In this study, hybrid materials composed of TiO2 and activated carbon derived from coffee husks (TiO2-AC) demonstrated high efficiency in removing organic pollutants, including methylene blue (MB), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and trimethoprim (TRI). The activated carbon was produced from coffee production by-products after extracting phenolic compounds and was activated using ZnCl2. The TiO2-AC hybrid materials were synthesized through the solvothermal method. These materials were characterized using various techniques: Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis to determine specific surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to analyze crystal structure, infrared spectroscopy (IR) to identify surface functional groups, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine surface morphology, and zeta potential measurements to assess surface charge. The BET specific surface area of the synthesized materials was 475 m2/g for activated carbon, 88 m2/g for TiO2-AC(1:3), and 48 m2/g for pure TiO2. The adsorption and photocatalytic kinetics of MB, CIP, and TRI degradation were evaluated using the synthesized hybrid materials. The results showed that pH significantly influenced degradation efficiency: the optimal photocatalytic activity for TRI and CIP was observed at pH 7, while MB degradation was most effective at pH 9.
The increasing demand for natural ingredients in cosmetic applications has highlighted Centella asiatica as a potential source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study was evaluated the effect of maceration time on the extraction yield and antioxidant activity of C. asiatica using 70% ethanol as a solvent. Maceration periods of 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 hours were investigated to determine the optimal extraction condition. The results showed that the 18-hour maceration produced the strongest antioxidant activity, indicated by the lowest IC50 value of approximately 25 µg/mL, whereas longer extraction times reduced activity due to possible degradation of bioactive compounds. FTIR analysis identified hydroxyl (O–H), carbonyl (C=O), and C–O functional groups associated with phenolic, flavonoid, and triterpenoid compounds. The extracts were incorporated into anti-aging cream formulations, which were evaluated for pH, viscosity, spreadability, moisture retention, and sensory properties. Formulation F4 exhibited the highest consumer acceptance with balanced physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant performance. These findings demonstrate that optimizing maceration time is essential for enhancing the bioactive potential of C. asiatica extracts for cosmetic applications.
This study evaluated the potential of the EM38-MK2 Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) device—applied for the first time in Viet Nam—to estimate soil water content (SWC) and porosity across three sites in Nghe An province, representing diverse terrains and soil conditions. Ridge regression models correlated EMI data with laboratory-analyzed soil properties. The results showed strong accuracy in predicting moisture content suitable for agricultural applications, whereas porosity predictions require further refinement. High-resolution maps generated at three different depths effectively captured spatial variations in soil properties, offering a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional sampling. Future research recommendations include: integrating artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to improve soil property predictions; combining EMI with other geophysical techniques to provide complementary data and enhance prediction reliability; testing across diverse soil types nationwide; assessing the impact of environmental factors on EMI measurements and developing minimization strategies; creating user-friendly software and decision support systems for farmers and practitioners to interpret and utilize EMI data for informed management decisions.
This article proposes a new design for a double excitation synchronous machine. The end-shields with an L-shaped core are introduced to lower the magnetic resistance. The analyses are accomplished by using a three-dimensional finite element method, required by the truly three-dimensional flux paths of the machine. The length of the end shield was varied from 1 mm to 23 mm, and the resulting flux control curves were compared to those of the base model. The design with an end-shield length of 17 mm was chosen as the best compromise. Compared to the base model, this design widens the flux control range from 3.569 mWb to 3.883 mWb (+8.8 %) and increases the slope of the curve in the linear region from 0.367 mWb/A to 0.565 mWb/A (+53.9 %), at the cost of a mass increase from 17.36 kg to 18.16 kg (+4.6 %). The minimum flux achieved was 0.65 mWb at a field current of 4.3 A, instead of 7 A, indicating a significant 62% reduction in field winding copper losses.
