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Corrosion is a huge challenge in the manufacturing industry during sticky oxides, grease, and rust removal from metal surfaces. It is often managed by the use of inhibitors and current interest is on sustainable inhibitors with less to zero harmful effects. This study explores the efficacy of Heliotropium curassavicum leaves extracts (HCLEs) in retarding the deterioration of API X60 grade steel in 5 wt% HCl solution and the influence of extracting solvent namely acetone (ACE), ethanol (ETH), water (WAT), butanol (BUT), methanol (MET), isopropanol (ISO), and ethyl acetate (ETA) on performance. The characterization of the HCLEs was achieved by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopies while the weight loss, electrochemical, and surface examination approaches were used for anticorrosion property evaluation. The results disclose that irrespective of extracting solvent, the extracts could suppress the dissolution of the substrate under the studied conditions. The best performance is, however, noted for ethanolic HCLE where 300 mg/L protected the substrate surface by 51.46% at 25 °C. Hence, ethanolic HCLE was selected for detailed studies and results indicate that the steel surface can be protected by 78.42% if 1000 mg/L of extract is used. Furthermore, the performance of the extract improves upon an increase in the temperature of the corrodent. The findings suggest that ethanolic HCLE could be considered for material protection during HCl pickling.

The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a common colonial nesting bird widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known to weave its nests from leaf strips from a variety of tree species (mainly coconuts trees, oil palm trees) associated with human settlement areas, grasses, and other available plants. In this regard, this bird was considered a pest for its impact on different economic activities. Although extensive literature is already available on the parasitic role of village weavers, there is still a lack of analytical data that outlines which tree species are used for nesting and in what proportion, as well as the related implications in terms of economic impacts. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive arrangement of trees used by this species for nesting in Southern Nigeria (West Africa), checking for possible different impacts on stakeholders. In April 2021, we searched for village weaver nesting in 95 sites in 77 communities from 24 local government areas in Southern Nigeria, during 14 field surveys. Within each site, we collected GPS coordinates and counted the number of active nests, nesting birds and occupied trees. We recorded a total of 5,776 nests and 2,140 birds in 94 plants belonging to 23 tree species selected for nesting. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis; n = 45) was the most used tree species, as 2,990 (51.77%) nests and 873 (40.79%) birds were recorded. Our results indicate the preference for nesting on trees used by stakeholders belonging to agricultural (palm farmers), touristic (operators) and energy (gas flare stations) sectors with economic implications about the conflict with this pest species.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized in the presence of Strawberry fruit extract (SBFE) at room temperature. The synthesized AgNPs was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, XRD, TEM and FTIR. The UV-vis spectra of the AgNPs show SPR band at 450 nm. TEM results indicate that AgNPs are spherical in shape and size range between 7–65 nm. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs has been assessed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus licheniformis. The results show that AgNPs exhibit inhibitory effect and effect is a function of AgNPs concentration. The antibacterial activity of the prepared AgNPs has been compared with two antibiotics, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin. It is found that the antibiotics perform better than AgNPs.

A study was conducted among 30 older adults in Mauritius about the use kitchens. They were interviewed firstly about the kitchens they had experienced in the past, and secondly to discuss and demonstrate their current kitchen and how easily they could use it. It was found that while some of the participants had age-related disabilities, they were all doing their best to cope with kitchen tasks. However, many were found to be attached to traditional equipment rather than newer labour-saving products. The study shows that there is a need to for a more inclusive approach to kitchen design to make life easier for this group of people. There is also a requirement to promote the benefits of modern kitchen gadgets as allowing them to live independently for longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of attachment to place has long been a concern of those with an interest in ageing. Why and how does the sense of belonging to place/space evolve, develop and change? Over the past three years, the present study has sought to talk talk with older people, in groups and as individuals, about how they have developed their environmental identity both inside and outside their dwelling. This research is the first in England to involve people living in a range of locations--urban/rural and settings--including those recognised as domestic--flats, bungalows,houses--and non-domestic--sheltered housing and residential care homes. The paper will focus on how we understand attachment and variations of engagement with space and place.