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• A HTF based on quaternary nitrate salt was investigated. • Major parts of the phase diagram were assessed. • Heat capacity of selected mixtures was measured. • Thermal stability was investigated in long-term tests. • Decomposition mechanisms were identified to be cation-selective. Thermal energy storage (TES) is a vastly growing technique that allows for the generation of dispatchable electricity in modern concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. In solar tower systems the key to success is the use of a heat transfer fluid (HTF) and storage medium known as Solar Salt. This nitrate salt mixture of NaNO 3 and KNO 3 is considered thermally stable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. In line-focusing CSP plants Solar Salt is still not being used as heat transfer fluid due to the inherent risk of freezing and related systematic failure. Accordingly, there is a need to develop nitrate salts with lower melting temperatures but yet acceptably high thermal stability. The information on molten nitrate mixtures with low melting points (⪅100 °C) is limited, especially in terms of isothermal stability tests. This work presents thermo-physical data of the complex quaternary Ca,Li,Na,K//NO 3 system. Melting temperatures of more than 100 mixtures were assessed and compositions with melting points below 100 °C were identified. The heat capacity of selected mixtures was in the range of 1.5–1.6 kJ/kg K and generally increased with increasing Li-content. Thermal stability, with Solar Salt as reference salt, indicated that the stability of all mixtures did not exceed 500 °C but that the achievable ΔT was 360 °C, about 90 °C higher than that of Solar Salt. Some compositions are therefore are potential HTF and storage media but the overall Ca-content plays a crucial role in the decomposition of the quaternary mixtures during operation at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission's current efforts to launch the largest proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in history reflect the dire global plight of PFAS accumulation in the environment and their health impacts. While there are existing studies on PFAS research, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis that both covers the entire research period and provides deep insights into global research patterns, incentives, and barriers based on various parameters. We have been able to demonstrate the increasing interest in PFAS research, although citation numbers are declining prematurely. Policy regulations based on proving and establishing the toxicity of PFASs have stimulated research in developed countries and vice versa, with increasing emphasis on ecological aspects. China, in particular, is investing increasingly in PFAS research, but without defining or implementing regulations - with devastating effects. The separation of industrial and environmental research interests is clear, with little involvement of developing countries, even though their exposure to PFAS is devastating. It, therefore, requires increased globally networked and multidisciplinary approaches to address PFAS contamination challenges. [Display omitted] • Currently, China has the most publications, ahead of the USA and European countries. • Research focuses are strictly separated into ecological and material science topics. • Russia and Ukraine are among the frontrunners with a clear focus on materials science. • The focus in PFAS research is shifting toward ecological issues. • A national imbalance can be observed that leaves the low economies behind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to ultrafine particles has a significant influence on human health. In regions with large commercial airports, air traffic and ground operations can represent a potential particle source. The particle number concentration was measured in a low-traffic residential area about 7 km from Frankfurt Airport with a Condensation Particle Counter in a long-term study. In addition, the particle number size distribution was determined using a Fast Mobility Particle Sizer. The particle number concentrations showed high variations over the entire measuring period and even within a single day. A maximum 24 h-mean of 24,120 cm−3 was detected. Very high particle number concentrations were in particular measured when the wind came from the direction of the airport. In this case, the particle number size distribution showed a maximum in the particle size range between 5 and 15 nm. Particles produced by combustion in jet engines typically have this size range and a high potential to be deposited in the alveoli. During a period with high air traffic volume, significantly higher particle number concentrations could be measured than during a period with low air traffic volume, as in the COVID-19 pandemic. A large commercial airport thus has the potential to lead to a high particle number concentration even in a distant residential area. Due to the high particle number concentrations, the critical particle size, and strong concentration fluctuations, long-term measurements are essential for a realistic exposure analysis. [Display omitted] • An airport can result in high particle concentrations in a distant residential area. • The particle size distribution indicated the airport as the main source of particles. • Lower air traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic lead to lower particle concentrations. • The particle concentration showed high temporal variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Although birds are hosts to a large number of microorganisms, microbes have rarely been found in avian oil glands. Here, we report on two strains of a new bacterial species from the preen oil of American barn owls (Tyto furcata). Phenotypic as well as genotypic methods placed the isolates to the genus Kocuria. Strains are non-fastidious, non-lipophilic Gram-positive cocci and can be unambiguously discriminated from their closest relative Kocuria rhizophila DSM 11926T. In phylogenetic trees, the owl bacteria formed a distinct cluster which was clearly separated from all other known Kocuria species. The same conclusion was drawn from MALDI-TOF MS analyses. Once again, the new bacterial strains were very similar to one another, but exhibited substantial differences when compared to the most closely related species. Besides, the results of the biochemical tests, optimum growth conditions and pigmentation differed from closely related Kocuria spp. Finally, ANIb values of less than 87% provided striking evidence that the isolates recovered from American barn owls represent a hitherto undescribed species, for which we propose the name Kocuria tytonicola sp. nov. The type strain is 489T (DSM 104133T = LMG 29945T, taxonumber TA00340). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two strains (pedersoliT and girotti) of a new species of bacteria were isolated from the preen glands of wild Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiacus) from the river Neckar in southern Germany in two subsequent years. The strains were lipophilic, fastidious, Gram-positive rods and belonged to the genus Corynebacterium. Phylogenetically, the isolates were most closely related to Corynebacterium falsenii DSM 44353T which has been found to be associated with birds before. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to all known Corynebacterium spp. was significantly <97%. Corresponding values of rpoB showed low levels of similarity <87% and ANIb was <73%. G + C content of the genomic DNA was 65.0 mol% for the type strain of the goose isolates, as opposed to 63.2 mol% in Corynebacterium falsenii. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the whole-cell proteins revealed patterns clearly different from the related species, as did biochemical tests, and polar lipid profiles. We therefore conclude that the avian isolates constitute strains of a new species, for which the name Corynebacterium heidelbergense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is pedersoliT (=DSM 104638T = LMG 30044T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant root hair formation is initiated when specialized elongating root epidermis cells (trichoblasts) assemble distinct domains at the plasma membrane/cell wall cell periphery complexes facing the root surface. These localities show accumulation of expansin and progressively transform into tip-growing root hair apices. Experimentation showed that trichoblasts made devoid of microtubules (MTs) were unaffected in root hair formation, whereas those depleted of F-actin by the G-actin sequestering agent latrunculin B had their root hair formation blocked after the bulge formation stage. In accordance with this, MTs are naturally depleted from early outgrowing bulges in which dense F-actin meshworks accumulate. These F-actin caps remain associated with tips of emerging and growing root hairs. Constitutive expression of the GFP-mouse talin fusion protein in transgenic Arabidopsis, which visualizes all classes of F-actin in a noninvasive mode, allowed in vivo confirmation of the presence of distinct F-actin meshworks within outgrowing bulges and at tips of young root hairs. Profilin accumulates, at both the protein and the mRNA levels, within F-actin-enriched bulges and at tips of emerging hairs. ER-based calreticulin and HDEL proteins also accumulate within outgrowing bulges and remain enriched at tips of emerging hairs. All this suggests that installation of the actin-based tip growth machinery takes place only after expansin-associated bulge formation and requires assembly of profilin-supported dynamic F-actin meshworks. [C] 2000 Academic Press Key Words: actin; expansin; in situ hybridization; maize; profilin; root hair; tip growth, transgenic Arabidopsis.

Two new species of Gram-positive cocci were isolated from the uropygial glands of wild woodpeckers ( Dendrocopos major ) originating from different locations in Germany. A polyphasic approach confirmed the affiliation of the isolates to the genus Kocuria . Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene showed high degree of similarity to Kocuria koreensis DSM 23367 T (99.0% for both isolates). However, low ANIb values of <80% unequivocally separated the new species from K. koreensis . This finding was further corroborated by DNA fingerprinting and analysis of polar lipid profiles. Furthermore, growth characteristics, biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF MS analysis, and G + C contents clearly differentiated the isolates from their known relatives. Besides, the woodpecker isolates significantly differed from each other in their whole-cell protein profiles, DNA fingerprints, and ANIb values. In conclusion, the isolated microorganisms constitute members of two new species, for which the names Kocuria uropygioeca sp. nov. and Kocuria uropygialis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are 36 T (DSM 101740 T = LMG 29265 T ) and 257 T (=DSM 101741 T = LMG 29266 T ) for K. uropygialis sp. nov. and K. uropygioeca sp. nov., respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of ticks has also led to the emergence of regional, previously unknown tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that pose an immediate threat to public health systems worldwide. People who spend time or work outdoors are at risk without closer awareness of regional exposures. That is especially true for tourists, who very easily come into contact with ticks and get bitten while hiking and climbing. A regional lack of surveillance, lack of awareness, lack of scientific background, and misdiagnosis makes it hard to assess the actual threat properly. Therefore, this bibliometric study aims to assess the global research on ticks and some TBDs. Geographical and temporal patterns are elaborated under epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects. That will provide a factual basis for targeted action at the scientific, societal, and policy levels against the growing threat associated with ticks. The USA and Brazil can be identified as the key players in tick research, followed by Russia and some Central European countries. The socioeconomic analysis points to epidemiologically relevant regions, as also shown by comparison with the TBD analysis. A correlation between countries' gross domestic product and publication performance was found. Lack of scientific resources limits the necessary research and surveillance programs. Many regions that are popular travel destinations are threatened by new tick species and thus new health risks. Therefore, outdoor activities in many locations may pose an unknown hazard that requires regionally differentiated scientific investigation and better, globally networked research strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel species of fastidious, lipophilic, club-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria was recovered from the preen glands of healthy Turkeys ( Meleagris gallopavo ) from two different locations. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed highest similarity to Corynebacterium spheniscorum DSM 44757 T (96.8%) with a 3.2 kb stretch of rpoB sharing 82.4% sequence similarity to the same species. DNA fingerprinting by ERIC-PCR and polar lipid profiles clearly differentiated the Turkey isolates from the most closely related Corynebacteria, as did MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Chemotaxonomic tests revealed the presence of corynemycolic acids with C 16:0 , C 18:0 , C 18:1 ω 9c and tuberculostearic acid as the major cellular fatty acids. The G+C content of the type strain was 60.7 mol%. The species was susceptible to ampicillin, kanamycin A, streptomycin, amikacin, polymyxin B and vancomycin. From our results, it becomes evident that the isolated organisms represent a new species, for which the name Corynebacterium uropygiale sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Iso10 T (=DSM 46817 T = LMG 28616 T ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of turbulence closure on spray dynamics is studied for three dilute Acetone spray jets using an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach with two-way coupling. A stochastic random walk algorithm is employed to model the droplets’ dispersion. Simulations using different turbulence closure models (i.e. the isotropic SST-k- ω , and the k- ∊ realizable models, and the non-isotropic Reynolds Stress Model (RSM)) are compared with the Sydney spray measurements for SP 2 , SP 6 , and SP 7 spray conditions (Gounder et al., 2012). The experimental mass flow rate, spray mean and rms data are injected for each available size bin during the numerical simulations. Overall, the simulations show good comparisons with the mean and rms spray measurements. The turbulence closure non-isotropy modeling shows relatively weak effect on the spray mean velocity and size profiles predictions, where the RSM predictions was slightly better at the centerline at x / D = 10 and x / D = 20 for the SP2 mean axial velocity, with similar predictions to the k models for the SP6 and SP7 . The RSM, however, consistently predicts better rms axial and radial spray velocity distribution, which indicates more realistic droplet dispersion than the isotropic SST-k- ω and the k- ∊ . The RSM gas phase shear stresses show that close to the nozzle (i.e. at x/D = 5 and x/D = 10) the turbulence non-isotropy increases as we approach the centerline and is maximum at the shear layer location at x/D = 5. On the other hand, at the downstream locations at x/D = 30 the turbulence field non-isotropy increases at the jet edge. A conical region of large size mean droplets ( D 10 > 26μm) is observed around the SP2 jet edge. This region disappears quickly for the SP6 and SP7 after the inflow section. The data analysis exhibits that the RSM predicts higher Stokes number than the SST-k- ω due to faster mixing time scales. For the impact on dynamics, at the centerline the SST-k- ω and k- ∊ models, predict higher droplets’ slip velocity, higher drag force, and faster droplet’s response than the RSM. The droplets’ tendency for cross-stream dispersion is also found