Search Results (17,108)

The scalable and sustainable production of graphene remains a significant challenge due to the high cost, complex processing, and environmental impact associated with fossil-derived graphite precursors. In this work, we report a biorenewable pathway for producing graphitic carbon from industrial hemp biomass, yielding a plant-derived material called CleanGraphene. This approach provides a renewable and potentially scalable alternative to petroleum- and coal-based graphene production while maintaining competitive structural and electrical performance. CleanGraphene samples are systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to evaluate crystallographic order, layer stacking, defect density, surface chemistry, and thermal stability. The results show that optimized CleanGraphene materials consist of multilayer graphene-like platelets with compact interlayer spacing (d(002) ≈ 3.36–3.37 Å), extended crystallite coherence lengths (L_c up to ~75 nm), large in-plane sp² domains (L_a exceeding ~200 nm), and relatively low defect densities, indicating well-developed graphitic ordering. Electrical conductivity measurements using a binder-free pelletization method and four-point probe analysis demonstrate that the highest quality CleanGraphene samples achieve conductivities of (8.4–8.6) × 10⁴ S m⁻¹, surpassing leading commercial graphene benchmarks measured under identical conditions. Structure–property correlations confirm that electrical performance is governed primarily by crystallite coherence, defect density, and interlayer stacking order, while surface oxygen content plays a secondary role within an ordered graphitic framework. All CleanGraphene samples exhibit excellent thermal stability, retaining more than 95% mass up to ~800–900 °C under an inert atmosphere. Collectively, these findings establish quantitative quality benchmarks for hemp-derived graphene and demonstrate that biomass-based graphene can achieve electrical and thermal performance comparable to, and in some cases exceeding, conventional commercial products. This work highlights industrial hemp as a promising renewable precursor for the scalable production of high-performance graphitic nanomaterials for electrically and thermally conductive composite applications. Full article

Ammonia (NH₃) from intensive agriculture is a primary precursor for secondary fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), necessitating mitigation under the EU National Emission Ceilings (NEC) Directive. This study evaluated a novel feed-based intervention assessed under real-scale commercial conditions in weaning and growing pig units. Indoor NH₃ concentrations were monitored at high frequency (2 h resolution), and treatment effects were analyzed using a Circular Block Bootstrap (CBB) approach to account for diurnal cyclicity and temporal autocorrelation. In the weaning unit, where pits were fully emptied before the trial, the mean indoor NH₃ concentration decreased from 7.51 ppm to 1.37 ppm, representing an 81.7% reduction. In the growing unit, which operated under pre-existing slurry and an overflow system, a significant reduction of 20.9% was observed (from 5.45 ppm to 4.31 ppm). These results demonstrate the intervention’s efficacy in preventing NH₃ release from fresh excreta and suggest that its impact in systems managed under slurry overflow can be further optimized by initially activating pre-existing material. This infrastructure-free solution offers a scalable, economically sustainable pathway to align livestock production with zero-pollution targets while supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals related to human health, worker welfare, and environmental protection. Full article

The preparation for next-generation Earth Observation missions, such as the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME) and Land Surface Temperature Monitoring (LSTM), requires robust pre-launch proxy datasets. Because current simulation methodologies frequently rely on isolated, platform-specific approaches, this study proposes a comprehensive, unified multisensor framework capable of dynamically generating operationally realistic CHIME and LSTM datasets from diverse airborne and satellite sources. Three distinct processing pipelines were established. For hyperspectral data simulation, precursor satellite imagery (PRISMA and EnMAP) and high-resolution airborne measurements (HySpex) were harmonized to CHIME’s 30 m specifications utilizing Spectral Response Function (SRF) adjustments, Point Spread Function (PSF) spatial resampling, and 6S atmospheric radiative transfer modeling. For thermal data simulation, archive Landsat 8/9 and ASTER imagery were transformed into LSTM’s target 50 m, 5-band configuration using a synergistic two-step approach: a physics-based Spectral Super-Resolution (SSR) module followed by an AI-driven Spatial Super-Resolution (SpSR) transformer network. Evaluated across highly diverse inland, coastal, and riverine testbeds in Italy, the simulated products demonstrated high spectral, spatial, and radiometric fidelity. While inherently constrained by the native spectral ranges of the input sensors and by the current lack of absolute on-orbit mission data for validation, the downscaled images closely reproduced complex thermal patterns and water-quality gradients. Ultimately, this scalable framework provides the remote sensing community with early access to representative datasets and mission performance assessments, while accelerating pre-launch algorithm development and testing for environmental monitoring applications—particularly those focused on water discharges. Full article

