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Background: Poor economic situations in developing nations had made scavenging a mean of livelihood for millions of youth and women across the globe. Lack of proper source segregation of wastes in developing countries has increased the potential for the transmission of pathogens like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objectives. This study aimed to assess the potential risk in waste scavenging work and seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and its relationship with wastes scavenging among wastes scavengers in Kwara State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the scavengers working for major scrap dealers in the three senatorial districts of Kwara State. Consequently, to accomplish the objectives, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, blood test and field observations. Whereas the secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. Two hundred fourty (240) respondents were administered with questionnaires and undergone hepatitis surface antigen test for both hepatitis B and C in nine of the sixteen local government area in the state. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) for descriptive and inferential at 5% level of significance. The prevalence of an HBV and HCV infection biological markers (HBsAg and HCsAg) (hepatitis B surface antigen and anti HCV antibodies) and their associations with exposure to bio-medical waste, socio-demographic factors, and history of occupational injuries was examined. Results. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection among the scavengers were found to be 8.3% and 5% respectively indicating that scavengers are at risk of HBV and HCV infection. Conclusions. It was discovered that there are incidences of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection among scavengers. Also, awareness and compliance to the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) was found to be an important factor for protection scavengers against the virus. Therefore, vaccination against HBV, enforcement of usage of PPE, good hygiene practices, regular trainings on occupational safety, proper monitoring by regulatory agency and inclusion of scavengers in mandatory health insurance scheme will help to control risk of HBV and HCV infection among scavengers.

Simple Summary: To better understand animals' ecology, mitigate threats and protect species effectively, it is necessary to know how all age and sex categories use the space over time. However, little is known about how many immature animals move throughout their dispersal period. Here, we describe the movement patterns of immature Andean condors during the immature stage, analyzing whether these movements differ according to age, sex and season. We found that immature condors display the longest home ranges and flight distances during warm seasons and when they are sub-adults. Males tend to have larger home ranges than females. The movement patterns we found were larger than those reported for adult condors, but also much larger than those reported for immature individuals from other vulture species. We highlight the importance of understanding and considering immature individuals' movements, the area they use and their capabilities of movement in conservation strategies. Immature individuals move from their natal area to the area where they settle and reproduce, and this may take several years. This process is essential for long-lived species such as vultures and condors, which spend long periods as immature and move extensively. We studied the movement behavior of 26 GPS-tagged immature Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from northwestern Patagonia throughout the immature stage, analyzing whether these patterns differed according to age, sex and season. We found that season and age influenced home range size and flight distances, the warm season being when immature condors move most; movement patterns were greater in sub-adults than in juveniles. The age effect was associated with the sex of individuals, with males increasing their home range more than females. Our results provide the first description of how immature Andean condor movement patterns are affected by internal and external factors. This information could be key to understanding condor responses to environmental change and threats at different stages during their immature phase. Until now, condor conservation efforts have not considered the areas used by dispersing individuals. Our results increase our understanding of ranging behavior during the immature stage of this threatened bird, enabling us to improve the conservation policies and management strategies designed to protect them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional wood-based panels are produced with synthetic, formaldehyde-based adhesives, commonly made from fossil-derived constituents, such as urea, phenol, melamine, etc. Along with their numerous advantages, such as chemical versatility, high reactivity and excellent adhesive performance, these adhesives are characterized by certain problems, connected with the hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mostly free formaldehyde in the adhesives and the formaldehyde emission from the finished wood composites, which is carcinogenic to humans and harmful to the environment. The growing environmental concerns and stringent legislative requirements to the formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels have posed new challenges to researchers and industrial practice, related to the development of sustainable, eco-friendly wood-based panels with close-to-zero formaldehyde emission. The most common methods to reduce the formaldehyde emission from wood-based panels have been to decrease the free formaldehyde in the adhesive by modifying the adhesive (like lowering the molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea in UF resin) or by using formaldehyde scavengers, one group of scavengers being for adhesives by mixing or reacting and the second one scavengers for wood-based panels as post-treatments. Another way is to use alternative bio-based adhesives, however, there are still substantial challenges for the complete replacement of formaldehyde-based adhesives with bio-based adhesives, mainly because of their relatively low bonding strength, poor water resistance, etc. This article presents a review and analysis of the current state of research in the field of low formaldehyde emission wood adhesives and formaldehyde scavengers for manufacturing low-toxic, eco-friendly wood composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living and working for a month at the Sanskriti Foundation in Delhi, the artist's life was watched and observed by a group of resident monkeys. This paper is based on notes begun during that studio residency and represents the critical reflections emerging alongside the hands-on sculptural practice. It is illustrated with close-up photographs of the artist's sculpture that asks how encounters with fabled animals in densely populated 21st century urban areas can alter our understanding of the gaze as an inter-species gaze. The sculpture and paper begin to ask broader questions, including how can sculpture provide a different, and perhaps more tacit and empathetic, encounter with the other to enable a physical, mental or spiritual experience of cultural entanglement between the various onlookers? In how far is modelling the other's gaze a form of embodiment and mimicry? Do the fast-changing camera angles and soundtracks of natural history programmes hinder an empathic inter-species encounter? Or, does the slow animation of the artist's sculpted surface heighten a sense of being alongside equally curious, cunning and adaptable others such as crows, foxes and monkeys? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) using a TiO2 catalyst is an effective technique to remove gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Herein, a lab-scale continuous reactor is used to investigate the photocatalytic performance toward ethylbenzene (EB) vapor removal over TiO2 nanoparticles immobilized on glass fiber tissue. The role of the reactive species in the removal of EB and the degradation pathway were studied. Firstly, the effect of key operating parameters such as EB concentration (13, 26, 60 mg/m3), relative humidity levels (From 5 to 80%), gas carrier composition (dry air + EB, O2 + EB and N2 + EB) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation wavelength (UV-A 365 nm, UV-C 254 nm) were explored. Then, using superoxide dismutase and tert-butanol as trapping agents, the real contribution of superoxide radical anion (O2.−) and hydroxyl radicals (OH.) to EB removal was quantified. The results show that (i) small water vapor content enhances the EB degradation; (ii) the reaction atmosphere plays an important role in the photocatalytic process; and (iii) oxygen atmosphere/UV-C radiation shows the highest EB degradation percentage. The use of radical scavengers confirms the major contribution of the hydroxyl radical to the photocatalytic mechanism with 75% versus 25% for superoxide radical anion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues, when present in agricultural wastewater, constitute a potential risk for the environment and human health. Hence, focused actions for their abatement are of high priority for both the industrial sectors and national authorities. This work evaluates the effectiveness of the photocatalytic process to decompose two frequently detected pesticides in the water effluents of the fruit industry: thiamethoxam-a neonicotinoid compound and flonicamid-a pyridine derivative. Their photocatalytic degradation and mineralization were evaluated in a lab-scale photocatalytic batch reactor under UV-A illumination with the commercial photocatalyst Evonik P25 TiO2 by employing different experimental conditions. The complete degradation of thiamethoxam was achieved after 90 min, when the medium was adjusted to natural or alkaline pH. Flonicamid was proven to be a more recalcitrant substance and the removal efficiency reached ~50% at the same conditions, although the degradation overpassed 75% in the acidic pH medium. Overall, the pesticides' degradation follows the photocatalytic reduction pathways, where positive charged holes and hydroxyl radicals dominate as reactive species, with complete mineralization taking