PLANT TESTING MAGNETIC CONDITIONING ON KENNECOTT'S Cu-Mo PORPHYRY ORE

Over it's more than 100-year history, the Kennecott operation has often been at the forefront of innovation;driven by the demands of the lower grade ore-body and the higher costs of operating in the US where wages are generally higher and regulation more restrictive. One way of reducing operating costs in c/lb is to increase the lbs produced at minimal cost. Despite the relatively coarse grind at Kennecott - about 30% >150μm, approximately 20% of the Cu lost to tail is liberated chalcopyrite in the <20μm fraction, and about 30%-40% in the <37μm fraction. In 2020 Kennecott undertook a detailed plant scale test of the magnetic aggregation technology to increase copper recovery by reducing fine copper losses. A paired statistical plant test of magnetic conditioning on one rougher line showed a 1.12% increase in Cu recovery to 97% statistical confidence. The next challenge, unforeseen at the start of the project, was the fabrication and transportation to site of the equipment for the three remaining rougher rows, during the severe supply-chain constraints of the Covid pandemic in 2021. This resulted in delays and unforeseen costs as world-wide transportation became chaotic, particularly transportation via west coast USA. Nevertheless, the project was completed and commissioned, with only minor delays and cost increases, due to a flexible approach to overcoming the hurdles encountered. Copyright © 2023 by SME.

Treatment of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Using Hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) Copper Chelate

Human Coronavirus (HCoV) or Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is probably a brand new version of coronavirus that belongs to Betacoronaviruses kind Human Coronaviruses, similar to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. China recorded the number one case of this virus in December 2019 at Wuhan, the capital town of Hubei province. By 27 March 2020, 10:00 CET, nearly 23,335 humans died out of 509,164 showed instances recorded throughout the world. By the give up of January 2020, China showed that the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) transmitted from one human to another. This studies pursuits to research a completely specific medicament called "Hinokitiol Copper Chelate” towards the large quantity 2019-nCoV Spike Glycoprotein with a unmarried receptor binding domain. This take a look at gives a super version for Hinokitiol Copper Chelate to be examined in silico towards 2019-nCoV Main Protease. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.

Nano-copper ions assembled cellulose-based composite with antibacterial activity for biodegradable personal protective mask.

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in the widespread use of personal protective equipment, particularly face masks. However, the use of commercial disposable face masks puts great pressure on the environment. In this study, nano-copper ions assembled cotton fabric used in face masks to impart antibacterial activity has been discussed. To produce the nanocomposite, the cotton fabric was modified by sodium chloroacetate after its mercerization, and assembled with bactericidal nano-copper ions (about 10.61 mg·g-1) through electrostatic adsorption. It demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli because the gaps between fibers in the cotton fabric allow the nano-copper ions to be fully released. Moreover, the antibacterial efficiency was maintained even after 50 washing cycles. Furthermore, the face mask constructed with this novel nanocomposite upper layer exhibited a high particle filtration efficiency (96.08% ± 0.91%) without compromising the air permeability (28.9 min·L-1). This green, economical, facile, and scalable process of depositing nano-copper ions onto modified cotton fibric has great potential to reduce disease transmission, resource consumption, and environmental impact of waste, while also expanding the range of protective fabrics.

Copper(II) Schiff base complex derived from salen ligand: structural investigation, Hirshfeld surface analysis, anticancer and anti-SARS-CoV-2.

This work deals with the synthesis and characterization of copper(II) complex [Cu(salen)(H2O)](1) of salen-type Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation of 5-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and ethylenediamine in EtOH. This complex was characterized by different spectroscopic and physicochemical methods. Single crystal X-ray crystallography study revealed that Cu(II) in complex (1) is five-coordinate and adopts a distorted square pyramidal geometry. A DFT calculation was employed to evaluate the optimized electronic structure, HOMO-LUMO, energy gap, and global parameters. A detailed structural and non-covalent interaction on the complex is investigated by single crystal structure analysis and computational approaches. The strength of the interaction and 3D topology of the crystal packing are visualized through an energy framework. Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint plots have been explored in the crystal structure of the complex. The anticancer properties of copper(II) complex was studied against the selected cancerous cell lines of breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, molecular docking and MD simulations was performed on the complex to predict the binding mode and interactions between the ligand and the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 (PDB ID: 7CBT and 7D1M). The molecular docking calculations of the complex (1) with SARS-CoV-2 virus revealed the binding energy of -8.1 kcal/mol and -7.5 kcal/mol with an inhibition constant of 3.245 µM and 2.318 µM at inhibition binding site of receptor towards 7CBT and 7D1M main protease (Mpro), respectively. Besides this, molecular docking results (-7.6 kcal/mol, 3.196 µM) towards Escherichia coli PBP2 targets (PDB ID: 6G9S) was also studied. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Zn2+ and Cu2+ Interaction with the Recognition Interface of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein.

