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The penta-hybrid nanofluid is a nanofluid that contains five different types of nanoparticles. It can achieve higher heat transfer rates than conventional hybrid nanofluids due to the synergistic effects of the nanoparticles. It also has more diverse physical and thermal properties, which make it more adaptable for various applications. Therefore, this research examines the influence of localized magnetic fields on the vortex dynamics in a penta-hybrid nanofluidic flow in a vertical cavity with an aspect ratio of 1:10, driven by a top and bottom lid moving in the opposite direction. The stream-vorticity formulation is used to solve the dimensionless governing partial differential equation. A confined magnetic field in the form of horizontal and vertical strips has been applied instead of a uniform magnetic field throughout the flow domain, which is more realistic. Moreover, MATLAB codes developed by the authors are used to investigate how these parameters affect the flow and thermal properties of the nanofluids. The results suggest that magnetic fields have an impact on how stress, flow patterns, and temperature are distributed. Moreover, the presence of a magnetic field influences the spacing of isotherms, indicating a more even temperature distribution. It has also been observed that stress distribution is affected by the magnetic field, with higher stress levels near walls and regions with velocity-induced stress. However, in certain areas, the magnetic field can decrease shear stress depending on its strength and orientation. These study findings have implications for designing and operating nanofluidic devices. For instance, utilizing a magnetic field can help regulate flow patterns, temperature distribution, and stress distribution within nanofluidic channels. This capability could prove beneficial for a range of applications, such as cell separation, drug delivery, and nanofluidic heat exchange systems.

The alloys composed of magnesium (Mg) are deemed appropriate materials for utilization in the automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors due to their exceptionally high specific strength and density. Due to the strengthening mechanisms and superior mechanical properties, Mg–Gd systems pique the interest of researchers. The property enhancement is enabled by the formation of nano-scale stable (β) and metastable (β′) precipitates in the Mg–Gd system. Additionally, the concentration of the various alloying elements significantly influences the formation of the nano-level precipitates. This article presents an overview of the Mg–Gd system, focusing on its microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior. In addition, the variety of manufacturing processes utilized to fabricate the Mg–Gd system is also discussed. Enhanced mechanical properties were attained through the combination of casting/deformation methods and various heat treatment techniques. The mechanical and corrosion behaviors have been extensively discussed, in connection to the effects of the second phase/precipitates. This article provides an overview of recent developments pertaining to Mg–Gd alloy and extrapolates potential future developments.

Biological ion channels play an important role in living processes, such as maintaining osmotic pressure, signal transduction, and transmitting nerve impulses, and can selectively regulate the transmembrane transport of substances. Inspired by the structure and function of biological ion channels, researchers have prepared a variety of biomimetic nanochannels using advanced nanofabrication techniques to study the mechanism of ion transport in the nanoconfined space. In this study, we mainly introduce the current materials and preparation methods of nanochannels; compare the advantages and disadvantages of the current mainstream theoretical models and simulation software; clarify the influence of confinement effect and surface interface effect on the hydrogen bond structure characteristics and phase transition behavior of confined water in graphene nanochannels, revealing the driving effect of separation pressure in nanochannels on water transport, the micromechanical nature of the water flow boundary slip of nanochannels, and the dominant micromechanical mechanism behind the confined mass transfer phenomenon of nanochannels at different scales; and expound the regulation of nanomaterials based on ionic bond modification and the influence of ion transport properties in industrial desalination, energy enrichment, and detection. The future applications of nanochannel bionic design and regulation, ion-exchange filtration membranes, and ultra-high-speed water transport mechanisms are prospected.

The augmentation of the epoxy (EP) resin surface to advance flashover performance has become a pivotal point of global interest. This research introduces a novel surface modification method and its mechanism for insulation materials. The research follows an electron cyclotron resonance ion implantation system to subject the surface of EP insulation to ion beams with diverse energies, i.e., 6, 10, 20, 40, 50, and 60 keV for a consistent time of 300 s at an angle of 90°. The experimental phase includes the DC flashover examination under negative polarity. Besides, the simulation phase includes the Monte Carlo model constructed using SRIM software to examine the range and distribution of bombarded ions in the targeted insulation. Results reveal that the flashover properties are affected by the surface potential, surface conductivity, trap distribution, water contact angle, and elemental composition. Likewise, based on the outcomes and theoretical point of view, it is revealed that the bombardment of energetic ions enhances the trap depth, assisting in a reduction in surface conductivity, confining the surface charge movements, and extensively suppressing the secondary electron emission yield. Also, the enhanced trap depth induces homo-charge formation near triple junctions. Synergistically, the factors contribute to high flashover voltages.

Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), with sizes below 2 nm, have emerged as remarkable nanomaterials exhibiting unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. Their ultra-small size imparts advantageous characteristics, including high surface area, tunable fluorescence, and excellent biocompatibility, making AuNCs highly promising for diverse applications. This article explores recent advancements in leveraging AuNCs to address critical challenges in clean energy storage and environmental remediation. For energy storage, AuNCs boost the performance of Li-based batteries by facilitating rapid electron transfer kinetics and limiting polysulfide shuttling. The review delves into mechanistic insights governing AuNC–hydrogen interactions, various synthetic approaches for tailoring AuNCs, and their emerging applications as advanced electrodes, efficient catalysts, and conductive additives enabling improved charge storage capabilities. Additionally, using plasmonic effects and hot carrier generation induced by AuNCs shows tremendous potential in photocatalytic water splitting for clean hydrogen fuel production. For environmental applications, AuNCs enable the degradation of persistent organic pollutants, heavy metal ion detection at part-per-trillion levels, and solar-driven water purification, relying on plasmon-enhanced hot carrier processes. However, the long-term ecological impacts of AuNCs remain unclear. This study thus underscores the need for further toxicological assessments and life cycle analyses to promote sustainable AuNC-based technologies through responsible research and innovation. Overall, it highlights the versatile applicability of AuNCs in addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.

