This paper focuses on the multi-UAV encirclement problem in the presence of obstacles by proposing an improved method that integrates the extended Kalman filter (EKF) into the multi-agent deep deterministic policy gradient (MADDPG) algorithm. Firstly, the EKF is employed to accurately estimate the target position, providing position information for the subsequent encirclement strategy. Then, based on the estimated target position, the hunting points are calculated and determined. Subsequently, the hunting points are allocated to each UAV in a reasonable manner, ensuring that the UAVs can arrive at the estimated positions efficiently and simultaneously in the shortest time. Moreover, a composite reward function is designed to guide the UAVs to make optimal decisions in the encirclement task, where a segmented reward function is used to train the UAV to perform smooth obstacle avoidance. Through extensive training experiments, the convergence and effectiveness of the proposed improved algorithm are significantly verified, providing strong technical support for the efficient execution of the UAV encirclement task.
Fluorescent analysis technology has received widespread recognition in the field of rapid detection due to its simplicity, high sensitivity, and selectivity. Carbon quantum dots possess abundant surface groups, excellent biocompatibility, and fluorescence stability, making them outstanding fluorescent probes for the detection of antibiotics. In this study, a highly selective “turn-on-off” fluorescent probe utilizing nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, S-CQDs) for the on-site detection of moxifloxacin (MXF) and ofloxacin (OFX) in honey was fabricated. Due to the aggregation-induced emission effect, the fluorescence of the probe at 515 nm was significantly increased through hydrogen bond or π-π interactions with MXF and OFX. The subsequent addition of Cu2+ led to the formation of a non-fluorescent N, S-CQDs-MXF-Cu2+ or N, S-CQDs-OFX-Cu2+ ternary complex, resulting in static fluorescence quenching. Strong linear correlations were observed between the Cu2+-induced relative fluorescence quenching efficiency (ΔF/F0) and antibiotic concentrations (0.02–8 mg·L−1 for MXF and 0.1–20 mg·L−1 for OFX). The developed assay demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity, with LOQs ranging from 9.3 to 9.6 μg∙L−1. Moreover, MXF, OFX and their mixtures can be effectively distinguished using linear discriminant analysis. The fluorescent probe was successfully applied to a test strip, which enables the detection of MXF and OFX in honey with the aid of a smartphone.
The development of novel multifunctional carbon quantum dots with red fluorescence emission is attractive and challenging in the field of biological applications. In this study, boronic acid groups-functionalized red fluorescence-emitting carbon quantum dots (BI-RCDs) were successfully synthesized using Indomethacin, Neutral Red, and 3-aminophenylboronic acid as precursors via a precursor group-based in situ functionalization synthesis strategy. The obtained BI-RCDs exhibited maximum excitation (lambda EX) /emission wavelengths (lambda EM) of 575 /635 nm, a high quantum yield (QY) of 55.48%, and excellent stability. Based on a fluorescence quenching and recovery mechanism, the BI-RCDs were employed to construct an "on-off-on" fluorescence sensing platform. Highly sensitive and selective detection of Fe3+ and L-cysteine (L-Cys) was achieved, with detection limits as low as 0.252 & micro;M and 0.116 & micro;M, and linear ranges of 0-60 & micro;M and 0-40 & micro;M, respectively. Furthermore, the boronic acid-functionalized BI-RCDs demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy against Eschertchta colt (E. colt) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) through boronic acid-diol interactions, with minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 0.78 mg/mL and 0.80 mg/mL, respectively. The fast red fluorescent labeling imaging of bacteria could be achieved through boronic acid group-diol interaction. This study provided a new strategy for constructing multifunctional red fluorescence emitting carbon quantum dots integrating sensing, antibacterial and imaging.
