CTCOSY-JRES: A high-resolution three-dimensional NMR method for unveiling J-couplings.

Two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved spectroscopy provides valuable information on J-coupling constants for molecular structure analysis by resolving one-dimensional (1D) spectra. However, it is challenging to decipher the J-coupling connectivity in 2D J-resolved spectra because the J-coupling connectivity cannot be directly provided. In addition, 2D homonuclear correlation spectroscopy (COSY) can directly elucidate molecular structures by tracking the J-coupling connectivity between protons. However, this method is limited by the problem of spectral peak crowding and is only suitable for simple sample systems. To fully understand the intuitive coupling relationship and coupling constant information, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) COSY method called CTCOSY-JRES (Constant-Time COrrelation SpectroscopY and J-REsolved Spectroscopy) in this paper. By combining the J-resolved spectrum with the constant-time COSY technique, a doubly decoupled COSY spectrum can be provided while preserving the J-coupling constant along an additional dimension, ensuring high-resolution analysis of J-coupling connectivity and J-coupling information. Moreover, compression sensing and fold-over correction techniques are introduced to accelerate experimental acquisition. The CTCOSY-JRES method has been successfully validated in a variety of sample systems, including industrial, agricultural, and biopharmaceutical samples, revealing complex coupling interactions and providing deeper insights into the resolution of molecular structures.

Facile synthesis of manganese-hafnium nanocomposites for multimodal MRI/CT imaging and in vitro photodynamic therapy of colon cancer.

Precise diagnosis of complex and soft tumors is challenging, which limits appropriate treatment options to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes. However, multifunctional nano-sized contrast enhancement agents based on nanoparticles improve the diagnosis accuracy of various diseases such as cancer. Herein, a facile manganese-hafnium nanocomposites (Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs) system was designed for bimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) contrast enhancement with a complimentary function of photodynamic therapy. The solvothermal method was used to fabricate NCs, and the average size of Mn3O4 NPs and Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs was about 7 nm and 15 nm, respectively, as estimated by TEM. Dynamic light scattering results showed good dispersion and high negative (-33 eV) zeta potential, indicating excellent stability in an aqueous medium. Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs revealed negligible toxic effects on the NCTC clone 929 (L929) and mouse colon cancer cell line (CT26), demonstrating promising biocompatibility. The synthesized Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs exhibit significant enhancement in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT), indicating the appropriateness for dual-modal MRI/CT molecular imaging probes. Moreover, ultra-small Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs show good relaxivities for MRI/CT. These nanoprobes Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs further possessed outstanding reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability under minute ultraviolet light (6 mW·cm-2) to ablate the colon cancer cells in vitro. Therefore, the designed multifunctional Mn3O4-HfO2 NCs were ideal candidates for cancer diagnosis and photodynamic therapy.

Impact of obesity on outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used when standard methods of standard treatment methods are not successful. Obese patients present unique challenges during ECMO due to large body size hindering sufficient flows, difficulties with patient positioning and anatomical landmark identification, and restricted radiology scans. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of patients undergoing ECMO. METHODS: Databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases) were searched to identify relevant studies published until July 2023. Data were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and the descriptive data were reported as standard difference of means (SDM) by a random effects model. RESULTS: A literature search identified 345 studies. Of them, 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings from the meta-analysis revealed no significant association between obesity and survival outcomes after ECMO (odds ratio (OR): 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-1.17, p: 0.46). Moreover, no comparative significant differences were found between obese and non-obese individuals on the duration of ECMO procedure (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.07, -0.03-0.17), length of hospital stay (-0.03, -0.19 to 0.12), and duration of ventilation support (-0.10, -0.44 to 0.24). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis findings suggest no significant impact of obesity on the survival outcomes after the ECMO procedure. There was no significant impact of obesity on the duration of ECMO procedures, length of hospital stay, and duration of ventilation support.