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a porous carbon material produced in situ by direct laser irradiation of carbon-containing precursors. With its three-dimensional porous structure, high electrical conductivity, facile patternability, low cost, and environmentally friendly fabrication, LIG has attracted growing interest for flexible sensing applications. It shows strong potential in wearable electronics, health monitoring, human–machine interaction, environmental sensing, and intelligent robotics. Although LIG-based sensors have demonstrated excellent performance in mechanical and thermal signal detection, a systematic review of their basic materials, formation mechanisms, sensing principles, structural design, performance optimization, and applications remains limited. This review first summarizes the fundamental materials, processing parameters, and formation principles of LIG, and then highlights recent progress in LIG-based strain and temperature sensors, focusing on sensing mechanisms, key performance indicators, optimization strategies, and research status. The main challenges for practical application are also discussed. These include limited material uniformity and fabrication reproducibility, signal coupling and interference in multifunctional devices, and issues of process compatibility and packaging reliability. Future directions for high-performance, integrated, and scalable LIG sensors are then. Full article

Fatty acids serve dual roles in cardiac physiology: as energy substrates and as precursors of bioactive lipid mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, oxylipins) from n-3/n-6 PUFAs that regulate inflammation, thrombosis, and remodeling. Saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fatty acids modulate metabolism and membrane function, thereby shaping these pathways. Clinically, n-3 long-chain PUFAs (EPA and DHA) reduce cardiovascular mortality and aid postischemic remodeling; however, high doses increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. By contrast, trans and saturated fatty acids promote dyslipidemia, dysfunction, and higher rates of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Mechanistically, fatty acid uptake via FABPpm, CD36 (FAT), and FATPs, along with β-oxidation and PPAR signaling, regulates metabolism, while COX/LOX/CYP pathways generate eicosanoids and resolvins that influence inflammation and repair. This review synthesizes evidence on the roles of fatty acids and oxylipins in lipotoxicity, heart failure, ischemia–reperfusion, and arrhythmias, and evaluates dietary and supplemental interventions to optimize cardiac lipid metabolism, aligning with fatty acid signaling. Full article

A mesostructured activated carbon (PL–AAC) was engineered from palm leaf biomass via a specific chemical activation protocol and systematically evaluated as a bifunctional adsorbent–catalyst for the advanced oxidative removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous media. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful transformation of the lignocellulosic precursor into a hierarchically porous carbon framework, exhibiting enhanced surface area (2 → 56 m²/g), increased pore volume (0.0106 → 0.0227 cm³/g), and a dominant mesopore distribution (~3–5 nm). FTIR analysis revealed the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl), while SEM images demonstrated the formation of interconnected pore channels. Nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms showed Type IV behavior with H4 hysteresis, confirming the presence of narrow slit-shaped mesopores and micropores. This study introduces the novel application of palm leaf-derived activated carbon as a dual-function material that integrates adsorption and catalytic oxidation within a single system. Under acidic conditions (pH 2–3), PL–AAC in the presence of H₂O₂ achieved near-complete MO removal (≈98–100%), driven by the synergistic interaction between adsorption and in situ generation of reactive hydroxyl radicals. Kinetic analysis revealed that the degradation follows a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.916), indicating that surface-mediated interactions govern the process. Furthermore, PL–AAC maintained high catalytic efficiency over four regeneration cycles with negligible performance loss, demonstrating excellent stability and reusability. These findings highlight the effective valorization of palm leaf waste into a sustainable, low-cost, and high-performance material for advanced wastewater treatment applications. Full article

