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AbstractIn this work, the shield inert synchronous grouting material were fabricated using slag powder, fly ash and silica fume as the raw materials. In view of the inevitable influence of environmental factors on shield grouting materials after construction, the environmental resistance of inert grouting materials and single liquid active synchronous grouting materials was comparatively investigated by water absorption test, impermeability test, chemical corrosion resistance test as well as frost resistance test. Water absorption test confirmed that inert grouting materials possessed hygroscopic rate of 10.12%, which is lower than 11.31% of the counterpart after 48 h immersion. The impermeability pressure of the inert grouting materials was as high as 0.93 MPa, which was also higher than the single liquid grouting materials. Chemical corrosion resistance test showed that inert grouting materials exhibibted better salt erosion resistance, acid erosion resistance and alkali erosion resistance compared with single liquid active synchronous grouting materials under the same conditions. Frost resistance confirmed that the inert grouting materials strength exhibited loss rate and mass loss rate of 1.64% and 0.33%, which were lower than 1.92% and 0.62% of the single liquid active synchronous grouting materials after 10 freeze-thaw cycles. The phase changes of grouting materials at different ages were comparatively investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the microstructure evolution of grouting materials at different ages were compared by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that the key for enhanced environmental resistance of inert grouting materials was the formation of a large number of cementitious materials and crystalline substances in the hydration process, which effectively improved the compactness and internal strength of inert grouting materials. On this basis, the work mechanism of environmental resistance for slag powder-fly ash-silica fume-based shield inert synchronous grouting material was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the type of changes in the structure and mechanical properties of 3D printed shapes under the influence of mineral oil. The effects of a room (23 °C) and elevated temperature (70 °C) on 3D prints manufactured by the FDM method and stored in oil for 15, 30, and 60 days on the change of properties and structure were investigated. The samples were produced from ABS (poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene)), ASA (poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene-co-acrylate), PLA (poly(lactic acid)), and HIPS (high-impact polystyrene). Tests related to the strength of the materials, such as the static tensile test and Charpy impact test, were carried out. The structure was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, and changes in chemical structure were determined by conducting FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) tests. The analysis of the results provided important information about the impact of mineral oil on specific materials. This is critical for designing and manufacturing components that can withstand mineral oil exposure in real-world environments. The materials underwent varying changes. Strength increased for PLA by about 28%, remained unchanged for ABS and HIPS during exposure for 30 days, and decreased for ASA with extended exposure up to 14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of additive manufacturing methods known as "3D printing" started in the 1980s. In these methods, spatial models are created from a semi-finished product such as a powder, filament or liquid. The model is most often created in layers, which are created from the semi-finished product, which is most often subjected to thermal treatment or using light or ultraviolet rays. The technology of additive manufacturing has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to the traditionally used methods of processing thermoplastic materials, such as, for example, injection or extrusion. The most important advantages are low cost, flexibility and speed of manufacturing of elements with different spatial shapes. From the point of view of the user of the product, the most important disadvantages are the lower mechanical properties and lower resistance to environmental factors that occur during the use of the manufactured products. The purpose of this review is to present current information and a compilation of features in the field of research on the effects of the interactions of different types of environments on the mechanical properties of 3D-manufactured thermoplastic products. Changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the material under the influence of factors such as humidity, salt, temperature, UV rays, gasoline and the environment of the human body are presented. The presented article enables the effects of environmental conditions on common materials used in 3D printing technology to be collated in one place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed a novel method to prepare a hydrogel‐based electronic skin by self‐assembling cross‐linking. The conductive hydrogel (named PGRS) integrates multiple properties. The