Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

This paper introduces a first-time investigation into the impact of power ultrasound (PUS)-assisted preparation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of cement-granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) composite pastes. Pastes containing deposited GFBS with varying particle size fractions, partially replacing Portland cement, were prepared using PUS (ultrasonic horn tip, 20 kHz, 700 W) in pulse mode in a vertical jacketed glass sonoreactor with closed-circuit cooling. Cement paste incorporating 20 wt.% GBFS as mass substitution with varying particle size fractions was characterized by several physicochemical techniques at different curing ages. Exploring the cement and GBFS interaction induced by PUS, the compressive and flexural strength, the elastic modulus and indentation hardness, the heat of hardening, the mineral composition of hydration products, and the specific surface area BET were evaluated for a curing time of up to 28 days. The grain size distribution of GFBS and the reaction mixture's pH were measured. Both mechanical properties, heat of hydration and nanoporosity exhibited strong sensitivity to PUS treatment. Sonofragmentation of GBFS particles (especially the 125–250 μm fraction) increased with increasing sonication time, resulting in a relative increase of fraction <63 μm and a decrease of fraction >125 μm by 275 % and 60 %, respectively. Using the obtained SEM-EDS data, a simplified mechanism is proposed to explain the effects induced by PUS treatment.

Power ultrasound treatment, Portland cement, Granulated blast furnace slag, Early strength development, C-S-H/C-A-S-H, Seeding effect

The slow photon effect in inverse opal photonic crystals
represents a promising approach to manipulate the interactions
between light and matter through the design of material
structures. This study introduces a novel ordered inverse opal
photonic crystal (IOPC) sensitized with perovskite quantum dots
(PQDs), demonstrating its efficacy for efficient visible-lightdriven
H2 generation via water splitting. The rational structural
design contributes to enhanced light harvesting. The sensitization
of the IOPC with PQDs improves optical response performance
and enhances photocatalytic H2 generation under visible
light irradiation compared to the IOPC alone. The designed
photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 3.42 mAcm

Hydrogen production, inverse opals, perovskite, quantum dots, photocatalysts, photonic crystals

Textile and cosmetic industries generate large amounts of dye effluents requiring treatment before discharge. This wastewater contains high levels of reactive dyes, low to none-biodegradable materials and chemical residues. Technically, dye wastewater is characterised by high chemical and biological oxygen demand. Biological, physical and pressure-driven membrane processes have been extensively used in textile wastewater treatment plants. However, these technologies are characterised by process complexity and are often costly. Also, process efficiency is not achieved in cost-effective biochemical and physical treatment processes. Membrane distillation (MD) emerged as a promising technology harnessing challenges faced by pressure-driven membrane processes. To ensure high cost-effectiveness, the MD can be operated by solar energy or low-grade waste heat. Herein, the MD purification of dye wastewater is comprehensively and yet concisely discussed. This involved research advancement in MD processes towards removal of dyes from industrial effluents. Also, challenges faced by this process with a specific focus on fouling are reviewed. Current literature mainly tested MD setups in the laboratory scale suggesting a deep need of further optimization of membrane and module designs in near future, especially for textile wastewater treatment. There is a need to deliver customized high-porosity hydrophobic membrane design with the appropriate thickness and module configuration to reduce concentration and temperature polarization. Also, energy loss should be minimized while increasing dye rejection and permeate flux. Although laboratory experiments remain pivotal in optimizing the MD process for treating dye wastewater, their time-intensive nature poses a challenge. Given the multitude of parameters involved in MD process optimization, artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies present a promising avenue for assistance. Thus, AI-driven algorithms have the potential to enhance overall process efficiency, cutting down on time, fine-tuning parameters, and driving cost reductions. However, achieving an optimal balance between efficiency enhancements and financial outlays is a complex process. Finally, this paper suggests a research direction for the development of effective synthetic and natural dye removal from industrially discharged wastewater.

Energy Consumption,Dye Effluent,Fouling,Heat and Mass Transfer,Membrane and Module Design

The major hindrance to efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen generation from water electrolysis is the sluggish kinetics with corresponding large overvoltage of oxygen evolution reaction. Herein, we report a defective 2D NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 core-shell heterostructure derived from Hofmann-type MOF as an efficient and durable high-performance noble metal-free electrocatalyst for hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) in alkaline media. The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction was replaced with a more thermodynamically favourable HzOR, enabling energy-saving electrochemical hydrogen production with 2D NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 acting as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for anodic HzOR and cathodic hydrogen generation. Operating at room temperature, the two-electrode electrolyzer delivers 100 mA cm−2 from a cell voltage of just 257 mV, with strong long-term electrochemical durability and nearly 100% Faradaic efficiency for hydrogen evolution in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution with 0.5 M hydrazine. The density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate the origin of catalytic performance and showed that high vacancy creation within the heterointerface endowed NiCoMoS@Ni(CN)2 with favourable functionalities for excellent catalytic performance.

Defect engineering, Core-shell, Electrocatalyst, Hydrazine oxidation, Heterostructure

Efficient and sustainable energy conversion depends on the rational design of single-atom catalysts. The control of the active sites at the atomic level is vital for electrocatalytic materials in alkaline and acidic electrolytes. Moreover, fabrication of effective catalysts with a well-defined surface structure results in an in-depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism. Herein, a single atom ruthenium dispersed in nickel-cobalt layered hydroxide (Ru-NiCo LDH) is reported. Through the precise controlling of the atomic dispersion and local coordination environment, Ru-NiCo LDH//Ru-NiCo LDH provides an ultra-low overpotential of 1.45 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the overall water splitting, which surpasses that of the state-of-the-art Pt/C/RuO2 redox couple. Density functional theory calculations show that Ru-NiCo LDH optimizes hydrogen evolution intermediate adsorption energies and promotes O-O coupling at a Ru-O active site for oxygen evolution, while Ni serves as the water dissociation site for effective water splitting. As a potential model, Ru-NiCo LDH shows enhanced water splitting performance with potential for the development of promising water-alkaline catalysts.

