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Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, which are shed in large quantities in the feces from infected felines, are very stable in the environment, resistant to most inactivation procedures, and highly infectious. The oocyst wall provides an important physical barrier for sporozoites contained inside oocysts, protecting them from many chemical and physical stressors, including most inactivation procedures. Furthermore, sporozoites can withstand large temperature changes, even freeze-thawing, as well as desiccation, high salinity, and other environmental insults; however, the genetic basis for this environmental resistance is unknown. Here, we show that a cluster of four genes encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA)-related proteins are required to provide Toxoplasma sporozoites resistance to environmental stresses. Toxoplasma LEA-like genes (TgLEAs) exhibit the characteristic features of intrinsically disordered proteins, explaining some of their properties. Our in vitro biochemical experiments using recombinant TgLEA proteins show that they have cryoprotective effects on the oocyst-resident lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and that induced expression in E. coli of two of them leads to better survival after cold stress. Oocysts from a strain in which the four LEA genes were knocked out en bloc were significantly more susceptible to high salinity, freezing, and desiccation compared to wild-type oocysts. We discuss the evolutionary acquisition of LEA-like genes in Toxoplasma and other oocyst-producing apicomplexan parasites of the Sarcocystidae family and discuss how this has likely contributed to the ability of sporozoites within oocysts to survive outside the host for extended periods. Collectively, our data provide a first molecular detailed view on a mechanism that contributes to the remarkable resilience of oocysts against environmental stresses. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are highly infectious and may survive in the environment for years. Their resistance against disinfectants and irradiation has been attributed to the oocyst and sporocyst walls by acting as physical and permeability barriers. However, the genetic basis for their resistance against stressors like changes in temperature, salinity, or humidity, is unknown. We show that a cluster of four genes encoding Toxoplasma Late Embryogenesis Abundant (TgLEA)-related proteins are important for this resistance to environmental stresses. TgLEAs have features of intrinsically disordered proteins, explaining some of their properties. Recombinant TgLEA proteins show cryoprotective effects on the parasite's lactate dehydrogenase, an abundant enzyme in oocysts, and expression in E. coli of two TgLEAs has a beneficial effect on growth after cold stress. Moreover, oocysts from a strain lacking all four TgLEA genes were more susceptible to high salinity, freezing, and desiccation compared to wild-type oocysts, highlighting the importance of the four TgLEAs for oocyst resilience.

This is the tentative translation of three chapters in Silent Spring (1962): chapter 13 (Through a Narrow Window), chapter 14 (One in Every Four), and chapter 15 (Nature Fights Back). This translation is based on the text published by Penguin Books in 1965 and reprinted in Penguin Classics in 2000. Sometimes we see articles in newspapers and magazines on the concerns about chemical pesticides and herbicides, but of course manufacturers have officially got the permission to sell those chemicals, which does not necessarily mean that they are safe. We sometimes see articles in newspapers that tell us the doubtful effect of neonicotinoids on our environment. The problem is while some people claim that the systemics are safe, some people suggest that the chemicals are very dangerous. Humans and insects have the same nervous systems, but some declare that the systemics are selective, which means that they kill insects but are harmless to other living things. Is what they say scientifically proven? We wonder how many people have read one of the 20th century classics and understand what Rachel wants to say. If you read Silent Spring again, you will find that the judgement must be cautious, be it optimistic or pessimistic.

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.

The velocity of a linearly moving cylindrical conductor can be measured using two methods: the laser-Doppler method and the eddy current method. In this article, we focused on an eddy current linear velocity sensor (LVS) with excellent environmental resistance while analyzing its theory to clarify its characteristics. Consequently, we were able to obtain an exact analytical solution by solving Maxwell’s equation using the Fourier transform. In addition, we built an experimental apparatus that enables cylindrical conductors to move linearly and then used it to conduct an inspection experiment. As a result, a good agreement between the theory and the experiment was obtained for the speed characteristics. Therefore, we could confirm the validity of the theoretical analysis, and thus it has become possible to predict various characteristics related to LVSs. The analysis results of the theory are expected to greatly contribute to the optimization of LVSs.

Hybrid materials are emerging as a very potent and promising class of materials. The complementarity results in a complete synergy of the desired material's properties and ultimately an end-product. The diversity of the resulting properties and materials used in the production of hybrid materials applies to a wide variety of applications, from automotive and structural applications to electronics and biomedical applications. In recent years, multifunctional materials, are the most advanced and hi-tech engineering materials that can withstand mechanical loads and are featured with high thermal stability, fatigue resistance along with enhancing the chemical, and environmental resistance. In the present review paper, we highlight the research work that is done on hybrid materials, their wide spectrum of applications and provided an outlook on their associated future challenges.

Nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities, are becoming powerful competitors and potential substitutes for natural enzymes because of their excellent performance, including design from scratch, controllable activity, and environmental resistance. In recent years, various nanozymes have been discovered or designed, and gradually applied to molecular detection, biomedical treatment and environmental management. Nevertheless, nanozymes are often regarded as fascinating and confusing black boxes as their catalytic mechanisms remain largely indistinct. Interestingly, recent researches have shed light into these black boxes. It appears that the enzymatic activities of nanozymes are closely related to their size, surface lattice, surface modification and composition, etc. Some regular structure–activity relationships have been elucidated in recent reports. In this review, we systematically summarized the studies on the structure–activity relationship of nanozymes in recent years, aiming to illustrate the catalytic mechanism of nanozymes and clarify the key factors regulating their behavior, so as to provide ideas and inspiration for the de novo design of nanozymes.

