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This study investigates the performance of a novel desiccant air dehumidification and cooling cycle that utilises ground source heat exchange and flat plate photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors (the GPVTDC system) to provide conditioned air. The system was modelled in TRNSYS using verified components with a focus on three climates: (i) an oceanic climate (Cfb) (ii) a humid sub-tropical climate (Cfa), and (iii) a hot semi-arid climate (BSh). The GPVTDC system pre-cools the entry air by utilising a ground source heat exchange. This allows the desiccant regeneration process to operate at low temperatures ranging from 43 °C to 62 °C, which enables the use of glazed water type PV/T collectors as the main heat source. The collectors were sized to match both thermal and electrical energy requirements to drive the GPVTDC system. The system was simulated for a whole year in each climate to provide fresh air ventilation, dehumidification and cooling process for an office space. Evaluation of the annual cooling performance of the GPVTDC system shows that it can maintain an office space within the thermal comfort zone for up to 93% of the time, with an average system cooling coefficient of performance (COP) between 9.6 and 16.3 for the three analysed climates. In addition, electrical energy saving up to 87% is achieved in comparison to a conventional dew point air dehumidification and cooling process. • Entry air pre-cooling enables low desiccant regeneration temperatures of 43–62 °C. • All thermal and electrical energy consumption can be provided by PV/T collectors. • High system cooling COP of 9.6–16.3 • Energy saving of 54–87% compared to a dewpoint dehumidification, cooling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major obstacles to improving solar thermal cooling technologies is the high operating temperature requirements of most solar thermal cooling systems. This paper reviews recent advances that could reduce the required heat source temperatures for solar desiccant cooling to the range of 50°C–60°C. These approaches include (i) isothermal dehumidification (e.g. two-stage dehumidification or internal cooled dehumidification) and (ii) pre-cooling of the entry air with ambient heat sinks (e.g. indirect evaporative cooling or geothermal exchange). These techniques can potentially leads to a more thermodynamically efficient solution for utilising recovered heat from flat plate photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collectors for desiccant regeneration. Analysis of the literature shows that obtainable outlet fluid temperatures from existing PV/T systems nearly match the low temperature desiccant cooling and dehumidification applications. Design and operation factors for achieving sufficiently high outlet fluid temperature in flat plate PV/T collectors include (i) maintaining low mass flow rate per collector area, (ii) addition of a glazed cover and (iii) hydraulic channel diameter optimisation. These factors are reviewed and case studies of complete solar PV/T desiccant cooling are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A waste paper sludge-derived heterogeneous catalyst (WPS-Fe-350) was synthesized via a facile method and successfully applied for the degradation of Orange II in the presence of oxalic acid under the illumination of ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED) Powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and N 2 sorption isotherm analysis indicated the formation of α-Fe 2 O 3 in the mesoporous nanocomposite. The degradation test showed that WPS-Fe-350 exhibited rapid Orange II (OII) degradation and mineralization in the presence of oxalic acid under the illumination of UV-LED. The effects of pH, oxalic acid concentration and dosage of the catalyst on the degradation of OII were evaluated, respectively. Under the optimal conditions (1 g/L catalyst dosage, 2 mmol/L oxalic acid and pH 3.0), the degradation percentage for a solution containing 30 mg/L OII reached 83.4% under illumination by UV-LED for 80 min. Moreover, five cyclic tests for OII degradation suggested that WPS-Fe-350 exhibited excellent stability of catalytic activity. Hence, this study provides an alternative environmentally friendly way to reuse waste paper sludge and an effective and economically viable method for degradation of azo dyes and other refractory organic pollutants in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We used a highly sensitive single-molecule detection system using novel antibodies for cytokeratin 18 detection. • The assay achieves a 1 pg/ml limit of quantification. • Our system holds promise for early diagnosis and dynamic monitoring of NAFLD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 25 % of the global population, presenting a significant threat to human health and imposing a substantial economic burden on society. Cytokeratin 18 (CK18) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker for early detection of NAFLD. However, current diagnostic methods face challenges in accurately identifying NAFLD in its early stages. To address this issue, our study aimed to generate new CK18 antibodies and utilize a highly sensitive single-molecule immunodetection system customized for NAFLD. We embarked on a process involving the production of novel CK18 monoclonal antibodies, which were subsequently engineered into recombinant forms. In comparison to commercial antibodies, our antibodies exhibited superior affinity. Grounded in the SMCxPRO platform, our assay underwent rigorous assessment, adhering