to vary with the turbulence model. The fan spreading phenomenon is observed at the down stream locations away from the nozzle. The results show that the spray turbulence is non-isotropic and lags the gas phase rms values, especially at the centerline. This discrepancy decreases downstream and towards the jet edge. The study shows the importance of non-isotropy modeling on the droplets dispersion and spray dynamics predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: On November 1, 2011, at 05:58 local time, the Chinese spaceship Shenzhou-8 was launched for a 17-day mission with a Long March rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Mongolia desert. On board was the German SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box) experimental facility containing 17 bio-medical experiments, which were conducted by German researchers together with their Chinese colleagues. It was the first time that China cooperated with a European nation in the scientific utilization of Shenzhou – the core element of China's human spaceflight programme. The German Aerospace Center's (DLR) Space Administration was responsible for the entire SIMBOX hardware development and the project management of the German part of the mission on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). DLR's partner in this cooperation was the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO; now CMSA — China Manned Space Agency) which took charge of the accommodation of SIMBOX on Shenzhou-8 and the overall mission. During the flight, plants, threadworms, snails, bacteria, and human cancer, thyroid and immune cells were exposed to weightlessness and cosmic radiation of space. Scientists used these special conditions prevailing in space as a tool to tackle fundamental biological and medical questions that also play an important role on the Earth. For example, researchers from the Universities of Erlangen and Wuhan performed joint studies on a mini ecosystem with snails and algae. The SIMBOX facility accommodated a total of 44 experimental units developed by Astrium Space Transportation, each approximately the size of a smartphone and specifically designed according to the requirements of the scientists. Some of the experimental units were placed in a centrifuge producing Earth-like gravity for reference purposes. On the evening of November 17, Shenzhou-8 landed on schedule in the Chinese part of the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia, completing a successful 17-day mission. Within a few hours SIMBOX was retrieved and transported back to Beijing where the specimens were handed over to the scientists for evaluation in their home laboratories. The flight of Shenzhou-8 and the successful rendezvous and docking with Tiangong-1 represents a milestone in China's path towards its own space station, which is expected to be fully operational by 2020. SIMBOX on Shenzhou-8 has opened up a completely new partnership in human spaceflight for Germany and was a first step towards research in space with international partners utilizing China's manned space programme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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The electron and hole trapping times in the HgS well of a 6 nm CdS/HgS/CdS quantum dot quantum well nanoparticle were determined from the rise time of the ultrafast transient absorption in the visible and IR regions as well as the trap fluorescence when the CdS core is excited. From the 1.5 ps observed rise time of the well fluorescence (which is determined by the trapping time of the slowest carrier) and the intraband hole IR absorption (150 fs), the electron localization time is found to be 1.5 ps while that of the hole is ∼150 fs. This large difference in the observed dynamics of the electron and hole in crossing the CdS/HgS interface is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Glyphosate is a systemic broad-spectrum herbicide that is by now the most extensively used herbicide in the world and has been the source for a still heated controversy about its harmful effects on human health and the environment. The different weighting of scientific studies has led to different attitudes in most countries towards appropriate handling and their regulatory authorities. Therefore, an in-depth analysis of the global research landscape on glyphosate is needed to provide the background for further decisions regarding appropriate and careful use, taking into account the different regional conditions. The present study is based on established bibliometric methodological tools and is extended by glyphosate-specific parameters. Chronological and geographical patterns are revealed to determine the incentives and intentions of international scientific efforts. Research output grew in line with the exponential growth in consumption, with the field of research becoming increasingly multidisciplinary and shifting towards environmental and medical disciplines. The countries with the highest herbicide use are also the leading countries in glyphosate research: USA, Brazil, Canada, China and Argentina. The link between publication output and market parameters is as evident as the association with national grants. The research interest of the manufacturing company Monsanto could be shown as the second largest publishing institution behind the US Department of Agriculture, which interest is underscored