is also around 10 % stronger than NIR laser-textured samples. However, combination treatments, where the UV irradiation is conducted either before or after laser texturing did not give a significant benefit over the laser-textured samples. A germicidal 46 W 254 nm UV lamp was used for the UV light treatment, while an IR nanosecond pulsed fibre laser operating at 1064 nm was used for the laser texturing treatment. The material tested was an autoclave-cured T700 CFRP composite. The wettability of the treated CFRP surfaces and the adhesive bonding were quantitatively assessed. This study concludes that low-cost incoherent UV treatment effectively reduces the water contact angle of the CFRP surface and activates CFRP surfaces. All treatments led to bonding strengths at least 50% greater than for the untreated surfaces. The predominant failure mode for UV-treated samples was Cohesive Substrate Failure (CSF), indicating that the adhesion strength exceeded the interlaminar shear strength of the CFRP material. All samples treated with the laser (including combined treatment with UV) exhibited Light Fibre Tear Failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanophotonic devices, composed of metals, dielectrics, or semiconductors, enable precise and high-spatial-resolution manipulation of electromagnetic waves by leveraging diverse light–matter interaction mechanisms at subwavelength length scales. Their compact size, light weight, versatile functionality and unprecedented performance are rapidly revolutionizing how optical devices and systems are constructed across the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra. Here, we review recent advances and future opportunities of nanophotonic elements operating in the ultraviolet spectral region, which include plasmonic devices, optical metamaterials, and optical metasurfaces. We discuss their working principles, material platforms, fabrication, and characterization techniques, followed by representative device applications across various interdisciplinary areas such as imaging, sensing and spectroscopy. We conclude this review by elaborating on future opportunities and challenges for ultraviolet nanophotonic devices.

Surfactants are one of the most commonly found xenobiotics in municipal and industrial wastewater. The purpose of this study was to compare ultraviolet/ultrasonic (UV/US) and ultraviolet/zinc oxide (UV/ZnO) processes in the removal of LAS from aqueous media.In this study, a medium-pressure UV lamp (125 W), an ultrasonic device (400 W and 42 kHz), and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were used. The concentration of LAS was 0.5, 14, and 21 mg/L in all experiments. Contact time of 8, 16, and 24 minutes, pH of 3, 7, and 11, and NP concentrations of 50, 100, 150 mg/L were selected. Detergent extraction was performed using methylene blue active substances.The results showed that the efficiency of UV/US process in the removal of LAS was 89.35%, while the removal efficiency of UV/ZnO process was 81.27%. In both processes, the rate of detergent removal increased by elongating the contact time from 8 to 24 minutes. The efficiency of UV/US process in LAS removal was greater than that of the UV/ZnO process. The findings showed that the removal efficiency of UV/US process was directly correlated with pH, while it had an inverse correlation with the removal efficiency of UV/ZnO process.

[Display omitted] • Faster divalent ion transport in ultraviolet-irradiated graphene oxide membranes. • Removal of specific oxygen functional groups improves selective ion transport. • A chromatography-like transport mechanism is proposed for irradiated membranes. Graphene oxide (GO) membranes are promising materials for achieving selective ion permeation in aqueous solutions. However, the swelling of GO laminates, caused by the affinity of water molecules for oxygen-containing groups (OCGs) on GO, significantly limits the practical prospects of GO membranes for selective ion transport and separation applications. Selectively removing OCGs from GO has been shown to decrease the interlayer distance between individual GO sheets, thereby improving the ability of laminate membranes to discriminate between different ions based on a size-exclusion mechanism. In this work, GO reduced through exposure to ultraviolet light (UV-rGO) is shown to display ion transport behavior that raises questions about size-exclusion as the dominant mechanism determining selective ion transport in GO membranes. Notably, smaller monovalent Li+ cations are found to permeate more slowly through UV-rGO membranes than larger divalent metal cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+. This unexpected behavior results in a 3 – 4 fold improvement in the separation selectivity between these representative cations with UV-rGO compared to pristine GO membranes. Through a joint experimental and theoretical study, we identified the factors influencing selective ion transport through the nanochannels in UV-rGO membranes. We demonstrate that the selective removal of hydroxyl (–OH) groups from the basal planes of GO enhances the interactions of metal cations with functional groups located at the edges of GO, thereby resulting in a lower ratio of free Li+ in solution, rather than stationary Li+ adsorbed onto the surface GO, compared to Ca2+ cations. Based on these results, we propose a separation mechanism analogous to chromatography, which emphasizes the crucial