The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 is able to bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor with a much higher affinity compared to other coronaviruses. The binding interface between the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein plays a critical role in the entry mechanism of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are specific amino acids involved in the interaction between the S protein and the ACE2 receptor. This specificity is critical for the virus to establish a systemic infection and cause COVID-19 disease. In the ACE2 receptor, the largest number of amino acids playing a crucial role in the mechanism of interaction and recognition with the S protein is located in the C-terminal part, which represents the main binding region between ACE2 and S. This fragment is abundant in coordination residues such as aspartates, glutamates, and histidine that could be targeted by metal ions. Zn2+ ions bind to the ACE2 receptor in its catalytic site and modulate its activity, but it could also contribute to the structural stability of the entire protein. The ability of the human ACE2 receptor to coordinate metal ions, such as Zn2+, in the same region where it binds to the S protein could have a crucial impact on the mechanism of recognition and interaction of ACE2-S, with consequences on their binding affinity that deserve to be investigated. To test this possibility, this study aims to characterize the coordination ability of Zn2+, and also Cu2+ for comparison, with selected peptide models of the ACE2 binding interface using spectroscopic and potentiometric techniques.

Evidence of Copper Nanoparticles and Poly I:C Modulating Cas9 Interaction and Cleavage of COR (Conserved Omicron RNA).

Conserved omicron RNA (COR) is a 40 base long 99.9% conserved sequence in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, predicted to form a stable stem loop, the targeted cleavage of which can be an ideal next step in controlling the spread of variants. The Cas9 enzyme has been traditionally utilized for gene editing and DNA cleavage. Previously Cas9 has been shown to be capable of RNA editing under certain conditions. Here we investigated the ability of Cas9 to bind to single-stranded conserved omicron RNA (COR) and examined the effect of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) and/or polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C) on the RNA cleavage ability of Cas9. The interaction of the Cas9 enzyme and COR with Cu NPs was shown by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements and was confirmed by two-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS). The interaction with and enhanced cleavage of COR by Cas9 in the presence of Cu NPs and poly I:C was shown by agarose gel electrophoresis. These data suggest that Cas9-mediated RNA cleavage may be potentiated at the nanoscale level in the presence of nanoparticles and a secondary RNA component. Further explorations in vitro and in vivo may contribute to the development of a better cellular delivery platform for Cas9.

A comparative study of serum Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Cr, and Fe levels and their association with the vulnerability of Iraqi COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: For the immune system to protect the body from infectious diseases such as COVID-19, it needs the ideal amount of vital trace elements. Trace element levels, especially, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and iron (Fe) levels, may affect how sensitive an individual is to COVID-19 and other viruses. The current study evaluated the level of those trace elements during stays in the isolation center and investigated their association with vulnerability to COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 120 individuals, 49 males and 71 females aged between 20 and 60 years, were included in this study. Forty individuals infected with COVID-19, 40 individuals who had recovered from it, and 40 healthy individuals, were all evaluated and studied. By using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, levels of Zn, Cu, and Mg were assessed for all samples, whereas levels of Mn, and Cr were determined by a flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The infected individuals had significantly lower levels of Zn, Mg, Mn, Cr, and Fe than recovered individuals and healthy control individuals (P < 0.0001). On the other hand, the total number of infected patients was found to have much higher levels of Cu than those in the recovered group and the control group. For the recovered and healthy control groups, no significant differences were observed in the levels of trace elements (P > 0.05), except for Zn (P < 0.01). Also, the findings indicated no association of trace elements with age and BMI (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results show that an imbalance in the levels of essential trace elements could be associated with increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, additional thorough research of greater scope is required considering the severity of the infection.