by its position among the otherwise government-funded organizations. Developing countries are generally underrepresented in glyphosate research, although the use of glyphosate is increasing dramatically. In conclusion, the incentives are strongly linked to market and agricultural interests, with the scientific infrastructure of the countries forming the basis for financing and conducting research. The existing international network is important and needs to be expanded and strengthened by including the lower economies in order to take into account all regional and social needs and aspects of glyphosate use. Unlabelled Image • Fierce controversies make it necessary to analyze global glyphosate research. • Glyphosate-specific parameters were also applied to map the research landscape. • Consumption and funding are correlated with publication output on glyphosate. • Developing countries are underrepresented despite high consumption. • For scientific clarification, expansion of international networking is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin, especially Ochratoxin A, is assumed to be one of the five most important mycotoxins contaminating food and feed. Primarily developing countries are affected due to the climate conditions and poorer modes of production. The overall adverse health effects on humans are still unclear, although threatening associations have been proven. Knowledge gaps lead to difficult scientific assessments and different regulations worldwide. Therefore, this study aims at the evaluation of global research by applying advanced bibliometric approaches in combination with convincing visualization techniques based on density equalizing mapping. An amount of 3900 publications on Ochratoxin could be identified published between 1965 and 2019. The USA, China, and Germany are the most publishing countries, whereas, in terms of socio-economic impact, Croatia, Tunisia, and Serbia occupied the first ranks. Influenced by the scientific infrastructure or epidemiological history, these countries satisfy the needs of research. Nevertheless, especially developing countries that belong to the most affected regions are only marginally participating. They have to be integrated into international networks. A public increasing awareness would lead to take up the challenge of controlling human exposure by implication of food and feed safety. • USA, China and Germany published most on Ochratoxin. • In terms of socio-economic impact, Croatia, Tunisia and Serbia were leading. • The occurrence of Balkan endemic nephropathy influences the research output. • Affected developing countries show a relatively low publication output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal stability limit of molten nitrate salts is enhanced from 560 °C to 600 °C. • Operation in a closed storage system increases thermal stability significantly. • Performance of Solar Salt is demonstrated in 100 g-scale. • Quasi-in situ sample analysis is used for proof of concept. • Formation of corrosive impurities is successfully suppressed at 600 ° C. The implementation of inexpensive and reliable energy storage technologies is crucial for the decarbonisation of energy intensive industry branches and energy supply. Sensible thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts is a key technology for storage of heat in the scale of gigawatt hours but currently limited to operating temperatures of 560 °C. Increasing the maximum operating temperature while maintaining thermal stability of the storage medium is one of the main challenges next-Generation TES systems are facing. Extending the upper temperature limit by only 40 °C increases the storage capacity by more than 16% allowing for more compact storage designs and cost savings in the $ million-range for large scale storage units. Here we propose a novel storage technology from a materials point of view that pushes the thermal stability limit of Solar Salt up to 600 °C by simply but effectively sealing the storage unit including the gas system. The concentration of the unstable nitrite ion and of the corrosive oxide ion could be reduced by 16% and 75%, respectively at 600 °C, compared to a salt system with open atmosphere. We present clear evidence of the enhanced thermal stability in long-term, 100 g-scale test campaigns at previously unequalled temperatures. These findings constitute a major advance in the design and engineering of next generation storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics can be found all over the world, in the remotest regions and even in the Arctic snow. Primary microplastic is either produced as microparticles or enters the natural environment already as microparticles. Whereas secondary microplastic is generated by fragmentation or abrasion of other products in the natural environment. Both pollute the global ecospheres and even enter the human food chain. This study aims at the evaluation of the global publication output on both types of microplastic referring to absolute and contextual numbers. Only since 2006, the focus on the environmental burden led to an enormous increase of publications on MP. While China, USA and Germany are leading players regarding the absolute numbers, Portugal, Chile and Ireland are among the top countries when including socio-economic features and research expenditures. The responsibility for the big plastic waste producers can be