Lectins are a diverse class of carbohydrate-binding proteins found throughout nature, known for their significant biological and therapeutic potential. They play crucial roles in immune modulation, pathogen recognition, antiviral defense, and cancer inhibition. Due to their biomedical importance, the purification of lectins in a pure and structurally intact form is essential for precise structural and functional studies. Among various purification methods, gel filtration chromatography (GFC) has proven to be a reliable and gentle technique for separating lectins according to molecular size while preserving their natural conformation and bioactivity. This review summarizes the use of GFC for lectin purification from diverse sources such as plants, fungi, algae, animals, and microorganisms. GFC effectively distinguishes monomeric, dimeric, and multimeric lectins, offering insights into their molecular weight, structural integrity, and homogeneity. Although the method maintains protein activity and compatibility with downstream analyses, it shows limited resolution for proteins of similar molecular size, often requiring additional purification steps. Overall, GFC remains a fundamental and versatile technique in lectin purification, contributing substantially to advancements in analytical chemistry, glycoscience, immunology, and pharmaceutical research. This review comprehensively summarizes the role of gel filtration chromatography as a gentle, size-based technique for purifying lectins from diverse biological sources while preserving their structural integrity and bioactivity.
Cubic spinel ferrite nanoparticles manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) are synthesized using the co-precipitation method. The structural parameters of all the samples have been studied through X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Field effect scanning electron microscopy micrographs (FESEM) show the formation of highly dense forms of nanoparticles along with spherical morphology. But, at molarities of 1.3 M and 1.6 M, elongated particles were seen. The variation in bond distances with an increase in the molar concentration of NaOH could be attributed to more diffusion of Mn2+ ions and a deviation in the number of oxygen atoms in MnFe2O4. Raman spectra show that A1g band wavenumber shifts towards a higher wavenumber up to 1.3 M. This suggests an increase in bond length and lattice distortion, which is consistent with XRD results. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies indicate that Mn2+ shifts from tetrahedral to octahedral site with an increase in molar concentration. FTIR results demonstrate that the molar concentration of NaOH significantly affects shape of nanoparticles, bond lengths, and amount of Mn2+ ions on the tetrahedral sites of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles.
In this study, we fabricated and compared two composite interfaces, ZnO-NiO/PANI-CNTs (TNZ) and ZnO-NiO/PANI-Gr (GNZ), for electrochemical detection of methanol in aqueous media. The composite were examined by XPS, SEM, TEM, SAED, and electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Both composites contained NiO/NiOOH-ZnO active species distributed on conductive PANI-carbon networks and were able to catalyze methanol oxidation in alkaline solution. In the presence of 100 mM methanol, TNZ produced a higher voltammetric response than GNZ, indicating more effective charge transfer through the CNT-containing PANI framework. The Ni(II)/Ni(III) redox process appeared at approximately 0.45 and 0.30 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Chronoamperometric measurements showed a response time of about 5 s and two linear concentration ranges of 0 - 300 and 300 - 600 ppm. For the higher range, the calibration gave R² = 0.932. The response was also clearly observed in RON 92 gasoline samples containing methanol. The results demonstrate that both electrodes are applicable to methanol detection, with TNZ showing the better overall electrochemical response.
Collagen was successfully extracted from scales of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) at room temperature (20–25 °C) using acid alone, as well as with pepsin or protease assistance. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that acid-solubilized collagen (ASC) and pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) contained characteristic α-chains of approximately 120 kDa, consistent with type I collagen, whereas protease-solubilized collagen (PrSC) exhibited lower molecular weight chains (35–60 kDa). MS/MS spectrometry analysis confirmed that the isolated collagen was type I. Herein, the amino acid sequence of collagen isolated from grass carp cultivated in Viet Nam is reported for the first time, along with physicochemical properties, morphology, and elemental composition of the collagen. According to the research, grass carp scales represent a potential source for type I collagen extraction. Pepsin efficiently yields collagen with high purity and an intact triple-helix structure, while protease effectively produces collagen with lower molecular weight. These properties highlight the potential of both enzymes for various industrial and biomedical applications.
This study investigates the effects of incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) modified with trimethoxy(allyl)silane (TAVS) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) into acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/polyphenylene oxide (ABS/PPO) polymer blends. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed successful silane grafting within HNT lumens, with grafting ratios of 3.62% (HNT-TA) and 2.15% (HNT-TM) determined via TGA. Surface modification enhanced nanofiller compatibility and dispersion within the ABS/PPO blends, as evidenced by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Mechanical characterization revealed that silane modification elevated the optimal filler loading from 5 wt% (untreated HNT) to 7.5 wt% (modified HNT), yielding the most substantial improvements in tensile and flexural strength. Furthermore, flame retardancy was markedly improved, as evaluated by UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a dense protective char layer and 3D tube-network effects that restrict heat and volatile gas diffusion, complemented by gas-phase radical scavenging driven by intrinsic iron oxides. Overall, silane-functionalized HNTs demonstrate significant potential for tailoring high-performance ABS/PPO nanocomposites for advanced engineering applications.
