Search Results (330)

Many bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have encoded many toxins like RhsP2 that target non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in a similar mechanism to ART components; bacterial RNA loses its function of amino acid translation. A virtual screening approach was used to investigate RhsP2, which targets 16s rRNAs and then disrupts the translation of bacterial amino acids to proteins. Rifamycin is the bioreference as it forms a stable complex with the bacterial RNA in its active sites. Using different docking software can determine the best predicted conformations between RhsP2/16S and rRNA, and analyzing the docking score for both Affinity Binding and the root mean square deviation (RMSD) of particle coordinates helps choose the most appropriate drugs by using tools such as bioinformatics platforms and databases. Full article

A strong interaction between Bi³⁺ and ZnO was used to successfully sensitize ZnO nanorods with quantum dots (QDs) of Bi₂O₃ through three different strategies. Although the Bi₂O₃ QDs had similar particle size distributions, their photocatalytic performance varied significantly, prompting the investigation of factors beyond particle size. The study revealed that the photochemical method selectively deposited Bi₂O₃ QDs onto electron-rich ZnO sites, providing a favorable pathway for efficient electron–hole separation and transfer. Consequently, abundant h⁺ and ·OH radicals were generated, which effectively degraded Rhodamine B (RhB). As demonstrated in the RhB degradation experiments, the Bi₂O₃/ZnO nanorod catalyst achieved an 89.3% degradation rate within 120 min, significantly outperforming catalysts with other morphologies. The photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) results indicated that the Bi₂O₃/ZnO heterostructure constructed an effective interface to facilitate the spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers, which effectively prolonged their lifetime. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results confirmed that the ·OH radicals played a key role in the degradation process. Full article

Hypericum perforatum L. (H.P.), a plant renowned for its wound-healing properties, was investigated for antioxidant/antimicrobial efficacy, toxicological safety, and in vivo wound-healing effects in this research to develop and characterize novel nanoemulsion hydrogel (NG) formulations. NG were prepared via emulsion diffusion–solvent evaporation and polymer hydration using Cremophor RH40 and Ultrez 21/30. A D-optimal design optimized oil/surfactant ratios, considering particle size, PDI, and drug loading. Antioxidant activity was tested via DPPH, ABTS⁺, and FRAP. Toxicological assessment followed HET-CAM (ICH-endorsed) and ICCVAM guidelines. The optimized NG-2 (NE-HPM-10 + U30 0.5%) demonstrated stable and pseudoplastic flow, with a particle size of 174.8 nm, PDI of 0.274, zeta potential of −23.3 mV, and 99.83% drug loading. Release followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model. H.P. macerates/NEs showed potent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 28.4 µg/mL; FRAP: 1.8 mmol, Fe²⁺/g: 0.3703 ± 0.041 mM TE/g). Antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC: 12.5 µg/mL) and E. coli (MIC: 25 µg/mL) were significant. Stability studies showed no degradation. HET-CAM tests confirmed biocompatibility. Histopathology revealed accelerated re-epithelialization/collagen synthesis, with upregulated TGF-β1. The NG-2 formulation demonstrated robust antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing efficacy. Enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility highlight its therapeutic potential. Clinical/pathological evaluations validated tissue regeneration without adverse effects, positioning H.P.-based nanoemulsions as promising for advanced wound care. Full article

Apricot kernel shells were evaluated as a sustainable activated carbon precursor for wastewater treatment using experimental and theoretical methods. Two adsorbents were synthesized: physically activated with CO₂ (AKS-CO₂) and chemically activated with H₃PO₄ (AKS-H₃PO₄). Comprehensive materials characterization and adsorption tests using Pb²⁺ ions and Rhodamine B dye (RhB) as model pollutants revealed that AKS-H₃PO₄ significantly outperformed its physically activated counterpart. With an exceptionally high specific surface area (1159.4 m²/g) enriched with phosphorus-containing functional groups, the chemically activated carbon demonstrated outstanding removal efficiencies of 85.1% for Pb²⁺ and 80.3% for RhB. Kinetic studies showed Pb²⁺ adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating chemisorption, while RhB adsorption fitted pseudo-first-order kinetics, suggesting intra-particle diffusion control. The thermodynamic analysis confirmed the spontaneity of both processes: Pb²⁺ adsorption was exothermic under standard conditions with positive isosteric heat at higher concentrations, reinforcing its chemisorption nature, whereas RhB adsorption was endothermic, consistent with physisorption. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further elucidated the mechanisms, revealing that Pb²⁺ preferentially binds to oxygen-containing functional groups, while RhB interacts through hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. These findings establish chemically activated apricot kernel shell carbon as a high-performance adsorbent, exhibiting exceptional removal capacity for both ionic and molecular contaminants through distinct adsorption mechanisms. Full article

