Hydrogen production from dry reforming of methane, using CO2 previously chemisorbed in the Li6Zn1-xNixO4 solid solution.

Li6ZnO4 was chemically modified by nickel addition, in order to develop different compositions of the solid solution Li6Zn1-xNixO4. These materials were evaluated bifunctionally; analyzing their CO2 capture performances, as well as on their catalytic properties for H2 production via dry reforming of methane (DRM). The crystal structures of Li6Zn1-xNixO4 solid solution samples were determined through X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the integration of nickel ions up to a concentration around 20 mol%, meanwhile beyond this value, a secondary phase was detected. These results were supported by XPS and TEM analyses. Then, dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetric analyses of CO2 capture revealed that Li6Zn1-xNixO4 solid solution samples exhibited good CO2 chemisorption efficiencies, similarly to the pristine Li6ZnO4 chemisorption trends observed. Moreover, a kinetic analysis of CO2 isothermal chemisorptions, using the Avrami-Erofeev model, evidenced an increment of the constant rates as a function of the Ni content. Since Ni2+ ions incorporation did not reduce the CO2 capture efficiency and kinetics, the catalytic properties of these materials were evaluated in the DRM process. Results demonstrated that nickel ions favored hydrogen (H2) production over the pristine Li6ZnO4 phase, despite a second H2 production reaction was determined, methane decomposition. Thereby, Li6Zn1-xNixO4 ceramics can be employed as bifunctional materials.

Water restriction alters seed bank traits and ecology in Atlantic Forest seasonal forests under climate change.

The soil seed bank (SSB) is one of the key mechanisms that ensure the perpetuity of forests, but how will it behave in the scenarios projected for the future climate? Faced with this main question, still little explored in seasonal tropical forests, this study evaluated the germination, ecological attributes, and functional traits of the SSB in a seasonal forest in the Atlantic Forest. Forty-eight composite samples of the SSB were collected from 12 plots, distributed across four treatments, each with 12 replicates. The samples were placed in two climate-controlled greenhouses, establishing two environments of controlled climatic conditions, both with two levels of water, as follows: Cur: current scenario without water restriction; Cur_WR: current scenario with water restriction; RCP8.5: future scenario without water restriction; RCP8.5_WR: future scenario with water restriction. The germinants were identified, and their ecological attributes and functional traits were obtained. Leaf area and biomass production, differences in abundance, richness, and diversity were evaluated, along with analysis of variance to assess the interaction between water levels and scenarios. All ecological attributes and functional traits evaluated drastically decreased in the future projection with water restriction, with this restriction being the main component influencing this response. The increased temperature in the future scenario significantly raised water consumption compared to the current scenario. However, persistent water restrictions in the future could undermine the resilience of seasonal forests, hindering seed germination in the soil. Richness and abundance were also adversely affected by water scarcity in the future scenario, revealing a low tolerance to the projected prolonged drought. These changes found in the results could alter the overall structure of seasonal forests in the future, as well as result in the loss of the regeneration potential of the SSB due to decreased seed viability and increased seedling mortality.

Resumo O banco de sementes do solo (SSB) é um dos principais mecanismos que garantem a perpetuidade das florestas, mas como ele se comportará nos cenários projetados para o clima futuro? Diante dessa questão principal, ainda pouco explorada em florestas tropicais sazonais, este estudo avaliou a germinação, atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais do SSB em uma floresta sazonal na Mata Atlântica. Quarenta e oito amostras compostas do SSB foram coletadas de 12 parcelas, distribuídas em quatro tratamentos, cada uma com 12 réplicas. As amostras foram colocadas em duas estufas com controle climático, estabelecendo dois ambientes de condições climáticas controladas, ambos com dois níveis de água, conforme segue: Cur: cenário atual sem restrição hídrica; Cur_WR: cenário atual com restrição hídrica; RCP8.5: cenário futuro sem restrição hídrica; RCP8.5_WR: cenário futuro com restrição hídrica. Os germinantes foram identificados e seus atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais foram obtidos. Área foliar e produção de biomassa, diferenças na abundância, riqueza e diversidade foram avaliadas, juntamente com análise de variância para avaliar a interação entre níveis de água e cenários. Todos os atributos ecológicos e traços funcionais avaliados diminuíram drasticamente na projeção futura com restrição hídrica, sendo essa restrição o principal componente influenciando essa resposta. O aumento da temperatura no cenário futuro elevou significativamente o consumo de água em comparação com o cenário atual. No entanto, a restrição hídrica persistente no futuro pode comprometer a resiliência das florestas sazonais, dificultando a germinação de sementes no solo. Riqueza e abundância também foram adversamente afetadas pela escassez de água no cenário futuro, revelando uma baixa tolerância à seca prolongada projetada. Essas mudanças encontradas nos resultados podem alterar a estrutura geral das florestas sazonais no futuro, além de resultar na perda do potencial de regeneração do SSB devido à diminuição da viabilidade das sementes e ao aumento da mortalidade das plântulas.