CT whole lung radiomic nomogram: a potential biomarker for lung function evaluation and identification of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) plays a great role in characterizing and quantifying changes in lung structure and function of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to explore the performance of CT-based whole lung radiomic in discriminating COPD patients and non-COPD patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed on 2785 patients who underwent pulmonary function examination in 5 hospitals and were divided into non-COPD group and COPD group. The radiomic features of the whole lung volume were extracted. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied for feature selection and radiomic signature construction. A radiomic nomogram was established by combining the radiomic score and clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the radiomic nomogram in the training, internal validation, and independent external validation cohorts. RESULTS: Eighteen radiomic features were collected from the whole lung volume to construct a radiomic model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the radiomic model in the training, internal, and independent external validation cohorts were 0.888 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.869-0.906], 0.874 (95%CI 0.844-0.904) and 0.846 (95%CI 0.822-0.870), respectively. All were higher than the clinical model (AUC were 0.732, 0.714, and 0.777, respectively, P < 0.001). DCA demonstrated that the nomogram constructed by combining radiomic score, age, sex, height, and smoking status was superior to the clinical factor model. CONCLUSIONS: The intuitive nomogram constructed by CT-based whole-lung radiomic has shown good performance and high accuracy in identifying COPD in this multicenter study.

Best practices for managing malodorous and infected wounds in advanced cervical cancer.

This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the most effective strategies for managing malodorous and infected wounds in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. The research was conducted in Liupanshui, China. The study specifically examined demographic profiles, wound characteristics and effectiveness of wound management approaches. The study incorporated the heterogeneous sample of 289 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and medical record evaluations. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, such as regression analysis, were utilized to evaluate demographic attributes, wound profiles and effects of different approaches to wound management. The findings unveiled the heterogeneous demographic composition of patients, encompassing differences in socioeconomic standing, educational attainment and age. A wide range of wound characteristics were observed, as 65.7% of lesions during the acute phase with diameter between 2 and 5 centimetres, while 41.5% of lesions had this range. The most prevalent types of infections were those caused by fungi (48.4%), followed by bacterial infections lacking resistance (38.1%). A moderate degree of odour intensity was prevalent, affecting 45.0% of the cases. With maximal odour reduction of 80%, a mean healing time of 25 days and patient satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy demonstrated itself to be the most efficacious treatment method. Additional approaches, such as photodynamic therapy and topical antibiotic therapy, demonstrated significant effectiveness, as evidenced by odour reductions of 70% and 75%, respectively, and patient satisfaction ratings of 4.3 and 4.2. Thus, the study determined challenges associated with management of malodorous and infected lesions among patients with advanced cervical cancer. The results underscored the significance of individualized care approaches, drew attention to efficacious wound management techniques and identified critical determinants that impacted patient recuperation. The findings of this study hold potential for advancing palliative care for individuals diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

CT-based whole lung radiomics nomogram: a tool for identifying the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of CT-based whole lung radiomics nomogram for identifying the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 974 patients with COPD were divided into a training cohort (n = 402), an internal validation cohort (n = 172), and an external validation cohort (n = 400) from three hospitals. Clinical data and CT findings were analyzed. Radiomics features of whole lung were extracted from the non-contrast chest CT images. A radiomics signature was constructed with algorithms. Combined with the radiomics score and independent clinical factors, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish a radiomics nomogram. ROC curve was used to analyze the prediction performance of the model. RESULTS: Age, weight, and GOLD were the independent clinical factors. A total of 1218 features were extracted and reduced to 15 features to build the radiomics signature. In the training cohort, the combined model (area under the curve [AUC], 0.731) showed better discrimination capability (p < 0.001) than the clinical factors model (AUC, 0.605). In the internal validation cohort, the combined model (AUC, 0.727) performed better (p = 0.032) than the clinical factors model (AUC, 0.629). In the external validation cohort, the combined model (AUC, 0.725) performed better (p < 0.001) than the clinical factors model (AUC, 0.690). Decision curve analysis demonstrated the radiomics nomogram outperformed the clinical factors model. CONCLUSION: The CT-based whole lung radiomics nomogram has the potential to identify the risk of CVD in patients with COPD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study helps to identify cardiovascular disease risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on chest CT scans. KEY POINTS: • To investigate the value of CT-based whole lung radiomics features in identifying the risk of cardiovascular disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. • The radiomics nomogram showed better performance than the clinical factors model to identify the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. • The radiomics nomogram demonstrated excellent performance in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort (AUC, 0.731; AUC, 0.727; AUC, 0.725).

Distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs at different locations in a circulating fluidised bed municipal solid waste incinerator.

This study investigates a circulating fluidised bed (CFB) incineration plant to examine the concentrations and fingerprints of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs) at five locations downstream of the post-combustion zone. Sampling encompassed both flue gas and ash, spanning from the high-temperature superheater to the outlet of the baghouse filter, thus covering a wide range of flue gas temperatures. The analysis reveals a continuous increase in PCDD/F and PCB concentrations in the flue gas from the superheater to the inlet of the air pollution control system (APCS). The maximum concentrations observed were 75.8 ng/Nm3 for PCDDs, 219 ng/Nm3 for PCDFs, and 763 ng/Nm3 for PCBs. These values represent 9.14, 11.5, and 6.37 times their respective concentrations at the outlet of the high-temperature superheater. Concurrently, the levels of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) in the ash steadily increased along the cooling path of the flue gas within the plant. Comparing dl-PCBs to the total amount of 209 PCB congeners, it was evident that dl-PCBs exhibited a trend more akin to that of PCDD/Fs. A robust linear correlation was observed between dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs (R2 = 0.99, p < 0.001), surpassing that between PCBs and PCDD/Fs (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.01), suggesting that dl-PCBs share closer formation pathways with PCDD/Fs. Additionally, elemental composition analysis of fly ash samples aimed to explore potential links between fly ash characteristics and PCDD/F and PCB formation. The Cl/S ratio increased from 1.58 to 5.13 with decreasing flue gas temperature. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to visualise the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the flue gas alongside elemental contents in the fly ash. With the exception of PCBs in ash, all other PCDD/Fs and PCBs in fly ash exhibited positive correlations with both carbon (C) and chlorine (Cl). Furthermore, a positive relationship between C/Cl and PCDD/Fs-PCBs in fly ash implies that fly ash serves as the primary reaction surface for dioxin generation during low-temperature heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

Validation of disease severity index for predicting complicated disease in Crohn's disease: A comparison study with Lémann index.

BACKGROUND: Disease Severity Index (DSI) provides comprehensive assessment of bowel damage (BD). AIMS: To evaluate DSI in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) at high risk of disease progression, compared to Lémann Index (LI). METHODS: Patients with CD in our center were reviewed consecutively between 2017 and 2019. DSI, LI, and complicated CD course were analyzed. RESULTS: The median LI and DSI of included 300 patients were 1.63 (IQR 1.25-3.13) and 42 (IQR 32-51), respectively. 152 patients (50.7%) experienced a complicated disease course (median 5.1 months; IQR 1.1-20.2). DSI (AUC 0.66; 95% CI 0.60-0.72) better predicted a complicated course of CD over LI (AUC 0.56; 95% CI 0.50-0.63; P = 0.007). The cumulative probability of complicated CD course in severe patients was higher than those with 'mild CD' (P < 0.001). The Cox analysis identified DSI>43 (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.54-3.09; P < 0.001), B2/3 vs. B1 (HR 2.80; 95% CI 1.99-3.94; P < 0.001), and a higher level of CRP (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00-1.02; P = 0.005) as independent prognostic factors for complicated CD. However, LI was not associated with complicated CD (P = 0.164). CONCLUSIONS: Higher DSI was associated with complicated disease outcomes. DSI might play a better role than LI in identifying patients at high risks of disease progression.

Extracellular volume fraction as a potential predictor to differentiate lung cancer from benign lung lesions with dual-layer detector spectral CT.

