Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a voltammetric sensor for the detection of oxytocin. The voltammetric sensor comprises a gold electrode. The gold electrode comprises lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles. The present disclosure also discloses a method of detecting oxytocin using a voltammetric sensor, the voltammetric sensor comprising a gold electrode, the gold electrode comprising lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles. The method of detecting oxytocin comprises the steps of positioning a liquid droplet, comprising solvent and analyte, to be tested on a sensing area of the gold electrode; receiving a voltammetric response from the electrode; and analysing the voltammetric response to determine if oxytocin is present in the liquid droplet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a highly stable biocatalytic multi-enzyme system on hydrophobic support for the efficient and continuous hydrogenation of carbon dioxide (CO2) to formate. The system immobilizes formate dehydrogenase (FDH), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), and carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes on a hydrophobic surface-modified metal-organic framework (MOF), SA-HKUST-1. The hydrophobic surface modification with stearic acid enhances the enzyme stability and reusability, maintaining 95% activity after four cycles. The hydrophobicity of SA-HKUST-1 improves CO2 diffusion to the immobilized enzymes, significantly boosting the formate production. Enzyme specificity ensures selective reactions, with FDH facilitating CO2 bioconversion, CA accelerating CO2 hydration and GDH facilitating cofactor regeneration within the system. The system demonstrates superior performance, producing 255.8 mM formate per gram of MOF per hour.

Abstract: A composite photocatalyst, comprising V2C@V2O5/TiO2, is disclosed herein. Additionally, a process for producing this composite, particularly V2C@V2O5/TiO2, involves the steps of preparing V2C@V2O5/TiO2 composite; grinding the V2C@V2O5/TiO2 composite; and calcining the ground product to obtain the composite photocatalyst V2C@V2O5/TiO2. Furthermore, the disclosure encompasses utilizing the composite photocatalyst in a CO2 reduction process, wherein the photocatalyst is irradiated in a photoreactor system.

Abstract: The phosphazene covalent organic framework (COF) is a material with high efficiency to improve the removal of iodine from nuclear waste. The COF can be obtained by a solvothermal reaction of hexa (4-formyl-phenoxy)cyclotriphosphazene and 1,3,6,8-tetra(aminophenyl)pyrene. The resulting three-dimensional phosphazene COF has iodine uptakes as high as 9.4 g g?1 due to its 3D framework with higher specific surface areas and interconnected channels.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ultraviolet (UV) photo sensing element comprising a GaN substrate and a Ta2O5 thin film layer, forming a GaN (gallium-nitride) and Ta2O5 (tantalum pentoxide) based heterojunction wherein the formed heterojunction receives and converts UV light into electrical signals/in the photovoltaic mode (at 0 V) or in a self-driven mode. Also disclosed is a method of fabrication of an ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) device, the method comprising growing silicon-doped n-type GaN epitaxial layers on a stack of un-doped GaN/sapphire samples, cleaning the GaN samples, pelletizing and depositing tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) powder on the n-type GaN samples, forming Ta2O5/GaN stacks, post-annealing the formed Ta2O5/GaN stacks; and depositing high purity Au on the Ta2O5/GaN stacks. The photodetector (PD) device is a heterojunction ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hybrid inorganic-organic metal organic framework compound in the form of 3TCC@MOF-177 solids, with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (PLQY) by mixing a dye in the form of 1-cyano-2-[?-terthiophen-2-yl]-vinyl)carboxylic acid with a metal organic framework in the form of MOF-177 in an organic solvent (such as methanol, glycerol, DMF, ethanol) to form a solvent mixture and heating the solvent mixture to obtain the hybrid inorganic-organic Metal (MOF) compound. The PLQY of the hybrid inorganic-organic MOF compound prepared using the method is enhanced by more than 25% than any materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an on-chip communication architecture for facilitating the distribution of tasks within a heterogenous system, the architecture comprising a hardware component comprising a hardware manager, a communication interface, a reconfigurable region, a plurality of hardware modules, and a software component comprising a software manager and a plurality of software modules, wherein the hardware manager is configured to receive a control signal from the software manager, such that the tasks are allocated to either the hardware component or the software component at least as a function of the control signal. The present disclosure also discloses a method of facilitating the distribution of tasks within a heterogeneous system using an on-chip communication architecture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improvement in the process of hydrolysis of cellulose to produce nanocellulose using imidazolium-based ionic liquids with short alkyl chains in the presence of transition metal complex and an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water. The photocatalyst comprises triphenylphosphine ruthenium (RuP) complex. The RuP complex is a co-catalyst with graphitic carbon nitride. The present disclosure also discloses a method of synthesizing a photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water. The method comprises forming a suspension of graphitic carbon nitride; adding triphenylphosphine ruthenium complex (RuP) to the suspension; and drying the suspension to form dried graphitic carbon nitride integrated with RuP.

Abstract: A method for photothermal synthesis gas production. The method comprises feeding methane and carbon dioxide into a photothermal reactor, the photothermal reactor comprising a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a metal organic framework (MOF) derived nanocomposite oxide catalyst, the MOF derived nanocomposite oxide catalyst being grown on titanium dioxide (TiO2) quantum dots.

Abstract: A double-sided fluidic oscillator, includes a primary feedback loop unit, a secondary feedback loop unit with two outlet and one inlet, and a common mixing chamber. Two perpendicular oscillator jets operating at different oscillation frequencies produce perpendicular and bi-stable pulsating flow oscillations, simultaneously. The proposed design of the fluidic oscillator is a double-sided fluidic oscillator. Also, disclosed is a method of achieving an enhanced heat and mass transfer by better mixing due to the wide sweeping pattern over a target surface using the double-sided fluidic oscillator.