Evaluating sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil stability and physicochemical properties: A comparison between conventional extraction and supercritical fluids.

This study aimed to compare the effects of two extraction techniques (conventional n-hexane and supercritical CO2) on the oil extraction yields, fatty acids profile, anti-hyaluronidase activity, oxidative stability, and in vitro bioactivities of oils from Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis). Higher oil extraction yield (99 %) was achieved using the SC-CO2, although similar fatty acids profiles were depicted between both treatments (p < 0.05). The SC-CO2 oil presented higher anti-hyaluronidase (31 %) activity, but lower oxidative stability (5.05 h) compared to the solvent extraction (10 %, and 5.3 h, respectively). In vitro assays further revealed that the best human normal colon cells (FHC) cell viability (100 %), anti-inflammatory (50 % lower NO production), and antioxidant (20 % ROS reduction) activities were consistently observed in both extraction treatments at concentrations of 50 µg/mL and higher. These findings highlight the potential of supercritical CO2 extraction in yielding Sacha Inchi oil with enhanced bioactive properties without the disadvantages of the use of organic solvents extraction.

Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effects of Oil and Pulp without Açaí Fat (Euterpe oleracea) Obtained by Supercritical Extraction.

For bioactivity studies, it is necessary to use products with a high degree of purity, which may influence the cytotoxic effects. Supercritical technology presents itself as an alternative to obtain these products. Therefore, the objective of this work was to obtain the bioactive compounds of oil and pulp of açaí fat-free supercritical technology and evaluate the cytotoxicity of products in MRC-5 and VERO cells in vitro. The açaí pulp was subjected to extraction with supercritical CO2 to obtain the oil and pulp without fat, under conditions of 323.15 K at 35 MPa, 333.15 K at 42 MPa, and 343.15 K at 49 MPa. The largest yields (51.74%), carotenoids (277.09 µg/g), DPPH (2.55 µmol TE/g), ABTS (2.60 µmol TE/g), and FRAP (15.25 µm of SF/g) of oil and ABTS (644.23 µmol TE/g) of pulp without fat were found in the condition 343.15 K at 49 MPa. The highest levels of compounds phenolics (150.20 mg GAE/g), DPPH (414.99 µmol TE/g), and FRAP (746.2 µm SF/g) of the pulp without fat were found in the condition of 323.15 K to 35 MPa. The fat-free pulp presented high levels of anthocyanins without significant variation in cytotoxicity. The developed process was efficient in obtaining oil rich in carotenoids, and the supercritical technology elucidated an efficient way to obtain açaí fat-free pulp.

Efficient arsenic removal from water using iron-impregnated low-temperature biochar derived from henequen fibers: performance, mechanism, and LCA analysis.