Copper-free click chemistry assisted antibodies for immunodetection of interleukin-10 in saliva

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that is secreted in response to an acute phase inflammation in patients who are suffering from heart failure (HF). The aim of this work was to develop an electrochemical biosensor for determining salivary IL-10 levels. Biofunctionalization strategy was improved through the use of copper-free click chemistry for the developed sensor due to its advantages, leading to high quantitative yields of stable triazoles, rapid reaction, no cytotoxic Cu(I) catalyst requirement, and high specificity of cyclooctynes toward azides. The approach involved in binding of dibenzocyclooctyne acid (DBCO-COOH) to thiol-azide assembled gold microelectrodes, later capturing the monoclonal IL-10 antibody (IL-10 mAb), and ultimately allowing direct detection of IL-10 antigen. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nanoplotter associated with fluorescence microscopy methods have been employed to analyze and prove the biofunctionalization of the gold microelectrodes. Moreover, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used for detecting IL-10 antigen. The developed immunosensor showed a semi-logarithmic linear range, from 0.1 pg/mL to 5 pg/mL with R2 = 0.9815 and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.1 pg/mL with relative standard deviation (RSD) of 10.67%. The specificity of the immunosensor was evaluated using an inflammatory cytokine, and none of it generated detectable EIS signals. Finally, the successful analysis of saliva samples from a healthy volunteer without Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection demonstrated the usefulness of the developed immunosensor.

Research Progress of Antiviral Coatings

With the large-scale spread of COVID-19 around the world, it has caused serious damage to the health of people around the world. In addition to being transmitted by various droplets, viruses can also be transmitted by human touch of contaminated surfaces. However, as a commonly used surface antiviral method, disinfectants have the disadvantage of discontinuously inactivating viruses, which is bad for inhibiting the spread of various infectious viruses. Therefore, it is urgent to protect the surface of daily objects from virus pollution to eliminate the spread of various respiratory viruses ( such as Corona Virus Disease 2019, SARS-CoV-2). From this point of view, it is very important to design and develop effective antiviral coatings. This paper discusses the working mechanisms, performance evaluation methods, processing technologies, practical applications and research progress of nanoparticle antiviral coatings and polymer antiviral coatings for SARS-CoV-2, and also proposes some strategies to design more effective antiviral coatings from the perspective of different types of antiviral coatings. Although some of these antiviral coatings are still in the experimental stage, they still show great potential in the antiviral field.

Novel oxazolidinone zinc(II) complexes as antibacterial and anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents: synthesis, characterization, DFT calculations, ADMET, in silico molecular docking and biological activities

A series of Zn(II) complexes with oxazolidinone derivatives has been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques: IR, H-1 NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TGA/DTG thermal investigation. Theoretical computations were carried out using B3LYP/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/LanL2DZ to analyze the vibrational properties, NBO charges, global chemical reactivity indices and to illustrate the FOMs. TD-DFT calculations using WB97XD functional were realized with 6-31 G(d) and LAN2DZ basis set on oxazolidinone ligands and their zinc complexes. The pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of the investigated compounds were predicted using in silico ADMET studies. Moreover, the S. aureus, E. coli, S. pneumoniae, ribosome 50S subunit, SARS-Cov-2 spike protein and ACE2 human receptor were selected for molecular docking study. The docking study shows that HL4 and ZnL4 bind better to the spike protein and hACE2 receptor. The redox properties were also studied for ligands and their corresponding complexes using cyclic voltammetry. Finally, antioxidant activity studies using DPPH radical scavenging showed efficiency for HL2 and [Zn(L-2)(2)] with low values of IC50 compared to ascorbic acid. The antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis (ATCC 9372), E. faecalis (ATCC 29212), S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 4157), bacteria strains, C. albicans (ATCC 24433) and A. niger fungi strains were evaluated.

Spirulina platensis from Nomayos: a potential health food for the management of COVID-19 infection

The proteins (37%), carbohydrates (24.4%) and lipids (30.1%) contents of S. platensis from Nomayos provide the body with its structural and energy needs for about 518.8 Kcal per 100g of spirulina. Polyphenols (56.4 mEq. QE / g ES.), flavanols (13.2 mEq. QE / g ES.) flavonoids (21.2 mEq. QE / g ES.), carotenoids (3, 8%) and phycocyanin (16.15%) is responsible of its antioxidant capacities (7.5 + 0.33 mg eq. Vit C/g ES) and for a significant decrease in malondialdehyde MDA (< 0.001) concentration. Zinc (25 mG/Kg), Iron (256 mG/Kg), Selenium (1.24 mG/Kg), Manganese (23mG/Kg) and Copper (28.95 mG/Kg) reinforce this antioxidant power because they are cofactors of enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Peroxidase, Catalase) which ensure the fight against free radicals. The presence of phycocyanin is an asset for the anti-inflammatory action. The significant decrease in IL-8 (p < 0.001) and TNF alpha (p < 0.04) levels confirms this property. On the other hand, the nonsignificant increase in Il-6 (1.56 to 2.18 pg/m;p > 0.05) would be partly responsible for the rise in CD4 levels (p < 0.001) and the reduction in viral load in immune deficiency patients (p = 0.000) supplemented with spirulina. In conclusion, S. platensis from Nomayos by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulatory properties would be a good supplement food for subjects at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19.