The ubiquitous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary cause of opportunistic mould infections in humans. Aspergilli disseminate via asexual conidia passively travelling through air currents to germinate within a broad range of environs, wherever suitable nutrients are found. Though the average human inhales hundreds of conidia daily, A. fumigatus invasive infections primarily affect the immunocompromised. At-risk individuals can develop often fatal invasive disease for which therapeutic options are limited. Regrettably, the global insurgence of isolates resistant to the triazoles, the frontline antifungal class used in medicine and agriculture to control A. fumigatus, is complicating the treatment of patients. Triazole antifungal resistance in A. fumigatus has become recognized as a global, yet poorly comprehended, problem. Due to a multitude of factors, the magnitude of resistant infections and their contribution to treatment outcomes are likely underestimated. Current studies suggest that human drug-resistant infections can be either environmentally acquired or de novo host selected during patient therapy. While much concerning development of resistance is yet unknown, recent investigations have revealed assorted underlying mechanisms enabling triazole resistance within individual clinical and environmental isolates. This review will provide an overview of triazole resistance as it is currently understood, as well as highlight some of the prominent biological mechanisms associated with clinical and environmental resistance to triazoles in A. fumigatus.

Background. Development of new highly adaptable triticale cultivars with high yield potential and environmental resistance to adverse factors of the Middle Amur region requires a study of the collection material. One of the priorities of such research is to identify effective sources and donors among triticale accessions according to the main yield components and economically useful traits.Materials and methods. The material was represented by spring triticale cultivars from the collection of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR).Results. The following cultivars were identified as promising breeding sources: ‘AC Certa’, ‘Lana’, ‘Zolotoy Grebeshok’ and ‘Ulyana’ for their optimal yield in the Middle Amur region; ‘AC Certa’, ‘Zolotoy Grebeshok’, ‘Mykola’, ‘Korovai Kharkivsky’ and ‘Victoria’ for earliness; ‘Victoria’, ‘Rovnya’, ‘Kobzar’ (Ukraine), ‘Losinovske’, ‘Zgurivsky’ and ‘Sandio’ for plant height; ‘Lotos’, ‘Yarilo’, ‘ZG 186’, ‘Oberig Kharkivsky’, ‘Tleridal’ and ‘Sandio’ for ear length; ‘Lana’, ‘Ulyana’, ‘Lotos, ‘Yarilo’, ‘ZG 186’, ‘Pamyat Merezhko’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Kobzar’, ‘Oberig Kharkivsky’, ‘Tleridal’ and’ Sandio’ for the number of spikelets per ear; ‘AC Certa’, ‘Lana’, ‘Dagvo’, ‘Pamyat Merezhko’ and ‘Kobzar’ for the number of grains per ear; ‘Ukro’, ‘Lotos’, ‘Yarilo’, ‘Rovnya’ and ‘Kobzar’ for grain weight per ear; ‘Ukro’, ‘Skory’ and ‘Rovnya’ for grain size; ‘Ukro’, ‘Skory’ and ‘Rovnya’ protein content in grain; ‘Dagvo’, ‘Kobzar’ and ‘Sandio’ for lysine content in grain; ‘AC Certa’, ‘Lana’, ‘Skory’, ‘Lotus’, ‘Yarilo’, ‘ZG 186’, ‘Pamyat Merezhko’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Rovnya’, ‘Kobzar’, ‘Losinovske’, ‘Zgurivsky’, ‘Oberig Kharkivsky’, ‘Tleridal’ and ‘Sandio’ for resistance to lodging; ‘Lana’, ‘Pamyat Merezhko’, ‘Victoria Zgurivsky’, ‘Oberig Kharkivsky’ and ‘Tleridal’ for disease resistance.Conclusion. The selected accessions can be used in breeding programs of the Middle Amur region and other regions of the country.

This article advances knowledge on activist technosocial practice by studying the realities and representations of on-the-ground environmental resistance and their intersections with visual representations of protest on Twitter. It does so by focusing on the case of resistance to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, commonly known as TAP, in southern Italy, and on mixed methods for data collection, including ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews and an AIassisted visual ethnography of a large collection of computationally collected and categorised images posted on Twitter. By comparing online and offline representations of protest, the study demonstrated that only a partial overlapping existed between them, thus adding a nuance to the digital criminological literature premised on the existence of blurred boundaries between online and offline experiences of injustice. Themes overlapped in their representations of protest, with images of on-theground visual resistance being used on Twitter to extend and amplify the contestation of everyday spaces and to support offline and online initiatives to stop the pipeline. Differences in the recurring themes were instead reconnected to the inherent secrecy of some of the protest’s strategies and to the typical ways in which Twitter tends to be used by social movements.

