Novel rod-like [Cu(phen)2(OAc)]·PF6 complex for high-performance visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of hazardous organic dyes: DFT approach, Hirshfeld and fingerprint plot analysis

Construction of hydrophilic magnetic imprinted covalent organic framework composite for targeted separation and enrichment of tetracycline

Tetracycline (TC) contamination poses a serious environmental and public health threat, therefore this work presents a sensitive and selective TC separation and detection method. Hydrophilic molecularly imprinted polymers (IL-MMIPs) were designed for the first time, using magnetic graphene oxide modified covalent organic framework (MGO-COF) as the support, double ionic liquids N-trimethyl-(4-vinylbenzyl) ammonium chloride and 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazole bromide as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The IL-MMIPs exhibited high adsorption capacity and fast adsorption kinetics for TC through the recognition of surface molecular imprinting and the strong electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding between ionic liquids. And the IL-MMIPs showed outstanding water-compatibility thanks to the incorporation of double ionic liquids. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of MSPE-IL-MMIPs-HPLC-UV was 0.20 μg/L, and the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.9999. The TC was extracted from medical wastewater by IL-MMIPs with a recovery rate of 93.0-105.3 %. Therefore, the established method based on IL-MMIPs has high sensitivity and can be used as a new strategy for the detection of tetracycline antibiotics in water systems.

Comparative study of the therapeutic potential of C24, C32, B12N12, and B16N16 nanocages as drug delivery carriers for delivering an erlotinib derivative: DFT and QTAIM investigations

The use of nanostructures as drug delivery vehicles for a wide range of anticancer medications to lessen their severe side effects by delivering them to the targeted tumor cell location is presently a broadly studied innovative biomedical application of different nanostructures. To investigate the capability of C24 and C32, B12N12, and B16N16 nanocages as nanocarriers for delivering the methyl erlotinib molecule, we conducted density functional theory (DFT) computations using the M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) and M06-2X/6-31G(d) levels of theory. The calculation of the adsorption energy of methyl erlotinib on the nanocages was performed in aqueous and gaseous phases. The adsorption energy values associated with the interaction between the nanocages and methyl erlotinib were negative, indicating that this interaction was exothermic in nature. The adsorption energy values in the aqueous state were higher than those in the gaseous state, suggesting a stronger interaction in the aqueous state, with the exception of the C32 nanocage. Analyses of the density of states (DOS) and projected density of states (PDOS) were performed in order to examine the effect of methyl erlotinib adsorption on the electronic characteristics of selected nanocages. The findings indicated that the B12N12 nanocage following methyl erlotinib molecule adsorption came nearer to the Fermi level than the other nanocages examined. Calculations based on the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) indicated that methyl erlotinib had a weak interaction with all selected nanocages. According to the values of the adsorption energy derived from both methodologies, the interaction between methyl erlotinib and the B12N12 nanocage was determined to be more robust than the interaction between methyl erlotinib and the C24 nanocage, while the interaction between methyl erlotinib and the B16N16 nanocage was also stronger than that with the C32 nanocage. Notable variations in the ΔEg values were detected for methyl erlotinib@B12N12 and methyl erlotinib@B16N16 across all methods, suggesting that the conductivity of these two nanostructures improved more significantly following the adsorption of methyl erlotinib than that of other nanostructures. Consequently, the B12N12 and B16N16 nanocages can function as nanosensors for methyl erlotinib.

Self-modified iron-based materials for efficient chromium (VI) removal: Efficacy and mechanism

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a typical carcinogenic contaminant, and the prerequisite for its efficient remediation is the low-cost and high-efficiency removal materials. Thus, in this study, we propose an outstanding Cr(VI) removal iron-based materials derived from the self-modification of secondary minerals by simple pyrolysis and explore their Cr(VI) removal mechanism. The resulting materials, C-AJ (from ammoniojarosite) and C-Jar (from jarosite) exhibited excellent Cr(VI) removal efficiencies, with maximum Cr(VI) removal capacities of 96.9 mg/g and 70.7 mg/g, respectively. Their excellent Cr(VI) removal capacities are mainly attributed to the self-modification of two minerals to form Fe(II) and the retained SO42-, and the N escape of ammoniojarosite [(NH4, H3O)Fe3(OH)6(SO4)2] further promotes the formation of active sites and brings higher Cr(VI) removal ability. Moreover, C-AJ and C-Jar have similar Cr(VI) removal mechanisms involving reduction and absorption. The reduction process, primarily driven by Fe(II), contributes significantly, while the adsorption process, mainly influenced by sulfate, plays a minor role. In addition, the iron-based material exhibits high resistance to interference from pH changes, maintains strong Cr(VI) removal ability in the presence of anions and organic acids, and does not pose a risk of secondary pollution. This study demonstrates that simple pyrolysis of iron-based minerals can induce self-modification, resulting in highly active Cr(VI) removal materials, which presents a potential low-cost and efficient Cr(VI) remediation solution.