Harnessing green hydrogen production from natural Red Sea water offers an innovative solution to address energy challenges. A one-pot fabrication method is used to create novel nanocomposite thin films with open-spherical shapes, utilizing copper sulfide/poly-O-amino benzenethiol decorated on copper oxide as a promising photocathode. After thorough analysis, a unique morphology characterized by open spherical shapes is projected, which contributes to improved optical absorption. The bandgap of the nanocomposite is 1.17 eV, enabling efficient absorption of light across the entire optical spectrum, extending up to 950 nm. Utilizing Red Sea water as an electrolyte, the generated J ph serves as an indicator of H2 gas production. The substantial J ph value of −0.82 mA cm−2 is achieved at −0.85 V under light illumination. Furthermore, J ph values exhibit variability, starting at −0.58 mA cm−2 (at 730 nm) and increasing to −0.75 mA cm−2 at a wavelength of 340 nm. The estimated hydrogen gas production rate reaches 1.5 µmole h−1 cm−2, translating to an impressive 15 µmole h−1 for every 10 cm². This remarkable rate underscores the effectiveness of the photocathode, especially given its fabrication through a single-step process that is suitable for mass production. In addition, its cost-effectiveness further enhances its appeal as a viable solution for renewable energy production for hydrogen gas generation from seawater.

Immunotherapy is currently the main treatment for malignant tumors by activating immune cell. Metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironment can greatly affect the function of immune cell, and T cell is the main anti-tumor effector cell. Therefore, the T cell-based immunometabolic therapy can improve clinical efficacy. In T cell-based immunometabolic therapy, regular agents in conventional forms are difficult to achieve the intended efficacy due to poor tumor permeability and low cellular uptake. Nanoparticle-based strategy can serve as the optimal targeted drug delivery system due to co-encapsulation of multiple therapeutic agents and stable loading. Here, we intend to summarize examples of nanoparticles in the T cell-based immunometabolic therapy, and provide a comprehensive and helpful review by covering notable and vital applications of nanotechnology-based strategies for T cell-based immunometabolic therapy.

Asphalt binders in pavements lose their stability through aging and eventually fail in the field. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to monitor the primary longitudinal relaxation time of asphalt samples and the ratio of material that carries this primary relaxation time has been shown to indicate the impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the aging of asphalt pavements. Longitudinal NMR relaxation was used to investigate two types of proposed asphalt rejuvenators, a bio-oil-based rejuvenator and a crude-oil-based rejuvenator. Two different binders with the performance grades (PG) 64-22 and 76-22 were considered for their interactions with the rejuvenators. After 72 h of exposure to intense UV radiation, specifically designed NMR relaxometry experiments were applied to compare the rejuvenation capabilities of the two rejuvenator samples. The crude oil-based rejuvenator was found to exhibit relaxation times similar to the binder samples while the bio-based material showed relaxation times that pointed to different nuclear hydrogen environments. Both rejuvenators reduced the primary relaxation time of the PG 76-22 binder, which indicates that their stiffness was reduced. Both types of rejuvenators also seemed to prevent the effects of UV aging. Two mechanisms of rejuvenation were identified by NMR relaxometry. The primary relaxation time can be used to indicate a change in stiffness while the primary ratio of the material is tied to oxidative aging. Oxidative aging creates distinct hydrogen environments due to asphaltene aggregation. The bio-based rejuvenator only reduced the binder’s stiffness, while the crude oil-based rejuvenator also reduced the aggregation of asphaltenes. Consequently, the bio-based rejuvenator could be classified as an asphalt softener, while the oil-based material acted like a true rejuvenator.

The main objective was to evaluate the use of common bean flour (CBF), corn flour, and semolina to obtain instant noodles by means of a hot dry and frying process. The hot drying process was conducted at 60 °C for 4 h, and frying was conducted at 140 °C and 160 °C for 1 and 3 min. Proximate analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, phenolic acids and flavonoids profile by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, the optimal cooking time (OCT), and color and texture analysis (TPA) were conducted. The general linear model and regression analysis were used. The incorporation of CBF resulted in an elevated protein content and TPC of the noodles. The noodles (hot dry) with CBF exhibited an enhanced antioxidant capacity. The adhesiveness has a direct correlation with the cinnamic, chlorogenic, and caffeic acid content (r2 = 0.95 or higher), as well as an inverse relationship with the vanillic, ferulic, and sinapic acids (r2 = −0.80 to −0.85). The dry hot noodles exhibited the lowest value of hardness (31.0 ± 1.5 N). The incorporation of common bean flour and corn flour enhances the nutritional profile of noodles. However, hot dry process affects their mechanical characteristics in comparison to the frying process.

The partition coefficients of seven low molecular weight compounds were tested in different aqueous two-phase systems. The ionic composition of each system included specific salt additives, and it was found that there is a linear relationship between the solute partition coefficients and the presence of different salt additives. The study suggests that the solute structure and the type of ions influence the solute response to the ionic environment. Additionally, it was observed that the solutes’ polar surface area and the solvent-accessible surface area are the essential structural features governing partitioning in aqueous two-phase systems.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is one of the most versatile semiconductor materials with many potential applications. Understanding the interactions between the surface chemistry of ZnO along with its physico-chemical properties are essential for the development of ZnO as a robust photocatalyst for the removal of aqueous pollutants. We report on the fabrication of nanoparticle-like porous ZnO films and the correlation between the fabrication process parameters, particle size, surface oxygen vacancies (SOV), photoluminescence and photocatalytic performance. The synthesis route is unique, as highly porous zinc layers with nanoscale grains were first grown via magnetron sputtering, a vacuum-based technique, and subsequently annealed at temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C in oxygen flow to oxidise them to zinc oxide (ZnO) while maintaining their porosity. Our results show that as the annealing temperature increases, nanoparticle agglomeration increases, and thus there is a decrease in the active sites for the photocatalytic reaction. However, for selected samples the annealing leads to an increase of the photocatalytic efficiency, which we explain based on the analysis of defects in the material, based on photoluminescence (PL). PL analysis showed that in the material the transition between the conduction band and the oxygen vacancy is responsible for the green emission centered at 525 nm, but the photocatalytic activity correlated best with surface states—related emission.

