Mechanisms of microbiota modulation: Implications for health, disease, and therapeutic interventions.

Microbiota modulation, the intentional change in the structure and function of the microbial community, is an emerging trajectory that holds the promise to mitigate an infinite number of health issues. The present review illustrates the underlying principles of microbiota modulation and the various applications of this fundamental process to human health, healthcare management, and pharmacologic interventions. Different strategies, directing on dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation, treatment with antibiotics, bacteriophages, microbiome engineering, and modulation of the immune system, are described in detail. This therapeutic implication is reflected in clinical applications to gastrointestinal disorders and immune-mediated diseases for microbiota-modulating agents. In addition to this, the review outlines the challenges of translating researched outcomes into clinical practice to consider safety and provides insights into future research directions of this rapidly developing area.

Perovskite Oxides: Syntheses and Perspectives on Their Application for Nitrate Reduction.

Over the decades, the rise in nitrate levels in the ecosystem has posed a serious threat to the continuous existence of humans, fauna, and flora. The deleterious effects of increasing levels of nitrates in the ecosystem have led to adverse health and environmental implications in the form of methemoglobinemia and eutrophication, respectively. Different pathways/routes for the syntheses of perovskites and their oxides were presented in this review. In recent times, electrocatalytic reduction has emerged as the most utilized technique for the conversion of nitrates into ammonia, an industrial feedstock. According to published papers, the efficiency of various perovskites and their oxides used for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate achieved a high Faradaic efficiency of 98%. Furthermore, studies published have shown that there is a need to improve the chemical stability of perovskites and their oxides during scale-up applications, as well as their scalability for industrial applications.

A longer-chain acylated derivative of Dictyostelium differentiation-inducing factor-1 enhances the antimalarial activity against Plasmodium parasites.

The spread of malarial parasites resistant to first-line treatments such as artemisinin combination therapies is a global health concern. Differentiation-inducing factor 1 (DIF-1) is a chlorinated alkylphenone (1-(3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) hexan-1-one) originally found in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum. We previously showed that some derivatives of DIF-1, particularly DIF-1(+2) (1-(3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) octan-1-one), exert potent antimalarial activities. In this study, we synthesised DIF-1(+3) (1-(3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) nonan-1-one). We then evaluated the effects of DIF-1(+3) in vitro on Plasmodium falciparum and in vivo over 7 days (50-100 mg/kg/day) in a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei. DIF-1(+3) exhibited a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of approximately 20-30 % of DIF-1(+2) in three laboratory strains with a selectivity index > 263, including in strains resistant to chloroquine and artemisinin. Parasite growth and multiplication were almost completely suppressed by treatment with 100 mg/kg DIF-1(+3). The survival time of infected mice was significantly increased (P = 0.006) with no apparent adverse effects. In summary, addition of an acyl group to DIF-1(+2) to prepare DIF-1(+3) substantially enhanced antimalarial activity, even in drug-resistant malaria, indicating the potential of applying DIF-1(+3) for malaria treatment.

Occurrence profiling, risk assessment, and correlations of antimicrobials in surface water and groundwater systems in Southwest Nigeria.

The presence of antimicrobials in water has grown into a major global health concern. This study thus focused on the presence, ecological implications, and potential health risks associated with nine antimicrobials: five antibiotics (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline) and four parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben) in surface water and groundwater samples collected from three Southwestern States in Nigeria (Osun, Oyo, and Lagos States). These antimicrobials were widely detected across the three States with ciprofloxacin being the most dominant having maximum average concentrations of 189 µg L-1 and 319 µg L-1 in surface water and groundwater respectively. The range of average concentrations of antibiotics in surface water are 47.3-235 µg L-1 (Osun), 27.9-166 µg L-1 (Oyo) and 52.1-159 µg L-1 (Lagos). For groundwater, it is 35.3-180 µg L-1 (Osun), 26.5-181 µg L-1 (Oyo) and 32.3-319 µg L-1 (Lagos). The average concentrations of all parabens were 32.4-153 µg L-1, 53.4-80.1 µg L-1, and 83.2-132 µg L-1 for surface water and 46.7-55.7 µg L-1, 53-117 µg L-1, and 62.4-118 µg L-1 for groundwater in Osun, Oyo, and Lagos States respectively. Methylparaben was most frequently detected paraben with average concentrations of 153 µg L-1 and 117 µg L-1 in surface water and groundwater respectively. The measured environmental concentrations of these antimicrobials pose a significant ecological risk while those of ciprofloxacin and ampicillin pose a high health risk to all population groups studied. The average concentrations of antibiotics investigated in this study exceeded their threshold values for Predicted No-Effect Concentrations (PNEC) associated with resistance selection, except for tetracycline.