Copper and zinc deficiency to the risk of preterm labor in pregnant women: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the relationship between maternal copper and zinc levels and preterm labor. DESIGN: The design of the present study was a case-control. Two groups were matched in terms of early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), pregnancy and childbirth rating, education level, income, and employment status. Blood samples were taken from mothers after meeting the inclusion criteria when admitted to the maternity ward to check copper and zinc serum levels. Demographic and midwifery data were also collected using a questionnaire and patient records. The data were analyzed in SPSS26 using independent-samples T-test, chi-square, Fisher exact test, and regression analysis, and the p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SETTING: Bohloul Hospital in Gonabad, Iran. PARTICIPANTS: The subjects were 86 pregnant women visiting the hospital in two cases (preterm delivery) and control (term delivery) groups. RESULTS: The mean serum level of zinc in the case group (preterm delivery) (44.97 ± 13.06 µg/dl) was significantly lower than the control group (term) (52.63 ± 21.51 µg/dl), and the mean serum level of copper in the case group (149.82 ± 53.13 µg/dl) was significantly lower than the control group (183.97 ± 71.40 µg/dl). CONCLUSION: As the findings showed, copper and zinc serum levels in mothers with preterm delivery were significantly lower than mothers with term delivery, which shows the biological role of these elements in the pathogenesis of preterm delivery.

Emerging membrane technologies and disinfection methods for efficient removal of waterborne pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic

Viruses and other microorganisms can enter water sources from different routes and cause pollution and irreparable damage. So, cost-effective and efficient systems for providing safe water are necessary. Efficient filtration systems based on antimicrobial materials have received a lot of attention in this regard. A wide range of materials play an important role in the production of efficient water filtration systems. Metal and metal oxide particles with anti-viral and antimicrobial properties comprising Cu, Cu2O, Ag, TiO2, and ZnO play a valuable role in the preparation of water filtration systems. Biopolymers such as cellulose or carbon nanomaterials like graphene or its derivatives have been reported to provide safe water. In this review, we summarize the use of diverse materials in the preparation of efficient filtration-based systems like membranes and paper filters for water treatment. Pathogen-containing water samples were effectively disinfected using the prepared water disinfection systems.Copyright © 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Structural and Computational Studies of Cobalt(II) and Copper(II) Complexes with Aromatic Heterocyclic Ligand

Two coordination complexes, a cobalt(II) complex tris(1,10-phenanthroline)-cobalt perchlorate hydrate, [Co(phen)3]·(ClO4)2·H2O(1), and a copper(II) complex tris(1,10-phenanthroline)-copper perchlorate 4-bromo-2-{[(naphthalene-1-yl)imino]methyl}phenol hydrate, [Cu(phen)3]·(ClO4)2·HL·[O] (2), [where, phen = 1,10-phenathroline as aromatic heterocyclic ligand, HL = 4-bromo-2-((Z)-(naphthalene-4-ylimino) methyl) phenol] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray analysis of both complexes has revealed the presence of a distorted octahedral geometry around cobalt(II) and copper(II) ions. density functional theory (DFT)-based quantum chemical calculations were performed on the cationic complex [Co(phen)3]2+ and copper(II) complex [Cu(phen)3]2+ to get the structure property relationship. Hirshfeld surface and 2-D fingerprint plots have been explored in the crystal structure of both the metal complexes. To find potential SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates, both the complexes were subjected to molecular docking calculations with SARS-CoV-2 virus (PDB ID: 7BQY and 7C2Q). We have found stable docked structures where docked metal chelates could readily bound to the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The molecular docking calculations of the complex (1) into the 7C2Q-main protease of SARS-CoV-2 virus revealed the binding energy of −9.4 kcal/mol with a good inhibition constant of 1.834 µM, while complex (2) exhibited the binding energy of −9.0 kcal/mol, and the inhibition constant of 1.365 µM at the inhibition binding site of receptor protein. Overall, our in silico studies explored the potential role of cobalt(II) complex (1), and copper(II) complex (2) complex as the viable and alternative therapeutic solution for SARS-CoV-2.

