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The thermal expansion of the rare earth intermetallic compounds Sm3(CoxFe1-x)29-yCry (x = 0.9, y = 7; x = 0.8, y = 6.5; x = 0.7, y = 6) have been systematically investigated by high resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction measurements (~120–480 K; ~ 300–823 K). The magnetic and thermal properties of Sm3(Fe0.9Co0.1)24Cr4 have been studied as a typical example of the Sm3(CoxFe1-x)29-yCry system by magnetic measurements (ac susceptibility, ~ 5–300 K; DC magnetisation, ~ 77–650 K) and specific heat measurements (~2–300 K). The Debye temperature of Sm3(Co0.9Fe0.1)22Cr7 was found to be θD = 410 ± 10 K from analyses of the specific heat data while the density of states at the Fermi level was N(EF) = 5.08 ± 0. 04 ev−1 atom−1. A pronounced contribution of the nuclear specific heat of Sm3(Co0.9Fe0.1)22Cr7 is evident below 5 K with the nuclear specific heat coefficient found to be A = 758 ± 30 mJ mol−1 K−1. Rietveld analyses of the x-ray diffraction data demonstrate the remarkable magneto-volume anomalies of Sm3(CoxFe1-x)29-yCry around their Curie temperatures TC with negative values of the volume magnetostriction detected below the Curie temperatures and values in the range ωs = − 1.1 × 10−3 to ωs = − 4.3 × 10−3 at 300 K.

The structural and magnetic properties of the rare-earth transition metal compound DyFe11.4Nb0.6 have been investigated over its magnetically order state by variable temperature high resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction (85 K - 650 K) together with ac magnetic susceptibility (10 K - 300 K), DC magnetization (300 K - 600 K) and heat capacity (2 K - 300 K) measurements. The magnetic ordering temperature has been determined to be TC = 538(5) K while with decreasing temperature, two spin reorientations have been detected around Tsr1 = 265(±5 K) and Tsr2 = 140(±5) K. The Debye temperature θD = 412(±10) K derived from the specific heat measurements of DyFe11.4Nb0.6 agrees well with the values reported for related compounds, while the density of states at the Fermi level was found to be N(EF) = 3.8 ev−1 atom−1. Refinements of the synchrotron x-ray diffraction patterns indicate the occurrence of magnetoelastic couplings at all three magnetic transitions, the Curie temperature TC and spin reorientation temperatures Tsr1 and Tsr2. The linear thermal expansion has been determined over the temperature range 85 K - 650 K and substantial magneto-volume effects shown to persist at temperatures up to 596 K, significantly above the Curie temperature. Similarly, the spontaneous volume magnetostriction ωs of DyFe11.4Nb0.6 extends to 1.17 TC, well above the Curie temperature TC = 538(5) K. The spontaneous volume magnetostriction has the value ωs = 1.08 × 10−2 at 85 K. The properties of such materials offer potential for applications in functional structures.

Without drastic efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate globalized stressors, tropical coral reefs are in jeopardy. Strategic conservation and management requires identification of the environmental and socioeconomic factors driving the persistence of scleractinian coral assemblages-the foundation species of coral reef ecosystems. Here, we compiled coral abundance data from 2,584 Indo-Pacific reefs to evaluate the influence of 21 climate, social and environmental drivers on the ecology of reef coral assemblages. Higher abundances of framework-building corals were typically associated with: weaker thermal disturbances and longer intervals for potential recovery; slower human population growth; reduced access by human settlements and markets; and less nearby agriculture. We therefore propose a framework of three management strategies (protect, recover or transform) by considering: (1) if reefs were above or below a proposed threshold of >10% cover of the coral taxa important for structural complexity and carbonate production; and (2) reef exposure to severe thermal stress during the 2014-2017 global coral bleaching event. Our findings can guide urgent management efforts for coral reefs, by identifying key threats across multiple scales and strategic policy priorities that might sustain a network of functioning reefs in the Indo-Pacific to avoid ecosystem collapse.