Distribution and toxicity of dihydroxybenzenes in drinking water sources in Nigeria.

This study provides, for the first time, data on the distribution and toxicity of catechol (CAT) and hydroquinone (HQ) in drinking water sources from Africa. Groundwater (boreholes and hand-dug wells) and surface water in three Southwestern States in Nigeria served as sampling sites. The concentrations of CAT and HQ in groundwater and surface water were determined throughout a period of 12 months, evaluating the effects of seasonal variation (rainy and dry seasons). Mean concentrations of CAT in water samples were higher than those of HQ. In this study, CAT was more frequently detected, with its mean concentration in groundwater samples higher in the rainy season (430 µg L-1) than in the dry season (175 µg L-1). Multivariate analysis using the Principal Component Analysis Software suggests that in most sample sites, CAT and HQ in water samples were from entirely different anthropogenic sources. The most impacted population groups were the toddlers and infants. Similarly, maximum and median concentrations of CAT in water samples pose serious risks to Daphnia at both acute and chronic levels. The results from this study suggest the need for further control of these dihydroxybenzenes through regular monitoring and removal from drinking water during treatment.

Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungi to Eggs and Nymphs Survival of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Under Laboratory Conditions.

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is becoming a major pest of Greece's agricultural production, including tree fruit. Until now, the control of this pest has been based on conventional methods, with the application of chemical insecticides being the primary option. However, the wide distribution of H. halys, in combination with the large area of tree fruit production in Greece, raise the need for alternative control methods. In this study, we investigated the possibility of implementing microbial control agents for managing H. halys. Eggs and nymphs of H. halys were treated with 15 native entomopathogenic fungal isolates and their virulence was evaluated in the laboratory. After treatment, egg hatching time was recorded for 7 days and ranged from 4.5 to 7.0 days. Nymphal survival was recorded daily for 7 days following application and ranged from 2.1 to 6.6 days for second instar nymphs and 3.7 to 6.8 days for fourth instar ones. Beauveria varroae isolate displayed the highest toxicity to all H. halys stages that were tested and could be considered a promising biocontrol agent of this insect. Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary.οκ.

Tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment delays among patients in Uganda.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that relies on its human host to achieve airborne transmission and existence, is the primary cause of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that is vital to public health. Aim: To update the society on tuberculosis diagnostic and treatment delays among patients in Uganda. Materials and Methods: The review paper utilized different search engines, such as Pubmed Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and so forth, to conduct this review paper. Results: Delays in diagnosis could cause diseases to spread throughout the community, progress more quickly, and increase mortality. With many populations experiencing TB diagnostic delay and less than a third of the population experiencing TB treatment delay, the rates of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment delays are high. Conclusion: The delay in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in men is positively correlated with knowledge of the disease's symptoms and the regular use of a handkerchief or both hands to cover the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Tb- and Eu-doped yttrium oxyselenides as novel absorber layers for superstrate thin-film photovoltaics: improved spectral optical absorption and green-red phosphor activation.

To generate and deliver alternative sustainable energy in the face of the current energy crisis, new materials that can capture solar energy and transform it into other useful energies are required. Rare-earth (RE) oxychalcogenides are now being used more frequently as up/down-conversion materials in established photovoltaic (PV) devices to boost their PV performance. Here, through an efficient microwave assisted synthesis procedure, novel nanoplate/sheet shaped nanomaterials of yttrium oxyselenide (YOSe) and its analogues doped with Tb and Eu (YOSe:Tb and YOSe:Eu) were successfully synthesized. Analyses of the structure, stability, morphology, light absorption, and electrochemistry were performed. This work showed that the parent YOSe exhibited green (543 nm) and red (615 nm) emission luminescence when doped with Tb and Eu with a luminescence quantum yield (LQY) of 0.56 and 0.53 for YOSe:Tb and YOSe:Eu nanomaterials, respectively. The surface and material conductivity of YOSe improved with the addition of the dopant elements, with the best outcome shown in YOSe:Eu, according to electrokinetic research evidenced by the enhanced current peaks, reduced charge-transfer resistance (Rct) and low impedance magnitude (Zmag) through electrochemical experiments. These improvements were induced by the distinctive properties of the dopant elements. PCEs of 0.25%, 0.67%, and 1.20% were obtained for YOSe, YOSe:Tb, and YOSe:Eu-based PV devices, respectively, using the nanomaterials as novel absorber layers in a superstrate device design. Our results can initiate further exploitation of the doped host structure for effective down-conversion NIR luminescence for applications in PV devices and to boost the PV performance of existing solar cells.

