Management of caffeine in wastewater using nanolayered material: An integrated study of process kinetics, modeling, and toxicity assessment.

This work suggests a unique way to manage caffeine (CAF) removal from water by adsorbing it onto an processed industrial waste, cement kiln dust (CKD). To optimze the adsorption process, the main adsorption parameters; pH, time, initial CAF concentration, and dose were evaluated. The results showed that CAF adsorption onto the CKD is a pH-independent (from pH 2 to pH 9) and also it is characterstic with fast equlibrium time (5 min).

Quantum sensing of broadband spin dynamics and magnon transport in antiferromagnets.

Optical detection of magnetic resonance using quantum spin sensors (QSSs) provides a spatially local and sensitive technique to probe spin dynamics in magnets. However, its utility as a probe of antiferromagnetic resonance (AFMR) remains an open question. We report the experimental demonstration of optically detected AFMR in layered van der Waals antiferromagnets (AFM) up to frequencies of 24 gigahertz.

Statistical optimization of process variables for improved poly(ethylene terephthalate) plastic degradation by a rhizospheric bacterial consortium.

The current study focuses on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) powder degradation potential of a rhizobacterial consortium screened from the rhizosphere of plants growing at plastic-polluted sites. The rhizobacterial consortium were screened and ability of PET powder degradation was studied up to 18 days. For observing the efficiency of degradation, all three rhizobacterial strains with highest percentage of degradation were combined to formulate the consortium.

Unconventional unidirectional magnetoresistance in heterostructures of a topological semimetal and a ferromagnet.

Unidirectional magnetoresistance (UMR) in a bilayer heterostructure, consisting of a spin-source material and a magnetic layer, refers to a change in the longitudinal resistance on the reversal of magnetization and originates from the interaction of non-equilibrium spin accumulation and magnetization at the interface. Since the spin polarization of an electric-field-induced non-equilibrium spin accumulation in conventional spin-source materials is restricted to be in the film plane, the ensuing UMR can only respond to the in-plane component of magnetization. However, magnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are highly desired for magnetic memory and spin-logic devices, whereas the electrical read-out of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy magnets through UMR is critically missing.

Neural in-memory checksums: an error detection and correction technique for safe in-memory inference.

The advent of in-memory computing has introduced a new paradigm of computation, which offers significant improvements in terms of latency and power consumption for emerging embedded AI accelerators. Nevertheless, the effect of the hardware variations and non-idealities of the emerging memory technologies may significantly compromise the accuracy of inferred neural networks and result in malfunctions in safety-critical applications. This article addresses the issue from three different perspectives.

Green synthesis and characterization of CuO/PANI nanocomposite for efficient Pb (II) adsorption from contaminated water.

This study presents the synthesis of a green polymer-based nanocomposite by incorporating green CuO nanoparticles into polyaniline (PANI) for the adsorption of Pb (II) ions from contaminated water. The nanocomposite was extensively characterized using FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM-EDX, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy, both before and after Pb(II) adsorption. Optimization studies were performed to assess the effects of key parameters, including pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial ion concentration on the adsorption process.

Examining the efficacy of constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cell to treat textile wastewater using local wetlands plant species.

Constructed wetland coupled microbial fuel cells (CW-MFC) offer a dual benefit of wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. While existing research predominantly emphasizes cell configuration, there is a limited exploration of the impact that various wetland plants may have on bioelectricity production in CW-MFCs. This research examined three distinct native wetland plants: Canna indica, Typha latifolia, and Eichhornia crassipes.

Quantum Sensing of Spin Dynamics Using Boron-Vacancy Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride.

Spin defects embedded in solid-state systems are appealing for quantum sensing of materials and for quantum science and engineering. The spin-sensitive photoluminescence of optically active spin defects in Van der Waals based materials, such as the boron-vacancy (V_{B}^{-}) center in hexagonal boron nitride, enables its application as a quantum sensor to detect weak, spatially localized magnetic static and dynamic fields. However, the utility of V_{B}^{-} centers to probe spin dynamics in magnetic systems has yet to be demonstrated; this is essential to establish the V_{B}^{-} as a modular sensing platform that can be seamlessly integrated with emergent quantum materials to probe a wide range of static and dynamic phenomena.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of thio-salicylaldehyde schiff base complexes for Cr (VI) adsorption.

This study investigates the effectiveness of a Schiff base derived from thio-carbohydrazide and salicylaldehyde as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. The Schiff base demonstrated excellent adsorption capacity and reusability, with high removal efficiency and rapid adsorption kinetics. The results were supported by theoretical density functional theory simulations, which revealed the enhanced dynamic nature of the Schiff base system for heavy metal adsorption.

Direct and indirect technical guide for the early detection and management of fungal plant diseases.

Fungal plant diseases are a major threat to plants and vegetation worldwide. Recent technological advancements in biotechnological tools and techniques have made it possible to identify and manage fungal plant diseases at an early stage. These techniques include direct methods, such as ELISA, immunofluorescence, PCR, flow cytometry, and in-situ hybridization, as well as indirect methods, such as fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral techniques, thermography, biosensors, nanotechnology, and nano-enthused biosensors.