The global scarcity of drinking water is an emerging problem associated with increasing pollution with many chemicals from industry and rapid microbial growth in aquatic systems. Despite the wide availability of conventional water and wastewater treatment methods, many limitations and challenges exist to overcome. Applying technology based on microbubbles (MBs) and nano-bubbles (NBs) offers ecological, fast, and cost-effective water treatment. All due to the high stability and long lifetime of the bubbles in the water, high gas transfer efficiency, free radical generation capacity, and large specific surface areas with interface potential of generated bubbles. MBs and NBs-based technology are attractive solutions in various application areas to improve existing water and wastewater treatment processes including industrial processes. In this paper, recent progress in NBs and MBs technology in water purification and wastewater treatment along with fundamentals, application, challenges, and future research were comperhensively discussed.

Nanobubbles, Microbubbles, MNB, Wastewater treatment, Water pollution utilization

This study showed that a polylactide (PLA)-based composite filled with nanostructured hydroxyapatite (HAp) and a natural extract from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L. could provide an alternative to commonly used fossil-based plasticsfor food packaging. The incorporation of HAp into the PLA matrix had a positive effect on improving selected properties of the composites; the beneficial effect could be enhanced by introducing a green modifier in the form of an extract. Prior to the fabrication of the composite, the filler was characterized in terms of morphology and composition, and the composite was then fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, and optical properties were investigated. The proposed material exhibits antioxidant properties against DPPH radicals and antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results showed that the nanocomposite has the highest antioxidant and antibacterial properties for 10 wt% HAp with an average diameter of rod-shaped structures below 100 nm. In addition, the introduction of turmeric extract had a positive effect on the tensile strength of the nanocomposites containing 1 and 5% HAp. As the resulting material adsorbs light in a specific wavelength range, it can be used in the medical sector, food-packaging, or coatings.

polylactide, hydroxyapatite, turmeric extract, curcumin extract, green composite

Functional antibacterial textiles fabricated from a hybrid of organic waste-derived and bio-inspired materials offer sustainable solutions for preventing microbial infections. In this work, we developed a novel antibacterial textile created through the valorization of spent coffee grounds (SCG). Electrospinning and electrospraying techniques were employed to integrate the biowaste within a polymeric nanofiber matrix, ensuring uniform particle distribution and providing structural support for enhanced applicability. Modification with polydopamine (PDA) significantly enhanced the textile's photothermal performance. Specific attention was paid to understanding the relation between temperature change and key variables, including the surrounding liquid volume, textile layer stacking, and applied laser power. Developed platforms demonstrated excellent photothermal stability. While the SCG-based textile demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility, the PDA-modified textile effectively eradicated Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The developed textiles in our work demonstrate a dynamic balance between biocompatibility and on-demand antibacterial functionality, offering adaptable solutions in accordance with the desired application.

Organic waste valorization, Spent coffee grounds, Micro-nanostructured textiles, Bio-inspired photothermal agents, Polydopamine, Antibacterial textiles

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of a composite made of superparamagnetic iron oxide and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (SPION/HAp) with a well-developed surface for loading anticancer drugs and for use in magnetic hyperthermia and local chemotherapy. The proposed material was obtained by an easy one-pot co-precipitation method with a controlled ratio of SPION to HAp. The morphology was studied by SEM and TEM, indicating rod-like structures for high HAp content in the composite and granule-like structures with increasing SPION. Its crystallinity, elemental composition, and functional groups were determined by X-ray diffraction, EDS, and FT-IR, respectively. The nanocomposite was then stabilized with citrates (CA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and folic acid (FA) as agents to improve intracellular absorption, while turbidimetric studies confirmed that only citrates effectively stabilized the magnetic carriers to form a colloidal suspension. Subsequently, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was loaded into the magnetic carriers and tested in vitro using the L-929 cell line. The studies showed no cytotoxicity of the citrate-stabilized suspension against fibroblasts and some cytotoxicity after 5-FU release. In addition to in vitro studies, the composite was also tested on biomimetic membranes made of DOPC, DOPE, cholesterol, and DOPS lipids using Langmuir trough. The results show that the resulting suspension interacts with biomimetic membranes, while magnetic hyperthermia studies confirm effective heat generation to achieve therapeutic 42–46 °C and improve drug release from magnetic carriers.