Methoxylated Flavonols and ent-Kaurane Diterpenes from the South African Helichrysum rutilans and Their Cosmetic Potential.

Chromatographic fractionation of a methanol extract of Helichrysum rutilans afforded seven known compounds. The isolated compounds were identified as 5,7,8-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone-8-O-2-methyl-2-butanoate (C-1), 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone (C-2), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone (C-3), 5-hydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxyflavone (C-4), ent-kaurenoic acid (C-5), ent-kauran-18-al (C-6), and 15-α-hydroxy-(-)-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (C-7). Compounds C-1-C-4 demonstrated high antioxidant capacities on ORAC hydroxyl radical (2.114 ± 4.01; 2.413 ± 6.20; 1.924 ± 16.40; 1.917 ± 3.91) × 106; ORAC peroxyl radical (3.523 ± 3.22; 2.935 ± 0.13; 2.431 ± 8.63; 2.814 ± 5.20) × 103 µMTE/g; and FRAP (1251.45 ± 4.18; 1402.62 ± 5.77) µMAAE/g, respectively. Moderate inhibitory activities against Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation were observed for C-1-C-4 as IC50 values of 13.123 ± 0.34, 16.421 ± 0.92, 11.64 ± 1.72, 14.90 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively, while their respective anti-tyrosinase activities with IC50 values of 25.735 ± 9.62, 24.062 ± 0.61, 39.03 ± 13.12, 37.67 ± 0.98 µg/mL were also observed. All compounds demonstrated TEAC values within the range of 1105-1424 µMTE/g. The result is an indication that a methanol extract of H. rutilans might possibly be a good source of natural antioxidants against ailments caused by cellular oxidative stress and as inhibitors against skin depigmentation, as well as possible raw materials needed for slowing down perishable agricultural products. This is the first report on the phytochemical and biological evaluation of H. rutilans.

The synergistic antibacterial activity of ozone and surfactant mists.

The microbiological safety of medical equipment and general surfaces is paramount to both the well-being of patients and the public. The application of ozone (a potent oxidant) has been recognised and implemented for this purpose, globally. However, it has primarily been utilised in the gaseous and aqueous forms. In this study, we investigate the potency of fine ozone mists and evaluate the synergistic effect when combined with cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants (dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide - DTAB, sodium dodecyl sulfate - SDS, alkyl polyglycoside - APG) as well as polyethylene glycol (PEG). Ozone mist is generated via a nebuliser (equipped with a compressed gas stream) and the piezoelectric method; whereas fabric substrates contaminated with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are utilised in this study. Contamination levels on the fabric swatches are evaluated using agar dipslides. Compared to gaseous ozonation and aqueous ozonation (via nanobubble generation), the produced ozone mists showed significantly inferior antimicrobial properties for the tested conditions (6 ppm, 5-15 min). However, the hybrid mist-based application of 'ozone + surfactants' and 'ozone + PEG' showed considerable improvements compared to their independent applications (ozone mist only and surfactant mist only). The 'ozone + DTAB' mist had the highest activity, with better results observed with the micron-mist nebuliser than the piezoelectric transducer. We propose a likely mechanism for this synergistic performance (micellar encapsulation) and demonstrate the necessity for continued developments of novel decontamination technologies.

Cellulose-based adsorbents for solid phase extraction and recovery of pharmaceutical residues from water.

Cellulose has attracted interest from researchers both in academic and industrial sectors due to its unique structural and physicochemical properties. The ease of surface modification of cellulose by the integration of nanomaterials, magnetic components, metal organic frameworks and polymers has made them a promising adsorbent for solid phase extraction of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceutical residues. This review summarizes, compares, and contrasts different types of cellulose-based adsorbents along with their applications in adsorption, extraction and pre-concentration of pharmaceutical residues in water for subsequent analysis. In addition, a comparison in efficiency of cellulose-based adsorbents and other types of adsorbents that have been used for the extraction of pharmaceuticals in water is presented. From our observation, cellulose-based materials have principally been investigated for the adsorption of pharmaceuticals in water. However, this review aims to shift the focus of researchers to the application of these adsorbents in the effective pre-concentration of pharmaceutical pollutants from water at trace concentrations, for quantification. At the end of the review, the challenges and future perspectives regarding cellulose-based adsorbents are discussed, thus providing an in-depth overview of the current state of the art in cellulose hybrid adsorbents for extraction of pharmaceuticals from water. This is expected to inspire the development of solid phase exraction materials that are efficient, relatively cheap, and prepared in a sustainable way.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for the evaluation and screening of sustainable aviation fuel production pathways.