role of different OCGs on GO surfaces in controlling selective ion transport through GO membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Explores ultrasound alongside UV light, pulsed light, and microwave for meat decontamination. • Advantages and challenges of these technologies for ensuring meat safety and quality. • Discusses the potential of a multi-hurdle strategy with ultrasound. • Future research directions and recommendations for large-scale applications. Meat is highly susceptible to contamination with harmful microorganisms throughout the production, processing, and storage chain, posing a significant public health risk. Traditional decontamination methods like chemical sanitizers and heat treatments often compromise meat quality, generate harmful residues, and require high energy inputs. This necessitates the exploration of alternative non-ionizing technologies for ensuring meat safety and quality. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements, limitations, and future prospects of non-ionizing technologies for meat decontamination, with a specific focus on ultrasonication. It further investigates the comparative advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonication against other prominent non-ionizing technologies such as microwaves, ultraviolet (UV) light, and pulsed light. Additionally, it explores the potential of integrating these technologies within a multi-hurdle strategy to achieve enhanced decontamination across the meat surface and within the matrix. While non-ionizing technologies have demonstrated promising results in reducing microbial populations while preserving meat quality attributes, challenges remain. These include optimizing processing parameters, addressing regulatory considerations, and ensuring cost-effectiveness for large-scale adoption. Combining these technologies with other methods like antimicrobial agents, packaging, and hurdle technology holds promise for further enhancing pathogen elimination while safeguarding meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ultraviolet light (UVC) is of interest for biofouling prevention in the marine environment. Previous studies have proven it to be effective in high saline environments. but it is unknown how the dose will need to be adjusted based on geographic location and with the addition of marine coatings. This project compares and analyzes the difference in fouling prevention on three different marine coatings using UVC synergistically at two distinct locations (Merten's Center. Melbourne, and Cape Marina, Port Canaveral, Florida). A sub-objective is to compare a constant versus a pulsed dose of UVC. The Merten's Center test site is located on the Indian River Lagoon where the test coatings were immersed in an estuarine environment, whereas the test coatings at Cape Marina wei·e immersed in a marine environment, The three coatings tested were a copper-based system (BRA 640). a fouling release (Intersleek 1100), and an inert surface control coating (Epoxy). Control coatings were placed at both test locations. The test coatings were exposed, and visual assessments (ASTM D6990-05) were conducted at both sites monthly for three months, from July to October 2023. During the visual assessments, biofouling growth and/or coating damages were collected with photographs of all panels at corresponding assessment times. Differences in exposure and biofouling responses will be discussed based on coating and location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have designed and fabricated a compact dual-path UV light data transmission system based on epitaxial Ⅲ-Ⅴ on Si. • We have integrated a LED, an electro-absorption modulator, and two PDs on a single chip. • All the active devices, including the light source, modulator, and photodiode, are based on the identical ultraviolet InGaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) structure. • Both direct modulation and indirect modulation have been demonstrated by experiments and modulation depth of the modulator is greater than 48 %. The ultraviolet photonic integrated circuits possess application prospects in ultraviolet (UV) microscopy, bio-sensing, on-chip data communication, etc. Herein, we propose a UV light on-chip data transmission system based on epitaxial GaN on silicon. This simple system includes a light-emitting diode light source, a modulator, a Y-branch waveguide and two photodetectors. Both direct modulation and indirect modulation are configured into this system and demonstrated by experiment. Dual-channel communication is also implemented through Y-branch waveguide. As all the active devices share the same InGaN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) diode structure, this 378 nm UV light data transmission system can be monolithically integrated through the compatible manufacturing processes. By adopting the integrated MQW modulator with relatively large active region area, a significant modulation effect can be achieved with modulation depth greater than 48% under reverse bias of 20 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many birds, including macaws, are highly visual animals able to detect a wide band of light wavelengths ranging into ultraviolet A, but in captivity, full-spectrum lighting is not universally employed. Where purpose-made bird lighting is used, this is typically made with the provision of ultraviolet B radiation and vitamin D3 synthesis in mind. Limited