Rh NPs Immobilized on Phosphonium- based Supported Ionic Liquid Phases (Rh@SILPs) as Hydrogenation Catalysts

A series of phosphonium-based supported ionic liquid phases (SILPs) was prepared for the immobilization of Rh nanoparticles (Rh@SILP). The influence of systematic variations in the structure of the ionic liquid-type molecular modifiers (anion, P-alkyl chain length) on the formation and catalytic properties of Rh nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated. Both the nature of the anion and the length of the P-alkyl chain were found to have a strong impact on the morphology of the NPs, ranging from small (1.2–1.7 nm) and well-dispersed NPs to the formation of large NPs (9.9–16.5 nm) and/or aggregates. The catalytic properties of the resulting Rh@SILP materials were explored using the hydrogenation of benzylideneacetone and biomass-derived furfuralacetone as model reactions. The changes in ring and C=O hydrogenation activity as a function of the SILP structure and the Rh NPs size allowed for the selective synthesis of products with distinct molecular functionalities.

Advances in Biomaterials for Breast Reconstruction

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in women. Along with increasing demands for breast reconstruction, the attention given to the psychological and aesthetic benefits of breast reconstruction has also increased. As breast reconstruction and augmentation demands increase, biomaterials for breast reconstruction are being developed, and the related industry is growing quickly worldwide. Among the various biomaterials used for breast enlargement, breast implants have undergone a remarkable evolution since the 1960s. Despite unsatisfactory results and unexpected complications, research dedicated to achieving an ideal breast implant has progressed. In accordance with attention to tissue engineering, a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technique for breast tissue regeneration has emerged to overcome the current limitations of breast biomaterials. Along with solid implants, injectable liquid-type fillers are also part of ongoing studies.

Vaping-Related Adverse Events and Perceived Health Improvements: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Daily E-Cigarette Users

Web-based samples of e-cigarette users commonly report significant vaping-related health improvements (HIs) and mild adverse events (AEs). This cross-sectional study with in-person interviewing data collection examined self-reported AEs and perceived HIs among Hungarian adult current daily exclusive e-cigarette (n = 65) and dual users (n = 127), and former daily e-cigarette users (n = 91) in 2018. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between reporting any AEs/HIs, vaping status, and covariates. More former users (52.7%) reported AEs than current users (39.6%; p = 0.038). Exclusive and dual daily users reported similar rates of AEs (44.6% and 37.0%, respectively; p = 0.308). More current users (46.9%) experienced HIs than former users (35.2%; p = 0.064). Exclusive daily users were more likely to report HIs than dual users (63.1% versus 38.6%; p = 0.001). Former user status and smoking cessation/reduction reasons increased the odds of reporting AEs, whereas nicotine-containing e-liquid use and older age decreased the odds of reporting AEs. Exclusive vaper status, using advanced generation devices, and smoking cessation/reduction reasons increased the odds of experiencing HIs. This study, which used a traditional data collection methodology, found a higher rate of AEs and a lower rate of HIs compared to web-based surveys. Our results highlight that experiencing AEs and HIs is affected by users’ characteristics, in addition to the device and e-liquid type.

On the practical results of implementation of coalessors in oil-gas preparation

The paper deals with the issues of the implementation of coalessors for the separation of multi-phase fluids into particular phases during oil preparation for transportation. Various coalessors of liquid/liquid type (for separation of oil emulsions) and liquid/gas (for gas separation) have been analyzed. The results of the coalessor implementation are presented, the maximum sizes of water drops washed with oil flow estimated, the necessity of the consideration of gas compressibility rate during the evaluation of the sedimentation of mechanical particles marked.

Advances of 2D MoS2 for High-Energy Lithium Metal Batteries

Often touted as the most promising next-generation energy storage systems, lithium (Li) metal batteries have drawn extensive interest due to their energy densities beyond those of Li-ion batteries. The use of Li metal, however, presents a major hurdle since it is susceptible to Li dendrite growths, corrosive interfacial reactions, and uncontrolled volume changes. Li-metal protection is an important issue in overcoming those challenges. In particular, studies have shown that molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) can significantly improve the performance and safety of Li metal batteries when used as a protective coating for anodes, separator modification, and stable interfacial layer between solid-electrolytes and Li metal. Herein, we review the successful implementation of MoS2 for improved Li metal batteries including those of the liquid-type and the solid-state cells. We also provide opportunities and prospects of MoS2 applications for safe and practical Li metal batteries.