Inhibitory potential of furanocoumarins against cyclin dependent kinase 4 using integrated docking, molecular dynamics and ONIOM methods

Cyclin Dependent Kinase 4 (CDK4) is vital in the process of cell-cycle and serves as a G1 phase checkpoint in cell division. Selective antagonists of CDK4 which are in use as clinical chemotherapeutics cause various side-effects in patients. Furanocoumarins induce anti-cancerous effects in a range of human tumours. Therefore, targeting these compounds against CDK4 is anticipated to enhance therapeutic effectiveness. This work intended to explore the CDK4 inhibitory potential of 50 furanocoumarin molecules, using a comprehensive approach that integrates the processes of docking, drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic analysis, molecular dynamics simulations and ONIOM (Our own N-layered Integrated molecular Orbital and Molecular mechanics) methods. The top five best docked compounds obtained from docking studies were screened for subsequent analysis. The molecules displayed good pharmacokinetic properties and no toxicity. Epoxybergamottin, dihydroxybergamottin and notopterol were found to inhabit the ATP-binding zone of CDK4 with substantial stability and negative binding free energy forming hydrogen bonds with key catalytic residues of the protein. Notopterol exhibiting the highest binding energy was subjected to ONIOM calculations wherein the hydrogen bonding interactions were retained with significant negative interaction energy. Hence, through these series of computerised methods, notopterol was screened as a potent CDK4 inhibitor and can act as a starting point in successive processes of drug design.

Profiling heavy metals distribution in surface sediments from the perspective of coastal industrial structure and their impacts on bacterial communities

Heavy metal pollution of marine sediments along the coastal industrial parks have always received extensive attention due to their persistent hazard to local marine ecosystem. Despite this, our knowledge about the influence of geography and coastal industrial structures on heavy metal distributions remains little. In this study, surface sediment samples were collected from the coastal zone of the industrial park in Ningbo. The physicochemical properties, heavy metals with ecological risk levels and bacterial structures as well as their relationships in these sediments were comprehensively analyzed. We found that: heavy metal concentrations of surface sediment revealed wide variation between this study sea area and other coastal economic areas; increasing attention should be paid to the Cu, Hg, Cd and As pollution due to their high contamination degree and environment risk; the distribution of heavy metals is closely related to the geographic location and nearshore industrial structures; the physicochemical features (e.g., TN, PHCs and pH) of sediments could better explain the occurrence characteristics of heavy metals present; individual metals (Cu and Cr) significantly affected the bacterial α-diversity; Cr inhibits multiple functional pathways associated with energy metabolism and pollutant degradation; RDA analysis and co-occurrence network confirmed that several heavy metals (especially Zn, Cr, Cu and Cd) exhibited large effects on bacterial community structure; moreover, genera Idiomarina Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas could be used as biological indicators for specific heavy metals contamination in our study. Our findings provide a novel insight to understand the heavy metal distribution and bacterial variation associated with industrial activities.

Valorization of agricultural waste and red mud through CO2-mediated pyrolysis system