The development of novel multifunctional carbon quantum dots with red fluorescence emission is attractive and challenging for biological applications. In this study, amidinothiourea (ASU), neutral red (NR) and 3-aminophe-nylboronic acid (M-APBA) were employed as precursors. Nitrogen-doped boric acid groups-functionalized red emitting carbon quantum dots (N/B-RCDs) were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method. The prepared N/B-RCDs exhibited excellent aqueous solubility and stability. Through nitrogen doping, the red light emission with a maximum emission wavelength of 630 nm and a high fluorescence quantum yield of 44.58 % were achieved, which could effectively avoid interference from spontaneous short-wavelength fluorescence of tissues in biological detection applications. The N/B-RCDs could enable fluorescent detection of L-arginine (L-Arg) with a linear response range of 0-60 mu M and a detection limit as low as 0.217 mu M. Meanwhile, its fluorescence intensity showed significant pH-dependent behaviour (pH 6-8), which could be utilized for pH monitoring in the microenvironment of bacterial infection diseases. Furthermore, due to the ability of the boric acid groups on the surface of N/B-RCDs to covalently bind to cis-diols in the bacterial cell walls, N/B-RCDs showed potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.65 mg/mL and 2.07 mg/mL, respectively. Simultaneously, N/B-RCDs could be successfully applied to bacterial fluorescence imaging to achieve real-time visual monitoring of antibacterial effects. This study provides a novel approach for developing intelligent antibacterial materials with real-time feedback function and diagnostic-therapeutic integration by constructing multifunctional red fluorescent carbon quantum dots.
The pervasive presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in the soil environment has been widely documented. However, the mechanisms governing their transport through soil remain poorly understood. This study investigated the migration and vertical distribution of NPs under simulated rainfall, examining the effects of NP properties (concentration, polymer type, aging) and rainfall conditions (duration, pH). The results demonstrated that rainfall facilitated the entry and retention of NPs in soil, with long-term rainfall promoting gradual migration to deeper layers or groundwater. NP mobility was inversely related to their contamination levels. Lower concentrations enhanced downward transport, while higher concentrations led to preferential retention in the topsoil. Due to its hydrophilicity, polyamide (PA) exhibits greater mobility in soil than hydrophobic polystyrene (PS). Both UV aging and acidic rainfall conditions inhibited the migration of NPs, which increased their long-term retention in soil, thereby elevating ecological risk. These results highlight the need for increased attention to the risk of groundwater contamination posed by hydrophilic NPs following long-term rainfall, as well as the threat posed by hydrophobic NPs, particularly after aging and under acidic rainfall conditions, to soil organisms and food safety. Our findings provide critical insights for assessing NP risks in soil environments.
Quinolone antibiotics are widely used to prevent and treat diseases caused by bacterial infection. However, overuse of antibiotics may lead to their residue in the environment and food, posing potential threats to human health. In this study, a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon quantum dots (N, S-CQDs) was synthesized, which can realize the detection of moxifloxacin (MXF), gatifloxacin (GAT) and ofloxacin (OFX) in milk. After addition of these antibiotics, the fluorescence at 440 nm originating from N, SCQDs was significantly quenched due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), while the fluorescence at 525 nm (MXF), 500 nm (GAT) and 515 nm (OFX) were enhanced due to aggregation induced emission (AIE). The fluorescence changes were completed within 30 s and stabilized for at least 14 days. Good linear relationships between the fluorescence intensity ratios (F525/F440 for MXF, F500/F440 for GAT and F515/F440 for OFX) and the antibiotic concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 mg L- 1 were obtained, with R2 above 0.99. The limits of quantitation were in the range of 1.67-6.20 mu g L- 1, and MXF, GAT and OFX can be well identified by linear discriminant analysis. The probe enabled quantitative analysis of MXF, GAT and OFX in milk samples, with recoveries ranging from 82% to 107%. A test strip based on the ratiometric fluorescence probe was successfully applied for the detection of MXF and GAT in milk in combination with a smartphone. This method exerted high specificity and sensitivity, which has the potential to achieve in-site detection of MXF, GAT and OFX in milk.
