DNA barcoding and integrative taxonomy of the heterolepisma sclerophylla species complex (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae: Heterolepismatinae) and the description of two new species
- Smith, Graeme, Mitchell, Andrew, Lee, Timothy, Espinasa, Luis
- Authors: Smith, Graeme , Mitchell, Andrew , Lee, Timothy , Espinasa, Luis
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Records of the Australian Museum Vol. 71, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-32
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We present one of the first studies of DNA barcodes (COI sequences) in the basal insect order Zygentoma, and compare the data with nuclear (28S) and mitochondrial (16S) rDNA sequences and morphology for an integrative taxonomic study of the Heterolepisma sclerophylla Smith species group. DNA sequence analyses identified deep divisions between Queensland and New South Wales populations, and among populations in each state. Detailed morphological and morphometric evaluation of the specimens failed, in most cases, to identify unambiguous morphological characters of diagnostic value for each population, possibly due to the interaction of morphological conservatism with high levels of variability resulting from their continued moulting after reaching sexual maturity. Several strong consistent characters were identified to support the description of a southern Queensland population as a new species (Heterolepisma cooloola sp. nov.). The combined molecular and morphological data support the view that the presence of lanceolate scales and the absence of macrochaetae from the anterior margin of the frons are more significant to phylogeny than the arrangement of styli and the shape of the thoracic sternites in Heterolepisma. Specimens from Glen Davis, NSW, while indistinguishable from H. sclerophylla in all other characters examined, were found to possess one fewer pair of abdominal styli in both sexes and are also described as a new species (Heterolepisma coorongooba sp. nov.). Five lineages are recognized within the remaining NSW material but as reliable (non-overlapping) morphological and morphometric differences could not be identified, they are not described here as new species. Heterolepisma sclerophylla sensu stricto is considered to be a complex of morphologically ill-defined species or perhaps subspecies.
- Authors: Smith, Graeme , Mitchell, Andrew , Lee, Timothy , Espinasa, Luis
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Records of the Australian Museum Vol. 71, no. 1 (2019), p. 1-32
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: We present one of the first studies of DNA barcodes (COI sequences) in the basal insect order Zygentoma, and compare the data with nuclear (28S) and mitochondrial (16S) rDNA sequences and morphology for an integrative taxonomic study of the Heterolepisma sclerophylla Smith species group. DNA sequence analyses identified deep divisions between Queensland and New South Wales populations, and among populations in each state. Detailed morphological and morphometric evaluation of the specimens failed, in most cases, to identify unambiguous morphological characters of diagnostic value for each population, possibly due to the interaction of morphological conservatism with high levels of variability resulting from their continued moulting after reaching sexual maturity. Several strong consistent characters were identified to support the description of a southern Queensland population as a new species (Heterolepisma cooloola sp. nov.). The combined molecular and morphological data support the view that the presence of lanceolate scales and the absence of macrochaetae from the anterior margin of the frons are more significant to phylogeny than the arrangement of styli and the shape of the thoracic sternites in Heterolepisma. Specimens from Glen Davis, NSW, while indistinguishable from H. sclerophylla in all other characters examined, were found to possess one fewer pair of abdominal styli in both sexes and are also described as a new species (Heterolepisma coorongooba sp. nov.). Five lineages are recognized within the remaining NSW material but as reliable (non-overlapping) morphological and morphometric differences could not be identified, they are not described here as new species. Heterolepisma sclerophylla sensu stricto is considered to be a complex of morphologically ill-defined species or perhaps subspecies.
Do not “let them eat cake” : Correlation of food-consumption patterns among rural primary school children from welfare and non-welfare households
- Terry, Daniel, Ervin, Kaye, Soutter, Erin, Spiller, Renata, Nogare, Nicole, Hamilton, Andrew
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Ervin, Kaye , Soutter, Erin , Spiller, Renata , Nogare, Nicole , Hamilton, Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Physical and financial access impacts food choice and consumption, while educational attainment, employment, income, gender, and socioeconomic status are also influential. Within this context, the aim of the paper is to examine the association between various foods consumed and eating patterns of children between low and higher income households. A paper-based survey was completed by parents/carers of children in 41 primary schools in rural and regional areas of Victoria. Data collected included demographics and the consumption of fruit, vegetable, and other foods including drinks. Ordinal data were analysed using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The main findings were that children who consumed more fruit and vegetables tended to have a higher intake of healthy drinks (plain milk and water) as well as a lower intake of unhealthy snacks and drinks (sugar sweetened drinks). Those who perceived that fruit and vegetables cost too much reported greater consumption of unhealthy snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages, which was more prominent in low-income households. Changing food consumption behaviours requires a complex systems-based approach that addresses more than just individual issues variables. A participatory approach that works with local communities and seeks to build an understanding of unique challenges within sub-groups has potential for embedding long-lasting and meaningful change in eating behaviours. © 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Terry, Daniel , Ervin, Kaye , Soutter, Erin , Spiller, Renata , Nogare, Nicole , Hamilton, Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 14, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-10
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Physical and financial access impacts food choice and consumption, while educational attainment, employment, income, gender, and socioeconomic status are also influential. Within this context, the aim of the paper is to examine the association between various foods consumed and eating patterns of children between low and higher income households. A paper-based survey was completed by parents/carers of children in 41 primary schools in rural and regional areas of Victoria. Data collected included demographics and the consumption of fruit, vegetable, and other foods including drinks. Ordinal data were analysed using Spearman’s rank-order correlation. The main findings were that children who consumed more fruit and vegetables tended to have a higher intake of healthy drinks (plain milk and water) as well as a lower intake of unhealthy snacks and drinks (sugar sweetened drinks). Those who perceived that fruit and vegetables cost too much reported greater consumption of unhealthy snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages, which was more prominent in low-income households. Changing food consumption behaviours requires a complex systems-based approach that addresses more than just individual issues variables. A participatory approach that works with local communities and seeks to build an understanding of unique challenges within sub-groups has potential for embedding long-lasting and meaningful change in eating behaviours. © 2016 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Does climate play any role in covid-19 spreading? : an Australian perspective