Article presents a comparison of surface structure study methods, such as atomic force microscopy, scanning and transition electron microscopy in terms of metallic materials 3D-printed using the laser powder bed fusion technique. The main features, advantages, disadvantages of atomic force microscopy as a research method for the LPBF synthesized samples are discussed in the context of hard magnetic material, specifically Nd-Fe-B. The ability to provide qualitative grain structure analysis with the high-resolution images of atomic force microscopy is comprehensively studied. For confirmation good applicability of the above-mentioned method for LPBF sample analysis images of a magnetic domain structure obtained via atomic force microscopy are presented. Thus, the applicability of atomic force microscopy to the quality microstructural investigation of metallic materials obtained by LPBF is demonstrated.

To investigate how hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) affects the adsorption of sodium oleate (NaOl) on diaspore and kaolinite surfaces, a comparative study on NaOl adsorption was conducted under different conditions. The flotation and separation of the minerals were also examined with and without HC pretreatment of NaOl. The results show that short-term HC pretreatment of NaOl solutions did not induce a measurable change in the chemical structure of NaOl, but produced micro-nanobubbles (MNBs) and resulted in decreases in the surface tension and viscosity of liquids. When MNBs interacted with minerals, their anchor on solids could affect the contact angles, zeta potentials, and surface NaOl adsorption toward minerals. At low NaOl concentrations, the presence of MNBs reduced the NaOl adsorption capacity and particles’ zeta potential while increasing the minerals’ contact angle. At higher NaOl concentrations, the presence of MNBs promoted NaOl adsorption, further increased the minerals’ contact angle, and further decreases the particles’ zeta potential. Additionally, the flotation and separation of minerals can be enhanced at low NaOl concentrations, largely due to the enhanced bubble mineralization through the selective surface-anchoring of MNBs on diaspore. However, the separation efficiency might deteriorate at high NaOl concentrations, though the presence of MNBs amplified the divergences in minerals’ surface wettability and zeta potentials.

In the present study, XRD, SEM/EDS, Raman, EMR/EPR spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to analyze the reduction of hematite by the carbonization products of waste activated sludge (WAS) at 500–1000 °C. The reduction process includes the following steps: α-Fe2O3 → Fe2O3 + Fe3O4 (Ttr~500 °C) → Fe3O4 (Ttr~600–700 °C) → FeO → Feamorph. (Ttr~1000 °C). The prevalence of certain phase compositions at different hematite reduction temperatures makes it possible to predict the areas viable for the application of reduced oxides: adsorbents (after Ttr~500 °C) → soft ferromagnetic materials (after Ttr~600–700 °C) → electrically engineered amorphous iron (after Ttr~1000 °C).

High-voltage outdoor insulating materials face formidable challenges emanating from stresses such as electrical discharge, humidity, and UV radiation, propelling them perilously toward potential failure. To combat this, researchers explored novel materials to enhance insulator performance under these stresses. In this study, samples infused with micro-/nano-alumina trihydrate (ATH) and -magnesium hydroxide (MH) were tested with a base polymer (RTV-SR – room-temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber) during a 100 h electrical discharge aging process. They were simultaneously exposed to AC discharges, UV irradiation, and varying humidity levels. The study found a decline in hydrophobicity in all samples post-discharge exposure. Notably, composites with micro- and nano-fillers exhibited prolonged hydrophobic recovery under stresses such as medium humidity and UV irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis displayed deep cracks and block-like structures on surfaces, particularly in samples R1 (50% micro-MH) and R2 (50% micro-ATH). Aged sections of R3 (10% nano-ATH) and R4 (10% nano-MH) showed heightened surface cracks compared to R5 and R6. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis detected surface oxidation, emphasizing the severity of electrical and other stresses. FTIR results indicated minimal absorption peak reduction in co-filled samples after aging. These findings highlight the impact of co-filled composite insulators for robust insulating systems to withstand the hostile outdoor environment.

Inducing an anti-inflammatory response before neurogenesis is crucial in effectively addressing peripheral nerve damage. Herein, we developed shell-core-structured nanofilms (Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT) using poly-(l-Lactide)-Caprolactone (PLCL) and curcumin (Cur, an anti-inflammatory agent) as the shell layer, and carbon nanotubes (CNT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF, a neurogenic factor) as the core via coaxial electrospinning technology. The resulting Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film exhibited a characteristic fibrous structure with remarkable shell-core architecture, demonstrating unweakened mechanical properties. Notably, it displayed sustained release kinetics with distinct stages: prioritized Cur release within the initial 12 days and delayed BDNF release between 10 to 30 days. Additionally, the Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film demonstrated high biocompatibility with Schwann cells. Subsequent in vitro analysis revealed the potent anti-inflammatory capabilities of the released Cur from the shell layer, while the BDNF released from the core layer effectively induced neurogenic differentiation of Schwann cells. The Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film was rolled into a nerve conduit and then utilized for nerve regeneration in a 10 mm rat sciatic nerve defect model. The staged release of Cur and BDNF facilitated by the Cur/PLCL@BDNF/CNT film established an anti-inflammatory microenvironment before initiating nerve regeneration, resulting in better nerve restoration. This study emphasizes the significance of shell-core-structured nanofilms in temporally regulating anti-inflammation and neurogenesis.

