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Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi Feb 2024Biological evidence is relatively common evidence in criminal cases, and it has strong probative power because it carries DNA information for individual identification....
Biological evidence is relatively common evidence in criminal cases, and it has strong probative power because it carries DNA information for individual identification. At the scene of fire-related cases, the complex thermal environment, the escape of trapped people, the firefighting and rescue operations, and the deliberate destruction of criminal suspects will all affect the biological evidence in the fire scene. Scholars at home and abroad have explored and studied the effectiveness of biological evidence identification in fire scenes, and found that the blood stains, semen stains, bones, etc. are the main biological evidence which can be easily recovered with DNA in fire scenes. In order to analyze the research status and development trend of biological evidence in fire scenes, this paper systematically sorts out the relevant research, mainly including the soot removal technology, appearance method of typical biological evidence, and possibility of identifying other biological evidence. This paper also prospects the next step of research direction, in order to provide reference for the identification of biological evidence and improve the value of biological evidence in fire scenes.
Topics: Humans; Fires; Blood Stains; Body Fluids; Semen; DNA
PubMed: 38500463
DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.520501 -
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry Mar 2024In this research, we propose an environmentally friendly method for producing hematite nanoparticles (H-NPs) from natural hematite ore, focusing on their application as...
In this research, we propose an environmentally friendly method for producing hematite nanoparticles (H-NPs) from natural hematite ore, focusing on their application as efficient contrast agents in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging for medical purposes. The process involves the reduction of iron oxide within the ore to attain the desired hematite phase, crucial for synthesizing H-NPs. To ensure sustainability, we adopted a Green Chemistry approach, utilizing a combination of carbon soot and limestone for the purification process, thereby achieving eco-conscious production. The produced H-NPs were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and FESEM-EDX (field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy). XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline rhombohedral hexagonal lattice structure, while FT-IR spectra indicated the presence of characteristic Fe-O stretching modes in line with the expected molecular composition. FESEM-EDX imaging unveiled agglomerated particles, ranging in size from 54.6 to 149.9 nm for iron ore and 22 nm for H-NPs. These particles were primarily composed of iron (Fe) and oxygen (O). The magnetic properties of the H-NPs were investigated through vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) studies, highlighting their distinct ferromagnetic behavior. Of particular significance, the H-NPs demonstrated exceptional performance as contrast agents in both x-ray and CT imaging. Even at minimal concentrations, they exhibited remarkable x-ray absorption capabilities. CT scans further validated their exceptional absorptive capacity. These findings emphasize the potential of H-NPs as valuable assets in medical imaging, serving as sustainable tools for enhanced diagnostic applications. The study showcases an eco-conscious approach to harnessing natural resources, paving the way for a greener and more effective utilization of H-NPs in the medical imaging landscape.
PubMed: 38486404
DOI: 10.1002/bab.2577 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Apr 2024This study documents the socio-economic baselines in selected oil-impacted communities prior to the commencement of the Ogoni clean-up and restoration project. Adopting...
This study documents the socio-economic baselines in selected oil-impacted communities prior to the commencement of the Ogoni clean-up and restoration project. Adopting mixed approach consisting of semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and household surveys, we surveyed the pre-remediation socio-economic conditions in the Ogoniland communities between July 2018 and March 2019. Results indicated that almost all respondents (99.6%) agreed that the smell of petroleum products or crude oil was evident in the air they breathed even as there were visible black particles (soot) in the respondents' nostrils, on their clothes, and in water. The respondents described the ambient air as smoky and choked with an offensive smell. The household waters were smelly, brownish, or oily, and most respondents (76%) cannot afford to treat their water. Forty-two percent of the respondents who relied on fishing and farming for a living sought for alternative means of subsistence and acknowledged that oil pollution caused stunted growth and low crop yield. The majority of respondents (91%) reported falling fish catches, while the fish caught smell and taste of oil, lowering their market value and posing a potential health risk to consumers. It is evident that oil pollution has impacted the socio-ecological values and sustainable livelihood in Ogoniland. This study provides baseline data for monitoring post-remediation socio-economic improvements in Ogoniland. It also highlights areas of urgent intervention to improve livelihood, and access to basic amenities (e.g., potable drinking water), waste management infrastructure, and statutory policy changes for sustainable development in Ogoniland.
