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First time in this study, hybrid Cu nanoflowers (Cu hNFs) were synthesized with Cystosphaera jacquinotii algae extract and the pH-dependent catalytic activities of hNFs synthesized under optimum conditions against brilliant blue and methylene blue dyes were determined. Ideal morphology of hNFs, were synthesized by using 1 ml extract in PBS (pH 7.4). The diameter and petal thickness of optimum synthesized hNF were 7–22 µm, and 35.5 nm, respectively. Main skeleton component (C, O, P, and Cu) of hNFs were determined by EDX. The presence of functional groups and primary phosphate crystals formed by Cu and phosphate reaction in the PBS buffer were confirmed by FT-IR analysis. The hNFs exhibited the antioxidant activity (IC50 = 1.27 mg/ml, R2 = 0.6971) against to DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- (2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl). hNFs degraded methylene blue and brilliant blue dyes at the highest at pH 9 (73.85%) and pH 5 (68.19%) media, respectively. Catalytic activities of hNFs against methylene blue and brilliant blue dyes were explained by Fenton mechanism. The findings are thought to be used in new type hNF synthesis and various environmental applications. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Plant, algea, and fungi extracts are using for the synthesis of nanomaterials. But studies for synthesis of organic@inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (hNFs) by using bioextracts are restrict. Until now, only two algal species have been used as organic input in the synthesis of hNFs. Herein, we reported first time synthesis of Cystosphaera jacquinotii algea extract based hNFs with potential formation mechanism and investigate antioxidant and pH-depended cationic and anionic dye degradation activities of hNFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First time in this study, neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of Pseudevernia furfuracea and Usnea florida lichen extracts based silver decorated zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag-ZnO NCs) were evaluated. The characteristic light absorption point of P. furfuracea and U. florida based Ag-ZnO NCs were observed at 339 nm and 361 nm; effective diameter was detected at 342 nm and 495 nm. According to SEM analysis, the diameter of P. furfuracea and U. florida extract based NCs were approximately 35 nm and 85 nm, respectively. When we examined the toxicity of SH-SY5Y against human neuroblastoma cells, it was observed that NCs have neurotoxic effects on a concentration of 100 μg/ml. In this study, it was predicted that P. furfuracea and U. florida extract based Ag-ZnO NCs could be used in cytotoxic studies by synthesizing them in a cheap, short time and with eco-friendly method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractStudies on the potential applications of nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by biological methods attract the attention of researchers. First time in this study, photocatalytic activities of NiFe2O4 NPs synthesized with pomegranate fruit peel extract were determined against brilliant blue. Surface charge and dynamic size of NPs were detected at −11 mV, and 405 nm, respectively. According to scanning electron microscopy images, NiFe2O4 NPs have spherical morphology with a diameter of 75 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for the determination of elemental composition, crystallinity, and functional groups of NPs, respectively. As a result, it was determined that NiFe2O4 NPs were effective for remediation (65%, for 3 h) of dye. The catalytic activity of NiFe2O4 NPs refers to the Fenton mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First time in this study, thymol was used as organic component for the synthesis of hybrid Cu- nanoflowers alternative to these expensive molecules in a pH dependent manner. Thymol initiated the coordination reaction with copper II ions, which act inorganically in the formation of Cu-NFs. Morphology of thymol based hybrid nanoflowers (T-hNFs) was observed with SEM images (pH 5). The presence of copper II ions, crystal structure and the presence of functional groups in the structure of T-hNFs have been shown by EDX, and FTIR graphs, respectively. Furthermore, T-hNFs were found to have antimicrobial properties (MIC = 25 μg/ml) against fish pathogens. In terms of the catalytic activity of T-hNFs, guaiacol was oxidized to product and its oxidation was reached to saturation point in 90 min by increasing absorbance point from 0.01 (first 5 min) to 0.031(at 90 min) with 3 fold increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the mediating role of perceived social support and religious coping on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Three hundred fifty university students completed the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief Religious Coping Scale. For testing the research hypotheses, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used. The study results showed that PTSD symptoms, perceived social support, and positive religious coping predicted PTG. Furthermore, perceived social support and positive religious coping mediated the relationship between PTSD symptoms and PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the impetus from professional organizations for science and mathematics integration, few teacher training programs provide opportunities for teachers to develop the knowledge and skills in effective content integration. This study reports on the impact of a graduate course on in-service middle school, math, and science teachers' professional knowledge for content integration and their integration practice. This course model draws on the extant research on science and mathematics integration. Quantitative and qualitative results suggest the course increased teacher professional knowledge and improved integration practice. Integration practice was evaluated utilizing a project-based measure: the Mathematics and Science Integration Rubric (MASIR). Results indicate that although the integration practice and teacher conceptions of integration moved toward a more coherent application of integrated instruction, the combination of content knowledge and teacher feedback should be targets of extended professional learning. Implications for broader professional development issues for science and mathematics teachers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the phytotoxic effects of both Punica granatum peel extract directed copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) and copper nitrate on Elodea canadensis. The CuONPs were characterised by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy. The ratio of photosynthetic pigments, total soluble protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and copper accumulation in the E. canadensis was determined to evaluate the phytotoxicity of the CuONPs and copper nitrate on E. canadensis. The significant improvements were observed in the growth rate of E. canadensis, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid contents, and total soluble protein in the E. canadensis when it was exposed to the CuONPs. Additionally, CAT and APX activities and MDA contents were enhanced by accumulation of the CuONPs into the E. canadensis. These results suggested that oxidative stress was alleviated, owing to the result of an increase in the antioxidants such as CAT and APX, with an increase in the concentration of the CuONPs. Finally, the findings of this study show that copper nitrate has many negative effects on E. canadensis compared bio-synthesised CuONPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]