It is universally accepted that the financial advancement of a state is essentially dependent upon the energy sector as it is essential in the growth, development, and improvement of the farming, ...mechanical, and defense sectors. A dependable source of energy is expected to enhance society's expectation of everyday comforts. Modern industrial advancement, which is indispensable for any nation, relies upon electricity. The principal explanation behind the energy emergency is rapidly increasing the use of hydrocarbon resources. Thus, the use of renewable resources is essential to overcome this dilemma. The consumption of hydrocarbon fuels and their discharge has destructive consequences on our surroundings. Third-generation photovoltaic (solar) cells are latest encouraging option in solar cells. Currently, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) utilize organic (natural and synthetic) dye and inorganic (ruthenium) as a sensitizer. The nature of this dye combined with different variables has brought about a change in its use. Natural dyes are a feasible alternative in comparison to expensive and rare ruthenium dye owing to their low cast, easy utility, abundant supply of resources, and no environmental threat. In this review, the dyes generally utilized in DSSC are discussed. The DSSC criteria and components are explained, and the progress in inorganic and natural dyes is monitored. Scientists involved in this emerging technology will benefit from this examination.
It is universally accepted that the financial advancement of a state is essentially dependent upon the energy sector as it is essential in the growth, development, and improvement of the farming, mechanical, and defense sectors.
Modified silica materials derived from rice husks (RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
and RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
) were synthesized. The sodium silicate was extracted from rice husk using base digestion method. Base digestion ...method is an easy and simple method to prepare sodium silicate from rice husks. Solid silica (RH-SiO
2
) was prepared from sodium silicate via sol–gel technique using 3 M of nitric acid at room temperature. RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
was prepared from a reaction of sodium silicate solution with silver nitrate in high acidic medium via sol–gel technique at room temperature. RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
was prepared by reducing RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
in glucose to produce silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) impregnated with silica matrix. Infrared spectra of RH-SiO
2
, RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
and RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
showed the extracted solid contained silanol (Si–OH) and siloxane (Si–O–Si) groups. N
2
-(adsorption–desorption) analysis showed a specific surface area of 345 m
2
g
−1
for RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
and 133 m
2
g
−
1 for RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
. The modified silica materials showed a narrow pore size distribution of 3–25 nm. The XRD spectra showed broad and weak diffraction patterns for both RH-SiO
2
and RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
indicating an amorphous nature. On the other hand, the XRD spectrum for RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
showed a number of sharp and strong diffraction patterns; an indication that some parts of the sample crystallized due to the presence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Electron microscopes (SEM, TEM and AFM) revealed the particles and pores of nanomaterials to be randomly distributed tending to be spherical regular particles. The two nanocomposites RH-SiO
2
Ag
+
and RH-SiO
2
Ag
0
G
have inhibitory activity against
Streptococcus mutants
(
S. mutants
) and
Candida albicans
(
C. albicans
).
Herein, NiO nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with a
para
-hexanitrocalix6arene derivative (
p
-HNC6/NiO) were synthesized by using a facile method and applied as a selective electrochemical sensor ...for the determination of bisphenol S (BPS) in real samples. Moreover, the functional interactions, phase purities, surface morphologies and elemental compositions of the synthesized
p
-HNC6/NiO NPs were investigated
via
advanced analytical tools, such as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Additionally, the synthesized
p
-HNC6/NiO NPs were cast on the surface of a bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE)
via
a drop casting method, which resulted in uniform deposition of
p
-HNC6/NiO/GCE over the surface of the GCE. Additionally, the developed
p
-HNC6/NiO/GCE sensor demonstrated an outstanding electrochemical response to BPS under optimized conditions, including a supporting electrolyte, a Briton-Robinson buffer electrolyte at pH 4, a scan rate of 110 mV s
−1
and a potential window of between −0.2 and 1.0 V. The wide linear dynamic range was optimized to 0.8-70 μM to obtain a brilliant linear calibration curve for BPS. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the developed sensor were estimated to be 0.0059 and 0.019 μM, respectively, which are lower than those of reported sensors for BPS. The feasibility of the developed method was successfully assessed by analyzing the content of BPS in waste water samples, and good recoveries were achieved.
