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Ractopamine, frequently misused to promote lean meat production, raises significant food safety issues. This study introduces a rapid detection approach for ractopamine in pork using size-turnable Au@Ag NPs core-shell nanoparticles as surface-enhanced Raman scatting (SERS) substrates. By changing the diameter of the gold core and the thickness of the silver shell, the effects of them on the SERS enhancement of ractopamine signals were carefully studied. Interestingly, with the increase of the silver shell thickness, the SERS intensity exhibited a pattern of initially increasing, then decreasing, followed by another increase and subsequent decrease. In contrast, the gold core enlargement displayed a simpler trend: the SERS intensity first rose and then diminished. These phenomena reveal the relationship between SERS signal enhancement effect of ractopamine and local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and the contact area between ractopamine molecule and substrate. The most effective SERS enhancement was identified using Au@Ag NPs nanoparticles having a 32 nm Au core coupled with an 18 nm Ag shell. Further quantitative analysis showed the impressive regression correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99, root mean square error (RMSE) of prediction at 0.012 μg/g, and the limit of detection (LOD) of 19 ng/g for ractopamine detection model spanning concentrations from 0.1 to 10 μg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The anode was prepared using vapor deposition and vacuum ion plating techniques. • Silver nanoparticles were introduced to facilitate the electron transfer. • Different anode substratum shaped distinguishable anode microflora structures. Conventionally, there are two basic configurations for microbial fuel cell (MFC), one with anode and cathode chambers, as known as dual-chamber MFC, one with only anode chamber and a air–cathode, called single-chamber MFC. However, electrode materials' complex configuration and high resistance limit their practical applications in power generation and wastewater purification. To this end, we constructed three MFCs using carbon felt, Ni/Ti, and Ag-Ni/Ti as anodes based on our previously constructed integrated chamber-free MFC (iMFC). After 21 days of operation, the Ag-Ni/Ti-MFC performed best in bioelectricity output and removal of target pollutants. The bioelectricity output parameters were an open-circuit voltage of 0.773 V, a maximum current density of 552.1429 mA/m2, and a power density of 426.8064 mW/m2. Furthermore, the MFC achieved removals of 67.90% for the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 55.20% for total nitrogen (TN), and 61.83% for ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N). Introducing silver nanoparticles to the transmembrane and outer membrane boosted the charge extraction efficiency in the MFCs. Moreover, 16S rDNA analysis indicated that typical electricity-producing bacteria, including Comamonas , Paraclostridium , and Asaccharospora, had a higher relative abundance in the Ag-Ni/Ti-MFC anode than in other anodes. Overall, the surface structure of different anode materials plays a critical role in bioelectricity generation and wastewater purification using iMFC by affecting the mass transfer of substrates and metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes not only tolerate and activate Cd in soil but also promote host growth, yet its Cd activation capacity and mechanism remain unrevealed. Our previous study isolated a robust endophyte Bacillus thuringiensis L1 from Coprinus comatus fruiting body with splendid Cd resistance and activation abilities under laboratory conditions. In this study, those peculiarities were investigated in the actual soil environment. L1 could significantly increase the soil bioavailable Cd content and effectively compensate for alkali-hydro nitrogen losses and microbial inhibition caused by Cd. Furthermore, L1 inoculation improved the soil's bacterial community structure and increased the relative abundance of Cd-resistant bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacter, and Firmicutes, closely associated with the soil enzyme activity shift. The genome sequencing analysis revealed the presence of genes related to growth promotion, resistance to Cd stress, and Cd activation, which were significantly up-regulated under Cd stress. Notably, L1 mainly activates Cd in soil by secreting citric acid, succinic acid, siderophore, and soluble phosphorus substances to chelate with Cd or dissolve bounded Cd. Meanwhile, the metal-responsive transcription repressor (CadC) and the Cd-translocating protein P-type ATPase (CadA) can help the L1 to suppress the toxicity of Cd. Those results help to unveil the possible mechanism of L1 in Cd-contaminated soil remediation, providing a clear strategy for Cd bio-extraction from soil. [Display omitted] • Endophyte inoculation increased the content of bioavailable Cd