A novel citric acid-assisted in situ reduction method has been developed for the synthesis of bimetallic AuPd alloy nanoparticles supported on amine–phosphate-functionalized carbon nanotubes (AuPd/NH₂-P-CNTs). In this strategy, formic acid acts not only as the reducing agent for reducing metal precursors, but also as the hydrogen source for the subsequent catalytic dehydrogenation. The introduction of citric acid significantly accelerates the reduction kinetics and promotes the uniform formation of ultrafine AuPd nanoparticles (∼1.8 nm). As a result, the optimized Au_0.5Pd_0.5/NH₂-P-CNTs exhibit an extraordinary catalytic activity and 100% H₂ selectivity during hydrogen generation from FA with sodium formate as an additive, affording a remarkable initial turnover frequency of 5663.94 mol H₂ mol Pd⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 303 K. The experimental results reveal that the -NH₂ and -P functional groups on the support are crucial for stabilizing and uniformly dispersing the alloy nanoparticles. Furthermore, the enhanced reaction rate can be attributed to the strong metal–support interaction established between AuPd nanoparticles and -NH₂-P-CNT supports. This work provides a new perspective on the design of highly efficient Pd-based catalysts for hydrogen production from formic acid. Full article

Saxitoxin (STX), produced by certain harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, bioaccumulates through the food chain and can cause paralytic toxicity in humans, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes. To date, STX detection has primarily been conducted under laboratory-controlled conditions, and the availability of a gold-standard method for the proactive monitoring and prevention of HAB-induced secondary damage remains limited. Therefore, the present study introduces an electrochemical-based biosensor that is capable of early monitoring of STX in HAB-occurred environments. The conserved region of sxtA4, a nucleic acid precursor that is essential for STX biosynthesis, is immobilized on the sensing membrane surface in a sandwich structure. In this process, target detection is recognized as an electrochemical signal by a methylene blue-labeled detection probe, and the reliability of biosensing is supplemented by an electrochemical trend that is opposite to DNA binding. The application of an alternating current electrochemical flow technique achieves more sensitive detection at attomolar levels and rapid measurement within 10 min than a conventional DNA biosensor based on hybridization. In addition, the designed biosensing structure selectively detects STX-synthesizing and non-synthesizing dinoflagellates significantly. The proposed platform can utilize the identification of STX-induced secondary damage of HAB and provide insight into a field-ready biosensor based on its characterization and detection performance. Full article

This research investigates the fundamental impact of the photochemical effect of sunlight on the oxidative dissolution of chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) in sulfate-oxidizing media under mild conditions and circumneutral pH. Beyond its traditional role as a thermal or electrical energy source, this study explores solar light (UV-Vis-NIR) as a photochemical reagent capable of driving the in situ generation of reactive sulfur species to assist the conventional oxidative dissolution pathway. The interaction at the mineral–solution interface under UV-Vis radiation was investigated using a laboratory-scale solar-assisted PS/TiO₂/UV-Vis-NIR system, employing persulfate (S₂O₈²⁻) as a radical precursor and TiO₂ (Aeroxide^® TiO₂ P25) as a photocatalyst. The findings demonstrate that solar exposure increases the system’s electrochemical potential and induces pH changes, which are critical for overcoming the inherent refractoriness of CuFeS₂ at near-neutral pH. This study demonstrates that integrating UV-Vis-NIR radiation serves as a synergistic catalyst in oxidative hydrometallurgical processes, enhancing Cu extraction yields to 14%–19% within 5 h of exposure at the laboratory scale. The use of natural light could offer a synergistic pathway to augment the efficiency of cleaner leaching technologies. These findings suggest that solar radiation could serve as a promising assistant to address kinetic limitations during the oxidative dissolution of complex sulfide ores under ambient conditions. Full article