This study presents a strategic method to improve carbon utilization in agricultural waste, specifically spent mushroom substrate (SMS), while valorizing metal-rich waste, red mud, through pyrolysis platform. To offer sustainability, CO2 was utilized as reaction medium. The utilization of CO2 in SMS pyrolysis promotes syngas production, particularly CO, through homogeneous reactions (HRs) with volatile compounds (VCs). Indeed, the amount of syngas in N2 and CO2 were 2.42 and 4.04 mmol gsms-1, respectively. The inclusion of red mud in CO2-mediated pyrolysis of SMS accelerated the reaction kinetics of HRs lined to CO2, resulting in enhanced syngas production. The iron-functionalized biochars (Fe-FBs) produced at 700 °C in N2 and CO2 were evaluated for Cr(VI) removal. Faster kinetics for Cr(VI) removal was observed in Fe-FB in N2 compared with that in CO2. This is likely due to the higher capability of elemental iron (Fe0) in reduction of Cr(VI). However, Fe-FBs in CO2 exhibited superior adsorption capacities relative to that in N2, indicating that Fe3O4 is a primary contributor to Cr(VI) removal through adsorption. Notably, removal of Fe-FBs in N2 and CO2 via adsorption reached up to 17.2 and 82.8 %, respectively. Considering toxic nature of Cr species (Cr(VI) and Cr(III)), their immobilization through adsorption on Fe-FBs in CO2 may offer a more environmentally benign strategy. These findings suggest that the pyrolysis of SMS with red mud using CO2 as a reactant provides two benefits: enhanced syngas production and the fabrication of Fe-FBs that can serve as environmentally benign materials for Cr(VI) removal.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of New Ureido (Thioureido) Anthranilic Acid Isosteres: Molecular Docking, In Silico ADMET Predictions, and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity

A novel series of anthranilic acid isosteres were designed and synthesized as antiinflammatory agents. The in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) study predicted a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and respect for Lipinski's rule of five. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed an improvement in some target compounds' electronic parameters compared to diclofenac (DCF) and aspirin (ASA), predicting an improvement in their biological activity. Docking investigations demonstrated a strong affinity toward the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 enzymes, with a relative preference for COX-2, predicting antiinflammatory activity. The MolDock scores were between -140.59 and -91.81 kcal/mol for COX-1 and between -148.10 and -108.9 kcal/mol for COX-2. The experimental pharmacological investigation confirmed these theoretical findings. Indeed, target compounds demonstrated a significant inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and probable inhibition of COX. Particularly, compounds 4e and 4h devoid of COOH group, which provoke serious gastrointestinal irritation, exhibited antiinflammatory activity comparable to that of salicylic acid (ASA) and surpassed the effectiveness of DCF. Cpmpounds 4e and 4h showed 91.72% inhibition after 3h, against 91.03% and 83.44% for ASA and DCF, respectively, with a greater onset effect, and also surpassing the reference compounds after 1 and 2 h. The results also indicate good pharmacokinetic profile of the target compounds similar to ASA and DCF.

Novel Spectrophotometric Method for Robust Detection of Trace Copper and Cobalt in High-Concentration Zinc Solution

In the purification process of zinc hydrometallurgy, the spectra of copper and cobalt seriously overlap in the whole band and are interfered with by the spectra of zinc and nickel, which seriously affects the detection results of copper and cobalt in zinc solutions. Aiming to address the problems of low resolution, serious overlap, and narrow characteristic wavelengths, a novel spectrophotometric method for the robust detection of trace copper and cobalt is proposed. First, the Haar, Db4, Coif3, and Sym3 wavelets are used to carry out the second-order continuous wavelet transform on the spectral signals of copper and cobalt, which improves the resolution of copper and cobalt and eliminates the background interference caused by matrix zinc signals and reagents. Then, the information ratio and separation degree are defined as optimization indexes, a multi-objective optimization model is established with the wavelet decomposition scale as a variable, and the non-inferior solution of multi-objective optimization is solved by the state transition algorithm. Finally, the optimal second-derivative spectra combined with the fine zero-crossing technique are used to establish calibration curves at zero-crossing points for the simultaneous detection of copper and cobalt. The experimental results show that the detection performance of the proposed method is far superior to the partial least squares and Kalman filtering methods. The RMSEPs of copper and cobalt are 0.098 and 0.063, the correlation coefficients are 0.9953 and 0.9971, and the average relative errors of copper and cobalt are 3.77% and 2.85%, making this method suitable for the simultaneous detection of trace copper and cobalt in high-concentration zinc solutions.

