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The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of P and different metal elements on the formation of Ti/Zr conversion coatings on various electroless nickel-based coatings. Advanced surface analytical techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectrometry, and scanning Kelvin probe force microscope were utilized for comprehensive characterization. The results indicate that P in the electroless Ni-P plated coating had a minor impact on accelerating the formation process of the conversion coating by promoting nickel phosphate generation. However, the presence of Fe in the plating coating promotes the generation of nickel phosphate mainly by changing the potential distribution on the surface, which greatly facilitates the reaction for conversion coating formation. In addition, due to its higher activity compared to nickel, Fe participated in the redox reaction, resulting in a significant change in the composition and thickness of coating. Conversely, Cu did not participate in the redox reaction, but instead promoted the generation and thickening of the conversion coating by slightly changing the surface potential. These insights into the role of P, Fe, and Cu elements provide valuable knowledge for optimizing conversion coatings for specific applications, promising significant practical implications. [Display omitted] • Ti/Zr conversion coating was prepared on different electroless nickel-based alloys. • P in the plated coating is involved in the conversion coating generation reaction. • Fe and Cu alter the potential distribution to impacting the conversion coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The distribution and morphology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato varies with altitude, this adaptability can encourage the expansion and survival of the species, and consequently, the risk of transmitting infectious agents. • Identifying the tick lineage helps to know the distribution area and supports the geographical limit that is known so far of both lineages. • The ecological niche in which the species lives helps us to know the factors and conditions that favor the presence of this tick and this can be key to better understanding how they are distributed and what environmental variables influence their presence. Studies of morphological and genetic variation in vector populations across environmental gradients can help researchers to estimate species' responses to climate change scenarios and the potential risk of disease-causing pathogen expansion, which impacts negatively on human health. In this study, we analysed the effect of altitudinal gradients on the phenotypic response of the hard tick of medical and veterinary importance, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). Specimens of R. sanguineus s.l. were collected from host animals in one of Mexico's regions with high climatic heterogeneity (Veracruz), and geometric morphometric theory was employed to assess the response of three morphological characters to the altitudinal gradient. Additionally, genetic similarity data were provided, and ecological niche models were used to project the climatic distribution in the region. Our results demonstrate that the shape and size of ticks respond to altitude. Molecular identification indicate that all analysed samples correspond to the tropical lineage recently named Rhipicephalus linnaei. According to ecological niche models, the mean annual temperature contributes significantly to the spatial distribution of this tick species, with areas of higher suitability in the mountainous region. These changes in morphological structure and the presence of ticks at higher altitudinal gradients suggest that R. linnaei has a high potential for adaptation. Due to the variability of ecosystems in the state of Veracruz, our results could be valuable in assessing the response of this tick in a changing environment, aiding in predicting future scenarios in the distribution and abundance of this species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we used distribution models to predict the size of the environmentally suitable area for shrimps of fishing interest that were impacted by the tailing plume from the collapse of the Fundão Dam, one of the largest ecological disasters ever to occur in Brazil. Species distribution models (SDMs) were generated for nine species of penaeid shrimp that occurred in the impacted region. Average temperature showed the highest percentage of contribution for SDMs. The environmental suitability of penaeids varied significantly in relation to the distance to the coast and mouth river. The area of environmental suitability of shrimps impacted by tailings plumes ranged from 27 to 47 %. Notably, three protected areas displayed suitable conditions, before the disaster, for until eight species. The results obtained by the SDMs approach provide crucial information for conservation and restoration efforts of coastal biodiversity in an impacted region with limited prior knowledge about biodiversity distribution. • The distance from the coast and the river mouth affects the suitability of shrimps. • The tailings plume impacted extensive areas targeted by fishing activities. • Protected areas have environmental suitability for different sets of species. • SDMs provide insights when there is limited knowledge about species distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dust-removal mechanism in a multi-electric field ESP is explored. • A multi-electric field ESP model with multi-field coupling effect is built. • The optimal voltage allocation reduces the energy consumption. • The PM2.5 collection efficiency with or without magnetic field is