Abstract: A haptic holographic environment. The haptic holographic environment includes a holographic projector; a plurality of piezoelectric transducers; a plurality of sensors for sensing a user's movement and biometric data; a processor; and a deep learning module comprising a deep learning model. The deep learning model is pre-trained with input data associated with an individual, such that the processor can control the holographic projector to project a hologram of the individual. The plurality of piezoelectric transducers emits ultrasound waves to emulate physical sensation for the user when interacting with the hologram. The processor is configured to receive the user's movement and biometric data and adjust the hologram in response to the user's movement and biometric data such that the user's biometric data moves towards a target value. A method of controlling the output of a hologram projection is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for debromination of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) through co-pyrolysis with zinc oxide (ZnO) and franklinite (ZnFe2O4) to effectively restrict brominated species emission from NBFRs during thermal degradation. The method addresses environmental concerns by converting tetrabromobisphenol A 2,3-dibromopropyl ether (TBBPA-DBPE) and tetrabromobisphenol A diallyl ether (TBBPA-DAE) into bromine-free hydrocarbons. Utilizing Zn-based metal oxides from electrical arc furnace dust (EAFD), this process transforms them into metal bromides, facilitating selective zinc extraction. Thermogravimetric analysis guides pyrolysis at up to 500° C., revealing ZnO's efficacy in capturing ˜92% of HBr gas and producing minimal brominated compounds (relative area, 0.83%). Phenol emerges as a significant condensable product, while inorganic gases and methane dominates the non-condensable fraction.

Abstract: The membrane bioreactor for simultaneous enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis and product separation is a vessel having a lower hydrolysis reaction chamber and an upper distilled water chamber separated by a semipermeable membrane attached to the top of the lower reaction chamber. The membrane is supported on a stainless steel mesh and sealed to the mesh by epoxy glue to prevent leakage. A peristaltic pump is connected to the reaction chamber and maintains a flow of distilled water through the membrane and the upper chamber, the effluent being collected in a beaker or other product collection vessel. The reaction chamber is agitated at a moderate rate by a magnetic stirrer, and the upper chamber is agitated more rigorously by a mechanical stirrer. A thermocouple and temperature controller and a buffer solution, respectively, maintain temperature and pH in the reaction chamber optimal for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose.

Abstract: A system of treating reject brine and capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) includes a two-stage electrodialysis (ED) process for producing multiple products with high purity from rejected brine and flue gas mixtures (10% CO2 and 90% N2) emitted from an industrial plant. According to an embodiment, the system includes a first electrodialysis (ED) stage and a second electrodialysis (ED) stage in series.

Abstract: The heat sink with opposed elements providing a temperature gradient has first and second thermally conductive elements disposed diametrically opposite each other on opposite sides of a chamber filled with a thermally conductive phase change material (PCM). The first and second thermally conductive elements ascend vertically from a thermoconductive base of the PCM chamber, which is adapted for mounting on the case of a heat source, such as an electronic component that generates heat or has heat applied thereto from its surroundings during operation. The first thermally conductive element is maintained hotter than the second thermally conductive element to provide a temperature gradient across the PCM chamber. The PCM melts as heat is absorbed. Convection currents are induced in the melting PCM that facilitate heat absorption from the heat source while maintaining the heat sink at a relatively low temperature by dissipation of heat through the second thermally conductive element.

Abstract: A method for processing a salt solution together with carbon dioxide is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting lignin from biomass; and treating the salt solution with the lignin residue and the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved additive manufacturing method and system for the production of components and structures, which integrates real-time monitoring and integrity diagnosis systems directly into the manufacturing process. The method introduces smart slicing technique by which smart sensor network layers (SNL) are embedded into sliced layers of a 3-D model at critical points during component design. The critical points are identified by structural analyses of the component using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A Smart Extrusion and Mixing Module (SEMM) produces both primary printing material and conductive material for SNL layers. The SEMM operates in a direct extrusion mode for primary material and in a mixing and extrusion mode for conductive material. An Artificial Intelligence Single Board Computer (AISBC) manages the printing process and communication with SNL layers. Defect detection occurs in real-time during manufacturing, aided by a scanning module powered by an AI algorithm.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for producing soda ash (sodium carbonate). The method comprises feeding a pressurized saline solution into a high-pressure absorption column; feeding pressurized carbon dioxide into the high-pressure absorption column; dissolving the carbon-dioxide into the saline solution within the high-pressure absorption column; discharging a high-pressure absorption column outlet stream to a filter; filtering sodium hydrogen carbonate from the high-pressure absorption column outlet stream; and feeding the sodium hydrogen carbonate to a calciner to convert the sodium hydrogen carbonate to soda ash. The pressure of the high-pressure absorption column is between 54 to 80 bar.

Abstract: There is disclosed photoactive, one-dimensional zinc and cobalt-based bimetallic oxide and sulfide nanorods (ZnCo2O4 NRs, ZnCo2S4 NRs) and their heterojunction composites (1D/1D ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4) to be used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction using solar energy. Also disclosed herein, is a method of synthesizing these compounds via hydrothermal processes and a self-assembly approach. 1D/1D heterojunctions of ZnCo2O4/ZnCo2S4 composites exhibit favourable interface interactions. The photocatalytic performance of both pure and composite materials is evaluated through water splitting to produce hydrogen and CO2 reduction to yield CO and CH4 using slurry phase and fixed bed photoreactor systems. ZnCo2S4 NRs demonstrate superior hydrogen production whereas CO2 reduction is more pronounced with ZnCo2O4. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is achieved using the heterojunction composites attributed to efficient charge carrier separation facilitated by a suitable band structure.