Long-wavelength fluorescent carbon quantum dots, as an emerging nanomaterial, could effectively overcome the problems of low detection efficiency, strong antibacterial resistance, and severe imaging interference of traditional methods in the diagnosis and therapy of bacterial infections. Herein, an innovative design of nitrogen and boron codoped orange fluorescent carbon quantum dots (NB-CDs) with both bacterial recognition and binding, long-wavelength fluorescence fast imaging, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial function was developed. The diagnostic and therapeutic integrated nanoplatform was successfully constructed by the solvothermal method using citric acid (CA) as the carbon source, safranine T (ST) as the nitrogen dopant, and 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid (M-APBA) as the boron source. The carbon quantum dots possessed orange fluorescence emission (λEm = 581 nm) and high quantum yield (QY) (41.50%), which could effectively avoid the interference of tissue spontaneous short-wavelength fluorescence. The boronic acid group on the surface of the carbon quantum dots is beneficial for covalent binding to bacteria, achieving a synergistic function of antimicrobial and imaging. Meanwhile, the carbon quantum dots exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (bactericidal rate > 99%), with the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) being 6.90 and 6.13 mg/mL, respectively, and enabled rapid fluorescence labeling imaging of bacteria within 1 h. In this study, an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic system was constructed by combining the binding ability of boric acid groups to bacteria with the optical properties of long-wavelength orange fluorescent carbon quantum dots, providing a new avenue for the development of smart antibacterial materials.
Residues of pesticides in milk may pose a threat to human health. This study aimed to develop a liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) method using hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)-based supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) for the simultaneous extraction and purification of four pesticides (boscalid, novaluron, cypermethrin and bifenthrin) in milk. Pesticides were extracted using SUPRAS prepared with nonanol and HFIP, and the extraction efficiency was analyzed. Results showed satisfactory recoveries ranging from 80.8%-111.0%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of <6.4%. Additionally, satisfactory linearities were observed, with correlation coefficients >0.9952. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range of 1.8 mu g center dot L-1-14.0(- 1 ). The established method demonstrated high extraction efficiency with a short operation time (15 mins) and low solvent consumption (2.7 mL). The HFIP-based SUPRAS LPME method offers a convenient and efficient approach for the extraction of pesticides from milk, presenting a promising alternative to conventional techniques.
Plant-based antimicrobial substances have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics and preservatives. Although many review studies have been done in this field, many of these reviews solely focus on specific compounds from particular perspectives. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review on the various types of plant-based antimicrobial substances, the extraction and purification processes, as well as the application and safety issues. Combining different natural plant-derived substances shows promise in enhancing antimicrobial activities. Moreover, despite the existence of various methods (e.g., microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction) to extract and purify antimicrobial substances, isolating pure compounds remains a laborious process. Sustainability issues should also be considered when developing extraction methods. Additionally, the extraction process generates a significant amount of plant waste, necessitating proper utilization to ensure economic viability. Lastly, not all plant-derived substances are safe, and further research is needed to investigate their toxicity before widespread application.
Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are ideal fluorescent probes for rapid detection. This paper reviews the synthesis methods of CQDs, their application in the rapid detection of antibiotics and heavy metals in the environment and food, and the underlying detection mechanisms. The hydrothermal method is the most commonly used for synthesis, and CQDs doped with heteroatoms (such as N, P and S) exhibit superior fluorescence performance. In the presence of antibiotics and heavy metals, the fluorescence of CQDs can be quenched or enhanced. Single-signal and dual-signal probes can be developed using the fluorescence, phosphorescence and absorbance of CQDs, enabling rapid detection of various antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, quinolone and beta-lactam antibiotics) and heavy metals (e.g., Cd2+, Cr6+, Fe3+, Hg2+, and Pb2+). With the combination of smartphones and fluorescent probe test strips developed based on CQDs, on-the-spot rapid detection can be realized. This review offers new insights into rapid detection of CQDs.