place after 4 h, regardless of the pH medium. Moreover, it was deduced that the pesticides' degradation kinetics followed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model, and the apparent rate constant, the initial degradation rate, as well as the L-H model parameters, were determined for both pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes have been found to change the spatial and temporal abundance of raptors by decreasing survival and forcing the emigration of individuals, or by increasing habitat heterogeneity and facilitating recolonization of disturbed areas. Nonetheless, little is known about how extreme weather events could affect raptors' movements and their space use in areas disturbed by large-scale weather events. We studied how extreme weather affected the movements of black and turkey vultures (Coragyps atratus and Cathartes aura, respectively) in Mississippi, USA, facing Hurricane Zeta in November 2020, winter storm Viola in February 2021, and tornados MS-43 and MS-44 in May 2021. We GPS-tracked 28 vultures in the paths of these events. We compared movement rates, net-squared displacements, and use of forest cover, before, during, and after the events. Since storm avoidance behavior has been observed in other birds, we expected that vultures would shift their movements out of the path of these events before storms hit. Further, we forecasted that vultures would make greater use of forested areas as protection against harsh conditions such as strong winds and heavy rain. Vultures responded differently to each weather event; they shifted their movements out of the predicted path of the hurricane and tornadoes but not the snowstorm. These findings reveal that both species use avoidance behavior and adjust their navigation and hazard detection accordingly. Avoidance behavior was more pronounced in turkey vultures than in black vultures. In general, vultures did not make greater use of forest areas as we expected, but turkey vultures did select forest areas during the snowstorm. We propose that olfaction and audition may be key in vultures' response to extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many developing countries have problems associated with waste management; therefore, this research aims to propose strategies for waste management in small municipalities (less than 50,000 inhabitants), pointing out the importance of involving the stakeholders responsible for improving each phase of this process. The methodology consisted of carrying out a diagnosis to show the current situation at the national, state, and municipal levels, as well as several strategies. The results revealed that in Mexico the waste management system consists of a collection and final disposal model, while waste recovery and treatment are incipient. To strengthen integrated waste management in small municipalities, the strategies proposed in this research consider higher budgets by the federal government to enable an infrastructure for collection, treatment, and final disposal, allowing waste valorization. Other strategies consist of improving coordination between the different stakeholders involved, based on actions by federal, state, and municipal authorities to promote the participation of the social, service, productive, and educational sectors, through public policies, as well as formal incorporation of scavengers and the formation of inter-municipal associations responsible for waste management. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that the implementation of these strategies will favor the transition towards a circular economy model for small municipalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three different reusable photocatalysts containing different amino acids as a source of non-metals, including L-Arginine, L-Proline, and L-Methionine, have been synthesized for the first time. Using a kinetic study and degradation efficiency test, these visible driven photocatalysts were investigated for their photocatalytic activity in removing antibiotics, including metronidazole (MNZ) and cephalexin (CEX). The morphology, structure and optical properties of the fabricated catalysts were characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS)/mapping, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL) and UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) analyses. Based on the results of the PL analysis, it was confirmed that doping TiO2 with amino acids containing C, N, and S inhibited the recombination of induced electrons and holes. Among the three catalysts, L-Arginine-TiO2 demonstrated the highest photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation, followed by L-Proline-TiO2. According to the response surface methodology (RSM), the optimum operating conditions were a concentration of 50 mg/L MNZ, pH = 4, and catalyst concentration = 1.5 g/L under 90 min of irradiation time. At this condition, 99.9% of MNZ and 81% of TOC were removed. In addition, 97.2% of CEX and 75% TOC were eliminated at the optimum conditions of 1g/L catalyst concentration, 50 mg/L CEX concentration, at neutral pH, and after 120 min irradiation. L-Arginine (1 wt.%)-TiO2 was tested for stability and reusability, and it showed that after five cycles, 10% of its performance had been lost. The role of reactive species in photocatalysis was identified and •OH had the most significant impacts on MNZ and CEX photodegradation. Antibiotic degradation efficiency was adversely affected by the presence of anions and humic acid, but this reduction was not significant for inorganic anions, as only 13% of degradation was lost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacities of ginkgolides and bilobalide, which are the peculiar constituents of the extract of Ginkgo biloba, are investigated in silico (level of theory: (SMD)-M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p)//M06-2X/6-31G(d)). Unlike other popular antioxidant natural substances, the carbon backbones of these compounds are entirely aliphatic and exclusively single C–C bonds are present. The selectivity for alkoxyl radicals via hydrogen-atom transfer (HAT) is assessed; importantly, the scavenging of peroxyl radicals is also possible from a peculiar site, here labeled C10 both for ginkgolides and bilobalide. The energetics are described in detail, and the analysis discloses that the studied compounds are powerful scavengers, with thermodynamic and kinetic properties similar to those of Trolox and melatonin, and that, in addition, they display selectivity for peroxyl radicals. These are all chemical-reactivity features contributing to the therapeutic action of the extract of G. biloba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational competence and division of labour in India have historically been linked to social institutions of caste, class and gender. Labour related to sanitation and waste disposal has perpetually been assigned to the most backward caste groups. The reality of the caste system and the revulsion of upper caste groups from any physical contact with dirt and human waste, or with people dealing with waste and sewage, has had many implications for the state of sanitation and cleanliness in India. The national policy on sanitation and its flagship program the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), seems to ignore this caste reality and the conditions of people involved in waste and sanitation-related activities. SBM focuses on infrastructure building for ownership and access of toilets and not on dealing with sludge and sewage, conditions of sanitary workers and their rehabilitation. The technology used in the toilets being constructed, their sustainability, safety and retrofitting needs also requires critical assessment. Any policy for a sanitised India or Swachh Bharat will only be successful if it considers the notion of caste, of ritual pollution associated with human waste and dirt in India and removes the shackles of caste that have chained few marginal communities to such occupations, thereby making the enterprise of sanitation and cleaning in India truly egalitarian and democratic, in the sense of opportunities and participation.

The intensive consumption of pharmaceuticals and drugs in the last decades has led to their increased concentrations in wastewaters from industrial sources. The present paper deals, for the first time, with the sonochemical degradation and mineralization of furosemide (FSM) in water. FSM is a potent loop diuretic used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. The influence of several operating parameters such as acoustic intensity, ultrasonic frequency, initial FSM concentration, solution’s pH, nature of the dissolved gas (Ar, air and N2) and radical scavengers (2-propanol and tert-butanol) on the oxidation of FSM was assessed. The obtained results showed that the degradation rate of the drug increased significantly with the increase of the acoustic intensity in the range of 0.83 to 4.3 W cm−2 and decreased with the augmentation of the frequency in the range of 585–1140 kHz. It was also found that the initial rate of the sonolytic degradation of FSM increased with the increase of its initial concentration (2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/L). The most significant degradation was achieved in acidic conditions at pH 2, while in terms of saturating gas, the rate of FSM degradation decreased in the order of Ar > air > N2. The FSM degradation experiments with radical scavengers showed that the diuretic molecule degraded mainly at the interfacial region of the bubble by hydroxyl radical attack. Additionally, in terms of acoustic conditions, the sono-degradation of 30.24 µmol L-1 of FSM solution demonstrate an optimal performance at 585 kHz and 4.3 W/cm2, the results indicated that even if the ultrasonic action eliminated the total concentration of FSM within 60 min, a low degree of mineralization was obtained due to the by-products formed during the sono-oxidation process. The ultrasonic process transforms FSM into biodegradable and environmentally friendly organic by-products that could be treated in a subsequent biological treatment. Besides, the efficiency of the sonolytic degradation of FSM in real environmental matrices such as natural mineral water and seawater was demonstrated. Consequently, the sonochemical advanced oxidation process represent a very interesting technique for the treatment of water contaminated with FSM.