shown by significantly correlating numbers of articles and the plastic waste generation, albeit here China and USA fall behind. However, the biggest producers are not the most affected countries. Despite the strong international interest, our study shows that many countries play no role at all in the publication landscape of MP. For future planning, it is necessary to extend the international collaborations to reach sustainable solutions for the whole planet earth. Image 1 • China, USA and Germany are leading publishing countries on microplastics. • Socio-economic analyses rank Portugal, Chile and Ireland among the top countries. • Plastic waste generation is correlated with the countries' publication output. • By including contextual factors, China and USA falls far behind. • Education, know-how and infrastructure should be provided for low-economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Characterization of quartzite and basalt varieties as potential filler materials. • Isothermal test at 560 °C in Solar Salt with a maximum duration of 10000 h. • Determination of the stone microstructure by QEMScan before and after thermal test. • DCS measurements of melting temperature and enthalpy of Solar Salt after thermal test. • Ion chromotography measurements of salt composition of Solar Salt after thermal test. Abstract Solar thermal power plants with integrated thermal storage are candidates for renewable energy production concepts. For cost reduction of thermal energy storage a single tank concept, the so called thermocline storage concept, instead of the two-tank molten salt thermal storage is as promising cost reduction option. Further cost reductions in the thermocline storage are expected by replacing a significant amount of Solar Salt by a low cost filler material. Such filler materials have to be stable in molten salt at temperatures up to 560 °C. In this work degradation studies on quartzite and basalt types in molten salt are carried out after a preselection has been published elsewhere recently. The investigations are focused on the compatibility of natural stones with Solar Salt, a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate, as common heat storage material. This work addresses changes of the molten salt properties and in the microstructure of the natural stones depending on the exposure time in molten salt at temperatures of approximately 560 °C. In the first step of the material investigation the natural stones were isothermally stored in Solar Salt at a maximum temperature of 560 °C for up to 10.000 h. After the thermal treatment the microstructure of the stones was investigated by QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning electron microscopy). By means of this analysis method the changes in the microstructure of quartzite and basalt was detected and arising stone components are identified. The melting temperature und enthalpy of Solar Salt was measured and compared with the salt properties before the thermal treatment. Additionally, the specific heat capacities of basalt and quartzite depending on the temperature were determined. The results are essential to verify the suitability of quartzite and basalt as potential filler materials in modern thermocline storage concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background As a metabolite of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus , Aflatoxin is a carcinogenic and mutagenic mycotoxin that is confirmed as a class-1 agent. It contaminates the most of our staple foods, affecting 25% of global crops. It is a global threat to human health by causing liver cancer in conjunction with Hepatitis B. Developing countries are particularly at risk not only because of the climatic but also of the agricultural production conditions. Climatic change and the intensification of global trading are also enhancing the risk of the global contamination. The overall health effects are dramatic. Methods Therefore, we choose this mycotoxin for an in-depth analysis of its global scientific publication output. The focus is on the geographical and chronological facts and trends, the international networks and the development of research fields. For this purpose, the bibliometric data was collected in the Web of Science database and interpreted according to a variety of scientometric parameters. Results The results show a superiority of the USA regarding the absolute publication numbers that was taken over by China in 2016. Not only the dramatic incidence and prevalence rates of liver cancer and the high Aflatoxin contamination rate in China, but also the immense increase of the expenditure for research and development play a role. In relation to the integration of socio-economic features other countries emerge, i.e. Tunesia, Nigeria or Egypt. Other severely affected countries of Africa, Asia and South-America show a relatively low publication output. India, as an emerging country, achieves a considerably high output. Here, the health hazards are threatening and resulted in an outbreak of Aflatoxicosis induced Hepatitis in 1974. Although an outbreak of Aflatoxicosis in Kenya caused the deaths of 120 people, Kenyan research output is relatively low. The analyses of the distribution over time in 5-year intervals showed the relative decrease of the research area Oncology , whereas Food Science & Technology gained proportionally importance. Conclusions For