Double-layer graphene nanoribbons promise potential application in nanoelectromechanical systems and optoelectronic devices, and knowledge about mechanical stability is a crucial parameter to flourish the application of these materials at the next generation of nanodevices. In this paper, molecular mechanics is utilized to investigate nonlinear buckling behavior, critical buckling stress, and lateral deflection of double-layered graphene nanoribbons under various configurations of stacking mode and chirality. The implicit arc-length iterative method (modified Riks method) with Ramm’s algorithm is utilized to analyze the nonlinear structural stability problem. The covalent bonds are modeled using three-dimensional beam elements in which elastic moduli are calculated based on molecular structural mechanics technique, and the interlayer van der Waals (vdW) interactions are modeled with nonlinear truss elements. An analytical expression for Young’s modulus of nonlinear truss elements is derived based on the Lennard–Jones potential function and implemented in numerical simulation with a UMAT subroutine based on FORTRAN code to capture the nonlinearity of the vdW interactions during the buckling analysis. The results indicate that the highest critical buckling stress and the minimum lateral deflection occur for armchair and zigzag chirality, both with AB stacking mode, respectively. Moreover, the critical buckling stress is found to be directly dependent on the mode shape number regardless of in-phase or anti-phase deflection direction of layers. Lateral deflection exhibits a similar trend with mode shape in anti-phase mode; however, it is decreasing by increasing mode shape number in in-phase mode.

In this study, Fe3O4/ MgO/Activated carbon composite was used to remove arsenic ion (As (III)) from aqueous media. To this end, Frangula Alnus was used to prepare activated carbon (AC) by calcination in the furnace at 700 °C for 4 h and was then used to synthesize the MgO/Fe3O4/AC composite. To study the surface properties of the composite, various analyses such as SEM, EDX/Mapping, FTIR, DLS, BET and VSM were applied. According to the BET analysis, the specific surface area and average pore size of the Fe3O4/ MgO/AC composite were obtained as 190.92 m2/g and 7.57 nm, respectively, which showed that the aforementioned nanocomposite had a mesoporos structure with an excellent specific surface area. Also, VSM analysis indicated that the composite had a superparamagnetic property and could be easily separated from the solution by a magnet. Moreover, the results of the As (III) sorption indicated that the highest uptake efficiency was obtained 96.65% at pH = 7, adsorbent dosage = 0.13 g/L, t = 35 min, T = 45 °C and Co = 6 mg/L. In addition, the pseudo-second-order model could better describe the kinetic behavior of the sorption process. Furthermore, Langmuir model was the best model to describe the equilibroium behavior of the As(III) ion sorption. Besides, according to the the thermodynamic study, enthalpy change and entropy change were obtained 58.11 kJ/mol and 224.49 J/mol.K, respectively, indicating that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. According to the results, the Fe3O4/ MgO/AC composite was a good adsorbent with the extraordinary properties, which can be used on an industrial scale.

This work reveals a modified method for the preparation of activated carbon (P-ACA) using low-cost materials (mix natural asphalt: polypropylene waste). The P-ACA was prepared at 600 °C by assisting KOH and HF. The morphological variations and chemical species of the P-ACA were characterized using SEM–EDX and FTIR. The active surface area, density and ash content of the P-ACA were also investigated. Adsorption properties of P-ACA were used for the thermodynamic and kinetic study of 4-((2-hydroxy naphthalenyl) diazenyl) antipyrine (HNDA), which was prepared as a novel azo dye in this work. The optimal conditions (initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature) of the adsorption process were determined. Adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir) were applied to the experimental data. These isothermal constants were used to describe the nature of the adsorption system, and the type of interaction between the dye and the P-ACA surface. The results have indicated that the mixture (Natural asphalt-polypropylene waste) is efficient for the synthesis of P-ACA. The synthesized P-ACA demonstrates the presence of pores on the surface with various diameter ranges (from 1.4 to 4.5 μm). Furthermore, P-ACA exhibits an active surface area of 1230 m2 g−1, and shows a high adsorption capacity for HNDA.