The aviation sector, a significant greenhouse gas emitter, must lower its emissions to alleviate the climate change impact. Decarbonization can be achieved by converting low-carbon feedstock to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This study reviews SAF production pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), gasification and Fischer-Tropsch Process (GFT), Alcohol to Jet (ATJ), direct sugar to hydrocarbon (DSHC), and fast pyrolysis (FP). Each pathway's advantages, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact are detailed, with reaction pathways, feedstock, and catalyst requirements. A multi-criteria decision framework (MCDS) was used to rank the most promising SAF production pathways. The results show the performance ranking order as HEFA > DSHC > FP > ATJ > GFT, assuming equal weight for all criteria.

Efficient Removal of Tetracycline and Bisphenol A from Water with a New Hybrid Clay/TiO2 Composite.

New TiO2 hybrid composites were prepared from kaolin clay, predried and carbonized biomass, and titanium tetraisopropoxide and explored for tetracycline (TET) and bisphenol A (BPA) removal from water. Overall, the removal rate is 84% for TET and 51% for BPA. The maximum adsorption capacities (qm) are 30 and 23 mg/g for TET and BPA, respectively. These capacities are far greater than those obtained for unmodified TiO2. Increasing the ionic strength of the solution does not change the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. pH changes only slightly change BPA adsorption, while a pH > 7 significantly reduces the adsorption of TET on the material. The Brouers-Sotolongo fractal model best describes the kinetic data for both TET and BPA adsorption, predicting that the adsorption process occurs via a complex mechanism involving various forces of attraction. Temkin and Freundlich isotherms, which best fit the equilibrium adsorption data for TET and BPA, respectively, suggest that adsorption sites are heterogeneous in nature. Overall, the composite materials are much more effective for TET removal from aqueous solution than for BPA. This phenomenon is assigned to a difference in the TET/adsorbent interactions vs the BPA/adsorbent interactions: the decisive factor appears to be favorable electrostatic interactions for TET yielding a more effective TET removal.

Pollution and risk assessment of phenolic compounds in drinking water sources from South-Western Nigeria.

This study reports the occurrence and risk assessment of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), phenol (PHE), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) in drinking water sources in three south-western States in Nigeria (Osun, Oyo, and Lagos). Groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) were collected during dry and rainy seasons of a year. The detection frequency of the phenolic compounds followed the trend Phenol > 2,4-DNP > 2,4,6-TCP. The mean concentrations of 2,4-DNP, Phenol, and 2,4,6-TCP in GW/SW samples from Osun State were 639/553 µg L-1, 261/262 µg L-1, and 169/131 µg L-1 during the rainy season and 154/7 µg L-1, 78/37 µg L-1, and 123/15 µg L-1 during the dry season, respectively. In Oyo State, the mean concentrations were 165/391 µg L-1 for 2,4-DNP and 71/231 µg L-1 for Phenol in GW/SW samples, respectively, during the rainy season. Generally, in the dry season, these values decreased. In any case, these concentrations are higher than those previously reported in water from other countries. The concentration of 2,4-DNP in water posed serious ecological risks to Daphnia on the acute scale while it was algae on the chronic scale. Estimated daily intake and hazard quotient calculations suggest that 2,4-DNP and 2,4,6-TCP in water pose serious toxicity concerns to humans. Additionally, the concentration of 2,4,6-TCP in water from Osun State in both seasons of the year and in both groundwater and surface water poses significant carcinogenic risks to persons ingesting water from these sources in the State. Every exposure group studied were at risk from ingesting these phenolic compounds in water. However, this risk decreased with increasing age of the exposure group. Results from the principal component analysis indicate that 2,4-DNP in water samples is from an anthropogenic source different from that for Phenol and 2,4,6-TCP. There is a strong need to treat water from GW and SW systems in these States before ingesting while assessing their quality regularly.

A Liquid Metal Microdroplets Initialized Hemicellulose Composite for 3D Printing Anode Host in Zn-Ion Battery.