Topics: Animals; Nigeria; Niger; Petroleum; Petroleum Pollution; Socioeconomic Factors; Water
PubMed: 38483715
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32805-0 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024This study proposes a novel multipoint transducer system by utilizing the single-mode-multimode-thin-cladding fiber (SMTC) structure. This structure leverages the...
This study proposes a novel multipoint transducer system by utilizing the single-mode-multimode-thin-cladding fiber (SMTC) structure. This structure leverages the disparity in mode field diameter between the multimode fiber (MMF) and thin-cladding fiber (TCF) to generate high-amplitude ultrasonic signals safely and efficiently. The fabricated transducer exhibits signal amplitudes 2-3-fold higher compared to conventional laser-ultrasonic transducers. Simulation analysis investigates the impact of the length of the MMF and the diameter of the TCF on coupling efficiency. The coupling efficiency of individual transducer units can be accurately controlled by adjusting the length of the MMF. A three-point energy-balanced laser-ultrasonic transducer system was achieved, with improved energy conversion efficiencies, and the optimal thickness of candle soot nanoparticles (CSNPs) is experimentally determined. Additionally, we carried out experiments to compare the performance of the proposed SMTC-based transducer system under different material conditions using two different photoacoustic materials: graphite-epoxy resin and candle soot nanoparticle-polydimethylsiloxane (CSNP-PDMS) composite. CSNPs, as a cost-effective and easy-to-prepare composite material, exhibit higher photoacoustic conversion efficiency compared to graphite-epoxy resin. The proposed system demonstrates the potential for applications in non-destructive testing techniques.
PubMed: 38475027
DOI: 10.3390/s24051491 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024In this study, we employed a straightforward flame synthesis process to produce carbon soot containing carbon nano onions (CNOs) using easily accessible ghee oil as a...
In this study, we employed a straightforward flame synthesis process to produce carbon soot containing carbon nano onions (CNOs) using easily accessible ghee oil as a precursor. The ghee oil, with a molecular composition rich in more than 50 carbon atoms, served as an effective source for generating CNOs. The synthesized CNO particles underwent comprehensive characterization through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, providing a detailed account of their physicochemical properties. In addition, we explored the direct deposition of CNOs on carbon fiber (CF) surfaces for 5 and 10 min via a soot deposition process. The resulting freeze-fracture images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) offered insights into the morphology of the CNO-deposited CF. Our study aims to shed light on the potential applications of CNOs, focusing on their characterization and the possible benefits they may offer in diverse fields, including but not limited to enhancing interfacial bonding in thermoplastic composites.
PubMed: 38474440
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050928 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024The fourth industrial revolution extensively reshapes the reality we are living in by blurring the boundaries of physical, digital and biological worlds. A good example...
The fourth industrial revolution extensively reshapes the reality we are living in by blurring the boundaries of physical, digital and biological worlds. A good example is the previously unthinkable incursion of nanoscale waste materials, such as soot, into the technologies for assisted reproduction. Although the rapeseed oil soot may efficiently enhance the progressive motility of human spermatozoa, it is yet unknown whether this material induces undesirable oxidative stress and premature acrosome reaction, endangering the sperm-oocyte fusion and blastocyst formation. In an attempt to clarify this issue, we reveal that the three-hour incubation of human semen mixed with three main types of soot does not cause oxidative stress and spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm. These unique findings are attributed to synchronous elimination and stabilization of the oxidants via hydrogen bonding to the acidic groups of the soot (i.e., C=O and/or C-O-C) and electron donation by its basic chemical sites (i.e., C-OH and/or COOH). Moreover, the soot nanoparticles are electrostatically attracted by discrete positively charged areas on the sperm head, increasing its negative charge and in some cases interfering the acrosome reaction. Such novel mechanistic insights emphasize the credibility of rapeseed oil soot to confidently shift from the purely diagnostic and therapeutic phases in reproductive medicine to research dealing with the effect of carbon nanomaterials on the embryo development and implantation.