With the development of economy and science and technology, artificial intelligence has been widely used in various fields, which has greatly changed the existing production and life style. However, in the field of rural revitalization in China, the participation degree of artificial intelligence is significantly weaker. Through the method of artificial intelligence, this paper establishes a SWOT management model for rural revitalization. By analyzing the current advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and threats in the field of rural revitalization in China, it systematically analyzes the leverage effect and problem of the application of artificial intelligence in rural development, and finally puts forward corresponding development countermeasures according to the actual situation in China.
To address the shortcomings of poor convection and product agglomeration of the static hydrothermal method, the dynamic hydrothermal method together with the viscous solvent-assisted dynamic hydrothermal method were proposed to synthesize Ni-phyllosilicate in this work. Stirring seemed to be powerful to accelerate the synthesis with significant increase of Ni content from 11.80 wt% (static synthesis) to 23.13 wt% (dynamic synthesis). The further modification of glycerol increased the shearing force to exfoliate the Ni-phyllosilicate nanosheets during dynamic synthesis, whose thickness could reach 1.17 nm with improved metal utilization ratio after reduction. As a result, the activity of CO2 methanation was enhanced with large TOFCO2 of 3.5 x 10-2 s-1 and small Ea of 65.13 kJ & sdot;mol- 1. In situ DRIFTS analysis confirmed the existence of high actively intermediate of m-HCOO- and *CO, which could be further hydrogenated into CHx species. In short, the synergistic effect of dynamic stirring and glycerol modification drove the enhancement of catalytic activity, and also provided the possibility of large-scale production of Ni-phyllosilicate using hydrothermal method.
Selective adsorption of heavy metal ions from industrial effluent is important for healthy ecosystem development. However, the selective adsorption of heavy metal pollutants by biochar using lignin as raw material is still a challenge. In this paper, the lignin carbon material (N-BLC) was synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal carbonization method using paper black liquor (BL) as raw material and triethylene diamine (TEDA) as nitrogen source. N-BLC (2:1) showed excellent selectivity for Cr(VI) in the binary system, and the adsorption amounts of Cr(VI) in the binary system were all greater than 150 mg/g, but the adsorption amounts of Ca(II), Mg(II), and Zn(II) were only 19.3, 25.5, and 6.3 mg/g, respectively. The separation factor (SF) for Cr(VI) adsorption was as high as 120.0. Meanwhile, FTIR, elemental analysis and XPS proved that the surface of N-BLC (2:1) contained many N– and O– containing groups which were favorable for the removal of Cr(VI). The adsorption of N-BLC (2:1) followed the Langmuir model and its maximum theoretical adsorption amount was 618.4 mg/g. After 5th recycling, the adsorption amount of Cr(VI) by N-BLC (2:1) decreased about 15
Thermochemical conversions are pathways for biomass utilization to produce various value-added energy and chemical products. For the development of novel thermochemical conversion technologies, an accurate understanding of the reaction performance and kinetics is essential. Given the diversity of the thermal analysis techniques, it is necessary to understand the features and limitations of the reactors, ensuring that the selected thermal analysis reactor meets the specific need for reaction characterization. This paper provides a critical overview of the thermal analysis reactors based on the following perspectives: 1) gas flow conditions in the reactor, 2) particle's external and internal heat and mass transfer limitations, 3) heating rate, 4) temperature distribution, 5) nascent char production and reaction, 6) liquid feeding and atomization, 7) simultaneous sampling and analyzing of bed materials, and 8) reacting atmosphere change. Finally, prospects and future research directions in the development of analysis techniques are proposed.