Twisted two-dimensional materials (t2DMs) such as graphene and black phosphorus are transforming the field of photonics, serving as a promising platform for the development of advanced devices that manipulate light. These materials possess multiple photonic properties that are determined by their twist angles. This article explores the profound impact of twist angles on various photonic phenomena, including nonlinear optical responses, optical absorption, plasmonics, and the influence of chirality in t2DMs. We delve into cutting-edge developments explained through Raman spectroscopy and the intriguing world of moiré excitons, as revealed through photoluminescence studies. As we explore device applications, we highlight groundbreaking advancements in photodetection, with a brief look into emerging technologies such as single-photon detectors, ultrafast modulators, light-emitting diodes, and interlayer exciton lasers. Our study extends to depict the promising future of t2DMs, emphasizing their prospective integration with other photonic systems and the discovery of novel optical phenomena in the domain of photonics. This review serves as a comprehensive guide to the dynamic field of photonics in t2DMs, highlighting current achievements and future prospects.

In this study, the electrospinning technique was employed to create a nanofiber membrane by stretching an organic polymer into nanofibers under a high electric field. Metronidazole (MNZ) at a concentration of 3 wt% was loaded into a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and silk fibroin (SF)-blended nanofiber membrane. This formulation aims to achieve effective and sustained drug release, enabling the eradication of bacteria for the efficient treatment of periodontitis. Results demonstrated that SF interacted with PLGA molecules, forming dense and uniform nanofibers with a diameter of 570 nm. Excessive SF molecules tended to aggregate, leading to an increased particle size, with the interaction between MNZ and SF contributing to adhesion. The composition of MNZ, SF, and PLGA formed a physical chimera without any chemical reactions. Moreover, as the SF content increased, the tensile properties of the membrane gradually improved. Concurrently, the in vitro degradation rate increased with higher SF content. Among the various groups tested, the 3 wt% MNZ/PLGA/SF 2:1 membrane exhibited superior drug release characteristics, with 71.76% release within 24 h. This formulation demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties, indicated by a bacterial inhibition diameter of 13.5 mm, noteworthy hydrophilicity with a contact angle of 44.3°, and favorable biocompatibility. The membrane holds significant application value in regenerative engineering and drug delivery systems, showcasing substantial potential for the treatment of periodontitis.

Based on magnetic fluids, new effective technical devices have been implemented, such as magnetic fluid bearings, seals, and dampers. The magnetic-viscous effect inherent to magnetic fluids can not only improve the properties of magnetic fluid units, but significantly complicate their operation after a long stop. This refers to the so-called «stop effect», which occurs due to an abnormally high limiting shear stress in a nanostructured liquid. The plastic properties of the magnetic fluid are experimentally studied depending on the following parameters: shear stress, temperature, structure formation time. The destruction of the nanostructure of the magnetic fluid begins after the shear stress exceeds a certain critical value. At stresses below the critical, but above the limiting shear stress, the displacement of the solid surface occurs by overcoming the boundary friction of the magnetic fluid on the solid surface. The experimentally established exponential course of the temperature dependence of the shear rate reflects the nature of the forces that determine the internal friction in the magnetic fluid.

Asphalt pavements make up a majority of the essential transportation systems in the US. Asphalt mixtures age and degrade over time, reducing the pavement performance. Pavement performance critically depends on the aging of asphalt binder. The aging of asphalt binder during construction is traditionally modeled by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) testing, while aging during service life is modeled by pressure aging vessel (PAV) testing. Comparing these models to the aging of binders in actual pavements is limited because, to be used for current testing, binders must be separated from the pavement’s aggregate by solvent extraction. Solvent extraction will, at least in part, compromise the structural integrity of asphalt binder samples. Spin-lattice NMR relaxometry has been shown to nondestructively evaluate asphalt properties in situ through the analysis of hydrogen environments. The molecular mobility of hydrogen environments and with it the stiffness of asphalt binder samples can be determined by characteristic T1 relaxation times, indicating the complexity of asphalt-binder aging. In this study, two laboratory-generated asphalt mixtures, a failed field sample, and several laboratory-aged binder samples are compared by NMR relaxometry. NMR relaxometry was found to be able to differentiate between asphalt samples based on their binder percentage. According to the relaxometry findings, the RTFO binder aging compared favorably to the 6% laboratory-mixed sample. The PAV aging, however, did not compare well to the relaxometry results found for the field-aged sample. The amount of aggregate was found to have an influence on the relaxation times of the binder in the mixed samples and an inverse proportionality of the binder content to the primary NMR relaxation time was detected. It is concluded that molecular water present in the pores of the aggregate material gives rise to such a relationship. The findings of this study lay the foundation for nondestructive asphalt performance evaluation by NMR relaxometry.

One of the most important challenges in polymer science is a rigorous understanding of the molecular mechanisms of rubber elasticity by relating macroscopic deformation to molecular changes and deriving the constitutive stress–strain equation for the elastomeric network. The models developed from the last century to today describe many aspects of the physics of rubber elasticity; although these theories are successful, they are not complete. In this review we analyze the main theoretical and phenomenological models of rubber elasticity, including their assumptions, main characteristics, and stress–strain equations. Then, we compare the predictions of the theories to our experimental data of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber, in order to highlight the goodness of the reviewed models. The nonaffine and phenomenological deformation models verify the experimental curves in tension and compression in the whole investigated deformation range λ≤2. On the contrary, the affine deformation hypothesis is rigorously verified only in the deformation range λ≤1.