SPION, Hydroxyapatite, Magnetic hyperthermia, Drug delivery, 5-fluorouracil, Biomimetic membranes, Nanostructures, Cancer treatment

Adsorption,Thermal desorption,Gd-doped Fe3O4,Methotrexate

cationic dyes, magnetic separation, MOF, nanocomposites

AgNPs, Fe3O4, bifunctional, SERS, NSAIDS

Metaverse, STEM, Extended Reality, Education System

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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
The Influence of Emerging Technologies on Distance Education
by Magdalena Garlinska
1,†, Magdalena Osial
1 [ORCID] , Klaudia Proniewska
2,3 [ORCID] and Agnieszka Pregowska
1,*,† [ORCID]
1
Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
2
Center for Digital Medicine and Robotics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7E Str., 31-034 Krakow, Poland
3
Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 7 Str., 30-688 Krakow, Poland
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Electronics 2023, 12(7), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12071550
Received: 17 February 2023 / Revised: 22 March 2023 / Accepted: 23 March 2023 / Published: 25 March 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Computer Science & Engineering)
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Abstract
Recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, distance education became mainstream. Many students were not prepared for this situation—they lacked equipment or were not even connected to the Internet. Schools and government institutions had to react quickly to allow students to learn remotely. They had to provide students with equipment (e.g., computers, tablets, and goggles) but also provide them with access to the Internet and other necessary tools. On the other hand, teachers were trying to adopt new technologies in the teaching process to enable more interactivity, mitigate feelings of isolation and disconnection, and enhance student engagement. New technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Extended Reality (XR, so-called Metaverse), Big Data, Blockchain, and Free Space Optics (FSO) changed learning, teaching, and assessing. Despite that, some tools were implemented fast, and the COVID-19 pandemic was the trigger for this process; most of these technologies will be used further, even in classroom teaching in both schools and universities. This paper presents a concise review of the emerging technologies applied in distance education. The main emphasis was placed on their influence on the efficiency of the learning process and their psychological impact on users. It turned out that both students and teachers were satisfied with remote learning, while in the case of undergraduate children and high-school students, parents very often expressed their dissatisfaction. The limitation of the availability of remote learning is related to access to stable Internet and computer equipment, which turned out to be a rarity. In the current social context, the obtained results provided valuable insights into factors affecting the acceptance and emerging technologies applied in distance education. Finally, this paper suggests a research direction for the development of effective remote learning techniques.

distance education, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, free space optics (FSO), blockchain, big data

The rapidly growing production and usage of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dramatically raises the number of harmful wastes. Consequently, the LIBs waste management processes, taking into account reliability, efficiency, and sustainability criteria, became a hot issue in the context of environmental protection as well as the scarcity of metal resources. In this paper, we propose for the first time a functional material—a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) from the LIBs-based liquid waste containing heavy metal ions. At first, the spent battery waste powder was treated with acid-leaching, where the post-treatment acid-leaching solution (ALS) contained heavy metal ions including cobalt. Then, ALS was used during wet co-precipitation to obtain cobalt-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and as an effect, the harmful liquid waste was purified from cobalt. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized with SEM, TEM, XPS, and magnetometry. Subsequently, superparamagnetic nanoparticles sized 15 nm average in diameter and magnetization saturation of about 91 emu g−1 doped with Co were used to prepare the MRF that increases the viscosity by about 300% in the presence of the 100 mT magnetic fields. We propose a facile and cost-effective way to utilize harmful ALS waste and use them in the preparation of superparamagnetic particles to be used in the magnetorheological fluid. This work describes for the first time the second life of the battery waste in the MRF and a facile way to remove the harmful ingredients from the solutions obtained after the acid leaching of LIBs as an effective end-of-life option for hydrometallurgical waste utilization.

environment protection SPION, battery waste, toxic waste management, direct recycling, sustainability, circular economy, critical raw materials

graphene, curcuminoids, poly(vinyl chloride), nanocomposites stability, polymer films

In this study, eco-friendly Fe3O4-lignin (FeL) and Fe3O4-carbon-based lignin (FeCL) were synthesized, characterized, and applied for the adsorption of tetracycline (TRC) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Comparative characterization showed that the BET-specific surface area of FeCL is 27 m2/g more than that of FeL. The difference in their morphologies is insignificant, and the particle sizes range between 5 and 15 nm. There is a reduction in the oxygen content and hydroxyl group of FeCL as shown from the EDS and FTIR spectra respectively, compared with FeL. The adsorption capacity for the removal of TRC at 333 K is 156 and 148 mg g−1 by FeL and FeCL, respectively; while that of CEF are virtually the same. FeL and FeCL adsorption capacity for TRC increases with temperatures (endothermic), but decreases (exothermic) for CEF. The combination of experimental and computational approaches gave insight into the mechanisms of the adsorption process. The mechanisms of TRC and CEF adsorption by FeL and FeCL are the electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic, and π-π interaction, while only FeL shows the possibility of hydrogen bond with both TRC and CEF. The study demonstrated that the synthesized material can be reused for up to 3 cycles without an alarming loss of efficiency capacity.
Graphical abstract

Lignin,antibiotics,Adsorption mechanisms,Thermodynamics

Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation techniques for removing various contaminants have received broad consideration and acceptance due to their advantages over conventional wastewater treatment techniques. Iron- based materials are among several groups of adsorbents, and photocatalysts that have proven to be effective in pharmaceuticals-based pollutants removal from wastewater. Pharmaceutical drug removal is accompanied by several mechanisms, so there is a deep need for a better understanding of the complexity and development of wastewater treatment using iron-based materials. Therefore, this review examined the mechanism of adsorption
and photocatalysis degradation of pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions by iron-based materials. The adsorption of pharmaceutical drugs was found to be influenced by changes in the solution pH. The mechanism of removal of
these contaminants by iron-based materials through adsorption occurred via electrostatic, π-π, and hydrogen bond interactions among others. In the case of photocatalysis, the first mechanism occurred through the for-
mation the hydroxyl radicals due to highly reactive species (electrons and holes) that partook in the reaction processes, while the second mechanism is related to the formation of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, by photo-
generated electrons in the conduction band and with the well-known photo dissolution of iron oxide leading to free Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. The overall idea of this review is to provide useful information on the mechanisms of
adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical contaminants using iron-based materials. The re-view summarizes the current understanding and the advances in the pharmaceutical-bearing effluent treatment using nanostructured adsorbents and photocatalysts, including future developments for a cleaner and safer environment.

