The Department of Natural Sciences is located on Thornton Science Park, a modern expressly-designed site that profits from a recently-completed multi-million pound renovation that has created a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility. The site was home to Shell UK’s exploration and research centre since the 1940s, and its takeover by the University heralded the opportunity to apply its legacy to the continuation of world-class innovation and research in the North West.

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Recent Submissions

  • Molecular Docking, DFT and Antiproliferative Properties of 4‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)−3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)−1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine as Potent Anticancer Agent with CDK2 and PIM1 Inhibition Potency

    Binjubair, Faizah A.; Almansour, Basma S.; Ziedan, Noha; Abdel‐Aziz, Alaa A.‐M.; Al‐Rashood, Sara T.; Elgohary, Mohamed K.; Elkotamy, Mahmoud S.; Abdel‐Aziz, Hatem A.; King Saud University; University of Chester; Egyptian-Russian University; National Research Center, Cairo; Pharos University in Alexandria (Wiley, 2024-10-28)
    Due to the limited effeteness and safety concerns associated with current cancer treatments, there is a pressing need to develop novel therapeutic agents. 4‐(3,4‐Dimethoxyphenyl)−3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)−1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine (3) was synthesized and Initially screened on 59 cancer cell lines showed promising anticancer activity, so, it was chosen for a 5‐dose experiment by the NCI/USA. The GI50 values ranged from 1.04 to 8.02 μM on the entire nine panels (57 cell lines), with a GI50 of 2.70 μM for (MG‐MID) panel, indicating an encouraging action. To further explore the molecular attributes of compound 3, we optimized its structure using DFT with the B3LYP/6‐31 + + G(d,p) basis set. We have considered vibrational analysis, bond lengths and angles, FMOs, and MEP for the structure. Additionally, pharmacokinetic assessments were conducted using various in‐silico platforms to evaluate the compound safety. A molecular modeling study created a kinase profile on 44 different kinases. This allowed us to study our compound's binding affinity to these kinases and compare it to the co‐crystallized one. Our findings revealed compound 3 exhibited better binding for half of the tested kinases, suggesting its potential as a multi‐kinase inhibitor. To further validate our computational results, we tested compound 3 for its inhibitory effects on CDK2 and PIM1. Compound 3 exhibited an IC50 of 0.30 µM for CDK2 inhibition, making it five times less active than Roscovitine, which has an IC50 of 0.06 µM. However, compound 3 demonstrated slightly better inhibition of PIM1 compared to Staurosporine. These findings suggest that compound 3 is a promising anticancer agent with the potential for further development into a highly active compound.
  • Assessing the Oxidative Stress Reducing Potential of Spilanthes filicaulis (Schumach & Thonn) Ethyl-Acetate Sub-fractions on Plasmodium berghei Infected Female Mice

    Ofeniforo, Bankole Emmanuel; Nwikwe, David Chukwuma; Agada, Samuel Eleojo; Balogun, Elizabeth Abidemi; Oduduwa University Ipetumodu; University of Ilorin; Kings University, Odeomu; University of Chester (Springer, 2024-10-02)
    Infections by Plasmodium parasite actuate oxidative stress. As malaria parasite actions overwhelm host antioxidant defense by producing excessive reactive species during haemoglobin degradation. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative status by considering the antioxidant level of ethyl-acetate sub-fractions of Spilanthes filicaulis (ESSF) extract on Plasmodium berghei NK-65 parasitized mice. Sixty female mice weighing 20.0 ± 3.0 g were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0.2 mL of parasitized erythrocytes randomly selected into five groups of 12 mice, Groups I and II were orally administered with normal saline (10 mL/kg) and chloroquine (10 mg/kg) while, Groups III, IV and V were administered 250,500 and 750 mg/kg per day respectively of ESSF. Mice in each group were sacrificed on days 4 and 8 post treatment, thereafter blood and liver samples were collected and prepared using standard methods to obtain erythrocytes and liver homogenates. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a measure of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level was assessed in the erythrocyte and liver. Administration of ESSF produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the MDA concentration of the parasitized treated group when compared to parasitized untreated group on day 4. Concomitantly, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in SOD and CAT activity in the treated groups with a corresponding decrease in the untreated group on day 4. However, effects of this action were more pronounced on day 8 in both tissues. These findings suggest that ESSF might contribute to the protection of malaria infected mice against oxidative disruptions by improving antioxidant status. [Abstract copyright: © 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.]
  • Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Plates with Integrated Sustainable Micro-Fibre Transducers