The design of an antimicrobial coating material has become important in the prevention of infections caused by the transmission of pathogens coming from human contact with contaminated surfaces. With that aim, layered single hydroxides (LSHs) and layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing Zn and Cu intercalated with antimicrobial molecules were synthesized and characterized. Cinnamate and salicylate anions were chosen because of their well-known antimicrobial activity. Several coatings based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and LDHs or LSHs with increasing amounts of filler were prepared and filmed on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The coatings were characterized, and their antimicrobial activity was evaluated against several pathogens that are critical in nosocomial infections, showing a synergistic effect between metal ions and active molecules and the ability to inhibit their growth.

Tutton salts form an isomorphic crystallographic family that has been intensively investigated in recent decades due to their attractive thermal and optical properties. In this work, we report four mixed Tutton crystals (obtained by the slow solvent evaporation method) with novel chemical compositions based on K2V1−xM’x(SO4)2(H2O)6, where M’ represents Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, aiming at thermochemical energy storage applications. Their structural and thermal properties were correlated with theoretical studies. The crystal structures were solved by powder X-ray diffraction using the Rietveld method with similar compounds. All of the samples crystallized in monoclinic symmetry with the P21/a-space group. A detailed study of the intermolecular interactions based on Hirshfeld surfaces and 2D fingerprint mappings showed that the main interactions arise from hydrogen bonds (H∙∙∙O/O∙∙∙H) and dipole–ion (K∙∙∙O/O∙∙∙K). On the other hand, free space percentages in the unit cells determined by electron density isosurfaces presented low values ranging from 0.53 (V–Ni) to 0.81% (V–Cu). The thermochemical findings from thermogravimetry, a differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that K2V0.47Ni0.53(SO4)2(H2O)6 salt is the most promising among mixed salts (K2V1−xM’x(SO4)2(H2O)6) for heat storage potential, achieving a low dehydration temperature (≈85 °C), high dehydration enthalpy (≈360 kJ/mol), and high energy storage density (≈1.84 GJ/m3).

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a global health problem. The mortality associated with them is one of the highest. Essentially, CVDs occur when the heart or blood vessels are damaged. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses. Increased production of reactive oxygen species can cause cardiac and vascular injuries, leading to CVDs. Antioxidant therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on CVDs. Plants are a rich source of bioactive antioxidants on our planet. Several classes of these compounds have been identified. Among them, carotenoids and phenolic compounds are the most potent antioxidants. This review summarizes the role of some carotenoids (a/β-carotene, lycopene and lutein), polyphenols such as phenolic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic and chlorogenic acids), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and epigallocatechin gallate), and hydroxytyrosol in mitigating CVDs by studying their biological antioxidant mechanisms. Through detailed analysis, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of how these natural compounds can be integrated into cardiovascular health strategies to help reduce the overall burden of CVD.

This study aims at investigating the chemical composition of root, stem and leaf essential oils from Ivorian Synedrella nodiflora, with the root oil being described for the first time. Sixty, fifty-one and forty-nine constituents were, respectively identified in the root, stem and leaf oils using a combination of GC(RI), GC-MS and 13C-NMR analyses. They accounted for 95.6–97.3%, 92.6–97.6% and 93.3–98.8% of the total composition, respectively. The main components of the root oil samples were γ-curcumene, (E)-β-caryophyllene, α-curcumene and curcuphenyl acetate. Three stem oil samples (S1, S2a, S3) were dominated by myrcene and limonene, while the most abundant components of sample S2b were thymol, germacrene D and β-elemene. (E)-β-caryophyllene and germacrene D were the major compounds of the leaf oil. Hierarchical cluster and principal component statistical analyses were performed and confirmed that the location does not influence the chemical composition. Group I consisted of the seven leaf oil samples, group II consisted of four stem oil samples and group III consisted of three root oil samples. The root oil composition differed considerably from the stem and leaf oil composition due to the presence of curcumene derivatives as major constituents. The leaf oil showed significant amounts of (E)-β-caryophyllene and germacrene D, while the stem oil stood out for its high myrcene, limonene and thymol contents.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are widely recognized for their distinctive properties and versatile applications across diverse technological domains. However, traditional methods of synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles are characterized by environmental incompatibility, high costs, and the necessity for precise process control to attain the intended particle dimensions and morphology. The present study utilized a chives extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly fuel in the solution combustion synthesized (SCS) process to produce ZnO nanoparticles. The investigation encompassed an analysis of the impact of the fuel-to-oxidizer (F/O) ratio on the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles’ size, morphology, and crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the particle’s crystallite size increased significantly from 12 nm to 42 nm after decreasing the F/O ratio. Furthermore, electron microscopic imagery and FTIR spectroscopy outcomes indicated that modifications in the F/O ratio significantly influenced the SCS process parameters, forming particles with diverse morphologies, including spherical, pyramid-like, hexagonal, and hexagonal plate-like shapes. This research presents a straightforward, cost-efficient, and environmentally sustainable approach for producing ZnO nanoparticles with diverse morphologies, presenting a broad potential for various applications.