© 2017 The Author(s).The Tb1?xYxMn2Ge2 series (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) compounds are found to exhibit two magnetic phase transitions with decreasing temperature: from the paramagnetic state to the antiferromagnetic interlayer state at TN inter and from an antiferromagnetic interlayer structure to a collinear ferrimagnetic interlayer structure at TC inter. Compared with the slight change of TN inter (409 K, 410 K and 417 K for x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2 respectively), the replacement of Y for Tb leads to a significant decrease in TCinter from 97.5 K for x = 0 to 74.6 K for x = 0.2. The variation in TC inter can be ascribed to the combination of two effects: (1) chemical pressure and (2) magnetic dilution effect by Y substitution for Tb. Besides, a strong anisotropic magnet-volume effect has been detected around TC inter in all compounds with δa/a = 0.125%, 0.124% and 0.130% for x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2, respectively while no obvious effect is detected along the c-Axis. The maximum magnetic entropy change were found to be ?δSmax = 9.1 J kg-1 K?1, 11.9 J kg-1 K?1 and 6.3 J kg-1 K?1 with a field change from 0 T to 5 T for x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 respectively.

© 2017 The Author(s). Background: Timor-Leste has a high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. High proportions of the population have been reported as being anaemic, and extremely high proportions of children as stunted or wasted. There have been no published analyses of the contributions of STH to these morbidity outcomes in Timor-Leste. Methods: Using baseline cross-sectional data from 24 communities (18 communities enrolled in a cluster randomised controlled trial, and identically-collected data from six additional communities), analyses of the association between STH infections and community haemoglobin and child development indices were undertaken. Stool samples were assessed for STH using qPCR and participant haemoglobin, heights and weights were measured. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic and socioeconomic data. Intensity of infection was categorised using correlational analysis between qPCR quantification cycle values and eggs per gram of faeces equivalents, with algorithms generated from seeding experiments. Mixed-effects logistic and multinomial regression were used to assess the association between STH infection intensity classes and anaemia, and child stunting, wasting and underweight. Results: Very high stunting (60%), underweight (60%), and wasting (20%) in children, but low anaemia prevalence (15%), were found in the study communities. STH were not significantly associated with morbidity outcomes. Male children and those in the poorest socioeconomic quintile were significantly more likely to be moderately and severely stunted. Male children were significantly more likely than female children to be severely underweight. Increasing age was also a risk factor for being underweight. Few risk factors emerged for wasting in these analyses. Conclusions: According to World Health Organization international reference standards, levels of child morbidity in this population constitute a public health emergency, although

© 2017 Campbell et al. Background: No investigations have been undertaken of risk factors for intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in Timor-Leste. This study provides the first analysis of risk factors for intensity of STH infection, as determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR), examining a broad range of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and environmental factors, among communities in Manufahi District, Timor-Leste. Methods: A baseline cross-sectional survey of 18 communities was undertaken as part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, with additional identically-collected data from six other communities. qPCR was used to assess STH infection from stool samples, and questionnaires administered to collect WASH, demographic, and socioeconomic data. Environmental information was obtained from open-access sources and linked to infection outcomes. Mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression was undertaken to assess risk factors for intensity of Necator americanus and Ascaris infection. Results: 2152 participants provided stool and questionnaire information for this analysis. In adjusted models incorporating WASH, demographic and environmental variables, environmental variables were generally associated with infection intensity for both N. americanus and Ascaris spp. Precipitation (in centimetres) was associated with increased risk of moderate-intensity (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–19.3) and heavy-intensity (ARR 6.6; 95% CI 3.1–14.1) N. americanus infection, as was sandy-loam soil around households (moderate-intensity ARR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0–4.3; heavy-intensity ARR 2.7; 95% CI 1.6–4.5; compared to no infection). For Ascaris, alkaline soil around the household was associated with reduced risk of moderate-intensity infection (ARR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09–0.51), and heavy-intensity infection (ARR 0.04; 95% CI 0.01–0.25). Few WASH risk factors were significant. Conclusion: In this high-prevalence setting, strong risk associ