Foraging and acquiring of food is a delicate balance between managing the costs (both energy and social) and individual preferences. Previous research on solitarily foraging free-ranging dogs showed that they prioritise the nutritionally highest valued food, but do not ignore other less valuable food either, displaying typical scavenger behaviour. We conducted a similar experiment on 136 groups of dogs with the same set-up to see the change in foraging strategies, if any, under the influence of social cost like intra-group competition. We found multiple differences between the strategies of dogs foraging alone versus in groups with competition playing an implicit role in the dogs’ decision making when foraging in groups. Dogs continually assessed and evaluated the available resources in a “patch,” transitioning from random foraging to systematic foraging with time and more information. Dogs in groups used an, “eat first, sample afterwards” strategy whereas individual dogs sampled thoroughly before eating. Additionally, dogs in groups were quicker and more likely to respond to the experimental set-up and eat from it. The dogs adjusted their behaviour in terms of effort and time allocated according to the quality of the “patch.” Foraging in groups also provided benefits of reduced individual vigilance. The various decisions and choices made lend support to the optimal foraging theory wherein the dogs harvested the nutritionally richest patch possible with the least risk and cost involved but were willing to compromise if that was not possible. This underscores the cognitive, quick decision-making abilities and adaptable behaviour of these dogs, which is likely to have influenced the process of dog domestication.

Scavenging fauna plays an integral role in ecosystem functioning, nutrient cycling and circulating organic matter. Thus, baseline data of scavenger assemblages on the NW coast of the Iberian Peninsula that provides information on the abundance of species in different habitats is crucial to understanding the distribution of this understudied group. Two different types of baited traps, to capture scavenging megafaunal and scavenging benthopelagic macrofaunal assemblages, were deployed to compare them among rocky, pebbled and sandy bottoms at shallow subtidal on the northern coast of Portugal. Results showed significant differences in the structure of scavenger assemblages. Scavenging megafaunal assemblages differed between sandy and the other two studied habitats, whereas benthopelagic macrofaunal assemblages differed between pebbles and rocky habitats. This suggests that different drivers seem to shape the structure of benthopelagic macrofauna and megafauna. Regarding megafauna, the dominance of Tritia gastropods in sand habitats in comparison with its absence in rock and its very low abundance in pebbles was mainly responsible for the differences. However, in benthopelagic macrofauna, differences in assemblages between pebbles and rock were more related to changes in the relative abundance of crustacean species (Cirolana cranchii and Socarnes erythrophthalmus) that were less abundant in pebbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether high-intensity exercise training alters the effect of N-acetylcysteine (a precursor of antioxidant glutathione) on exercise-related muscle ionic shifts. We assigned 20 recreationally-active men to 6 weeks of high-intensity exercise training, comprising three weekly sessions of 4–10 × 20-s all-out bouts interspersed by 2 min recovery (SET, n = 10), or habitual lifestyle maintenance (n = 10). Before and after SET, we measured ionic shifts across the working muscle, using leg arteriovenous balance technique, during one-legged knee-extensor exercise to exhaustion with and without N-acetylcysteine infusion. Furthermore, we sampled vastus lateralis muscle biopsies for analyses of metabolites, mitochondrial respiratory function, and proteins regulating ion transport and antioxidant defense. SET lowered exercise-related H+, K+, lactate−, and Na+ shifts and enhanced exercise performance by ≈45%. While N-acetylcysteine did not affect exercise-related ionic shifts before SET, it lowered H+, HCO3−, and Na+ shifts after SET. SET enhanced muscle mitochondrial respiratory capacity and augmented the abundance of Na+/K+-ATPase subunits (α1 and β1), ATP-sensitive K+ channel subunit (Kir6.2), and monocarboxylate transporter-1, as well as superoxide dismutase-2 and glutathione peroxidase-1. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that high-intensity exercise training not only induces multiple adaptations that enhance the ability to counter exercise-related ionic shifts but also potentiates the effect of N-acetylcysteine on ionic shifts during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the visible light‐photocatalytic performance of synthesized ZnO/Gr composite materials with different Gr content under various conditions, i.e., pH, dye concentration, and different scavengers (to understand the photocatalytic activity mechanism) is systematically investigated. Photocatalytic performance is evaluated with the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in solution under sunlight irradiation. The presence of graphene (Gr) in the ZnO/Gr composites shows enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO under natural sunlight illumination. The highest photodegradation efficiency of ≈94% when the content of Gr is 1 wt% in comparison to ≈76% for the pure ZnO, corresponding to reaction rate constants of 0.01038 and 0.00615 min−1, respectively. Compared to recent publications, the degradation efficiency is high with relatively high dye concentration, low catalyst amount, and large solution volume. The enhanced visible light absorption and the reduction of bandgap value are attributed to the enhanced photocatalytic properties of the hybridized composite. Moreover, the investigation of the effect of scavenger substances shows that H2O2 strongly enhanced their photocatalytic ability, suggesting that holes (h+) contribute as the reactive agent in the photodegradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural abandonment and subsequent vegetation regeneration ('passive rewilding') are expected to increase worldwide, producing cascades of dynamic socioeconomic, landscape and biological changes. Although landscape characteristics strongly influence the structure and functioning of scavengers, little is known about the ecological consequences of passive rewilding due to woody encroachment (i.e.'landscape closure') on scavenging assemblages. We investigated differences in 'scavenger assemblage composition' (species richness and abundances) and 'scavenging efficiency' (scavenging frequency, detection and consumption times and consumption rates) in a mountain agroecosystem (Pyrenees) undergoing passive rewilding. We monitored 178 carcasses in three landscapes: 'open', 'shrubland' and 'forest', and evaluated the effects of landscape type on 'scavenger assemblage composition' and 'scavenging efficiency' at the community and species levels, while accounting for the influences of carcass size, type and placement time. We also examined whether the locally most abundant and efficient scavenger (i.e. the griffon vulture Gyps fulvus) affects scavenging patterns. We found that landscape type was the main factor governing scavenging dynamics. Overall and average scavenger richness were similar in open and shrubland landscapes, while forests contained the lowest number of scavengers, mainly comprising mammals. Unlike mammals, avian scavenging frequency decreased as vegetation cover increased, especially for obligate scavengers (i.e. vultures). Scavenger abundances were highest in open landscapes, and carcasses were detected and consumed more rapidly in these landscapes. Carcass size did not influence detection and consumption times, although it did affect average scavenger richness, abundances and consumption rates. Consumption rates were higher in open landscapes and were strongly associated with the presence of griffon vultures. Interestingly, we found that griffon vultures influenced scavenging dynamics via facilitation processes. However, woody encroachment could reduce the scavenging role of this species, while favoring mammalian facultative scavengers. Finally, our findings highlight the pivotal role of griffon vultures, mediated by landscape characteristics, in reducing carcass persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the factors that allow multiple species to coexist