Background: Amyloid-related pathways are well studied in neurodegenerative diseases but remain poorly characterized in gliomas. Amyloid-related transcriptional programs in low-grade gliomas (astrocytoma grade II-III) and oligodendrogliomas, and their association with patient survival, were analyzed in this study. Methods: Transcriptomic data from 193 grade II-III astrocytomas and 191 oligodendrogliomas were analyzed to evaluate histology-specific expression patterns and prognostic significance. Differential and single-sample gene set enrichment analyses (ssGSEA) were used to calculate per-sample enrichment scores for 30 amyloid-related Gene Ontology biological process gene sets across the combined cohort. These scores were used to compare pathway activity between grade II-III astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma samples. Pathway-level survival analyses were performed for each tumor type using ssGSEA enrichment scores to evaluate associations with overall survival. Results: Distinct amyloid-related transcriptional programs were identified between glioma subtypes. Grade II-III astrocytomas showed enrichment of pathways related to amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and amyloid-β clearance, whereas oligodendrogliomas were enriched in lipid transport and negative regulation of amyloid formation. Survival analyses revealed that higher activity of the positive regulation of APP biosynthetic process and amyloid-β clearance by transcytosis was significantly associated with worse overall survival in grade II-III astrocytoma, but not in oligodendroglioma. Gene-level analyses in astrocytoma demonstrated consistent survival associations across multiple genes within these pathways, supporting coordinated pathway-level effects rather than isolated single-gene prognostic markers. Conclusions: Amyloid-related transcriptional programs differ substantially between diffuse glioma subtypes. Increased APP biosynthesis and amyloid-β transcytosis pathways are associated with poorer survival specifically in grade II-III astrocytoma, suggesting a potential role for amyloid metabolism in tumor progression. These findings identify APP-related pathways as candidates for further mechanistic investigation and potential therapeutic targeting in grade II-III astrocytoma. Full article

This paper presents work on the green synthesis of the graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and carbon dots (CDs) from leaves of Erythrina caffra (E. caffra) using a simple technique to facilitate the carbonization process, from methanol and water extracts of E. caffra leaf, and their evaluation as potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. Phytochemical profiling of E. caffra leaf extracts exhibited the presence of phenols, alkaloids, steroids/terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids. FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of oxygenated functional groups inherited from the phytochemicals. UV-Vis indicated the presence of secondary metabolites in both extracts and CDs. X-ray diffraction spectra confirmed the amorphous and crystalline nature of synthesized CDs (2.51 nm) from water extracts and GQDs (0.08 nm) from methanol extracts. The CDs and GQDs exhibited respective sizes of 5.5 and 4.0 nm, with a dot-like morphology, and respective zeta potential of +200.0 and −12.6 mV. The results revealed that all extracts and carbon dot formulations exhibited high cell viability (>90%), indicating excellent biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity at the tested concentration of 100 mg/mL per sample. The SARS-CoV-2 experiments demonstrated that extracts (MeOH, H₂O) and nanomaterials (CDs-H₂O, GQDs-MeOH) exhibited a virus suppression efficacy of 87.86 ± 4.75%, 87.95 ± 0.77%, 87.95 ± 3.08%, and 94.84 ± 0.94%, respectively. All examined samples demonstrated viral inhibition over 88%. Both extracts and their respective nanomaterials showed that a minimum of 5 μg was required to achieve 50% antioxidant species per sample. The study highlights E. caffra as a sustainable precursor for eco-friendly carbon dot synthesis as potential antiviral and antioxidant candidates. Full article

Limited ionic conductivity and unstable interfaces, primarily caused by poor solid–solid contact, pose significant challenges to the stable cycling of solid-state batteries. In this study, an interfacial in situ polymerization strategy is proposed to construct a poly(1,3-dioxolane) (PDOL) gel electrolyte layer between a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based solid polymer electrolyte and the electrodes. This approach aims to address interfacial compatibility issues in solid-state lithium metal batteries. By precisely tuning the composition of the gel precursor and employing characterization techniques such as FTIR and NMR, the efficient ring-opening polymerization of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) was confirmed, achieving a high conversion rate of 90%. The precursor was drop-cast onto the PVDF-based electrolyte/electrode interfaces before cell assembly. Electrochemical evaluations revealed that the in situ formed solidified interlayer significantly enhanced interfacial compatibility and ion transport, yielding a high Li⁺ transference number (0.341), an exceptional critical current density (1.4 mA cm⁻²), and remarkable cycling stability exceeding 1600 h in Li||Li symmetric cells. Furthermore, full cells incorporating LiFePO₄ cathodes demonstrated excellent rate capability and long-term cyclability, retaining 98.7% of their capacity after 1000 cycles. These results collectively underscore the effectiveness of this in situ solidification strategy in optimizing the interface structure and improving the overall performance of PVDF-based solid-state batteries. Full article