Seafood is highly valued for its high-quality proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals but is also one of the most perishable food groups. Spoilage occurs rapidly after harvest due to microbial proliferation, enzymatic autolysis, lipid oxidation, and protein degradation. Among several chemical indices, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N)-comprising ammonia, dimethylamine, and trimethylamine- is the most widely used freshness indicator. The TVB-N originates mainly from microbial reduction of trimethylamine oxide and enzymatic degradation of nitrogenous compounds. Its concentration typically increases with microbial activity and sensory rejection, making it a practical marker of spoilage. However, its reliability as a universal indicator remains controversial due to species-specific variation, storage conditions, and microbial dynamics. This review summarizes the mechanisms of seafood spoilage, the biochemical pathways of TVB-N formation, analytical methods, regulatory limits, and associated research gaps. It also highlights the need for integrating TVB-N with complementary indices such as the K-value and biogenic amines, along with smart-sensing and AI-assisted technologies, to improve the accuracy and sustainability of seafood freshness evaluation.
The unpowered flight vehicles have demonstrated high effectiveness on the battlefield. However, their disadvantages have become more apparent, one is the relatively high risk of being detected by modern air defense systems due to the heat-radiated emission. Although they do not have any propulsion devices, they may still emit heat into the air. When they fly, a thin layer of air surrounding their surface is irritated, generating heat-radiated. This energy may be detected by modern thermal seekers of man-portable air defense systems located two to three kilometers away. Based on our own published work that confirmed the possibility of unpowered flight vehicles achieving a range of seventy to ninety kilometers, this paper focuses on solving the problem of optimizing a maneuver trajectory according to the criteria of minimal effective heat-radiated energy to reduce the risk of being detected in approaching a target. The problem is solved based on the selection of the suitable function of the normal load factor to create the maneuver trajectories in almost heat-invisible conditions at night time. As a result, the paper obtains an optimal trajectory with nearly four times less effective heat-radiated energy than the traditional trajectory.
This paper presents a novel 6G-Enabled vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication framework designed for the Intelligent Internet of Vehicles (IoV). The proposed system integrates the multi-user access and interference suppression capabilities of multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA) with the delay–Doppler domain robustness of orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS) modulation. This hybrid design ensures reliable transmission in high-mobility and dense vehicular environments. Vehicle mobility is modeled using a combination of car-following dynamics and Markov chain-based lane-changing behavior, capturing both longitudinal and lateral motion patterns. The communication system further employs minimum mean square error (MMSE) and zero-forcing (ZF) techniques for multi-user detection at the receiver. To cope with rapid channel variations caused by mobility, we introduce a Multi-Agent Deep Q-learning (DQL) framework for mobility-aware channel tracking. Each agent learns adaptive channel update strategies based on historical channel estimates and mobility context. Simulation results show that the proposed MC-CDMA–OTFS system with DQL tracking achieves up to a 2.5 dB SNR gain at BER = 10⁻³ and improves throughput compared to a conventional OFTS baseline. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed hybrid design as a robust physical-layer foundation for next-generation 6G V2X networks.
With the increasing number and complexity of emerging pollutants in water, such as antibiotics, the development of new materials with high adsorption capacity has garnered significant research interest. In this study, a CuBTC/biochar composite derived from macadamia was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The synthesized composite combined biochar microstructure with cubic and rod-like CuBTC nanostructures, enhancing the overall adsorption performance. Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of Cu, O, and C elements, while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to both CuBTC and biochar. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns identified the 3 Dimensional (3D) crystalline phase of CuBTC, and it was observed that the hydrothermal process reduced the specific surface area of the biochar. Based on the material properties and initial adsorption results, a CuBTC/biochar ratio of 1:1 was selected for further investigation in the treatment of oxytetracycline. The optimal adsorption conditions were determined to be 0.1 g of adsorbent, 1 hour of contact time, and an initial pH of 6. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-first-order and Redlich-Peterson models, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 34 mg.g-1 as described by the Langmuir model. The negative values of standard Gibbs free energy change (∆G) and enthalpy change (∆H) indicated that the process is spontaneous and exothermic. The adsorption mechanism involves both physical and chemical interactions, including pore filling, electrostatic attraction, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and surface complexation. Remarkably, after one year, despite a 38-fold decrease in the specific surface area of the composite, the material retained nearly 80 % of its adsorption efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of combining macadamia biochar derived from abundant solid waste sources, durable structure and high carbonization efficiency, with metal-organic frameworks such as CuBTC to develop synergistic materials for the removal of emerging pollutants like oxytetracycline antibiotics.