The present study aims to investigate the low-energy consumption and high-efficiency removal of arsenic from aqueous solutions. The designed adsorbent Fe/TBC was synthesized by impregnating iron on torrefaction henequen fibers. Isothermal adsorption experiments indicated maximum adsorption capacities of 7.30 mg/g and 8.98 mg/g for arsenic(V) at 25.0 °C and 40.0 °C, respectively. The interference testing showed that elevated levels of pH, HCO3- concentration, and humic acid content in the solution could inhibit the adsorption of arsenic by Fe/TBC. Characterization of the adsorbent before and after adsorption using FTIR and SEM-EDS techniques confirmed arsenic adsorption mechanisms, including pore filling, electrostatic interaction, surface complexation, and H-bond adhesion. Column experiments were conducted to treat arsenic-spiked water and natural groundwater, with effective treatment volumes of 550 mL and 8792 mL, respectively. Lastly, the life cycle assessment (LCA) using OpenLCA 2.0.3 software was performed to treat 1 m3 of natural groundwater as the functional unit. The results indicated relatively significant environmental impacts during the Fe/TBC synthesis stage. The global warming potential resulting from the entire life cycle process was determined to be 0.8 kg CO2-eq. The results from batch and column experiments, regeneration studies, and LCA analysis indicate that Fe/TBC could be a promising adsorbent for arsenic(V).

How does participation in Global Value Chains affect embodied carbon emissions in international trade? New insights from cross-country panel data analysis.

Global Value Chains (GVCs) significantly influence international trade and environmental outcomes. Despite the economic benefits of GVCs, their impact on the environment remains under-examined. This study  analyzes the effects of GVC participation (considering forward and backward positions) on total carbon emissions embodied in exports (TEEE) and imports (TEEI). Utilizing panel data from 65 economies spanning 1995 to 2018, we apply input-output matrices and the system generalized method of moments (GMM-SYS) approach. Our results indicate that GVC participation generally is associated with reductions in TEEI and increases in TEEE, with backward participation exerting a more substantial impact. Furthermore, we observed asymmetrical impacts of GVC participation between developed and developing countries. Developed nations tend to reap greater benefits from GVC in terms of diminished CO2 emissions associated with imports, as well as notable CO2 reductions in both exports and imports, particularly when forward participation is the focal point. Conversely, developing countries grapple with heightened environmental burdens stemming from their engagement in backward linkages.

Neonatal limited bedding and nesting experience may lead to a sex-dependent increase in panic-like defensive behaviours in adult mice.

In humans, adverse physical and/or psychological traumas in childhood may predispose to developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood, including panic disorder. To model early life adversity in mice, we subjected male and female C57BL/6 J mice to a limited bedding and nesting (LBN) protocol between postnatal days 2-9 and investigated its effect on responsiveness to panicogenic challenges in adulthood. Panic-like escape behaviour was assessed during exposure to a high concentration of CO2 (20%) or in the beetle mania task (BMT), used to model respiratory and non-respiratory-related types of panic respectively. Neonatal exposure to LBN increased panic-like jumping during the CO2 challenge in male but not female mice. In an initial pharmacological validation of the BMT as a panic-inducing paradigm, undirected jumping and horizontal escape behaviours were reduced significantly by the panicolytic alprazolam (0.05 and 0.1mg.kg-1 i.p.) whilst tolerance to the close proximity of the aversive robo-beetle increased. The anxiolytic diazepam (1 mg.kg-1 i.p.) reduced only the number of horizontal escape attempts. In both sexes, previous experience of LBN significantly enhanced the number of horizontal escape episodes, indicating a pro-panic phenotype. Directed escape to access a safe ledge on the wall of the test arena, which was seen only in males, was also reduced significantly following LBN. These findings indicate that early life adversity produced by fragmented and unpredictable maternal care promotes a sex-specific increase in susceptibility to panic-like behaviour in adulthood. Whilst non-respiratory-related panic-like behaviour was enhanced in both sexes, females were resilient to respiratory-related challenges.

Pollution control and biodiesel production with microalgae: new perspectives on the use of flat panel photobioreactors regarding variation in volume application rate.