In this study, the chemical compositions of PM_2.5 (particulate matter < 2.5 μm) and the molecular compositions of methanol-soluble organic carbon (MSOC) in suburban Shanghai during summer were measured to investigate the molecular characteristics of organic aerosol (OA) under high humidity. Diurnal variation analysis reveals the influence of relative humidity (RH) on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) components. Organosulfates (OSs), particularly nitrooxy-OSs, exhibit a positive correlation with increasing humidity rather than atmospheric oxidants in this high-humidity site. This suggests that high RH can promote the formation of OSs, possibly through enhancing particle surface area and volume, and creating a favorable environment for aqueous-phase or heterogeneous reactions in the particle phase. A considerable proportion of CHOS compounds may be derived from anthropogenic aliphatic hydrocarbon derivatives. These compounds exhibit slightly elevated daytime concentrations due to increased emissions of long-chain aliphatics from sources such as diesel combustion, as well as photochemically enhanced oxidation to OSs. In contrast, CHONS compounds increased at night, driven by high-humidity liquid-phase oxidation. Terpenoid derivatives accounted for 13.4% of MSOC and contributed over 40% to nighttime CHONS. These findings highlight humidity’s important role in driving daytime and nighttime processing of anthropogenic and biogenic precursors to form SOA, even under low SO₂ and NO_x conditions. Full article

Fans are essential electronic components for heat dissipation in electronic systems, with fan bearings being critical parts that determine fan performance and lifespan. This paper investigates the corrosion, wear, power consumption, temperature, and vibration characteristics of a newly designed and manufactured powder metallurgy bearing with herringbone oil grooves for fans under high-humidity and high-temperature conditions. Corrosion experiments on iron–copper powder metallurgy bearings show that a higher environmental temperature and humidity result in greater corrosion current and reduced corrosion resistance. Bearings operated under high humidity (85% RH) and a high temperature (80 °C) for 0, 3, and 8 days, respectively, revealed that wear and corrosion occur simultaneously. The longer the operating time, the more significant the wear and corrosion. After 3 and 8 days, the lubricating oil flow in the oil grooves decreased by 9.8% and 51.5%, respectively. When bearings subjected to varying degrees of corrosion were tested under the same standard operating conditions, it was found that the bearings corroded for 3 and 8 days, resulting in a significant increase in the number of wear debris particles, higher RMS vibration values, and a power consumption increase of 6.9% and 7.8%, respectively. The percentage of iron elements on the surface gradually decreased, with the copper elements being the primary wear particles during the wear process. However, due to the increased clearance between the rotating shaft and the bearing caused by wear, the fan temperature slightly decreased with increased surface wear. Full article

The radiation sterilization of polymer-based drug solutions can change the characteristics that determine the efficiency of drug targeting, such as particle sizes in the solution and their surface potential. The effect of E-beam treatment at doses of 3 and 8 kGy in a Xe or air atmosphere on the hydrodynamic properties of dilute solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) conjugate with fullerene C₆₀ and folic acid (FA-PVP-C₆₀) was studied and compared with native PVP K30. The capillary viscometry method was used to determine the intrinsic viscosity of solutions. The particle sizes (R_h) were determined using the DLS method. The zeta potential of the particles was determined using the PALS method. The morphological features of the conjugate surface irradiated in a Xe atmosphere with a dose of 8 kGy FA-PVP-C₆₀ were studied by AFM. The functionalization of FA-PVP-C₆₀ and PVP during E-beam treatment was examined using UV- and FTIR-spectrometry. When the diluted solutions of FA-PVP-C₆₀ and PVP were irradiated in air with a dose of 3 kGy, destruction of polymer chains occurred predominantly, but when the dose was increased to 8 kGy, intermolecular cross-linking occurred, leading to an increase in the characteristic viscosity and particle size in the solution. It was shown that the average particle sizes, amounting to 3 and 8 nm for PVP and 4 and 20 nm for FA-PVP-C₆₀, did not change significantly under E-beam irradiation in a Xe atmosphere in the considered dose range. The zeta potential of the particles remained virtually unchanged for both PVP and FA-PVP-C₆₀ under all irradiation conditions. The obtained results indicate the possibility of performing radiation sterilization of FA-PVP-C₆₀ conjugate solutions in an inert gas atmosphere in the range of studied doses. Full article

