In this study, a series of CuWO4/g-C3N4 composites were synthesized using a facile construction method. The structural characteristics of the composites were examined using various techniques, including XRD, SEM, SEM-EDS, FT-IR, and UV–DRS. The photocatalytic performance of the CuWO4/g-C3N4 nanocomposites was evaluated in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The findings revealed that the CuWO4/g-C3N4 composite with a mass ratio of 10% CuWO4 displayed the highest efficiency (89%) in degrading MB during an 80-minute photodegradation process, which was consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. These results clearly demonstrate that the formation of a Z-scheme CuWO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction significantly improves the photocatalytic efficiency by promoting rapid separation of electron-hole pairs and enhancing the redox capability. Additionally, the photodegradation efficiency remained above 85% even after four cycles, suggesting the stability of the catalyst.
In the present study, CNTs/ZnO composite is prepared via ultrasonic method, in which, ZnO is synthesized by precipitating Zn(CH3COO)2 in oxalic acid. The obtained composite is characterized by modern physico-chemical methods. The band gap of CNTs/ZnO (Eg) is determined from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The CNTs/ZnO composite is employed as an active photocatalyst for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution at solution pH of 6 and catalyst dosage of 0.3 g.L-1. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model well describes photocatalytic kinetic of the reaction.
The study described the preparation of composite material through the dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the matrix of blending natural rubber (NR) and polyethylene (PE), for use as an antibacterial agent. The FESEM results indicated the uniform and defect-free surface of the synthesized composites. The mechanical properties of synthesized composite improved with a 65% increase in tensile strength, a 38% increase in elongation, and a 40% increase in hardness compared to the original NR/PE blend materials. Although the addition of CNTs-Ag NPs did not considerably affect the thermal stability of the NR/PE blend, it was found to prevent E. coli bacterial growth by 35%. This opens up new possibilities for the use of the composite in a variety of applications, particularly in the field of public health and wellness.
Context: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as lacking "access to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members". The projected food insecurity rate for the City of Milwaukee was 13.1%. Milwaukee is known for poor health outcomes ranking 71 out of 72 Wisconsin counties in health. The reasons are wide-ranging. While poverty undoubtably plays a role, food deserts limit access especially in low-income neighborhoods. Our clinics see a predominately urban underserved patient population many of who are medically complex and socially at-risk (hotspots). Many are on fixed budgets and struggle with food insecurity. As a result, there is a lack of healthy food options both physically and economically. Furthermore, food insecurity is not routinely screened for in our clinics. Objective: Our quality improvement study aimed to highlight the importance of not only screening for food insecurity but to also pilot home deliveries to food insecure patients. Study Design & Analysis: Experimental; pre/post-test design with the collection of both qualitative & quantitative data. Setting: Two residency primary care clinics; Milwaukee, WI. Population Studied: Patients who at the time of the study had been identified as hotspots. Intervention: For 6 months households selected for the intervention group received monthly food deliveries from a local food pantry, which were delivered by the medical team. Results: Of the 45 patients, 49% screened positive for some level of food insecurity and a surprising 68% of those had "very low food security" defined as "reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake" (USDA). While overall QOL scores remained unchanged, in the social relationships' domain, a statistically significant improvement was noted (P=0.01). In gathering qualitative data from the intervention group 4 themes emerged: Appreciated Food Visits, Enjoyed Food Quality and Quantity, Improved Food Insecurity & Bridged Transportation Access. Conclusions: Home food deliveries to our food insecure patients were viewed in a positive manner. In the future the hope is to expand this pilot project to screen all patients during office visits for food insecurity and to find creative approaches to provide home food deliveries to the most vulnerable households as it matters.
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