Nigeria is a mineral-rich country, from crude oil to natural minerals, despite the abundance, effective utilisation is still a challenge. Kaolin (white China clay) is an essential raw material in ceramics, paper, paint, plastic, and welding electrode industries, but this vital raw material despite its abundance in the country, due to the inability to effectively refine it to the standard requirements for industrial purposes, Nigeria spends around 14.35 million USD annually to meet up with the local demand. This study harnesses the effect of magnesia on this raw material as a ceramic for structural applications using the slip-casting method. Kaolin was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRF analysis revealed that all samples had SiO2 (54.41 wt%), Al2O3 (34.05 wt%), and other trace elements as components. Quartz, microcline, and orthoclase were the main mineral phases identified. Sample 30-200 recorded the highest compressive strength (218.MPa) the highest flexural rigidity was observed on sample 15-200, this indicated that higher magnesia composition reduces the compressive and flexural strength of the ceramics. XRF, XRD, and FTIR spectra confirmed the elemental and chemical compositions of the samples, SEM showed the morphology of the structure of the samples; which showed that when the percentage of magnesia (MgO) was increased from 10 to 60%, the void spaces in the samples increases. TGA analysis explored the relationship between %mass loss and temperature variation of the ceramic samples.

Crystallographic fragment screening (CFS) has recently matured into an important method for the early stages of drug discovery projects. It is based on high-throughput structure determination and thus requires a high degree of automation as well as specialized workflows and robust analysis tools. Consequently, large-scale research facilities such as synchrotrons have embraced the method, and developed platforms to perform CFS campaigns with the help of crystallography experts and specific tools. The BESSY II synchrotron, operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), is one of these synchrotron facilities that offer a CFS platform, named the F2X-facility. Here, the specialized F2X workflow is described along with the relevant differences to other existing CFS platforms, and the ongoing developments aimed at supporting users of the facility. The different stages of a CFS campaign including requirements, beamline capabilities, and the software environment are detailed and explained. A unique F2X-GO kit is featured, which allows users the possibility of performing all sample preparation in their home laboratories. Furthermore, at the HZB a computational workflow has been built to support users beyond the hit identification stage. The advantages of the F2X-facility at HZB are described and references are provided to successfully conduct CFS.

Al 2014 is a high-strength aluminum alloy widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries for its mechanical robustness. This study investigates the impact of three heat treatment processes—Retrogression and Re-aging (RRA), T6 standard aging, and a modified RRA with high-temperature pre-aging—on the hardness and corrosion resistance of Al 2014. Potentiodynamic electrochemical polarization studies in a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride solution assessed corrosion resistance, revealing that heat treatment, which induces precipitation hardening, shifted the corrosion potential (E) toward the noble direction. The formation of Al2Cu precipitates is linked to enhanced corrosion resistance. Furthermore, T6-treated samples exhibited a higher corrosion current density compared to untreated Al 2014 alloy samples, suggesting superior corrosion resistance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of corroded surfaces showed evidence of general and pitting corrosion, with distinct patterns among the three heat treatment processes. Comparative analysis revealed that the T6 standard aging process offered the best hardness and corrosion resistance, likely due to stable precipitate formation during aging. RRA also delivered good performance, suggesting it is a viable alternative where a balance between hardness and toughness is needed. The modified RRA with high-temperature pre-aging yielded lower performance, likely due to overaging, reducing hardness and corrosion resistance. These findings underscore the importance of heat treatment in enhancing the corrosion resistance of Al 2014 alloy, suggesting that specific processes can improve the alloy’s durability in corrosive environments, leading to extended lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.

There are challenges in the utilization of soybean-based foods due to undesirable flavors associated to the Lipoxygenase and trypsin inhibitors causing oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Linoleic Acid and alpha linolenic) in soybean. This study aimed to prepare soybean based yoghurt with different amounts of lemon grass essential oil in the ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µl per litter of soy yoghurt. The different treatments of Soybeans based yoghurt analyzed for protein by Kjedhal method, fats by Soxhlet method, total ash by muffle furnace method, crude fiber by dry oven method, pH, titratable acidity, syneresis and viscosity, by AOAC method, total phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric method and sensory analysis by effective tests with 10 panelists using five hedonic scale tools. The results ranges for Moisture content,%(89.3-89.6%); Protein,%(5.5-6.8%); Fat,%(2.7-3.6% ); Total Ash%(0.43-0.53 %); Crude Fiber,%(0.06-0.33 %) and Carbohydrate,%(0.59-0.93 %). Physiochemical properties which included; PH (4.30-5.59); Viscosity, (2.85-3.17 Pa.s); Titratable acidity, (0.01-0.07 g\l) and Synersis (6.44-7.56) and Total Phenolic compound (8.59-18.40 mg/g). The level of pH showed a significant variation between the treatments while titratable acidity, syneresis and viscosity did not show any significant variations. Total phenolic compounds also varied significantly between some treatments. Sensory evaluation showed that the treatment (100 µl) with highest level of lemon grass essential oil per liter of soy yoghurt was the most liked. In conclusion, incorporation of lemon grass essential improved the level of phenolic compounds and sensory properties of yoghurt. More studies need to be carried out on the effects of lemon grass extract on the microbial status of the enriched soy yogurt.