Mechanism,Iron-based materials,Pharmaceutical drugs,Adsorption,Photo(degradation)

Raman spectroscopy, Marine microplastics, Mediterranean Sea, Polymer leakage, Electrochemical analysis

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the waste management sector had to face new challenges, e.g., changes in the size and composition of the waste stream, or the presence of potentially infectious waste. This article is based on a case study in Poland. The data analysis showed that the increase in municipal waste mass during the pandemic did not differ from statistics observed in previous years and ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 million tons per year. Lifestyle changes caused a decrease in the amount of waste generated outside households. Social migrations contributed to rapid changes in the mass of waste generated in selected agglomerations by up to 80 kg/capita. In the waste stream,significant amounts of specific groups of waste related to the pandemic (“corona waste”) as well as packaging and food waste were noted. Despite the pandemic, in 2020, Poland recorded an increase in selective waste collection by 6.7 percentage points (pp.) Data on municipal waste management showed an increase in the mass of waste sent for recycling by 0.7 million tons, while the mass of landfilled waste decreased by 0.3 million tons. The observed positive changes in waste management allow the implementation of sustainable development assumptions to a greater extent.

municipal waste, waste management, COVID-19 pandemic, circular economy

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have recently been a point of interest for many researchers due to their properties. However, the studies on the influence of bacteriophages on the synthesis of MNPs seem to be lacking. Furthermore, bacteriophage-modified MNPs have not been combined with n-alkyl quaternary ammonium ionic liquid precursors (QAS). In this study, the aim was to assess the influence of two distinctly different bacteriophages (Escherichia phage P1 and Pseudomonas phage Φ6) on MNPs synthesis in the presence or absence of QAS. Synthesized MNPs have been characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Mössbauer spectroscopy in terms of changes in the crystallographic structure; scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for changes in the morphology; and ζ-potential. Moreover, the sorption parameters and the loss of viability of bacteria that interacted with MNPs have been determined. The sorption of bacteria differs significantly among the tested samples. Furthermore, the viability of the bacteria adsorbed on MNPs varies in the presence of QAS, depending on the length of the n-alkyl chain. The study has revealed that MNPs can be bound with bacteriophages. Mössbauer spectroscopy has also revealed the probable influence of bacteriophages on the formation of crystals. However, these phenomena require further studies.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles/hydroxyapatite (SPION/HAp), Magnetic nanoparticles, Apatite ore, Adsorption, Congo red, Wastewater treatment

Spent lithium-ion batteries, LiBs, Acid leaching, SPION, Magnetic nanomaterials, Metals recovery, Superparamagnetic, Waste management, Functional materials

Magnetorheological Fluids (MRF), rheology, smart materials, intelligent fluid, functional materials

The main aim of this work was to use the iron–iron oxide nanochains (Fe NCs) as adsorbents of the carcinogenic cationic crystal violet (CV) and anionic Congo red (CR) dyes from water. The investigated adsorbent was prepared by a magnetic-field-induced reduction reaction, and it revealed a typical core–shell structure. It was composed of an iron core covered by a thin Fe3O4 shell (<4 nm). The adsorption measurements conducted with UV–vis spectroscopy revealed that 15 mg of Fe NCs constituted an efficient dose to be used in the CV and CR treatment. The highest effectiveness of CV and CR removal was found for a contact time of 90 min at pH 7 and 150 min at pH 8, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption followed the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The adsorption process followed the Temkin model for both dyes taking into account the highest value of the R2 coefficient, whereas in the case of CR, the Redlich–Peterson model could be also considered. The maximal adsorption capacity estimated from the Langmuir isotherms for the CV and CR was 778.47 and 348.46 mg g–1, respectively. Based on the Freundlich model, both dyes adsorbed on the Fe NCs through chemisorption, but Coulombic interactions between the dye and adsorbent cannot be excluded in the case of the CV dye. The obtained results proved that the investigated Fe NCs had an excellent adsorption ability for both dye molecules within five cycles of adsorption/desorption, and therefore, they can be considered as a promising material for water purification and environmental applications.

poly(vinyl chloride) plastisol, wood flour, polymer-wood composite film

hydroxyapatite, myo-inositol, 5-fluorouracil, anticancer treatment, SKOV-3, calendula extract, Langmuir trough

Commendable efforts have been gingered towards the fight against cancer. Nevertheless, it remains a major public health concern due to its predominant cause of death globally. Given this, we synthesized two different nanoparticles, Sr2+ and Gd3+ doped magnetite for magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery application. Based on the characterization, the diffractogram shows that only one phase related to magnetite with a crystallite size of 10 nm was formed. TEM images revealed nanoparticles of spherical shapes of approximately 12 nm. There is no difference in magnetic saturation of the as-received synthesized samples (Fe3O4@Sr and Fe3O4@Gd), while the BET-specific surface area of Fe3O4@Gd is 8 m2 g−1 higher than Fe3O4@Sr. The heat generation in alternating magnetic field (the magnetic hyperthermia) of Fe3O4@Sr functionalized with citric acid and loaded with 5- fluorouracil (Fe3O4@Sr@CA@5-flu) is slower than Fe3O4@Gd@CA@5-flu. The specific absorption rate (SAR) of Fe3O4@Gd@CA@5-flu, 112.0 ± 10.4 W g−1 was found to be higher than that of Fe3O4@Sr@CA@5-flu. The thermogram shows that 11% of the drug was successfully loaded on Fe3O4@Gd@CA@5-flu. The release of the antitumor drug by the synthesized nanoparticle drug carriers for ovarian cancer (SKOV-3 cells) therapy showed that more than 50% of the cancer cell’s viability was reduced after 72 h of incubation. The synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated a promising drug carrier for the treatment of SKOV-3 cells.