hydrogel has good moisture retention (70 °C, 14 days), adhesion, and high elongation (2799 %). When the hydrogel is damaged externally, it can repair itself without external stimulation. The hydrogel adheres to the skin surface and monitors large strain movements, such as finger joints, wrist joints, elbow joints, head lowering and head lifting. It can also detect small movements, such as drinking and talking. It is used as an adhesive in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C). PGRS conductive hydrogel with multiple synergistic functions. It has great potential in the direction of flexible electronic skin. It indicates that PGRS conductive hydrogels have highly prospective applications in wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the limitations of traditional antistatic fillers, such as unstable electrical performance and single functionality in complex marine environments, this work prepared antistatic carbonaceous fiber and carried out surface modification using polydopamine (PDA) and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS). This not only significantly improved the stability of the carbon fiber in high damp and heat, high salt spray, and high UV harsh environment, but also endowed it with excellent microwave absorption performance. The resistivity stability of the modified fibers was improved by 27 %, 36 %, and 60 %, respectively in accelerated experiments of damp heat, UV, and salt spray, compared with the unmodified fibers. Due to its inherent moderate conductivity and the excellent impedance matching properties imparted by the surface modification layer, the modified carbonaceous fiber also exhibited good absorption performance with reflection loss of −46.2 dB at a thickness of 2.1 mm and a frequency of 15.1 GHz and broad effective absorption bandwidth of 6.2 GHz at 2.2 mm. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quorum sensing receptor SdiA is vital for the environmental resistance of Cronobacter sakazakii , facilitating its survival in powdered infant formula (PIF). In this study, a three-dimensional model of the SdiA receptor was developed, and molecular docking was used to screen inhibitors targeting SdiA. The interaction mechanisms and the blocking effect of inhibitors on quorum sensing were also validated. Among hit compounds, phloretin significantly reduced the environmental resistance of the wild type (WT) at a sub-inhibitory concentration of 0.6 mg/mL (p < 0.05), lowering the survival rates from 4.61, 5.65, and 5.32 log to 2.76, 1.30, and 1.71 log under heat, osmotic, and desiccation stress, respectively. In simulated aqueous conditions, the stability of phloretin-SdiA complex was maintained throughout over 70 ns, with van der Waals forces and electrostatic interactions crucial for its structural stability. The interactions between phloretin and SdiA lead to a discernible increase in the UV absorption and a significant quenching of the endogenous fluorescence of the SdiA protein, with the α-helical content increasing from 54.3% to 65.2%. Additionally, inoculation of 4 log 10 CFU/mL of WT in dry powder materials of PIF, combined with phloretin at a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL and simulation of evaporation and drying processes, reduced WT below detection limit for enumeration. The outcomes of this study provide valuable scientific evidence and insights for developing innovative prevention and control strategies against C. sakazakii. [Display omitted] • Phloretin exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on SdiA-Mediated quorum sensing. • UV, fluorescent and CD spectroscopy confirmed the interaction of phloretin with SdiA. • Van der Waals forces contributed to structural stability of SdiA-phloretin complex. • Phloretin inactivated C. sakazakii in whey protein and oligofructose effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing the thermal stability of metal-based ceramic composites or their films has always been challenging and bottlenecks for the utilization of energy. In this paper, the novel mesh-like functional Al doped-MoO 3 nanocomposite film with even distribution and high purity was firstly fabricated by the high-efficiency electrophoretic deposition and surface modification. The optimal suspension turned out to be the mixture of isopropanol and the additives of polyethyleneimine and benzoic acid. The microtopography, crystalline structure, environmental resistance and thermal stability were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), exposure and droplet-impacting test, DSC analysis and ignition test, respectively. The water contact angle and sliding angle of product can reach ~170° and <1°, indicating the excellent anti-wetting property. In addition, the high heat-release (~3180 J/g) of product all kept almost unchangeable after six months exposure experiments, demonstrating the outstanding thermostability. The exquisite design idea here can perfectly match microelectromechanical system (MEMS), providing the valuable reference for fabricating other metal-based high-energy composites with long lifespan for real industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe negative effects of impurities adhering to the external surface of wearable devices can significantly influence the signal transmission, performance, and lifespan of hydrogel sensors. Herein, we developed an ion-conducting hydrogel sensor with a strong adhesive side and a non-adhesive side, similar to a "semi-releasing material." This hydrogel, formulated using deep eutectic solvents obtained from choline chloride and acrylic acid, contained lignin. This versatile material, exhibiting properties similar to semi-releasing materials, was treated with an AlCl 3 solution on one side. Additionally, the hydrogel was successfully used as a highly adhesive strain sensor for real-time monitoring of various human activity signals. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated excellent environmental tolerance and conductivity. Lignin extracted from wood flour endowed the hydrogel sensor with excellent adhesion energy (up to 427.1 J/m2) and UV resistance. Treatment of hydrogels with AlCl 3 completely eliminated their adhesiveness, thereby enhancing fracture elongation and tensile strength. This improvement can be attributed to the absence of carboxyl groups and the formation of a metal-phenolic network. The implementation of this convenient and efficient strategy provides a more feasible approach to address challenges related to impurity adhesion and signal transmission in flexible wearable devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe negative effects of impurities adhering to the external surface of wearable devices can significantly influence the signal transmission, performance, and lifespan of hydrogel sensors. Herein, we developed an ion-conducting hydrogel sensor with a strong adhesive side and a non-adhesive side, similar to a "semi-releasing material." This hydrogel, formulated using deep eutectic solvents obtained from choline chloride and acrylic acid, contained lignin. This versatile material, exhibiting properties similar to semi-releasing materials, was treated with an AlCl 3 solution on one side. Additionally, the hydrogel was successfully used as a highly adhesive strain sensor for real-time monitoring of various human activity signals. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated excellent environmental tolerance and conductivity. Lignin extracted from wood flour endowed the hydrogel sensor with excellent adhesion energy (up to 427.1 J/m2) and UV resistance. Treatment of hydrogels with AlCl 3 completely eliminated their adhesiveness, thereby enhancing fracture elongation and tensile strength. This improvement can be attributed to the absence of carboxyl groups and the formation of a metal-phenolic network. The implementation of this convenient and efficient strategy provides a more feasible approach to address challenges related to impurity adhesion and signal transmission in flexible wearable devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azole resistance is an emerging problem in patients with aspergillosis. The role of fungicides for resistance development and occurrence is not fully elucidated. EUCAST reference MICs of 17 fungicides (11 azoles and 6 others), five azole fungicide metabolites and four medical triazoles were examined against two reference and 28 clinical isolates of A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. terreus with (n = 12) and without (n = 16) resistance mutations. Eight/11 azole fungicides were active against wild-type A. fumigatus, A. flavus and A. terreus, including four (metconazole, prothioconazole-desthio, prochloraz and imazalil) with low MIC50 (≤2 mg/L) against all three species and epoxiconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole and difenoconazole also against wild-type A. terreus. Mefentrifluconazole, azole metabolites and non-azole fungicides MICs were >16 mg/L against A. fumigatus although partial growth inhibition was found with mefentrifluconazole. Moreover, mefentrifluconazole and axozystrobin were active against wild-type A. terreus. Increased MICs (≥3 dilutions) were found for TR34/L98H, TR34³/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A and G432S compared to wild-type A. fumigatus for epoxiconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole, difenoconazole, prochloraz, imazalil and metconazole (except G432S), and for prothioconazole-desthio against TR46/Y121F/T289A, specifically. Increased MICs were found in A. fumigatus harbouring G54R, M220K and M220R alterations for five, one and one azole fungicides, respectively, compared to MICs against wild-type A. fumigatus. Similarly, increased MICs wer found for A. terreus with G51A, M217I and Y491H alterations for five, six and two azole fungicides, respectively. Azole fungicides showed activity against wild-type A. fumigatus, A. terreus and A. flavus, but not against all mutant isolates, suggesting the environmental route of azole resistance may have a role for all three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A double-layer broadband AR coating was designed by the thin film design software (TFCalc™). • The average transmittance of the double-layer AR coating reached 99.64% in the region of 400–800 nm. • The coating exhibits good environmental-resistance and self-cleaning properties. • This broadband antireflective coating holds great potential for use in the field of solar cells. We present a new type of ultra-low refractive index antireflective (AR) coating