BACKGROUND: In Timor-Leste there have been intermittent and ineffective soil-transmitted helminth (STH) deworming programs since 2004. In a resource-constrained setting, having information on the geographic distribution of STH can aid in prioritising high risk communities for intervention. This study aimed to quantify the environmental risk factors for STH infection and to produce a risk map of STH in Manufahi district, Timor-Leste. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Georeferenced cross-sectional data and stool samples were obtained from 2,194 participants in 606 households in 24 villages in the Manufahi District as part of cross sectional surveys done in the context of the "WASH for Worms" randomised controlled trial. Infection status was determined for Ascaris lumbricoides and Necator americanus using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Baseline infection data were linked to environmental data obtained for each household. Univariable and multivariable multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis with random effects at the village and household level were conducted, with all models adjusted for age and sex. For A. lumbricoides, being a school-aged child increased the odds of infection, whilst higher temperatures in the coolest quarter of the year, alkaline soils, clay loam/loam soils and woody savannas around households were associated with decreased infection odds. For N. americanus, greater precipitation in the driest month, higher average enhanced vegetation index, age and sandy loam soils increased infection odds, whereas being female and living at higher elevations decreased the odds of infection. Predictive risk maps generated for Manufahi based upon these final models highlight the high predicted risk of N. americanus infection across the district and the more focal nature of A. lumbricoides infection. The predicted risk of any STH infection is high across the entire district. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The widespread predicted risk of any

BACKGROUND: No investigations have been undertaken of risk factors for intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection in Timor-Leste. This study provides the first analysis of risk factors for intensity of STH infection, as determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR), examining a broad range of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and environmental factors, among communities in Manufahi District, Timor-Leste. METHODS: A baseline cross-sectional survey of 18 communities was undertaken as part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, with additional identically-collected data from six other communities. qPCR was used to assess STH infection from stool samples, and questionnaires administered to collect WASH, demographic, and socioeconomic data. Environmental information was obtained from open-access sources and linked to infection outcomes. Mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression was undertaken to assess risk factors for intensity of Necator americanus and Ascaris infection. RESULTS: 2152 participants provided stool and questionnaire information for this analysis. In adjusted models incorporating WASH, demographic and environmental variables, environmental variables were generally associated with infection intensity for both N. americanus and Ascaris spp. Precipitation (in centimetres) was associated with increased risk of moderate-intensity (adjusted relative risk [ARR] 6.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-19.3) and heavy-intensity (ARR 6.6; 95% CI 3.1-14.1) N. americanus infection, as was sandy-loam soil around households (moderate-intensity ARR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-4.3; heavy-intensity ARR 2.7; 95% CI 1.6-4.5; compared to no infection). For Ascaris, alkaline soil around the household was associated with reduced risk of moderate-intensity infection (ARR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09-0.51), and heavy-intensity infection (ARR 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.25). Few WASH risk factors were significant. CONCLUSION: In this high-prevalence setting, strong risk associations with environment

Large refrigeration capacities, between 212(30) J kg−1 and 261(40) J kg−1 for a magnetic field change from 0 T to 5 T, were obtained in Mn1−xFexCoGe (x = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04) compounds. A partial magnetic phase diagram has been derived on the basis of magnetic transition and martensitic transformation temperatures determined from differential scanning calorimetry (200 K to 450 K), variable temperature x-ray diffraction (20 K to 310 K) and magnetisation measurements (5 K to 340 K; 0.01 T). Mn1−xFexCoGe compounds with compositions in the range x = 0.01 to 0.03 exhibit magneto-structural transitions. Neutron diffraction experiments were carried out on the Mn0.98Fe0.02CoGe sample over the temperature range of 5 K to 450 K. The diffraction patterns were analysed based on irreducible representation theory which confirms a ferromagnetic structure in the sample with an atomicmagnetic moment of 3.7(1)μB at 5 K on the Mn sublattice, oriented along the orthorhombic c axis. More significantly, a magneto-structural transition around TM ~ 297(1) K with a full width at half maximum of 29 K is demonstrated directly via neutron diffraction. Larger magnetic entropy changes are obtained for the Mn1−xFexCoGe (x = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03)samples than for Mn0.96Fe0.04CoGe which has separate structural and magnetic transitions. In addition, it is noted that standard Arrott plots do not provide unambiguous insight to the nature of the magneto-structural transition in the Mn1−xFexCoGe compounds.