to well-defined biomarker assay criteria. The assay demonstrated specificity to CK18 and achieved a lower limit of quantification of 1 pg/ml. Importantly, elevated serum CK18 levels were observed among NAFLD patients compared to healthy individuals. The single-molecule detection system, utilizing our novel antibodies, holds significant promise for the early-stage diagnosis, dynamic disease monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of bio-treatment on Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash (MSWIFA), comparing bio-treated MSWIFA (BFA) to raw MSWIFA (RFA). BFA exhibited a larger particle size and the presence of microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) gels. Both RFA and BFA maintained highly alkaline pH levels, with mineral analysis showing reduced chlorine content in BFA and the presence of Monocarboaluminate (Mc), suggesting potential concrete strength improvements. Bio-treatment effectively reduced polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) levels, meeting standards. Biomineralization stabilized heavy metals in MSWIFA, reducing leaching concentrations and meeting national standards. Blending BFA with magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) improved compressive strength, especially in early stages, further enhanced by calcium acetate. SEM images confirmed MICP gels on paste surfaces, contributing to increased strength. Analytical techniques (X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and thermal gravimetric analysis) supported superior performance in hydration and strength. SEM-EDS analysis showed effective solidification/stabilization of heavy metals, reduced chlorine content, and enhanced biomineralization. Leaching tests confirmed reduced heavy metal concentrations in leachate. In summary, bio-treatment enhances the properties and environmental impact of MSWIFA, offering sustainable waste management opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fungus Simplicillium aogashimaense was discovery on artifacts for the first time. • The biological and physical destruction of the fungus caused fading of the pigments. • Simplicillium aogashimaense had the capacity of copper adsorption. • The morphology of the fungus mycelium was changed on copper-based pigments. Severe fading of the blue (azurite) and green (malachite) pigments occurred on the polychrome pottery figurines excavated from the Duan family cemetery M194 of the Tang Dynasty, in Xianyang, China, and microorganisms were suspected to be involved in this discoloration phenomenon. Therefore, molecular methods were used to identify the dominant strains isolated from azurite and malachite on the pottery figurines. On this basis, the fading mechanism of azurite and malachite from microorganisms was explored. The dominant strain was identified as Simplicillium aogashimaense , and this species has until now, not yet been encountered on cultural heritage objects. It can colonize the polychrome layers of azurite and malachite, causing the deepening of color and the thickening of mycelium after the absorption of Cu(II), resulting in the destruction of the polychrome layers. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the fading of azurite and malachite in polychrome artifacts, providing a scientific basis for their conservation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several well-preserved polychrome lacquered coffins were found in Zhang Dong family's tombs in Shaanxi, China, rare in the history of archaeological excavation. In the lacquered coffins, a large amount of dark solid of suspected natural resin was unearthed with mysterious compositions and uses, exerting a tremendous fascination on archaeologists. In this work, a new method was explored for the identification of the suspected natural resin, mainly based on thermogravimetry (TG), elemental analysis (EA), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). The results suggested that the sample was mainly composed of organics with a content of 81.66% and little inorganics with a content of 2.21% by water excluded. Rosin with the main component of abietic acid (molecular formula C20H30O2) was identified as the principal component of the sample. Dehydrogenated abietic acid (DHA) and other oxides were also tested out. FT-IR confirmed the identification results. SEM revealed the rough surfaces evenly covered with holes of similar sizes. The use of this method directly obtained integral quasi-molecular ion fragments and molecular components of the sample. As a result, intricate multi-stage mass spectrometry is avoidable, which dramatically simplifies the analysis procedure. This approach is simple and effective for the identification of precious relic samples, requires no references, and has potential for the analysis of these kinds of unknown samples. Especially, for the first time, EA is used to identify natural resins from archaeological sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to construct a method involving the photocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) to promote the acetone reductive hydrogenation of C–C coupling, where photo-electrons and photo-holes could be effectively used. The results showed that the conversion rates of acetone and FA in the g-C3N4 photocatalytic acetone–FA coupling reaction system were 88.74% and 60.82%, respectively. Further research showed that the Na+ concentration on the surface of the C3N4 photocatalyst was also positively correlated with pinacol selectivity. The g-C3N4 treated with 5 M NaOH showed a high pinacol selectivity of 60.87%, which was increased