Superhydrophobic melamine sponge prepared by radiation-induced grafting technology for efficient oil-water separation

This paper presents a superhydrophobic melamine(ME)sponge(ME-g-PLMA)prepared via high-energy radiation-induced in situ covalent grafting of long-alkyl-chain dodecyl methacrylate(LMA)onto an ME sponge for efficient oil–water separation.The obtained ME-g-PLMA sponge had an excellent pore structure with superhydrophobic(water contact angle of 154°)and superoleophilic properties.It can absorb various types of oils up to 66–168 times its mass.The ME-g-PLMA sponge can continuously separate oil slicks in water by connecting a pump or separating oil underwater with a gravity-driven device.In addition,it maintained its highly hydrophobic properties even after long-term immersion in different corrosive solutions and repeated oil adsorption.The modified ME-g-PLMA sponge exhibited excellent separation properties and potential for oil spill cleanup.

Simple synthesis of silver nanocluster composites AgNCs@PE-g-PAA by irradiation method and fluorescence detection of Cr^(3+)

Silver nanoclusters(AgNCs)are a new type of nanomaterials with similar properties to molecules and unique applications.The applications of AgNCs can be significantly expanded by combining them with different matrix materials to obtain AgNC composites.Using irradiation techniques,we developed a simple two-step method for preparing silver nanocluster composites.First,polyacrylic acid(PAA)chains were grafted onto the surface of a PE film as templates(PE-g-PAA).Subsequently,silver ions were reduced in situ on the surface of the template material to obtain the AgNC composites(AgNCs@PE-g-PAA).The degree of AgNC loading on the composite film was easily controlled by adjusting the reaction conditions.The loaded AgNCs were anchored to the carboxyl groups of the PAA and wrapped in the graft chain.The particle size of the AgNCs was only 4.38±0.85 nm,with a very uniform particle size distribution.The AgNCs@PE-g-PAA exhibited fluorescence characteristics derived from the AgNCs.The fluorescence of the AgNCs@PE-g-PAA was easily quenched by Cr^(3+)ions.The composite can be used as a fluorescence test paper to realize visual detection of Cr^(3+).

Role of theories in school-based diabetes care interventions:A critical review

BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.School plays an essential role in the management of student diabetes,which reduces the risk of short-and long-term diabetes complications and ensures that students are wellpositioned for optimal academic performance and growth.AIM The aim of this review was to systematically identify and synthesize the literature concerning theory-based diabetes care interventions in K-12 schools in the United States.It critically assessed the specific role of theories and associated essential constructs in intervention design,implementation,outcome measurement,and evaluation.METHODS Relevant literature was identified by keyword searches of the Cochrane Library,PubMed,and Web of Science.RESULTS Four interventions met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review.Of those,two evaluated online diabetes education programs for school personnel and the other two assessed in-person interventions.Three studies adopted a onegroup pre-post study design,and the remaining one adopted a one-shot casestudy design.Three of the interventions adopted social cognitive theory,and the remaining one was guided by the diffusion of innovations theory.Three studies identified core constructs of a theory as predictors of behavioral change.Two used theory to select or develop intervention techniques.Two studies used theory to customize participant intervention techniques.Two studies discussed their findings in the context of theory.No study used theory to select potential intervention participants.CONCLUSION In conclusion,despite the value of theory in intervention design and evaluation,theory-based diabetes interventions at school remain scarce.Future research may seek ways to better integrate theory and empirical research.

Preparation of antibacterial non-woven AgNCs@PP-g-PAA via radiation method

With the growing threat of airborne epidemics,there has been an increasing emphasis on personal protection.Masks serve as our primary external defense against bacteria and viruses that might enter the respiratory tract.Hence,it’s crucial to develop a polypropylene(PP)nonwoven fabric with quick antibacterial capabilities as a key component for masks.This study introduces silver nanoclusters(AgNCs)into non-woven PP using radiation technology to infuse antibacterial properties.Initially,a solid ligand(PP-g-PAA)was procured via radiation grafting of the ligand polyacrylic acid(PAA),which was incorporated into the nonwoven PP with the aid of a crosslinking agent at a lower absorbed dosage.Subsequently,AgNCs were synthesized in situ on PP-g-PAA via an interaction between PAA and AgNCs,leading directly to the formation of AgNCs@PP-g-PAA composites.Owing to the hydrophilicity of PAA,AgNCs@PP-g-PAA maintains good moisture permeability even when the voids are heavily saturated with PAA gel,preventing droplet aggregation by diffusing droplets on the surface of the material.This feature enhances the comfort of the masks.Most importantly,due to the incorporation of AgNCs,AgNCs@PP-g-PAA demonstrates outstanding antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus,nearly achieving an instant“touch and kill”outcome.In conclusion,we synthesized a modified nonwoven fabric with significant antibacterial activity using a simple synthetic route,offering a promising material that provides improved personal protection.