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.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Photocatalytic disinfection of waterborne, airborne, and foodborne viruses were reviewed. • Promising potential of heterogeneous photocatalysis for viral disinfection were discussed. • Compatibility of photocatalytic disinfection method with sustainable development was discussed. • Future research headlines about photocatalytic disinfection of different viruses were highlighted., Microbial pathogenic contaminations have world widely represented a serious health hazard to humans. Viruses, as a member of microbial contaminants, seriously threaten human health due to their high environmental resistance, having small sizes, and causing an extensive range of diseases. Therefore, selecting an appropriate technology to remove viral contaminants from the air, water, and foods is of prominent significance. Traditional methods for viral disinfection have not proven to be highly practical and effective because they need high energy resources and operational expenses. In recent years, semiconductor-based photocatalysis has attracted more attention in the field of microorganism inactivation due to its outstanding performance and mild reaction conditions. Therefore, this review primarily concentrates on the recent development in viral inactivation/disinfection by heterogeneous photocatalysts. Moreover, the photocatalytic viral inactivation of waterborne, airborne, and foodborne viruses is discussed. Given the appealing merits of heterogeneous photocatalytic disinfection of viruses, there is no doubt that this technology will be an impressively active research field and a source of comfort and confidence to humans in battling against viruses.

The main topic of this case study is local community response to environmental contamination resulting from corruption and waste mismanagement. The field research was carried out in part of a massive Italian district colloquially referred to as the "land of fires” where illegal wastes dumped by the mafia routinely burned. A document analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Abandoned by those tasked with protecting public and environmental health, one might expect widespread concern, activism and protest. The case study supports the theory in terms of citizen mobilization while clarifying conditions that discourage public protest and action. The waste companies and the governmental institutions intended to regulate them were perceived as jointly complicit. Those who did not protest appeared to be caught in a classic double bind in which any response they made was wrong. Fear that the contamination and fires were harming their health demanded action. Yet, citizens dreaded that such efforts would bring mob and institutions' reprisal and did not have practical effective outcomes. This dilemma is fully explored, and the results are discussed within an eco-historical perspective. The case study is also updated to reflect more recent conditions that inspired widespread protest in the same affected region.

Processes of politicization and depoliticization are increasingly studied in relation to urban contexts, and cities have been depicted as incubators of social movements. What has been largely ignored is why, in some cities, forces of politicization or depoliticization are stronger than in others. To address this question, this article compares two British cities?Manchester and Bristol?which have historically been central hubs of environmental resistance, but currently face similar depoliticizing forces: austerity, anti-squatting laws, police repression and activists? disillusion with environmentalism. Curiously, these conditions have had very different impacts on the two environmental scenes. In Manchester they have caused environmental resistance to become replaced almost entirely by non-confrontational ?alternatives?. In Bristol alternatives have emerged that tend to be in synergy with environmental resistance. The comparison thus suggests that Bristol is more conducive to maintaining environmental resistance under depoliticizing conditions. Findings suggest that differences can be attributed to features of the physical urban environment, including city size. Historically, these differences were not decisive. Yet, after a period of dwindling environmentalist energy in the UK, the number of environmentalist hubs has been reduced. This has prompted a reputational snowball that increasingly concentrates environmental resistance in the one city that best insulates the environmental movement from broader depoliticizing forces.

In this paper, utilizing the technology of color laser marking of stainless steel in industrial productions is investigated from the perspective of repeatability and stability of produced color markings. The color laser marking has remarkable advantages over conventional metal coloring methods; however, in order to implement this technology in industry, the reliability, stability and quality of resulting markings must be endorsed. For this purpose, an AISI 304 color palette made up of fifteen colors was evolved. The dependence of produced colors on different laser processing parameters were analyzed. Afterward, the produced colors were tested utilizing optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, and the configuration of oxide films was specified through Raman spectroscopy. The obtained colors had proper uniformity, brightness, and cover almost all spectral regions. Also, color standardization and palette repeatability test were performed by assessing and evaluating the reflectance spectra of the formed colors. The color palette demonstrated high repeatability for all colors except for one specific color. Moreover, the stability of color markings in terms of environmental, mechanical and chemical resistance was investigated. The resulting colors showed high resistance in most of the environmental conditions; however, exposure to very high temperatures and extreme humidity ( $100^{\circ }\text{C}$ , 90%) and low temperature and extreme humidity ( $- 40^{\circ }\text{C}$ , 90%) leads to deterioration of few colors. Color marks showed high hardness and excellent mechanical stability to external impacts and outstanding resistance to various chemicals, excluding acidic solutions and salts.

This article provides a comparative analysis of localised contests over the reclamation of new islands for resort-style development projects in waters near tourist destinations in Bali and Western ...

In order to reduce the environmental impact of air travel, it is desirable that theeciencies of gas turbine engines are increased. One way to achieve this goalis to increase the operating temperatures of the engine cores. Unfortunatelyfor aero-engine manufacturers, the temperature capability limits of the Ni-basesuperalloys used currently have been reached. Hence, new alloys need to bedeveloped that are capable of operating at signicantly higher temperatures.In this article, the potential of tantalum-base superalloys is discussed and explored. A suite of alloys based on the Ta-Al-Co system was investigated. Itwas found that an array of ne carbide precipitates was formed in the Ta-richmatrix in a subset of the alloys, which is promising in terms of developing astrong and damage-tolerant microstructure, but that the elemental partitioningof Al out of the matrix accompanying precipitation is likely to degradeenvironmental resistance. Nevertheless, it is believed that the design principlesdescribed have the potential to facilitate the development of the next generationof high-temperature alloys based on systems of this type.

This paper examines the conflict between state and society which surrounds the potential social and environmental impacts of the coal-based Rampal Power Plant in Bangladesh. The project, if impleme...