    Powell-Turner, Julieanna; Shi, Yu; Wen, Tao (University of Chester, 2024-05)
    Composites have gained widespread acceptance in various industries due to their exceptional performance over the last 10 years. In 2024, industries predominantly employ manual and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for routine inspection and maintenance. However, a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology that is low in energy consumption, easy to install and applicable to various working conditions could cater better to market demands. To address this, the thesis focuses on the identification, localisation, and quantification of damage through vibration analysis methods based on Frequency Response Functions (FRFs). It also explores potential challenges in the practical application of these methods. The thesis relies on the integral differential method to measure the variation of FRF between the pristine and damaged stages, referred to as the Difference of Response (DoR) index. A series of carbon fibre composite panels with integrated microfibre composite (MFC) sensors arranged in equilateral triangles were fabricated. Through sine swept-frequency vibration testing at three different frequency ranges (10 Hz to 1 kHz, 1 kHz to 3 kHz, and 3 kHz to 5 kHz), the dynamic responses of the sample in both the impact-damaged and pristine stages were recorded in real-time, allowing for mutual comparison. Combined with damage geometrical dimensions measured by thermography imaging technology, a quantification formula is derived through numerical analysis, demonstrating a segmented linear relation between the DoR and damage size governed by power and logarithmic functions. According to the local effect of the damage, the DoR results of each region in the sample were compared, successfully achieving damage localisation in single and multiple damage scenarios. Additionally, experimental results highlight the significant influence of environmental factors on the dynamic behaviours of the structure. This thesis contributes significantly to the realisation of SHM using traditional vibration methods and addresses a longstanding development gap in this field.
  • COVID-19 Resilience Index in European Union Countries Based on Their Risk and Readiness Scale

    Aboelnaga, Somaya; Czech, Katarzyna; Wielechowski, Michal; Kotyza, Pavel; Smutka, Lubos; Ndue, Kennedy; Cairo University; Warsaw University of Life Sciences; The Czech University of Life Sciences; Institute of Agricultural Economics (Public Library of Science, 2023-08-04)
    Addressing risks and pandemics at a country level is a complex task that requires transdisciplinary approaches. The paper aims to identify groups of the European Union countries characterized by a similar COVID-19 Resilience Index (CRI). Developed in the paper CRI index reflects the countries’ COVID-19 risk and their readiness for a crisis situation, including a pandemic. Moreover, the study detects the factors that significantly differentiate the distinguished groups. According to our research, Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, and Poland have the lowest COVID-19 Resilience Index score, with Croatia, Greece, Czechia, and Slovakia following close. At the same time, Ireland and Scandinavian countries occupy the top of the leader board, followed by Luxemburg. The Kruskal-Wallis test results indicate four COVID-19 risk indicators that significantly differentiate the countries in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the significant factors are not only COVID-19-related factors, i.e., the changes in residential human mobility, the stringency of anti-COVID-19 policy, but also strictly environmental factors, namely pollution and material footprint. It indicates that the most critical global environmental issues might be crucial in the phase of a future pandemic. Moreover, we detect eight readiness factors that significantly differentiate the analysed country groups. Among the significant factors are the economic indicators such as GDP per capita and labour markets, the governance indicators such as Rule of Law, Access to Information, Implementation and Adaptability measures, and social indicators such as Tertiary Attainment and Research, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
  • Key factors in developing controlled closed ecosystems for lunar missions