Redispersing bimetallic active nanoparticles in a heterogeneous catalyst can significantly improve metal utili-zation and catalytic performance, but it is very challenging. In this work, we report a feasible method to redisperse large bimetallic NiRu particles (30-40 nm) on the CeO2 support into small alloyed NiRu nanoparticles (3-5 nm) in an Ar gas atmosphere (NiRu/CeO2-Ar). During the high-temperature treatment, Ru metal in big bimetallic NiRu particles migrated to the surface of small alloyed nanoparticles because of the metal-phase separation, forming more Ni-Ru metal interfaces. As a result, NiRu/CeO2-Ar showed much better catalytic performance in CO2 methanation than the pristine catalyst (NiRu/CeO2) and the catalysts treated in air, H2, and reactant gases, respectively. Experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that the newly generated Ni-Ru metal interfaces are conducive to the adsorption of CO2 and further direct dissociation into CO*, thus enhancing the catalytic performance. This work provides a reliable strategy to redisperse bimetallic NiRu nanoparticles into small ones with more intermetallic interfaces.
The pervasive use of plastics in modern society necessitates the incorporation of organic additives to enhance their performance. However, the leachability of these additives and their potential adverse effects on environmental and biological health have raised significant concerns. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the factors influencing the release of organic additives from plastics and examines their detrimental impacts on organisms and humans. It discusses effective degradation techniques, such as photodegradation and biodegradation, to mitigate these adverse effects. Furthermore, this review explores recent advancements in eco-friendly plastic additives, including bio-based plasticizers, flame retardants, antioxidants, and environmentally friendly non-biobased additives. It highlights their potential as alternatives to traditional additives. This review integrates the latest research findings and emerging trends, underscoring the need for continued research and development of sustainable solutions. It aims to facilitate the transition to environmentally friendly degradation techniques and greener plastic additives. This effort contributes to environmental protection and sustainable development, providing crucial guidance and insights for future research and practical applications.
Interfaces between active metal and metal oxide in a heterogenous catalyst often play an important role in catalysis. In this work, we intentionally synthesized a series of inverse CeO2-Cr2O3/Ni model catalysts with the formation of controlled CeO2-Ni and Cr2O3-Ni interfacial structures and investigated the roles of the oxide-metal interfaces in CO2 methanation performance through excluding the normal support effect. Experimental and DFT calculation results reveal that the formate pathway tends to occur on the catalyst with only CeO2-Ni interfaces. The Cr2O3-Ni interface formed after introducing Cr oxide alters the nearby CeO2-Ni interface by electron transfer through Ni, which brings an additional reaction pathway (CO pathway) on CeO2-Cr2O3/Ni. Furthermore, it shows a relatively lower CO2 absorption energy and activation energy barrier for CO2 dissociation to CO at the Cr2O3-Ni interface, favorable for CO2 activation and further hydrogenation, thus leading to excellent low-temperature activity.
The widespread use of neonicotinoids has led to their frequent detection in the environment and potential environmental risk in recent years. Clothianidin (CLO) and thiamethoxam (TMX), as the second generation of neonicotinoid insecticides, are usually used as seed agents with a high risk of residue in the soil. Efficient degradation of CLO and TMX in soil using peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process was investigated in the present study. The degradation efficiencies of CLO and TMX reached 91.4
Foodborne pathogens can cause food spoilage and lead to food safety issues. In recent years, food packaging has received a lot of attention. Traditional packaging membranes are non-biodegradable and remain in the environment for a long time. In this study, natural antimicrobial substances were extracted from Schisandra chinensis by a green extraction process using distilled water as the solvent, and the effects of different treatment on the antimicrobial activity of the extract were compared. At the same time, four types of Schisandra chinensis antimicrobial membranes were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the substrate. The whole extraction and membrane preparation process did not involve organic solvents, making the process green and environment friendly. Material characterization included inverted biological microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile strength test, pore size measurement, water uptake test, etc. Among them, no extract particles were observed with the naked eye on the surfaces of MⅡ and MⅣ. MⅡ has a uniformly transparent, nearly colorless morphology and is the most tensile. MⅣ surface is flat and smooth, the microstructure is dense and uniform. At the same time, the four types of membranes were tested against common pathogenic bacteria for 12 h, and the OD600 trend revealed the excellent antimicrobial activity of the membranes against S. aureus, MRSA, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes. The membranes could also be reused at least once. This study provides a new idea for preparing natural plant-based antimicrobial membranes.