Covalent cross-linking of rubbers is essential for obtaining high resilience and environmental resistance but prevents healing and recycling. Integrating dynamic covalent bonds into cross-linked ru...

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.

Adolescence is a very important and critical part of an individual's development. This is because, in the stages of adolescent development, it is often marked by an identity crisis which causes an adolescent to be very vulnerable to conduct behavior that is not following prevailing norms and rules, such as deviant behavior. Adolescents who are found guilty according to the applicable law will be placed and fostered at the Special Development Institution for Children (LPKA) and referred to as Correctional Students (Andikpas). After serving a criminal period, adolescent ex-prisoner will come out and live again in society. However, this is not easy due to environmental resistance and the difficulty of carrying out social reintegration. On the other hand, this brings its lessons for adolescent ex-prisoners so that they can be grateful by seeing life more positively. This paper will discuss the different and unique overview of life gratitude of ex-prisoner adolescents. The discussion is hoped to be able to provide knowledge related to the gratitude of life and adolescent ex-prisoners.

Gastrointestinal waterborne diseases, continue to stand out among the most lethal diseases in developing countries, because of consuming contaminated water taken from unsafe sources. Advances made in recent decades in methods of solar water disinfection (SODIS) have shown that SODIS is an effective and inexpensive method of providing drinking water, capable of substantially reducing the prevalence and mortality of waterborne diseases. The increased impact of SODIS in communities lacking drinking water services depends on a successful upgrade from conventional SODIS (based on PET bottle reactors) in high flow continuous flow systems for solar water disinfection (CFSSWD). This review aimed to identify the main limitations of conventional SODIS that hinder its application as a large-scale drinking water supply strategy, and to propose ways to overcome these limitations (without making it economically inaccessible) based on the current frontier of advances technological. It was found that the successful development of the CFSSWD depends on overcoming the current limitations of conventional SODIS and the development of systems whose configurations allow combining the properties of solar pasteurization (SOPAS) and SODIS. Different improvements need to be made to the main components of the CFSSWD, such as increasing the performance of solar radiation collectors, photo and thermal reactors and heat exchangers. The integration of disinfection technologies based on photocatalytic and photothermal nanomaterials also needs to be achieved. The performance evaluation of the CFSSWD should be made considering resistant microorganisms, such as the environmental resistance structures of bacteria or protozoa (spores or (oo)cysts) as targets of disinfection approaches.

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, TR34(3)/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.

Freestyle skiing aerials is a sport that attracts people's attention and love. The launch speed is very important for freestyle skiing. In addition to its own movement adjustment, it is also affected by environmental resistance factors such as wind speed, wind direction and snow surface friction resistance. In this paper., a freestyle skier's speed quantitative prediction system composed of snow environment measurement system and BP neural network prediction model is designed. The researchers went to the ski resort to make field measurements and used the real-time data measured by the snow environment measurement system and the athlete's own parameters as inputs to the prediction model. Finally., the predicted value of the launch speed is obtained., which is convenient for the coach to provide an effective scientific reference and improve the athlete's competition performance.

Bio-phenolic based hybrid composites are used in engineering applications due of their better specific stiffness, strength, environmental resistance and thermal insulation properties. However, these composites cannot match the flammability resistance requirements for the high performance applications. Hence, numerous studies have attempted to enhance their fire retardant properties without deteriorating the physico-mechanical properties. Different approaches have been investigated to enhance the fire-retardant properties, such as the blending of phenolic resin with other polymers, addition of fillers, intumescent fire retardant coatings and chemical modification of the fibres. This article briefly presents an overview of the fire-retardant properties of the polymers, fibres and composites and the corresponding tests and standards involved. Recent studies on the improvement of fire-retardant characteristics of bio-phenolic hybrid composites with fillers were discussed.

Environmental resistance is an important factor for understanding the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Recently, new Leptospira hosts were identified, including also marine mammals. Moreover, halotolerant Leptospira strain, isolated from the environment and animals, highlighted the capability of this microorganism to persist in the seawater. The aim of this research was to investigate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of salt on Leptospira strains belonging to 16 different serovars. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were verified through the microdilutions method starting from a 20% sodium chloride concentration. MIC values obtained were between 0.3125% and 10% of salt, while MBC values between 0.625% and >20%. Icterohaemorrhagiae (MIC: 0.3125%; MBC: 0.625%) resulted the most inhibited serovar, while the most resistant was Tarassovi (MIC: 10%; MBC: >20%). Interestingly, trends were reported for Pomona (MIC: 1.25%; MBC: >20%) and Bratislava (MIC: 0.625%; MBC: 20%), highlighting low MIC values but high MBC values. This is the first investigation aimed at the in vitro effect of salt on the growth of Leptospira spp. reference strains.

A total of 191 soil samples from Hangzhou, China, were submitted to detect non-wild-type (non-WT) Aspergillus fumigatus and its associated mechanisms. There were 2 (4.7%), 13 (12.4%), and 31 (23.1%) isolates identified as non-WT in 2014, 2016, and 2018, respectively. The resistant mutations of TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A, and TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I were found in 3, 5, and 5 non-WT isolates. The G448S mutation, previously only found in clinical settings, was detected in A. fumigatus from soil samples.