A unique NiO-nanoparticle-based electrochemical sensor functionalized with a
para
-hexanitrocalix6arene derivative (
p
-HNC6/NiO) is developed for the determination of bisphenol S in real samples.
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•An overview of zinc rich epoxy primers for cathodic protection of metals is summarized.•Corrosion protection mechanisms and stages involved are presented briefly.•Latest strategies ...and approaches to enhance anticorrosion efficiency of zinc rich epoxy coatings are discussed.•Beneficial and detrimental effects of nano-fillers on cathodic protection of zinc rich epoxy coatings were reviewed.
Zinc rich primer systems are one of the most utilized organic coating systems for corrosion protection of metals designed to operate at moderate to room temperature. Because of this reason, it remains the first choice of researchers for improvements by introducing different innovative functionalities. Nowadays a wide range of highly efficient micro and nano materials have been explored that can be integrated within the organic coatings to enhance their performance. In this review article, we present a comprehensive literature gathered with a view towards assessing the potentiality of zinc rich epoxy primer systems to protect the metal against corrosion. This review is mainly focused on recent progress in zinc rich epoxy coatings embedded with different kinds of filler materials to enhance their corrosion protection efficiency. Several new strategies and approaches have been used by researchers to increase electrical percolation, barrier effect and galvanic longevity so that the coatings provide extended service for a long period of time. Various topics covering fundamentals of protection mechanisms, performance evaluation, challenges and future research directions pertaining to zinc rich epoxy composite coatings are briefly discussed.
Pancreatic β cells are functionally programmed to release insulin in response to changes in plasma glucose concentration. Insulin secretion is precisely regulated so that, under normal physiological ...conditions, fasting plasma glucose concentrations are kept within a narrow range of 3·5-5·5 mmol/L. In hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, insulin secretion becomes dysregulated (ie, uncoupled from glucose metabolism) so that insulin secretion persists in the presence of low plasma glucose concentrations. Hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia is the most common cause of severe and persistent hypoglycaemia in neonates and children. At a molecular level, mutations in nine different genes can lead to the dysregulation of insulin secretion and cause this disorder. In adults, hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia accounts for 0·5-5·0% of cases of hypoglycaemia and can be due either to β-cell tumours (insulinomas) or β-cell hyperplasia. Rapid diagnosis and prompt management of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia is essential to avoid hypoglycaemic brain injury, especially in the vulnerable neonatal and childhood periods. Advances in the field of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia include use of rapid molecular genetic testing for the disease, application of novel imaging techniques (6-fluoride-18fluoro-levodopa
F-DOPA PET-CT and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor imaging), and development of novel medical treatments (eg, long-acting octreotide formulations, mTOR inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor antagonists) and surgical therapies (eg, laparoscopic surgery).
Two‐dimensional (2D) materials with unique atomic thickness are promising candidate for high performance separation membrane. Several 2D materials such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), metal‐organic ...frameworks (MOFs), covalent frameworks (COFs), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), etc have been studied as a separation membrane due to their outstanding properties such as high mechanical strength, large surface area, good chemical and thermal stability, ease of functionalization, and hydrophilic surface. Recently, transition metal carbide also known as MXene, a new member of layered membrane family has attended significant interest in water purification, desalination, gas separation, and pervaporation. Herein, the most recent advances in 2D MXene‐based membranes from both experimental and computational aspects are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on materials' structures, properties, fabrication methods, and potential applications in membrane technology. Finally, this review closes with several recommendation and new directions in this research area.
The latest advances on MXene‐based lamellar membranes and their applications in desalination, water purification, gas separation, and pervaporation are reviewed. Strengths and weaknesses of various fabrication methods are discussed and summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research direction are highlighted.
Environmental pollution significantly challenges human health, ecosystems, and the planet's sustainability. Widespread air, water, and soil contamination from various pollutants requires effective ...and sustainable solutions to reduce or eliminate pollution and its impacts. In this work, we designed novel magnesium oxide and graphene oxide (MgO@GO) composite free-standing membranes for nanofiltration. The membranes were characterized with the help of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, free-standing MgO@GO composite membranes with different thicknesses were used to measure the water permeance. 410 nm-thick membranes showed high water permeance up to 480 ± 5 Lm
−2
h
−1
bar
−1
. Further, the rejection efficiency of the membrane was measured against NaCl, CaCl
2
, Pb(NO
3
)
2
, CdCl
2
, and amoxicillin. The MgO@GO membrane (410 ± 10 nm) showed 100% rejection for amoxicillin and 99% for Pb(NO
3
)
2
, respectively. Additionally, the membranes were stable under acidic and neutral conditions for approximately ∼80 days and may used on an industrial scale to ensure water is clean and free from harmful substances.