future Aflatoxin studies, it is extremely important to carry out projects with the participation of the most affected countries and to support and enhance the knowledge growth of the individual farmers to establish more adapted production practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of stabilizing molten salt chemistry on the corrosion behavior of four steel types at temperatures ranging from 570 °C to 620 °C. The research explores the influence of temperature and gas atmosphere on corrosion mechanisms through detailed analysis of molten salt, corrosion rates, and microstructures. Findings reveal that systematic changes in salt chemistry can modify mass transport mechanisms, enabling the development of corrosion mitigation strategies even at extreme temperatures. This discovery marks a significant breakthrough in the advancement of Solar Salt-based storage systems for high-temperature applications, facilitating the utilization of renewable energy sources. • Comparison of state-of-the-art (570 °C) vs. enhanced temperatures of 620 °C in Solar Salt. • Impact of Gas phase composition on Salt Stability and Corrosion. • Analysis of both attacking medium (molten salt) and metal specimens. • Corrosion Analysis by Mass Gain, Descaling, Surface- and Cross-section analysis. • Derivation of corrosion mechanisms for decomposed vs. stabilized Solar Salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of inexpensive scalable thermal energy storage will play a crucial role in the successful establishment of dispatchable renewable energy technologies. Storage based on molten nitrate salts is one of the most relevant technologies implemented in the GWh-scale. Yet, there is significant cost reduction potential in replacing the conventional two-tank system by a single-tank thermocline system. The latter involves the use of a single-tank design where a large fraction of the costly salt is replaced by an inexpensive filler material. Industrial waste materials such as AlferRock (red-mud-derived Fe 2 O 3 -rich ceramics), have significant potential since they are readily available in the Mt-range and have adequate thermal and mechanical resistance at the intended temperature of use. This study explicitly investigates the corrosion resistance of AlferRock in Solar Salt, 60% NaNO 3 -40% KNO 3 mixture, at 560 °C. By variation of particle sizes classical exposure tests as well as accelerated test methods can be applied to understand the long-term stability of this waste material under relevant conditions. Salt chemistry and compositional changes in the filler are analyzed in terms of ion chromatography, titration, diffraction techniques (XRD) as well as electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with element mapping (EDX). • A novel filler material for thermocline storage is investigated. • Salt chemistry and cross-section analyses are performed. • The mixed Fe-Ti-Si-O phases in AlferRock show high stability in Solar Salt. • Little structural changes are observed after exposure tests. • No otherwise typical dissolution of metal species in molten salt is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel detection scheme for pump–repump–probe spectroscopy is presented, where the use of modulation and referencing allows to record the efficiency of a photochemical reaction as a function of the pump–repump delay in a single measurement. This new technique is applied to investigate the ring-opening reaction of an indolylfulgide after pre-excitation. Here the reaction efficiency doubles, when the excitation pulse is very close to the pre-excitation pulse, and the improvement of the efficiency decays with increasing pump–repump delay on the time scale of about 5ps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work addresses the influence of molten nitrate salt chemistry on the corrosion behavior of a martensitic high temperature steel and an austenitic stainless steel. It is one of the first addressing controlled degradation of Solar Salt by controlling the gas atmosphere on top of the melt, thus driving the formation of corrosive ions, mainly oxide ions but also nitrite ions. The stainless steel and high temperature steel samples are subjected to the different operating conditions to demonstrate the variations in corrosivity as a function of gas atmosphere and additionally of artificially added chloride impurities. The results indicate that the atmosphere has a direct impact on the formation of corrosive oxide and nitrite ions. The low Cr-steel is found to be more sensitive to chloride impurities, while the stainless steel corrosion is enhanced by the presence of nitrites and oxide ions. All studies are supported by profound molten salt analysis throughout the experiments including the analysis of nitrate, nitrite, oxide and chromate ions as well as cation compositions. Steel samples are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy methods and corrosion rates are extrapolated from 1200 h experiments. • The influence of Solar Salt ageing on corrosion effects is investigated. • Solar Salt stability is experimentally directed by different purge gases. • Nitrite and oxide ions are key components guiding corrosion resistance of steels. • SS316Ti exhibits higher corrosion rates in aged compared to fresh Solar Salt. • When Cl--impurities are present, T91 suffers from severe Cr depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]