in the soil. • Endophyte inoculation improved soil fertility and enzyme activity. • Endophyte inoculation increased the relative abundance of Cd-resistant bacteria. • Endophyte possesses genes related to Cd resistance and activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the complexity of energy systems and the uncertainties surrounding the transition path, governments must take into account not only environmental concerns but also energy security and affordability in economic progress pathways. Therefore, using population growth and energy usage as control variables, the influence of the energy trilemma index on economic progress in the North African region is explored from 1990 to 2020. Advanced econometric approaches, particularly cross-sectional dependence, and second-generation tests, are used for empirical investigation. In addition, for short-run estimates, the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation with fixed and random effects is utilized, while for estimation in the long-run, generalized least squares (GLS) estimations for a fixed and random effect, while, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) are used for robustness check. Our results refer to the positive significant influence of energy trilemma and energy usage on economic progress and the negative significant influence of population growth on economic progress. In addition, a two-way causal linkage exists between energy trilemma and economic progress, while population growth and energy usage cause economic progress. This may stress policymakers to accelerate the energy transition to low-carbon energies, appropriately use the nation's human resources, and promote energy efficiency. • The positive impact of the energy trilemma index on economic progress. • Energy usage as a control variable enhances economic progress. • One-way causal link between population growth and energy usage to economic progress. • The two-way causal link between energy trilemma and economic progress is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal ions are of significance in various pathological and physiological processes. As such, it is crucial to monitor their levels in organisms. Two-photon (TP) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging has been utilized to monitor metal ions because of minimal background interference, deeper tissue depth penetration, lower tissue self-absorption, and reduced photodamage. In this review, we briefly summarize recent progress from 2020 to 2022 of TP/NIR organic fluorescent probes and inorganic sensors in the detection of metal ions. Additionally, we present an outlook for the development of TP/NIR probes for bio-imaging, diagnosis of diseases, imaging-guided therapy, and activatable phototherapy. • Recent progress from 2020 to 2022 on TP/NIR fluorescent probes for metal ions. • Summary of designs, mechanisms, and applications of organic/inorganic metal ion sensors. • Challenges and prospects for the development of TP/NIR probes are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the design and synthesis of a benzothiazole-based fluorescent probe ( H 1 ) for zinc and cadmium ion detection and discrimination, using cysteine as an auxiliary reagent. Among the various metal ions tested, zinc and cadmium ions induced blue-shifted emissions of probe H 1 from 573 nm to 520 nm and 540 nm, respectively. The addition of cysteine caused the emission of H 1 -Cd 2+ to red-shift back to 573 nm. In contrast, the emission of H 1 -Zn 2+ with the addition of cysteine only decreased without any red-shift of wavelength. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning micrographs of HeLa cells demonstrated satisfactory cell permeability of H 1 and selectivity toward zinc and cadmium ions in living cells. Test strip experiments suggest that probe H 1 can recognise zinc and cadmium ions together by a remarkable fluorescence change, thus providing a convenient method for tracking zinc and cadmium ions in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe FL based on fluorescein derivative for hypochlorite sensing was designed and synthesized. The probe FL showed highly selective to HOCl among various reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. With the increasing amount of HOCl from 0 to 50 μM, a linear correlation between the fluorescence intensity of FL at 530 nm and the concentration of HOCl was found. The detection limit is calculated to be 0.068 μM. Furthermore, the probe demonstrated a perfect mitochondria targetable ability and it was successfully applied to image mitochondrial HOCl in living HeLa cells. The success of subcellular imaging indicated that the mitochondria-targetable probe FL might be further used to investigate biological functions and pathological roles of HOCl at organelle levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bioethanol based on sweet sorghum stem can produce positive net energy. [•] Most negative environmental impacts were human toxicity and