改良BLUE方案肺超声评分在机械通气患者中的应用价值

目的比较改良BLUE方案肺超声评分与传统区域评分法在机械通气患者中的应用优劣,探讨改良BLUE方案与序贯器官衰竭评估(SOFA)评分、氧合指数(OI)的相关性及其对机械通气患者预后评估的价值。方法选择南通大学第二附属医院急诊医学科行机械通气的危重症患者66例,其中男性45例,女性21例;年龄35~95岁,平均年龄72.11岁;病程2~37 d,平均病程12.03 d;疾病类型:肺炎、感染性休克等感染相关19例,心力衰竭16例,慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性发作呼吸衰竭15例,心肺复苏后11例,间质性肺炎2例,中毒2例,外伤1例。根据患者的转归情况(28 d生存或死亡)分为好转组28例与死亡组38例。分别使用改良BLUE方案、4分区、6分区、8分区及12分区评分方法对患者进行肺部超声检查,以12分区评分为对照,分别比较改良BLUE方案、4分区、6分区、8分区超声评分与12分区评分结果的相关性。记录各检查方案检查时间,比较各评分法耗时差异。分析改良BLUE方案与SOFA评分和OI的相关性。比较两组改良BLUE方案肺超声评分差异。结果在机械通气患者中,改良BLUE方案、4分区、6分区、8分区超声评分结果,均与12分区法评分结果呈正相关(r=0.98、0.94、0.96、0.95,P均<0.05),其中改良BLUE方案肺超声评分与12分区评分相关性最高。改良BLUE方案、4分区、6分区、8分区及12分区肺超声检查操作时间分别为(5.86±0.76)min、(4.86±0.71)min、(6.79±0.88)min、(8.18±1.02)min、(11.79±1.45)min,改良BLUE方案较6分区、8分区及12分区操作时间短(P均<0.05)。改良BLUE方案肺超声评分与OI呈负相关,与SOFA评分呈正相关(r=-0.42、0.25)。好转组与死亡组改良BLUE方案肺超声评分平均值分别为(12.04±5.87)分、(15.79±5.94)分。好转组改良BLUE方案肺超声评分明显低于死亡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在机械通气危重症患者中,使用改良BLUE方案肺超声评分具有准确度高、耗时短的优势,更适宜在急诊环境中对机械通气危重症患者进行快速病情评估。改良BLUE方案肺超声评分对机械通气患者病情严重程度及预后有一定指导价值。

BLUE-plus方案的肺超声评分在急性呼吸衰竭患者胸部物理治疗中的应用

为了探究BLUE-plus方案的肺超声评分引导胸部物理治疗(CPT)在急性呼吸衰竭患者氧合能力、感染指标和肺通气功能方面的效果,根据样本量估算招募急性呼吸衰竭患者102例,随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组根据BLUE-plus肺超声征象、肺超声评分实施精准CPT,对照组采用常规CPT。比较两组患者入ICU第1~5天的氧合指数和第1、5天的血感染指标(降钙素原(PCT)、白介素-6(IL-6))及肺部超声评分、机械通气时长和ICU住院时长,发现BLUE-plus方案的肺超声评分指导的CPT可以改善急性呼吸衰竭患者的氧合指数、感染指标(IL-6)、肺部情况,缩短机械通气的时间。相较于对照组,试验组在第3~5天的氧合指数具有统计学差异(P<0.05),第5天IL-6、肺部超声评分、机械通气时长差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),PCT、ICU住院时长无统计学差异(P>0.05)。

Apatinib and gamabufotalin co-loaded lipid/Prussian blue nanoparticles for synergistic therapy to gastric cancer with metastasis