This article explores the dynamics of nanofluids consisting of copper (TiO2) nanoparticles suspended in water, as they interact with sensor surfaces between two parallel squeezing plates with porous characteristics. This research specifically targets applications involving enhanced heat transfer and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) control in nanofluid systems. The primary aim is to analyze the effects of nanoparticle aggregation and non-aggregation on sensor surfaces, considering MHD formations and heat transfer in the energy and momentum equations. The research adopts a steady-state fluid condition and utilizes similarity transformations to convert partial differential equations into more manageable ordinary differential equations. The methodology involves shooting methods for solving these nonlinear ordinary differential equations and employs graphical analyses to study the impacts of various parameters such as permeability, magnetic influence, squeeze flow, and radiation on the temperature and velocity profiles of the nanofluid. The results reveal significant dependencies of temperature and velocity profiles on the studied parameters, illustrating varied behaviors in scenarios of both aggregation and non-aggregation of nanoparticles. The findings emphasize how each parameter distinctively influences the heat and flow characteristics of the nanofluid, offering insights into optimizing conditions for better performance and control in practical applications. Future research could focus on extending the model to include transient fluid states and exploring the effects of other nanoparticle materials and shapes. There is also potential to investigate the interactions under different environmental conditions and to incorporate more complex boundary conditions to simulate real-world applications more accurately. Further experimental validation of the theoretical predictions would be beneficial to enhance the reliability and applicability of the findings.

Heat, ultrasonic, microwave, and external energy are the essential conditions in the conventional preparation of nano-cupric oxide (CuO) from copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) precursor. In this work, CuSO4 aqueous solution (0.02 mol) was gradually added dropwise into the methanol/sodium hydroxide (NaOH/CH3OH) solution (0.04 mol) in 20 min at normal temperature and then constantly stirred the black solution for about 5 min; nano-CuO was synthesized. The as-prepared CuO had a high purity and a regular nanosize of 4–10 nm. What is more, the by-product sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) could be separated using a high-speed centrifuge, indicating that the methanol could be conveniently recycled; thereby, an environmentally friendly sustainable route of the preparation of nano-CuO was developed. In addition, the as-prepared nano-CuO was melt-compounded with polyamide 6 to produce fiber composites. The results showed that the nano-CuO was uniformly dispersed in PA6 fiber composites and presented an excellent antibacterial performance. Most importantly, the function of methanol in the dehydration process was revealed.

Micro-nanobubbles (MNBs) are tiny bubbles of water used in various industries. The production methods and properties of concrete containing MNBs and the applications of MNBs in different industries are reviewed. Then, the effect of MNBs on the properties of fresh and hardened concrete is described. Next, we assessed the advantages and disadvantages of using MNBs in different types of concretes, environmental and economic impact, and research gaps in the concrete containing MNBs. Even though the presence of MNBs in concrete has an undesirable effect on workability and rheology parameters, the results of workability are in the range of the European Guideline for Self-compacting Concrete regulations and the British Standard for conventional concrete. In contrast, using sulfo-aluminate cement instead of Portland cement and MNBs in concrete improves rheological characteristics. The review also shows that MNBs improve the mechanical properties of concrete by up to 31% for compressive strength, 10–20% for tensile, and 3–34% for flexural strength. Furthermore, concrete containing MNBs has performed better than conventional concrete in terms of durability properties such as electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, chloride penetration resistance, and resistance to freezing–thawing cycles (F-T cycle). MNBs in concrete reduce the porosity by 17% and decrease the size of the holes. Water absorption of MNB concrete at 28 days decreased by 20%, and chloride permeability reduced by 20%. MNBs in concrete help to develop the resistance of cement-based materials improve the elastic modulus at early ages and increase the ability to resist cracking, which can reduce the crack width. Still, it is necessary to carry out more experimental work for workability and durability, especially for SCC. Even though a few studies indicate a slight impact on the environment, environmental and economic effects, and production challenges need more investigations.

High voltage (HV) outdoor insulators are subjected to both electrical and environmental stresses, which may lead to their failure. Among the causes, corona discharge, humidity and UV radiation are considered to be the most damaging factors. Efforts are therefore underway to investigate new materials for improving the performance of insulating systems. In this research work, silicone-based room temperature vulcanized samples filled with alumina trihydrate (ATH), silicon dioxide and magnesium hydroxide (MH) were prepared and exposed to AC corona discharge for a duration of 110 h. The electric discharge was also accompanied by UV radiation and two different humidity levels. Following aging of the test samples, diagnosis was conducted to assess their integrity. Measurements based on determining the static contact angle demonstrated the loss of hydrophobicity of all the materials, while hydrophobicity recovery phenomena revealed that ATH-doped materials demonstrated a comparatively higher increase in the contact angle than in samples filled with silicone dioxide (silica) and MH. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed deep cracks and block-like structures on their surfaces. Similarly, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis indicated the signs of surface oxidation of the aged samples. However, the data of elemental composition exhibited the loss of filler contents as well as that of carbon from the base matrix. The overall assessment showed that resistance to suppress aging is influenced by both the filler type and its concentration in the investigated composites. The ATH-filled composites exhibited outstanding performance when exposed to the rigors of corona discharge and other environmental stresses. This research contributes to materials science and HV engineering by addressing the development of composites for enhanced insulator performance, with future aspects lying in the utilization of nano-composites for advanced functionality and durability.

In this study, atomistic simulations were used to analyze the effects of nonglide stress and temperature on the mobility and structure of pyramidal-I (Pyr-I) and pyramidal-II (Pyr-II) 〈c + a〉 screw dislocations in single-crystal Mg. At a very low temperature (10 K), the pyramidal screw dislocations stably exist on Pyr-II planes and tend to glide on Pyr-I planes. The critical resolved shear stresses (CRSSes) of the pyramidal screw dislocations depend on the migration direction. Once a Pyr-II dislocation is transformed into a stuck core, a very high shear stress (243 and 391 MPa) is required to escape from the immobilized structure. Furthermore, their CRSSes increase with increasing compressive strain and decrease with increasing tensile strain normal to the slip planes. At the intermediate temperature range of 200 K ≤ T ≤ 400 K, the CRSSes of Pyr-I screw dislocations are weakly affected, whereas those of Pyr-II screw dislocations drastically decrease. Thus, both Pyr-I and Pyr-II screw dislocations have similar CRSS values at 400 K. At a higher temperature (500 K), Pyr-I screw dislocations frequently emit basal-〈a〉\langle a\rangle dislocation loops, and the remained dislocations are momentarily immobilized. The basal-〈a〉\langle a\rangle dislocation loops emitted from the 〈c + a〉 dislocations are quickly retracted, and the core structure is recovered as the shear deformation continues. This phenomenon can reduce the mobility of Pyr-I 〈c + a〉 screw dislocations at a higher temperature. The emission of basal-〈a〉\langle a\rangle dislocation loops is enhanced under compression.