The prevalence of COVID-19 in the community has become more difficult to gauge utilizing clinical testing due to a decrease in reported test results stemming from the availability of at-home test kits and a reduction in the number of cases seeking medical treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend of diminishing correlation between reported clinical cases of COVID-19 and wastewater-based surveillance epidemiological data as home testing became available in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wastewater grab samples were collected weekly from 16 regional locations from June 2021-December 2022. Samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 N1 and N2 viral particles using reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (RT ddPCR). N1 and N2 gene copies were correlated with clinical cases. The t-test was used to determine correlation deterioration point. Clinical cases post-deterioration were calculated for high-correlated pre-deterioration locations using linear regression. Correlation between the wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and reported clinical cases deteriorated after February 1, 2022. This corresponds with the timeframe in which commercially available at-home test kits became available in the United States. The increase in at-home testing for SARS-CoV-2 likely contributed to the decrease in reported clinical positive tests in early 2022, providing an unrealistic picture of the presence of Covid-19 in the community. As measures to reduce exposure such as personal masking, clinical testing, social isolating, and quarantining continue to decline, wastewater surveillance for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 may be the best method for public health professionals to remain aware of virus dynamics in localized regions. Time-series modeling adds another layer of information when clinical data is unobtainable or underreported.

Desert locusts ( Schistocerca gregaria) pause a significant threat on food security. However, they also serve as a nutrient-rich delicacy in many African and Arab communities where they are traditionally harvested for food and feed during outbreaks. Traditional harvesting methods are inefficient, laborious and time-consuming hence, the need to explore more convenient and efficient techniques. This study assessed preferential selection and feeding behavior of desert locusts to identify trap plants that could attract and aggregate them for easy harvesting. Four trap plants (cowpea, finger millet, sorghum, and amaranth) and four repellent plants (neem, pencil cactus, garlic, and cayenne red pepper) were evaluated through multiple-choice experiments. A complete randomized design (CRD), mature adult, immature adult and hopper stages of desert locust replicated thrice were involved . One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine whether treatment effects was significant or not, and mean differences between treatments at p<0.05 were separated using post-hoc Tukey HSD. Cowpea was the most preferred trap plant by the three locust stages, while neem exhibited the most potent repellent effect. Neem as a push plant repelled locusts thereby reducing infestation and damage of cowpeas as a pull plant when both plants were grown in the same pot in a “push-pull” system. However, cowpea attracted large numbers of locusts repelled by neem for harvesting when both plants were grown in separate pots. These findings provide valuable insights on the potential of exploiting trap and repellents to enhance aggregation and harvesting of desert locusts for use as food and feed.

Plasmonic gratings provide an advantageous platform for fluorescence sensing due to their compatibility with functionalization techniques, imaging detection, and the potential for signal enhancement. Among traditional fluorescence detection methods, microscopes are commonly used tools. The interaction between dye fluorescence processes and the plasmonic modes of the grating strongly depends on the measurement configuration and is influenced by the dispersion and spectral characteristics of the plasmonic modes. In our study, we investigated the angular behavior of the fluorescence emission from ATTO700 dye by varying the collection angle using a standard optical microscope coupled with a spectrometer. Our results show a clear dependence of fluorescence emission in terms of spectral shape on the collection angle that can be attributed to plasmonic mode dispersion.