and share resources is an outstanding question in community ecology. Animals that share resources tend to use different strategies to decrease potential competition, through morphological adaptations, establishment of hierarchies, behavioral adaptations or spatial or temporal segregation. The main objective of this study was to infer interspecific processes of competition and facilitation through the study of species co‐occurrence patterns in a vertebrate scavenger guild in de Brazilian cerrado. We analyzed patterns of spatial and temporal co‐occurrence between species pairs, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and determined the activity patterns of the different scavenger species. For this purpose, we placed and monitored 11 large (i.e. goat) and 45 small (i.e. chicken) carcasses by camera‐trapping, obtaining a total of 27 448 images. Our results show complex competitive and facilitative relationships among scavenging species in the Brazilian cerrado that are influenced by carcass size and change depending on the spatial and temporal scale at which they are analyzed. The scavenger assemblages that consumed large and small carcasses were different, evidencing resource partitioning between obligate and facultative scavengers. Furthermore, as an alternative to reduce competition levels, most species showed differences in their scavenging patterns, in addition to a strong temporal segregation during carcass consumption. Regarding New World vultures, our results suggest a strong interference competition between species with clear differences in their ecological traits (e.g. size, social behavior). However, we also found evidence of facilitation processes between vulture species in the location and access to the interior of the carcasses. Our findings highlight the role of obligate scavengers both in competition and facilitation processes in this vertebrate scavenger community. Future research should focus on investigating which species play the most important role in the structure and dynamics of this community, also considering intraspecific and behavioral patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution has become a serious environmental issue. The textile industries using textile dyes are considered to be one of the most polluting of all industrial sectors. The application of solar-light semiconductor catalysts in wastewater treatment, among which TiO2 can be considered a prospective candidate, is limited by rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. To address these limitations, TiO2 was tailored with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) to develop a heterostructure of g-C3N4@TiO2. Herein, a simple hydrothermal synthesis of TiO2@g-C3N4 is presented, using titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) and urea as precursors. The morphological and optical properties and the structure of g-C3N4, TiO2, and the prepared heterostructure TiO2@g-C3N4 (with different wt.% up to 32%), were analyzed by various laboratory methods. The photocatalytic activity was studied through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution under UV-A and simulated solar irradiation. The results showed that the amount of g-C3N4 and the irradiation source are the most important influences on the efficiency of MB removal by g-C3N4@TiO2. Photocatalytic degradation of MB was also examined in realistic conditions, such as natural sunlight and different aqueous environments. The synthesized g-C3N4@TiO2 nanocomposite showed superior photocatalytic properties in comparison with pure TiO2 and g-C3N4, and is thus a promising new photocatalyst for real-life implementation. The degradation mechanism was investigated using scavengers for electrons, photogenerated holes, and hydroxyl radicals to find the responsible species for MB degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructure Pd/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites were successful synthesized in ethylene glycol by microwave-assisted deposition method at 300 W for 10 min. Effect of the loaded Pd on phase, composition, morphology, and visible-light-driven photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6 was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fast Fourier transform (FFT) diffraction, UV–visible absorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In this research, good distribution of spherical cubic Pd nanoparticles with particle size of 15–20 nm supported on orthorhombic Bi2WO6 thin nanoplates. The 10% Pd/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites reveal major metallic Pd0 species containing in Bi2WO6 sample. Photocatalytic activities of Bi2WO6 loaded with different weight contents of Pd were monitored through photodegradation of cationic rhodamine B (RhB) dye under visible light irradiation of a xenon lamp. The 10% Pd/Bi2WO6 nanocomposites have the highest photocatalytic activity because Pd nanoparticles as electron acceptors promoted interfacial charge-transfer through Pd/Bi2WO6 heterojunctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor economic situations in developing nations had made scavenging a mean of livelihood for millions of youth and women across the globe. Lack of proper source segregation of wastes in developing countries has increased the potential for the transmission of pathogens like hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objectives. This study aimed to assess the potential risk in waste scavenging work and seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and its relationship with wastes scavenging among wastes scavengers in Kwara State. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the scavengers working for major scrap dealers in the three senatorial districts of Kwara State. Consequently, to accomplish the objectives, both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data were collected via questionnaires, interviews, blood test and field observations. Whereas the secondary data were extracted from different published and unpublished materials. Two hundred fourty (240) respondents were administered with questionnaires and undergone hepatitis surface antigen test for both hepatitis B and C in nine of the sixteen local government area in the state. The data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS version 23) for descriptive and inferential at 5% level of significance. The prevalence of an HBV and HCV infection biological markers (HBsAg and HCsAg) (hepatitis B surface antigen and anti HCV antibodies) and their associations with exposure to bio-medical waste, socio-demographic factors, and history of occupational injuries was examined. Results. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection among the scavengers were found to be 8.3% and 5% respectively indicating that scavengers are at risk of HBV and HCV infection. Conclusions. It was discovered that there are incidences of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection among scavengers. Also, awareness and compliance to the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) was found to be an important factor for protection scavengers against the virus. Therefore, vaccination against HBV, enforcement of usage of PPE, good hygiene practices, regular trainings on occupational safety, proper monitoring by regulatory agency and inclusion of scavengers in mandatory health insurance scheme will help to control risk of HBV and HCV infection among scavengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For effective MB dye degradation, the GO-doped green synthesized MnO and MoO 3 (by using Habiscus rosa) are used. • XRD, FTIR, UV, SEM, and PL confirm the crystal structure, bond length, optical properties, and size of the nanoparticles. • Percentage degradation by GO/MnO, MnO, GO/MoO 3 , MoO 3, and GO are 98 %, 60 %, 94 %, 95 %, and 94 % respectively against MB. • Re-usability and photocatalysis mechanism are confirmed by using different scavengers (DMSO, EDTA, IPA, and BQ) with dye.. A high concentration of organic dyes and many other pollutants causes adverse effects on biodiversity, the ecosystem, and its sustainability. This study aims to determine the photocatalytic efficiency of GO/MnO and GO/MoO 3 nanoparticles against pollutants by taking methylene blue as a standard. The manganese oxide and molybdenum oxide (MnO, MoO 3) nanoparticles were synthesized by green synthesis co-precipitation method using Hibiscus rosa leaves extract. The graphene oxide was synthesized using the modified Hummer's method and was doped on MoO 3 and MnO. the formation of GO/MnO, and GO/MoO 3 was confirmed by using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Sphere-shaped crystals of MnO and nanorods of MoO 3 doped on the GO surface were confirmed via SEM analysis. The sizes of GO, MnO, MoO 3 , GO/MnO, and GO/MoO 3 are 2.27, 8.31, 2.48, 2.98, and 2.71 nm, respectively by using the Scherrer equation. The optical energy gap was calculated using the Wood and Tauc relation and it was found to be about 4.47, 5.54, 4.78, 1.20, and 4.18 eV and the photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight gives 98, 95, 94, 60, and 97 % of methylene blue (MB) dye degradation for GO, MoO 3 , GO/MoO 3 , MnO, and GO/MnO NPs, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of GO, GO/MnO, and GO/MoO 3 decreased by 33 %, 56 %, and 52 % for MB after four successive cycles. Scavenger tests with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), benzoquinone (BQ), ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were performed to understand the reactive species involved in the photocatalytic process. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is due to the large surface area provided by GO. The GO/MnO and GO/MoO 3 nanocomposites are promising for photocatalytic dye removal from wastewater due to their green synthesis, hetero-junction formation, and excellent photocatalytic performance. Graphical abstract of GO, MnO, MoO 3, GO/MnO, and GO/MoO 3 synthesis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In heterogeneous photocatalysis, different reactive species generated from the excitation of the semiconductor are responsible for the degradation of different contaminants in aqueous solution. In order to evaluate the influence of each of these reactive species on the photocatalysis process, it is common to perform an analysis using different chemical compounds, which (in theory) react selectively with only one reactive species, preventing this species from participating in the process. Questioning this analysis is the aim of this work and the reasons that lead us to this will be described and discussed. For this, different investigations were selected where this analysis was carried out on two model substrates, Rhodamine B and Phenol. With this, it was possible to determine which compounds are most used as scavengers for the different reactive species, and how these compounds influence the photodegradation process. It was possible to shown that none of the commonly used scavengers react selectively with only one reactive species, since it can also influence other reactions, either by reacting with other reactive species, with the surface of the catalyst, or with the substrate under study, among others. In our opinion, the conclusions obtained by using scavenger analysis should be carefully considered, and the compounds used should be renamed as interfering species of the photocatalytic process. [Display omitted] • The results obtained in fifty publications where this analysis was used were studied. • None of the scavengers used react selectively with only one reactive species. • There is no criterion for the selection of the scavengers and their concentration. • There is no review similar to this publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The co-precipitation method and hydrothermal method were used for the synthesis of CuO and MoS 2 respectively. • The sonication method was used for the synthesis of ternary composite CuO/MoS 2 with gCN. • CuO/MoS 2 @gCN showed bandgap energy of 1.52 eV. • CuO/MoS 2 @gCN degraded 85.14 % of MO dye and 63.50 % of phenol. • Scavenging experiment was performed to investigate the active species in degradation reaction. Water from the industries contains various organic effluents which are needed to be removed. Photocatalysis is an efficient method to degrade organic effluents that contaminate water and harmfully affect the environment. This study presents the structural, optical characteristics, and photocatalytic activity of the CuO/MoS 2 and their composite with gCN. The hydrothermal approach was employed to fabricate MoS 2 nanoflowers, and the co-precipitation method to fabricate CuO. The composite with gCN was prepared successfully using an ultrasonication approach. The physio-chemical properties of fabricated photocatalysts were investigated by various characterization techniques. SEM analysis revealed the nanoflower morphology of the prepared MoS 2 sample. The photocatalytic activity was examined by the photodegradation of methyl orange dye and phenol. CuO/MoS 2 @gCN photocatalyst showed 85.14 % degradation of methyl orange and 63.50 % degradation of phenol. Also, the rate constant of CuO/MoS 2 @gCN was found to be 0.051 min−1 for MO dye and 0.02 min−1 for phenol, which is higher than other synthesized samples. The scavenging experiment was carried out to identify the most photoactive species involved in the organic pollutants photocatalytic degradation. Electrons served as the primary photoactive species in photocatalysis. Consequently, it is concluded from the results that CuO/MoS 2 @gCN could be employed as an efficient photocatalyst for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synergistic effects of the co-doping of rare earth and transition metals on the structural, electrical and optical, in multi-ferroic BiFeO 3 nanoferrites (NFs) combined with reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) nanosheets, photocatalytic degradation properties can be boosted. In this current study gadolinium and nickel-co-doped Bi 1-x Gd x Fe 1-y Ni y O 3 were synthesised via the tartaric acid-assisted sol-gel method and their composite Bi 1-x Gd x Fe 1-y Ni y O 3 /r-GO with 10 % reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) via the ultra-sonication route. Phase and structural investigation were carried out using x-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Raman scattering, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, which confirms the successful fabrication of co-doping in the rhombohedral geometry of the perovskite-type Bi 1-x Gd x Fe 1-y Ni y O 3. Electrical conductivity of the fabricated composite material was observed to increase because of the co-doping and the addition of r-GO. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of co-doped and r-GO composite material exhibited a decline in PL intensity because optical bandgap energies exhibited narrowing of 1.99 eV and 1.91 eV respectively, which indicates the excellent separation and stabilization of photo-excited charge pairs. Special conduction properties of r-GO nanosheets improved electrical and optical properties, a well-porous nature, large surface area, lower bandgap, and increased dye degradation in the Bi 1-x Gd x Fe 1-y Ni y O 3 /r-GO photocatalyst showing excellent photo-degradation of cationic malachite green (M.G.) dye, achieving a degradation efficiency of 96.4 % under natural solar light. Hence, the photocatalyst shows excellent stability where quenching of radicals using selective scavengers shows that OH* radicals and e−/h+ pairs are primarily involved in the mechanism of photo-degradation in a basic pH medium, making the as-fabricated material a potential material for photo-catalytic environmental remediation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) is a member of the Hyaenidae family distributed globally from Africa to Central Tanzania, the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent including Nepal. Only a few documented studies have been carried out at a national as well as international level regarding their habit, habitat, threats, and conservation measures. Various open access works of literature including articles, reports, and books published from 1941 to 2021 were assessed through Google scholar and Research gate for this study. We searched, refined, and selected 42 pieces of literature for the study purpose. We found that striped hyenas were recorded from five national parks of lowland Terai regions and they were recorded in six districts lying outside the protected area in Central and Western Terai as well as the hilly region of Nepal. Habitat degradation, decreased prey population, retaliatory killing by poisoning, poaching and road kills are found to be the major threats to these endangered scavengers that require immediate conservation initiatives We believe that this manuscript can fulfill the knowledge gap on this species and suggests conservation initiatives, which could be a landmark for conducting further research and conservation of striped hyenas.