eutrophication. [•] Main factors contributed to fossil energy consumption and emissions were analyzed. [•] Vinasse treatment and inventory allocation exerted significant effects on results. [•] Key points to better energy efficiency and environmental performance were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) are very important in various pathological and physiological processes. In particular, hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl−) is one of the most important reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is endogenously produced from H 2 O 2 and Cl− by myeloperoxidase (MPO) catalysis. HOCl is both beneficial and harmful to living species including humans. HOCl can destroy invasive bacteria as an immune defense system while, on the other hand, it can cause many diseases including cancers due to pathogenic oxidative stress injury. Accordingly, fluorescent imaging probes for HOCl have been actively investigated in recent years. In this review, we cover the recent progress from 2019 to 2021 on small molecule-based fluorescent imaging probes for hypochlorous acid (HOCl)/hypochlorite (OCl−). [Display omitted] • Recent progress on fluorescent probes for hypochlorous acid (HOCl)/hypochlorite (OCl−). • Summary of different reaction types for HClO/OCl−. • Various fluorescence response mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An active Q-switched diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG laser is reported with 2.9W output power on the 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 transitions at a pump power of 24W. With intracavity frequency doubling using a 20-mm-long LBO, a maximum blue output power of 2.25W is achieved at a repetition rate of 23kHz. The conversion efficiency from the corresponding Q-switched fundamental output to blue output is 96%. The peak power of the Q-switched blue pulse is up to 610W with 160ns pulse width. The fluctuation of the blue output power is less than 4.0% at the maximum output power. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To report a patient with prolonged intermenstrual bleeding and a cystic mass at a cesarean scar treated with laparoscopic folding sutures and hysteroscopic canalization. A 4.0 cm-cystic mass formed at the uterine scar caused continuous menstrual blood outflow in the diverticulum and was treated with hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy. University hospital. A 38-year-old woman of childbearing age who had undergone two cesarean sections and two abortions reported vaginal bleeding for 10 years, which began shortly after the second cesarean section. Curettage was performed, but no abnormality was found. The patient unsuccessfully tried to manage her symptoms with traditional Chinese medicine and hormone drugs. The muscular layer of the lower end of the anterior wall of the uterus was weak, and there were cystic masses on the right side. The bladder was stripped from the lower uterine segment under laparoscopy, and the surrounding tissue of the mass at the uterine scar was separated. The position of the cesarean scar defect was identified by hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy, and the relationship between the uterine mass and surrounding tissues was analyzed. An electric cutting ring resection on both sides of the obstruction was performed to eliminate the valve effect. The active intima of the scar diverticulum was destroyed by electrocoagulation, followed by laparoscopic treatment of the uterine scar diverticulum mass. An intraoperative tumor incision revealed visible bloody fluid mixed with intimal material. The uterine scar diverticulum defect was repaired using 1–0 absorbable barbed continuous full-thickness mattress fold sutures. Finally, the bilateral round ligament length was adjusted so that the uterus tilted forward. Recovery of menstruation and anatomy of the uterine isthmus. The operation was successful, and the postoperative recovery was fast. There was no interphase bleeding at the 1-month follow-up, and the uterine scar diverticulum was repaired, with the thickness of the uterine scar muscle layer increasing to 0.91 cm. The simple, straightforward procedure to resolve the abnormal cystic, solid mass formed because of the continuous deposition of blood in the uterine scar diverticulum involved laparoscopic folding and docking sutures combined with hysteroscopic canal opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel NiO/Co 3 O 4 /KNbO 3 heterostructured electrocatalyst with NiO and Co 3 O 4 particles coupled on KNbO 3 cubes was constructed using simple sol–gel and calcination processes. The formation of multiple interfaces between NiO, Co 3 O 4 , and KNbO 3 in the heterostructure contributed to a synergistic effect, adjusted the electronic structure, and generated abundant active sites at the interfaces. As a result, the NiO/Co 3 O 4 /KNbO 3 electrocatalyst exhibited remarkable urea electrolysis performance, including a low potential of 