Environmental resistance is an important factor for understanding the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Recently, new Leptospira hosts were identified, including also marine mammals. Moreover, halotolerant Leptospira strain, isolated from the environment and animals, highlighted the capability of this microorganism to persist in the seawater. The aim of this research was to investigate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect of salt on Leptospira strains belonging to 16 different serovars. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were verified through the microdilutions method starting from a 20% sodium chloride concentration. MIC values obtained were between 0.3125% and 10% of salt, while MBC values between 0.625% and >20%. Icterohaemorrhagiae (MIC: 0.3125%; MBC: 0.625%) resulted the most inhibited serovar, while the most resistant was Tarassovi (MIC: 10%; MBC: >20%). Interestingly, trends were reported for Pomona (MIC: 1.25%; MBC: >20%) and Bratislava (MIC: 0.625%; MBC: 20%), highlighting low MIC values but high MBC values. This is the first investigation aimed at the in vitro effect of salt on the growth of Leptospira spp. reference strains.

Most biofilms in nature are formed by multiple microbial species, and such mixed-species biofilms represent the actual lifestyles of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses (phages), and/or protozoa. Microorganisms cooperate and compete in mixed-species biofilms. Mixed-species biofilm formation and environmental resistance are major threats to water supply, food industry, and human health. The methods commonly used for microbial eradication, such as antibiotic or disinfectant treatments, are often ineffective for mixed-species biofilm consortia due to their physical matrix barrier and physiological interactions. For the last decade, an increasing number of investigations have been devoted to the usage of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), which is produced by dielectric barrier discharges or plasma jets to prevent or eliminate microbial biofilms. Here, we summarized the production of CAP, the inactivation of microorganisms upon CAP treatment, and the microbial factors affecting the efficacy of CAP procedure. The applications of CAP as antibiotic alternative strategies for fighting mixed-species biofilms were also addressed.

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) are highly advanced materials applied to metallic surfaces, such as on gas turbine operating at elevated temperatures. These coatings can allow higher operating temperatures and limits the thermal exposure of structural components and thus extends the part life. Turbine blades experience very critical environments inside a gas turbine. They are subjected to very high temperatures, high stresses, and high levels of vibration. All these factors can lead to blade failures, potentially destroying the engine; therefore, turbine blades have to be carefully designed for making possible its use in higher operating temperatures, and thereby extending its life, reducing the life cycle cost, increasing environmental resistance and in some cases even reduce the noxious exhaust emissions. This work aims to provide a barrier coating of PSZ on a turbine blade and to optimize its thickness for the best performance.

As a result of the breeding of pea peas, the yield of varieties increases, and its stability over the years decreases as a result of a decrease in their resistance to stressful environmental factors. Studies were carried out in 2006-2008 on the basis of the Orel State Agrarian University and the Research Institute of Grain-Bean and Groat Crops in the Orel Region. The article presents the results of a study on the peculiarities of the resistance of purple-flowered peas plants to stressful environmental factors (drought, diseases and pests) in the aspect of breeding for adaptability. Under dry conditions, modern purple-flowered peas had 2.3 times the number of beans and seeds, while older varieties produced 1.7 times less than normal conditions of moisture. The pigment composition (carotenoids and anthocyanins) plays important role in resistance to abiotic stressors of purple-flowered peas, and protects the plant photosystem. It has been established that modern purple-flowered peas are characterized by increased resistance to some pests (pea moth and trips), and by resistance to aphid and moth, the variety specimen UsP 98-393 was distinguished, and it can be recommended for use in breeding. Purple-flowered peas are more resistant to seed infection. The total contamination of seeds in white flowered pea varieties was at 40%, while in peples, its value was 10 times lower, and in some varieties (Natasha and Nadezhda) there was no seed damage. This is due to the accumulation of a large amount of protein inhibitors of the enzymes trypsin and chymotrypsin, the high activity of the protein inhibitors of polygalacturonase, as compared to regular peas, and the formation of a thicker (on average 7%) and massive seed coat (on average, 25 %). Purple-flowered peas have a higher environmental resistance than white-flowered varieties.

The screening of protective radiations that occur during laser radiation of biological tissues have been experimentally studied. The metallic and dielectric screens with different shape have been used for screening. The physical model of generation of the secondary radiation that generates the protective effects, which lead to a substantial increase in the environmental resistance of living organisms placed nearby, has been suggested. It has been assumed that this radiation is mainly concentrated in the frequency range lower than 10 GHz.

The features of poplar cultivars rooting and growth are carried out. We investigated survival, growth and adaptation of poplar varieties in Podillya Region (Central part of Ukraine). Ten poplar cultivars of Ukrainian and foreign breeding were studied. These cultivars had a different intensity of growth in the conditions of Kharkiv Region. We used the following poplar varieties: 'Versiya', 'Volosystoploda', 'Constanta', 'Lvivska', 'Novoberlinska', 'Noktyurn', 'Perspectyvna', 'Rosiyska', 'Slava Ukrainy', 'Strilopodibna'. It has been revealed that environmental conditions have a considerable impact on ability of poplar varieties to root and their growth. We used following indices: the environment-varieties interaction: Wricke's ecovalence (1962), Shukla's stability variance, (1972), the ranking of genotypes to environmental resistance (Becker and Leon, 1988), the Kang's yield stability (Kang, Pham 1991). Comprehensive evaluation of availability included indicators: rooting ability, growth intensity, and adaptability to environment conditions. We determined more intensive rooting of poplar varieties: 'Lvivska', 'Novoberlinska', 'Perspectyvna' (35-39 %). The best survival of poplar varieties was in condition of maximum humidification. The less rooting activities were in drain condition (16 %). In drain condition, best survival had 'Strilopodibna' cultivar. Increase of humidification had the most intensive impact on 'Perspectyvna'. The research results have found that sufficient moisture conditions (D4) are the most appropriate ones for growing poplar. The following poplar varieties demonstrated the highest growth: 'Lvivska', 'Novoberlinska' and 'Versiya'. The highest growth in minimal humidification conditions had the following varieties: 'Volosystoploda', 'Lvivska' and 'Constanta'. According to the comprehensive assessment of the rooting ability, growing and adaptability to the environment condition, the most availability is presented by the varieties of 'Lvivska' and 'Novoberlinska'. The variety of 'Volosystoploda' is advisable to use as one of the most stable in condition of reducing moisture.