The bacterial biofilm can support several pathogens to be resistant to antibiotics, fungicides, and parasiticides. Slime from shrimp ponds is the common habitat of some biofilm-forming bacteria and their natural enemies, especially bacteriophage. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate these biofilm-forming bacteria from the bottom slime of shrimp ponds and subsequently isolate several bacteriophage strains that were capable of infecting these bacteria. For the methods, the disadvantageous bacteria were collected from the samples and isolated through morphology, biochemical reactions, and molecular biological identification. The bacteriophage was simultaneously collected from the same slime samples and isolated through spot test and double agar overlay assay. Moreover, the bacterial biofilm detachment ability of the bacteriophage was evaluated through the optical density measurement of the bacterial biofilm with and without bacteriophage. As a result, the isolated biofilm-forming bacteria STM1 was both diplococci and tetrad, Gram-positive, non-motile, and yellow colony on the TSA medium. The catalase and oxidase activities of the STM1 were positive, and this strain did not ferment glucose and mannitol. Through morphological observations, biochemical reactions, and 16S rRNA gene analysis, STM1 was similar to Micrococcus luteus (PP495084.1) at 99.5 %. For the bacteriophage selection, four strains detaching bacterial biofilm were isolated at salinities between 5 and 20 ppt, wherein the phage pST9Δ2 strongly detached the STM1 biofilm (peaking at 82 % at 15ppt salinity).
Polymeric biomaterials based on biodegradable, non-toxic polymers are being studied for applications in pharmaceutical and medical fields. With their advantages, many products have been developed and tested over the past decades. Chrysophanol (CSP), a natural anthraquinone isolated from fungi, rhubarb, senna, etc., exhibits good properties such as hemostasis, antibacterial ability, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and improving local blood deficiency conditions, etc. Despite its numerous beneficial effects, the poor water solubility of CSP limits its absorption in the body. Polycaprolactone (PCL), a biocompatible and biodegradable polyester, has been extensively researched for polymeric biomaterials carrying drugs to achieve controlled drug release, improve water solubility, and enhance drug bioavailability. This work presents the preparation and characterization of a novel biomaterials based on the PCL and CSP at different PCL/CSP ratios prepared by the solution method. The methods, including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ultra violet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, have been used to assess the characteristics of PCL/CSP biomaterials. The obtained results indicate that CSP was loaded by PCL and they can interact to each other through physical interactions. The presence of PCL in the biomaterials contributes significantly to enhancing the solubility of CSP in aqueous environment. As a result, the CSP content released from PCL/CSP biomaterials was improved remarkably in pH 2.0 and pH 7.4 buffer solutions. Additionally, the release kinetic of CSP from the biomaterials has been calculated to find a suitable mechanism for drug release in the simulated body fluids.
Microplastics (MPs) are known as emerging pollutants not only for their ability to adsorb contaminants in the surrounding environment but also because of the additives present in their composition. Assessing the correlation of microplastics with other pollutants can be considered a basis for making deeper judgments about the potential risks of microplastics and the ecosystem. In this study, we collected samples at ten locations in the coastal area of Quang Ninh. Empirical evidence demonstrates a universally pronounced biological concentration index for mussels relative to seawater, irrespective of the spatial distribution of the sampling points (Bioconcentration Ratio > 1). Biota sediment accumulation factor > 1, on average more than 10 times. The pollution load index (PLI) index in mussels ranges from 5.23 to 11.65 at the dangerous level I to II, the PLI index in sediment ranges from 3.32 to 7.03 at level I, and the PLI index in seawater samples rangesfrom 32.66 to 54.16 at level IV. Within the evaluated green mussels, MP accumulation in the soft tissue exhibited marginal to negligible statistical relationships with the targeted contaminants: Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (r = 0.37), Bisphenol A (r = 0.14), and Phthalic acid esters (r = - 0.22). Given these preliminary findings, further research is strictly required to definitively ascertain whether the overall quantity of MPs corresponds with the tissue concentrations of Bisphenol A, Phthalic acid esters, and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers. These differences suggest that tissue and side effects influence the interactions between these contaminants.