Drug delivery, Hydroxyapatite, Anticancer, 5-fluorouracil, Curcuminoids, Nanocomposite

Nanostructural hydroxyapatite, Apatite ore, Wastewater treatment, Heavy metal ions removal, Novel eco-friendly adsorbent, Adsorption

In this work, a method to increase the dispersion of graphene (GN) in the matrix of rigid
poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by using a natural plant extract from Curcuma longa L. (CE) is proposed. Currently, despite the increasing number of reports on the improvement of GN dispersion in PVC blends, still there is a need to find environmentally friendly and economical dispersion stabilizers. We proposed a stabilizer that can be easily obtained from a plant offering thermal stability and high effectiveness. PVC/GN nanocomposites stabilized with the proposed extract were investigated by SEM, AFM (structure), TGA, and Congo red test (thermal properties). Additionally, static and dynamic mechanical properties and electrical resistivity were measured. The use of CE as a graphene dispersant improved its dispersion in the PVC matrix, influenced tensile properties, increased the storage modulus and glass transition temperature, and extended the thermal stability time of nanocomposites. In this work, a CE extract is proposed as an efficient eco-friendly additive for the production of nanocomposites with an improved homogeneity of a nanofiller in the matrix and promising characteristics.

nanocomposites,graphene,poly(vinyl chloride),curcuma extract

The dynamic COVID-19 pandemic has destabilized education and forced academic centers to explore non-traditional teaching modalities. A key challenge this creates is in reconciling the fact that hands-on time in lab settings has been shown to increase student understanding and peak their interests. Traditional visualization methods are already limited and topics such as 3D molecular structures remain difficult to understand. This is where advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), including remote meetings, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR, so-called Metaverse) offer vast potential to revolutionize the education landscape. Specifically, how MR merges real and virtual life in a uniquely promising way and offers opportunities for entirely new educational applications. In this paper, we briefly overview and report our initial experience using MR to teach medical and pharmacy students. We also explore the future usefulness of MR in pharmacy education. MR mimics real-world experiences both in distance education and traditional laboratory classes. We also propose ICT-based systems designed to run on the Microsoft HoloLens2 MR goggles and can be successfully applied in medical and pharmacy coursework. The models were developed and implemented in Autodesk Maya and exported to Unity. Our findings demonstrate that MR-based solutions can be an excellent alternative to traditional classes, notably in medicine, anatomy, organic chemistry, and biochemistry (especially 3D molecular structures), in both remote and traditional in-person teaching modalities. MR therefore has the potential to become an integral part of medical education in both remote learning and in-person study

information and communication technologies, immersive technologies, information and communication technologies in education, immersive technologies in education, Mixed Reality, 3D human–computer interaction, advanced medical education, pharmacy, Metaverse

Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are classified as smart materials whose viscoplastic characteristics change under the magnetic field. They are widely applied for dynamic energy dissipation due to their rapid thickening under the external magnetic field. In this work, the core–shell suspension of superparamagnetic iron oxide-based nanoparticles was synthesized and dispersed in silicone oil. Much effort has been made to prepare suspension meeting requirements of MR fluid. The experimental squeezing flow response was studied using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with various shear rates. Tests with modified SHPB show that MR fluid rapidly responds to the compression thickening and forming chain-like structures. MR fluid dissipates the energy generated during compression stress tests. This study presents a simple and cost-effective synthesis way suitable for MR fluid formation for its dynamic energy dissipation application.

SPION, magnetorheological fluid, split Hopkinson pressure bar, high strain rate, dynamic behaviour

Lithium-ion battery (LiB) waste powder is a valuable source of various materials, including carbon and metals. Although this material exhibits electrical conductivity, nanostructured morphology, and may contain metal oxides, it has not been used as an electrocatalyst. Here, we demonstrated the application of LiB waste powder as a catalyst for electrochemical H2O2 generation. The powder was both immobilized on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode and assembled at a liquid–liquid interface formed by decamethylferrocene (DMFc) solution in trifluorotoluene and aqueous perchloric acid in the presence of oxygen. The electrochemistry was studied by cyclic voltammetry and also with a rotating disk electrode (RDE), and a 2-electron ORR pathway was confirmed. H2O2 generation at the liquid–liquid interface and oxidation of DMFc were detected by colorimetry, UV–vis spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). The use of LiB waste powder reduces the ORR onset potential by ca. 0.3 V compared to an unmodified GC. When assembled at a liquid–liquid interface the waste powder increases the efficiency of H2O2 generation by ca. 20 times.

hydrogen peroxide, lithium-ion battery waste, oxygen reduction, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), liquid–liquid interface

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) waste is classified as a dangerous one. Fortunately, LIBs can be recycled and are already a valuable source of metals. This work is focused on the properties of the spent LIBs powder, which is a postproduct of the proposed organic leaching process and is presented as a source of nanocarbons with a unique structure. Furthermore, attention is paid to revealing the properties of the carbon component that can find a second life in other applications like photocatalysis or sorbents. Raman spectroscopy is used for the characterization of graphitic carbon. Scanning electron microscopy images are numerically quantitatively analyzed to provide additional parameters (for instance, the total length of edges) about the structure of materials, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) further check their composition.