- Abraham, Joji, Turville, Christopher, Dowling, Kim, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Turville, Christopher , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 17 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Compared to other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic did not severely affect Australia as measured by total deaths until mid-2021. Though a substantial number of daily confirmed cases (up to 698) were reported during the second wave, most of them were from the southern state of Victoria. This study examined the possible correlations between climate variables and the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia, from 25 January to 31 October 2020. Appropriate regression models and cross-correlation diagnostics were used to examine the effect of temperature, rainfall, solar exposure, and ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of daily confirmed cases. Significant positive associations were identified for solar exposure and maximum and average UVI for confirmed cases one and 19 days later. Negative associations for these variables were found for confirmed cases five days later. Minimum temperature had a significant negative correlation one day later and a positive effect 21 days later. No significant correlation was found for maximum temperature and rainfall. The most significant relationships were found for confirmed cases 19 days after changes in the meteorological variables. A 1% increase in solar exposure, maximum UVI, and average UVI was associated with a 0.31% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.51), 0.71% (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98), and 0.63% (95%CI: 0.20 to 1.61) increase 19 days later in the number of confirmed cases, respectively. The implications of these results can be used in the public health management of any possible future events in Australia. It also highlights the significance of considering the climatic variables and seasonality in all kinds of epidemics and pandemics. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Turville, Christopher , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 18, no. 17 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Compared to other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic did not severely affect Australia as measured by total deaths until mid-2021. Though a substantial number of daily confirmed cases (up to 698) were reported during the second wave, most of them were from the southern state of Victoria. This study examined the possible correlations between climate variables and the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia, from 25 January to 31 October 2020. Appropriate regression models and cross-correlation diagnostics were used to examine the effect of temperature, rainfall, solar exposure, and ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of daily confirmed cases. Significant positive associations were identified for solar exposure and maximum and average UVI for confirmed cases one and 19 days later. Negative associations for these variables were found for confirmed cases five days later. Minimum temperature had a significant negative correlation one day later and a positive effect 21 days later. No significant correlation was found for maximum temperature and rainfall. The most significant relationships were found for confirmed cases 19 days after changes in the meteorological variables. A 1% increase in solar exposure, maximum UVI, and average UVI was associated with a 0.31% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.51), 0.71% (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98), and 0.63% (95%CI: 0.20 to 1.61) increase 19 days later in the number of confirmed cases, respectively. The implications of these results can be used in the public health management of any possible future events in Australia. It also highlights the significance of considering the climatic variables and seasonality in all kinds of epidemics and pandemics. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Haque, M. Amdadul, Chen, Jie, Aldred, Peter, Adhikari, Benu
- Authors: Haque, M. Amdadul , Chen, Jie , Aldred, Peter , Adhikari, Benu
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Chemistry Vol. 177, no. (2015), p. 8-16
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The denaturation kinetics of whey protein isolate (WPI), in the presence and absence of lactose and trehalose, was quantified in a convective air-drying environment. Single droplets of WPI, WPI-lactose and WPI-trehalose were dried in conditioned air (2.5% RH, 0.5 m/s air velocity) at two temperatures (65°C and 80°C) for 500 s. The initial solid concentration of these solutions was 10% (w/v) in all the samples. Approximately 68% of WPI was denatured when it was dried in the absence of sugars. Addition of 20% trehalose prevented the irreversible denaturation of WPI at both temperatures. Thirty percent lactose was required to prevent denaturation of WPI at 65°C and the same amount of lactose protected only 70% of WPI from denaturation at 80°C. The secondary structures of WPI were found to be altered by the drying-induced stresses, even in the presence of 20% trehalose and 30% lactose.
Duration of intervals in the care seeking pathway for lung cancer in Bangladesh : a journey from symptoms triggering consultation to receipt of treatment
- Ansar, Adnan, Lewis, Virginia, McDonald, Christine, Liu, , Chaojie, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Authors: Ansar, Adnan , Lewis, Virginia , McDonald, Christine , Liu, , Chaojie , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 16, no. 9 September (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Timeliness in seeking care is critical for lung cancer patients survival and better prognosis. The care seeking trajectory of patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh has not been explored, despite the differences in health systems and structures compared to high income countries. This study investigated the symptoms triggering healthcare seeking, preferred healthcare providers (including informal healthcare providers such as pharmacy retailers, village doctors, and "traditional healers"), and the duration of intervals in the lung cancer care pathway of patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh among diagnosed lung cancer patients through face-Toface interview and medical record review. Time intervals from onset of symptom and care seeking events were calculated and compared between those who sought initial care from different providers using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Among 418 study participants, the majority (90%) of whom were males, with a mean age of 57 ±9.86 years, cough and chest pain were the most common (23%) combination of symptoms triggering healthcare seeking. About two-Thirds of the total respondents (60%) went to informal healthcare providers as their first point of contact. Living in rural areas, lower levels of education and lower income were associated with seeking care from such providers. The median duration between onset of symptom to confirmation of diagnosis was 121 days, between confirmation of diagnosis and initiation of treatment was 22 days, and between onset of symptom and initiation of treatment was 151 days. Pre-diagnosis durations were longer for those who had sought initial care from an informal provider (p<0.05). Time to first contact with a health provider was shorter in this study compared to other developed and developing countries but utilizing informal healthcare providers caused delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Encouraging people to seek care from a formal healthcare provider may reduce the overall duration of the care seeking pathway. © 2021 Public Library of Science. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Ansar, Adnan , Lewis, Virginia , McDonald, Christine , Liu, , Chaojie , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 16, no. 9 September (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Timeliness in seeking care is critical for lung cancer patients survival and better prognosis. The care seeking trajectory of patients with lung cancer in Bangladesh has not been explored, despite the differences in health systems and structures compared to high income countries. This study investigated the symptoms triggering healthcare seeking, preferred healthcare providers (including informal healthcare providers such as pharmacy retailers, village doctors, and "traditional healers"), and the duration of intervals in the lung cancer care pathway of patients in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh among diagnosed lung cancer patients through face-Toface interview and medical record review. Time intervals from onset of symptom and care seeking events were calculated and compared between those who sought initial care from different providers using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Among 418 study participants, the majority (90%) of whom were males, with a mean age of 57 ±9.86 years, cough and chest pain were the most common (23%) combination of symptoms triggering healthcare seeking. About two-Thirds of the total respondents (60%) went to informal healthcare providers as their first point of contact. Living in rural areas, lower levels of education and lower income were associated with seeking care from such providers. The median duration between onset of symptom to confirmation of diagnosis was 121 days, between confirmation of diagnosis and initiation of treatment was 22 days, and between onset of symptom and initiation of treatment was 151 days. Pre-diagnosis durations were longer for those who had sought initial care from an informal provider (p<0.05). Time to first contact with a health provider was shorter in this study compared to other developed and developing countries but utilizing informal healthcare providers caused delays in diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Encouraging people to seek care from a formal healthcare provider may reduce the overall duration of the care seeking pathway. © 2021 Public Library of Science. All rights reserved.