Tilapia farmers would benefit tremendously if they could decrease aggression among fish. Conspecific aggression affects growth, feed conversion and general wellbeing of fish. Previous studies established an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and aggression in fish, whereby a decrease in cholesterol led to an increase in aggression. The present study assessed the effect of an increase of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol and possible decrease in aggression of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Nile tilapia were stocked in an outdoor recirculation system then offered one of five diets: 0% cholesterol, 0.5% cholesterol, 1% cholesterol, 1.5% cholesterol and 2% cholesterol. Five fish of each treatment were moved to a glass tank and monitored for signs of aggression for 10 minutes, twice a day. This experimental procedure was repeated five times using a new set of fish every time. Results show an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood but that there are no significant differences in aggression among treatments. Accordingly, the present study suggests that an increase in dietary cholesterol increases blood cholesterol in fish but does not have a significant effect on antagonistic patterns in Nile tilapia.

A recurring question is whether rating scales should be considered metrically scaled or merely ordinally scaled. This has direct implications for the permissible statistical procedures for significance testing. Based on the results of a simulation study, it is shown that the use of parametric procedures for rating scales has distinct advantages over the non-parametric alternatives. It is also shown that the parametric procedures are robust to violations of the assumption of normality, which only result in a modest loss of power compared with continuous variables. This loss should be taken into account when calculating the optimal sample size. The results suggest that sample sizes about 25% larger should be chosen for discrete rating scales than for continuous variables.

Robotic concrete extrusion is a novel additive manufacturing process (3D concrete printing) and is part of a continuously digitally controlled value chain. According to the state of the art, concrete is considered to be an isotropic material due to the manufacturing process. However, for the additive manufacturing process, the isotropic approach hast to be reconsidered due to the layered structure. It can be assumed that due to the layered structure, the material properties vary depending on the deposition direction and the geometry of the layers. The aim of the work was to record the material-technical characteristics of extruded elements manufactured according to standards in comparison with concrete recipes. Process-related influences on the mechanical parameters of additively manufactured concrete elements were examined and evaluated in more detail. Based on the findings obtained, the dimensioning, design and measurement of components can be carried out and thus guidelines for components can be derived. With these derived guidelines, the material utilization and economic efficiency can be improved.

Photopolymerization as an energy-saving and environment-friendly technology has been applied in many fields and developed continuously since the middle of the 20th century. Today, photopolymerization technology is ubiquitous in every aspect of our lives. This review starts from the principle of photopolymerization reaction, introduces the process of photopolymerization, initiation mechanism of photoinitiators and three kinds of polymerization methods according to the wavelength of irradiation source. Subsequently, review focuses on the application of photopolymerization technology in thiol-based click reaction, 3D printing, photoresist, hydrogels and other fields, so as to demonstrate its irreplaceable role in the present.

The effect of the simultaneous presence of fluorine (0.15-1.2 mg L -1), bicarbonates (83.6-596 mg L -1), and synthesized goethite (0.3 mg L -1) at typical concentrations often found in natural groundwater samples was evaluated on the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at pH 6.9 under simulated sunlight irradiation (300 W m -2) and H 2O 2 concentrations of 10 mg L -1. 2,4-D removal was strongly enhanced by the presence of fluoride. F - could modify the surface of iron (hydr)oxide leading to the formation of surficial Fe-F bonds benefiting the formation of free •OH radicals, producing upward band bending, reducing the electron-hole recombination, and enhancing the electron transfer to H 2O 2. On the other hand, bicarbonate may react with •OH radicals generating CO 3 -• species which could be able to participate in pollutant oxidation as well while solar light-induced H 2O 2 photolysis also played an important role in removing 2,4-D. These findings suggest that “natural” tuning of iron (hydr)oxides by fluoride could take place in natural groundwater generating “natural” photocatalysts with a high activity which could participate, by adding H 2O 2, in the enhancing of sunlight photoinduced natural abiotic processes to pollutants abatement.

In this Application Note, a versatile and reliable measurement system for photoelectrochemical investigations is described which aims to assist scientists in obtaining reproducible photoelectrochemical data of high quality, including the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. Specifically, it addresses the parameters irradiation quality, reaction temperature and gas measurement. The setup is designed to exclude stray light and uses a solar-grade mirror to reflect the light of a vertical solar simulator on the electrochemical cell. The light quality in the setup (»AAA«, IEC 60904-9) is close to the classification of the solar simulator itself. The temperature in the electrochemical cell is controlled with an external Peltier element and can be kept constant in the range of 20–45 °C. The influence of reaction temperature on the photocurrent of a WO 3 photoanode is demonstrated. The gaseous reaction products are analyzed with a mobile gas chromatograph, using an automated measurement routine with discontinuous sampling from the electrochemical cell. The system is applied to determine the Faraday and STH efficiencies of a copper indium gallium selenide photocathode.

