Cellulose-based sorbents are promising materials for wastewater treatment due to their environmental friendliness, biodegradability, and high sorption capacity. This paper presents an overview of cellulose modification methods, including carboxylation, amination, oxidation, graphene, and plasma treatments, as well as combined approaches. Their effect on key physicochemical properties, such as porosity, morphology, and chemical stability, is considered. Examples from the literature confirm the effectiveness of modified cellulose sorbents in removing heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from wastewater. The analysis shows that combined methods allow for creating materials with improved characteristics that are resistant to extreme operating conditions. The main advantages and disadvantages of cellulose sorbents, as well as challenges associated with their scalability and cost-effectiveness, are discussed. The paper emphasizes the importance of further research to advance these materials as a key element of sustainable water treatment technologies.

In this study, the oxidative upgrading of heavy oil residues using polymer-containing waste for the sustainable production of bitumen was investigated. Oxidation was performed at temperatures of 250–270 °C for 3–4 h with the addition of 2–3 wt.% polyethylene-based waste, under an air flow of 7 L/min. The physical and mechanical characterization of the resulting bitumen demonstrated compliance with oxidized modified bitumen grades OMB 100/130 and OMB 70/100. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the formation of carbonyl and sulfoxide functional groups, indicating the effective oxidative transformation of the bitumen matrix and partial incorporation of polyethylene fragments. NMR spectroscopy confirmed increased aromaticity and carbonyl content, while also detecting polyethylene-derived signals, suggesting compatibility and integration of the polymer waste into the oxidized structure. The thermal and rheological results showed that the optimal conditions for producing high-quality oxidized bitumen involved the use of 2% polymer waste at 270 °C for 4 h, yielding enhanced physical properties and chemical stability. These findings support the feasibility of using polymer-containing waste for bitumen upgrading, offering both environmental and technical advantages. The method not only improves the quality of bitumen but also contributes to waste valorization and circular economy practices in the road construction industry.

The article explores modern approaches to biology education, with a focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer models into the educational process. In the context of rapid technological development, traditional teaching methods are becoming less effective, especially when explaining complex biological processes that require visualization and an interdisciplinary approach. The use of AI and digital simulations enhances student motivation and deepens the understanding of topics such as cellular processes, genetics, and ecosystems. The study presents methods for evaluating the effectiveness of digital technology implementation: literature review, surveys of students and teachers, case analysis of digital platforms, and comparative analysis of academic performance. The results of the experiment show that interactive tasks and multimedia resources contribute to better assimilation of material, increase student engagement, and stimulate interest in the subject. The article discusses lesson formats that utilize computer models, including inquiry-based lessons, virtual laboratories, and visualizations. It highlights the advantages of digital tools, such as the ability to conduct virtual experiments and develop research skills. Limitations are also noted, including the need for adequate technical infrastructure and methodological support. The article emphasizes that the integration of AI and computer models into biology education opens new perspectives for the development of teaching practices and the improvement of student learning outcomes.

Perovskite oxides have emerged as a versatile class of functional materials owing to their structural flexibility, tunable defect chemistry, mixed ionic–electronic conductivity, and excellent thermal stability. These characteristics make them attractive for engineering applications in heterogeneous catalysis, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), oxygen separation membranes, and sustainable energy conversion. This review critically analyzes recent advances in the crystal structure, physicochemical properties, defect chemistry, synthesis strategies, and engineering applications of bulk perovskite oxides and related Ruddlesden–Popper phases. Conventional and advanced synthesis methods, including solid-state, sol–gel, Pechini, hydrothermal, solution combustion, and spray pyrolysis approaches, are compared with respect to compositional homogeneity, microstructure, oxygen vacancy formation, scalability, and functional performance. The review demonstrates that the performance of perovskite materials is governed by the interplay between crystal structure, defect chemistry, synthesis route, and oxygen mobility. Recent developments in methane reforming, catalytic oxidation, SOFC electrodes, oxygen separation membranes, and perovskite–fluorite nanocomposites highlight the broad engineering potential of these materials. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in achieving long-term structural stability, reproducible large-scale synthesis, and precise defect engineering. Future research should focus on sustainable manufacturing strategies, nanocomposite design, and data-driven materials optimization to accelerate the development of next-generation functional perovskite materials.

This study investigates the potential use of the organic fraction of oily sludge (OFOS) as a partial or complete substitute for the commercial petroleum-based processing oil PN-6Sh in rubber compounds based on synthetic isoprene rubber (SKI-3). OFOS was recovered from oily sludge by liquid extraction. The chemical characteristics of the original oily sludge, OFOS, and PN-6Sh were evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and hydrocarbon group composition analysis. Hydrocarbon-group analysis showed closely matched light- and medium-aromatic fractions in OFOS and PN-6Sh, whereas GC-MS and FTIR were used as complementary qualitative characterization methods. Five formulations were investigated with a total processing-oil content of 6 phr and PN-6Sh replacement levels of 0–100%. Increasing OFOS content caused only a moderate change in Mooney viscosity, while the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates remained nearly unchanged throughout the replacement range. At 100% replacement, the elongation at break after thermal aging was 317%, identical to that of the control vulcanizate. Under the investigated laboratory conditions, complete replacement of PN-6Sh with OFOS preserved the evaluated mechanical properties and thermal-aging behavior without a practically meaningful loss in performance. Further application-specific qualification is required before industrial equivalence can be established.