    Ortega-Hernandez, José María; Qiu, Dan; Pla-García, Jorge; Yuanxun, Zhang; Martinez-Frias, Jesús; Long, Xiao; Sanchez-Rodriguez, Eva; Hernandez-Narvaez, Juan; Xie, Gengxin; Alberquilla, Fernando; et al. (Elsevier, 2024-05-09)
    The utilization of in-situ resources will be crucial for the survival of astronauts in space. Therefore, plants and crops will be important for humans in space as they serve as food, provide oxygen, and remove carbon dioxide, enhancing habitability. The aim of this research is to explore the growth of crops on celestial bodies prior to human arrival. The paper outlines the creation of a novel capsule by Green Moon Project (GMP) designed to meet essential criteria for monitoring and enhancing crop cultivation on the lunar terrain, tackling key obstacles such as self-propagation, fluctuating light patterns, water provision, and monitoring germination and growth stages. The Center of Space Exploration (hereafter COSE) managed to sprout the first seed on another celestial body during the Chang’e 4 mission on the Moon in January 2019. This achievement means an important step in space agriculture and widens the biological research of crops that will sustain future crewed missions and human bases in space. Space farming requires greater understanding if humans are to survive in space without constant contact from Earth and that is why GMP goals are aligned COSE’s. Therefore, GMP and COSE work in synergy to boost the research of space farming, future crops, habitability, and close controlled environmental systems. Due to the similarities between both projects, both teams decided to join efforts and cooperate in future space missions. To provide scientific support and technical solutions for future long-term crewed exploration missions, it is mandatory to conduct ground verification experiments of controllable extraterrestrial ecosystems.
  • QSAR-driven screening uncovers and designs novel pyrimidine-4,6-diamine derivatives as potent JAK3 inhibitors

    Faris, Abdelmoujoud; Ibrahim, Ibrahim M.; Alnajjar, Radwan; Hadni, Hanine; Bhat, Mashooq Ahmad; Yaseen, Muhammad; Chakraborty, Souvik; Alsakhen, Nada; Shamkh, Israa M.; Mabood, Fazal; et al. (Taylor & Francis, 2023-12-07)
    This study presents a robust and integrated methodology that harnesses a range of computational techniques to facilitate the design and prediction of new inhibitors targeting the JAK3/STAT pathway. This methodology encompasses several strategies, including QSAR analysis, pharmacophore modeling, ADMET prediction, covalent docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and the calculation of binding free energies (MM/GBSA). An efficacious QSAR model was meticulously crafted through the employment of multiple linear regression (MLR). The initial MLR model underwent further refinement employing an artificial neural network (ANN) methodology aimed at minimizing predictive errors. Notably, both MLR and ANN exhibited commendable performance, showcasing R2 values of 0.89 and 0.95, respectively. The model's precision was assessed via leave-one-out cross-validation (CV) yielding a Q2 value of 0.65, supplemented by rigorous Y-randomization. , The pharmacophore model effectively differentiated between active and inactive drugs, identifying potential JAK3 inhibitors, and demonstrated validity with an ROC value of 0.86. The newly discovered and designed inhibitors exhibited high inhibitory potency, ranging from 6 to 8, as accurately predicted by the QSAR models. Comparative analysis with FDA-approved Tofacitinib revealed that the new compounds exhibited promising ADMET properties and strong covalent docking (CovDock) interactions. The stability of the new discovered and designed inhibitors within the JAK3 binding site was confirmed through 500 ns MD simulations, while MM/GBSA calculations supported their binding affinity. Additionally, a retrosynthetic study was conducted to facilitate the synthesis of these potential JAK3/STAT inhibitors. The overall integrated approach demonstrates the feasibility of designing novel JAK3/STAT inhibitors with robust efficacy and excellent ADMET characteristics that surpass Tofacitinib by a significant margin.
  • Three methods to measure the dissolution activation energy of cellulosic fibres using time-temperature superposition

    Liang, Yunhao; Ries, Michael; Hine, Peter; University of Leeds (Elsevier, 2022-04-28)
    Three methods are established to explore the dissolution kinetics of cellulosic fibres in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), based on optical microscopic images of processed dried cellulose and cellulose hydrogels. The dissolution process for different times at various temperatures was analysed using time-temperature superposition, and from this the dissolution was found to follow an Arrhenius behaviour. Three values for the activation energy of dissolution were obtained from three different quantifying methods; these were found to agree, giving an average value of 73 ± 2 kJ/mol. A new method is developed to determine the swelling ratio of different regions of the processed cellulose samples, along with the different water volume fractions contained therein. The findings will be of interest to researchers making all cellulose composites and those studying the dissolution of cellulose by ionic liquids.
  • Pyrolysis activation energy of cellulosic fibres investigated by a method derived from the first order global model

