This review article summarizes our research focused on Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGS) nanocrystals, including their synthesis and implementation as the active light absorbing material in photovoltaic devices (PVs). CIGS thin films were prepared by arrested precipitation from molecular precursors consisting of CuCl, InCl3, GaCl3 and Se metal onto Mo/soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates. We have sought to use CIGS nanocrystals synthesized with the desired stoichiometry to deposit PV device layers without high temperature processing. This approach, using spray deposition of the CIGS light absorber layers, without high temperature selenization, has enabled up to 1.5 % power conversion efficiency under AM 1.5 solar illumination. The composition and morphology of CIGS thin films were studied using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that the structural formation of CIGS chalcopyrite structure.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is triggered by a variety of insults, such as bacterial and viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, leading to high mortality. In the murine model of ARDS induced by Staphylococcal enterotoxin-B (SEB), our previous studies showed that while SEB triggered 100% mortality, treatment with Resveratrol (RES) completely prevented such mortality by attenuating inflammation in the lungs. In the current study, we investigated the metabolic profile of SEB-activated immune cells in the lungs following treatment with RES. RES-treated mice had higher expression of miR-100 in the lung mononuclear cells (MNCs), which targeted mTOR, leading to its decreased expression. Also, Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA seq)
... Show MoreThis study proposed using color components as artificial intelligence (AI) input to predict milk moisture and fat contents. In this sense, an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was applied to milk processed by moderate electrical field‐based non‐thermal (NP) and conventional pasteurization (CP). The differences between predicted and experimental data were not significant (
The removal of congo red (CR) is a critical issue in contemporary textile industry wastewater treatment. The current study introduces a combined electrochemical process of electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-oxidation (EO) to address the elimination of this dye. Moreover, it discusses the formation of a triple composite of Co, Mn, and Ni oxides by depositing fixed salt ratios (1:1:1) of these oxides in an electrolysis cell at a constant current density of 25 mA/cm2. The deposition ended within 3 hours at room temperature. X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) characterized the structural and surface morphology of the multi-oxide sedim
... Show MoreSteel Reinforced Concrete (RC) frequently faces durability problems. In certain areas, Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars are considered a non-corrodible substitute for steel reinforcement. Elevated temperatures have a significant impact on the mechanical characteristics and the adhesiveness of GFRP rebars to concrete, particularly when the polymeric matrix's glass transition temperature is approached or surpassed. Three simply supported reinforced concrete slabs were considered in the experimental program. Each specimen had identical dimensions of 1500×540×120 mm. For the fire resistance requirements, a 45 mm clear concrete cover and an exception of a 200 mm unexposed (cool) anchor zone at the ends were considered. The
... Show MoreDeveloping routes to produce cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from high-lignin wood residues is essential for expanding sustainable nanocellulose feedstocks. In this work, Meranti (Shorea sp.) sawdust was valorized into CNCs by integrating ammonium persulfate (APS) pretreatment with subsequent sulfuric acid hydrolysis. To establish a severity map and define an operating window, APS pretreatment severity was systematically varied by adjusting APS concentration and the sawdust-to-APS (solid-to-liquid) ratio, and its influence on CNC structural properties was evaluated. APS pretreatment partially disrupted and oxidized the lignocellulosic matrix, enabling acid hydrolysis to liberate crystalline cellulose domains. XRD analysis confirmed th
... Show MoreHydrogen sulfide (H₂S) gas sensor based on cobalt–manganese spinel oxide MnCo₂O₄ thin films that were prepared by chemical precipitation and green synthesis methods. Structural, morphological, and compositional characterizations of MnCo₂O₄ thin films were performed using XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, and AFM. It was found through XRD patterns that MnCo₂O₄ was formed in a cubic spinel structure for both methods; however, the chemically precipitated thin films possessed better crystallinity and larger crystallite sizes, whereas the green-synthesized films exhibited slightly lower crystallinities and smaller sizes, as evidenced by the broader peaks observed. In addition, FE-SEM and AFM images revealed that the MnCo₂O₄ films prepared by
... Show MoreThe study evaluated endophytic communities associated with five oil-bearing plants, including sesame, corn, sunflower, olives and castor, which were collected from Baghdad and Diyala (Iraq), evaluated their oil production capacity and identified metabolites from the lipid fraction. Out of 151 isolates were collected from 21 taxa. Aspergillus niger showed the highest frequency (6.62 %), while the genera Aspergillus and Fusarium were the most dominant endophytes. The highest oil yield was identified and recorded in Aspergillus terreus (24.12 %). While the lowest oil yield was observed in Sclerotinia spp. (3.96 %). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of A. terreus revealed a profile dominated by pentadecyl acrylate (2
... Show MoreInterleukin-38 (IL-38), an inflammatory cytokine discovered in recent years, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). IL-38 is encoded by the