The economic and environmental impact of fire preventive strategies in the Mediterranean region

Fire behaviour in the Mediterranean region has been altered by climate change. In the last decade, not only has the occurrence of fires increased but also their virulence. This is primarily due to higher temperatures and the decrease in the rainfall, which have made forest ecosystems less able to withstand fires. It has also been observed that most wildfires are related directly or indirectly with human actions, and they usually occur in wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. The current research focuses on the economic quantification of the benefits that fire preventive strategies could generate, demonstrating that it is worth it to invest in this kind of measures for both the environment and the society. This study shows the results of a pioneering project, called GUARDIAN, which is applied in a WUI area located at the east of Spain, with the aim of preventing and combating wildfires that could put at risk the life of 15,000 inhabitants while preserving the Natural Park of Túria and La Vallesa (Valencia-Spain). GUARDIAN is a multifaceted project that integrates recycled water, advanced technology, and ecological enhancements to create a more fire-resilient environment while educating and preparing the local community for fire-related challenges. The results of the current research intend to give a value to those benefits of the project that usually have not a market value and are difficult to measure, and due to that fact, they are not usually considered in the cost-benefit analysis. The methodology applied allows to compare in economic terms the environmental benefits of fire preventive measures implemented in the GUARDIAN project with the costs incurred by the measures developed. The environmental area protected by the project results in a value that ranges between €338,035,481 to €485,384,281. Accordingly, the methodology and results of this study are of great interest to public administrations, encouraging the implementation of fire preventive strategies.

Amino-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework-Mediated Cellulose Aerogels for Efficient Cr(VI) Reduction

Industrialization activities have increased the discharge of wastewater that is polluted with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), posing risks to ecosystems and humans. The photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) is viewed as a promising method for the removal of Cr(VI) species. However, developing photocatalysts with the desired catalytic activity, recyclability, and reusability remains a challenge. Herein, a composite aerogel was designed and fabricated with a Ti-based metal-organic framework (MIL-125-NH2) and carboxylated nanocellulose. MIL-125-NH2 presents a strong visible-light response, and the interactions between the amino groups of MIL-125-NH2 and the carboxyl groups of cellulose produce a strong interface affinity in the composites. The as-prepared aerogels exhibited a micro/macroporous structure. At an optimal MIL-125-NH2 loading of 55 wt%, the MC-5 sample showed a specific surface area of 582 m2·g-1. MC-5 achieved a photocatalytic Cr(VI) removal efficiency of 99.8%. Meanwhile, the aerogel-type photocatalysts demonstrated good stability and recycling ability, as MC-5 maintained a removal rate of 82% after 10 cycles. This work sheds light on the preparation of novel photocatalysts with three-dimensional structures for environmental remediation.

Leveraging machine learning algorithms in dynamic modeling of urban expansion, surface heat islands, and carbon storage for sustainable environmental management in coastal ecosystems

Climate change and rapid urbanization are dramatically altering coastal ecosystems worldwide, with significant implications for land surface temperatures (LST) and carbon stock concentration (CSC). This study investigates the impacts of day and night time LST dynamics on CSC in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, from 1996 to 2021, with future projections to 2041. Using Landsat and MODIS imagery, we found that mean daytime LST increased by 3.57 °C over the 25-year period, while nighttime LST showed a slight decrease of 0.05 °C. Concurrently, areas with no carbon storage increased by 355.78%, while high and very high CSC zones declined by 14.15% and 47.78%, respectively. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model estimated a 28.64 km2 reduction in high CSC areas from 1996 to 2021. Statistical analysis revealed strong negative correlations between LST and vegetation indices (R2 = -0.795 to -0.842, p < 0.001) and positive correlations with built-up indices (R2 = 0.812 to 0.893, p < 0.001). Cross-sectional analysis showed that areas within 2 km of the coastline experienced a lower rate of LST increase (0.03 °C/year) compared to inland areas (0.05 °C/year). A Cellular Automata-Artificial Neural Network model projected that by 2041, 22.51% of the study area may experience LST >32 °C, while areas with LST <24 °C may decrease to 1.68%. These observations underscore the pressing necessity for sustainable strategies in urban planning and conservation in swiftly evolving coastal areas, especially considering the challenges posed by climate change and population growth.

A comprehensive review on integrating sustainable practices and circular economy principles in concrete industry

This comprehensive review explores the integration of circular economy principles into the concrete industry, emphasizing their role in enhancing sustainability and resource efficiency. It covers the fundamental concepts of circular economy and examines the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in evaluating the environmental impacts of concrete production. The review highlights innovative strategies for recycling, reuse, waste reduction, and resource optimisation, showcasing how these approaches can transform concrete production practices. It also addresses the policy considerations, economic implications, and societal impacts associated with adopting circular economy practices. Furthermore, the review investigates recent technological advancements in circular concrete production, including self-healing concrete and 3D printing. By summarizing these findings and offering practical recommendations, the review aims to support the industry in transitioning towards more sustainable practices. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of circular economy adoption, helping stakeholders make informed decisions for a greener concrete sector.