The development of nanomedicine involves complex nanomaterial research involving magnetic nanomaterials and their use in magnetic hyperthermia. The selection of the optimal treatment strategies is time-consuming, expensive, unpredictable, and not consistently effective. Delivering personalized therapy that obtains maximal efficiency and minimal side effects is highly important. Thus, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based algorithms provide the opportunity to overcome these crucial issues. In this paper, we briefly overview the significance of the combination of AI-based methods, particularly the Machine Learning (ML) technique, with magnetic hyperthermia. We considered recent publications, reports, protocols, and review papers from Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases, considering the PRISMA-S review methodology on applying magnetic nanocarriers in magnetic hyperthermia. An algorithmic performance comparison in terms of their types and accuracy, data availability taking into account their amount, types, and quality was also carried out. Literature shows AI support of these studies from the physicochemical evaluation of nanocarriers, drug development and release, resistance prediction, dosing optimization, the combination of drug selection, pharmacokinetic profile characterization, and outcome prediction to the heat generation estimation. The papers reviewed here clearly illustrate that AI-based solutions can be considered as an effective supporting tool in drug delivery, including optimization and behavior of nanocarriers, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as the delivery process. Moreover, the direction of future research, including the prediction of optimal experiments and data curation initiatives has been indicated.

artificial intelligence,machine learning,magnetic hyperthermia,magnetic nanoparticles,cancer treatment,drug delivery

Due to the growing pollution of the environment, water purification methods have to be improved. One of the most effective solutions is the removal of heavy metal ions by porous materials, including hydroxyapatite. Lao Cai Province in Vietnam has a tremendous reservoir of apatite ore that can be a precursor for nanostructural materials. In this paper, we refer to the recent studies on removing heavy metal salts, including the cobalt and chromium ions, from the wastewater by the nanostructural hydroxyapatite obtained from the apatite ore gained in the Lao Cai Province. The measurements were performed according to the pH, mass of the adsorbent addition into the real wastewater solution, and time exposition onto the adsorbent; and the suitable condition is a dose of modified apatite of 1 g/L; contacting time of 60 minutes and 6 g/L and 15 minutes in the pH range from pH0 (3.76 and 6.57) to neutral pH corresponding to Cr3+ and Co2+. We show that just a small amount of the nanostructural hydroxyapatite can work efficiently to remove the chromium and cobalt ions from the solution with maximum adsorption capacity is 70.37 mg/g and 13.52 mg/g, respectively.

nanostructural hydroxyapatite, apatite ore, wastewater treatment, heavy metal ions removal, novel ecofriendly adsorbent

Reinforced concrete based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is one of the most commonly used materials in modern buildings. Due to the global growth of the building industry, concrete components have been partially or completely replaced with waste materials that can be used as binders or aggregates. Besides the ecological aspects, modern architecture widely needs materials to make the concrete durable, resisting large loads and various detrimental forces in the environment. This opens the possibilities of managing waste materials and applying them in practice. This paper presents a concise review of the green solutions for ecofriendly materials in the building industry that deal with the practical application of materials commonly treated as waste. The main emphasis was placed on their influence on the properties of the building material, optimal composition of mixtures, and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the “green” additives. It turned out that some solutions are far from being ecofriendly materials, as they leech and release numerous harmful chemicals into the environment during their presence in concrete. Finally, the paper suggests a research direction for the development of an ecofriendly structural material for a sustainable future.

green concrete; waste management; waste as a cement filler; secondary raw materials; alternative cements

Global pollution of the environment is one of the most challenging environmental prob- lems. Electronic-based population and anthropogenic activity are the main reasons for dramatically increasing the scale of waste generation, particularly battery waste. Improper battery waste disposal causes harmful environmental effects. Due to the release of heavy metals, battery waste affects ecosystems and health. We are faced with the challenge of effective battery waste management, especially recycling, to prevent the depletion of natural resources and maintain ecological balance. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is practically present in all areas of our lives. It enables the reduction of the costs associated with various types of research, increases automation, and accelerates productivity. This paper reviews the representative research progress of effective Artificial Intelligence-based battery waste management in the context of sustainable development, in particular, the analysis of current trends, algorithm accuracy, and data availability. Finally, the future lines of research and development directions of human-oriented Artificial Intelligence applications both in the battery production process and in battery waste management are discussed.

battery waste, waste management, artificial intelligence, machine learning, genetic programming, end-of-life

In this work, we report on the fabrication of nanocomposites based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in combination with hydroxyapatite (HAp) as a platform for drug delivery and magnetic hyperthermia application. First, the influence of experimental conditions such as co-precipitant, bath temperature, and pH on the morphology and magnetic properties of SPIONs was investigated. Then, the superparamagnetic particles were coated with the hydroxyapatite layer for further loading of anticancer drugs, determining the optimal thickness of the HAp shell. The composite was fabricated by the wet chemical process and was characterized by optimizing the experimental conditions of the wiring synthesis to obtain the superparamagnetic spherical material with a high HAp loading as a platform for drug uptake. SEM and TEM studies confirmed the round shape of the magnetic core up to 15 nm in size with a well-defined HAp shell. After checking the material’s superparamagnetic properties, the temperature dependence on time and alternating magnetic field strength was tested and optimized in hyperthermia experiments.

superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), hydroxyapatite, nanocomposite, magnetic hyperthermia

In this work, we present magnetic nanoparticles based on iron oxide doped with zinc syn-
thesized using the wet co-precipitation method for environmental application. The morphology of the
samples was revealed by SEM and TEM, which showed particles of granular shape and size of about
15 nm. The specific surface areas of the materials using the BET method were within the range of 85.7 to 101.5 m2 g−1 depending on the zinc content in the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPI-ONs). Magnetometry was performed to determine the magnetic properties of the particles, indicating superparamagnetism. Synthesized magnetic nanoparticles with different amounts of zinc dopant were used as an adsorbent to remove model pollutant Titan yellow (TY) from the aqueous solutions. Adsorption was determined by investigating the effects of sorbent amount, dye concentration, and contact time. The synthesized material removed Titan yellow quickly and efficiently within the phys-ical adsorption. The adsorption isotherms were consistent with the models proposed by Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson. The monolayer adsorption capacities were 30 and 43 mg g−1 for Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@10%Zn, respectively, for the removal of TY. However, that of Congo red is 59 mg g−1 by Fe3O4@10%Zn. The proposed nanoparticles offer fast and cost-effective water purification, and they can be separated from solution using magnets.

perparamagnetic particles, pollution treatment, Titan yellow, Congo red, adsorption isotherm, iron oxide

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about diabetes in children. Have you ever wondered what diabetes is and where it comes from? Diabetes is a disease with a long history. It causes a high sugar level in the blood, which is dangerous for many organs including the heart and kidneys. Diabetes also damages blood vessels and the nervous system. Unfortunately, diabetes is often detected by accident during tests for other diseases or by standard blood tests performed during a check-up. The earliest symptoms of diabetes that a person might notice include increased hunger and thirst, tiredness, or frequent urination. If you experience these symptoms, do not take them lightly—have a doctor check your blood sugar level.

memory,memories,brain

Waste batteries and accumulators are a group of waste, the amount of which is constantly
increasing every year. A particular weight gain of this type of waste is observed for lithium-ion
batteries used in various electronic devices and modern passenger vehicles. Due to the complex
chemical composition and the content of different valuable metals, used Li-ion batteries should be
subjected to appropriate recycling methods, the purpose of which is to separate the individual raw
materials included in the battery. Regarding the demand for innovative technologies for processing
spent Li-ion batteries, a concept of laboratory experiments was developed in the field of hydrometal-lurgical recovery of Li and Co contained in the battery powder obtained from this type of waste. As a result, it was shown that it is possible to effectively recover the tested metals with an adequately designed leaching process.

Li-ion batteries, leaching, recovery of metals, waste management, environmental engineering

ChemRAWN,ghost nets,marine microplastic,polymer materials,Raman spectroscopy,sustainability,weathering

ChemRAWN,electrocatalysis,electrochemical oxidation,ethanol,gold nanoparticles,nanobrush,nanowires,polyindole

maghemite,tetracycline,adsorption,photocatalysis,mechanism,eco-friendly water treatment

(1) Background: Free space optics communication (FSO) has improved wireless communication and data transfer thanks to high bandwidth, low power consumption, energy efficiency, a high transfer capacity, and a wide applicability field. The FSO systems also have their limitations, including weather conditions and obstacles in the way of transmission. (2) Methods: This research assesses the atmospheric conditions’ influence on the intensity of received radiation, both experimentally and theoretically. The construction of a laboratory test stand of the FSO system, which is operating in the third-atmosphere transmission window (8–12 μm), is proposed. Next, considering different atmospheric conditions, the experimental validation was conducted, both in a laboratory and real conditions. (3) Results: The measurements were carried out for two optical links working with wavelengths of 1.5 μm and 10 μm. It was found that optical radiation with a wavelength of about 10 μm is characterized by better transmission properties in the case of limited visibility (e.g.,light rain and fogs) than in the case of near-infrared waves. The same conclusion was found in analytical investigations. (4) Conclusions: The results obtained show that optical radiation with a wavelength of about 10 μm in limited visibility is characterized by better transmission properties than near-infrared waves. This demonstrates the validity of designing FSO links operating in the range 8–12 μm band, e.g., based on quantum cascade lasers and HgCdTe photodiodes.

free space optical communication, IR photodetector, quantum cascade laser, wireless communication

SPION,radio-labeled nanoparticles,anticancer therapy,magnetic hyperthermia,drug delivery,trastuzumab,superparamagnetic nanoparticles

SPIONs, doxorubicin, epirubicin, magnetic hyperthermia, cytotoxicity, Langmuir- Blodgett technique

Surprisingly, distance education is quite an old concept. Its origins date back to the first correspondence-based course, which took place via the postal service in Boston, USA, in the 18th century. Rapid technological developments, especially in video and audio streaming, have increased the availability of such courses and moved learning into the virtual world. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing an accelerated revolution in the learning process, as nearly all forms of education have been shifted online. Will this have a destructive effect on the human psyche? Is humanity sufficiently aware and ready for such a dramatic change? Will we return to physical in-classroom studies, or is remote distance education set to become the new norm? In particular, in medicine, computer science, fine arts, or architectural design, such a rapid change in the way students learn can be quite challenging. In this paper, we provide an overview of the history of distance learning, taking into account teachers’ and students’ points of view in both secondary and higher education.

distance learning, distance education, online courses

In recent years, you have likely heard that some people are eating gluten-free foods. Have you ever wondered why? Coeliac disease is one of the main reasons for this dietary choice. It affects people of all ages from all around the world. It is a genetic disorder that causes inflammation in the intestines and results in various symptoms that can be observed in other parts of the body. Unfortunately, people often ignore coeliac disease or treat it like a simple allergy. Some people may view gluten-free dietary choices as just a trend. Some food allergies can manifest like coeliac disease, but these have different causes. Coeliac disease should be taken seriously, because it may not only lead to life-threatening symptoms, but also have a chronic impact on health and quality of life.