Viruses have a high ability to resist drugs and adapt to all conditions. This has encouraged the scientific community to develop new therapeutic agents by using antioxidant compounds that are naturally present in foods and medicinal plants. Cellular harm caused by free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Spescies ROS) leads to many From the diseases such as diabetes, virus inflammation, impregnability diseases, and digestive diseases. ROS are created during Metabolism of complex chemical compounds. Some plants are characterized by their antioxidant and antiviral activity which increases their ability to fight viruses, therefore plants with antioxidant capacity protect cells by stopping the oxidation chain reaction, and also can contribute significantly to offsetting oxidative stress caused by viral disease. Essential oils extracted from plants may serve as potential alternative sources for treating diseases caused by certain viruses. This study aims to show the potential effect of natural antioxidants found in some foods, herbs and their essential oils in treating some viral diseases, as well as how they work in boosting immunity and inhibition of free radicals

Photocatalytic degradation method is an emerging technique for complete removal of pollutants. Several semiconductor photocatalysts are reported as photocatalysts for industrial wastewater treatment in environmental applications. In this study Magnetite/TS-1 composite materials was used for photocatalytic degradation of phenol. Magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) (10 wt%) were dispersed with nanocrystalline Titanium Silicate-1 zeolite (TS-1). The Magnetite/TS-1 composite materials were characterized with various techniques. The structural analysis reveals the presence of MNP and zeolite-MFI phases in Magnetite/TS-1 composite materials. The average particles size of the magnetite nanoparticles is less than 5 nm and that of the composite nanoparticles are in the range of about 90 nm with micropore volume 0.110 cm3/g and the external surface area 120 m2/g. The photocatalytic experiments were carried out in a thin film flow photoreactor under UV radiation. The results showed that Magnetite/TS-1 composite materials exhibited improved activity for the degradation of phenol compared to TS-1. Preliminary studies proves that aeration is necessary for the photocatalytic reaction. The reaction parameters such as flow rate, pH and phenol concentration are optimized as 8 ml/min, pH 7.0 and 75 mg/L respectively. To understand the active species involved in the degradation of phenol radical scavengers such as NaI, benzoquinone and isopropyl alcohol are used to trap hole (h+), superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical (OH), respectively. From the obtained results it is envisaged that hydroxyl radicals are predominantly involved in complete oxidation of phenol. The extent of degradation of phenol was determined by measuring the amount of CO2 formed in the reaction. The results confirms that 99.6 % carbon in phenol is converted to CO2.

Wildfires alter the composition of insect communities due to fire‐induced mortality, and the post‐fire vegetation and soil conditions also affect the initial re‐colonisation and subsequent local emergence of adults from burnt soils. However, the impact of wildfires on re‐colonisation and emergence of carrion‐associated scavenging species from soils has previously been neglected.We established an experiment in an unmanaged heathland area that was affected by a severe wildfire in 2017 by adding wild boar carcasses to burnt and unburnt areas 204 days after the wildfire. Adult beetles were then collected with emergence tents at paired sites with and without carcasses and in burnt and unburnt areas from 27 April to 10 August 2018.The wildfire did not significantly affect the diversity or abundance of soil‐emerging beetles. Community composition in the burnt area differed significantly from the unburnt area with higher numbers of Staphylinidae and lower numbers of phytophagous beetle families (Curculionidae and Elateridae) emerging from soils, probably reflecting the structurally simpler vegetation and reduced litter one year after the wildfire.Scavenging beetles generally colonise mammal carcasses in burnt areas to the same extent as in unburnt areas, but the post‐fire conditions favoured some species with very specialised habitat preferences. A few rare species of conservation concern almost exclusively occurred in the burnt area and in most cases in combination with the presence of a carcass. This result highlights the joint importance of heathland wildfires and carcass resources for species conservation in beetle communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a plant hormone that accelerates the ripening of fruits and vegetables, ethylene can not only improve the flavor and quality of products, but also accelerate the ripening and decay. Therefore, reasonable and effective control of ethylene content during the storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables is of great significance to prolong the shelf life and keep freshness of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this paper reviewed the studies of ethylene remover in preserving fruit and vegetable, and analyzed the research progress of different ethylene remover in terms of physical, chemical methods and biosynthesis inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the solid waste transformation process to promote a recycled based society. Four major waste transformation sites were identified in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Direct physical observation and in-situ key informant discussion were adopted to elicit qualitative data. At the same time, the questionnaire was administered to 194 members of the host communities within 300 meters radius of the transformation sites. The study categorized waste transformation into four cardinal processes (Scavengers/Resources Recovery; Cart Pushers/Itinerant Buyer; Metals Scrapers/Recyclers and Composter) and established that the process was left in the hands of the less-educated group in the community. The study reports no statistically significant variation between distance and severity of consequences experienced. However, residents express concern about the consequences of the activities at the transformation sites, including noise pollution, rodents' invasion, scavenging birds' disturbance, and pungent odour, among others, despite having an average of 8 years of residency. The coping strategies by the residents present a firm base for the formulation and execution of environmental management system (EMS) that is acceptable by the locals to promote a recycled based society, thereby contributing to the actualization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1 and 11, reducing poverty and making the community safe, resilient and sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial migration is one of the most widespread migratory strategies among taxa. Investigating the trade-off between environmental/social factors — fitness and energetic consequences — is essential to understand the coexistence of migratory and resident behaviours. Here, we compiled field monitoring data of wintering population size and telemetry data of 25 migrant and 14 resident Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus to analyse how environmental and social factors modulate overwintering immature population size, compare energetic consequences between migratory and resident individuals across wintering and non-wintering seasons and evaluate fitness components (i.e. survival and reproduction) between the two migratory forms. We observed that social attraction may influence the number of overwintering immature individuals, which increased linearly with adult birds surveyed. Residents spent more energy but exhibited higher survival probabilities and lower breeding activity. On the contrary, migratory birds showed lower energy expenditure during winter but also lower survival and more breeding attempts. These results suggest that social attraction may modulate population dynamics and promote residency in immature birds. Resident individuals benefit from enhancing their survival at the expense of higher energy expenditure during winter. Migrant birds, on the contrary, may compensate for the higher costs in terms of survival by a reduction in the energy cost, which may benefit more frequent breeding. Our results offer new insights to understand how species benefit from one strategy or another and that the coexistence of both migratory forms is context-dependent. Significance statement: Animal populations exhibiting partial migration are composed of migrant and resident individuals who share the same breeding areas but different overwintering quarters. Deciphering the causes and consequences that affect each migratory behaviour is essential to understand the balance and persistence of the two strategies. Here, we investigate the environmental and social factors affecting number of immatures during winter and evaluate both migratory strategies in terms of energy expenditure, reproduction and survival. We found that social attraction modulates wintering population size of immature individuals and that the residency is energetically more costly but beneficial in terms of survival but not for breeding. By contrast, migration lessens the energy costs, increases the breeding activity, but also reduces survival probability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohydrogen (H 2 ) is an efficient form of renewable energy generated from various biological organisms. Specifically, primitive plants such as algae which are photosynthetic organisms can produce several commercial products, including biofuels due to their simple form, short life span, efficient photosynthetic capacity, and ability to grow in non-potable water sources. But these algae are often neglected and considered waste. Several studies have revealed the importance and role of algal species in generating biofuels, especially biohydrogen. Considerable research has been conducted in order to understand hydrogen production from algal sources. This review emphasizes the photolysis of water-based hydrogen production in algae apart from the metabolites fermentation process. The influence of physico-chemical factors, including oxygen scavengers, nanoparticles, and hydrogenases, was highlighted in this review to enhance H 2 production from algal species. Also, several algal species used for hydrogen production are summarized in detail. Overall, this review intends to summarize the developments in hydrogen production from algal species keeping in view of excellent prospects. This knowledge certainly would provide a good opportunity for the industrial production of hydrogen using algal species, which is one of the most concerned areas in the energy sector.