There is little evidence on prevalence or risk factors for soil transmitted helminth infections in Timor-Leste. This study describes the epidemiology, water, sanitation and hygiene, and socioeconomic risk factors of STH and intestinal protozoa amongst communities in Manufahi District, Timor-Leste. As part of a cluster randomised controlled trial, a baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted across 18 villages, with data from six additional villages. Stool samples were assessed for soil transmitted helminth and protozoal infections using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and questionnaires administered to collect water, sanitation and hygiene and socioeconomic data. Risk factors for infection were assessed using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression, stratified by age group (preschool, school-aged and adult). Overall, soil transmitted helminth prevalence was 69% (95% Confidence Interval 67–71%), with Necator americanus being most common (60%; 95% Confidence Interval 58–62%) followed by Ascaris spp. (24%; 95% Confidence Interval 23–26%). Ascaris-N. americanus co-infection was common (17%; 95% Confidence Interval 15%-18%). Giardia duodenalis was the main protozoan identified (13%; 95% Confidence Interval 11–14%). Baseline water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and behaviours were poor. Although risk factors varied by age of participants and parasite species, risk factors for N. americanus infection included, generally, age in years, male sex, and socioeconomic quintile. Risk factors for Ascaris included age in years for children, and piped water to the yard for adults. In this first known assessment of community-based prevalence and associated risk factors in Timor-Leste, soil transmitted helminth infections were highly prevalent, indicating a need for soil transmitted helminth control. Few associations with water, sanitation and hygiene were evident, despite water, sanitation and hygiene being generally poor. In our water, sanitation and hygiene we will inves

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) have acute and chronic manifestations, and can result in lifetime morbidity. Disease burden is difficult to quantify, yet quantitative evidence is required to justify large-scale deworming programmes. A recent Cochrane systematic review, which influences Global Burden of Disease (GBD) estimates for STH, has again called into question the evidence for deworming benefit on morbidity due to STH. In this narrative review, we investigate in detail what the shortfalls in evidence are. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We systematically reviewed recent literature that used direct measures to investigate morbidity from STH and we critically appraised systematic reviews, particularly the most recent Cochrane systematic review investigating deworming impact on morbidity. We included six systematic reviews and meta-analyses, 36 literature reviews, 44 experimental or observational studies, and five case series. We highlight where evidence is insufficient and where research needs to be directed to strengthen morbidity evidence, ideally to prove benefits of deworming. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, the Cochrane systematic review and recent studies indicate major shortfalls in evidence for direct morbidity. However, it is questionable whether the systematic review methodology should be applied to STH due to heterogeneity of the prevalence of different species in each setting. Urgent investment in studies powered to detect direct morbidity effects due to STH is required.

© 2016 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All rights reserved. Ongoing declines in the structure and function of the world's coral reefs require novel approaches to sustain these ecosystems and the millions of people who depend on them. A presently unexplored approach that draws on theory and practice in human health and rural development is to systematically identify and learn from the 'outliers' - places where ecosystems are substantially better ('bright spots') or worse ('dark spots') than expected, given the environmental conditions and socioeconomic drivers they are exposed to. Here we compile data from more than 2,500 reefs worldwide and develop a Bayesian hierarchical model to generate expectations of how standing stocks of reef fish biomass are related to 18 socioeconomic drivers and environmental conditions. We identify 15 bright spots and 35 dark spots among our global survey of coral reefs, defined as sites that have biomass levels more than two standard deviations from expectations. Importantly, bright spots are not simply comprised of remote areas with low fishing pressure; they include localities where human populations and use of ecosystem resources is high, potentially providing insights into how communities have successfully confronted strong drivers of change. Conversely, dark spots are not necessarily the sites with the lowest absolute biomass and even include some remote, uninhabited locations often considered near pristine. We surveyed local experts about social, institutional, and environmental conditions at these sites to reveal that bright spots are characterized by strong sociocultural institutions such as customary taboos and marine tenure, high levels of local engagement in management, high dependence on marine resources, and beneficial environmental conditions such as deep-water refuges. Alternatively, dark spots are characterized by intensive capture and storage technology and a recent history of environmental shocks.