PubMed: 38470726
DOI: 10.3390/nano14050395 -
Environment International Mar 2024A reliable determination of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations derived from filter absorption photometers (FAPs) measurements depends on the appropriate...
A reliable determination of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations derived from filter absorption photometers (FAPs) measurements depends on the appropriate quantification of the mass absorption cross-section (MAC) for converting the absorption coefficient (b) to eBC. This study investigates the spatial-temporal variability of the MAC obtained from simultaneous elemental carbon (EC) and b measurements performed at 22 sites. We compared different methodologies for retrieving eBC integrating different options for calculating MAC including: locally derived, median value calculated from 22 sites, and site-specific rolling MAC. The eBC concentrations that underwent correction using these methods were identified as LeBC (local MAC), MeBC (median MAC), and ReBC (Rolling MAC) respectively. Pronounced differences (up to more than 50 %) were observed between eBC as directly provided by FAPs (NeBC; Nominal instrumental MAC) and ReBC due to the differences observed between the experimental and nominal MAC values. The median MAC was 7.8 ± 3.4 m g from 12 aethalometers at 880 nm, and 10.6 ± 4.7 m g from 10 MAAPs at 637 nm. The experimental MAC showed significant site and seasonal dependencies, with heterogeneous patterns between summer and winter in different regions. In addition, long-term trend analysis revealed statistically significant (s.s.) decreasing trends in EC. Interestingly, we showed that the corresponding corrected eBC trends are not independent of the way eBC is calculated due to the variability of MAC. NeBC and EC decreasing trends were consistent at sites with no significant trend in experimental MAC. Conversely, where MAC showed s.s. trend, the NeBC and EC trends were not consistent while ReBC concentration followed the same pattern as EC. These results underscore the importance of accounting for MAC variations when deriving eBC measurements from FAPs and emphasize the necessity of incorporating EC observations to constrain the uncertainty associated with eBC.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Aerosols; Seasons; Soot; Carbon; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 38460240
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108553 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Apr 2024Black carbon (BC) and particle number (PN) concentrations are usually high in cities due to traffic emissions. European mitigation policies, including Euro emission...
Black carbon (BC) and particle number (PN) concentrations are usually high in cities due to traffic emissions. European mitigation policies, including Euro emission standards, have been implemented to curb these emissions. We analyzed BC and PN (particle diameter D > 4 nm) concentrations in Stockholm spanning the years 2013-2019 (BC) and 2009-2019 (PN) measured at street canyon and rooftop sites to assess the effectiveness of the implemented policies. Combining these data with inverse dispersion modeling, we estimated BC and PN emission factors (EF and EF) for the mixed fleet, reflecting real-world driving conditions. The pollutants showed decreasing trends at both sites, but PN concentrations remained high at the canyon site considering the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. BC concentrations declined more rapidly than PN concentrations, showing a -9.4% and -4.9% annual decrease at the canyon and -7.2% and -0.5% at the rooftop site in the years 2013-2019. The EF and EF trends showed that the mitigation strategies for reducing particulate emissions for on-road vehicles were successful over the study period. However, the introduction of biofuels in the vehicle fleet -ethanol and later rapeseed methyl ester (RME)- increased the concentrations of particles with D < 10 nm before the adoption of particulate filters in the exhausts. Stricter Euro emission regulations, especially with diesel particulate filters (DPF) in Euro 5, 6, and VI vehicles, led to 66% decrease in EF and 55% in EF. Real-world EF surpassed HBEFA (Handbook Emission Factors for Road Transport) database values by 2.4-4.8 times; however, direct comparisons between real-world and HBEFA EF are difficult due to differences in lower cut-off sizes and measurement techniques. Our results underscore the necessity for revising the HBEFA database, updating laboratory testing methods and portable emission measuring systems (PEMS) measurements to account for liquid condensate contributions to PN measurements.