Nanodiamonds (NDs) have garnered attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their unique properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of NDs synthesis methods, properties, and their ...uses in biomedical applications. Various synthesis techniques, such as detonation, high‐pressure, high‐temperature, and chemical vapor deposition, offer distinct advantages in tailoring NDs′ size, shape, and surface properties. Surface modification methods further enhance NDs′ biocompatibility and enable the attachment of bioactive molecules, expanding their applicability in biological systems. NDs serve as promising nanocarriers for drug delivery, showcasing biocompatibility and the ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Additionally, NDs demonstrate potential in cancer treatment through hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement for improved immune responses. Functionalization of NDs facilitates their utilization in biosensors for sensitive biomolecule detection, aiding in precise diagnostics and rapid detection of infectious diseases. This review underscores the multifaceted role of NDs in advancing biomedical applications. By synthesizing NDs through various methods and modifying their surfaces, researchers can tailor their properties for specific biomedical needs. The ability of NDs to serve as efficient drug delivery vehicles holds promise for targeted therapy, while their applications in hyperthermic therapy and vaccine enhancement offer innovative approaches to cancer treatment and immunization. Furthermore, the integration of NDs into biosensors enhances diagnostic capabilities, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of biomolecules and infectious diseases. Overall, the diverse functionalities of NDs underscore their potential as valuable tools in nanomedicine, paving the way for advancements in healthcare and biotechnology.
Nanodiamonds (NDs) have received significant attention in nanomedicine due to their unique properties. This review focuses on the recent progress in the synthesis methods of NDs and their physiochemical properties. Further, their uses in biomedical applications are discussed in detail.
Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome (WSS) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder with variable clinical manifestations mainly affecting the endocrine and nervous systems. The aim of this study was to ...systematically review the genetic basis of WSS and report the genetic variants and clinical phenotypes associated with the disease.
PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from the time of inception until June 2022. Broad search terms were used to capture the literature describing all genetic variants associated with WSS. The search keywords used are "Woodhouse Sakati" along with the term "mutation" OR "gene" OR "variant" OR "polymorphism".
Twenty-five eligible studies were included in this study. One hundred and eighty-five patients in 97 families from 12 different countries were diagnosed with WSS. In patients from the Greater Middle East (GME) region, consanguineous marriages were common (67%). Thirteen different DCAF17 variants were associated with WSS development (including 8 identified in the GME region). The most frequent variant was a frameshift deletion variant (c.436delC, p.Ala147Hisfs*9) unique to Arabs that was reported in 11 cases from Tunisia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. There were no clear genotype-phenotype correlations for the different variants.
This systematic review highlights the molecular basis and clinical manifestations of WSS globally, including the GME region, where the disease is prevalent due to consanguinity. Additional studies are now needed to understand the genotype-phenotype correlation for different DCAF17 variants and their impact on the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in WSS patients.
The article analyzes the role of driving m-commerce with social networking and therefore provides insight into how the application of mobile apps influences customers’ perceptions on purchasing ...products online and on the mode of payment. The consumers are engaged in social interactions through the internet by the new opportunities provided by social media. These interactions provide and generate certain values for both businesses and consumers. An upsurge in the application of social media on mobile phones by users is evident, giving optimism and the ability to view the role of the integration of m-commerce into social media. Certain criteria like mobile app compatibility, trust, perceived value of mobile phone apps for online shopping, and online payment are examined from the point of view of consumers who purchase products, save purchase time, and provide easy use and security through social networking sites and m-commerce. Adoption of a digital mode of payment is affected by the education level of the consumers as, if they are internet savvy, they will be more inclined to use the digital payment mode. The article not only discusses the role of education in the better understanding of consumers toward the application of online modes of transaction through mobile phones, but also indicates that there are security issues, although these have been resolved to some extent by technological advances. Yet, there is need for the retailers as well as the consumers to achieve further technological progress.
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