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 popu...

The rapid development of MEMS technology has made MEMS accelerometers mature and the application range has been expanded. Many kinds of MEMS accelerometers are researched. According to the working principle of MEMS accelerometer, it can be divided into: piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive, tunnel, resonant, electromagnetic, thermocouple, optical, inductive, etc. Due to its outstanding features in terms of size, quality, power consumption and reliability, MEMS sensors are used in military applications and where high environmental resistance is required. MEMS accelerometers are developing rapidly and have good application prospects. In order to make MEMS accelerometers more widely understood, the advantages of MEMS accelerometers are expounded. The research status of MEMS accelerometers is introduced, and MEMS are analyzed. The application of accelerometers in real-world environments, and the development trend of MEMS accelerometers in the future. More scholars will invest in MEMS accelerometer research, pursuing high performance, low power consumption, high precision, multi-function, and interaction. Strong MEMS accelerometers will be ubiquitous in the future.

The regularity maintenance properties of a multi-layered assembly of a polystyrene nanosphere layer, a stearate-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticle layer, and their alternating nanoparticle layers on heating were compared. The purpose is to clarify the heating resistance among the environmental resistance of hard and soft nanoparticle alternating layered structures with excellent mechanical properties. The polystyrene spread at the air/water interface formed a single-particle layer with a uniform height, creating a highly ordered layer structure. Inorganic nanoparticles whose outermost layer surface was modified with organic molecular chains also formed a single-particle layer on the water surface, and the regularity of their layered organization was ensured. Furthermore, the regularity of the alternating multilayers of polystyrene/Fe3O4 nanoparticles with high mechanical resistance that imitate the nacre was not inferior to the regularity of every single component multi-particle layers. When the periodicity of the three types of particle-layered structures was evaluated under high-temperature conditions, it was found that the structures could be maintained up to 80 °C. From paracrystal analysis, it was found that the degree of order reduction was negligible in both the polystyrene nanoparticle layer and the polystyrene/stearate-modified Fe3O4 alternating layers, even at 80 °C. The organo-modified inorganic nanoparticle layers showed outstanding heat resistance, maintaining layered regularity even at 150 °C. This result was predicted to be owing to the effect of two-dimensional crystals formed between the layers of organo-modified chains.

Premise of research. Hypotheses to explain nonnative plant invasions often suggest that propagule pressure promotes invasion success. However, interactions between propagule pressure and abiotic or biotic habitat characteristics also may regulate establishment and persistence of invaders, but they are not often tested. Additionally, results from the few published studies considering interactions among factors are conflicting, with some studies finding that propagule pressure overwhelms abiotic and biotic conditions and others suggesting that environmental factors play a key role in determining invasion success independent of propagule pressure.Methodology. We conducted a field study to evaluate the roles played by propagule pressure (1-, 4-, or 16-rhizome segments), disturbance (disturbed or undisturbed, to manipulate environmental resistance), and their interaction in the emergence (initial ramet production) and persistence (presence at the beginning of the second growing season) of highly invasive cogon...

The UV short-wavelength/infrared excitable dual-wavelength fluorescent anti-counterfeiting polypropylene (PP) fibers were spun by the traditional melt spinning process. The effects of pH value, temperature, and solvents on the structure and properties of fibers were investigated by means of tensile tester, fluorescence spectrometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The results showed that the fibers could emit red light under the excitation of 254 nm wavelength UV light and emit green light under the excitation of 980 nm wavelength infrared light, which show the double anti-counterfeiting effects. The dual-wavelength fluorescent fibers showed stable mechanical properties in acid and alkali resistance, whereas the fluorescence properties of fibers decreased with the increase of processing time in acid and alkali solutions. With the extension of high temperature treatment time, the mechanical properties of fibers decreased slightly and tended to be stable, while the fluorescence performance of fibers decreased gradually. The influences of different organic solvents on the properties of fluorescent fibers were different, and the fibers showed relatively good solvent resistance.

This paper is devoted to the experimental development of a high load bearing energy absorbing system (EAS) made of high performance concrete (HPC). The HPC investigated in this study was a self-consolidating concrete with fast strength development which did not require heat curing or special mixing techniques. It was also an inherently very dense material which lead to the excellent environmental resistance and resulted in the long term durability. The proposed EAS was subjected to the thorough testing and its functionality was verified under impact and quasi-static loading. Numerical simulations were compared with the experimental data and good agreement was obtained. It was demonstrated that it is possible to develop an energy absorbing system made of high performance concrete with controlled impact force and deceleration. This demonstration together with load bearing capability and long term durability, predetermined the developed EAS for wide range of applications including those where currently manufactured energy absorbers cannot be applied.