Topics: Vehicle Emissions; Air Pollutants; Particulate Matter; Environmental Monitoring; Dust; Soot; Carbon; Motor Vehicles; Particle Size
PubMed: 38458523
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123734 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024There are several industrial uses for carbon black (CB), an extremely fine powdered form of elemental carbon that is made up of coalesced particle aggregates and almost...
There are several industrial uses for carbon black (CB), an extremely fine powdered form of elemental carbon that is made up of coalesced particle aggregates and almost spherical colloidal particles. Most carbon black is produced from petroleum-derived feedstock, so there is a need to find an alternative method to produce CB, which relies on renewable resources such as algae and agricultural waste. A process involving hydrolysis, carbonization, and pyrolysis of green algae and sugarcane bagasse was developed, as the optimal hydrolysis conditions (16N sulfuric acid, 70 °C, 1 h, 1:30 g/ml GA or SC to sulfuric acid ratio), a hydrolysis ratio of 62% for SC and 85% for GA were achieved. The acidic solution was carbonized using a water bath, and the solid carbon was then further pyrolyzed at 900 °C. The obtained carbon black has a high carbon content of about 90% which is confirmed by EDX, XRD, and XPS analysis. By comparison carbon black from sugar cane bagasse (CBB) and carbon black from green algae Ulva lactuca (CBG) with commercial carbon black (CCB) it showed the same morphology which was confirmed by SEM analysis. The BET data, showed the high specific surface area of prepared CB, which was 605 (m/g) for CBB and 424 (m/g) for CBG compared with commercial carbon black (CBB) was 50 (m/g), also the mean pore diameter of CBB, CBG and CCB indicated that CBB and CBG were rich in micropores, but CCB was rich in mesoporous according to IUPAC classification. This study might have created a technique that can be used to make carbon black from different kinds of biomass.
Topics: Cellulose; Saccharum; Soot; Chlorophyta; Carbon; Nanoparticles; Edible Seaweeds; Sulfuric Acids; Ulva
PubMed: 38448468
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56157-4 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024National health is essential for economic and social development. The aim of this article is to examine the relationship, heterogeneity effects and influential...
OBJECTIVE
National health is essential for economic and social development. The aim of this article is to examine the relationship, heterogeneity effects and influential mechanisms between National Forest Cities and the residents' health.
METHODS
The article matches the China Family Panel Studies data in 2018 (CFPS2018) with the 2016-2018 National Forest Cities Construction List, resulting in a final sample of 20,041. Oprobit, Ologit, Instrumental Variable technique (2SLS) and interaction term analysis were used as the main research methods in this article.
RESULTS
The findings indicate that: (1) The construction of National Forest Cities significantly improves the residents' health in terms of both physical and mental health, and this conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests. (2) On the one hand, National Forest Cities promote residents' health by reducing air pollutants such as SO and soot to reduce residents' health risk exposure; On the other hand, it promotes residents' health by positively guiding them to engage in healthy behaviors. (3) National Forest Cities have a greater effect on the health of urban residents, older adult and lower-income group, suggesting that National Forest Cities are a public benefit.
CONCLUSIONS
The construction of National Forest Cities is a public welfare that promotes residents' health, and it is an important revelation for accelerating the realization of the Healthy China Strategy. The article provides new empirical evidence for understanding the welfare effects of forest cities and offers new practical paths for improving residents' health.
Topics: Cities; Air Pollutants; China; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Forests
PubMed: 38444443
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1304600