    Liang, Yunhao; Hine, Peter; Ries, Michael; University of Leeds (Elsevier, 2022-12-30)
    The pyrolysis kinetics of cellulosic fibres, a natural cotton yarn (NCY) and a mercerized cotton yarn (MCY), has been explored with a modified first order global analysis method (FOG), via a series of non-isothermal experiments, using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The modified FOG analysis routine was developed to overcome discrepancy in heating rate and the difference between exact results and approximations in integrals. The intrinsic pyrolysis activation energy, with temperature range tending to zero, was found to be independent of heating rate and approximation used, giving average values of 153 ± 2 kJ/mol for NCY and 192 ± 7 kJ/mol for MCY. This proves the applicability of the reported analysis routine under the conducted TGA measurements. The reasons for different values were hypothesized to be the difference in chemical composition and crystalline structure. The findings provide a new approach in the investigation on pyrolysis kinetics of biomass and factors impacting their pyrolytic behaviour.
  • Identification of Disalicyloyl Curcumin as a Potential DNA Polymerase Inhibitor for Marek’s Disease Herpesvirus: A Computational Study Using Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

    Cherif, Aziza; Basharat, Zarrin; Yaseen, Muhammad; Bhat, Mashooq Ahmad; Uddin, Imad; Ziedan, Noha; Mabood, Fazal; Sadfi-Zouaoui, Najla; Messaoudi, Abdelmonaem; Université de Tunis-El Manar; Alpha Genomics, Islamabad; University of Swat; King Saud University; University of Chester; Jendouba University (MDPI, 2023-09-12)
    Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is a highly contagious and persistent virus that causes T-lymphoma in chickens, posing a significant threat to the poultry industry despite the availability of vaccines. The emergence of new virulent strains has further intensified the challenge of designing effective antiviral drugs for MDV. In this study, our main objective was to identify novel antiviral phytochemicals through in silico analysis. We employed Alphafold to construct a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the MDV DNA polymerase, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. To ensure the accuracy of the structural model, we validated it using tools available at the SAVES server. Subsequently, a diverse dataset containing thousands of compounds, primarily derived from plant sources, was subjected to molecular docking with the MDV DNA polymerase model, utilizing AutoDock software V 4.2. Through comprehensive analysis of the docking results, we identified Disalicyloyl curcumin as a promising drug candidate that exhibited remarkable binding affinity, with a minimum energy of −12.66 Kcal/mol, specifically targeting the DNA polymerase enzyme. To further assess its potential, we performed molecular dynamics simulations, which confirmed the stability of Disalicyloyl curcumin within the MDV system. Experimental validation of its inhibitory activity in vitro can provide substantial support for its effectiveness. The outcomes of our study hold significant implications for the poultry industry, as the discovery of efficient antiviral phytochemicals against MDV could substantially mitigate the economic losses associated with this devastating disease.
  • A measurement and modelling investigation of the indoor air chemistry following cooking activities

    Davies, Helen L.; O'Leary, Catherine; Dillon, Terry; Shaw, David R.; Shaw, Marvin; Mehra, Archit; Phillips, Gavin J.; Carslaw, Nicola (The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2023-08-14)
    Domestic cooking is a source of indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can impact on indoor air quality. However, the real-time VOC emissions from cooking are not well characterised, and similarly, the resulting secondary chemistry is poorly understood. Here, selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) was used to monitor the real-time VOC emissions during the cooking of a scripted chicken and vegetable stir-fry meal, in a room scale, semi-realistic environment. The VOC emissions were dominated by alcohols (70% of total emission), but also contained a range of aldehydes (14%) and terpenes (5%), largely attributable to the heating of oil and the preparation and heating of spices, respectively. The direct cooking-related VOC emissions were then simulated using the Indoor Chemical Model in Python (INCHEM-Py), to investigate the resulting secondary chemistry. Modelling revealed that VOC concentrations were dominated by direct emissions, with only a small contribution from secondary products, though the secondary species were longer lived than the directly emitted species. Following cooking, hydroxyl radical concentrations reduced by 86%, while organic peroxy radical levels increased by over 700%, later forming secondary organic nitrates, peroxyacylnitrates (PANs) and formaldehyde. Monoterpene emissions were shown to drive the formation of secondary formaldehyde, albeit to produce relatively modest concentrations (average of 60 ppt). Sensitivity analysis of the simulation conditions revealed that increasing the outdoor concentrations of ozone and NOx species (2.9× and 9×, respectively) resulted in the greatest increase in secondary product formation indoors (≈400%, 200% and 600% increase in organic nitrates, PANs and formaldehyde production, respectively). Given the fact that climate change is likely to result in increased ozone concentrations in the future, and that increased window-opening in response to rising temperatures is also likely, higher concentrations of indoor oxidants are likely in homes in the future. This work, therefore, suggests that cooking could be a more important source of secondary pollutants indoors in the future.
  • ERRATUM: Versailles project on advanced materials and standards interlaboratory study on intensity calibration for x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy instruments using low-density polyethylene