research in this field suggests behavioural and physiological benefits of broad-spectrum lighting provision, but more work is needed to broaden the taxonomic scope and to investigate its impacts on understudied areas of husbandry, including behavioural management. We compared the duration of time a bonded pair of blue-throated macaws at ZSL London Zoo opted to remain in an inside den after being recalled from an outdoors flight aviary, with and without the presence of artificial lighting in the form of High Output T5 Fluorescent lamps, which are rich in UVA and UVB wavelengths as well as those visible to humans. We hypothesized that the birds would remain inside for longer when T5 lighting was on, as they would be more visually comfortable. Using randomization analyses, we show that, over 54 trials split between winter and spring, the mean duration spent inside after recall increased from 81.04 to 515.13 s with the presence of the lighting unit, which was highly statistically significant. Our results are likely to be explained by much higher visibility of indoor surroundings creating a more hospitable indoor environment for the birds and will have implications for captive macaw management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, urea-derived g-C3N4/ZnWO4 (ZnW-U) heterostructures have been synthesized through a simple and eco-friendly one-pot process. Morphology, structure, and composition of the prepared nanocomposites were ascertained using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, Raman, FESEM, and UV–Vis analysis. To investigate the photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized heterostructures, organic pollutant methylene blue (MB) and Rose Bengal (RB) dyes were chosen as benchmark reactions, which revealed that the as-prepared g-C3N4/ZnWO4 heterostructures show remarkably improved photocatalytic efficacy for the decomposition of MB and RB dyes under ultraviolet (UV) light treatment. Concisely, the photocatalytic efficiency of the prepared nanocomposite under UV light irradiation showed an MB and RB degradation of more than 86% and 94%, respectively. The higher photocatalytic performance could be owing to the formation of heterojunction among graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and ZnWO4, and efficient photoproduced electron–hole pairs separation. A plausible photocatalytic mechanism for the enhanced degradation performance of MB in presence of the as-synthesized photocatalysts is also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In use for over a century, the Wood's lamp is a time-tested tool to aid in the diagnosis of certain superficial infections, pigmentary disorders, and metabolic diseases. To achieve its high utility, the Wood's lamp projects ultraviolet light onto the skin which in turn reflects a visible light that a trained eye can use to diagnose and monitor multiple dermatological ailments. Although new alternatives to Wood's lamp have been considered, it still remains a favored method of diagnosis because it is safe, cost-effective, and reliable. In this review, the authors explore the myriad applications of Wood's lamp in the field of dermatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have purchased more ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection devices than in previous years. This article discusses the safety and efficacy of UVC disinfection in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) has profound effects on human skin that results in a broad spectrum of immunological local and systemic responses and is the major cause of skin carcinogenesis. One important area of study in photobiology is how UVB is translated into effector signals. As the skin is exposed to UVB light, subcellular microvesicle particles (MVP), a subtype of bioactive extracellular vesicles, are released causing a variety of local and systemic immunological effects. In this review, we highlight keratinocyte MVP release in keratinocytes in response to UVB. Specifically, Platelet-activating factor receptor agonists generated by UVB result in MVP released from keratinocytes. The downstream effects of MVP release include the ability of these subcellular particles to transport agents including the glycerophosphocholine-derived lipid mediator Platelet-activating factor (PAF). Moreover, even though UVB is only absorbed in the epidermis, it appears that PAF release from MVPs also mediates systemic immunosuppression and enhances tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor cells expressing PAF receptors can use this mechanism to evade chemotherapy responses, leading to treatment resistance for advanced cancers such as melanoma. Furthermore, novel pharmacological agents provide greater insight into the UVB-induced immune response pathway and a potential target for pharmacological intervention. This review outlines the need to more clearly elucidate the mechanism linking UVB-irradiation with the cutaneous immune response and its pathological manifestations. An improved understanding of this process can result in new insights and treatment strategies for UVB-related disorders from carcinogenesis to photosensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, TiO2-based photocatalysts modified with Pt and Cu/CuOx were synthesized and studied in the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The morphology and chemical states of synthesized photocatalysts were studied using UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A series of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with maximum intensity in the range of 365–450 nm was used to determine the action spectrum of photocatalysts. It is shown for, the first time, that the pre-calcination of TiO2 at 700 °C and the use of Cu/CuOx instead of Pt allow one to design a highly efficient photocatalyst for CO2 transformation shifting the working range to the visible light (425 nm). Cu/CuOx/TiO2 (calcined at 700 °C) shows a rate of CH4 formation of 1.2 ± 0.1 µmol h−1 g−1 and an overall CO2 reduction rate of 11 ± 1 µmol h−1 g−1 (at 425 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving a novel drug delivery system needs site-specificity along with dosage control. Many physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological signals are used for developing these systems, out of which light has been used predominantly in the past decade. Light responsive drug delivery systems have tremendous potential, and their exploration is crucial in developing a precise and controlled delivery system. Spatio-temporal and intensity control of light allows better manipulation of drug delivery vehicles than mechanical, chemical, and biological signals. The use of ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) light has helped in upgrading therapeutic functionalities, while the use of up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has delivered an extension into theranostic tools. Biomaterials incorporated with photosensitizers can readily respond to changes in light and are vital in achieving clinical success via translational research. Further, the inclusion of biological macromolecules for the transportation of drugs, genes, and proteins has seen a broader application of light-controlled systems. The key objective of this review paper is to summarise the evolution of light-activated targeted drug delivery systems and the importance of biomaterials in developing one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial contamination of spices, especially black pepper, may sometimes reach as high as 8 log cfu/g, which can cause a major problem in the quality and safety of foods they are added. This study aimed to explore the potential of ultraviolet C (UV-C) light and ozone for decontamination of black pepper seeds. Ozone (15 ppm for 1 h) and UV-C (28.8 J/cm2) treatments were applied alone, in succession, or simultaneously to whole black pepper seed with a laboratory scale fluidized bed UV-C system. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) count (in uninoculated seeds), Escherichia coli (E. coli) count (in inoculated seeds) and color (L*, a* and b*) of black pepper were evaluated. Ozone and UV-C treatments alone caused 0.41- and 0.77-log reduction in the initial TAMB count (6.97 log cfu/g), respectively. TAMB decreased by 0.74- and 0.66-log upon successive and simultaneous treatments, respectively. Thus, the combined treatments did not have any additive or synergistic effects on TAMB. Both ozone and UV-C treatments alone resulted a 0.8-log reduction in the initial E. coli count of 6.3-log. The combined treatments caused an additive effect on inactivation of E. coli in black pepper seeds. The successive and simultaneous treatments caused 1.7- and 1.4-log reductions in the E. coli, respectively. None of the treatments affected the color (L*, a* and b* values) significantly. In conclusion, the individual treatment has potential for reducing the natural contamination level on the seeds, and the combined treatments may have further potential towards reducing specific microbial contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During hot fire rocket engine testing, non-contacting measurements are superior to bonded gauges because they are immune to burning, shaking loose, or damage due to the harsh testing conditions. Additionally, when compared to instruments which register at single points, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) has the added benefit in that it collects full-field displacement and strain maps over the duration of the test. However, for certain materials and paints under some circumstances of temperature and camera sensitivity, portions of the speckle pattern which were darker at room temperature may emit more light compared to the initially lighter portions of the pattern, resulting in a high temperature pattern which is inverted in comparison with that at room temperature. To address this inversion, a post-processing method is introduced wherein an inverted image containing only emitted light is subtracted from an image containing both emitted and reflected light, thereby generating an un-inverted image. The artificial high temperature image is subsequently correlated against the room temperature image to obtain full-field strains. The subtraction technique is then validated using optical bandpass filters to prevent significant amounts of emitted light from reaching the camera sensor. The two methods are mapped onto common coordinates and shown to produce comparable results. The subtraction method sufficiently mitigates speckle pattern inversion, but its key drawback is that it only works when there is negligible displacement between the subtracted images (i.e. quasi-static loading). It is therefore preferable to eliminate inversion from reaching the camera in the first place by using optical bandpass filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]