E-cigarette use among male smokers in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia : a cross-sectional study
- Al Rajeh, Ahmed, Mahmud, Ilias, Al Imam, Mahmudul, Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Al Shehri, Fariss, Alomayrin, Salman, Alfazae, Nawaf, Elmosaad, Yousif, Alasqah, Ibrahim
- Authors: Al Rajeh, Ahmed , Mahmud, Ilias , Al Imam, Mahmudul , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Al Shehri, Fariss , Alomayrin, Salman , Alfazae, Nawaf , Elmosaad, Yousif , Alasqah, Ibrahim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E-cigarette use is increasing globally. Recent evidence suggests that e-cigarettes contain harmful substances that could cause adverse health outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use among male current smokers in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult male current smokers in the Al-Ahsa province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. We performed logistic regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with e-cigarette use among adult male current smokers. 325 current smokers participated in the study. A third of them (33.5%) were e-cigarette users. Almost all the study participants (97.0%) had heard about e-cigarettes. Participants who were occasional smokers (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17–4.41) and had good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes (OR 3.49; 95% CI: 2.07–5.90) had higher odds of using e-cigarettes when compared to regular smokers of conventional cigarettes and current smokers with poor knowledge perception of e-cigarettes, respectively. In contrast, private employees (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.85), and business owners (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63) had lower odds of using e-cigarettes compared to unemployed individuals. Compared with non-e-cigarette users, the rate of conventional cigarette smoking per day was significantly lower among e-cigarette users. Use of e-cigarette (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.14–5.98), believing that e-cigarette quitting is hard (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17–3.49) and trying to quit e-cigarettes (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.1–4.25) were found to be significant predictors of good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes among the current smokers. The use and knowledge perception of e-cigarettes were higher among occasional conventional male cigarette smokers than regular male smokers in Al-Ahsa province. The use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids should be examined further in the Saudi Arabian setting. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Al Rajeh, Ahmed , Mahmud, Ilias , Al Imam, Mahmudul , Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Al Shehri, Fariss , Alomayrin, Salman , Alfazae, Nawaf , Elmosaad, Yousif , Alasqah, Ibrahim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: E-cigarette use is increasing globally. Recent evidence suggests that e-cigarettes contain harmful substances that could cause adverse health outcomes. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of e-cigarette use among male current smokers in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult male current smokers in the Al-Ahsa province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. We performed logistic regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with e-cigarette use among adult male current smokers. 325 current smokers participated in the study. A third of them (33.5%) were e-cigarette users. Almost all the study participants (97.0%) had heard about e-cigarettes. Participants who were occasional smokers (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.28; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.17–4.41) and had good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes (OR 3.49; 95% CI: 2.07–5.90) had higher odds of using e-cigarettes when compared to regular smokers of conventional cigarettes and current smokers with poor knowledge perception of e-cigarettes, respectively. In contrast, private employees (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.85), and business owners (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01–0.63) had lower odds of using e-cigarettes compared to unemployed individuals. Compared with non-e-cigarette users, the rate of conventional cigarette smoking per day was significantly lower among e-cigarette users. Use of e-cigarette (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 2.14–5.98), believing that e-cigarette quitting is hard (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17–3.49) and trying to quit e-cigarettes (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.1–4.25) were found to be significant predictors of good knowledge perception of e-cigarettes among the current smokers. The use and knowledge perception of e-cigarettes were higher among occasional conventional male cigarette smokers than regular male smokers in Al-Ahsa province. The use of e-cigarettes as smoking cessation aids should be examined further in the Saudi Arabian setting. © 2022 by the authors.
- Atazadeh, Ehsan, Gell, Peter, Mills, Keely, Barton, Andrew, Newall, Peter
- Authors: Atazadeh, Ehsan , Gell, Peter , Mills, Keely , Barton, Andrew , Newall, Peter
- Date: 2024
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental Science and Pollution Research Vol. 31, no. 5 (2024), p. 7408-7427
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Ecological and statistical models were developed using freshwater algal assemblages to assess water quality and ecological health of a regulated river. These models were used to inform configuration of flows to maintain or improve environmental conditions of the waterway whilst meeting consumptive water supply commitments. The flow regime of the MacKenzie River, western Victoria, Australia, has been substantially modified since the construction of a water supply reservoir on its upper reach in 1887. Water is withdrawn at several locations downstream of the reservoir, creating a substantially modified flow regime, impacting key environmental values of the river. To assess the impact of the different flow regimes on river health and ecosystem function, ten sites were repeatedly sampled along the river between February 2012 and April 2014. Physical and chemical characteristics of water, including pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, cations, and anions, were measured. Biological properties of the algal periphyton communities, including dry mass, ash-free dry mass, chlorophyll-a concentration, and species composition, were also measured. Exploration of the algal assemblage and water chemistry data using the computationally unconstrained ordination technique such as principal component analysis principal component analysis (PCA), correspondence analysis (CA), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated two strong gradients in the data sets. Furthermore, the quantitative ecosystem response models have been developed as the prototype tool to assist in the future configuration of flows in this river. The empirical data and models showed the lower reaches of the river to be in poor condition under low flows, but this condition improved under flows of 35 ML/day, as indicated by the reduction in green algae and cyanobacteria and improvement. Finally, the results are presented to tailor discharge and duration of water volume by amalgamation of consumptive and environmental flows to improve the condition of the stream thereby supplementing the flows dedicated to environmental outcomes. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Ecological response to hydrological variability and catchment development : Insights from a shallow oxbow lake in Lower Mississippi Valley, Arkansas
- Bhattacharya, Ruchi, Hausmann, Sonja, Hubeny, J. Bradford, Gell, Peter, Black, Jessica
- Authors: Bhattacharya, Ruchi , Hausmann, Sonja , Hubeny, J. Bradford , Gell, Peter , Black, Jessica
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 569-570, no. (2016), p. 1087-1097
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ecological response of shallow oxbow lakes to variability in hydrology and catchment development in large river floodplain ecosystems (RFE) in Arkansas remains largely unknown. Investigating these responses will advance our understanding of ecological evolution of oxbow lakes in response to the major environmental drivers, which will establish baseline conditions required to develop effective management practices for RFE. In this pilot study, we examined the potential of using a dated surface sediment core from Adams Bayou, a floodplain lake located within the Cache-Lower White River Ramsar site in SE Arkansas. Stratigraphic records of diatoms and sediment geochemistry were used to ascertain variation in Adams Bayou's ecological condition. During 1968–2008, in response to hydrological and anthropogenic changes, Adams Bayou's diatom assemblages progressed from predominantly benthic (Gomphonema parvulum and Meridion circulare) to primarily planktonic assemblage (Aulacoseira granulata and Cyclotella meneghiniana), along with a decrease in magnetic susceptibility (k) and % silt. Statistical analyses reveled that during 1968–2000, higher hydrological connectivity and catchment alterations drove Adams Bayou's ecosystem. After 2000, lower hydrological connectivity and increase in cultivation were the major drivers. The potential impact of increasing air temperature was also noted. The shift in Adams Bayou from a connected, clear, mesotrophic state to a relatively isolated, turbid and nutrient enriched state is consistent with regime shift models and highlights its sensitivity to a combination of environmental stresses prevalent in the catchment. Although fluvial systems pose challenges in establishing clear chronologies, oxbow lake sediments can be a effective paleoecological archives. Our work provides clear evidence for the change in the ecological character of this wetland of international significance and flags the need for a wider assessment of water bodies across this site under obligations to the Ramsar Convention.