based on spherical-chain silica particle with super-hydrophobic surface. This AR coating is fabricated using methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and ethylsilicate (TEOS) as co-precursors to direct silica particles to form a spherical-chain structure. Then hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) was further used to modify the surface of spherical-chain silica particle, which greatly decreases the refractive index of the silica thin film from 1.139 to 1.098. The formation mechanism of the ultralow refractive index thin film is proposed. The spherical-chain silica particle surface modification with HMDS significantly improves the hydrophobicity of the coated film; the water contact angle of the film increases from 42° to 168°. Ultimately, using this hydrophobic ultralow-index coating as a top-layer, a high-performance double-layer antireflective coating was fabricated with self-cleaning, environmental resistance and a high average transmittance of 99.64% in the wavelength range of 400–800 nm. This multi-functional broadband antireflective coating has potential value in the field of solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siloxane polymers constitute a category of organic-inorganic hybrid polymers that manifest properties arising from both their organic side groups and inorganic backbone. This unique combination confers upon these polymers exceptional physical and chemical characteristics. Within siloxane polymers, the highly optical transparent cyclosiloxane-containing polymers emerged as a favorable candidate for excellent performance in thermal resistance, ion selectivity and permeability, dielectric properties, and processibility. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of cyclosiloxane-containing polymers' preparation, properties, and applications. The synthesis methods and kinetics pertinent to these polymers are concisely summarized. Additionally, a detailed exposition is provided on cyclosiloxane's optical, mechanical, dielectric, and thermal properties. The inherent weaknesses of these polymers are thoroughly examined, and corresponding remedial strategies are discussed. The conventional applications of cyclosiloxane-containing polymers span diverse domains, including nanoimprinting, separation processes, coating, thermal interface materials, and ceramic precursors. Recent applications such as 3D printing ink and lithium battery electrolyte are also included in the review, showcasing the versatility and potential of the hybrid material. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance of the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the world was unexpected, surprising the medical world both in terms of knowledge about it and the supplies of medical materials necessary for effective protection against it. The data accumulated so far refer to the origin of the virus, its evolution in the world, the routes of transmission and the titer of antibodies that occurs after passing through the disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was evaluated by changing the mass loss ratio and the strength maintenance ratios of the fibers after treatment. The fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid solutions for different amount of times. The environmental resistance was analyzed by changing the time of treatment in NaOH and HCl solutions. The fibers’ surface corrosion morphologies were analyzed using the optical microscope. The acid resistance was much better than the alkali resistance for the basalt and slag fibers. Nevertheless, the situation for the glass fibers was different: the acid resistance was almost the same as the alkali resistance. Between the two types of aqueous environments evaluated, the alkali solution is the most aggressive to the fibers’ surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative impacts of aggressive environment on the durability of concrete materials have raised great concerns in recent years. Although the nano modification has been considered as a promising approach to enhance the durability of concrete materials with exposure to synergistic attacks from complicated aggressive environment, the investigation of the impacts of various chemicals on low dosage nano modified concrete, especially along with freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycles, is still very limited. In this study, the impacts of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium acetate (KAc) on laboratory fabricated concrete samples, which were modified with low dosage of nano SiO 2 and nano TiO 2 particles, were investigated. The mass loss, flexural strength, compressive strength, and relative dynamic modulus of elasticity were tested to evaluate the deterioration of low dosage nano modified concrete samples after exposure to F/T along with W/D cycles in KAc and NaCl solutions. The microstructure analyses demonstrate that both NaCl and KAc have negative impacts on the durability of concrete samples after F/T and W/D cycles. However, the addition of low dosage nano particles shows a distinctive enhancement of environment resistance of concrete samples. Through the microstructure analysis, three potential reasons were presented to help elucidate the deterioration mechanisms of concrete with exposure