COVID-19와 같은 전염병 감염 시나리오 전반에 걸쳐 펩타이드 기반 치료법을 발견하고 설계하는 개발 시대의 추세는 보다 효율적이고 저렴한 치료 환경으로 발전할 수 있습니다. 결과적으로, 그들의 단백질 분해 약화는 천연 펩타이드 약물의 단점 중 하나입니다. 펩티도미메틱스는 이 단점을 해결하는 데 도움이 될 수 있습니다. 이 리뷰에서 펩타이드 및 펩타이드 기반 약물 발견은 숙주 안지 오텐신 전환 효소-2(ACE2) 수용체 및 바이러스 스파이크 (S)단백질의 연관성을 포함하는 중증 코로나바이러스 폐색전 증후군(SARS-CoV-2)의 주요 진입 기전 중 하나를 표적으로 요약했습니다. 또한, 펩타이드 기반의 새로운 치료법을 통해 COVID-19에 대해 연구된 단백질, 펩타이드 및 기타 가능한 조치의 이점을 다룹니다. 그리고 펩타이드 기반 약물 치료 환경의 개요는 진화적 관점, 구조적 특성, 작동 한계값 및 치료 영역에 대한 설명으로 구성된다

Solid state grain growth (SSCG) is a method of growing large single crystals from seed single crystals by abnormal grain growth in a small-grained matrix. During grain growth, pores are often trapped in the matrix and remain in single crystals. Aerosol deposition (AD) is a method of manufacturing films with almost full density from nano grains by causing high energy collision between substrates and ceramic powders. AD and SSCG are used to grow single crystals with few pores. BaTiO3 films are coated on (100) SrTiO3 seeds by AD. To generate grain growth, BaTiO3 films are heated to 1,300 oC and held for 10 h, and entire films are grown as single crystals. The condition of grain growth driving force is ΔGmax < ΔGc ≤ ΔGseed. On the other hand, the condition of grain growth driving force in BaTiO3 AD films heat-treated at 1,100 and 1,200 oC is ΔGc < ΔGmax, and single crystals are not grown.

Legacy waste from the decommissioned A-1 nuclear power plant in the Slovak Republic is scheduled for immobilisation within a tailored alkali borosilicate glass formulation, as part of ongoing site cleanup. The aqueous durability and characterisation of a simulant glass wasteform for Chrompik III legacy waste, was investigated, including dissolution experiments up to 112 days (90°C, ASTM Type 1 water). The wasteform was an amorphous, light green glassy product, with no observed phase separation or crystalline inclusions. Aqueous leach testing revealed a suitably durable product over the timescale investigated, comparing positively to other simulant nuclear waste glasses and vitreous products tested under similar conditions. Iron and titanium rich precipitates were observed to form at the surface of monolithic samples during leaching, with the formation of an alkali deficient alteration layer behind these at later ages. Overall this glass appears to perform well, and in line with expectations for this chemistry, although longer-term testing would be required to predict overall durability. This work will contribute to developing confidence in the disposability of vitrified Chrompik legacy wastes.

Pollution of agricultural soil by alkaline salts, such as Na2CO3, is a critical and long-lasting problem in cultivable land. The aim of the study was to examine the putative role of citric acid (CA) in alleviating Na2CO3-stress in alfalfa. In this study, Na2CO3 significantly induced leaf chlorosis, inhibited plant growth and photosynthesis related parameters, increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reduced major antioxidant enzymes (SOD ,CAD, APX) in alfalfa. However, the presence of CA these negative effects of Na2CO3-stress largely recovered. Interestingly, expression of antioxidant and ion transporter genes (Fe-SOD, CAT, APX, DHAR and NHX1) involved in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and oxidative stress tolerance in alfalfa. These findings suggest that CA-mediated Na2CO3 stress alleviation is an ecofriendly approach that would be useful to local farmer for alfalfa and other forage crop cultivation in alkaline soils.