A novel polyaniline (PANI) coupled CuBi2O4 photocatalyst was successfully synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline with pre-synthesized CuBi2O4 composites. The structure and morphology of the synthesized CuBi2O4/PANI composite photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the photocatalytic performance were evaluated through degradation process of ammonia in water under visible light irradiation. The resultant CuBi2O4/PANI composite showed exceptional stability as its structure and morphology persisted even after being immersed in water for 2 days. The composite photocatalyst exhibited improved charge transport properties due to the electrical conductivity of the PANI protective layer, leading to enhanced photoelectrochemical activity in water and removal of ammonia. PANI with CuBi2O4 (10% wt) heterostructure was applied for photodegradation of ammonia and exhibited a 96% ammonia removal efficiency (30 mg/l with 0.1 g photocatalyst and 180 min), as compared to PANI (78%) and CuBi2O4 (70%). The degradation was attributed to the efficient charge transfer (e− and h+) and formation of reactive oxygen species upon simulated sunlight exposure. The present work suggests that the CuBi2O4/PANI photocatalyst can be synthesized in a simple process and provides an excellent adsorption capacity, high photocatalytic activity, long term stability, and reusability making it a promising alternative for ammonia removal from wastewater.

Organic pollutants found in industrial effluents contribute to significant environmental risks. Degradation of these pollutants, particularly through photocatalysis, is a promising strategy ensuring water purification and supporting wastewater treatment. Thus, photodegradation of rhodamine B and phenol under visible-light irradiation using TiO2/SiO2 composite nanoparticles was within the main scopes of this study. The nanocomposite was synthesized through a wet impregnation method using TiO2 and SiO2 nanopowders previously prepared via a facile sol–gel approach and was fully characterized. The obtained results indicated a pure anatase phase, coupled with increased crystallinity (85.22%) and a relative smaller crystallite size (1.82 nm) in relation to pure TiO2 and SiO2 and an enhanced specific surface area (50 m2/g) and a reduced energy band gap (3.18 eV). Photodegradation of rhodamine B upon visible-light irradiation was studied, showing that the TiO2/SiO2 composite reached total (100%) degradation within 210 min compared to pure TiO2 and SiO2 analogues, which achieved a ≈45% and ≈43% degradation rate, respectively. Similarly, the composite catalyst presented enhanced photocatalytic performance under the same irradiation conditions towards the degradation of phenol, leading to 43.19% degradation within 210 min and verifying the composite catalyst’s selectivity towards degradation of rhodamine B dye as well as its enhanced photocatalytic efficiency towards both organic compounds compared to pure TiO2 and SiO2. Additionally, based on the acquired experimental results, ●O2−, h+ and e− were found to be the major reactive oxygen species involved in rhodamine B’s photocatalytic degradation, while ●OH radicals were pivotal in the photodegradation of phenol under visible irradiation. Finally, after the TiO2/SiO2 composite catalyst was reused five times, it indicated negligible photodegradation efficiency decrease towards both organic compounds.

In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and study of the photocatalytic activity of polycrystalline TiO2 coatings with embedded Ag nanoparticles (Ag‐TiO2) were presented. In particular, the TiO2 and Ag‐TiO2 coatings were developed using a simple and improved sol‐gel technique. Very stable TiO2 sols containing Ag nanoparticles were prepared and deposited by dip‐coating process onto glass substrates obtaining homogeneous and transparent thin films. The well‐distribution of silver nanoparticles into the TiO2 sol allows TiO2 coatings with Ag nanoparticles distributed throughout the volume of the material to be obtained. A significant improvement of the photocatalytic activity was observed for the Ag‐TiO2 coatings. The photocatalytic mechanism implicated in the dye degradation (methyl orange) by hydroxyl (•OH) and superoxide (•O2–) radicals was studied using several scavengers. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of Ag nanoparticles does not modify the mechanisms involved in the dye degradation, evidencing the good stability of the photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Deep-water habitats are the largest ecosystem on the planet: over half of the Earth's surface is covered with a water layer deeper than 200 m and remains poorly explored. Lake Baikal is the only freshwater body inhabited by animals adapted to the deep-water zone independently from their marine counterparts. Comparing these convergently evolved freshwater and marine animals is invaluable for revealing the basic mechanisms of adaptation to high hydrostatic pressure. However, laboratory experiments on deep-water organisms still usually require lifting them to the water's surface and exposing them to potentially hazardous decompression, while endemics from Lake Baikal are poorly studied in this regard. Here, we compared metabolic reactions to such pressure decreases in two Baikal deep-water amphipods (shrimp-like crustaceans) from the genus Ommatogammarus: one species is known to tolerate pressures close to atmospheric levels, while the second was only observed at the pressures from 5 atm and above. We expected that the energy metabolism of the shallower-dwelling species would function better under the atmospheric pressure but found no substantial differences. Thus, despite some difference in long-term survival at atmospheric pressure, both species are suitable for laboratory studies as freshwater model objects adapted to large pressure variations. Lake Baikal is the only freshwater reservoir inhabited by deep-water fauna, which originated mostly from shallow-water ancestors. Ommatogammarus flavus and O. albinus are endemic scavenger amphipods (Amphipoda, Crustacea) dwelling in wide depth ranges of the lake covering over 1300 m. O. flavus had been previously collected close to the surface, while O. albinus has never been found above the depth of 47 m. Since O. albinus is a promising model species for various research, here we tested whether O. albinus is less metabolically adapted to atmospheric pressure than O. flavus. We analyzed a number of energy-related traits (contents of glucose, glycogen and adenylates, as well as lactate dehydrogenase activity) and oxidative stress markers (activities of antioxidant enzymes and levels of lipid peroxidation products) after sampling from different depths and after both species' acclimation to atmospheric pressure. The analyses were repeated in two independent sampling campaigns. We found no consistent signs of metabolic disturbances or oxidative stress in both species right after lifting. Despite O. flavus surviving slightly better in laboratory conditions, during long-term acclimation, both species showed comparable reactions without critical changes. Thus, the obtained data favor using O. albinus along with O. flavus for physiological research under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress is generated by the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and antioxidant scavenger system's activity. Increased ROS, such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite, likely contribute to the development and complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). In genetically modified mouse models of atherosclerosis, the overexpression of ROS-generating enzymes and uncontrolled ROS formation appear to be associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Conversely, the overexpression of ROS scavenger systems reduces or stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions, depending on the genetic background of the mouse model. In humans, higher levels of circulating biomarkers derived from the oxidation of lipids (8-epi-prostaglandin F2α, and malondialdehyde), as well as proteins (oxidized low-density lipoprotein, nitrotyrosine, protein carbonyls, advanced glycation end-products), are increased in conditions of high cardiovascular risk or overt ASCVD, and some oxidation biomarkers have been reported as independent predictors of ASCVD in large observational cohorts. In animal models, antioxidant supplementation with melatonin, resveratrol, Vitamin E, stevioside, acacetin and n-polyunsaturated fatty acids reduced ROS and attenuated atherosclerotic lesions. However, in humans, evidence from large, placebo-controlled, randomized trials or prospective studies failed to show any athero-protective effect of antioxidant supplementation with different compounds in different CV settings. However, the chronic consumption of diets known to be rich in antioxidant compounds (e.g., Mediterranean and high-fish diet), has shown to reduce ASCVD over decades. Future studies are needed to fill the gap between the data and targets derived from studies in animals and their pathogenetic and therapeutic significance in human ASCVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A recent review of the management of hyperabundant macropods in Australia proposed that expanded professional shooting is likely to lead to better biodiversity and animal welfare outcomes. While the tenets of this general argument