Background: Extracellular volume (ECV) fraction has been used in cardiovascular diseases, pancreatic fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis. The diagnostic value of ECV for focal lung lesions remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ECV derived from a dual-layer detector computed tomography (DLCT) to differentiate lung cancer (LC) from benign lung lesions (BLLs). Methods: Retrospectively, 128 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed LC (n=86) or BLLs (n=42) were included. Conventional computed tomography (CT) characteristics and spectral CT parameters were assessed. All patients' hematocrits were measured to correct contrast volume distributions in blood while calculating ECV. After performing logistic regression analysis, a conventional CT-based model (Model A), DLCT-based model (Model B), combined diagnostic models (Model C), and an ECV-based model (Model D) were developed. The diagnostic effectiveness of each model was examined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared using the DeLong test. Results: Certain conventional CT features (such as lesion size, lobulation, spiculation, pleural indentation, and enlarged lymph nodes) differed significantly between the LC and BLL groups (all P<0.05). Statistical differences were found in the following DLCT parameters (all P<0.05): effective atomic number (Zeff) (non-enhancement), electron density (ED) (non-enhancement), ECV, iodine concentration (IC), and normalized iodine concentration (NIC). Models A, B, C, and D had AUCs of 0.801 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.721-0.866], 0.805 (95% CI: 0.726-0.870), 0.925 (95% CI: 0.865-0.964), and 0.754 (95% CI: 0.671-0.826), respectively. The AUC of Model D (ECV) showed no significant difference from that of Models A and B (DeLong test, P>0.05). Conclusions: The ECV derived from DLCT may be a potential new method to differentiate LC from BLLs, broadening the scope of ECV in clinical research.

The Psychometric Properties and Effectiveness of the Approach-Avoidance Job Crafting Scale among Chinese Kindergarten Teachers.

Job crafting is an important concept associated with many positive outcomes, particularly for kindergarten teachers. Specifically, job crafting can play a key role in improving kindergarten teachers' work experiences and reducing professional dysfunction, considering their stressful work environment. However, the existing scale that integrates the most accepted theories of job crafting-approach-avoidance theory-has not been examined for efficacy in a multicultural context. Thus, in this study, 1273 Chinese kindergarten teachers were selected as subjects to explore the psychological properties of the German version of the Approach-Avoidance Job Crafting Scale (AAJCS) within the Chinese culture context. The sample was randomly divided into two subsamples. In Sample 1 (N = 618), item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. In Sample 2 (N = 655), CFA, reliability, and criterion-related validity tests were conducted. The results showed that job crafting has two independent components, each containing four factors, and the third-order model had the best fit. The reliability and validity of the scale were good, suggesting that AAJCS is an appropriate tool for measuring job crafting in a kindergarten population. Future research is needed to test the validity and reliability of the AAJCS on other populations.

NSG1 promotes glycolytic metabolism to enhance Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma EMT process by upregulating TGF-ß.

As a highly enriched endosomal protein within neuronal cells, NSG1 has been discovered to facilitate the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the precise mechanisms behind this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. The pivotal role of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in triggering the EMT and its significant contribution towards tumor metabolic reprogramming-responsible for EMT activation-has been robustly established. Nevertheless, the extent of TGF-ß involvement in the NSG1-mediated EMT within ESCC and the processes through which metabolic reprogramming participates remain ambiguous. We accessed an array of extensive public genome databases to analyze NSG1 expression in ESCC. Regulation of TGF-ß by NSG1 was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR), co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and immunofluorescence (IF). Additionally, cellular functional assays and western blot analyses were conducted to elucidate the effect of NSG1 on TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway, as well as its role in ESCC cell metastasis and proliferation. We validated the influence of the NSG1/TGF-ß axis on metabolic reprogramming in ESCC by measuring extracellular acidification, glucose uptake, and lactate production. Our findings identify an oncogenic role for NSG1 in ESCC and show a correlation between high NSG1 expression and poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Additional research indicated TGF-ß's involvement in the NSG1-induced EMT process. From a mechanistic perspective, NSG1 upregulates TGF-ß, activating the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway and subsequently fostering the EMT process by inducing cell metabolic reprogramming-evident from elevated glycolysis levels. In conclusion, our study highlights the NSG1/TGF-ß axis as a promising therapeutic target for ESCC.