to aggressive environment. Moreover, based on the microstructure analysis, the different modification mechanisms corresponding to various nano materials were presented. This study not only shows the possibility of low dosage nano modification on the durability enhancement of concrete, but also provides potential modification mechanisms which help to design and fabricate durable concrete materials with exposure to complicated aggressive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work presents a review of the asymptotic behaviour of the solutions of a particular class of nonlinear Leslie matrices that aim at simulating the effects of stressors on biological populations and that can serve as examples for the development of models for environmental assessment. The models account for the biotic potential growth of the population and for the environmental resistance caused by limiting factors and competition processes. The stability of the model solutions, the existence of cycles, the emergence of chaotic behaviours in the population dynamics are discussed in relation to the intensity and the duration of the stress. The conditions for the survival of populations subjected to chronic stress and for population recovery once the stress effects cease are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature applications have demonstrated aluminide-coated nickel-base superalloys to be remarkably effective, but are reaching their service limit. Alternate materials such as refractory (e.g., W, Mo) silicide alloys and SiC composites are being considered to extend high temperature capability, but the silica surfaces on these materials require coatings for enhanced environmental resistance. This can be accomplished with a Mo-Si-B-based coating that is deposited by a spray deposition of Mo followed by a chemical vapor deposition of Si and B by pack cementation to develop an aluminoborosilica surface. Oxidation of the as-deposited (Si + B)-pack coatings proceeds with partial consumption of the initial MoSi forming amorphous silica. This Si depletion leads to formation of a B-saturated MoSi (T) phase. Reactions between the Mo and the B rich phases develop an underlying MoSiB (T) layer. The T phase saturated with B has robust oxidation resistance, and the Si depletion is prevented by the underlying diffusion barrier (T). Further, due to the natural phase transformation characteristics of the Mo-Si-B system, cracks or scratches to the outer silica and T layers can be repaired from the Si and B reservoirs of T + MoB layer to yield a self-healing characteristic. Mo-Si-B-based coatings demonstrate robust performance up to at least 1700 °C not only to the rigors of elevated temperature oxidation, but also to CMAS attack, hot corrosion attack, water vapor and thermal cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Land of Fires' is a district in Italy characterized by illegal waste disposal, waste burning, and citizen protests over contamination. This study investigates the relevance of several psycho-social factors that predict citizens' intention to protest, taking into account different research traditions. In addition, we hypothesize the effect of protest antecedents to be moderated by past participation behaviour (i.e. the level of activism). Hence, our study is a first attempt to explore the effect of protest antecedents as a function of the individual level of activism through a cross-sectional survey study ( N = 306). The results show significant effects of collective identity, sense of injustice, costs of protest, and perceived risk (cognitive dimension) on intention to protest. The effects of collective efficacy and perceived risk (affective dimension) are moderated by participants' level of activism, and these effects are significant only for non-activists. The relevance of this new approach is discussed, as well as practical implications and possible further developments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the influence of tetraconazole and malathion, both used in agricultural activities, on resistance to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole in Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019. The susceptibility to tetraconazole, malathion, fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole, through broth microdilution. Then, 12 independent replicates, were separated and exposed to four treatment groups, each one containing three replicates: G1: tetraconazole; G2: malathion; G3: fluconazole (positive control); G4: negative control. Replicates from G1, G2 and G3, were exposed to weekly increasing concentrations of tetraconazole, malathion and fluconazole, respectively, ranging from MIC/2 to 32 × MIC, throughout 7 weeks. The exposure to tetraconazole, but not malathion, decreased susceptibility to clinical azoles, especially fluconazole. The tetraconazole-induced fluconazole resistance is partially mediated by the increased activity of ATP-dependent efflux pumps, considering the increase in antifungal susceptibility after the addition of the efflux pump inhibitor, promethazine, and the increase in rhodamine 6G efflux and CDR gene expression in the G1 replicates. Moreover, MDR expression was only detected in G1 and G3 replicates, suggesting that MDR pumps are also involved in