Antibody,B Cells,Coeliac Disease ,Villi ,Autoimmune Response ,Inflammation,Gluten-free Food

Abstract

Your brain controls everything you do, and it is much more powerful than any computer you can find. This complex organ sends messages using cells called neurons, and it never stops analyzing data, even as you sleep. Scientists are trying to understand the brain to create a digital version. But is it possible for computers to do the same things our brains can? For computers to do so, we need to create something called an artificial neural network, which has digital neurons connected into a complex net that resembles the structure of the brain. To make an artificial neural network, we need to use the most universal language—mathematics.

Neuron,Artificial Neural Network ,Dendrite,Axon,Synapse,Binary Language,Node,Weight

acid leaching,battery recycling,Li-ion batteries,metal recovery,raw material sustainable use

Electrocatalysis, Ascorbic acid, Polyindole, Gold nanoparticles, Nanobrush, Hard-template synthesis

CdS, thin films, photoelectrochemical studies, langmuir-blodgett technique

superparamagnetc iron oxide nanoparticles, SPIONs, trastuzumab, magnetic hyperthermia, antitumor therapy

water contamination, CdS nanoparticles, tetracycline, antibiotics photodegradation, photocatalysis, kinetic rate constant, degradation mechanism

Fast communication is of high importance. Recently, increased data demand and crowded radio frequency spectrum have become crucial issues. Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC) has diametrically changed the way people exchange information. As an alternative to wire communication systems, it allows efficient voice, video, and data transmission using a medium like air. Due to its large bandwidth, FSOC can be used in various applications and has therefore become an important part of our everyday life. The main advantages of FSOC are a high speed, cost savings, compact structures, low power, energy efficiency, a maximal transfer capacity, and applicability. The rapid development of the high-speed connection technology allows one to reduce the repair downtime and gives the ability to quickly establish a backup network in an emergency. Unfortunately, FSOC is susceptible to disruption due to atmospheric conditions or direct sunlight. Here, we briefly discuss Free-Space Optical Communication from mirrors and optical telegraphs to modern wireless systems and outline the future development directions of optical communication.

free-space optical communication, telecommunications, wireless communication, data transfer history, communication networks

superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, SPIONs, rare-earth doping, holmium, endoradiotherapy

Reinforced concrete, organic inhibitors, corrosion, admixtures

Cadmium Telluride, Thin Films, Two-Step Method, Crystallinity, Chemical Composition, Morphology

CdTe, Polyindole, CdTe-PIN hybrid electrode, Photostability in polysulphide, CdS formation

CdTe thin films, One-step electrochemical method, Electrodeposition conditions, Bath composition, Deposition potential, Na2TeO3 as a source of tellurium ions

poly(indole5carboxylic acid), catechol, electrooxidation

Over the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of various cancers. The increased detection of various malignancies and their effective treatment requires the search for new approaches in anti-cancer therapy. One option is the use of nanomaterials and nanocomposites based on them to form a platform for simultaneous imaging, such as by nuclear magnetic resonance, and treatment by local drug release and temperature elevation directly in tumor tissues [1]. Here, we present results on the colloidal suspension based on superparamagnetic iron-oxide-based nanoparticles and hydroxyapatites as the matrix for the local anticancer drug release. The studies were focused on the optimization of the synthesis experimental composition, characterization of obtained material, and stability in aqueous solutions like PBS to be used in magnetic hyperthermia to generate heat locally and enhance the drug delivery. Core-shell particles were synthesized using a two-step wet co-precipitation method and stabilized with biocompatible organic molecules to produce stable colloidal suspension [2,3]. The heat generation effectiveness was determined using magnetic hyperthermia (MH), where the conditions to reach therapeutic temperature of the suspension in the constant and pulsed amplitude of alternating magnetic field (AMF) were optimized.

Environmental pollution caused by anthropogenic activities is one of the biggest challenges globally.
One of the largest groups of compounds polluting the aquatic environment are antibiotics, dyes, and pigments, which are mainly released from manufacturing waste from textile, wood, and pharmaceutical industries. Such chemicals not only affect animals living in aquatic systems, but also cause a range of health problems in humans, increasing the risk of cancer and disrupting the endocrine and immune systems. In this work, we focus on wastewater treatment solutions based on magnetic nanomaterials that can effectively purify water through adsorption and can also act as a photocatalyst that can degrade pollutants. The proposed nanomaterials and their composites offer non-toxicity, high surface area and magnetic properties that can be easily removed from solution after wastewater treatment with magnets. The proposed nanomaterials, in particular superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and their composites with spent biomass and pyrolyzed biomass, offer high efficiency in water treatment, rapid separation from treated solutions and reuse. Furthermore, SPIONs can also be combined with a wide variety of metal ions, making them a promising platform for the removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated solutions, such as hydrometallurgical waste. The work will discuss the synthesis and characterization as well as the model of adsorption and mechanism of pollutants removal.

water pollution, dyes, wastewater treatment, magnetic nanoparticles