Impact of household decision makers' hesitancy to vaccinate children against COVID-19 on other household members: A family-based study in Taizhou, China.

Background: Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing outbreaks of infectious diseases, and family ;decision makers play an important role in decision-making regarding family matters and may influence other family members to take an active role in vaccinating children against COVID-19. Purpose: This study examined the influence of family decision makers on the hesitation of other family members to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Methods: A population-based, self-administered online questionnaire was administered in Taizhou, China, from September 1, 2021, to September 15, 2021. The questionnaire included demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine as well as hesitation regarding the use of the COVID-19 vaccination in children. In total, 490 respondents were included in this study. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Results: In total, 490 respondents from 190 households were interviewed. Of the 190 family decision makers, 43.7% (83/190) were hesitant to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. When family decision makers were hesitant to vaccinate children against COVID-19, 65.1% (82/126) of the other family members expressed similar hesitancy regarding vaccination. When family decision makers were not hesitant to vaccinate children, only 21.3% (37/174) of other family members were hesitant to do so. In the regression analysis, family decision makers' hesitation to vaccinate their children was associated with other family members' hesitation (OR=6.264, 95% CI:3.132-12.526). In addition, decision makers' perceptions of the safety of the vaccine (OR=0.422, 95% CI:0.215-0.826) and hesitation to vaccinate themselves (OR=8.967, 95% CI:4.745-16.948) influenced their hesitation to vaccinate their children. Conclusion: The present study found that family decision makers' hesitation to vaccinate children against COVID-19 influenced other family members' hesitation to vaccinate children. In addition, family decision makers' perceptions of the safety of the vaccine and their hesitation to vaccinate themselves influenced other family members' hesitation to vaccinate their children.

Efficient determination of scalar coupling networks by band selective decoupled 2D NMR spectroscopy.

Scalar (J) couplings constitute one of vital features observed in NMR spectroscopy and show valuable information for molecular structure elucidation and conformation analysis. However, existing J coupling measurement techniques are generally confined by the concerns of resolution, SNR, and experimental efficiency. Herein, we exploit an efficient 2D NMR protocol to deal with the above concerns by enabling rapid, sensitive, and high-resolution J coupling extraction. This protocol delivers full-resolved pure shift 2D absorption-mode spectroscopy to gain great convenience for efficient coupling measurements on overcrowded NMR signals. Resulting from band selective signal evolution, this protocol ensures high signal intensity with full magnetization preservation to meet the demand on probing low-concentration samples. This protocol focuses on accessing coupling information between specific two coupled spin families, and it is not applicable to all possible spin systems. Besides, it adopts echo-train selective refocusing acquisition to accelerate pure shift 2D J-edited implementations into pseudo-2D acquisition, and thus holding the experimental efficiency similar to conventional SERF experiments. Therefore, this study presents a promising tool for efficient extraction of J coupling networks, and takes an important step for coupling measurement techniques with wide applications on molecular conformation elucidation and stereochemical configuration analysis.

Dioxin emission prediction from a full-scale municipal solid waste incinerator: Deep learning model in time-series input.

The immeasurability of real-time dioxin emissions is the principal limitation to controlling and reducing dioxin emissions in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). Existing methods for dioxin emissions prediction are based on machine learning with inadequate dioxin datasets. In this study, the deep learning models are trained through larger online dioxin emissions data from a waste incinerator to predict real-time dioxin emissions. First, data are collected and the operating data are preprocessed. Then, the dioxin emission prediction performance of the machine learning and deep learning models, including long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural networks (CNN), with normal input and time-series input are compared. We evaluate the applicability of each model and find that the performance of the deep learning models (LSTM and CNN) has improved by 36.5% and 30.4%, respectively, in terms of the mean square error (MSE) with the time-series input. Moreover, through feature analysis, we find that temperature, airflow, and time dimension are considerable for dioxin prediction. The results are meaningful for optimizing the control of dioxins from MSWI.