tetraconazole-induced fluconazole resistance. It is noteworthy that tetraconazole and fluconazole-treated replicates behaved similarly, therefore, resistance to azoles of clinical use may be a consequence of using azoles in farming activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to advance understanding of the relationship between social metabolism, the commodification of nature, local regime changes, and patterns of resistance to accumulation by environmental dispossession during the most recent phase of global capitalism. Ecuador is a resource-rich periphery country that has moved after 2007 from a neoliberal to a post-neoliberal policy regime. By analyzing 64 socio-environmental resistance cases in the period 1980–2013, we focus on the continuities and changes in the relationship between environmental dispossession and resistance under the two regimes. We find that while resistance to agri-food projects has diminished, having enjoyed some success under during the post-neoliberal regime, resistance to infrastructure and mineral extraction projects has remained steady, with the impacts from environmental dispossession remaining much like those observed before 2007. At the same time, major social investments financed through natural resource extraction and export, combined with the introduction of constraints on the media and public assembly, have created a political climate in which the resistance observed during the neo-liberal period is now a socially deviant behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions create complex ecological and societal issues worldwide. Most of the knowledge about invasions comes only from successful invaders, but less is known about which processes determine the differential success of invasions. In this review, we develop a framework to identify the main dimensions driving the success and failure of invaders, including human influences, characteristics of the invader, and biotic interactions. We apply this framework by contrasting hypotheses and available evidence to explain variability in invasion success for 12 salmonids introduced to Chile. The success of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta seems to be influenced by a context-specific combination of their phenotypic plasticity, low ecosystem resistance, and propagule pressure. These well-established invaders may limit the success of subsequently introduced salmonids, with the possible exception of O. tshawytscha, which has a short freshwater residency and limited spatial overlap with trout. Although propagule pressure is high for O. kisutch and S. salar due to their intensive use in aquaculture, their lack of success in Chile may be explained by environmental resistance, including earlier spawning times than in their native ranges, and interactions with previously established and resident Rainbow Trout. Other salmonids have also failed to establish, and they exhibit a suite of ecological traits, environmental resistance, and limited propagule pressure that are variably associated with their lack of success. Collectively, understanding how the various drivers of invasion success interact may explain the differential success of invaders and provide key guidance for managing both positive and negative outcomes associated with their presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The environment harbours a significant diversity of uncultured bacteria and a potential source of novel and extant resistance genes which may recombine with clinically important bacteria disseminated into environmental reservoirs. There is evidence that pollution can select for resistance due to the aggregation of adaptive genes on mobile elements. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluent disposal to a river by using culture independent methods to study diversity of resistance genes downstream of the WWTP in comparison to upstream. Metagenomic libraries were constructed in Escherichia coli and screened for phenotypic resistance to amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Resistance genes were identified by using transposon mutagenesis. A significant increase downstream of the WWTP was observed in the number of phenotypic resistant clones recovered in metagenomic libraries. Common β-lactamases such as bla TEM were recovered as well as a diverse range of acetyltransferases and unusual transporter genes, with evidence for newly emerging resistance mechanisms. The similarities of the predicted proteins to known sequences suggested origins of genes from a very diverse range of bacteria. The study suggests that waste water disposal increases the reservoir of resistance mechanisms in the environment either by addition of resistance genes or by input of agents selective for resistant phenotypes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibilities of enterococci isolated from water, soil, waste, and food samples to determine resistance mechanisms and their transferability, and to test clonality of these environmental enterococci. The results were compared with the susceptibility patterns of hospital enterococci reported in a previous study. Samples from 9 environmental sources were cultured, and species were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by the agar dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were tested for vancomycin, tetracycline, teicoplanin, ampicillin, gentamicin, erythromycin, rifampicin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. Resistance genes and transposons were determined by polymerase chain reaction. The transferability of resistance was tested by conjugation. A total of 57 enterococci were isolated. All erythromycin-resistant enterococci had ermB and all tetracycline-resistant isolates had tetM genes. Macrolide and tetracycline resistances were transferable by conjugation to Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. Transconjugants were confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. Our study showed the existence of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria isolated from environmental samples. All isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic tested. Transferability of resistance genes in environmental enterococci showed the importance of environmental resistance for public health and the potential of resistance gene dissemination. Although the sample collection times of environmental and hospital isolates were different, the possibility exists that the difference in susceptibility patterns may be the result of differences in antimicrobial pressure in hospitals and in the environment, and this should be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Environmental transmission of extremely resistant Toxoplasma gondii oocysts has resulted in infection of diverse species around the world, leading to severe disease and deaths in human and animal populations. This review explores T. gondii oocyst shedding, survival, and transmission, emphasizing the importance of linking laboratory and landscape from molecular characterization of oocysts to watershed-level models of oocyst loading and transport in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Building on discipline-specific studies, a One Health approach incorporating tools and perspectives from diverse fields and stakeholders has contributed to an advanced understanding of T. gondii and is addressing transmission at the rapidly changing human–animal–environment interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Antireflective (AR) coatings with high transmittance and enhanced abrasion-resistance were prepared by a base/acid two-step catalyzed sol–gel process using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as precursor. These AR coatings exhibit both high transmittance and enhanced abrasion-resistance when the mole ratio of acid-catalyzed silica to base-catalyzed silica was 0.5. The experimental results revealed that the acid-catalyzed silica was covalently bonded to base-catalyzed silica particles, which greatly increased the abrasion-resistance. Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS) treatment was further used to improve the hydrophobicity of the AR coatings. The water contact angles of pure silica AR coatings and AR coatings treated with 16% HMDS were 21.3° and 72.5°, respectively, indicating a significant increase in hydrophobicity. FTIR spectra revealed the existence of –Si (CH3)3 after HMDS treatment, showing that the hydroxyl groups of AR coatings were replaced by –OSi (CH3)3, affording the AR coatings treated with HMDS excellent environmental resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Salmonids like rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and brown trout Salmo trutta are potent invaders in various regions throughout the world, but non-native rainbow trout have become established in only a few locations in the U.K. to date. Salmonid invasions in other regions are often driven by repeated authorized introductions of large numbers of fish, escapees from fish culture and illegal introductions by anglers. Their spread can be rapid within catchments via long-distance movements. Currently, large numbers of all-female diploid rainbow trout are released in the U.K., the eggs of which could be fertilized by relatively few mature males, thereby increasing the risk of invasion. If reproducing fish began to spread, especially by anadromy, then eradication could be difficult due to angler interest and logistical constraints. Establishment of non-native salmonids can be limited by abiotic factors such as flow and temperature regimes, and biotic resistance from competition, predation and parasites or diseases, which often affect early life stages most strongly. Moreover, these factors can also interact with the zoogeography and evolutionary history of the native and introduced salmonids to make explanation and prediction complex. Although flow and temperature regimes in the U.K. are broadly suitable for rainbow trout, and biotic resistance by brown trout has been overcome in other regions, resistance from native diseases and angling mortality appear to be plausible hypotheses for lack of rainbow trout invasion in the U.K. Invading salmonids can have both direct effects on native salmonids and other fishes via biotic interactions, and indirect effects by fragmenting their habitat and isolating native populations. In addition, invaders can have indirect effects on entire aquatic food webs ( e. g. invertebrates and algae) that cascade throughout ecosystems, or even cross boundaries into adjacent ecosystems. Evidence