Ni–Co-based γ + γ′ superalloys were explored in a wide range of Co/Ni ratios for designing a wrought superalloy with a combination of superior high temperature strength and environmental resistance at temperatures above 927 °C (1700 °F). While alloys with high Co/Ni ratios possess superior creep resistance, reductions of the Co/Ni ratio and additions of Fe and B are effective in improving ductility in the intermediate temperature range and hold-time low cycle fatigue resistance. A formation of fine, discrete Co2W Laves precipitates covering a large fraction of grain boundaries is responsible for the improvements. The experimental alloys exhibited excellent oxidation resistance at 982 °C (1800 °F) by forming a protective alumina scale during cyclic exposure.

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the gold standard treatment for influenza A virus (IAV). Oseltamivir is mostly used, followed by zanamivir (ZA). NAIs are not readily degraded in conventional wastewater treatment plants and can be detected in aquatic environments. Waterfowl are natural IAV hosts and replicating IAVs could thus be exposed to NAIs in the environment and develop resistance. Avian IAVs form the genetic basis for new human IAVs, and a resistant IAV with pandemic potential poses a serious public health threat, as NAIs constitute a pandemic preparedness cornerstone. Resistance development in waterfowl IAVs exposed to NAIs in the water environment has previously been investigated in an in vivo mallard model and resistance development was demonstrated in several avian IAVs after the exposure of infected ducks to oseltamivir, and in an H1N1 IAV after exposure to ZA. The N1 and N2 types of IAVs have different characteristics and resistance mutations, and so the present study investigated the exposure of an N2-type IAV (H4N2) in infected mallards to 1, 10 and 100 µg l−1 of ZA in the water environment. Two neuraminidase substitutions emerged, H274N (ZA IC50 increased 5.5-fold) and E119G (ZA IC50 increased 110-fold) at 10 and 100 µg l−1 of ZA, respectively. Reversion towards wild-type was observed for both substitutions in experiments with removed drug pressure, indicating reduced fitness of both resistant viruses. These results corroborate previous findings that the development of resistance to ZA in the environment seems less likely to occur than the development of resistance to oseltamivir, adding information that is useful in planning for prudent drug use and pandemic preparedness.

Influenza A virus (IAV) has its natural reservoir in wild waterfowl, and emerging human IAVs often contain gene segments from avian viruses. The active drug metabolite of oseltamivir (oseltamivir carboxylate [OC]), stockpiled as Tamiflu for influenza pandemic preparedness, is not removed by conventional sewage treatment and has been detected in river water. There, it may exert evolutionary pressure on avian IAV in waterfowl, resulting in the development of resistant viral variants. A resistant avian IAV can circulate among wild birds only if resistance does not restrict viral fitness and if the resistant virus can persist without continuous drug pressure. In this in vivo mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) study, we tested whether an OC-resistant avian IAV (H1N1) strain with an H274Y mutation in the neuraminidase (NA-H274Y) could retain resistance while drug pressure was gradually removed. Successively infected mallards were exposed to decreasing levels of OC, and fecal samples were analyzed for the neuraminidase sequence and phenotypic resistance. No reversion to wild-type virus was observed during the experiment, which included 17 days of viral transmission among 10 ducks exposed to OC concentrations below resistance induction levels. We conclude that resistance in avian IAV that is induced by exposure of the natural host to OC can persist in the absence of the drug. Thus, there is a risk that human-pathogenic IAVs that evolve from IAVs circulating among wild birds may contain resistance mutations. An oseltamivir-resistant pandemic IAV would pose a substantial public health threat. Therefore, our observations underscore the need for prudent oseltamivir use, upgraded sewage treatment, and surveillance for resistant IAVs in wild birds.

The synthesis process of the phenolic resin adhesive was developed in the 19th century, and its excellent environmental resistance and high bonding strength make it one of the main wood adhesives. With the development of industry, phenolic resin adhesive is not only used in plywood, wood processing and laminate, but also in automobile, aerospace, composite materials and other fields. Herein we review the main synthetic processes and latest research progress for phenolic resin adhesives, the capacity distribution of major domestic phenolic resin enterprises, analysis of domestic phenolic resin consumption, import and export volume and price, Chinese plywood production, and the main production and export markets. Furthermore, research and discussion on the commercial application of domestic phenolic resin adhesives in plywood were carried out, which provides a reference for development of better phenolic resin adhesives that meet the development needs of the country, along with quality and economic competitiveness.

Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic pathogen that can survive extreme desiccation, heat, acid, and osmotic stress. This can increase the risk of infection, resulting in severe diseases, mainly in neonates. The inactivation effect of 405 ± 5-nm light-emitting diode (LED) illumination on C. sakazakii with different initial concentrations and C. sakazakii strains isolated from powdered infant formula (PIF) and baby rice cereal (BRC) were firstly evaluated. Then, the effect of 405 ± 5-nm LED on the tolerance of diverse environmental conditions of C. sakazakii in PIF was investigated. Conditions involving desiccation [PIF, Water activity (aw): 0.2–0.5], heat (45, 50, and 55 °C), acid (simulated gastric fluid: SGF, pH 4.75 ± 0.25), and bile salt (0.2%, bile salt solution) were used to study the effects of 405-nm LED on C. sakazakii resistance. The transcription levels of ten tolerance-associated genes and changes in bacterial cell membrane were examined to understand the response of C. sakazakii to LED illumination. The results showed that 405-nm LED effectively inactivated C. sakazakii ATCC 29544 with initial concentration from 8 to 1 log CFU/g in PIF and strains isolated from PIF and BRC. Moreover, 405-nm LED could decrease the tolerance of C. sakazakii in PIF to desiccation, heat treatment at 50 and 55 °C, SGF, and bile salt to different degrees, but the resistance to the heat treatment at 45 °C was not influenced by LED illumination. In addition, the transcription levels of the ten tolerance-associated genes measured in the LED-illuminated C. sakazakii cells were significantly downregulated compared with those in unilluminated controls. The damage on cell membrane was confirmed for LED-treated cells by LIVE/DEAD® assay. These results indicate that 405-nm LED illumination may be effective at reducing the environmental resistance of C. sakazakii in PIF. Furthermore, this study suggests the potential for applying 405-nm LED technology in the prevention and control of pathogens in food processing, production, and storage environments.

Sponges often harbour a dense and diverse microbial community. Presently, a large discrepancy exists between the cultivable bacterial fraction from sponges and the community in its natural environment. Here, we aimed to acquire additional insights into cultivability of (previously uncultured) bacteria from three sponge species, namely Aplysina aerophoba, Corticium candelabrum and Petrosia ficiformis, by studying bacterial growth on five media in the form of 60 communities scraped from plates without antibiotics, as well as in the form of individual isolates that were grown on these media supplemented with antibiotics. We applied (double-)barcoded 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing for species identification. We show that previously uncultured bacteria can be cultivated using conventional plating and that application of antibiotics in the media can serve to capture a greater bacterial diversity. Moreover, we present criteria to address an important caveat of the plate scraping method whereby bacteria may be detected that did not actually grow. Fourteen out of 27 cultivated novel taxa (

As biocomposites are highly sensitive to water absorption, the aim of this study was to compare the physical properties two biocomposites: (1) a flax/bio-based epoxy (Entropy SUPER SAP CLR/INS) and (2) a flax/polyurethane (HENKEL LOCTITE MAX 3). Both materials were reinforced with 14 layers of flax (TEXONIC twill 2 × 2) and manufactured using a resin transfer moulding process. Post-cured composite samples were aged at 90% RH and 30 °C for various periods of time up to 720 h. The results showed that both composites followed a Fickian diffusion behaviour. Water had a plasticizing effect on the composites and it changed their failure mode. This effect took longer to appear for the polyurethane composites. The chemical bonds between the hydroxyl groups of the fibres and the isocyanate lead to a stronger interface which improved the mechanical properties (short beam and compressive strengths) as compared to the flax/bio-epoxy composites.

Corporate misconduct is often associated with environmental, political, and social problems, and the effects are often felt at the local level where disenfranchised residents may have less access to political power. We know that grassroots movements can take various tactical paths as they challenge elites, yet we aim to map the specific pathways that lead to shifts in tactical repertoires, especially as groups transition to increasingly confrontational tactics. Drawing from social movement theory on tactics and targets, along with environmental sociology literature on grassroots environmental organizing, we examine how the interplay with institutional movement targets affects local environmental resistance. The data for this research come from numerous sources, including in-depth interviews, archival materials, and news coverage of petrochemical contamination. Our findings show that grassroots shifts from insider to outsider tactics stem from a loss of trust in elite institutions and citizens’ understanding of the organization of power in society. We conclude by discussing how our research informs future social movement research by adding an important dimension to analyses of movement tactics—namely, the perceived relationship between activists and their institutional targets.

The archaeological site Tell el-Retaba in north-eastern Egypt, about 35 km to the west of Ismailia city, is located in the middle of Wadi Tumilat, a shallow valley running from the Nile Delta to the Bitter Lakes, along which flows the Suez Canal. In ancient times the valley was a route between Egypt and Syro-Palestine, strongly fortified in the New Kingdom times (16th–11th century BC). Mud bricks were analyzed from two parts of the Wall 1 (core of grey-brown bricks and inner extension of green bricks) in a fortress which existed during the Ramesses II times. Grain-size composition of the studied bricks was almost identical in both parts of the wall, suggesting the same source material for a production of brick. However, significant differences were observed in physical and mechanical properties (uni-axial compressive strength) in both types of bricks. Bricks from the core had lower bulk density, higher porosity and soak faster, whereas their resistance parameters were much lower than those of the bricks from the inner extension. The reason for such large differences in brick properties was a technology of their production, particularly proportion of components, water volume added during brick formation or density degree. Brick preparation and in consequence, physical-mechanical properties had direct influence on preservation of defensive structures during environmental changes related to changes of groundwater and surface water levels or of precipitation. Ancient Egyptians responsible for construction works in mud brick structures of the fortress must have had good knowledge and experience. This could be observed particularly for the heaviest and most important construction element that is the defensive wall, founded on well-densified deposits. It was also testified by higher resistance of green bricks from the inner extensions, which probably originated slightly later and were intended to reinforce a weaker core built of grey-brown bricks.