The Ni1−x CuxFe2O4 (where x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15) nano ferrite powder was synthesized through chemical co-precipitation method, NaOH and acid oleic as raw materials. The XRD patterns confirmed the spinal structure phase purity of materials. XRD results showed that lattice parameter decreases with the increase of copper concentration by increasing copper concentration in the parent material. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the morphology and particle size. SEM analysis indicated that all the samples are in nano size and homogeneous. AC electrical properties of nanoparticles were investigated by employing impedance spectroscopy. The real and the imaginary parts of impedance, permittivity, modulus along with the real part of ac conductivity, and tan delta were measured and analyzed for all synthesized samples in 1 Hz to 7 MHz for different voltages at 300 K.

Electrode materials comprising SnO2 quantum dots embedded within ZnO hexagonal prisms were successfully synthesized for building cost-effective energy-storage devices. Extensive structural and functional characterizations were performed to assess the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. SEM–EDS results confirm a uniform distribution of SnO2 quantum dots across ZnO. The integration of SnO2 quantum dots with ZnO hexagonal prisms markedly improved the electrochemical behavior. The analysis of electrode functionality conducted in a 3 M KOH electrolyte revealed specific capacitances of 949.26 and 700.68 F g⁻1 for SnO2@ZnO and ZnO electrodes, respectively, under a current density of 2 A g⁻1. After undergoing 5,000 cycles at a current density of 15 A g⁻1, the SnO2@ZnO and ZnO electrodes displayed impressive cycling stability, maintaining specific capacitance retention rates of 89.9 and 92.2%, respectively. Additionally, a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) device constructed using the SnO2@ZnO electrode showcased exceptional performance, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 83 F g⁻1 at 1.2 A g⁻1. Impressive power and energy densities were achieved by the device, with values reaching 2,808 and 70.2 W kg⁻1, respectively. Notably, the SnO2@ZnO SSC device maintained a capacity preservation of 75% throughout 5,000 galvanostatic charge–discharge sequences. The outcomes highlight the potential of SnO2@ZnO hexagonal prisms as candidates for energy-storage applications, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. The proposed approach enhances the electrochemical performance while ensuring affordability, facilitating the creation of effective and financially feasible energy storage solutions.

It has been studied that both two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 and V2O5, which are classified as transition metal dichalcogenides and transition metal oxides, are good photocatalyst materials. For this purpose, the hydrothermal method was practiced to synthesize V2O5(1−x)MoS2(x) (X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites with different 1–5% w/w weight percent of MoS2 as a prominent photocatalyst under laser irradiation for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min to tune photocatalytic degradation of industrial wastage water. The surface of the 2D molybdenum nanolayered matrix was efficaciously decorated with V2O5 nanoparticles. The crystal phase and layered structures of the V2O5(1−x)MoS2(x) (X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites samples were verified by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy respectively. In the range of the UV visible spectrum, the increment in light absorption from 3.6 to 14.5 Ω−1 cm−1 with an increase of active surface from 108 to 169 μm2{{\rm{\mu }}{\rm{m}}}^{2} with increased MoS2 doping percentage. Furthermore, dielectric findings like the complex dielectric function, tangent loss, electrical conductivity, quality factors, and impedance of V2O5(1−x)MoS2(x) (X = 1–5% w/w) nanocomposites are studied. According to photoluminescence studies, the intensity of peaks decreases when laser irradiation time and doping percentages of MoS2 are increased. As a result, a small peak indicates a decrement rate of electron–hole pair recombination, which increases the capacity for separation. Thermo-gravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis results revealed that weight loss decreased from 0.69 to 0.35 mg and thermal stability increased with increased doping concentrations. Methylene blue was degraded in 150 min, proving that the prepared MoS2-doped V2O5 material was a stable and economically low-cost nanocomposite for photocatalytic activity.

Porous silica-based adsorbents for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ion removal were prepared by the combined use of functionalization with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and the grafting of branched and linear polyethyleneimine (BPEI and LPEI). LPEI was prepared from polyethyloxazolin by hydrolysis with HCl. The preparation of LPEI was identified by NMR measurements and the grafting of BPEI and LPEI on the silica beads was confirmed by an XPS analysis. The Cr(VI) ion adsorption of the obtained BPEI-grafted silica beads (BPEI–silica beads) was investigated as a function of the pH value, the content of amino groups, the temperature, the Cr(VI) ion concentration, and the molecular mass of the grafted BPEI chains. The Cr(VI) ion adsorption at pH 3.0 increased with an increase in the content of amino groups, and the maximum adsorption capacity of 1.06 mmol/g was obtained when the content of amino groups was at 2.17 mmol/g. This value corresponds to 589 mg/g−1.8KPEI, and the adsorption ratio of about 0.5 is a noteworthy result. The data fit to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the suitability of this fitting was supported by the results that the adsorption capacity and initial rate of adsorption increased with the temperature. In addition, the equilibrium data followed the Langmuir isotherm model. These results clearly demonstrate that the Cr(VI) adsorption occurred chemically, or through the electrostatic interaction of protonated amino groups on the grafted BPEI chains with hydrochromate (HCrO4−) ions. A higher adsorption capacity was obtained for the silica beads grafted with shorter BPEI chains, and the adsorption capacity of BPEI–silica beads is a little higher than that of linear PEI-grafted silica beads, suggesting that the Cr(VI) ion adsorption is affected by the chain isomerism of PEI (linear and branched) as well as the molecular mass of the grafted PEI chains, in addition to the content of amino groups. The experimental and analytical results derived from this study emphasize that the BPEI–silica beads can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) ions from an aqueous medium.