Influence of different loads on PCDD/F removal by SCR during municipal solid waste incineration.

This study was conducted on a full-scale (500 t/d) municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), investigating the influence of different loads on the emission of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and their removal by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The total concentration of PCDD/Fs at the SCR inlet under 100% load was higher than that under 80% load. The changing loads caused different distribution characteristics of PCDD/Fs at the SCR inlet, and the dominant congeners changed from high-chlorinated PCDDs (80% load) to low-chlorinated PCDFs (100% load). Moreover, the increased load enhanced the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs by SCR from 17.3% to 64.2%, which was influenced by the inlet PCDD/F distribution and the moisture content. The high-chlorinated PCDD/Fs with the more stable structure were more difficult to be deteriorated and the high moisture content can weaken the catalytic activity of SCR catalysts. Correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between major air pollutants and PCDD/F emissions. The results showed that HCl positively correlated with PCDD/F emission concentrations, while NOx and SO2 negatively correlated. The results of this study can provide a reference for MSWI to operate properly under variable loads.

A Challenging Transition: Factors Influencing the Effort-Reward Imbalance and Coping Strategies of Beginning Teachers in China.

Purpose: The initial phase can be difficult for teachers: beginning teachers are more likely to experience effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and its harmful effects. To reduce this risk, this study analyzed the factors that impact ERI among beginning teachers in China and investigated the coping strategies they use. Methods: The study used qualitative research methods to conduct semi-structured interviews with 20 beginning teachers. Each participant was interviewed for at least 40 minutes via an online platform. Results: The qualitative results showed that ERI among beginning teachers is influenced by the interaction of internal and external factors. The typical factors identified were organizational justice, leadership style, work motivation, and personality type. Beginning teachers in the Chinese context demonstrated a proactive attitude towards challenging situations and chose moderate approaches to cope with ERI. The effectiveness of these strategies varied due to individual differences and contextual factors. Conclusion: Overall, the findings emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of beginning teachers to promote their well-being and improve the quality of education. Reducing the ERI of beginning teachers relies on a tripartite effort between society, schools and teachers themselves.

A new insight into the CaO-induced inhibition pathways on PCDD/F formation: Metal passivation, dechlorination and hydroxide substitution.

Ca-based inhibitors (especially CaO) for PCDD/F (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran) formation are considered as economic inhibitors with low toxicity and strong adsorption of acidic gases (e.g., HCl, Cl2, and SOx), whereas the insight understanding of its inhibition mechanisms is scarcely explored. Herein, CaO was used to inhibit the de novo reaction for PCDD/F formation (250-450 °C). The evolution of key elements (C, Cl, Cu, and Ca) combined with theoretical calculations was systematically investigated. The concentrations and distribution of PCDD/Fs demonstrated the significant inhibition effect of CaO on I-TEQ (international toxic equivalency) concentrations of PCDD/Fs (inhibition efficiencies: > 90 %) and hepta~octa chlorinated congeners (inhibition efficiencies: 51.5-99.8 %). And the conditions (5-10 % CaO, 350 °C) were supposed to be the preferred conditions applied in real MSWIs (municipal solid waste incinerators). CaO significantly suppressed the chlorination of carbon matrix (superficial organic Cl (CCl) reduced from 16.5 % to 6.5-11.3 %) and the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons or aromatic carbon (superficial CC decreased from 6.7 % to 1.3-2.1 %). Also, CaO promoted the dechlorination of Cu-based catalysts and Cl solidification (e.g., conversion of CuCl2 to CuO, and formation of CaCl2). The dechlorination phenomenon was validated by the dechlorination of highly chlorinated PCDD/F-congeners (via DD/DF chlorination pathways). Density functional theory calculations revealed that CaO facilitated the substitution of Cl by -OH on the benzene ring to inhibit the polycondensation of the chlorobenzene and chlorophenol (Gibbs free energy reduced from +74.83 to -36.62 and - 148.88 kJ/mol), which also indicates the dechlorination effect of CaO on de novo synthesis.