1.67 V at 100 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 29 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the change in the overpotential was negligible even after a rigorous stability test of 3000 cycles, highlighting its exceptional durability and reliability. This study provides a novel structural engineering strategy for achieving efficient hydrogen production and purification from urea-containing wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO/C nanoporous fibers and ZnO hollow spheres for high performance gas sensors. • ZnO/C nanoporous fibers and ZnO hollow sphere were synthesized simultaneously. • The ZnO/C nanoporous fibers and ZnO hollow spheres exhibited excellent sensing abilities towards ethanol and acetone. • The responses of Pt/ZnO sensor to ethanol and acetone were 100.681 and 183.816, which was 4.58 times and 8.35 times larger than that of the ZnO hollow spheres. • The four types of gas sensors exhibit higher sensing properties than other ZnO based gas sensors. The porous and hollow nanostructure materials have drawn consideration attention due to their broader use. Herein, the ZnO/Carbon nanoporous fibers (ZnO/C nanoporous fibers) and ZnO hollow sphere were synthesized simultaneously by using activated carbon fibers (ACF) as an efficiently template. Gas sensors were made based on ZnO/C nanoporous fibers, ZnO hollow sphere, Ag doped ZnO hollow spheres (Ag/ZnO) and Pt decorated ZnO hollow spheres (Pt/ZnO), respectively. Studies found that ZnO/C nanoporous fibers possess better gas-sensing properties than ZnO hollow sphere, the responses of the ZnO/C nanoporous fibers to 100 ppm ethanol and acetone are 53.222 and 59.273 at the optimum operating temperature. The Ag/ZnO and Pt/ZnO exhibited significantly enhanced gas sensing performance, including 4.58 times and 8.35 times higher responsivity to ethanol than ZnO hollow spheres. Furthermore, the four types of gas sensors exhibit higher sensing properties than other ZnO based gas sensors. Hence, our results should be useful for creating high efficiency gas sensing devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New chiral bisboronic receptors based on pyrene-excimer were synthesized and applied for the determination of absolute configuration and enantiomeric composition of tartaric acid. The distinction was visualized by portable UV lamp in certain concentration range. There were three ways for the sensors to enantioselectively recognize tartaric acid, including the fluorescence spectrum, UV–vis spectrum, and CD spectrum. The enantiomeric excess of tartaric acid was measured quantitatively by using fluorescence analytical technique. Compared with the previous chiral boronic acid sensors, sensor 1 showed weaker background fluorescence and excellent chiral recognition ability of D/ l -tartaric acid throughout the whole pH range. Graphical abstract Pyrene-based chiral discrimination of tartaric acid including the fluorescence spectrum and CD spectrum. Image 1 Highlights • Two pyrene-based sensors for enantioselective recognition of tartaric acid were synthesized. • Three ways to recognize tartaric acid, including the fluorescence spectrum, UV–vis spectrum, and CD spectrum. • Sensor 1 showed weaker background fluorescence and recognized tartaric acid throughout wider pH range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fluorescent probe is constructed to quickly and accurately detect bisulfite. The detection mechanism was considered to operate via the bisulfite, causing deprotonation of amido bond of 8-aminoquinoline derivative leading to fluorescence enhancement. The probe has a good selectivity for bisulfite over the other competitive substances such as F − , Cl − , Br − , I − , C 2 O 4 2− , NO 2 − , ClO 4 − , OAc − , PO 4 3− , CO 3 2− , HCO 3 − , HS − , HSO 4 − , SCN − , SO 4 2− , S 2 O 3 2− , Cys, Hcy and GSH. There is a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and the concentration of bisulfite in the range of 0–200 μM. The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.61 μM. Furthermore, the probe has also been successfully used for imaging bisulfite in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly genes play important roles in plant growth and development. However, their biological function in fruit crops is still unknown, especially in strawberry. In this study, Fe depletion significantly inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, Fe accumulation level and the enzyme activity of Fe-S proteins of aconitase (ACO), nitrate reductase (NiR) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in strawberry seedlings. In addition, 40 Fe-S cluster assembly genes were isolated from strawberry, which were significantly varied among different tissues/organs and were differentially responded to Fe depletion in different tissue parts. In total, 79% of the responsive genes were up-regulated in shoots, while 65% of the responsive genes were down-regulated in roots under Fe depletion. Moreover, the