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is the ninth most common cancer that accounts for 4.7% of all the new cancer cases globally. UCC development and progression are due to complex and stochastic genetic programmes. To study the cascades molecular events underlying the poor prognosis that are due to limited treatment options for advance disease and resistance to conventional therapies in UCC, transcriptomics technology (RNA-Seq), a method of analysing the RNA content of a sample using the modern high-throughput sequencing platforms has been employed to address these limitations. Here we review the principles of RNA-Seq technology and summarize the recent studies on human bladder cancer that employed this technique to unravel the pathogenesis of the disease, identify biomarkers, discover pathways and classify the disease state. We list the commonly used computational platforms and software that are publicly available for RNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, we discussed the future perspective for RNA-Seq studies on bladder cancer and recommend the application of new technology called single cell sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to further understand bladder cancer.

The use of pulsed dc-sputtering sources for reactive magnetron sputtering with oxygen offers a possibility to suppress the negative effects of target poisoning (such as arcing). This results in a wide process range for the selection of a desired operating point. The control of target poisoning plays a major role in maintaining constant coating properties and affects the stoichiometry of the reactive coating, as well as the coating rate and the economic impact of the coating process. In a hysteresis, the target poisoning during the reactive sputtering of titanium under oxygen addition proceeds nonlinearly. Without the use of a suitable target poisoning control technique, the sputtering process can abruptly change to an unstable state. As a result, variations of stoichiometry can occur during the deposition process. A proven method for maintaining a stable reactive sputtering process is the control of oxygen flow with the input variable target voltage. By determining the typical oxygen hysteresis at constant target power and constant argon flow, an operating point for the control loop is derived. The desired target voltage then serves as the input variable for the control loop of the target poisoning. The controlling technique for target poisoning is a basic requirement for the production of the photolytic active anatase phase of titanium dioxide (TiO2) using reactive magnetron sputtering. The photocatalytic equipment of surfaces with a titanium dioxide coating in the anatase phase can be realized with the reactive pulsed dc magnetron sputter ion plating process (DC-MSIP). The pulsed DC-MSIP process facilitates coating a variety of surfaces at temperatures below 200 °C in an environmentally friendly manner.

Possible structural variation of a bio-based dimethacrylate derived from oleic acid and ethylene glycol is discussed as well as sources to obtain the starting material for manufacturing of this monomer. Furthermore, aspects influencing the transfer of a newly developed product or further scientific result to application are included into the discussion as well focusing to manufacturing processes and development of a new product for the market.

Since the rapid development of nanomedicine in oncotherapy, multiple nanomaterials are adopted to regulate the immune system in cancer individuals. Tumor immunotherapy enhances the immune function of patients to achieve the purpose of killing tumor cells by utilizing the organism immune mechanism. As emerging inorganic carbon nanoparticles, carbon dots (CDs) have been found as photosensitizers, vaccines, immunoadjuvants, and so on for cancer treatment due to their unique structure and property, such as effective platforms for drug delivery, immunomodulation, and phototherapy. In this review, we mainly discuss the recent application of CDs in tumor immunotherapy and the prospects of CDs in the field of immune medicine. By assessing the achievements and challenges of CDs in tumor immunotherapy, our review would provide mechanistic insights into the evolution of future nanomedicine.

Nowadays, the copper nitride (Cu 3N) is of great interest as a new solar absorber material, flexible and lightweight thin film solar cells. This material is a metastable semiconductor, non-toxic, composed of earth-abundant elements, and its band gap energy can be easily tunable in the range 1.4 to 1.8 eV. For this reason, it has been proposed for many applications in the solar energy conversion field. The main aim of this work is to evaluate the properties of the Cu 3N thin films fabricated by reactive radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at different RF power values to determine its potential as light absorber. The Cu 3N films were fabricated at room temperature (RT) from a Cu metallic target at the RF power ranged from 25 to 200 W on different substrates (silicon and glass). The pure nitrogen flux was set to 20 sccm, and the working pressures were set to 3.5 Pa and 5 Pa. The XRD results showed a transition from (100) to (111) preferred orientations when RF power increased; the AFM images revealed a granular morphology, while FTIR and Raman spectra exhibited the characteristics peaks related to Cu-N bonds, which became narrower when the RF power increased. Finally, to stablish the suitability of these films as absorber, the band gap energy was calculated from transmission spectra.