Maintaining a steady affinity between gallium-based liquid metals (LM) and polymer binders, particularly under continuous mechanical deformation, such as extrusion-based 3D printing or plating/stripping of Zinc ion (Zn2+ ), is very challenging. Here, an LM-initialized polyacrylamide-hemicellulose/EGaIn microdroplets hydrogel is used as a multifunctional ink to 3D-print self-standing scaffolds and anode hosts for Zn-ion batteries. The LM microdroplets initiate acrylamide polymerization without additional initiators and cross-linkers, forming a double-covalent hydrogen-bonded network. The hydrogel acts as a framework for stress dissipation, enabling recovery from structural damage due to the cyclic plating/stripping of Zn2+ . The LM-microdroplet-initialized polymerization with hemicelluloses can facilitate the production of 3D printable inks for energy storage devices.

A Clinico-Pathological Study of Vulvo-Vaginal Disease at a Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility.

INTRODUCTION: The vulva and vagina are of great significance to womanhood owing to the myriads of specialized functions they perform. The diseases of this organ have physical, social, mental, and psychological ramifications. The aim of this work is to study the pathological pattern and clinical presentation of diseases of the vulva and vagina at the Department of Anatomical Pathology and Forensic Medicine of the Jos University Teaching Hospital between 1st January 2011 and December 31st, 2020. METHODOLOGY: This study is descriptive of all cases of histologically diagnosed vulval and vaginal lesions seen at the Center. Histological diagnosis, biodata, and clinical information of patients were retrieved from the medical records. Data realized were analyzed and presented in tables as simple frequencies, percentages, ranges, and measures of central tendencies. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifteen vulval and vaginal biopsies were included in the study. Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest histologically diagnosed lesion accounting for 70(32.6%) cases of all lesions and 77.8% of all malignancies. The second commonest lesion and the most frequent benign pathology is the Condyloma acuminatum (viral warts) which accounted for 41(19.1%) cases. The age bracket 20 to 59 years constituted 79.5% of cases (171 cases). The age range, mean, median, and mode in years were 5.0-85.0, 39.5+15.9, 38.0, and 50.0 respectively. CONCLUSION: Squamous cell carcinoma and veneral warts are the commonest lesions of the vulva and vagina in our environment. Robust vaccination programs against the etiological agent, the human papilloma virus is highly recommended.

INTRODUCTION: La vulve et le vagin ont une importance considérable pour la féminité en raison des myriades de fonctions spécialisées qu'ils remplissent. Les maladies de cet organe ont des ramifications physiques, sociales, mentales et psychologiques. L'objectif de ce travail est d'étudier le modèle pathologique et la présentation clinique des maladies de la vulve et du vagin au département de pathologie anatomique et de médecine légale de l'hôpital universitaire de Jos entre le 1er janvier 2011 et le 31 décembre 2020. METHODOLOGIE: Cette étude est descriptive de tous les cas de lésions vulvaires et vaginales diagnostiquées histologiquement au Centre. Le diagnostic histologique, les données biologiques et les informations cliniques des patientes ont été extraits des dossiers médicaux. Les données obtenues ont été analysées et présentées dans des tableaux sous forme de fréquences simples, de pourcentages, d'intervalles et de mesures de tendances centrales. RÉSULTATS: Deux cent quinze biopsies vulvaires et vaginales ont été incluses dans l'étude. Le carcinome épidermoïde était la lésion histologiquement diagnostiquée la plus fréquente, représentant 70 (32,6 %) cas de toutes les lésions et 77,8 % de toutes les tumeurs malignes. La deuxième lésion la plus fréquente et la pathologie bénigne la plus fréquente est le condylome acuminé (verrues virales), qui représente 41 (19,1 %) cas. La tranche d'âge de 20 à 59 ans représentait 79,5 % des cas (171 cas). La fourchette d'âge, la moyenne, la médiane et le mode en années étaient respectivement de 5,0-85,0, 39,5+15,9, 38,0 et 50,0. CONCLUSION: le carcinome épidermoïde et les verrues générales sont les lésions les plus fréquentes de la vulve et du vagin dans notre environnement. Des programmes de vaccination robustes contre l'agent étiologique de cette pathologie, le virus du papillome humain, sont fortement recommandés. Mots clés: Vulve, Vagin, Cancer, Verrue.

Tinnea gombea (Lamiaceae), a new species from the Sudanian savanna region, Nigeria based on integrative evidence.