In the present study, the microalga Arthrospira platensis DHR 20 was cultivated in vertical flat-plate photobioreactors (FPBRs) to bioremediate anaerobically digested cattle wastewater (ACWW) and used as a growth substrate. The final objective was to evaluate the properties of the oil extracted from this biomass to determine its potential for biodiesel production. The process was divided into five phases, varying the volume of the applied substrate: 1 L (Phase I), 5 L (Phase II), 10 L (Phase III), 15 L (Phase IV), and 20 L (Phase V). Dry biomass reached a maximum of 5.7 g L-1, and productivity peaked at 0.74 g L-1d-1. The highest rate of CO2 biofixation was 1213.5 mg L-1 day-1, showing good potential for purifying the air. The highest specific maximum growth rate (µmax) and the shortest doubling time (Dt) were found during Phase I. The removal of pollutants and nutrients during the experimental phases ranged from 65.8% to 87.1% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 82.2% to 85.8% for total organic carbon (TOC), 91% to 99% for phosphate (PO43-), 62.5% to 93% for nitrate (NO3-), 90.4% to 99.7% for ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+), and 86.5% to 98.5% for total nitrogen (TN). The highest lipid production recorded was 0.172 g L-1 day-1. The average cetane number recorded in Phase IV of 51 suggests that the fuel will ignite efficiently and consistently, providing smooth operation and potentially reducing pollutant emissions. The analysis of fatty acids revealed that the produced biodiesel has the potential to be used as an additive for other low-explosive biocombustibles, representing an innovative and sustainable approach that simultaneously offers bioremediation and carbon sequestration.

Assessing the carbon footprint of soybean transportation in Brazil: a network equilibrium model approach.

Brazil has historically invested few resources in its transport infrastructure, leaving gaps and reducing its efficiency. The country presents a high dependence on road transport, which results in increased operational costs and higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, the performance of cargo transportation in Brazil has been deteriorating, accompanied by a rise in the consumption of fossil fuels and noteworthy levels of GHG emissions. This article assesses the carbon intensity of soybean transport operations within Brazil. Utilizing a network equilibrium model, this study estimated the soybean transportation flows that minimize the total cost of transporting this product across the origins and destinations within the grain handling system. The modeling also calculated the GHG emissions in transportation. The results show that the transportation of soybeans produced 2.74 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually, with road transport accounting for 81.7% of these emissions. The state of Mato Grosso, responsible for 44.08 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne of soybeans transported, contributed almost 49% of the total emissions due to the extensive distances involved. In contrast, states like Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, located closer to southern ports, exhibited the lowest emissions, with rates of 11.55 kg CO2 eq/t and 12.52 kg CO2 eq/t, respectively. The analysis highlights the significant potential for reducing GHG emissions by increasing the use of rail and barge transport, particularly in high-emission regions such as Mato Grosso.

Combined Open Surgery and CO2 Laser for Giant Supraglottic Hemangioma in an Adult: A Case Report.

Laryngeal hemangiomas are rare vascular tumors, mainly in children, and less common in adults. Giant lesions typically require multiple endoscopic procedures and temporary tracheostomy. Open surgery allows single-procedure removal with fewer complications. CO2 laser excision controls bleeding and minimizes tissue damage. This study evaluates this hybrid approach to manage adult giant supraglottic hemangiomas. A 54-year-old woman with a giant supraglottic hemangioma was successfully treated using a combination of open surgery and CO2 laser. Limited data on adult laryngeal hemangiomas result in a lack of established treatment protocols. For giant supraglottic hemangiomas, combining open surgery with CO2 laser resection offers distinct advantages: enhanced lesion visibility, optimal airway control, effective hemostasis, reduced tissue damage, and lower recurrence rates. This hybrid approach also supports rapid recovery and favorable clinical outcomes. Combining open surgical excision with CO2 laser is effective for managing giant supraglottic hemangiomas in adults.

Assessing the impact of simulated ocean acidification on the photodegradation of selected microplastics.