Due to the non-targeted release and low solubility of anti-gastric cancer agent,apatinib(Apa),a first-line drug with long-term usage in a high dosage often induces multi-drug resistance and causes serious side effects.In order to avoid these drawbacks,lipid-film-coated Prussian blue nanoparticles(PB NPs)with hyaluronan(HA)modification was used for Apa loading to improve its solubility and targeting ability.Furthermore,anti-tumor compound of gamabufotalin(CS-6)was selected as a partner of Apawith reducing dosage for combinational gastric therapy.Thus,HA-Apa-Lip@PB-CS-6 NPs were constructed to synchronously transport the two drugs into tumor tissue.In vitro assay indicated that HA-Apa-Lip@PB-CS-6 NPs can synergistically inhibit proliferation and invasion/metastasis of BGC-823 cells via downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR)and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9).In vivo assay demonstrated strongest anti-tumor growth and liver metastasis of HA-Apa-Lip@PB-CS-6 NPs administration in BGC-823 cells-bearing mice compared with other groups due to the excellent penetration in tumor tissues and outstanding synergistic effects.In summary,we have successfully developed a new nanocomplexes for synchronous Apa/CS-6 delivery and synergistic gastric cancer(GC)therapy.

Progress on Transition Metal Ions Dissolution Suppression Strategies in Prussian Blue Analogs for Aqueous Sodium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries(ASIBs)and aqueous potassium-ion batteries(APIBs)present significant potential for large-scale energy storage due to their cost-effectiveness,safety,and environmental compatibility.Nonetheless,the intricate energy storage mechanisms in aqueous electrolytes place stringent require-ments on the host materials.Prussian blue analogs(PBAs),with their open three-dimensional framework and facile synthesis,stand out as leading candidates for aqueous energy storage.However,PBAs possess a swift capacity fade and limited cycle longevity,for their structural integrity is compromised by the pronounced dis-solution of transition metal(TM)ions in the aqueous milieu.This manuscript provides an exhaustive review of the recent advancements concerning PBAs in ASIBs and APIBs.The dissolution mechanisms of TM ions in PBAs,informed by their structural attributes and redox processes,are thoroughly examined.Moreover,this study delves into innovative design tactics to alleviate the dissolution issue of TM ions.In conclusion,the paper consolidates various strategies for suppressing the dissolution of TM ions in PBAs and posits avenues for prospective exploration of high-safety aqueous sodium-/potassium-ion batteries.

Isotherm,kinetic and thermodynamic investigations of boron phosphide to remove methylene blue from aqueous solution

In this work,the boron phosphide(BP)was synthesized and used for the adsorptive removal of methylene blue(MB)dye from aqueous solutions.To determine the optimum adsorption conditions,studies were performed by varying parameters of temperature(298–328 K),pH(2–12),contact time(0–120 min),adsorbent dose(0.01–0.20 g/50 mL),and dye concentration(10–50 mg/L).Different isotherm and kinetic models were applied to the adsorption data.The linear correlations coefficient showed that the Langmuir isotherm best fits(R^(2)=0.9996).The maximum adsorption capacity of BP was obtained as 555.56 mg/g at 55℃and the removal rate reached up to 84.11%.Additionally,the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the adsorption process best(R^(2)=0.9998).The thermodynamic studies represented that the adsorption occurred spontaneously(ΔG_(A)^(Θ)=−24.90 kJ/mol)and endothermically(ΔH_(A)^(Θ)=16.67 kJ/mol).The results showed that BP is an efficient adsorbent for removing cationic dyes from aqueous solutions.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue over MIL-100(Fe)/GO composites: a performance and kinetic study

Adsorption coupled with photocatalytic degradation is proposed to fulfill the removal and thorough elimination of organic dyes.Herein,we report a facile hydrothermal synthesis of MIL-100(Fe)/GO photocatalysts.The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation process of methylene blue(MB)on MIL‐100(Fe)/GO composites were systematically studied from performance and kinetic perspectives.A possible adsorption‐photocatalytic degradation mechanism is proposed.The optimized 1M8G composite achieves 95%MB removal(60.8 mg/g)in 210 min and displays well recyclability over ten cycles.The obtained MB adsorption and degradation results are well fitted onto Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second order kinetic model.This study shed light on the design of MOFs based composites for water treatment.

