This work presents a terahertz (THz) glucose biosensor based on a graphene–gold hybrid metasurface that combines strong plasmonic confinement with electrical tunability. The sensor was numerically analysed using the finite element method, and its performance was evaluated over a refractive index range of 1.335–1.347 RIU, corresponding to glucose-induced variations in blood and interstitial fluid. The optimized structure achieved a maximum sensitivity of 1000 GHz·RIU⁻1, with a constant full width at half maximum of 0.068 THz, yielding a figure of merit and detection accuracy of 14.706 RIU⁻1. The resonance frequency exhibited a linear dependence on both glucose concentration (R2 = 1.00) and refractive index (R2 = 0.85). Bayesian ridge regression was employed to model the relationship between resonance characteristics and sensing parameters, achieving high predictive accuracy with quantified uncertainty. The results demonstrate the potential of graphene–gold metasurfaces for high-performance, non-invasive THz glucose sensing.
Phase change materials (PCMs) like PEG-40 0 0 offer high heat storage density and can isothermally store or release energy. However, there are fatal safety problems, such as leakage and flammability during transition, which greatly limit the practical application. To address these issues, coaxial electrospinning was employed to fabricate multifunctional core-shell structured fibers, encapsulating PEG-40 0 0 within a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) shell integrated with halogen-free intumescent flame retardants (IFR). The resulting PEG-4000@PVDF-IFR (PPI) composite fibers exhibit superior thermal stability, shape stability, and flame retardancy. Among them, PPI-3 exhibits a synergistic flame-retardant effect, with a high storage density of 92.26 J g-1 and a V-0 rating in modified UL-94 tests. Compared to PEG-40 0 0, PPI-3 reduces the total heat release (THR) by 51.59 % and increases the char residue from 1.51 % to 15.15 %, significantly enhancing the flame retardancy. The PPI coaxial fiber membrane, featuring a well-designed core-shell structure, combines high porosity, large specific surface area, and superior flexibility, simultaneously enhancing traditional textile comfort and thermal regulation while effectively mitigating thermal runaway risks in lithium-ion batteries. In conclusion, PPI shows considerable potential for application in thermal management applications. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
The structural, optical, fluorescence, dielectric, and electrical changes that PM-355 nuclear track detector films undergo after being exposed to gamma-ray radiation dosages between 30 and 270 kGy are examined in this work. X-ray diffraction examination showed widening, a shift toward higher diffraction angles, and an increase in peak intensity, all of which were indicative of increased structural disorder and crosslinking together with chain scission. Through the weakening of distinctive C-H, C-O-C, and carbonate groups, as well as the creation of novel oxygenated species, FTIR spectra verified radiation-induced degradation. The creation of conjugated structures, color centers, and carbon-rich clusters was linked to a redshift in the absorption edge and a notable decrease in the direct bandgap (4.15 -> 3.40 eV) and indirect bandgap (3.60 -> 2.60 eV), according to UV - Vis research. Fluorescence analyses confirmed spectrum shifts linked to defect formation and improved non-radiative recombination pathways, as well as a dose-dependent drop in emission intensity (hypochromic impact). Dielectric tests revealed that as the dose rose, the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and relaxation time increased. These findings were compatible with defect development, interfacial polarization, and increasing dipolar contributions. The associated barrier-hopping mechanism of charge transport was validated by the drop in the frequency exponent and the increase in AC conductivity with both frequency and radiation dose. Under gamma-ray irradiation, PM-355 films generally display variable structural and optoelectronic characteristics, underscoring their promise for sophisticated photonic, sensing, and radiation-dosimetry applications.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important legume crop globally, serving as a vital source of protein in human diets. However, its productivity is significantly constrained by Fusarium wilt, a destructive disease caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). This pathogen persists in the soil and infects chickpea plants under favorable conditions, particularly in hot and humid climates. Fusarium wilt is responsible for an estimated annual yield reduction of 10%-15%, and in severe cases, it can lead to complete crop failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver-fluconazole (Ag-FLZ) hybrid nanoformulations against chickpea wilt disease. The AgNPs were synthesized using guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extract. Nanoformulations of FLZ capped with polyethylene glycol were synthesized using anti-solvent precipitation method. Characterization of AgNPs and FLZ nanoformulation was done using UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, XRD, and SEM. Thus, characterized AgNPs' average size was found to be 54.9 nm and FLZ nanoformulation average size was found to be 95.6 nm. The XRD characterization technique validated the presence of crystalline nature of AgNPs. The efficacy of AgNPs and FLZ-based nanoformulations on antioxidative enzyme activity was evaluated through biochemical assays. A significant enhancement in antioxidant enzyme levels was observed following treatment. Chickpea plants infected with Fusarium wilt were treated with AgNPs and Ag-FLZ hybrid nanoformulation at varying concentrations, which effectively inhibited the growth of the pathogenic fungi. Among the treatments, the Ag-FLZ hybrid nanoformulation exhibited superior antifungal activity, conferring enhanced resistance to the pathogen. These findings highlight the potential application of Ag-FLZ hybrid nanoformulations as an effective antifungal strategy for managing Fusarium wilt in chickpea plants.
Cassia javanica is one of the commonly cultivated trees in urban landscapes worldwide. This study assessed the ecological effects of such tree on the urban vegetation in relation to its cultivation design: either superficial (shallow) or in-hole planting. Cover and the aboveground biomass beneath- and adjacent to the tree canopy were measured in both cultivation designs. Besides, soil physicochemical properties and microbial activities were investigated. Effects of rhizosphere soil of the tree and its shading effect on emergence and growth were determined on bermudagrass; the green cover of the urban landscape. Soil phenolics and flavonoids were investigated by chromatographic analyses. Plant cover and biomass were declined under the shallow-cultivated trees. Soil alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase were also suppressed. Shallow-planted trees reduced available potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, but enhanced nitrogen and nitrogenase activity. Rhizosphere soil inhibited emergence and growth of bermudagrass, whereas the shading canopy C. javanica had no effect. This soil contained significant amounts of phenolics and flavonoids. Root stratification was a factor determining the effect of this tree. Decline in cover and biomass of the urban vegetation may be associated with phytotoxins released from shallow roots of superficially-cultivated Cassia trees. The shading canopy was not likely affecting the understory vegetation. Shallow roots of such tree may represent an architecture restricting vegetation growth and impair normal microbial functioning in soil. Mostly, in-hole planting of C. javanica maintains vegetation and soil microbial function of the urban landscape. Mode of cultivation should be appointed carefully for conservation of the urban vegetation.