Spasmolytic Activity and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Mebeverine Derivatives

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a major negative influence on quality of life, causing cramps, stomach pain, bloating, constipation, etc. Antispasmodics have varying degrees of efficacy. Mebeverine, for example, works by controlling bowel movements and relaxing the muscles of the intestines but has side effects. Therefore, more efficient medication is required. Methods: In the current study, we investigated the synthesis of novel mebeverine analogs and determined ex vivo their spasmolytic and in vitro and ex vivo anti-inflammatory properties. The ability to influence both contractility and inflammation provides a dual-action approach, offering a comprehensive solution for the prevention and treatment of both conditions. Results: The results showed that all the compounds have better spasmolytic activity than mebeverine and good anti-inflammatory potential. Among the tested compounds, 3, 4a, and 4b have been pointed out as the most active in all the studies conducted. To understand their mechanism of activity, molecular docking simulation was investigated. The docking analysis explained the biological activities with their calculated Gibbs energies and possibilities for binding both centers of albumin. Moreover, the calculations showed that molecules can bind also the two muscarinic receptors and interleukin-β, hence these structures would exert a positive therapeutic effect owed to interaction with these specific receptors/cytokine. Conclusions: Three of the tested compounds have emerged as the most active and effective in all the studies conducted. Future in vivo and preclinical experiments will contribute to the establishment of these novel mebeverine derivatives as potential drug candidates against inflammatory diseases in the gastrointestinal tract.

Dual Antimicrobial-Anticancer Potential, Hydrolysis, and DNA/BSA Binding Affinity of a Novel Water-Soluble Ruthenium-Arene Ethylenediamine Schiff base (RAES) Organometallic

The need for a systematic approach in developing new metal-based drugs with dual anticancer-antimicrobial properties is emphasized by the vulnerability of cancer patients to bacterial infections. In this context, a novel organometallic assembly was designed, featuring ruthenium(II) coordination with p-cymene, one chlorido ligand, and a bidentate neutral Schiff base derived from 4-methoxybenzaldehyde and N,N-dimethylethylenediamine. The compound was extensively characterized in both solid-state and solution, employing single crystal X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and density functional theory, alongside Hirshfeld surface analysis. The hydrolysis kinetic was thoroughly investigated, revealing the important role of the chloro-aqua equilibrium in the dynamics of binding with deoxyribonucleic acid and bovine serum albumin. Notably, the aqua species exhibited a pronounced affinity for deoxyribonucleic acid, engaging through electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, while the chloro species demonstrated groove-binding properties. Interaction with albumin revealed distinct binding mechanisms. The aqua species displayed covalent binding, contrasting with the ligand-like van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding observed with the chloro specie. Molecular docking studies highlighted site-specific interactions with biomolecular targets. Remarkably, the compound exhibited wide spectrum moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, coupled with low micromolar cytotoxic activity against human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and significant activity against human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cells. The presented findings encourage further development of this compound, promising avenues for its evolution into a versatile therapeutic agent targeting both infectious diseases and cancer.

A Spectral Detection Method Based on Integrated and Partition Modeling for Trace Copper in High-Concentration Zinc Solution

In zinc smelting solution, because the concentration of zinc is too high, the spectral signals of trace copper are masked by the spectral signals of zinc, and their spectral signals overlap, which makes it difficult to detect the concentration of trace copper. To solve this problem, a spectrophotometric method based on integrated and partition modeling is proposed. Firstly, the derivative spectra based on continuous wavelet transform are used to preprocess the spectral signal and highlight the spectral peak of copper. Then, the interval partition modeling is used to select the optimal characteristic interval of copper according to the root mean square error of prediction, and the wavelength points of the absorbance matrix are selected by correlation-coefficient threshold to improve the sensitivity and linearity of copper ions. Finally, the partial least squares integrated modeling based on the Adaboost algorithm is established by using the selected wavelength to realize the concentration detection of trace copper in the zinc liquid. Comparing the proposed method with existing regression methods, the results showed that this method can not only reduce the complexity of wavelength screening, but can also ensure the stability of detection performance. The predicted root mean square error of copper was 0.0307, the correlation coefficient was 0.9978, and the average relative error of prediction was 3.14%, which effectively realized the detection of trace copper under the background of high-concentration zinc liquid.

