RESUMO

This study investigates the potential of using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) synthesized from e-waste as electrocatalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), with the aim of applying them as an anode in alkaline direct methanol fuel cells (ADMFCs). The research addresses the pressing environmental challenge of e-waste disposal and explores the recycling of e-waste to obtain valuable materials for sustainable applications. Vulcan-supported gold nanoparticles (Aue-w/C NPs) are synthesized from gold coatings recovered from Intel Pentium 4 processor pins, demonstrating the feasibility of e-waste as electrocatalyst precursors. Comprehensive characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission and transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM, TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are employed to evaluate the structural properties of the electrocatalyst. Electrochemical evaluation in 0.5 M KOH electrolyte by cyclic voltammetry reveals that the synthesized Aue-w/C NPs exhibit electrocatalytic activity (25.5 mA·mg-1Au) comparable to their commercially synthesized counterparts (30.1 mA·mg-1Au). This study highlights the potential for sustainable approaches in the production of electrocatalysts by utilizing e-waste as a source of valuable catalyst materials. It represents a pioneering effort in harnessing e-waste as a sustainable resource, offering new avenues for sustainable energy technologies while addressing environmental concerns and technological challenges in the field of ADMFCs.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Heterosexual intercourse is the main mode of HIV transmission among heterosexual women in Puerto Rico and the third for men. We conducted an Internetbased study of heterosexual young adults in Puerto Rico to explore their sexual practices, beliefs and decision-making skills for HIV prevention. Data presented in this study will help to understand the factors that contribute to the sexual transmission of HIV among heterosexuals within the Puerto Rican context. METHODS: We administered an online-based survey to a sample of 618 young adult heterosexual men and women. Data were collected using Perseus Survey Solutions software. RESULTS: Overall, most participants expressed they had the same sexual partner in the previous six months, never or almost never used male condoms with their main partner and did not perceive themselves at-risk of contracting HIV (have a low HIV risk perception). Men reported using male condoms more frequently than women (e.g. male condom on their male partner) during vaginal sex, in particular single and younger men. Women expressed more positive attitudes toward male condoms than men. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the need to implement interventions that increases the sense of vulnerability among heterosexuals, as well as skills and use of male condoms. This study contributes additional data on sexual practices and attitudes to encourage the identification of new or current changes in HIV protective or risk factors, specifically for an understudied population of Heterosexuals in Puerto Rico.

Assuntos

Preservativos/estatística & dados numéricos , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Heterossexualidade , Comportamento Sexual , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/efeitos adversos , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/diagnóstico , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Internet , Masculino , Porto Rico/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , Parceiros Sexuais , Adulto Jovem

RESUMO

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine energy drink (ED) consumption patterns among Hispanic college students. We measured the prevalence and frequency of ED consumption according to gender, degree programs, and specific university-related and social situations. In addition, we assessed the frequency of consumption of EDs mixed with alcoholic beverages. Methods: A total of 508 college students from the University of Puerto Rico, the largest Hispanic institution of higher education statewide, completed an online questionnaire. Results: Twenty-one percent of participants reported consuming EDs with the majority consuming EDs either occasionally (every 2-3 months) or at least once or twice a month. Men were found to be more likely to consume EDs than women. Undergraduate students were found less likely to consume EDs than graduate students. Most students consumed EDs while studying and during social activities. More than one-third of participants that consume EDs admitted mixing them with an alcoholic beverage. Graduate students were found to consume EDs mixed with alcohol more often. Conclusions: The majority of students consumed EDs occasionally and while studying. Most side effects reported after consuming EDs were similar to previous findings. The higher consumption of EDs and of EDs mixed with alcohol by students in graduate programs could be explained by a higher and more complex study load requiring longer periods of wakefulness and concentration. Future studies looking at the consumption patterns of EDs in more competitive graduate programs such as medical and/or dentistry school should be considered.