by 32.30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Platinum exhibited high efficiency hydrogen generation rate of 8.01 mmol h−1. • The photoactive acetonyl-platinum complexes are generated reproducibly. • It is water rather than isopropanol contributing to the hydrogen evolution. The current artificial photocatalysts often suffer from photocorrosion-induced irreversible damage and low efficiency. Here we report that under the UV irradiation of aqueous isopropanol solution, which photolysis to produce acetone and consume photoelectron in time and be oxidized to form acetone. And then the platinum nanoparticles can coordinate with product acetone on their surfaces to create a unique photocatalysis system for high efficient hydrogen evolution. In this system, the inherent close bonding between photoactive surface complexes and metallic platinum sites creates an efficient donor-acceptor system for charge transfer and leads to high efficiency, with hydrogen generation rate of 8.01 mmol⋅ h−1. Furthermore, in the presence of isopropanol the photoactive acetonyl-platinum complexes are generated reproducibly via a continuous isopropanol-to-acetone conversion and thus work sustainably. This finding indicates the possibility of artificially creating self-reproducible systems to drive photocatalytic reactions efficiently and robustly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Ginsenoside Rh1 (Rh1) is a traditional medicine monomer with antitumor activity; however, the effects of Rh1 in CRC remain to be determined. In the present study, SW620 cells were treated with different concentrations of Rh1. Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure cell viability and proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Subsequently, the mRNA expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)1, MMP3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis. In addition, the protein expression levels of MMP1, MMP3, TIMP3, and total or phosphorylated (p-)ERK1/2, P38, JNK were detected by western blotting. Furthermore, tumor growth was examined in a nude mouse xenograft model. The results of the present study indicated that Rh1 was not toxic to CRC cells at various concentrations (0, 50 or 100 µM) and treatment durations (24 or 48 h). However, cell proliferation was suppressed by Rh1 in a dose-dependent manner. Rh1 (100 µM) significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro. Additionally, Rh1 suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of MMP1 and MMP3, and promoted TIMP3 expression. Rh1 decreased the ratios of p-P38/P38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1-2 and p-JNK/JNK in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that Rh1 inactivated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Notably, Rh1 markedly decreased tumor volume and weight in vivo. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Rh1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. This inhibition was at least partially due to the inhibition of MMP1 and MMP3 expression, the increase in TIMP3 expression level and the MAPK signaling pathway inactivation. Therefore, Rh1 may effectively inhibit the development of CRC as an anticancer drug, and may have a supporting effect during CRC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO adsorbent was successfully prepared. • MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO composite has excellent insoluble property under acidic conditions. • MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO composite presents excellent adsorption properties for ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Cu2+. • Magnetic separation technology was used to separate MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO with pollutant from aqueous solution. • MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO composite presents excellent regeneration–reuse property. An efficient nanocomposite adsorbent of magnetic core-shell MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 nanoparticles loaded on reduced graphene oxide (MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO) was successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal followed by sol-gel route. By using the ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Cu2+ as target pollutants, the adsorption properties of MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO were systematically learned as well as the factors dependance on the adsorption properties, such as temperature, adsorption time, initial pollutant concentration and pH. The adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics for CIP and Cu2+ were also explored. According to the experimental results, the maximum adsorption capacities for CIP and Cu2+ are 122.87 and 225.99 mg/g, respectively. Their adsorption behaviors conform to the Langmuir isotherm and follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model at all temperature. It is proposed that adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic chemisorption. Furthermore, the MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO adsorbent can be easily recycled from polluted solution by external magnetic field. After the adsorbent recycled 6 times, the adsorption capacities for CIP and Cu2+ could still reach up to 76.56 and 118.45 mg/g, respectively. Based on the excellent adsorption performance, magnetic separation and recycling performance, therefore, it is highly believed that our MnFe 2 O 4 @TiO 2 -rGO adsorbent has huge potential applications in the field of water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]