- Description: The ecological response of shallow oxbow lakes to variability in hydrology and catchment development in large river floodplain ecosystems (RFE) in Arkansas remains largely unknown. Investigating these responses will advance our understanding of ecological evolution of oxbow lakes in response to the major environmental drivers, which will establish baseline conditions required to develop effective management practices for RFE. In this pilot study, we examined the potential of using a dated surface sediment core from Adams Bayou, a floodplain lake located within the Cache-Lower White River Ramsar site in SE Arkansas. Stratigraphic records of diatoms and sediment geochemistry were used to ascertain variation in Adams Bayou's ecological condition. During 1968–2008, in response to hydrological and anthropogenic changes, Adams Bayou's diatom assemblages progressed from predominantly benthic (Gomphonema parvulum and Meridion circulare) to primarily planktonic assemblage (Aulacoseira granulata and Cyclotella meneghiniana), along with a decrease in magnetic susceptibility (k) and % silt. Statistical analyses reveled that during 1968–2000, higher hydrological connectivity and catchment alterations drove Adams Bayou's ecosystem. After 2000, lower hydrological connectivity and increase in cultivation were the major drivers. The potential impact of increasing air temperature was also noted. The shift in Adams Bayou from a connected, clear, mesotrophic state to a relatively isolated, turbid and nutrient enriched state is consistent with regime shift models and highlights its sensitivity to a combination of environmental stresses prevalent in the catchment. Although fluvial systems pose challenges in establishing clear chronologies, oxbow lake sediments can be a effective paleoecological archives. Our work provides clear evidence for the change in the ecological character of this wetland of international significance and flags the need for a wider assessment of water bodies across this site under obligations to the Ramsar Convention. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
- Authors: Bhattacharya, Ruchi , Hausmann, Sonja , Hubeny, J. Bradford , Gell, Peter , Black, Jessica
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 569-570, no. (2016), p. 1087-1097
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The ecological response of shallow oxbow lakes to variability in hydrology and catchment development in large river floodplain ecosystems (RFE) in Arkansas remains largely unknown. Investigating these responses will advance our understanding of ecological evolution of oxbow lakes in response to the major environmental drivers, which will establish baseline conditions required to develop effective management practices for RFE. In this pilot study, we examined the potential of using a dated surface sediment core from Adams Bayou, a floodplain lake located within the Cache-Lower White River Ramsar site in SE Arkansas. Stratigraphic records of diatoms and sediment geochemistry were used to ascertain variation in Adams Bayou's ecological condition. During 1968–2008, in response to hydrological and anthropogenic changes, Adams Bayou's diatom assemblages progressed from predominantly benthic (Gomphonema parvulum and Meridion circulare) to primarily planktonic assemblage (Aulacoseira granulata and Cyclotella meneghiniana), along with a decrease in magnetic susceptibility (k) and % silt. Statistical analyses reveled that during 1968–2000, higher hydrological connectivity and catchment alterations drove Adams Bayou's ecosystem. After 2000, lower hydrological connectivity and increase in cultivation were the major drivers. The potential impact of increasing air temperature was also noted. The shift in Adams Bayou from a connected, clear, mesotrophic state to a relatively isolated, turbid and nutrient enriched state is consistent with regime shift models and highlights its sensitivity to a combination of environmental stresses prevalent in the catchment. Although fluvial systems pose challenges in establishing clear chronologies, oxbow lake sediments can be a effective paleoecological archives. Our work provides clear evidence for the change in the ecological character of this wetland of international significance and flags the need for a wider assessment of water bodies across this site under obligations to the Ramsar Convention.
- Description: The ecological response of shallow oxbow lakes to variability in hydrology and catchment development in large river floodplain ecosystems (RFE) in Arkansas remains largely unknown. Investigating these responses will advance our understanding of ecological evolution of oxbow lakes in response to the major environmental drivers, which will establish baseline conditions required to develop effective management practices for RFE. In this pilot study, we examined the potential of using a dated surface sediment core from Adams Bayou, a floodplain lake located within the Cache-Lower White River Ramsar site in SE Arkansas. Stratigraphic records of diatoms and sediment geochemistry were used to ascertain variation in Adams Bayou's ecological condition. During 1968–2008, in response to hydrological and anthropogenic changes, Adams Bayou's diatom assemblages progressed from predominantly benthic (Gomphonema parvulum and Meridion circulare) to primarily planktonic assemblage (Aulacoseira granulata and Cyclotella meneghiniana), along with a decrease in magnetic susceptibility (k) and % silt. Statistical analyses reveled that during 1968–2000, higher hydrological connectivity and catchment alterations drove Adams Bayou's ecosystem. After 2000, lower hydrological connectivity and increase in cultivation were the major drivers. The potential impact of increasing air temperature was also noted. The shift in Adams Bayou from a connected, clear, mesotrophic state to a relatively isolated, turbid and nutrient enriched state is consistent with regime shift models and highlights its sensitivity to a combination of environmental stresses prevalent in the catchment. Although fluvial systems pose challenges in establishing clear chronologies, oxbow lake sediments can be a effective paleoecological archives. Our work provides clear evidence for the change in the ecological character of this wetland of international significance and flags the need for a wider assessment of water bodies across this site under obligations to the Ramsar Convention. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Editorial : Understanding change in the ecological character of wetlands
- Gell, Peter, Finlayson, C. Max
- Authors: Gell, Peter , Finlayson, C. Max
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial
- Relation: Marine and Freshwater Research Vol. 67, no. 6 (2016), p. 683-684
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The world’s wetlands of international importance are overseen by host nations under processes established through the intergovernmental Convention on Wetlands, commonly known as the Ramsar Convention. Signatory nations to the Convention are required to list at least one wetland as internationally important (known as Ramsar sites) and describe and maintain their ecological character (Gardner and Davidson 2011). Wetlands that satisfy one of a suite of ecological criteria, many of which relate to wetland biodiversity, may be listed as internationally important; the list of internationally important wetlands currently contains 2231 sites covering 214 936 005 ha (17 March 2016). The signatories are also required to report on any likely and actual variations in the ecological character of the wetland that may bring it to a state where it may be considered degraded (Finlayson 1996). They are then required to mitigate this degradation or follow prescriptions to delist and offset, with the former being potentially biophysically complex (Alexander et al. 2011) and the latter potentially bedevilled by complex processes (Pittock et al. 2010).
Effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of Salvia verbenaca L. cultivars (verbenaca and vernalis) : An invasive species in semi-arid and arid rangeland regions
- Javaid, Muhammad, Florentine, Singarayer, Ali, Hafiz, Weller, Sandra
- Authors: Javaid, Muhammad , Florentine, Singarayer , Ali, Hafiz , Weller, Sandra
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 13, no. 3 (2018), p. 1-20
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Salvia verbenaca (wild sage) is a commonly cultivated herbal medicine plant, which is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. However, it has become an invasive species in semi-arid and arid regions of southern Australia. Two varieties are present in this region, var. verbenaca and var. vernalis, each of which can be distinguished by differences in morphology and flowering period. Following trials to determine the optimum temperate regime for germination and response to light and dark, seeds of both varieties were tested for their response to variations in pH, moisture stress, salinity, and burial depth. The temperature and light trial was carried out using three different temperature regimes; 30/20C, 25/15C and 20/12C, and two light regimes; 12 hours light/12 hours dark and 24 hours dark, with var. vernalis responding to relatively higher temperatures than var. verbenaca. The germination rate of neither species was significantly inhibited by complete darkness when compared to rates under periodic light exposure. Both varieties germinated at near optimum rates strongly to very strongly in all pH buffer solutions, from pH 5 to pH 10, but they responded most strongly at neutral pH. Var. vernalis showed slightly more tolerance to reduced moisture availability, moderate to strong salinity, and burial depth, compared to var. verbenaca. However, even a fairly shallow burial depth of 2 cm completely inhibited germination of both varieties. Thus, in circumstances where both varieties are present in a soil seedbank, var. vernalis could be expected to establish in more challenging conditions, where moisture is limited and salinity is ‘moderate to high’, implying that it is a more serious threat for invasive weed in conditions where crop plants are already challenged.
- Authors: Javaid, Muhammad , Florentine, Singarayer , Ali, Hafiz , Weller, Sandra
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 13, no. 3 (2018), p. 1-20
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Salvia verbenaca (wild sage) is a commonly cultivated herbal medicine plant, which is native to the Mediterranean climate regions of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. However, it has become an invasive species in semi-arid and arid regions of southern Australia. Two varieties are present in this region, var. verbenaca and var. vernalis, each of which can be distinguished by differences in morphology and flowering period. Following trials to determine the optimum temperate regime for germination and response to light and dark, seeds of both varieties were tested for their response to variations in pH, moisture stress, salinity, and burial depth. The temperature and light trial was carried out using three different temperature regimes; 30/20C, 25/15C and 20/12C, and two light regimes; 12 hours light/12 hours dark and 24 hours dark, with var. vernalis responding to relatively higher temperatures than var. verbenaca. The germination rate of neither species was significantly inhibited by complete darkness when compared to rates under periodic light exposure. Both varieties germinated at near optimum rates strongly to very strongly in all pH buffer solutions, from pH 5 to pH 10, but they responded most strongly at neutral pH. Var. vernalis showed slightly more tolerance to reduced moisture availability, moderate to strong salinity, and burial depth, compared to var. verbenaca. However, even a fairly shallow burial depth of 2 cm completely inhibited germination of both varieties. Thus, in circumstances where both varieties are present in a soil seedbank, var. vernalis could be expected to establish in more challenging conditions, where moisture is limited and salinity is ‘moderate to high’, implying that it is a more serious threat for invasive weed in conditions where crop plants are already challenged.
- Alkurdi, Susan, Al-Juboori, Raed, Bundschuh, Jochen, Bowtell, Les, McKnight, Stafford
- Authors: Alkurdi, Susan , Al-Juboori, Raed , Bundschuh, Jochen , Bowtell, Les , McKnight, Stafford
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Environmental Pollution Vol. 262, no. (2020), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study examined arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)] and fluoride (F−) removal potential of bone char produced from sheep (Ovis aries) bone waste. Pyrolysis conditions tested were in the 500 °C–900 °C range, for a holding time of 1 or 2 h, with or without N2 gas purging. Previous bone char studies mainly focused on either low or high temperature range with limited information provided on As(III) removal. This study aims to address these gaps and provide insights into the effect of pyrolysis conditions on bone char sorption capacity. A range of advanced chemical analyses were employed to track the change in bone char properties. As pyrolysis temperature and holding time increased, the resulting pH, surface charge, surface roughness, crystallinity, pore size and CEC all increased, accompanied by a decrease in the acidic functional groups and surface area. Pyrolysis temperature was a key parameter, showing improvement in the removal of both As(III) and As(V) as pyrolysis temperature was increased, while As(V) removal was higher than As(III) removal overall. F− removal displayed an inverse relationship with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Bone char prepared at 500 °C released significantly more dissolved organic carbon (DOC) then those prepared at a higher temperature. The bone protein is believed to be a major factor. The predominant removal mechanisms for As were surface complexation, precipitation and interaction with nitrogenous functional groups. Whereas F− removal was mainly influenced by interaction with oxygen functional groups and electrostatic interaction. This study recommends that the bone char pyrolysis temperature used for As and F− removal are 900 °C and 650 °C, respectively. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
- Description: This research was performed as a part of PhD research which was supported in part by the Iraqi Government and the Australian Research Training Program.