Tinnea gombea, endemic to the Sudan savanna grasslands in northern Nigeria, is described and illustrated. We used integrative evidence from morphological characters, ecology and molecular phylogenetic data. The new species is morphologically and ecologically similar to T. barteri and T. aethiopica, but can be readily delimited from these taxa by unique characters including a subshrub growth habit, leaves alternate to subopposite, blades lanceolate, apically acuminate, inflorescences raceme, bearing solitary flowers in upper leaf and bract axils, lilac to purplish dusky flowers and the inflated fruits dehiscent. The distribution and habitat of T. gombea are also distinctive, being restricted to the Sudan savanna, while the two most similar species are widespread in tropical Africa. Additionally, molecular phylogenetic assessments using nrITS and chloroplast trnL-F, matK and rbcL support the placement of T. gombea as a distinct species. Tinnea gombea is here assessed as Critically Endangered due to its small population size and restriction to a small area lacking conservation prioritization.

Ozone Decontamination of Medical and Nonmedical Devices: An Assessment of Design and Implementation Considerations.

The control of infectious diseases can be improved via carefully designed decontamination equipment and systems. Research interest in ozone (a powerful antimicrobial agent) has significantly increased over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has also instigated the development of new ozone-based technologies for the decontamination of personal protective equipment, surfaces, materials, and indoor environments. As this interest continues to grow, it is necessary to consider key factors affecting the applicability of lab-based findings to large-scale systems utilizing ozone. In this review, we present recent developments on the critical factors affecting the successful deployments of industrial ozone technologies. Some of these include the medium of application (air or water), material compatibility, efficient circulation and extraction, measurement and control, automation, scalability, and process economics. We also provide a comparative assessment of ozone relative to other decontamination methods/sterilization technologies and further substantiate the necessity for increased developments in gaseous and aqueous ozonation. Modeling methodologies, which can be applied for the design and implementation of ozone contacting systems, are also presented in this review. Key knowledge gaps and open research problems/opportunities are extensively covered including our recommendations for the development of novel solutions with industrial importance.

Quantum Dot-Sensitised Estrogen Receptor-α-Based Biosensor for 17ß-Estradiol.

17ß-estradiol (E2) is an important natural female hormone that is also classified as an estrogenic endocrine-disrupting compound (e-EDC). It is, however, known to cause more damaging health effects compared to other e-EDCs. Environmental water systems are commonly contaminated with E2 that originates from domestic effluents. The determination of the level of E2 is thus very crucial in both wastewater treatment and in the aspect of environmental pollution management. In this work, an inherent and strong affinity of the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) for E2 was used as a basis for the development of a biosensor that was highly selective towards E2 determination. A gold disk electrode (AuE) was functionalised with a 3-mercaptopropionic acid-capped tin selenide (SnSe-3MPA) quantum dot to produce a SnSe-3MPA/AuE electroactive sensor platform. The ER-α-based biosensor (ER-α/SnSe-3MPA/AuE) for E2 was produced by the amide chemistry of carboxyl functional groups of SnSe-3MPA quantum dots and the primary amines of ER-α. The ER-α/SnSe-3MPA/AuE receptor-based biosensor exhibited a formal potential (E0') value of 217 ± 12 mV, assigned as the redox potential for monitoring the E2 response using square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The response parameters of the receptor-based biosensor for E2 include a dynamic linear range (DLR) value of 1.0-8.0 nM (R2 = 0.99), a limit of detection (LOD) value of 1.69 nM (S/N = 3), and a sensitivity of 0.04 µA/nM. The biosensor exhibited high selectivity for E2 and good recoveries for E2 determination in milk samples.

Microencapsulation of n-tetradecane with poly (methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) shell by seeded emulsion polymerisation and its thermal energy storage characteristics.

This study aims to enhance the latent heat storage properties of the microcapsules by altering the amount of crosslinking agent from 3 to 20%w/w, the core-to-shell ratio from 1:1 to 2:1, and the amount of initiator from 1 to 3%. The phase change material n-tetradecane (C-14) was microencapsulated by using poly (methyl methacrylate -co- methacrylic acid) as a shell material through an oil by water-seeded emulsion polymerisation technique. The structural, morphological, and thermal properties of microcapsules were evaluated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. The average particle size of the microcapsules ranges from 01 to 15 µm. The results showed that the microcapsules have a higher melting enthalpy value of 127.3 ± 0.06 J/g with a microencapsulation efficiency of 66.72% when a 20% w/w crosslinker was used. The thermal stability of the phase change material (PCM) was increased by ∼30 ± 2 °C by encapsulation.