Conventional nucleophilic radiofluorination requires azeotropic drying to generate reactive [¹⁸F]fluoride, introducing time delays and activity losses. [¹⁸F]Fluoride relay reagents such as [¹⁸F]triflyl fluoride ([¹⁸F]TfF) and [¹⁸F]ethenesulfonyl fluoride ([¹⁸F]E=SF) have recently emerged as efficient alternatives that bypass this step. Here, we introduce [¹⁸F]ethanesulfonyl fluoride ([¹⁸F]E-SF) as a new relay reagent and benchmark its production and radiolabelling performance against [¹⁸F]TfF and [¹⁸F]E=SF. [¹⁸F]E-SF was prepared from commercially available 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl-1-ethanesulfonate (TCP-ethane) using a microlitre-scale radiofluorination approach, enabling direct distillation and SPE trapping of the product. Under optimised conditions, [¹⁸F]E-SF was obtained in 76 ± 23% RCY (n = 6), compared with 27 ± 6% (n = 2) for [¹⁸F]E=SF and up to 97 ± 2% (n = 3) for [¹⁸F]TfF using an optimised literature-based protocol. Subsequent model labelling reactions demonstrated effective aliphatic nucleophilic substitution to [¹⁸F]fluoroethyl tosylate ([¹⁸F]FEtOTs) and aromatic nucleophilic substitution to [¹⁸F]fluorobenzaldehyde with high radiochemical conversion. These results establish [¹⁸F]E-SF as a robust and operationally simple relay reagent with high production yields from a commercially available precursor. It is compatible with SPE trapping and achieves production yields comparable to [¹⁸F]E=SF and [¹⁸F]TfF, respectively, warranting future automated production for supporting the potential use of [¹⁸F]E-SF in streamlined and decentralised ¹⁸F-labelling workflows. Full article

Bagasse, owing to its low cost and high carbon yield, is a promising precursor for hard-carbon anodes in sodium-ion batteries (SIB). Regulating the microcrystalline state and pore architecture during pyrolysis is key to boosting Na⁺ storage behavior. Here, the pyrolysis kinetics is controlled via stepwise carbonization to construct a defect-ordered island structure within the cellulose-derived carbon skeleton. Retaining sp³-hybridized carbon at low temperatures creates the Na⁺ channel, while acid cleaning selectively dissolves residual metal oxides, removing the electrochemical inert phase and promoting improved ion diffusion. This process also enriches active sites and interlayer spacing in the hard carbon, boosting capacity in the plateau region. In addition, the ash-catalyzed formation of local sp² graphite microcrystals provides electron transport nodes, optimizing Na⁺ diffusion and electronic conductivity. Accordingly, the assembled SIB achieves a high reversible capacity of 378 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1C and an initial coulombic efficiency of 97%, with the plateau capacity accounting for 59.1% of the total reversible capacity. This work presents a universal thermochemical approach for engineering high-performance carbon anodes with high closed porosity from low-cost biomass precursors, advancing the development of sustainable and efficient SIBs. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally important vegetable crop, with fruit quality being a major focus of research. Starch serves as the primary carbohydrate reserve during early fruit development and functions as a key carbon precursor for flavor compound biosynthesis in later stages. To elucidate the role of starch accumulation in determining ripe fruit quality, we analyzed the relationship between starch content in mature green fruits and flavor-related traits across eight tomato cultivars. The results demonstrated that starch content at the mature green stage showed a significantly positive correlation with total soluble solids (TSS) content (r = 0.922) and a significantly positive correlation with total acidity content (r = 0.783) in red-ripe fruits. Furthermore, the expression levels of starch synthesis gene AGPS1 and degradation gene PWD at the mature green stage were both significantly positively correlated with the final fruit TSS levels. These findings highlight the important role of starch accumulation during the mature green stage in shaping final fruit quality, providing a theoretical basis for breeding high-quality tomato varieties. Full article