Flavonoid extracts from chrysanthemum with appropriate anthocyanins turn blue when exposed to iron ions

Although some species that accumulate only cyanidin(Cy)in nature can produce blue flowers through iron ions,there has been no evidence of blue chrysanthemums being generated in this manner.This study revealed that flavonoid extracts from the ray florets of the chrysanthemum cultivar‘Wandai Fengguang’turned blue when exposed to Fe^(3+).Samples that could turn blue were labeled as CB(Cy-determined blue flowers),while samples that did not turn blue were labeled as CN(Cy-determined non-blue flowers).After a series of experiments,a stable screening system was established using flavonoid extracts containing NaAc buffer at pH 5.5 and a total anthocyanin concentration(TAC)of 30 μmol·L^(-1),and the addition of Fe^(3+)from 0 to 0.25 μmol·L^(-1)allowed for the selection of five CB samples from 39 chrysanthemum cultivars.All five CB samples exhibited flower color phenotypes that belonged to Cluster-I with redness(a*)values ranging from 29.03 to 45.99,yellowness(b*)values from-11.31 to 3.77,and brightness(L*)values from 29.07 to 45.99.Additionally,the ratio of TAC to total luteolin concentration(TLC)was found to be a critical factor for distinguishing between CB and CN samples.To realize the desired blue hue in the flavonoid extracts with the participation of Fe^(3+),a TAC to TLC ratio of 2.25 and above is required.Moreover,the protoplasts and ray florets of CB samples that turned blue with the involvement of Fe^(2+)showed great potential for cultivating blue chrysanthemums through ferric-anthocyanin chelate.Overall,this study reveals that blue flowers can be cultivated through the increase in the iron ion concentration,combined with the accumulation of Cy.

Prussian Blue Analogue‑Templated Nanocomposites for Alkali‑Ion Batteries:Progress and Perspective

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have dominated the portable electronic and electrochemical energy markets since their commercialisation,whose high cost and lithium scarcity have prompted the development of other alkali-ion batteries(AIBs)including sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)and potassium-ion batteries(PIBs).Owing to larger ion sizes of Na^(+)and K^(+)compared with Li^(+),nanocomposites with excellent crystallinity orientation and well-developed porosity show unprecedented potential for advanced lithium/sodium/potassium storage.With enticing open rigid framework structures,Prussian blue analogues(PBAs)remain promising self-sacrificial templates for the preparation of various nanocomposites,whose appeal originates from the well-retained porous structures and exceptional electrochemical activities after thermal decomposition.This review focuses on the recent progress of PBA-derived nanocomposites from their fabrication,lithium/sodium/potassium storage mechanism,and applications in AIBs(LIBs,SIBs,and PIBs).To distinguish various PBA derivatives,the working mechanism and applications of PBA-templated metal oxides,metal chalcogenides,metal phosphides,and other nanocomposites are systematically evaluated,facilitating the establishment of a structure–activity correlation for these materials.Based on the fruitful achievements of PBA-derived nanocomposites,perspectives for their future development are envisioned,aiming to narrow down the gap between laboratory study and industrial reality.

Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Blue Energy Harvesting and Marine Environmental Monitoring

Blue energy,which includes rainfall,tidal current,wave,and water-flow energy,is a promising renewable resource,although its exploitation is limited by current technologies and thus remains low.This form of energy is mainly harvested by electromagnetic generators(EMGs),which generate electricity via Lorenz force-driven electron flows.Triboelectric nano genera tors(TENGs)and TENG networks exhibit superiority over EMGs in low-frequency and high-entropy energy harvesting as a new approach for blue energy harvesting.A TENG produces electrical outputs by adopting the mechanism of Maxwell’s displacement current.To date,a series of research efforts have been made to optimize the structure and performance of TENGs for effective blue energy harvesting and marine environmental applications.Despite the great progress that has been achieved in the use of TENGs in this context so far,continuous exploration is required in energy conversion,device durability,power management,and environmental applications.This review reports on advances in TENGs for blue energy harvesting and marine environmental monitoring.It introduces the theoretical foundations of TENGs and discusses advanced TENG prototypes for blue energy harvesting,including TENG structures that function in freestanding and contact-separation modes.Performance enhancement strategies for TENGs intended for blue energy harvesting are also summarized.Finally,marine environmental applications of TENGs based on blue energy harvesting are discussed.