The effects of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration, molar ratios of monochloroacetic acid (MCA) to anhydroglucose unit (AGU), molar ratios of NaOH to MCA, ethanol concentration, and volume on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) production were investigated. The results demonstrated that CMC with an average substitution degree of 0.9267 was obtained using 50 % (w/v) NaOH, a MCA/AGU molar ratio of 1.3, and a NaOH/MCA molar ratio of 3. The optimal washing process for achieving pharmaceutical-grade carboxymethyl cellulose involved a series of five washes with 60 mL of 80 % v/v ethanol, resulting in impurity residue consisting of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium glycolate (HNa) at 0.23 % and 0.19 %, respectively. This process represented the least amount of solvent required to attain pharmacopoeial standards for CMC purity, while also minimizing the number of washes needed to preserve the quality of the CMC product. These results offered a practical method for preparing high-purity CMC for use in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Zanthoxylum genus, belonging to the Rutaceae family, comprises over 250 species and is widely distributed across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These species have been appreciated their significance as both spices and medicinal plants with broad therapeutic applications, especially for cancer treatment. Zanthoxylum species via Z. nitidum, Z. armatum, Z. chalybeum, Z. bungeanum, Z. piperitum, Z. simulans, Z. capense, Z. schinifolium, and Z. zanthoxyloides were a rich source of cytotoxic components, including crude extracts, essential oils, secondary metabolite compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, and coumarins that showed potential anticancer agents through many different mechanisms. However, there are some reports on the safety/toxicology of some Zanthoxylum species, and advice about using them for a long time must be narrowly supervised, as well as further toxicity investigations to access their safety before in vivo trials.
Biochar and compost have been recognized as amendments for improving soil quality and crop productivity. However, using biochar and compost, individually or in combination, for creating organic growing media remains less prevalent than in soil applications. This study addresses this gap by combining compost and biochar with coconut coir dust to develop organic soilless growing media. In this study, there were 4 empirical formulas (1 control formula with organic soil and three mixed ones with different proportions of coconut coir dust (40 – 60 %), compost (20 – 40 %), and 20 % of biochar). The physicochemical parameters of feedstocks were evaluated before creating growing media. Organic growing media were assessed as rich in organic matter (40.222 – 50.982 %), while porosity, moisture content, and dry bulk density were in the range of 74.2 – 82.0 %, 55.7 – 58.0 %, and 0.56 – 0.78 g/cm3. pH and EC of growing media were in the range of 6.20 – 6.43 and 1.33 – 1.56 mS/cm. The characteristic parameters of the organic growing media were better than those of the control formula. Green onions cultivated in organic growing media exhibited yields of 1.67 to 2.16 times higher than those grown in the control medium, with no contamination from heavy metals, nitrates, or pathogenic microorganisms. The most effective organic growing medium, comprising 50 % coconut coir dust, 30 % compost, and 20 % biochar, produced the highest yield and quality. These findings demonstrate the potential of organic soilless growing media as a viable alternative to traditional soil in urban agriculture.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 is a pivotal regulator of the eukaryotic cell cycle, and its hyperactivation is a hallmark of various human malignancies. Consequently, identifying potent CDK2 inhibitors remains a primary objective in anticancer drug discovery. In this study, we employed an integrated in silico approach to evaluate a library of 3000 xanthone derivatives as potential CDK2 inhibitors. Initial high-throughput molecular docking identified compounds 313 and 481 as the potential inhibitors. Subsequent 20 ns molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the structural stability of the complexes, with all-atom RMSD values equilibrating at approximately 0.2 nm. Interaction analysis revealed that these inhibitors establish robust hydrogen bonds with essential residues, including Leu83 and Asp145, supported by an extensive hydrophobic network. While ADMET profiling indicated low acute toxicity and no tumorigenic potential, challenges regarding oral bioavailability and predicted mutagenicity were observed. These findings highlight compounds 313 and 481 as promising natural lead scaffolds that merit further structural optimization for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.