8-Aminoquinoline derived two Schiff base platforms: Synthesis, characterization, DFT insights, corrosion inhibitor, molecular docking, and pH-dependent antibacterial study

The current research divulges the synthesis of two new Schiff base (SB) (L NAPH /L O-VAN ) derived from 8-aminoquinoline (8-AMQ) in the presence of 2-hydroxy naphthaldehyde (NAPH) and ortho-vanillin (O-VAN) in CH3OH solvent. They are structurally characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR/Raman/UV-vis/DRS/NMR) and SEM-EDX. SB compounds have a biologically active avenue of azomethine/imine group (H-C=N) that can donate N e's to Mn + ions, showing coordinating flexibility. The -OH and imine (H-C=N) groups are stable in air, light, and alkalis but undergo acidic environments hydrolysis, separating -NH2 and carbonyl compounds. Moreover, buffer solutions with a pH range of 4-6 release aldehyde. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), Frontier molecular orbitals (FMO), Fukui function, and Non-linear optical (NLO) were conducted to elucidate SBs chemical potency, optoelectronic significance, and corrosion inhibitor. Accordingly, the calculated ΔE of FMO for L NAPH and L O-VAN is 3.82 and 4.08 eV, ensuring potent biological function. DFT supported the experimental and theoretical IR spectral correlation to enrich better structural insights. NLO-based polarizability (α) and hyperpolarizability (β) factors successfully explore the potential optoelectronic significance. Molecular docking experiments were simulated against DNA, anti-COVID-19, and E. coli. The potential microbiological activity was screened against the bacterial strains E. coli, Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas sp. based on zone of inhibition and MIC values. These experiments also explored the fact that L NAPH and L O-VAN discourage microbial cell biofilms and corrosion. We extensively covered the as-prepared compounds' pH-dependent bacterial effects.

Joint utilization and harmless elimination of aluminum dross and refined magnesium slag to simultaneously recover metallic aluminum and fusing agent

Refined magnesium slag and aluminum dross are two typical hazardous solid wastes that contain significant amounts of leachable fusing agent and aluminum droplets encapsulated by dense oxidized films, respectively. This study creatively proposes a safe and green method for the joint utilization of these two wastes. The interfacial reaction behavior revealed that the dense oxidized films of the aluminum droplets were significantly broken by the erosive action of the fusing agent, providing the necessary conditions for the movement of aluminum droplets. Consequently, the aluminum droplets successfully broke free from the oxidized films and separated together with the fusing agent from the dross under the force of supergravity. The recovery ratios of metallic aluminum and fusing agent reached 98.95 % and 98.13 %, while the aluminum and fusing agent contents in the tailings were reduced to 0.82 wt% and 3.71 wt%. The study also discusses the leaching characteristic of the tailings and the scalability for industrial applications of this method in detail. This study not only achieves valuable resource recovery but also reduces the leaching risk and alleviates the land occupation and ecosystem pressure caused by industrial wastes. The tailings can be harmlessly utilized in related fields through subsequent scientific treatment.

Design of double Z-scheme Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 magnetic nanophotocatalyst via starch-templated microwave-combustion hybrid precipitation method and modified with corona-plasma: Remediation of dye contaminants

Herein, the novel double Z-scheme Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 magnetic nanophotocatalyst with nanosphere-on-nanosheet-like morphology was synthesized via the corona-plasma-assisted starch-templated microwave-combustion-precipitation method to remove the dye pollutants. The CuO-CuFe2O4 meso/macroporous nanophotocatalyst was synthesized using a one-pot-stage combustion-microwave process with/without starch as a hard-template. Subsequently, surface modification was carried out by DC corona-plasma discharge technology at various voltages, namely 500, 1000 and 1500 V. Then, the Ag3O4 photocatalyst was deposited on the CuO-CuFe2O4 fabricated with starch-hard-template and treated with 1000 V corona-plasma (denoted as: Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 (Starch) 1000 P). The properties of the synthesized nanophotocatalysts were analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BET-BJH), Vibrating Sample Manetometer (VSM), and Photoluminescence (PL). The XRD analysis corroborated the presence of CuO, CuFe2O4 and Ag3O4 in the structure of all samples. The BET-BJH analysis indicates that the specific surface area of the Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 (Starch) 1000 P nanophotocatalyst as the best sample is 2 m2/g, higher than other samples. Additionally, the DRS analysis revealed that the band gap of the Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 (Starch) 1000 P nanophotocatalyst is about 1.68 eV with the surface plasmon resonance. The performance of the ternary heterostructured Ag-Ag3O4/CuO-CuFe2O4 (Starch) 1000 P nanophotocatalyst was 96.2% and 89.1% in the degradation of the crystal violet (10 mg/L) and acid orange 7 (10 mg/L), respectively, proving its outstanding degradation capacity.