- Vithana, Chamindra, Sullivan, Leigh, Shepherd, Troy
- Authors: Vithana, Chamindra , Sullivan, Leigh , Shepherd, Troy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water Research Vol. 124, no. (2017), p. 1-10
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This study focused on understanding the effect of schwertmannite and jarosite, commonly found in floodplains containing acid sulfate soil materials, on the characteristics of the hypoxic blackwaters that can form when floodplain vegetation experiences prolonged inundation. The formation of these ‘blackwaters’ was simulated in the laboratory by inundating flood-intolerant pasture grass leaf material in both the presence of schwertmannite/jarosite (schwertmannite and jarosite treatments) minerals and their absence (control treatment) at 27.5 °C for 32 days. The presence of either schwertmannite or jarosite was able to decrease the concentrations of DOC, nutrients (e.g. NH3 and PO4 3−) and the biological oxygen demand (BOD) in the incubating water compared to the control treatment. Being fresh and labile, the pasture grass material liberated DOC immediately following inundation with a concomitant decrease in dissolved O2 thereby resulting in anoxic and reducing conditions in the incubating water. With the onset of anoxic and reducing conditions, the biogeochemical cycling of DOC in schwertmannite and jarosite treatments might have proceeded via microbially mediated iron(III) and sulfate reduction and electron shuttling processes. Under anoxic, slightly acidic conditions, microbially mediated iron(III) reduction and subsequent dissolution of schwertmannite and jarosite were triggered by liberating Fe2+, SO4 2− and alkalinity to the incubating water. The resultant increase in pH led to SO4 2− reduction in schwertmannite, and the Fe2+ catalysed transformation of both schwertmannite and jarosite to goethite. Schwertmannite almost completely transformed to goethite within two weeks of incubation. Iron(III) in goethite (formed from schwertmannie transformation) was also reduced and likely proceeded via direct microbial reduction or via electron shuttling using the humic acids in the incubating water derived from pasture grass. These findings are highly useful in managing the coastal low lying acid sulfate soils landscapes which are subject to frequent flooding during wet seasons. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Effect of substrate on surface morphology and photocatalysis of large-scale TiO2 films
- Lopez Vanegas, Lorena, Daoud, Walid, Dutta, Dushmanta, Panther, Barbara, Turney, Terence
- Authors: Lopez Vanegas, Lorena , Daoud, Walid , Dutta, Dushmanta , Panther, Barbara , Turney, Terence
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Surface Science Vol. 265, no. (2013 2013), p. 162-168
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Nanostructured TiO2 films were prepared on a variety of substrates, including acid frosted soda-lime glass, acid frosted soda-lime glass pre-coated with a SiO2 barrier layer, commercial glazed ceramic tile and 6061 aluminum alloy. For each substrate, the phase and microstructure of the films were determined to be exclusively anatase. However, the growth of the TiO2 crystallites, the film morphology and thickness varied substantially with substrate. Thermal stress, resulting from the difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the substrates and the films, contributed to the formation and propagation of cracks. This was most clearly observed on the films deposited on SiO2 barrier layer and aluminum. The photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 films deposited on glass with and without SiO2 barrier layer, ceramic, and aluminum was studied via UV decolorization of methyl orange in aqueous solution. Complete degradation rapidly occurred on the TiO2/glass and TiO2/SiO2 barrier layer films, but not with the ceramic or metal substrates. It appears that the photocatalytic activity of the films deposited on aluminum and ceramic substrates was affected by the quantity and the size of the anatase crystallites. The aluminum substrate promoted the formation of TiO2 films with the largest anatase crystallite size, exhibiting a cracked morphology, where as the ceramic substrate resulted in the formation of TiO2 films with large crystallite size in an island morphology.
Effectiveness of mouth rinsing versus ingesting pickle juice for alleviating electrically induced cramp in physically active adults
- Georgieva, Julia, Brade, Carly, Ducker, Kagan, Davey, Paul, Jacques, Angela, Ohno, Masato, Lavender, Andrew
- Authors: Georgieva, Julia , Brade, Carly , Ducker, Kagan , Davey, Paul , Jacques, Angela , Ohno, Masato , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 11, no. 24 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
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- Description: (1) Background: Stimulating oropharyngeal transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in-hibits muscle cramping by triggering a supraspinal reflex to reduce α-motor neuron hyperexcitability. This study investigated whether the longer stimulation of the TRP channels via mouth rinsing with PJ is more effective than drinking PJ at inhibiting an electrically induced muscle cramp (EIMC). Both conditions were compared to the control (water). (2) Methods: The tibial nerves in 11 cramp-prone adults were percutaneously stimulated to elicit an EIMC of the flexor hallucis brevis in three trials that took place one week apart from each other. At cramp onset, the participants received mouth rinsing and expelling PJ (25 mL), ingesting PJ (1 mL·kg−1 body-mass (BM)), or ingesting water (1 mL·kg−1 BM). Cramp onset and offset were induced by electromyography, and the severity of discomfort was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). (3) Results: The median time to cramp cessation as a percentage of water was 82.8 ± 14.63% and 68.6 ± 47.78% for PJ ingestion and PJ mouth rinsing, respectively. These results had large variability, and no statistically significant differences were observed. There were also no differences in perceived cramp discomfort between conditions, despite the hazard ratios for the time taken to reach VAS = 0, which was higher than water (control) for PJ ingestion (22%) and mouth rinsing (35%) (p = 0.66 and 0.51, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The data suggest no difference in cramp duration and perceived discomfort between PJ and water. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Andrew Lavender” is provided in this record**
- Authors: Georgieva, Julia , Brade, Carly , Ducker, Kagan , Davey, Paul , Jacques, Angela , Ohno, Masato , Lavender, Andrew
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 11, no. 24 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: (1) Background: Stimulating oropharyngeal transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in-hibits muscle cramping by triggering a supraspinal reflex to reduce α-motor neuron hyperexcitability. This study investigated whether the longer stimulation of the TRP channels via mouth rinsing with PJ is more effective than drinking PJ at inhibiting an electrically induced muscle cramp (EIMC). Both conditions were compared to the control (water). (2) Methods: The tibial nerves in 11 cramp-prone adults were percutaneously stimulated to elicit an EIMC of the flexor hallucis brevis in three trials that took place one week apart from each other. At cramp onset, the participants received mouth rinsing and expelling PJ (25 mL), ingesting PJ (1 mL·kg−1 body-mass (BM)), or ingesting water (1 mL·kg−1 BM). Cramp onset and offset were induced by electromyography, and the severity of discomfort was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). (3) Results: The median time to cramp cessation as a percentage of water was 82.8 ± 14.63% and 68.6 ± 47.78% for PJ ingestion and PJ mouth rinsing, respectively. These results had large variability, and no statistically significant differences were observed. There were also no differences in perceived cramp discomfort between conditions, despite the hazard ratios for the time taken to reach VAS = 0, which was higher than water (control) for PJ ingestion (22%) and mouth rinsing (35%) (p = 0.66 and 0.51, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The data suggest no difference in cramp duration and perceived discomfort between PJ and water. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Andrew Lavender” is provided in this record**