Successful Implementation of Gas Driven Electric Power Grid Project for Wells and Facilities Electrification, Yielding GHG Emissions and Cost Benefits

Objectives/Scope: Kuwait Energy is exploring, developing, and operating four concessions located in the Western Desert and the Gulf of Suez in Egypt;the company implemented many projects that had a significant impact on saving operating expenses and reducing greenhouse emissions to preserve the environment. One of these recent executed projects was replacing scattered diesel generators with a Central gas-driven electric power grid in Al- Jahraa field in East Abu-Sennan concession. In this , we present the challenges we faced during the planning phase and execution strategy applied to overcome these challenges. Methods: Al-Jahraa Field includes 13 running wells, a waterflood station, and a main oil and gas production plant. The field electricity is supplied by 15 scattered diesel generators for wells and facilities, consuming 100,000 liters of diesel per month. During the feasibility study phase of the project, many challenges were faced which had a negative impact on the project's economical assessment and that would result in cancelling the project, the challenges were summarized as following;the existence of wells at long distances from the site of the proposed main power station, which would require extending long lengths of electric power cables at a high cost, also the expected delay in the implementation and commissioning of the project resulting from the long delivery time of materials, especially copper cables and main switchgear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several scenarios were studied for connecting the wells to the power station: The first scenario was to connect all wells and field facilities directly to the main power station. In this case, the estimated power cable lengths required to be extended were 25,000 Mt, in addition to using two 1 MW generators, one in service and the other would be a standby generator to provide backup power during a repair or maintenance service. This option economic model showed negative NPV due to the high cost of cables and extended execution time. Therefore, this option was cancelled. The second alternative was to connect each group of wells to three power stations to be operated using three diesel generators of 500 kVA for each station, with three backup generators. But the implementation of this option would lead to saving the cost of copper cables by 50%, but the cost of purchasing generators would increase due to the increase in the number of stations accordingly, in addition to the increase in operating expenses resulting from the increase in fuel consumption and maintenance cost compared to the first option. The third alternative, in which the economics of the project proved to be the best, is to divide the wells into three groups. Each of the two remote groups of wells are connected to an electric distribution panel, and then the two panels are connected by a main cable to the main power station. Moreover, the project cost was reduced by 50% due to the implementation of the following innovative optimization approach: • Re-using ESP cables instead of copper cables optimized both cost and delivery time as these materials are pulled from ESP wells. • These cables are designed for harsh downhole conditions increases its durability and extends its lifetime. • Using step-up and step-down transformers enabled us to reduce cable sizing, which also reflected on the lower cost of the project and, accordingly, increased its feasibility to be constructed. • An Incremental development approach, was followed in the management and implementation of the project, led to the speed of project delivery, and reduced the project risks and uncertainties. Results: The project was completed and commissioned within the allocated budget and time frame, leading to: ◦ 100% reduction of diesel fuel consumption levels. ◦ +68% reduction in total emissions;emissions are reduced by 2.5tons per year on average. ◦ reduced operational costs for each kilowatt hour generated due to using associated gas as fuel and releasing 13 rental generators. ◦ With the replacement of 1 rental generators with just one, the amount of maintenance waste, such as batteries, used oil, oil filters, fuel filters, and so on, is significantly reduced. ◦ These projects showed positive economic indicators (+NPV), with less than 1 years of payback. Conclusion: From this project's planning, execution, and results, we can claim that if risk assessments, detailed scope of work, good resource and time management, and cost-effective choices were addressed carefully, shall result in outstanding performance. The design of a high-efficiency electrical power supply system and use of associated gas in power generation reduces levels of fuel consumption, GHG emissions, and operational costs. Power generation project is a repeated case performed in one of our own assets in Egypt due to positive results and are easily transferable to sister IOCs & NOCs. Copyright © 2023, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Review on Generation and Characterization of Copper Particles and Copper Composites Prepared by Mechanical Milling on a Lab-Scale.