The optimal determination of seeding rate is critical to minimizing uncertainties about the large variations observed in forage quality and productivity when alfalfa is cultivated under different geographical areas and growing conditions. The objective of this investigation was to provide information about the proper seeding rate according to harvest timing for alfalfa cultivation in the Northern regions of Korea. Alfalfa was sown in September 2018 at a seeding rate of 20, 30 or 40 kg/ha and harvested four times in 2019: May 3, July 2, September 11, and October 13. Regardless of seeding rate, alfalfa plant height was longest at the third harvest (113 cm) and the shortest in the last annual harvest (43.8 cm). However, seeding rate had no effect on alfalfa plant height at any harvest. Forage relative feed value was increased in the first cutting but decreased in the third cuttings as seeding rate increased. However, seeding rate had slight effect on alfalfa forage quality components at the second and fourth cuttings. Total annual DM and crude protein production (in 4 harvests) was greater at higher seeding rates. Plots seeded at a rate of 40 kg/ha produced on average 1,257 and 2,620 kg/ha more forage (DM basis) than those seeded at a rate of 30 or 20 kg/ha, respectively. Forage DM production at the first, second, third, and fourth harvests accounted for 36.1, 24.0, 27.1, and 12.8 % of total annual DM production, respectively. Overall, small differences were seen when alfalfa seeding rate was different but maximum forage DM production (in four harvests) was detected when seeding rate was 40 kg/ha. These data could be useful to the alfalfa growers by allowing them to make more accurate trade-offs between seed price and the expected magnitude of forage yield gains in order to select the best seeding rate.

Cutting management has been identified as a critical factor in the alfalfa production systems because it has a significant impact on maximizing yield and maintaining the forage quality. The objective of this experiment was to determine the proper cutting height according to harvesting time for optimizing nutrient yield and forage nutritive quality of alfalfa grown in alpine regions of Korea. Alfalfa was sown at a seeding rate of 30 kg/ha in August 2018 and harvested at four cuttings in 2019 (3 May, 2 July, 11 September, and 13 October). Cutting heights were adjusted at 5, 15, and 25 cm above the soil surface. Alfalfa plant was tallest at the third cutting (109 cm), which was on average 35 cm taller than the first or second cutting. Relative feed value (RFV) remained unaffected by cutting height at the first harvest, but increased consistently in subsequent harvests as cutting height increased. Alfalfa collected at the first and fourth cuttings had the highest RFV (mean 152), which was on average 8 and 67 units higher than the second and third harvests, respectively. At each harvest, in vitro dry matter digestibility was highest in alfalfa cut at a 25-cm height. Dry matter (DM) production at each cutting height was highest in the first cutting, accounting for on average 36-37% of total annual DM production, and lowest in the fourth harvest, accounting for about 11-13% of the total DM yield. The total dry matter production (in four harvests) was 4,218 kg/ha higher when alfalfa was subjected to a cutting height of 5 cm rather than 25 cm. Cutting height had no effect on total crude protein yield, but from the first to fourth cutting, the protein yield followed a decreasing trend. Finally, there were visible declines in forage nutritive quality when alfalfa was cut at a shorter height. However, the magnitude of difference in total forage yield may outweigh the slight decline in forage quality when alfalfa is cut at a lower height. The findings of this study could help the alfalfa growers make better harvest management decisions.

The discharge of dye-containing industrial effluents such as methylene blue (MB) in water bodies has resulted in severe aquatic and human life problems. In addition to this factor, there is the accumulation of banana peel wastes, which can generate ecological damage. Thus, this research purpose a different method from the literature using the banana peel waste (BP) to produce activated carbon (ACBP) by NaOH activation followed by pyrolysis at 400 °C to remove methylene blue (MB). The material was characterized by TGA, XRD, SEM, BET, and FTIR. The influence of dye concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg L−1) was investigated. ACBP presented a well-developed pore structure with a predominance of mesopores and macropores. This morphological structure directly influences the MB removal capacity. The highest efficiency for dye removal was in the MB initial concentration of 25 mg L−1, sorbent of 0.03 g, and contact time of 60 min, which were 99.8%. The adsorption isotherms were well defined by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir model represented the best fit of experimental data for ACBP with a maximum adsorption capacity of 232.5 mg g−1. This adsorbent showed a comparatively high performance to some previous works. So, the banana peel waste is an efficient resource for producing activated carbon and the adsorption of methylene blue.

In this work, a simple nonenzymatic glucose sensor has been proposed based on coconut shell charcoal (CSC) modified nickel foil as working electrode in a three-electrode electrochemical cell. Charcoal was prepared by the pyrolysis of coconut shells. The most important advantages of coconut shells are cost-effectiveness and their abundance in nature. The morphology and phase of the CSC powder were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical performance of the CSC powder coated Nickel foil electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The sensor shows a higher sensitivity of 2.992 mA cm−2 mM−1 in the linear range of 0.5–5.5 mM and slightly lower sensitivity of 1.1526 mA cm−2 mM−1 in the range of 7–18.5 mM glucose concentration with a detection limit of 0.2 mM. The anti-interference property of CSC powder also was investigated and found that the response of interfering species was less significant compared to glucose response. The proposed sensor offers good sensitivity, wide linear range, and a very low response to interfering biomolecules.