Impact of Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff expression on the prognosis of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND The Alcian blue(AB)and periodic acid Schiff(PAS)stains are representative mucus markers in gastric signet ring cell carcinoma(SRCC).They are low-cost special staining methods used to detect acidic mucus and neutral mucus,respectively.However,the clinical importance of the special combined AB and PAS stain is unclear.AIM To investigate AB expression,PAS expression and the AB-to-PAS(A/P)ratio in gastric SRCC patients and to assess patient prognosis.METHODS Paraffin-embedded sections from 83 patients with gastric SRCC were stained with AB and PAS,and signet ring cell positivity was assessed quantitatively.Immuno-histochemical staining for Ki67,protein 53(P53)and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)was performed simultaneously.The cancer-specific survival(CSS)rate was estimated via Kaplan-Meier analysis.Cox proportional hazards models were used for univariate and multivariate survival analyses.RESULTS Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the 3-year CSS rate was significantly greater in the high-PAS-expression subgroup than in the low-PAS-expression subgroup(P<0.001).The 3-year CSS rate in the A/P≤0.5 group was significantly greater than that in the A/P>0.5 group(P=0.042).Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the factors affecting prognosis included tumor diameter,lymph node metastasis,vessel carcinoma embolus,tumor stage,the A/P ratio and the expression of Ki67,P53 and the PAS.Cox multivariate regression analysis confirmed that low PAS expression[hazard ratio(HR)=3.809,95%confidence interval(CI):1.563-9.283,P=0.003]and large tumor diameter(HR=2.761,95%CI:1.086-7.020,P=0.033)were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.CONCLUSION A/P>0.5 is potentially a risk factor for prognosis,and low PAS expression is an independent risk factor in the prognosis of gastric SRCC.PAS expression and the A/P ratio could help in predicting the clinical prognosis of patients with SRCC.

Achieving a superior Na storage performance of Fe-based Prussian blue cathode by coating perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine

Fe-based Prussian blue(Fe-PB)cathode material shows great application potential in sodium(Na)-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity,long cycle life,low cost,and simple preparation process.However,the crystalline water and vacancies of Fe-PB lattice,the low electrical conductivity,and the dissolution of metal ions lead to limited capacity and poor cycling stability.In this work,a perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride amine(PTCDA)coating layer is successfully fabricated on the surface of Fe-PB by a liquid-phase method.The aminated PTCDA(PTCA)coating not only increases the specific surface area and electronic conductivity but also effectively reduces the crystalline water and vacancies,which avoids the erosion of Fe-PB by electrolyte.Consequently,the PTCA layer reduces the charge transfer resistance,enhances the Na-ion diffusion coefficient,and improves the structure stability.The PTCA-coated Fe-PB exhibits superior Na storage performance with a first discharge capacity of 145.2 mAh g^(−1) at 100 mA g^(−1).Long cycling tests exhibit minimal capacity decay of 0.027%per cycle over 1000 cycles at 1 A g^(−1).Therefore,this PTCA coating strategy has shown promising competence in enhancing the electrochemical performance of Fe-PB,which can potentially serve as a universal electrode coating strategy for Na-ion batteries.