Effects of a seven day overload-period of high-intensity training on performance and physiology of competitive cyclists
- Clark, Bradley, Costa, Vitor, O'Brien, Brendan, Guglielmo, Luiz, Paton, Carl
- Authors: Clark, Bradley , Costa, Vitor , O'Brien, Brendan , Guglielmo, Luiz , Paton, Carl
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 9, no. 12 (2014), p. art no. e115308
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- Description: Abstract Objectives Competitive endurance athletes commonly undertake periods of overload training in the weeks prior to major competitions. This investigation examined the effects of two seven-day high-intensity overload training regimes (HIT) on performance and physiological characteristics of competitive cyclists. Design The study was a matched groups, controlled trial. Methods Twenty-eight male cyclists (mean ± SD, Age: 33±10 years, Mass 74±7 kg, VO2 peak 4.7±0.5 L·min−1) were assigned to a control group or one of two training groups for seven consecutive days of HIT. Before and after training cyclists completed an ergometer based incremental exercise test and a 20-km time-trial. The HIT sessions were ~120 minutes in duration and consisted of matched volumes of 5, 10 and 20 second (short) or 15, 30 and 45 second (long) maximal intensity efforts. Results Both the short and long HIT regimes led to significant (p<0.05) gains in time trial performance compared to the control group. Relative to the control group, the mean changes (±90% confidence limits) in time-trial power were 8.2%±3.8% and 10.4%±4.3% for the short and long HIT regimes respectively; corresponding increases in peak power in the incremental test were 5.5%±2.7% and 9.5%±2.5%. Both HIT (short vs long) interventions led to non-significant (p>0.05) increases (mean ± SD) in VO2 peak (2.3%±4.7% vs 3.5%±6.2%), lactate threshold power (3.6%±3.5% vs 2.9%±5.3%) and gross efficiency (3.2%±2.4% vs 5.1%±3.9%) with only small differences between HIT regimes. Conclusions Seven days of overload HIT induces substantial enhancements in time-trial performance despite non-significant increases in physiological measures with competitive cyclists
- Authors: Clark, Bradley , Costa, Vitor , O'Brien, Brendan , Guglielmo, Luiz , Paton, Carl
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 9, no. 12 (2014), p. art no. e115308
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Abstract Objectives Competitive endurance athletes commonly undertake periods of overload training in the weeks prior to major competitions. This investigation examined the effects of two seven-day high-intensity overload training regimes (HIT) on performance and physiological characteristics of competitive cyclists. Design The study was a matched groups, controlled trial. Methods Twenty-eight male cyclists (mean ± SD, Age: 33±10 years, Mass 74±7 kg, VO2 peak 4.7±0.5 L·min−1) were assigned to a control group or one of two training groups for seven consecutive days of HIT. Before and after training cyclists completed an ergometer based incremental exercise test and a 20-km time-trial. The HIT sessions were ~120 minutes in duration and consisted of matched volumes of 5, 10 and 20 second (short) or 15, 30 and 45 second (long) maximal intensity efforts. Results Both the short and long HIT regimes led to significant (p<0.05) gains in time trial performance compared to the control group. Relative to the control group, the mean changes (±90% confidence limits) in time-trial power were 8.2%±3.8% and 10.4%±4.3% for the short and long HIT regimes respectively; corresponding increases in peak power in the incremental test were 5.5%±2.7% and 9.5%±2.5%. Both HIT (short vs long) interventions led to non-significant (p>0.05) increases (mean ± SD) in VO2 peak (2.3%±4.7% vs 3.5%±6.2%), lactate threshold power (3.6%±3.5% vs 2.9%±5.3%) and gross efficiency (3.2%±2.4% vs 5.1%±3.9%) with only small differences between HIT regimes. Conclusions Seven days of overload HIT induces substantial enhancements in time-trial performance despite non-significant increases in physiological measures with competitive cyclists
Effects of cyclodextrins on the antimicrobial activity of plant-derived essential oil compounds
- Liang, Hao, Yuan, Qipeng, Vriesekoop, Frank, Lv, Fei
- Authors: Liang, Hao , Yuan, Qipeng , Vriesekoop, Frank , Lv, Fei
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Food Chemistry Vol. 135, no. 3 (2012), p. 1020-1027
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Essential oils (EOs) from plants are considered to be a safer alternative when compared to synthetic antimicrobial food additives. However, a major drawback of many EOs is their hydrophobic nature, which makes them insoluble in water based media and matrices. Although cyclodextrins (CDs) can increase the solubility of EO compounds, the effects of CDs on the antimicrobial activity of EOs have not been reported. In this paper, four different EO compounds (carvacrol, eugenol, linalool and 2-pentanoylfuran) were chosen to study the influence of CDs on the solubility and antimicrobial activity on bacteria and yeast. The greatest enhancement with regards to solubility of the four test compounds was achieved by hydroxypropyl-β-CD. In most instances, not only were the minimal antimicrobial concentrations of EO compounds decreased, but the interactivity of two combined EO compounds could be strengthened by the co-addition of CDs. Furthermore, the combination of carvacrol with hydroxypropyl-β-CD caused a marked change in the major membrane lipid composition of all microorganisms investigated; while scanning electron microscopy revealed that cellular integrity was significantly affected by 2× MIC, ultimately resulting in cell lysis. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Abraham, Joji, Dowling, Kim, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Abraham, Joji , Dowling, Kim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Chemosphere Vol. 190, no. (2018), p. 144-153
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Prescribed fire conducted in fire-prone areas is a cost-effective choice for forest management, but it also affects many of the physicochemical and bio-geological properties of the forest soil, in a similar manner to wild fires. The aim of this study is to investigate the nature of the mercury mobilization after a prescribed fire and the subsequent temporal changes in concentration. A prescribed fire was conducted in a legacy mine site in Central Victoria, Australia, in late August 2015 and soil sample collection and analyses were carried out two days before and two days after the fire, followed by collection at the end of each season and after an intense rainfall event in September 2016. Results revealed the occurrence of mercury volatilization (8.3–97%) during the fire, and the mercury concentration displayed a significant difference (p < 0.05) before and immediately after the fire. Integrated assessment with number of pollution indices has shown that the study site is extremely contaminated with mercury during all the sampling events, and this poses a serious ecological risk due to the health impacts of mercury on human and ecosystems. In times of climate fluctuation with concomitant increase in forest fire (including prescribed fire), and subsequent precipitation and runoff, the potential for an increased amount of mercury being mobilized is of heighted significance. Therefore, it is recommended that prescribed fire should be cautiously considered as a forest management strategy in any mercury affected landscapes. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
Efficient future waste management : a learning-based approach with deep neural networks for smart system (LADS)
- Chauhan, Ritu, Shighra, Sahil, Madkhali, Hatim, Nguyen, Linh, Prasad, Mukesh
- Authors: Chauhan, Ritu , Shighra, Sahil , Madkhali, Hatim , Nguyen, Linh , Prasad, Mukesh
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 7 (2023), p.