    Reed, Benjamen; Cant, David; Spencer, Steve; Carmona-Carmona, Abraham; Bushell, Adam; Herrera-Gómez, Alberto; Kurokawa, Akira; Thissen, Andreas; Thomas, Andrew; Britton, Andrew; et al. (American Vacuum Society, 2021-01-25)
  • Ultrasound-guided day-case wide-bore percutaneous mucin aspiration in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei

    Borg, Philip; Ng, Helen Hoi-Lam; Mullan, Damian; Aziz, Omer; Laasch, Hans-Ulrich; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; University of Leeds; University of Manchester; University of Chester (Elsevier, 2023-02-16)
    To evaluate percutaneous ultrasound-guided day-case mucin aspiration in advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) using a wide-bore drain with regards to its safety and efficacy. All patients who underwent percutaneous mucin aspiration for PMP between 2019-2021 at a single national peritoneal tumour service were included in this study. Under local anaesthesia, a suction-enabled 28-32 F catheter was used for drainage following wire-guided track dilatation. The volume drained and difference in abdominal girth pre- and post-procedure were measured. Patients graded difficulty in breathing and abdominal discomfort pre- and post-procedure. Histology reports were reviewed. Sixteen patients received 56 percutaneous mucin aspirations between 2019-2021. The aetiology was a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) in 50% of patients. The mean amount of mucin drained was 7,320 ± 3,000ml (range 300-13,500 ml). The mean reduction in abdominal girth post-procedure was 12.2 ± 5 cm (range 0-27 cm). Only grade 1 complications were observed. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided day-case aspiration of mucin for advanced and recurrent PMP using a wide-bore drain is a safe and effective procedure. It may be used in the palliative setting or as a bridge to surgery in the very symptomatic patient or if there is a reversible contraindication to surgery. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.]
  • A stable platinum porphyrin-based photocatalyst for hydrogen production under visible light in water

    Orfanos, Emmanouil; Ladomenou, Kalliopi; Angaridis, Panagiots; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Charalambidis, Georgios; Vasilopoulou, Maria; Coutsolelos, Athanassios G.; University of Crete; University of Chester (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2022-10-07)
    A stable system containing a Pt metallated porphyrin as a molecular solid photocatalyst in acidic aqueous solution is able to produce hydrogen efficiently, under visible light irradiation. The system shows an average H2 evolution of 467.3 μmol g-1 h-1.
  • A unique ternary Ce(III)-quercetin-phenanthroline assembly with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

    Halevas, Eleftherios; Matsia, Sevasti; Hatzidimitriou, Antonios; Geromichalou, Elena G.; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Katsipis, George; Pantazaki, Anastasia; Litsardakis, George; Salifoglou, Athanasios; Aristotle Univeristy of Thessaloniki; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; University of Chester (Elsevier, 2022-07-24)
    Quercetin is one of the most bioactive and common dietary flavonoids, with a significant repertoire of biological and pharmacological properties. The biological activity of quercetin, however, is influenced by its limited solubility and bioavailability. Driven by the need to enhance quercetin bioavailability and bioactivity through metal ion complexation, synthetic efforts led to a unique ternary Ce(III)-quercetin-(1,10-phenanthroline) (1) compound. Physicochemical characterization (elemental analysis, FT-IR, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV–Visible, NMR, Electron Spray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), Fluorescence, X-rays) revealed its solid-state and solution properties, with significant information emanating from the coordination sphere composition of Ce(III). The experimental data justified further entry of 1 in biological studies involving toxicity, (Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS)-suppressing potential, cell metabolism inhibition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) cultures, and plasmid DNA degradation. DFT calculations revealed its electronic structure profile, with in silico studies showing binding to DNA, DNA gyrase, and glutathione S-transferase, thus providing useful complementary insight into the elucidation of the mechanism of action of 1 at the molecular level and interpretation of its bio-activity. The collective work projects the importance of physicochemically supported bio-activity profile of well-defined Ce(III)-flavonoid compounds, thereby justifying focused pursuit of new hybrid metal-organic materials, effectively enhancing the role of naturally-occurring flavonoids in physiology and disease.
  • 2D‐Hexagonal Boron Nitride Screen‐Printed Bulk‐Modified Electrochemical Platforms Explored towards Oxygen Reduction Reactions