This study investigated the impact of ocean acidification on the photodegradation of three microplastics (MPs): polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), under accelerated UV radiation at three pH levels (i.e., 8.1, 7.8, and 7.5), simulating marine conditions. The acidification system simulated current and projected future environmental conditions. As expected, an increase in partial pressure of CO2, total inorganic carbon, bicarbonate ion, and CO2 resulted in more acidic pH levels, with the reverse being true for the carbonate ion. Structural changes of MPs were evaluated, revealing that all weathered samples underwent higher degradation rate compared to the virgin samples. The oxidation state and crystallinity of PP and EVA MPs were higher in samples exposed to the lowest pH, whereas no significant increase in the degradation rate of EPS samples was observed. Saltwater acidification in this study contributed to enhance the photo-oxidation of MPs depending on their polymeric composition.

Translational insights into the hormetic potential of carbon dioxide: from physiological mechanisms to innovative adjunct therapeutic potential for cancer.

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2), traditionally viewed as a mere byproduct of cellular respiration, plays a multifaceted role in human physiology beyond simple elimination through respiration. CO2 may regulate the tumor microenvironment by significantly affecting the release of oxygen (O2) to tissues through the Bohr effect and by modulating blood pH and vasodilation. Previous studies suggest hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels) might trigger optimized cellular mechanisms with potential therapeutic benefits. The role of CO2 in cellular stress conditions within tumor environments and its impact on O2 utilization offers a new investigative area in oncology. Objectives: This study aims to explore CO2's role in the tumor environment, particularly how its physiological properties and adaptive responses can influence therapeutic strategies. Methods: By applying a structured translational approach using the Work Breakdown Structure method, the study divided the analysis into six interconnected work packages to comprehensively analyze the interactions between carbon dioxide and the tumor microenvironment. Methods included systematic literature reviews, data analyses, data integration for identifying critical success factors and exploring extracellular environment modulation. The research used SMART criteria for assessing innovation and the applicability of results. Results: The research revealed that the human body's adaptability to hypercapnic conditions could potentially inform innovative strategies for manipulating the tumor microenvironment. This could enhance O2 utilization efficiency and manage adaptive responses to cellular stress. The study proposed that carbon dioxide's hormetic potential could induce beneficial responses in the tumor microenvironment, prompting clinical protocols for experimental validation. The research underscored the importance of pH regulation, emphasizing CO2 and carbonic acid's role in modulating metabolic and signaling pathways related to cancer. Conclusion: The study underscores CO2 as vital to our physiology and suggests potential therapeutic uses within the tumor microenvironment. pH modulation and cellular oxygenation optimization via CO2 manipulation could offer innovative strategies to enhance existing cancer therapies. These findings encourage further exploration of CO2's therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on experimental validation and exploration of clinical applications, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to tackle current challenges in cancer treatment.

Observed kinetics for the production of diethyl carbonate from CO2 and ethanol catalyzed by CuNi nanoparticles supported on activated carbon.

Monometallic and bimetallic Cu:Ni catalysts with different Cu:Ni molar ratios (3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3) were synthesized by wetness impregnation on activated carbon and characterized by TPR (temperature programmed reduction), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). The synthesized catalysts were evaluated in the gas phase production of diethyl carbonate from ethanol and carbon dioxide. The largest catalytic activity was obtained over the bimetallic catalyst with a Cu:Ni molar ratio of 3:1. Its improved activity was attributed to the formation of a Cu-Ni alloy on the surface of the catalyst, evidenced by XPS and in agreement with a previous assignment based on Vegard law and TPR analysis. During the reaction rate experiments, it observed the presence of a maximum of the reaction rate as a function of temperature, a tendency also reported for other carbon dioxide-alcohol reactions. It showed that the reaction rate-temperature data can be adjusted with a reversible rate equation. The initial rate as a function of reactant partial pressure data was satisfactorily adjusted using the forward power law rate equation and it was found that the reaction rate is first order in CO2 and second order in ethanol.

Diurnal High Temperatures Affect the Physiological Performance and Fruit Quality of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cv. Legacy.