are sound, it overlooks one important issue for biodiversity and animal health and welfare: reliance on toxic lead‐based ammunition. Lead poisoning poses a major threat to Australia's wildlife scavengers. Current proposals to expand professional macropod shooting would see tonnes of an extremely toxic and persistent heavy metal continue to be introduced into Australian environments. This contrasts with trends in many other countries, where lead ammunition is, through legislation or voluntary programs, being phased out. Fortunately, there are alternatives to lead ammunition that could be investigated and adopted for improved macropod management. A transition to lead‐free ammunition would allow the broad environmental and animal welfare goals desired from macropod management to be pursued without secondarily and unintentionally poisoning scavengers. Through this article, we hope to increase awareness of this issue and encourage discussion of this potential change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental factors in particular temperature, humidity, and atmosphere of packaging can control the postharvest physiology and variations in the chemical composition of horticultural crops during storage. Most fruits and vegetables release ethylene, as one of the simplest phyto-hormones, after harvest. Ethylene initiates ripening, produces softening and degradation of chlorophylls, and ultimately causing deterioration of fresh commodities. There are different methods to reduce ethylene production or inhibit its action to retain fruit and vegetable quality and extend their shelf life. Therefore, ethylene action can be limited at the receptor level (for example 1-MCP and Selenium), or through an effective elimination of released ethylene in the atmosphere. Among the emerging technologies, incorporation of nanoparticles into polymer matrix plays a major role in reducing the permeability of gases as well as absorption of ethylene. Accordingly, the present article reviews the characteristics, application types and effectiveness of ethylene control strategies for perishable commodities and their future aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Census of Marine Life Polarstern ANDEEP I-III and Meteor M79/1 DIVA-3 expeditions, autonomous baited trap systems were employed to sample the mobile, necrophagous amphipods from abyssal depths. Within DIVA-3 (July 10–August 26 2009), a free-fall baited trap was used successfully at three stations in the southwest Atlantic, once in the Argentine Basin and twice in the Brazilian Basin. A total of twenty-one stations were sampled by baited traps during the ANDEEP I-III (2002, 2005) cruises in the Southern Ocean. Trap sets recovered large numbers of scavenging lysianassoid and alicelloid amphipods, including specimens of the widespread and commonly considered cosmopolitan uristid species Abyssorchomene abyssorum (Stebbing, 1888). During examinations of these and other North Atlantic collections of A. abyssorum, two similar new species A. patriciae sp. nov. and A. shannonae sp. nov. were discovered. Important morphological characters which differentiate the two new species from their congeners are found in the shape of the head lobe, coxa 1, gnathopod 2, coxa 5, pereopod 7 basis and uropod 3 rami length. The new species are fully figured and an identification key is provided. Abyssorchomene abyssorum is redescribed and for the first time, the female is fully described and illustrated from new material. The Southern Ocean endemic A. scotianensis (Andres, 1983) is also described and illustrated from new collections to complement the original description.

Abstract Background Despite improvements in diagnosis, interventions and supportive care, mortality among sepsis patients is still high. Research of the past decade has attempted to identify biomarkers that can accurately discriminate sepsis from other diseases with comparable symptoms to improve diagnosis, but results have been lackluster. Recent studies have shown that hemoproteins and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released as the result of hemolysis play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. The aim of this study was to measure plasma levels of the indirect markers for hemoproteins hemopexin, haptoglobin and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) as well as the mitochondrial damage marker mtDNA in the plasma of a cohort of sepsis patients to determine the feasibility of their use as biomarkers in the diagnosis of sepsis. Methods Hemopexin, haptoglobin and HO-1 were measured in plasma by ELISA and mtDNA was measured by digital droplet PCR. Plasma levels of hemopexin, haptoglobin, HO-1 and mtDNA were measured in 32 patients with severe sepsis and 8 patients with septic shock at baseline and 4 days after admission to the ICU and in 20 healthy donors. Results Plasma levels of hemopexin were significantly lower and plasma levels of HO-1, haptoglobin and mtDNA were significantly higher in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock at baseline compared to healthy controls. Additionally, HO-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with septic shock compared to patients with severe sepsis. Finally, levels of HO-1 and mtDNA, but not of hemopexin, seemed to slowly revert back towards levels measured in healthy donors within 5 days after admission. Conclusions Our results indicate that plasma levels of the hemoprotein scavengers hemopexin, haptoglobin and HO-1 and the mitochondrial damage marker mtDNA might be useful as additional biomarkers for the early diagnosis of sepsis and disease severity.

Environmental restoration because of the occurrence of harmful organic substances in our environment has received widespread attention amongst the researchers. Wastewater containing nitro-aromatic compounds and organic dyes are recently recognized as a new danger due to their toxicity towards all forms of living organisms. It is urgently needed to remove organic dye from our water systems in an efficacious manner for the purpose of both drinking and wastewater management. Binary MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 nanocomposite was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The characterization techniques such as PXRD, XPS, EDS, FE-SEM, TEM, UV-DRS and PL were performed to investigate the structure, composition, morphology and optical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite. The catalytic activity of MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 was tested by reduction of Picric acid (PA) in presence of NaBH4 and the photocatalytic degradation of Crystal Violet (CV) under visible-light which is not reported in any literature till date, to check the application of the synthesized nanocomposite for wastewater remediation. Original ZIF-8 had a band gap of 5.2 eV, however incorporation of MoS2 nanosheets on the ZIF-8 phase narrowed down the band gap of the MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 composite to 3.2 eV. MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 composite showed significantly high degradation of CV ~ 96% under visible light at optimum conditions of catalyst amount = 16 mg, dye concentration = 25 ppm and pH = 10. The degradation of CV followed first order kinetics with a first order rate constant of 0.0947 min−1. The as-synthesized catalyst showed good recyclability by showing a degradation efficiency of 85% till the fifth cycle. In addition to the photocatalytic degradation of CV, the MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 displayed significantly high catalytic activity for the reduction of PA in presence of NaBH4 with a reduction efficiency of 96.26% and an apparent rate constant value of 2.7 × 10–3 s−1 in 20 min. The MoS2 nanosheets@ZIF-8 nanocomposite emerged as promising material with high catalytic activity in applications involving wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnO synthesized by a hydrothermal method and iron-supported ZnO catalysts by an impregnation method, dried (D) and calcined (C), was evaluated, through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) molecules under UV irradiation. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N 2 adsorption-desorption, and UV visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). XRD showed that FeSO 4 is supported on ZnO, and the XPS study revealed higher concentrations of hydroxyl groups and Fe3+ for the dried catalyst. The bandgap energies were 3.24, 3.23, and 3.19 eV for ZnO, Fe/ZnO D and Fe/ZnO C, respectively. The results revealed that Fe/ZnO D with H 2 O 2 exhibited a higher photocatalytic degradation efficiency than ZnO, achieving 97% and 99% degradation for MB and MO at 10 min, which implies that the integrated iron in ZnO serves as an electron-hole separator. In addition, the catalyst has a larger BET specific area, the presence of hydroxyl groups and sulfate ions on the surface of the catalyst with holes forms hydroxyl radicals (•OH), and the presence of Fe3+ on the surface catalyst with H 2 O 2 produces more •OH radicals. •OH radicals are the major oxidation species in this process, which promotes the degradation of dyes. The photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency was also evaluated for various catalyst doses, dye concentrations and solution pH values. Moreover, the stability of the catalyst over repeated cycles of dye treatment was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]