    Khan, Aamar F.; Ferrari, Alejandro Garcia-Miranda; Hughes, Jack; Smith, Graham C.; Banks, Craig E.; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J.; Manchester Metropolitan University; University of Chester (MDPI, 2022-04-26)
    A low‐cost, scalable and reproducible approach for the mass production of screen‐printed electrode (SPE) platforms that have varying percentage mass incorporations of 2D hexagonal boron nitride (2D‐hBN) (2D‐hBN/SPEs) is demonstrated herein. These novel 2D‐hBN/SPEs are explored as a potential metal‐free electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) within acidic media where their performance is evaluated. A 5% mass incorporation of 2D‐hBN into the SPEs resulted in the most beneficial ORR catalysis, reducing the ORR onset potential by ca. 200 mV in comparison to bare/unmodified SPEs. Furthermore, an increase in the achievable current of 83% is also exhibited upon the utilisation of a 2D‐hBN/SPE in comparison to its unmodified equivalent. The screen‐printed fabrication approach replaces the less‐reproducible and time‐consuming dropcasting technique of 2D‐hBN and provides an alternative approach for the large‐scale manufacture of novel electrode platforms that can be utilised in a variety of applications
  • Isotopic Signatures of Methane Emissions from Tropical Fires, Agriculture and Wetlands: The MOYA and ZWAMPS Flights

    Nisbet, Euan G.; Allen, Grant; Fisher, Rebecca E.; France, James L.; Lee, James D.; Lowry, David; Andrade, Marcos F.; Bannan, Thomas J.; Barker, Patrick; Bateson, Prudence; et al. (The Royal Society, 2021-12-06)
    We report methane isotopologue data from aircraft and ground measurements in Africa and South America. Aircraft campaigns sampled strong methane fluxes over tropical papyrus wetlands in the Nile, Congo and Zambezi basins, herbaceous wetlands in Bolivian southern Amazonia, and over fires in African woodland, cropland and savannah grassland. Measured methane δ13CCH4 isotopic signatures were in the range −55 to −49‰ for emissions from equatorial Nile wetlands and agricultural areas, but widely −60 ± 1‰ from Upper Congo and Zambezi wetlands. Very similar δ13CCH4 signatures were measured over the Amazonian wetlands of NE Bolivia (around −59‰) and the overall δ13CCH4 signature from outer tropical wetlands in the southern Upper Congo and Upper Amazon drainage plotted together was −59 ± 2‰. These results were more negative than expected. For African cattle, δ13CCH4 values were around −60 to −50‰. Isotopic ratios in methane emitted by tropical fires depended on the C3 : C4 ratio of the biomass fuel. In smoke from tropical C3 dry forest fires in Senegal, δ13CCH4 values were around −28‰. By contrast, African C4 tropical grass fire δ13CCH4 values were −16 to −12‰. Methane from urban landfills in Zambia and Zimbabwe, which have frequent waste fires, had δ13CCH4 around −37 to −36‰. These new isotopic values help improve isotopic constraints on global methane budget models because atmospheric δ13CCH4 values predicted by global atmospheric models are highly sensitive to the δ13CCH4 isotopic signatures applied to tropical wetland emissions. Field and aircraft campaigns also observed widespread regional smoke pollution over Africa, in both the wet and dry seasons, and large urban pollution plumes. The work highlights the need to understand tropical greenhouse gas emissions in order to meet the goals of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, and to help reduce air pollution over wide regions of Africa. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Rising methane: is warming feeding warming? (part 2)'.
  • Structural speciation in chemical reactivity profiling of binary-ternary systems of Ni(II) with iminodialcohol and aromatic chelators