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- Reviewed:
- Description: Waste segregation, management, transportation, and disposal must be carefully managed to reduce the danger to patients, the public, and risks to the environment’s health and safety. The previous method of monitoring trash in strategically placed garbage bins is a time-consuming and inefficient method that wastes time, human effort, and money, and is also incompatible with smart city needs. So, the goal is to reduce individual decision-making and increase the productivity of the waste categorization process. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), the study sought to create an image classifier that recognizes items and classifies trash material. This paper provides an overview of trash monitoring methods, garbage disposal strategies, and the technology used in establishing a waste management system. Finally, an efficient system and waste disposal approach is provided that may be employed in the future to improve performance and cost effectiveness. One of the most significant barriers to efficient waste management can now be overcome with the aid of a deep learning technique. The proposed method outperformed the alternative AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet34 methods. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Chauhan, Ritu , Shighra, Sahil , Madkhali, Hatim , Nguyen, Linh , Prasad, Mukesh
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Applied Sciences (Switzerland) Vol. 13, no. 7 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Waste segregation, management, transportation, and disposal must be carefully managed to reduce the danger to patients, the public, and risks to the environment’s health and safety. The previous method of monitoring trash in strategically placed garbage bins is a time-consuming and inefficient method that wastes time, human effort, and money, and is also incompatible with smart city needs. So, the goal is to reduce individual decision-making and increase the productivity of the waste categorization process. Using a convolutional neural network (CNN), the study sought to create an image classifier that recognizes items and classifies trash material. This paper provides an overview of trash monitoring methods, garbage disposal strategies, and the technology used in establishing a waste management system. Finally, an efficient system and waste disposal approach is provided that may be employed in the future to improve performance and cost effectiveness. One of the most significant barriers to efficient waste management can now be overcome with the aid of a deep learning technique. The proposed method outperformed the alternative AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet34 methods. © 2023 by the authors.
Efficient prediction of deterministic size effects using the scaled boundary finite element method
- Authors: Ooi, Ean Tat , Yang, Zhenjun
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Engineering Fracture Mechanics Vol. 77, no. 6 (2010), p. 985-1000
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This paper develops an efficient numerical approach to predict deterministic size effects in structures made of quasi-brittle materials using the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). Depending on the structure's size, two different SBFEM-based crack propagation modelling methodologies are used for fracture analyses. When the length of the fracture process zone (FPZ) in a structure is of the order of its characteristic dimension, nonlinear fracture analyses are carried out using the finite element-SBFEM coupled method. In large-sized structures, a linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)-based SBFEM is used to reduce computing time due to small crack propagation length required to represent the FPZ in an equivalent nonlinear analysis. Remeshing is used in both methods to model crack propagation with crack paths unknown a priori. The resulting peak loads are used to establish the size effect laws. Three concrete structures were modelled to validate the approach. The predicted size effect is in good agreement with experimental data. The developed approach was found more efficient than the finite element method, at least in modelling LEFM problems and is thus an attractive tool for predicting size effect. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Electronic cigarettes or vaping : are there any differences in the profiles, use and perceptions between a developed and a developing country?
- Rahman, Muhammad Aziz, Joseph, Bindu, Nimmi, Naima
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Joseph, Bindu , Nimmi, Naima
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 3 (2022), p.
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- Description: The use of electronic cigarettes or vaping is currently increasing in popularity globally. Debate continues regarding their potential role for smoking cessation. We aimed to compare the profiles, use and perceptions of using e-cigarettes amongst online forum users in a developed and a developing country. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of different popular online forums in Australia and Bangladesh who were current or ex-users of e-cigarettes. There were 422 study participants, 261 (62%) from Australia and 161 (38%) from Bangladesh. The mean age was 36.3 (±12) years and 83% were men. Australians were more likely to be exclusive users of e-cigarettes (70% vs. 30%, AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.63–5.71]), but less likely to be dual users of smoking and e-cigarettes (43% vs. 57%, 0.36 [0.19–0.69]); they were also more likely to mention that the perceived reasons for using were their low cost, good taste/flavour, safety and assistance in reducing or quitting smoking (66% vs. 34%, 5.10 [2.04–12.8]), but less likely to mention a social/cool image as a reason for use (23% vs. 77%, 0.11 [0.01–0.87]) compared with Bangladeshi participants. About two-thirds of the participants in both countries perceived the use of e-cigarettes as less addictive than cigarettes and more than three-quarters perceived them as less harmful. E-cigarette users in Australia were more likely to use them to reduce or quit cigarettes compared with those in Bangladesh, and dual use was common in Bangladesh. These findings warrant the consideration of precautions for promoting e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smoking cessation in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Rahman, Muhammad Aziz , Joseph, Bindu , Nimmi, Naima
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 19, no. 3 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The use of electronic cigarettes or vaping is currently increasing in popularity globally. Debate continues regarding their potential role for smoking cessation. We aimed to compare the profiles, use and perceptions of using e-cigarettes amongst online forum users in a developed and a developing country. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of different popular online forums in Australia and Bangladesh who were current or ex-users of e-cigarettes. There were 422 study participants, 261 (62%) from Australia and 161 (38%) from Bangladesh. The mean age was 36.3 (±12) years and 83% were men. Australians were more likely to be exclusive users of e-cigarettes (70% vs. 30%, AOR 3.05 [95% CI 1.63–5.71]), but less likely to be dual users of smoking and e-cigarettes (43% vs. 57%, 0.36 [0.19–0.69]); they were also more likely to mention that the perceived reasons for using were their low cost, good taste/flavour, safety and assistance in reducing or quitting smoking (66% vs. 34%, 5.10 [2.04–12.8]), but less likely to mention a social/cool image as a reason for use (23% vs. 77%, 0.11 [0.01–0.87]) compared with Bangladeshi participants. About two-thirds of the participants in both countries perceived the use of e-cigarettes as less addictive than cigarettes and more than three-quarters perceived them as less harmful. E-cigarette users in Australia were more likely to use them to reduce or quit cigarettes compared with those in Bangladesh, and dual use was common in Bangladesh. These findings warrant the consideration of precautions for promoting e-cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for smoking cessation in developing countries, such as Bangladesh. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.