Fabrication of Core-Shell Hydrogel Bead Based on Sodium Alginate and Chitosan for Methylene Blue Adsorption

A novel core-shell hydrogel bead was fabricated for effective removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions.The core,made of sodium alginate-g-polyacrylamide and attapulgite nanofibers,was cross-linked by Calcium ions(Ca^(2+)).The shell,composed of a chitosan/activated carbon mixture,was then coated onto the core.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the grafting polymerization of acrylamide onto sodium alginate.Scanning electron microscopy images showed the core-shell structure.The core exhibited a high water uptake ratio,facilitating the diffusion of methylene blue into the core.During the diffusion process,the methylene blue was first adsorbed by the shell and then further adsorbed by the core.Adsorption tests showed that the coreshell structure had a larger adsorption capacity than the core alone.The shell effectively enhanced the adsorption capacity to methylene blue compared to the single core.Methylene blue was adsorbed by activated carbon and chitosan in the shell,and the residual methylene blue diffused into the core and was further adsorbed.

Multiple-resonance thermally activated delayed emitters through multiple peripheral modulation to enable efficient blue OLEDs at high doping levels

Organic light-emitting diodes(OLEDs)based on multiple resonance-thermallyactivated delayedfluorescence(MR-TADF)have the advantages of high excitonutilization and excellent color purity.However,the large conjugated planarity of gen-eral MR-TADF emitters makes them easily aggregate in the form ofπ–πstacking,resulting in aggregation-caused quenching(ACQ)and the formation of excimers,which reduce exciton utilization efficiency and color purity.To address these issues,large shielding units can be incorporated to prevent interchromophore interactions,whereas the majority of reported molecules are limited to blue-green light emis-sions.This work proposes a strategy of incorporating steric hindrance groups atdifferent sites of the B/N core to suppress interactions between chromophore,con-tributing to blue MR-TADF emitters with high photo-luminance quantum yields(PLQYs≥95%)and narrow full width at half maximum(FWHM),and importantly,great suppression of the ACQ effect.Therefore,blue OLEDs achieve high externalquantum efficiencies up to 34.3%and high color purity with FWHM of about 27 nmand CIE around(0.12,0.15),even at a high doping concentration of 20 wt%.

In vivo pilot study into superficial microcirculatory characteristics of colorectal adenomas using novel high-resolution magnifying endoscopy with blue laser imaging

BACKGROUND No studies have yet been conducted on changes in microcirculatory hemody-namics of colorectal adenomas in vivo under endoscopy.The microcirculation of the colorectal adenoma could be observed in vivo by a novel high-resolution magnification endoscopy with blue laser imaging(BLI),thus providing a new insight into the microcirculation of early colon tumors.AIM To observe the superficial microcirculation of colorectal adenomas using the novel magnifying colonoscope with BLI and quantitatively analyzed the changes in hemodynamic parameters.METHODS From October 2019 to January 2020,11 patients were screened for colon adenomas with the novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI.Video images were recorded and processed with Adobe Premiere,Adobe Photoshop and Image-pro Plus software.Four microcirculation parameters:Microcirculation vessel density(MVD),mean vessel width(MVW)with width standard deviation(WSD),and blood flow velocity(BFV),were calculated for adenomas and the surrounding normal mucosa.RESULTS A total of 16 adenomas were identified.Compared with the normal surrounding mucosa,the superficial vessel density in the adenomas was decreased(MVD:0.95±0.18 vs 1.17±0.28μm/μm2,P<0.05).MVW(5.11±1.19 vs 4.16±0.76μm,P<0.05)and WSD(11.94±3.44 vs 9.04±3.74,P<0.05)were both increased.BFV slowed in the adenomas(709.74±213.28 vs 1256.51±383.31μm/s,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The novel high-resolution magnification endoscope with BLI can be used for in vivo study of adenoma superficial microcirculation.Superficial vessel density was decreased,more irregular,with slower blood flow.