from other regions indicates that rainbow trout could have negative effects on brown trout or Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in U.K. waters, but this probably depends on the context set by other factors. Overall, primary factors to consider in any risk analysis of rainbow trout invasion in the U.K. include the decline of native salmonid populations due to degradation or overexploitation, the evolutionary history of newly introduced rainbow trout stocks, local or global influences that change aquatic environments and reduce biotic resistance by native parasites or diseases, and rapid evolution of local adaptations by new or marginally established populations of rainbow trout that makes them more invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four foliar and two stem-base pathogens were inoculated onto wheat plants grown in different substrates in pot experiments. Soils from four different UK locations were each treated in three ways: (i) straw incorporated in the field at 10 t ha−1 several months previously; (ii) silicon fertilization at 100 mg L−1 during the experiment; and (iii) no amendments. A sand and vermiculite mix was used with and without silicon amendment. The silicon treatment increased plant silica concentrations in all experiments, but incorporating straw was not associated with raised plant silica concentrations.Blumeria graminisandPuccinia reconditawere inoculated by shaking infected plants over the test plants, followed by suitable humid periods. The silicon treatment reduced powdery mildew (B. graminis) substantially in sand and vermiculite and in two of the soils, but there were no effects on the slight infection by brown rust (P. recondita).Phaeosphaeria nodorumandMycosphaerella graminicolawere inoculated as conidial suspensions. Leaf spot caused byP. nodorumwas reduced in silicon-amended sand and vermiculite; soil was not tested. Symptoms of septoria leaf blotch caused byM. graminicolawere reduced by silicon amendment in a severely infected sand and vermiculite experiment but not in soil or a slightly infected sand and vermiculite experiment.Oculimacula yallundae(eyespot) andFusarium culmorum(brown foot rot) were inoculated as agar plugs on the stem base. Severity ofO. yallundaewas reduced by silicon amendment of two of the soils but not sand and vermiculite; brown foot rot symptoms caused byF. culmorumwere unaffected by silicon amendment. The straw treatment reduced severity of powdery mildew but did not detectably affect the other pathogens. Both straw and silicon treatments appeared to increase plant resistance to all diseases only under high disease pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin ply angle-ply carbon fibre reinforced-polymer (CFRP) laminates can suppress damage until final failure under static and dynamic loading. Given the sensitivity of the polymer matrix to temperature and moisture, it is imperative to understand the influence of the environment on angle-ply CFRP composites. At −50 °C, specimens displayed more brittle behaviour compared to room temperature, whereas at a temperature of 80 °C specimens showed increased pseudo-ductility. Water bath conditioning at 60 °C until saturation had little effect on specimens tested at −50 °C. Wet specimens tested at room temperature showed lower failure stresses and higher failure strains compared to their dry counterparts. A combination of water bath immersion and testing at 80 °C induced extremely non-linear behaviour, with a reduction of the failure stresses and, in this case, also failure strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermally conductive structural film adhesive not only carries large loads but also exhibits excellent heat-transfer performance, which has huge application prospects. Herein, a novel epoxy (Ep) thermally conductive structural film adhesive was prepared using polyphenoxy (PHO) as the toughening agent and film former, boron nitride (BN) nanosheets as the thermally conductive filler, and polyester fabric as the carrier. When the amount of PHO in the epoxy matrix was 30 phr and the content of nano-BN was 30 wt.% (Ep/PHO30/nBN30), the adhesive resin system showed good film-forming properties, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity. The glass transition temperature of Ep/PHO30/nBN30 was 215 °C, and the thermal conductivity was 209.5% higher than that of the pure epoxy resin. The Ep/PHO30/nBN30 film adhesive possessed excellent adhesion and peeling properties, and the double-lap shear strength at room temperature reached 36.69 MPa, which was 21.3% higher than that of pure epoxy resin. The double-lap shear strength reached 15.41 MPa at 150 °C, demonstrating excellent high temperature resistance. In addition, the Ep/PHO30/nBN30 film adhesive exhibited excellent heat-aging resistance, humidity, and medium resistance, and the shear strength retention rate after exposure to the complicated environment reached more than 90%. The structural film adhesive prepared showed excellent fatigue resistance in the dynamic load fatigue test, the double-lap shear strength still reached 35.55 MPa after 1,000,000 fatigue cycles, and the strength retention rate was 96.9%, showing excellent durability and fatigue resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]