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Hydrogen energy possesses immense potential in developing a green renewable energy system. However, a significant problem still exists in improving the photocatalytic H 2 production activity of metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) based photocatalysts. Here is a novel Cu 3 P/CdS/g-C 3 N 4 ternary nanocomposite for increasing photocatalytic H 2 evolution activity. In this study, systematic characterizations have been carried out using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Raman spectra, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface area analysis (BET), electrochemical impedance (EIS), and transient photocurrent response measurements. Surprisingly, the improved 3CP/Cd-6.25CN photocatalyst displays a high H 2 evolution rate of 125721 μmol h−1 g−1. The value obtained exceeds pristine g-C 3 N 4 and Cu 3 P/CdS by 339.8 and 7.6 times, respectively. This could be the maximum rate of hydrogen generation for a g–C 3 N 4 –based ternary nanocomposite ever seen when exposed to whole solar spectrum and visible light (λ > 420 nm). This research provides fresh perspectives on the rational manufacture of metal-free g-C 3 N 4 based photocatalysts that will increase the conversion of solar energy. By reusing the used 3CP/Cd/g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst in five consecutive runs, the stability of the catalyst was investigated, and their individual activity in the H 2 production activity was assessed. To comprehend the reaction mechanisms and emphasise the value of synergy between the three components, several comparison systems are built. Sphere-like Cu 3 P/CdS/g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst was developed using hydrothermal route followed by ball milling and wet impregnation assisted method. A highest hydrogen production of 125721 μmol h−1g−1 was obtained for the above nanocomposite containing 6.25 wt% of g-C 3 N 4. [Display omitted] • Sphere-like Cu 3 P/CdS/g-C 3 N 4 composites was developed for visible light activity. • Metal free composites for H 2 evolution under visible light illumination was achieved. • The improved charge separation, transfer and transport results highest H 2 production. • Best activity results are observed for 3CP/Cd-6.25CN catalysts supported on g-C 3 N 4. • First time we report highest H 2 production activity for Cu 3 P/CdS/g-C 3 N 4 composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, ternary Cu2MoS4 hollow nanotubes were incorporated into reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGOs) via a facile hydrothermal route. A blue shift in the absorption edge of the Cu2MoS4/rGO photocatalyst was observed in comparison with that of Cu2MoS4 alone (without rGO), which confirmed the formation of interfacial contact between rGO sheets and Cu2MoS4 hollow nanotubes. Both SEM and TEM images of Cu2MoS4/rGO clearly revealed the formation of hollow nanotubes and uniform distribution of Cu2MoS4 on the surface of rGO. The chemical oxidation state of the elements present in the catalyst was ascertained by means of XPS spectra. The significant quenching of the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the rGO supported photocatalyst strongly suggested a unidirectional flow of photogenerated charge carriers on the one dimensional Cu2MoS4 hollow nanotube combined with the rGO sheet, and thereby greatly suppressed the electron–hole pair recombination. Besides, the shorter decay time (＜τ＞ = 2.5) observed in Cu2MoS4/rGO using time-resolved PL studies confirmed the effective separation of the charge carriers in the presence of rGO sheets. Cu2MoS4/rGO was demonstrated as a visible light driven photocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye. A maximum photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ∼99% was achieved towards MO dye using the rGO supported Cu2MoS4 photocatalyst, while only 57% degradation was noted for the Cu2MoS4 photocatalyst, i.e. without an rGO support under identical experimental conditions. The enhancement in the photocatalytic performance of Cu2MoS4/rGO was mainly attributed to the high dye adsorption and excellent electronic properties of rGO sheets. In addition, the active sites associated on the surface as well as the edges of rGO sheets might be useful in the unfolding and uniform dispersion of the Cu2MoS4 hollow nanotubes over the rGO support without much aggregation. The effect of different parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, the dye concentration and initial pH on the photocatalytic degradation of MO was also studied. Furthermore, the stability of the catalyst was tested by reusing the Cu2MoS4/rGO photocatalyst for five consecutive runs without any notable loss in photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible & lead-free gamma-ray-shielding composites were prepared using Vinyl Methyl Silicone (VMQ) matrix with Tungsten (W) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as fillers. The VMQ composites filled with 30 Phr (parts per hundred rubber) TiO2 and 0-70 Phr W were prepared by two-roll mill method. The dispersion of the filler particles in the composite matrix was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope. Gamma ray shielding properties were studied in the energy range of 80 to 1170 keV using NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm) of the prepared composites was found to increase with increasing concentration of W. Mass attenuation coefficients of 30 Phr W composites at gamma-ray energies of 356 and 1170 keV were found to be 0.1444 and 0.0644 cm2 g-1, while those of 50 Phr W composite were 0.1396 and 0.0707 cm2 g-1, respectively. The half value layer values of all the samples were found to decrease with increase in tungsten concentration. To appreciate the shielding ability of the prepared composites, comparison was made with the metal lead. The results show that addition of W into VMQ enhances the attenuation, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break reduces. The Shore A hardness of the W/TiO2/VMQ composites had a maximum value of 71 and the composites also prove to possess good thermal stability. Hence, the present study shows that the VMQ based W-TiO2 rubber composites serve to shield gamma radiations in medical applications and are considered as environmental friendly., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