    Matsia, Sevasti; Kaoulla, A.; Menelaou, Melita; Hatzidimitriou, Antonios; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Reimann, Maximilian K.; Pöttgen, Rainer P.; Salifoglou, Athanasios; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; University of Chester; Universität Münster; Cyprus University of Technology (Elsevier, 2021-11-10)
    The importance of structural speciation in the control of chemical reactivity in Ni(II) binary-ternary systems, involving (O,O,N)-containing substrates (1,1’-iminodi-2-propanol), and aromatic chelators (2,2’-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline), prompted the systematic synthesis of new crystalline materials characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Visible, Luminescence, TGA, magnetic susceptibility, and X-ray crystallography. The structures contain mononuclear octahedral assemblies, the lattice architecture of which exemplifies reaction conditions under which conformational variants and solvent-associated lattice-imposed complexes are assembled. Transformations between complex species denote their association with reactivity pathways, suggesting alternate synthetic methodologies for their isolation. Theoretical work (Hirshfeld, Electrostatic Potential, DFT) signifies the impact of crystal structure on energy profiles of the generated species. The arisen physicochemical profiles of all compounds portray a well-configured interwoven network of pathways, projecting strong connection between structural speciation and Ni(II) reactivity patterns in organic-solvent media. The collective results provide well-defined parameterized profiles, poised to influence the synthesis of new Ni(II)-iminodialcohol materials with specified structural-magneto-optical properties.
  • Optomechanical switching of adsorption configurations of polar organic molecules by UV radiation pressure

    Arumugam, Kowsalya; Papadopoulos, Theodoros A.; Tang, Shu-Jung; National Tsing Hua University; Tokyo University of Science; National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC); University of Chester
    Using photoemission spectroscopy (PES), we have systematically investigated the behavior of polar organic molecule, chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc), adsorbed in the Cl-down configuration on the Ag(111) substrate at low temperature − 195 °C under UV irradiation with a range of different photon fluxes. Judging from the evolution of photoemission spectral line shapes of molecular energy states, we discovered that the Cl atoms are so robustly anchored at Ag(111) that the impinging photons cannot flip the ClAlPc molecules, but instead they crouch them down due to radiation pressure; we observe that the phthalocyanine (Pc) lobes bend down to interact with Ag atoms on the substrate and induce charge transfer from them. As photon flux is increased, radiation pressure on the Pc plane initiates tunneling of the Cl atom through the molecular plane to turn the adsorption configuration of ClAlPc from Cl-down to an upheld Cl-up configuration, elucidating an optomechanical way of manipulating the dipole direction of polar molecules. Finally, work function measurements provide a distinct signature of the resulting upheld Cl-up configuration as it leads to a large increase in vacuum level (VL), ~ 0.4 eV higher than that of a typical flat-on Cl-up configuration driven by thermal annealing.
  • The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence and the European Union's electrical and electronic equipment directives

    Powell-Turner, Julieanna; Antill, Peter; Fisher, Richard; Cranfield University (Elsevier, 2016-08-06)
    The growth of the generation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE), and the use of hazardous substances in the production of these items, has required legislation to minimise the harm to the environment that their existing use, ultimate disposal and continued growth of the sector may pose. The European Union (EU) started to tackle this problem with the passing of two Directives in 2002, which focused on restricting the use of hazardous substances (RoHS - 2002/95/EC) and organising the recycling or disposal of discarded electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE - 2002/96/EC). These Directives have been recently recast and their scope widened; however, one exception to them remains items specifically designed for defence and military purposes. This paper looks at how and why these European Directives were passed, the impact they have had on defence in the United Kingdom (UK) up to the present moment, what impact the further extension of those directives might have on UK defence policy and how the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has begun to prepare for any extension, including the use of alternative products from the commercial market, and substituting less harmful materials. The paper reviews the information available to carry out future decision making and what level of decision making it can support. Where the data is insufficient, it makes recommendations on actions to take for improvement.
  • Will Future Resource Demand Cause Significant and Unpredictable Dislocations for the UK Ministry of Defence?

    Antill, Peter; Powell-Turner, Julieanna; Cranfield University (Elsevier, 2015-06-24)
    This paper focuses on the drivers which may affect future trends in material availability for defence, in particular, the availability of rare earth elements (REE). These drivers include resource concentration, tighter regulatory policy and its enforcement, export policies, their use in economic statecraft, increases in domestic demand, promoting greater efficiency in resource use, efforts to mitigate resource depletion and more efficient resource extraction while reducing its associated environmental impact. It looks at the effect these factors might have on global systems and supply chains, the impact on material insecurity and how this may exacerbate the issue of their use in UK military equipment. It finds that these drivers are likely to have an increasing impact on material availability (if measures are not taken to mitigate them), which will have consequences for the provision of military capability by the UK.

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