In this study, the physiological performance and fruit quality responses of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivar Legacy to high temperatures (HTs) were evaluated in a field experiment. Three-year-old V. corymbosum plants were exposed to two temperature treatments between fruit load set and harvest during the 2022/2023 season: (i) ambient temperature (AT) and (ii) high temperature (HT) (5 °C ± 1 °C above ambient temperature). A chamber covered with transparent polyethylene (100 µm thick) was used to apply the HT treatment. In our study, the diurnal temperature was maintained with a difference of 5.03 °C ± 0.12 °C between the AT and HT treatments. Our findings indicated that HT significantly decreased CO2 assimilation (Pn) by 45% and stomatal conductance (gs) by 35.2% compared to the AT treatment. By contrast, the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) showed higher levels (about 6%) in HT plants than in AT plants. Fruit quality analyses revealed that the fruit weight and equatorial diameter decreased by 39% and 13%, respectively, in the HT treatment compared to the AT treatment. By contrast, the firmness and total soluble solids (TSS) were higher in the HT treatment than in the AT treatment. Meanwhile, the titratable acidity showed no changes between temperature treatments. In our study, Pn reduction could be associated with stomatal and non-stomatal limitations under HT treatment. Although these findings improve our understanding of the impact of HTs on fruit growth and quality in V. corymbosum, further biochemical and molecular studies are need.

Optimization of Oil and Tocopherol Extraction from Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) by Supercritical CO2 Procedure.

This study focused on the oil extraction from freeze-dried maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) by supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2). The basic objective was to optimize the oil yield and the tocopherol concentration. A Box/Behnken experimental design was developed with three processing variables: supercritical pressure (74, 187, and 300 bar), temperature (35, 48, and 60 °C), and extracting time (30, 135, and 240 min). Multiple optimizations, based on the combination of factor levels at 274 bar, 240 min, and 60 °C, led to the highest oil yield and tocopherol values. The validation of the optimized conditions of maqui oil extraction led to an oil yield of 8% and values of 735, 53, and 97 (mg·kg-1 oil) for α-tocopherol, α-tocotrienol, and γ-tocopherol, respectively. A higher concentration of tocopherol compounds was observed when compared to the employment of the conventional extracting method. The optimized SFE-CO2 method led to an oil extract exhibiting higher Hydrophilic-Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (H-ORAC) assay and total phenol content (22 µmol Trolox equivalents·g-1 oil and 28 mg gallic acid equivalents·g-1 oil) than the oil obtained by the conventional procedure. A practical and accurate oil extraction is proposed for obtaining tocopherol-enriched oil including high concentrations of valuable lipophilic antioxidants.

Cationic Imidazolium-Urethane-Based Poly(Ionic Liquids) Membranes for Enhanced CO2/CH4 Separation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation.

The escalating emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere require the urgent development of technologies aimed at mitigating environmental impacts. Among these, aqueous amine solutions and polymeric membranes, such as cellulose acetate and polyimide are commercial technologies requiring improvement or substitution to enhance the economic and energetic efficiency of CO2 separation processes. Ionic liquids and poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) are candidates to replace conventional CO2 separation technologies. PILs are a class of materials capable of combining the favorable gas affinity exhibited by ionic liquids (ILs) with the processability inherent in polymeric materials. In this context, the synthesis of the IL GLYMIM[Cl] was performed, followed by ion exchange processes to achieve GLYMIM variants with diverse counter anions (NTf2-, PF6-, and BF4). Subsequently, PIL membranes were fabricated from these tailored ILs and subjected to characterization, employing techniques such as SEC, FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, FEG-SEM, and CO2 sorption analysis using the pressure decay method. Furthermore, permeability and ideal selectivity assessments of CO2/CH4 mixture were performed to derive the diffusion and solubility coefficients for both CO2 and CH4. PIL membranes exhibited adequate thermal and mechanical properties. The PIL-BF4 demonstrated CO2 sorption capacities of 33.5 mg CO2/g at 1 bar and 104.8 mg CO2/g at 10 bar. Furthermore, the PIL-BF4 membrane exhibited permeability and ideal (CO2/CH4) selectivity values of 41 barrer and 44, respectively, surpassing those of a commercial cellulose acetate membrane as reported in the existing literature. This study underscores the potential of PIL-based membranes as promising candidates for enhanced CO2 capture technologies.