Blue rubber blister nevus syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Blue rubber blister nevus syndrome(BRBNS)is a congenital,rare disease charac-terized by venous malformations of the skin and internal organs,affecting all systems throughout the body.The pathogenesis is unknown.There is no con-sensus on the treatment of BRBNS.Most of the previously reported cases were mild to moderate with a good prognosis,and this case was a critically ill patient with severe gastrointestinal hemorrhage,disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC),and severe joint fusion that was different from previously reported cases.CASE SUMMARY An 18-year-old man with early onset of BRBNS in early childhood is reported.He presented with recurrent melena and underwent malformed phlebectomy and partial jejunectomy and ileal resection.The patient had melena before and after surgery.After active treatment,the patient's gastrointestinal bleeding improved.This was a case of atypical BRBNS with severe gastrointestinal bleeding and severe joint fusion,which should be differentiated from other serious joint lesions and provide clinicians with better understanding of this rare disease.CONCLUSION This case of critical BRBNS with gastrointestinal hemorrhage,DIC and severe joint fusion provides further understanding of this rare disease.

Experimental and computational optimization of Prussian blue analogues as high-performance cathodes for sodium-ion batteries:A review

In this review,we discuss the electrochemical properties of Prussian blue(PB)for Na^(+)storage by combining structural engineering and electrolyte modifications.We integrated experimental data and density functional theory(DFT)in sodium-ion battery(SIB)research to refine the atomic arrangements and crystal lattices and introduce substitutions and dopants.These changes affect the lattice stability,intercalation,electronic and ionic conductivities,and electrochemical performance.We unraveled the intricate structure-electrochemical behavior relationship by combining experimental data with computational models,including first-principles calculations.This holistic approach identified techniques for optimizing PB and Prussian blue analog(PBA)structu ral properties for SIBs.We also discuss the tuning of electrolytes by systematically adjusting their composition,concentration,and additives using a combination of molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and DFT computations.Our review offers a comprehensive assessment of strategies for enhancing the electrochemical properties of PB and PBAs through structural engineering and electrolyte modifications,combining experimental insights with advanced computational simulations,and paving the way for next-generation energy storage systems.

The Spectral Characterization of Blue Spinel and Other Blue Gemstones with the Alexandrite Effect

In gemmology,the term“Alexandrite effect”is used to describe colour change phenomenon when a gemstone is observed under different light sources,usually between daylight and incandescent light.The definition of the Alexandrite effect is constantly being broadened with new discovery of gem resource.The traditional definition of the Alexandrite effect attributing the colour change phenomenon to the presence of two maximum transmission regions and a maximum absorption region in the absorption spectra.In this study,7 blue spinels and 5 blue gemstones(including tanzanite,kyanite,fluorite,and 2 sapphires)showing the Alexandrite effect were investigated.The goal is to explain the cause of blue-to-violet Alexandrite effect and the spectral features causing such colour change.In the UV-Vis spectra,all samples showed a maximum absorption peak in the range of 534-610 nm,within the green region to orange region.The traditional explanation of green to red Alexandrite effect required a transmission window in the red region;however,some of our samples did not show this transmission window and the blue-to-violet Alexandrite effect was still visible.Therefore,it is incomplete to explain the mechanism of the Alexandrite effect according to their characteristic absorption spectra,a systematic study based on modern colour science and colour perception in human vision is required to elucidate the blue-to-violet Alexandrite effect.

Protective and Regenerative Efficacy of a Plant Oil-Based Day and Night Cream: Investigated by a Novel Approach to Reveal the Impact of Blue Light Irradiation on Epidermal Barrier Integrity and Lipid Matrix

In recent years, the harmful effects of blue light (400 - 500 nm) as a component of visible light (400 - 700 nm) have increasingly gained attention of science, industry, and consumers. To date, only a few in vivo test methods for measuring the effects of blue light on the skin have been described. A direct measurement method that can detect the immediate effects of blue light on the epidermal permeability barrier (EPB) is still lacking. In this study, we present a new methodological approach that can be used to investigate both the protective and regenerative effects of cosmetic products on the EPB after blue light irradiation. In a study with 14 female volunteers, it was investigated whether the regular application of an O/W emulsion (day cream) can strengthen and protect the epidermal barrier against damaging blue light radiation of 60 J/cm2 (protective study design) and also whether a disruption of the epidermal barrier caused by blue light radiation is restored faster and better by the regular application of another O/W emulsion (night cream) than in product-untreated skin (regenerative study design). The two O/W emulsions are different in plant oil, active ingredient composition and texture. The seven-day treatment with the day cream initially led to a significant increase in the normalized lipid lamellae length in the intercellular space, whereas the irradiation with blue light after 24 hours led to a significant decrease in the lipid lamellae length in the untreated test area, but not in the area previously treated with the product. Regarding the regenerative study design, a two-day treatment with the night cream was able to restore a blue-light-induced decrease in lipid lamellae length in the intercellular space. In summary, with the study designs presented here, the protective and regenerative effect of two cosmetic products could be demonstrated for the first time on the integrity of the EPB after blue light irradiation and the data showed that the Lipbarvis® method is suitable for investigating the damaging effects of blue light on the EPB in vivo.