explored. • The best magnetic field introduction position promotes the dust removal performance. Improving the removal efficiency of PM2.5 particles is significant for the limitation of particle emissions from coal-fired power plants. This work reports a multiple electric field electrostatic precipitator (ESP) enhanced by magnetic confinement effect to efficiently remove PM2.5 particle from flue gas. Firstly, the electromagnetic dust removal mechanism of PM2.5 capture in multi-electric field ESPs is revealed, and the theoretical and numerical models of the multifield coupling under the effect of magnetic field are established. Secondly, the potential distribution law under different working voltages and the dust removal performance for PM2.5 are analyzed, and the magnetic field effect under the optimal voltage allocation is numerically simulated. Finally, the best magnetic field introduction position under the optimal voltage allocation is investigated. The numerical results show that the optimal voltage allocation and the best magnetic field position are determined to achieve the full effect of magnetic field to improve the PM2.5 dust removal efficiency in the multi-electric field ESP under the premise of ensuring the decrease of voltage load. The relevant results can provide ideas and references for greatly reducing PM2.5 emissions and voltage power consumption in thermal power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar radiation must be concentrated before irradiating hot sides in solar thermoelectric generators (STEGs) to increase the temperature difference between hot and cold sides and thus enhance output performance. However, concentrated solar radiation is often nonuniform. This condition affects the output performance of STEGs. Herein, a thermal–electric coupled model of STEGs was constructed to investigate the thermoelectric performance of STEGs under nonuniform solar radiation. Results demonstrate that when the concentration ratio is low, increasing nonuniformity facilitates the increase in the output power of STEGs. When the concentration ratio is 60, output power increases by a maximum of 3.05 %, whereas the average temperature difference decreases by 4.44 K. When the concentration ratio is high, STEG output power peaks under a specific nonuniformity, and some thermoelectric legs at the edges of STEGs turn into load, affecting the overall STEG output performance. When the cold-side cooling performance is poor, the solar radiation input to STEGs should be made as uniform as possible to ensure the output performance and safe operation of STEGs. The results of this study provide guidance for the design of efficient STEGs. • STEG model considering non-uniform radiation is established. • Non-uniform radiation increases efficiency by 3.05 % at concentration ratio of 60. • There is a non-uniform radiation distribution to maximize efficiency. • Heat transfer at the cold side should be enhanced under non-uniform radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study can guide integrated vector management programs for leishmaniasis, targeting surveillance and control measures more effectively. • By understanding how potential distributions change with climatic anomalies, health agencies can anticipate outbreaks and adjust strategies accordingly. • The research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of vector-borne disease transmission under varying climatic conditions. • It highlights the need for comprehensive approaches that consider both host and vector species and their interactions in disease management. • The study's findings can inform policy decisions and resource allocation for disease prevention and control. Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans by a protozoan parasite through sandfly vectors and multiple vertebrate hosts. The Pan American Health Organization reported a declining trend in cases, with Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, and Bolivia having the most cases in 2020. There are still knowledge gaps in transmission and the parasite-host relationship. Ecological niche modeling has been used to study host-vector relationships, disease dynamics, and the impact of climate change. Understanding these aspects can aid in early surveillance and vector control strategies. The potential distribution of five host species associated with the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) was modeled. Occurrence data were collected for each host species, and environmental variables were used to build the models. Climatic data from El Niño, La Niña, and Neutral episodes were used to compare the predicted distributions. Additionally, the potential distributions of four vector species were compared to identify overlaps with host species. Niche analysis was conducted to evaluate changes in vector niches across episodes and to identify host-vector pairs based on niche overlap in geographic and environmental spaces. After spatial thinning, 467 records were obtained, and 1,190 candidate models were evaluated for each species. Results showed the distribution of occurrences in the environmental space, highlighting a high risk of extrapolation beyond the calibration areas. Movement-Oriented Parity analysis revealed distinct distribution patterns under different climate conditions, with areas of environmental similarity identified. Bradypus variegatus exhibited a broad potential distribution, while Dasypus novemcinctus and Didelphis marsupialis had more restricted ranges. Sylvilagus braziliensis covered most of the Neotropics. Our study provides valuable insights into ecological niches and geographic ranges of these species, contributing to the understanding of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]