This review aims to expose mechanical milling as an alternative method for generating copper-based particles (copper particles (CuP) and copper composites (CuC)); more specifically, via a top-down or bottom-up approach, on a lab-scale. This work will also highlight the different parameters that can affect the size distribution, the type, and the morphology of the obtained CuP or CuC, such as the type of mechanical mill, ball-to-powder ratios (BPR), the milling speed, milling time, and the milling environment, among others. This review analyzes various papers based on the Cu-based particle generation route, which begins with a pretreatment step, then mechanical milling, its approach (top-down or bottom-up), and the post-treatment. Finally, the characterization methods of the resulting CuP and CuC through mechanical milling are also discussed.

Copper Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Electrode Modifier for the Development of an Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Chloroquine Phosphate Determination.

This study describes the use of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as an electrode modifier for the determination of chloroquine phosphate (CQP). The synthetized rGO-CuNPs composite was morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy and electrochemically characterized using cyclic voltammetry. The parameters were optimized and the developed electrochemical sensor was applied in the determination of CQP using square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The analytical range for the determination of CQP was 0.5 to 110 µmol L-1 (one of the highest linear ranges for CQP considering electrochemical sensors), with limits of detection and quantification of 0.23 and 0.78 µmol L-1, respectively. Finally, the glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with rGO-CuNPs was used for quantification of CQP in tap water; a study was carried out with interferents using SWV and obtained great results. The use of rGO-CuNP material as an electrode modifier was thus shown to be a good alternative for the development of low-cost devices for CQP analysis.

Cointegration between high base metals prices and backwardation: Getting ready for the metals super-cycle

This paper is devoted to test agents' behavior in the markets of hard commodities by trying to distinguish between managing future price structures to hedge their positions and speculating in on prices. We do a triple analysis: cointegration on the time series, structural breaks over the full time series and panel data. The analysis of the full series and the identification of structural breaks allows us to discover the connection between high prices and the negative futures price structure (backwardation) in rising prices scenarios of tin, copper, aluminium, and zinc. Moreover, we obtain that the base metals full matrix (price and futures price structure) is cointegrated in our analysis that uses panel data methods. We believe that these results are important for agents in the markets, as commodity traders or brokers, to maximize profits in their hedging positions.

Dependence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) inactivation ability on the crystallinity level of transparent Cu2O thin films

The inactivation ability of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) was examined using two types of transparent Cu2O thin films with different crystallinities on a Na-free glass substrate. The low-crystallinity Cu2O thin film, which was fabricated by irradiating 254 nm ultraviolet (UV)-light with an intensity of 6.72 mW cm(-2) onto a spin-coated precursor film involving Cu2+ complexes at room temperature, exhibited an outstanding COVID-19 inactivation ability to reduce 99.999% of the virus after 1 h of incubation. The X-ray diffraction results of the UV-irradiated thin film indicated a cubic Cu2O lattice with a small crystallite size of 2 +/- 1 nm. Conversely, the high-crystallinity Cu2O thin film with a crystallite size of 16 +/- 3 nm, obtained by heating a spin-coated precursor film containing another Cu2+ complex, showed a negligibly low inactivation activity at the same level as the Na-free glass substrate. The eluted concentrations of Cu ions from both Cu2O thin films were analyzed after immersion in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) for 0.25-2 h. The eluted Cu-ion concentration of 1.16 ppm was observed for the UV-irradiated thin film by DMEM immersion after 1 h, but that of 0.04 ppm was observed for the heat-treated thin film. This indicated that an important factor of virus inactivation on Cu2O thin films is highly related to the elution of Cu ions that occurred from the surface in the medium.

Eco-Environment friendly cost-effective synthesis for sustainable human development in context of globalization

Nanotechnology is nowadays very much successful in producing specifically functionalized nano-sized particles. In this work, copper nanoparticles were prepared by reduction method which is greener and environmentally suitable, cheap and best as compared to other conventional methods, particularly in the context of COVID in globalized world. The formation and size of copper nanoparticles was evidenced by the X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The very high surface area of 35-50 m2/gm and very small crystallite sizes of 5-15 nm of these metal nanoparticles is mainly responsible for their effective involvement in removal of carbon dioxide gas as one of major hazardous pollutants from the environment. This chapter, as its main objective, mainly focuses on utility of nano technology and its beneficiary in creating a sustainable environment in economic world. Apart from laboratory experimental procedure and characterizations for preparation of copper nanoparticles, appropriate research methods such as simple statistical, econometric tools and mathematical tools have been used for economic analysis. However, as major findings of the results, developed countries have been successful in maintaining a sustainable human development, in spite of having higher per capita income (PCI) growth as compared to the role of developing countries with lower PCI in this global world. © 2022 by Emerald Publishing Limited.