Most recently, graphene-related composite-modified electrode surfaces are been widely employed to improve surface interactions and electron transfer kinetics. Hydrothermally prepared strontium pyro niobate (SPN) and reduced graphene oxide/ strontium pyro niobate (RGOSPN) nanostructures reveal excellent morphology. X-ray diffraction analysis of SPN and RGOSPN agree with standard data. Thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry analyses show that RGOSPN has higher thermal stability than SPN. In addition, from the polarization–electric field (P–E) loop measurements, the estimated value of remnant polarization (Pr) and coercive electric field (Ec) of SPN are 0.039 μC cm−2 and − 2.90 kV cm−1 and that of RGOSPN nanocomposite are 0.0139 μC cm−2 and − 2.04 kV cm−1. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that RGOSPN nanocomposite manifests the possibility of electrochemical reversibility beyond long cycles without change in performance. The redox cycle reveal that RGOSPN can be used as part of a composite electrode for hybrid capacitors dynamic conditions. Moreover, the specific capacitance of SPN and RGOSPN was calculated using galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) technique. The observed energy density of 9.1 W h kg−1 in RGOSPN is higher when compared with previous reported values.

A carbon nanofiber was produced from the Areca catechu husk as a supercapacitor electrode, utilizing a chemical activation of potassium hydroxide (KOH) at different concentrations. One-stage integrated pyrolysis both carbonization and physical activation were employed for directly converting biomass to activated carbon nanofiber. The morphology structure, specific surface area, pore structure characteristic, crystallinity, and surface compound were characterized to evaluate the influence on electrochemical performance. The electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor was measured using cyclic voltammetry (CV) through a symmetrical system in 1 M H2SO4. The results show that the KOH-assisted or absence activation converts activated carbon from aggregate into a unique structure of nanofiber. The optimized carbon nanofiber showed the large specific surface area of 838.64 m2 g−1 with the total pore volume of 0.448 cm3 g−1, for enhancing electrochemical performance. Beneficial form its unique structural advantages, the optimized carbon nanofiber exhibits high electrochemical performance, including a specific capacitance of 181.96 F g−1 and maximum energy density of 25.27 Wh kg−1 for the power density of 91.07 W kg−1. This study examines a facile conventional route for producing carbon nanofiber from biomass Areca catechu husk in economical and efficient for electrode supercapacitor.

Research on Graphene and its importance in the field of energy conversion and storage devices such as fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors and solar cells has gained momentum recently. It is studied to be the most suitable electrode material for enhanced performance of supercapacitors in terms of charge–discharge cycles, specific capacitance, high power and energy densities and so on, specifically due to its high conductivity and large theoretical surface area. Unfortunately, it posits lot of challenges due to its irreversible stacking between the individual sheets resulting in the decrease in the Specific Surface Area (SSA) compared to the theoretically reported values. Numerous studies have been carried out to prevent this stacking in order to increase the surface area, thereby being a more suitable material for the manufacture of electrodes for supercapacitors as its capacitance greatly depends on the electrode material. To solve this problem, the conversion of two-dimensional graphene sheets to three-dimensional crumpled graphene structure has been verified to be the most effective approach. The study of crumpled graphene has been one of the recent trends in the field of energy storage applications in consumer electronics and hybrid vehicles as the process of crumpling can be controlled to suit the prospective device applications.

Understanding the distribution of heavy metals in sediment is necessary because labile heavy metals can partition into the water column and bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. Here we investigated six heavy metals (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in sediment cores using a five-step sequential leaching method to examine the occurrence of heavy metals in the sediment. The results showed that all elements, except Mn, are depleted in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions. However, heavy metal concentrations are much higher in the Fe-Mn oxide and organic matter fractions, especially for Cu, indicating enrichment in the organic matter fraction. Furthermore, contamination parameters (contamination factor and geoaccumulation index) indicate that Mn contamination is high, primarily derived from anthropogenic sources, presenting a potential risk to ecosystems in the Nakdong River.