From black water to flushing water: potential applications of chlorine-mediated indirect electrooxidation for ammonia removal.

Removing ammonia from black water is one of the most urgent issues before it can be recycled as flushing water. In this study, an electrochemical oxidation (EO) process with commercial Ti/IrO2-RuO2 anodes to treat black water could remove 100% of different concentrations of ammonia by adjusting the dosage of chloride. Through the relationship between ammonia, chloride, and corresponding the pseudo-first-order degradation rate constant (Kobs), we could determine the chloride dosage and predict the kinetics of ammonia oxidation based on initial ammonia concentration in black water. The optimal N/Cl molar ratio was 1:1.8. The difference between black water and the model solution in terms of ammonia removal efficiency and oxidation products was explored. A higher chloride dosage was beneficial for removing ammonia and shortening the treatment cycle, but it also led to the generation of toxic by-products. Especially HClO and ClO3- generated in black water were 1.2 and 1.5 times more than the synthesized model solution under 40 mA cm-2. Through SEM characterization of electrodes and repeated experiments, the electrodes always maintained a high treatment efficiency. These results demonstrated the potential of the electrochemical process as a treatment method for black water.

Designing low-carbon cement-free binders for stabilization/solidification of MSWI fly ash.

Low-carbon and high-efficiency binder is desirable for sustainable treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA). In this study, CaO or MgO was used to activate ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to form calcium silicate hydrate and magnesium silica hydrate gel for stabilization/solidification of hazardous MSWI FA. Experimental results showed that potential toxic elements (PTEs), such as Pb and Zn, significantly inhibited the formation of reaction products in CaO-GGBS system due to the complexation between Ca(OH)2 and PTEs, whereas PTEs only had insignificant inhibition on transformation from MgO to Mg(OH)2 in MgO-GGBS system, resulting in lower leachabilities of PTEs and higher mechanical strengths. Stabilization/solidification experiments demonstrated that MSWI FA (70 wt%) could be recycled by MgO-GGBS binder (30 wt%) into blocks with desirable 28-day compressive strengths (3.9 MPa) and PTEs immobilization efficiencies (99.8% for Zn and 99.7% for Pb). This work provides mechanistic insights on the immobilization mechanisms of PTEs in CaO/MgO-GGBS systems and suggests a promising MgO-GGBS binder for low-carbon treatment of MSWI FA.

A novel method of calcium dissolution-crystallization-polymerization for stabilization/solidification of MSWI fly ash.

Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) stabilization/solidification using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) oligomer is an efficient, low-carbon disposal method. The insoluble Ca in FA was converted to free-Ca, utilizing for CaCO3 oligomer preparation, which was crystallized and polymerized by thermal induction to develop continuous cross-link or bulk structures for stabilization/solidification of potentially toxic elements (PTEs, e.g., lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)). Experimental results showed that the weakly alkaline acid-leaching suspension provided an excellent condition for the generation of CaCO3 oligomers, with Pb and Zn immobilization reaching over 99.4%. With the acid strengthening of the suspension, H+ took the lead in protonating with TEA and limiting the capping action of TEA, which was harmful to the synthesis of CaCO3 oligomers. Ethanol with a low dielectric constant was considered an ideal solvent for oligomer production, and triethylamine (TEA) as a capping agent established hydrogen bonds (N⋯H) with protonated CaCO3. H2O molecules competed with the protonated CaCO3 molecules for TEA with ethanol concentration decreasing, resulting in erratic precipitation of CaCO3 molecules and significantly elevated leaching risk of Pb and Zn. The sequential extraction procedure, pH-dependent leaching, and geochemical analysis results revealed that the dissolution/precipitation of Ca, Pb, and Zn in treated FA was mostly controlled by the carbonate mineral phases. Moreover, the low boiling points of ethanol and TEA can be recovered for recycling. The gel-like, flexible combination of CaCO3 oligomers and FA particles formed by FA offers great resource utilization potential via a controlled crystallization polymerization process.