Molecular Recognition between Carbon Dioxide and Biodegradable Hydrogel Models: A Density Functional Theory (DFT) Investigation.

In this research, we explore the potential of employing density functional theory (DFT) for the design of biodegradable hydrogels aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. We employed biodegradable hydrogel models, including polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, chitosan, and poly-2-hydroxymethacrylate. The complexation process between the hydrogel and CO2 was thoroughly investigated at the ωB97X-D/6-311G(2d,p) theoretical level. Our findings reveal a strong affinity between the hydrogel models and CO2, with binding energies ranging from -4.5 to -6.5 kcal/mol, indicative of physisorption processes. The absorption order observed was as follows: chitosan > PVP > HEAC > PEG. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters substantiated this sequence and even suggested that these complexes remain stable up to 160 °C. Consequently, these polymers present a promising avenue for crafting novel materials for CO2 capture applications. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to optimize the design of these materials and assess their performance across various environmental conditions.

Rejuvenecimiento facial y láser de dióxido de carbono / Facial rejuvenation and carbon dioxide laser

El envejecimiento facial es multifactorial, la piel muestra el paso del tiempo a través de manchas, poros dilatados, arrugas, fl acidez y otras alteraciones. Si al momento de realizar un rejuvenecimiento facial no se rejuvenece también la piel, el resultado nunca será armónico o coherente. Actualmente la mejor herramienta para el rejuvenecimiento facial integral es el láser de dióxido de carbono. Si lo combinamos con el uso de microagujas y la aplicación de plasma rico en plaquetas, potenciaremos aún más los resultados

Facial aging is multifactorial, the skin shows prevents aging through spots, pores, wrinkles, gas, fl accidity and other situations. If at the time of perform facial rejuvenation we do not rejuvenate the skin, the result will never be harmonious or coherent. To this day, the best tool for refacial rejuvenation is the carbon dioxide laserand if we associate it with the use of microneedles and applications of rich plasma we are going to enhance the result

Combustion characteristics and gasification kinetics of Brazilian municipal solid waste subjected to different atmospheres by thermogravimetric analysis.

This study examines the gasification kinetics of Brazilian municipal solid waste (MSW) and its components under air, CO2, and air/CO2 (70/30 vol%) atmospheres. The ignition indices of paper and plastic are 6 and 3 times that of food waste, which are 38.6 × 10-3 %/min3 and 19.6 × 10-3 %/min3, respectively, implying a faster separation of volatile compounds from the paper and plastic. The minimum Eα values of 132 kJ/mol and 140 kJ/mol have been obtained for paper waste under air and air/CO2, respectively. On CO2 condition, MSW has an average Ea value of 96 kJ/mol. Under an air/CO2 atmosphere, a high synergistic ΔW of -4.7 wt% has been identified between individual components. The presence of air and CO2 improves the oxidation and char gasification process, thus resulting in better combustion. Hence, the gasification of MSW under an air/CO2 atmosphere would improve the waste-to-energy plant's performance and minimize the CO2 emission.

Nitric Oxide Mitigates the Deleterious Effects Caused by Infection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Modulates the Carbon Assimilation Process in Sweet Cherry under Water Stress.

Bacterial canker is an important disease of sweet cherry plants mainly caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Water deficit profoundly impairs the yield of this crop. Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that plays an important role in the plant defense mechanisms. To evaluate the protection exerted by NO against Pss infection under normal or water-restricted conditions, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, was applied to sweet cherry plants cv. Lapins, before they were exposed to Pss infection under normal or water-restricted conditions throughout two seasons. Well-watered plants treated with exogenous NO presented a lower susceptibility to Pss. A lower susceptibility to Pss was also induced in plants by water stress and this effect was increased when water stress was accompanied by exogenous NO. The lower susceptibility to Pss induced either by exogenous NO or water stress was accompanied by a decrease in the internal bacterial population. In well-watered plants, exogenous NO increased the stomatal conductance and the net CO2 assimilation. In water-stressed plants, NO induced an increase in the leaf membranes stability and proline content, but not an increase in the CO2 assimilation or the stomatal conductance.