In-situ Hf/Zr co-doped Fe2O3 nanorod decorated with CuOx/CoOx: Enhanced photocatalytic performance for antibacterial and organic pollutants

Herein, we successfully synthesized Hf/Zr co-doping on Fe2O3 nanorod photocatalyst by a hydrothermal process and quenching methods. The synergistic roles of Hf and Zr double-doping on the bacteria inactivation test and decomposition of organic pollutants were investigated in detail for the 1 wt% CoOx loaded Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs and CuOx/CoOx loaded Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs photocatalyst. Initially, the rod-like porous morphology of the Hf/Zr-doped Fe2O3 NRs was produced via a hydrothermal method at various Hf co-doping (0, 2, 4, 7 and 10)%. Further, CoOx and CuOx loaded by a wet impregnation approach on the Hf/Zr-Fe2O3 NRs and a highly photoactive Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst were developed. After the Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst treatment, the Bio-TEM imagery of bacterial cells showed extensive morphological deviations in cell membranes. Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 NR achieved 84.1% orange II degradation upon 3 h illumination, which is higher than that of Hf-Fe2O3 and Zr-Fe2O3 (68.7 and 73.5%, respectively). Additionally, the optimum sample, Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] photocatalyst, exhibited 95.5% orange II dye degradation after light radiation for 3 h. Optimized Hf(4)/Zr-Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] catalysts exhibited 99.9% and 99.7% inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus with 120 min, respectively. Further, scavenger experiments revealed that the electrons are the primary responsible species for photocatalytic kinetics. This work will provide a rapid method for the development of high photocatalytic performance materials for bacterial disinfection and organic degradation.

Residents' willingness to engage in carbon generalized system of preferences - A personality insight study based on the extended theory of planned behavior

In the context of China's dual carbon target, reducing personal carbon emissions has been identified as a crucial strategy to achieve the target. The 2022 Digital China Development Report emphasizes the significance of implementing the Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP) in driving individual carbon reduction efforts in China. However, the psychological factors influencing public participation in CGSP are still unknown. Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study explored the psychological factors of different personality trait groups' participation in the CGSP and categorized 712 respondents into Compatible, Positive, Responsible, and Susceptible based on the MINI-IPIP scale and the K-means method. The results show that the strength of willingness to engage (WTE) in CGSP was ranked as: Compatible > Positive > Responsible > Susceptible and the WTE of compatible groups is more influenced by attitude, while Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) plays a more crucial role in other groups. Personal Norms (PN) and Policy Awareness (PA) were significant for all specific personality groups except the Susceptible group. Surprisingly subjective norms had little to do with WTE. We believe that policymakers should consider the impact of PBC on WTE when formulating policies and raise the expectation of residents in terms of the value they can obtain from participating in CGSP. Additionally, promotional activities related to PN and PA in connection with CGSP should be conducted. These efforts may help individuals better engage in CGSP.

Determining information system end-user satisfaction and continuance intension with a unified modeling approach