This study investigated the conversion of cellulose from rice husk (RH) and straw (RS), two types of agricultural waste, into Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Cellulose was extracted using KOH and NaOH, hydrolyzed, and bleached to increase purity and fineness. The cellulose synthesis yielded a higher net CMC content for RH-CMC (84.8%) than for RS-CMC (57.7%). Due to smaller particle sizes, RH-CMC exhibited lower NaCl content (0.77%) and higher purity. FT-IR analysis confirmed similar functional groups to commercial CMC, while XRD analysis presented a more amorphous structure and a higher degree of carboxymethylation. A biodegradable film preparation of starch-based CMC using citric acid as a crosslinking agent shows food packaging properties. The biodegradable film demonstrated good swelling, water solubility, and moisture content, with desirable mechanical properties, maximum load (6.54 N), tensile strength (670.52 kN/m²), elongation at break (13.3%), and elastic modulus (2679 kN/m²), indicating durability and flexibility. The RH-CMC film showed better chemical and mechanical properties and complete biodegradability in soil within ten days. Applying the biodegradable film for tomato preservation showed that wrapping with the film reduced weight loss more efficiently than dip coating. The additional highlight of the work was a consumer survey in Thailand that revealed low awareness but significant interest in switching to alternative uses, indicating commercial potential for eco-friendly packaging choices and market opportunities for sustainable materials. Full article

The rapid growth of the global population has led to significant environmental impacts, driven by the unsustainable extraction of resources and waste generation. To address these challenges, the valorisation of by-products from different industries is crucial for maximising resource efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices. In this study, a comprehensive characterisation of the physicochemical properties of plant-based by-products, including rice husk (RH), oregano stalks (OS), eucalyptus leaves (EL), and almond shells (AS), was conducted. The analyses of the residues showed that, despite the similarities regarding cellulose and lignin content in all materials, RH and OS present a higher cellulose content, while EL and AS contain a greater percentage of oils. Additionally, calcium and potassium were identified as the metals at higher concentrations in all residues. The EL and RH present significant hydrophobic properties compared to the other analysed residues, showcased by their lower wettability. The morphological analyses of the waste residues revealed that OS and RH particles exhibit fibrous characteristics with heterogeneous sizes, while EL is a blend of fibrous and amorphous particles, and AS is composed of smaller particles with irregular shapes. All the residues retained their antioxidant properties over a 12-month storage period, with no degradation due to grinding. The composition and physicochemical properties of these residues highlight their potential to be used in distinct industries, including construction, transport, and textiles, promoting a circular economy and supporting a more sustainable environment. Full article

Previous research on cement aging mainly focuses on construction cement, exploring the mechanisms through which aging conditions affect cement properties. However, the impact of aging on oil well cement remains understudied. Aging of cement under high-humidity conditions leads to significant alterations in its properties, indicating that the cement formulation needs to be adjusted to reduce the negative effects during cementing operations. The effect of aging on particle size, mineral composition, and early hydration behavior of oil well cement after 0, 7, 14, and 28 d at 90% relative humidity (±3%RH) and 25 °C (±2 °C) was investigated. The results showed that, during the aging process, the uptake of H₂O and CO₂ from the surrounding atmosphere by cement leads to slight hydration. This process was associated with a reduction in the specific surface area and surface energy. The contents of hydration products ettringite (AFt) and calcium hydroxide (CH) increased, whereas the amounts of C₃S and C₃A decreased. Consequently, the early hydration rate of cement decreased along with a reduction in the cumulative heat release. As the aging time increased, the compressive strength and thickening time of the cement pastes decreased, and the rheological properties deteriorated. Under the experimental temperature and humidity conditions, the permissible aging time without significant deterioration should not exceed 7 d, with a maximum permissible aging time of 14 d. Full article

Thermally driven local-scale precipitation (LSP) is an important type of summer precipitation over China, but the prestorm environmental conditions remain unclear. In order to investigate the major factors controlling the LSP intensity, the meteorological parameters preceding the occurrence of light and heavy afternoon LSP over Eastern China during 2018–2022 are examined using rain gauge, radiosonde sounding, and satellite observations. The temperature differences between heavy and light LSP events are relatively small, but heavy LSP events exhibit larger water vapor mixing ratios (Q_v) below a 5 km altitude than light LSP. With an almost identical vertical temperature distribution, an increment in Q_v increases the relative humidity (RH) in the lower troposphere. Furthermore, large eddy simulations with spectral bin microphysics are performed to investigate the impacts of humidity and aerosols on the LSP intensity. Increased low-level RH leads to larger mass concentrations of rain and graupel at the expense of cloud droplets due to enhanced drop collisions and the riming of ice particles, respectively, thereby reinforcing the LSP. However, an increased aerosol concentration leads to more cloud water but reduced rain water content, resulting mainly from suppressed drop collisions. The graupel mixing ratio exhibits a non-monotonic trend with aerosols, mostly contributed by riming. As a result, the LSP intensity first increases and then decreases with an increment in the aerosol concentration in both dry and humid air. Moreover, more aerosols lead to the humidification of the surrounding air due to the enhanced evaporation of cloud droplets, particularly under lower-RH conditions. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of the effects of covariations in humidity and aerosol concentrations on the afternoon LSP intensity over Eastern China. Full article