Agricultural Water Footprint of Southern Highbush Blueberry Produced Commercially with Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Frost Protection

A study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 to determine the water footprint for producing blueberries in the Entre Ríos province of Argentina. Three cultivars of southern highbush blueberry (hybrid cross of Vaccinium sp.) were evaluated in the study, including “Star”, “Emerald”, and “Snowchaser”. In each case, the plants were irrigated by drip and protected from frost using overhead sprinklers. Water requirements for irrigation and frost protection varied among the cultivars due to differences in the timing of flowering and fruit development. The annual water footprint for fruit production in each cultivar is expressed in units of cubic meters of water used to produce one ton of fresh fruit and ranged from 212 - 578 m3∙t−1 for “Star”, 296 - 985 m3∙t−1 for “Emerald”, and 536 - 4066 m3∙t−1 for “Snowchaser”. “Snowchaser” flowered earlier than the other cultivars and, therefore, needed more water for frost protection. “Star”, on the other hand, ripened the latest among the cultivars and required little to no water for frost protection. Frost protection required a minimum of 30 m3∙h−1 of water per hectare and in addition to drip irrigation was a major component of the water footprint.

Silicalite-1 zeolite encapsulated Fe nanocatalyst for Fenton-like degradation of methylene blue

Encapsulation of Fe nanoparticles in zeolite is a promising way to significantly improve the catalytic activity and stability of Fe-based catalysts during the degradation process of organic pollutants.Herein,Fe nanocatalysts were encapsulated into silicalite-1(S-1)zeolite by using a ligand-protected method(with dicyandiamide(DCD)as a organic ligand)under direct hydrothermal synthesis condition.High-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM)results confirmed the high dispersion of Fe nanocatalysts which were successfully encapsulated within the voids among the primary particles of the S-1 zeolite.The developed S-1 zeolite encapsulated Fe nanocatalyst(Fe@S-1)exhibited significantly improved catalytic activity and reusability in the catalytic degradation process of methylene blue(MB).Specifically,the developed Fe0.021@S-1 catalyst showed high catalytic degradation activity,giving a high MB degradation efficiency of 100%in 30 min,outperformed the conventional impregnated catalyst(Fe/S-1).Moreover,the Fe@S-1 catalyst afforded an outstanding stability,showing only ca.7.9%activity loss after five cycling tests,while the Fe/S-1 catalyst presented a significantly activity loss of 50.9%after only three cycles.Notably,the encapsulation strategy enabled a relatively lower Fe loading in the Fe@S-1 catalyst in comparison with that of the Fe/S-1 catalyst,i.e.,0.35%vs.0.81%(mass).Radical scavenging experiments along with electron spin resonance(ESR)measurements confirmed that the major role of
OH in the MB degradation process.Specifically,Fe@S-1 catalyst with high molar ratio of[Fe(DCD)]Cl3 is beneficial to form Fe complexes/nanoclusters in the voids(which has large pore size of 1–2 nm)among the primary particles of the zeolite,and thus improving the diffusion and accessibility of reactants to Fe active sites,and thus exhibiting a relatively higher degradation efficiency.This work demonstrates that zeolite-encapsulated Fe nanocatalysts present potential applications in the advanced oxidation of wastewater treatment.