The structural and magnetic properties of seven CeMn2Ge2-xSix compounds with x=0.0-2.0 have been investigated in detail. Substitution of Ge with Si leads to a monotonic decrease of both a and c along with concomitant contraction of the unit cell volume and significant modifications of the magnetic states-a crossover from ferromagnetism at room temperature for Ge-rich compounds to antiferromagnetism for Si-rich compounds. The magnetic phase diagram has been constructed over the full range of CeMn2Ge2-xSix compositions and co-existence of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism has been observed in CeMn2Ge1.2Si0.8, CeMn2Ge1.0Si1.0 and CeMn2Ge0.8Si1.2 with novel insight provided by high resolution neutron and X-ray synchrotron radiation studies. CeMn2Ge2-xSix compounds (x=0, 0.4 and 0.8) exhibit moderate isothermal magnetic entropy accompanied with a second-order phase transition around room temperature. Analysis of critical behaviour in the vicinity of TCinter for CeMn2Ge2 compound indicates behaviour consistent with three-dimensional Heisenberg model predictions.

In an effort to deliver better outcomes for people and the ecosystems they depend on, many governments and civil society groups are engaging natural resource users in collaborative management arrangements (frequently called comanagement). However, there are few empirical studies demonstrating the social and institutional conditions conducive to successful comanagement outcomes, especially in small-scale fisheries. Here, we evaluate 42 comanagement arrangements across five countries and show that: (i) comanagement is largely successful at meeting social and ecological goals; (ii) comanagement tends to benefit wealthier resource users; (iii) resource overexploitation is most strongly influenced by market access and users' dependence on resources; and (iv) institutional characteristics strongly influence livelihood and compliance outcomes, yet have little effect on ecological conditions.

The thermal spin transition which occurs in the polymeric chain compound [Fe(NH(2)trz)(3)](NO3)(2) above room temperature has been investigated by zero-field muon spin relaxation (mu SR) (similar to 8-402 K). The depolarization curves are best described by a Lorentzian and a Gaussian line that represent fast and slow components respectively. The spin transition is associated with a hysteresis loop of width Delta T = 34 K (T-1/2(up arrow) = 346 K and T-1/2(down arrow) = 312 K) that has been delineated by the temperature variation of the initial asymmetry parameter. Comparison of zero-field and transverse field (20 Oe) mu SR measurements shows that diamagnetic muon species occur over the entire temperature range, a large fraction of muons being however paramagnetic. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The reversible thermal spin transition which occurs in [Fe(phen)(2)(NCS)(2)] around T-1/2 similar to 177 K has been investigated by muon spin relaxation (muSR) (similar to10-280 K). The depolarisation curves are well described by two Lorentzian lines represent fast and slow components in the decay curves, with the initial asymmetry parameter of the fast component found to track the spin transition in [Fe(phen)2(NCS),]. Comparison of zero-field and transverse field (20 Oe) muSR measurements shows that diamagnetic muonic species occur over the entire temperature range.

The thermal spin transition which occurs reversibly in [Fe(phen)(2)(NCS)(2)] (polymorph I) around T-1/2 similar to177 K upon cooling and warming has been investigated by muon spin relaxation (muetaSR) measurements over the temperature range (similar to10-280 K). The depolarization curves in zero and longitudinal fields (50-2000 Oe) are well described by two Lorentzian lines that represent fast and slow components in the decay curves and a nonrelaxing component. Evidence of the scope to track the spin transition occurring in [Fe(phen)(2)(NCS)(2)] (polymorph I) is provided via the temperature dependence of the zero-field initial asymmetry parameter of the fast component. Muonium-substituted radicals delocalized on the phenanthroline ring (hyperfine coupling constant A similar to500 MHz), as well as diamagnetic muonic species, have been identified on the basis of the applied field muSR experiments.

The compound [Fe(ptz)(6)],(ClO4)(2) (Ptz = 1-propyl-tetrazole) displays a gradual thermal spin crossover with magnetic susceptibility in easurements (similar to4.2-300 K) showing that the transition is centered around T-12 similar to 150 K and extends from similar to90-190 K. Evidence of the scope to track a thermally induced spin transition using muon spin rotation (muSR) is provided in particular via the temperature dependence of the initial asymmetry parameter in the zero field as well as the relaxation rates. The spectral line broadening observed in the Mossbauer spectra of [Fe(Ptz)(6)](ClO4)(2) at similar to200 K is attributed to relaxation phenomena associated with the dynamics of the crystal lattice. Dynamic processes are also detected by muSR as revealed by the pronounced increase of the relaxation rate of a fast-relaxing component above 200 K. Muonium-substituted radicals delocalized on the tetrazole ring have been identified on the basis of applied magnetic field muSR experiments from 10 to 2000 Oe.