With the different characters of datatypes and large amount of data going to be managed in open-source database, localization to the specific linguistics is the major concern in Ethiopia, as the nation used different datatypes compared to the Gregorian systems. In this regard Amharic localization in open-source database can handle the difficulties in managing data for governmental and non-governmental organizations. Amharic Extension Module was introduced to governmental organizations for the data management capabilities. But, there is no research that can explore the system's quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of both computer literates and illiterates. Therefore, this research work attempt or try to empirically examine and analyze the system quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of all users in POESSA The major purpose/aim of this study/research is to brand or make up the research break/gap in the area of localization specific to the Amharic locals, and to show the implication of the practical and theoretical way based on the results of the research. For this purpose, questionnaires were used for the collection of the research data. A total of 395 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and 385 of them are collected without any problem from the organization indicated herewith. The statistical analysis tools such as SPSS and AMOS, and methods such as Structural equation model were used for the analysis of the research data. The results of the research recommended and suggested that system quality can significantly influence confirmation. Meanwhile, confirmation can directly and significantly influence perceived usefulness, performance expectations, and satisfaction. Additionally, performance expectation, perceived usefulness and confirmation can significantly impact/influence satisfaction. The satisfaction directly and most importantly and significantly influences the continuance intension. Finally, the research delivers/provides a concert indication for the legitimacy and validity of the integrated and combined models of UTUAT, ECTM, and D&M ISS in the field of localizations which can be a hypothetical and theoretical foundation for Amharic Extension Module-AEM users' and services of it.

Utilizing Ni(II) complex for metal drug-gel particles in cervical cancer treatment and designing novel drugs through machine learning methods

In the present study, a novel coordination polymer (CP) based on Ni(II), namely, [Ni(L)(D-CAM)(H2O)]n (1) (H2D-CAM = (1R,3S)-1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid and L = 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine), has been produced successfully through applying a mixed ligand synthesis method via reacting Ni(NO3)2·6H2O with 3,6-bis(benzimidazol-1-yl)pyridazine ligand in the presence of a carboxylic acid co-ligand. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) are representatives of natural polysaccharides and have good biocompatibility. Based on the chemical synthesis method, HA/CMCS hydrogel was successfully prepared. SEM showed that the lyophilized gel presented a typical macroporous structure with three-dimensional connected pores, which had unique advantages as a drug carrier. Using paclitaxel as a drug model, we further synthesized a novel paclitaxel-loaded metal gel and evaluated its therapeutic effect on cervical cancer. Finally, novel drugs from the reinforcement learning simulation are suggested to have better biological activity against ovarian cancer due to low affinity energy and stronger interaction strength towards the protein receptor.

Fabrication of the flower-like Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst Bi-BiOI/UiO 66 for enhanced photodegradation of acetaminophen in simulated wastewater

Acetaminophen is a representative contaminant of emerging persistent organic pollutants that can cause environmental problems when it enters municipal wastewater. An innovative flower-like Z-scheme photocatalyst Bi-BiOI/UiO 66 heterojunction composite was designed and constructed via a one-step solvothermal method. Investigations demonstrated that the Z-scheme structure strongly contributes to increasing the degradation efficiency of micropollutants. The results indicate that the bandgap energy (Eg) of the Bi-BiOI/UiO 66 composite decreases significantly from 3.22 eV to 2.43 eV, in comparison with that of pure copper-based UiO 66. Under suitable conditions (5 mg/L Ace, pH 3, 0.05 g/L), the organic pollutants in the water can be removed completely. A k value of 5.67 × 10-2 min-1 for the Bi-BiOI/UiO 66 heterojunction composite was found to effectively represent the acetaminophen photodegradation process. The reaction mechanism of acetamide in aqueous solution is also discussed. The Bi in Bi-BiOI can use surface plasmon resonance to form an electric field and accelerate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This study highlights the potential of a novel photocatalyst for practical application.

Novel Anthranilic Acid Hybrids-An Alternative Weapon against Inflammatory Diseases

Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation while protecting the cardiovascular system. However, the side effects of currently available medications have limited their usage. Due to these adverse effects, there is a significant need for new drugs. The current trend of research has shifted towards the synthesis of novel anthranilic acid hybrids as anti-inflammatory agents. Phenyl- or benzyl-substituted hybrids exerted very good anti-inflammatory effects in preventing albumin denaturation. To confirm their anti-inflammatory effects, additional ex vivo tests were conducted. These immunohistochemical studies explicated the same compounds with better anti-inflammatory potential. To determine the binding affinity and interaction mode, as well as to explain the anti-inflammatory activities, the molecular docking simulation of the compounds was investigated against human serum albumin. The biological evaluation of the compounds was completed, assessing their antimicrobial activity and spasmolytic effect. Based on the experimental data, we can conclude that a collection of novel hybrids was successfully synthesized, and they can be considered anti-inflammatory drug candidates-alternatives to current therapeutics.