In this work, a simple hydrothermal method was used to prepare a series of ZnO/r-GO (ZGO-x) catalysts. The obtained products were subjected to a series of characterizations, which showed that the zinc oxide particles were deposited onto r-GO and that the crystal structure was not disrupted. In addition, due to the large specific surface area and the good electrical conductivity of r-GO, more photogenerated electrons can be rapidly transferred from ZnO to r-GO to participate in the reaction, thus improving the photocatalytic performance. The degradation rate of the ZGO-3 sample reached 100% for RhB after simulated sunlight irradiation for 150 min, whereas the pure ZnO degraded RhB by about 83% under the same environment. ZGO-3 also showed the best photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, with 100% degradation in 180 min, whereas pure ZnO degraded only 87.64% of methyl orange under solar irradiation. Full article

The emergence of bismuth molybdate (Bi₂MoO₆) as a promising visible-light catalyst has prompted researchers to increasingly focus on its investigation. To elucidate the impact of different preparation methods on the morphology and photocatalytic properties of Bi₂MoO₆, samples were synthesized via solvothermal, in situ conversion, solution combustion, precipitation, and sol-gel techniques. The physicochemical properties of Bi₂MoO₆ were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis (PSA), fluorescence, and photocurrent measurements. The materials’ ability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the crystallinity, morphology, bandgap width, and photogenerated carrier recombination of Bi₂MoO₆ varied significantly depending on the preparation method. Among these methods, the solvothermal route proved most effective, yielding Bi₂MoO₆ with the highest photocatalytic activity, achieving 97.5% RhB degradation within 25 min of light exposure. The low photogenerated carrier recombination rate was attributed to the large specific surface area and narrow bandgap (2.71 eV). This study provides valuable insights into preparing Bi₂MoO₆ with enhanced photocatalytic properties. Full article

Pulmonary drug delivery presents a promising approach for managing respiratory diseases, enabling localized drug deposition and minimizing systemic side effects. Building upon previous research, this study investigates the cytotoxicity, permeability, and stability of a novel carrier-free dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation comprising nanosized ketoprofen (KTP) and mannitol (MNT). The formulation was prepared using wet media milling to produce KTP-nanosuspensions, followed by spray drying to achieve combined powders suitable for inhalation. Cell viability and permeability were conducted in both alveolar (A549) and bronchial (CFBE) models. Stability was assessed after storage in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules under stress conditions (40 °C, 75% RH), as per ICH guidelines. KTP showed good penetration through both models, with lower permeability through the CFBE barrier. The MNT-containing sample (F1) increased permeability by 1.4-fold in A549. All formulations had no effect on cell barrier integrity or viability after the impedance test, confirming their safety. During stability assessment, the particle size remained consistent, and the partially amorphous state of KTP was retained over time. However, moisture absorption induced surface roughening and partial agglomeration, leading to reduced fine particle fraction (FPF) and emitted fraction (EF). Despite these changes, the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) remained stable, confirming the formulation’s continued applicability for pulmonary delivery. Future research should focus on optimizing excipient content, alternative capsule materials, and storage conditions to mitigate moisture-related issues. Hence, the findings demonstrate that the developed ketoprofen–mannitol DPI retains its quality and performance characteristics over an extended period, making it a viable option for pulmonary drug delivery. Full article

This study investigates the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles (NPs) and indium–tin oxide (ITO)-doped CdO NPs. The synthesis of CdO NPs and ITO NPs was accomplished through the co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicates that pure CdO NPs exhibit agglomerated structures, whereas ITO doping introduces porosity and roughness, thereby improving particle dispersion and facilitating electron transport. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) corroborates the successful incorporation of tin (Sn) and indium (In) within indium–tin oxide (ITO)-doped cadmium oxide (CdO) nanoparticles (NPs) in addition to cadmium (Cd) and oxygen (O). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrates that an increase in ITO doping results in a reduction of the crystallite size, decreasing from 23.43 nm for pure CdO to 18.42 nm at a 10% doping concentration, which can be attributed to lattice distortion. Simultaneously, the band gap exhibits a narrowing from 2.92 eV to 2.52 eV, achieving an optimal value at 10% ITO doping before experiencing a slight increase at higher doping concentrations. This tuneable band gap improves light absorption, which is crucial for photocatalysis. The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) highlights the superior efficiency of ITO-doped CdO nanoparticles, achieving a remarkable 94.68% degradation under sunlight within 120 min, up 81.01%, significantly surpassing the performance of pure CdO. The optimal RhB concentration for achieving maximum degradation was determined to be 5 mg/L. This enhanced catalytic activity demonstrates the effectiveness of ITO-doped CdO NPs under both UV and visible light, showcasing their potential for efficient pollutant degradation in sunlight-driven applications. Full article