expression level of ISU1 was the highest in strawberry tissues, especially in young fruits, and over-expression of ISU1 gene in Arabidopsis significantly enhanced the Fe accumulation, leaf total chlorophyll, ACO and SDH activities in transgenic lines, and strengthened plant tolerance to Fe depletion. This study provides gene resources to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Fe-S cluster assembly in strawberry, and lays a theoretical foundation to reveal Fe nutrition and metabolism in Rosaceae fruits. • Fe depletion inhibited the growth, photosynthesis, Fe content and activity of ACO, NiR and SDH in strawberry seedlings. • Forty Fe–S cluster assembly genes were isolated and identified in strawberry, which were differentially responded to Fe depletion. • Non-functional scaffolds are more likely to be lost in perennial plants, including strawberry. • Expression level of ISU1 was the highest in strawberry, and overexpression of ISU1 in Arabidopsis enhanced plant tolerance to Fe deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quest for a low-carbon energy transition has grown in recent years as concerns about the effects of climate change have grown. In this context, several governments around the world are concerned about hydrogen's possible role in a decarbonized energy system. As a result, this paper will provide a high-level overview of the hydrogen value chain, as well as an analysis of current and emerging trends in the global hydrogen market, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which are considered the cornerstone of the current global energy system traditional fossil fuel. Egypt, as a case study, could instruct other emerging countries in general, and natural gas suppliers in particular, how to maximize gains by switching from current imports to blue hydrogen made from natural gas. Policymakers who are responsible for Egypt's national hydrogen strategy should focus on global energy insights, international experience, and natural gas-sourced blue hydrogen as a step to renewables-sourced green hydrogen. • The role of hydrogen energy in carbon-post age. • Perspectives into different low hydrogen technologies. • Blue hydrogen is a step to green hydrogen. • Egypt should formulate a national hydrogen strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been global recognition of the urgent need to tackle adverse environmental impacts of the construction industry. Construction companies are called upon to switch to ecological modernisation by scaling up the implementation of environmental management practices while maintaining a level of economic development. Under ecological modernisation theory, green supply chain management has emerged as an environmental technological innovation, helping organisations to switch to ecological modernisation. Past research revealed a need to identify mechanisms aimed at resolving conflicts among construction supply chain actors, speeding collaboration among them, and managing the transition to green supply chain management. This research aims to examine whether governmental intervention can act as an effective mechanism with which to foster public–private partnerships among construction companies, thereby promoting ecological modernisation through the adoption of green supply chain management. Data were collected from survey responses from 229 Chinese construction companies and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results show that coordination between governmental support and public–private partnerships is necessary to aid construction companies in implementing green supply chain innovation and complying with environmental regulations and, thus, achieving multiple performance benefits, including environmental and short-term economic performance improvements. However, it is unlikely that green supply chain management alone could drive the long-term goal of ecological modernisation theory unless more proactive actions are taken by all stakeholders. This study demonstrates how ecological modernisation theory can be applied to advance green supply chain management studies. Enforcing and incentivising aspects of governmental intervention, i.e. environmental regulations and governmental support, have been proven to be effective in developing a regulatory framework for, and partnerships among, stakeholders. This results in the sharing of resources, knowledge and practices to contemplate a new paradigm of supply chain integration and coordination for the construction sector and promote active adaptation to green supply chain management. • Ecological Modernisation Theory was applied to green construction supply chain management. • Government intervention fosters public private partnerships in the construction sector. • Government intervention and public private partnerships promote green supply chain management. • Green supply chain management improves environmental and short-term economic performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]