Geopolymers are cementitious materials with exceptional mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for aerospace applications. Considering their excellent performance, the present investigation aims to develop geopolymers with designed physical properties to address some issues in the aerospace industry. In this sense, the influence of the alkaline activator on the final properties was evaluated. For the development of the geopolymers, sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate solutions were preparedto obtain the alkaline activator. The synthesis process also consisted of a mixing stage using a mixer to obtain a homogenous paste. After mixing, the curing process consisted of a first thermal treatment at 60 °C for 4 h to evaporate the excess water, avoid excessive contraction, and promote strength at early ages. Subsequently, the geopolymers were left at rest for 28 days until the final properties were achieved. The influence of the solid-to-liquidratio (S/L) on the microstructure of the geopolymers was evaluated. For this purpose, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectrometry analyses were performed. The results show that the content of the alkaline activator promotes variations inthe presence of different crystalline phases, which is more noticeable as the S/L ratio increases. Likewise, the infrared spectra display peaks at different wavelengths regarding the variations in elemental composition, which are more evident with the changes in the S/L ratio. In addition, physical studies, such as thermal conductivity and resistance to gamma radiation were conducted for different geopolymer compositions. The results indicate that changes in properties are not too sensitive to compositional variations, although slight modifications exist. Finally, these studies are significant as aerospace-focused materials are directly exposed to this kind of phenomena. The designed geopolymers have to be able to resist and maintain their properties through exposure to any energy.

This review focuses on a set of studies about functional bakery products. The literature search was performed on scientific databases ScienceDirect, PubMed, MDPI, BOn, and SciELO, based on some eligibility criteria, and a total of 102 original research articles about functional bakery products were selected. The studies were analysed according to the types of products, functional properties, functional ingredients, their sources, and the types of measurements described. Results showed that breads were the most frequently analysed products. Most of the products were rich in fibre and antioxidants or were gluten-free. Of the 102 studies, 92 analysed physical properties, 81 involved chemical analyses, 50 involved sensorial analyses, and eight reported microbiological analyses. The most frequent physical properties were texture and colour, while the most frequent chemical components were fibre and minerals. For sensorial properties, colour and texture were particularly evaluated, which were also the most frequently measured physical properties. The studies presented various successful strategies for the fortification of bakery products with functional components, demonstrating their ability to meet consumer needs and potentiate industry growth. This review highlights the relevance of functional bakery products in the current food panorama, contributing to increased knowledge and stimulating discussions about the impact of functional bakery products in promoting healthier eating.

In this study, a steady-state thermodynamic equilibrium evaluation of CO2 methanation was conducted. Calculations were performed by solving the material balance equations using the equilibrium constants of CO2 methanation and reverse water–gas shift reactions. Results obtained from an analytical method developed with the aid of the Microsoft Excel platform were compared to simulations conducted using the commercially available free software COCO and DWSIM. The effects of temperature, pressure, and H2/CO2 ratio on CH4 yield, carbon oxide formation, and heat balance were investigated. The results indicate that the methanation process is highly favored by low temperatures and higher pressures with a stoichiometric H2/CO2 ratio. Under these conditions, CH4 output increases, and carbon formation is reduced, resulting in better performance. Simulations from all three models are in agreement, with minor differences noted in the DWSIM software.

Dental erosion represents the gradual and irreversible depletion of dental hard tissues due to a chemical process, independent of bacterial influence. It has emerged as a notable clinical concern in recent years, primarily attributed to substantial lifestyle shifts resulting in the heightened intake and frequency of acid-containing foods and beverages. Apart from the extrinsic erosive agents derived from external sources, such as dietary habits or medication, intrinsic erosive agents may exist due to pathological reasons with the contents of the stomach including gastric juice, mainly composed of hydrochloric acid, being their sole source. Currently, bioactive materials are used in various forms for the prevention of dental erosion. Such materials include, among others, bioactive glasses (BAGs). BAGs are a type of glass that, when in contact with biological fluids, can elicit a specific biological response. When they come into contact with bodily fluids, they can initiate a series of processes, including the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer on the glass surface. This bioactivity is particularly advantageous in medical and dental applications, where BAGs are used for bone regeneration, tissue repair, and dental restorative or preventive techniques. The aim of this literature review was to analyze and discuss the role of BAGs in protecting the tooth structures from dental erosion. The analysis of the existing literature regarding this topic indicated that the use of BAGs in preventive treatments against tooth erosion can be useful in dental practice. Further clinical evidence is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of the particular preventive measures.

The electrodeposition of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and their alloys has been a subject of interest since the 19th century. Primarily due to their exceptional features such as good mechanical hardness and electrical conductivity, high resistance to corrosion, and electromigration, Cu–Ag electrodeposits continue to be investigated and developed to improve their properties for different applications. This paper reviews the state of the art in the field of electroplated Cu–Ag alloys in an aqueous solution, with particular emphasis on the observed properties and variety of electrochemical processes used to produce high-quality materials. Moreover, this review paper focuses on the experimental conditions employed for Cu–Ag electrodeposition, intending to understand the basis and manipulate the processes to obtain coatings with superior characteristics and for attractive usage. Finally, the most trending applications of these coatings are discussed depending on different parameters of electrodeposition to provide prospects for potential research.