This study aims to bridge various diagnostic tools for the development of smart plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technologies. PEO treatments of commercially pure Zr were carried out using the pulsed unipolar polarisation (PUP) regime with frequency sweep in an alkaline phosphate-silicate electrolyte. Methods of in situ impedance spectroscopy and electrical transient analysis were used for the process diagnostics under the video imaging of the PEO. Two cutoff frequencies, 170-190 Hz and 620-650 Hz, were identified for the PEO-assisted charge transfer process. An equivalent circuit for the metal-oxide-electrolyte system under PUP PEO conditions was developed; from the capacitance values, two geometrical dielectric barriers were evaluated: a thinner 0.5-1 µm inner layer of the coating and a thicker 4-6 µm outer layer. These estimates were in agreement with the coating cross-sectional morphology. Based on comparing the results obtained using different techniques, the frequencies at which the uniform coatings with the best protective properties were formed were identified. For the selected electrolyte system and polarisation regime, these frequencies ranged from 2 to 5 kHz where the overall circuit reactance was minimal; therefore, the power factor was as close to one as possible. This opens the possibilities for the optimization of the pulsed PEO process and online control of unobservable surface characteristics, e.g., the thickness of the coating layers, thus contributing towards the development of smart PEO technologies.

Given the enormous influence of emotions on cognitive processes, individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from marked deficits in higher-order thinking abilities. Considering the prevalence of BPD among college students, this study aimed to investigate the changes in perceived executive functioning among college students with traits/presence of BPD undergoing internet-delivered dialectical behavior therapy skills training (DBT-ST) that included the mindfulness and emotion regulation modules. An internet-delivered version of DBT-ST was opted for, as technological advancements in the present era promote the use of online platforms for psychotherapy. This non-randomized controlled trial consisted of 36 college students with traits/presence of BPD. The intervention group attended 13 sessions of DBT-ST, and the control group attended 13 sessions of behavioral activation. Perceived executive functioning was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions for Adults. A 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the treatment impact on the outcome variable. Results showed that the DBT-ST group had larger improvements in their abilities to initiate, plan, and organize current and future-oriented task demands and to organize their everyday environment, compared to the control group. Both, the DBT-ST group and the control group demonstrated improvements in emotional control, working memory, and their abilities to shift and task monitor. Findings suggest that the internet-delivered version of DBT-ST, consisting of the mindfulness and emotion regulation modules, can foster notable improvements in executive functions among college students with traits/presence of BPD. Improved executive functioning is one of the several multifaceted outcomes of dialectical behavior therapy.

Aim: The aim of the study was to develop microbial enrichments from the nitrifying microbial consortia and the environment for simultaneous removal of ammonia, nitrate, and sulfide in aquaculture systems at varied salinities., Methods and Results: Sulfur and nitrogen metabolites are the major factors affecting the farmed aquatic animal species and deteriorate the receiving environments causing ecological damage. The present study reports the development of microbial enrichments from the nitrifying microbial consortia and the environment. The enrichments used thiosulfate or thiocyanate as an energy source and simultaneously removed sulfur, ammonia, and nitrite in spiked medium (125 mg/l ammonia; 145 mg/l nitrite). Further, the microbes in the enrichments could grow up to 30 g/l salinity. Metagenomic studies revealed limited microbial diversity suggesting the enrichment of highly specialized taxa, and co-occurrence network analysis showed the formation of three micro-niches with multiple interactions at different taxonomic levels., Conclusions: The ability of the enrichments to grow in both organic and inorganic medium and simultaneous removal of sulfide, ammonia, and nitrite under varied salinities suggests their potential application in sulfur, nitrogen, and organic matter-rich aquaculture pond environments and other industrial effluents., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been found to be an efficacious treatment for disorders characterized by high levels of emotional instability. In view of the multifaceted applications of DBT and the extent to which mental disorders can incapacitate cognitive functions, the current systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of DBT in strengthening cognitive functions across various mental health conditions. Original research studies employing both experimental and quasi-experimental designs were included in the review. The literature search was done using different electronic databases, from the first available literature until June 2022, that covered an approximate period of ten years. Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to assess the methodological rigor of the studies. Twelve studies conducted on adolescents with emotional dysregulation, and adults with borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and multiple sclerosis were selected. Results indicate that DBT has the potential to improve key cognitive functions such as attention, memory, fluency, response inhibition, planning, set shifting, tolerance for delayed rewards and time perception, as assessed by neuropsychological tests, self-report of cognitive functions, and neuroimaging techniques. Considering the review's findings that showcase the effectiveness of DBT in fostering improvements in cognitive functions, DBT may possibly be chosen as a preferred treatment to ensure that patients reach optimal levels of cognitive functioning. Limitations include lack of sufficient studies encompassing all the common mental health conditions, usage of neuroimaging techniques as only an indirect measure of cognitive functioning and nuances related to the quality of individual studies.

The mainstream empirical research has always viewed gratitude in its triadic form involving a typical human giver, gift, and receiver. But it is not the same in the case of transpersonal gratitude. Instead, it is directed towards abstract entities beyond self like God, their own state of being, or the cosmos. The previous literature had affirmed that a selfless attitude and better mood could determine overall gratitude. But this relation is not mainly known in the context of this newer form of gratitude. Indian young adults ( N  = 456) completed  scales on transpersonal gratitude, trait meta-mood, and ego-grasping orientation-a Taoist concept. The preliminary analysis revealed that the selfless nature was unrelated to transpersonal gratitude. Subsequently, the predictive effect of trait meta-mood on transpersonal gratitude is quantified. The findings explain the distinguishable features of the young adults' populace and positive transpersonal experiences. The need to identify groups, cultural differences, and the utility of interventions on transpersonal gratitude in the future gratitude research is emphasised., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors would like to confirm that they declare that they have no conflicting interests., (© The Author(s) under exclusive licence to National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India 2023, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)