Optically induced trion formation and its control in a MoS/graphene van der Waals heterostructure.

Monolayer 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) show high sensitivity to the local dielectric environment, leading to modulation of their optoelectronic properties. Here, we report on the formation of localized trions in a MoS/few-layer graphene van der Waals heterostructure. We performed temperature-dependent photoluminescence and Raman studies down to 80 K, to understand the mechanism for localized charge excitation, which shows contrasting behaviour with MoS/SiO.

Identification and biophysical characterization of potential phytochemical inhibitors of carboxyl/choline esterase from Helicoverpa armigera for advancing integrated pest management strategies.

In the realm of disease vectors and agricultural pest management, insecticides play a crucial role in preserving global health and ensuring food security. The pervasive use, particularly of organophosphates (OPs), has given rise to a substantial challenge in the form of insecticide resistance. Carboxylesterases emerge as key contributors to OP resistance, owing to their ability to sequester or hydrolyze these chemicals.

Economic valuation and characterization of heavy metal contamination in Dal Lake Srinagar, Kashmir, India.

Dal Lake, the world-famous tourist attraction has been polluted by allochthonous and autochthonous sources, as a result the heavy metal (HMs) concentrations within the water body has reached the toxic levels which is endangering the lives of the people. A study was carried out during the year 2021 (i) to determine the concentration of HMs (molybdenum: Mo, arsenic: Ar, cadmium: Cd, lead: Pb) at the four designated sites of Dal Lake, and (ii) a public survey (400 persons) involving economic valuation of water body in terms of recreational use and other benefits. The highest values of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) within the Dal Lake were recorded at site A, which were 31 ± 1.

Enzyme-based sensor for the real-time detection of atrazine: Evidence from electrochemical and docking studies.

This study focused on strategically employing the carboxylesterase enzyme Ha006a, derived from the pesticide-resistant microorganism Helicoverpa armigera, to detect atrazine. A comprehensive analysis through biochemical, biophysical and bioinformatics approaches was conducted to determine the interaction between the Ha006a protein and the herbicide atrazine. These experimental findings elucidated the potential of leveraging the inherent pesticide sequestration mechanism of the Ha006a enzyme for sensor fabrication.

Observation of interlayer plasmon polaron in graphene/WS heterostructures.

Harnessing electronic excitations involving coherent coupling to bosonic modes is essential for the design and control of emergent phenomena in quantum materials. In situations where charge carriers induce a lattice distortion due to the electron-phonon interaction, the conducting states get "dressed", which leads to the formation of polaronic quasiparticles. The exploration of polaronic effects on low-energy excitations is in its infancy in two-dimensional materials.

Equilibrium and kinetic modeling of Cr(VI) removal by novel tolerant bacteria species along with zero-valent iron nanoparticles.

This work describes the study of the removal of a refractory contaminant, i.e., Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous systems by a novel adsorbent comprising Cr(VI) tolerant bacteria and zero valent iron nanoparticle (nZVI).

Chemoprofiling and medicinal potential of underutilized leaves of Cyperus scariosus.

Agro-waste is the outcome of the under-utilization of bioresources and a lack of knowledge to re-use this waste in proper ways or a circular economy approach. In the Indian medicinal system, the root of Cyperus scariosus (CS) is used at a large scale due to their vital medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the aerial part of CS is treated as agro-waste and is an under-utilized bioresource.

Unusual Ni⋯Ni interaction in Ni(ii) complexes as potential inhibitors for the development of new anti-SARS-CoV-2 Omicron drugs.

Two nickel(ii) coordination complexes [Ni(L)](1) and [Ni(L)](2) of a tetradentate Schiff base ligand () derived from 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with ethylenediamine were synthesized, designed, and characterized spectroscopic and single crystal XRD analyses. Both nickel(ii) complexes exhibited unusual Ni⋯Ni interactions and were fully characterized single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Nickel(ii) complexes [Ni(L)](1) and [Ni(L)](2) crystallize in monoclinic and triclinic crystal systems with 2/ and 1̄ space groups, respectively, and revealed square planar geometry around each Ni(ii) ion.

Exploring nutrient removal mechanisms in column-type SBR with simultaneous nitrification and denitrification.

A comprehensive investigation utilized a column-type sequencing batch reactor (SBR) to efficiently remove nutrients throughout various phases of its operational cycle by forming granules. This study assessed the influence and mechanisms of a simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) system employing a column-type sequential batch reactor (SBR). The primary focus was on elucidating the functional groups involved in nitrogen transformation and removal within the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS).

Green and sustainable synthesis of CaO nanoparticles: Its solicitation as a sensor material and electrochemical detection of urea.

Urea is recognized as one of the most frequently used adulterants in milk to enhance artificial protein content, and whiteness. Drinking milk having high urea concentrations which causes innumerable health disputes like ulcers, indigestion, and kidney-related problems. Therefore, herein, a simple and rapid electroanalytical platform was developed to detect the presence of urea in milk using a modified electrode sensor.