Bird Droppings Research Articles

Soybean response to organic fertilizer based on bird manure

Organic fertilizers based on chicken manure have a diverse composition of basic nutrients and microelements, which is their advantage over mineral fertilizers. The introduction of organic fertilizers obtained based on chicken manure improves the biological activity of the soil. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of using bird droppings as an organic fertilizer to conserve soil bioresources and increase soybean productivity. In the course of the work, the authors tested new organic fertilizers based on chicken manure obtained using a cavitationvortex heat generator by processing semi-dry manure. Their influence on soil microbiological indicators, growth, development, and biometric characteristics of soybean plants, phytosanitary condition of crops, productivity, and product quality was revealed. The authors also found that fertilizers based on chicken manure help to improve the microbiological characteristics of the soil, which increases the availability of nutrients for plants. The authors note a change in the number of mycomycetes at the beginning of the growing season: a decrease of 68% with the use of Preparation 1 and an increase of 35.6% with the use of nitrogen fertilizers. Pre-sowing introduction of preparations into the soil and processing during the growing season activate the vegetative development of plants and contribute to an increase in the yield of green mass and grain. The greatest effect was obtained when preparation 2 was applied under soybean. The increase in soybean grain yield was 0.2–0.3 t/ha or 8–14% of the control. The authors also found that treatment with drugs improves the structural parameters of soybean plants: the number of beans per plant increases by 6–8%; by 18–23% - the mass of grains from one plant; the safety of plants for harvesting increases by 2–4%.

INVASIVE PULMONARY FUSARIOSIS WITH SUPERIMPOSED HISTOPLASMOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

INVASIVE PULMONARY FUSARIOSIS WITH SUPERIMPOSED HISTOPLASMOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

S2011 Disseminated Histoplasmosis Involving the Whole Colon: It's Ulcers All the Way Down

Introduction: Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus endemic to river valleys of Eastern and Central U.S. that is spread via inhalation of spores from soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings. Disseminated Histoplasmosis (DH) spreads through the reticuloendothelial system via parasitized macrophages and can cause severe infection in immunocompromised patients with AIDS, hematologic malignancies, transplant recipients, and those receiving tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors or chronic corticosteroids. Gastrointestinal involvement in DH is frequently seen, but it is not uncommon for patients to be asymptomatic. We present a case of DH with pan-colonic ulcerations in a renal transplant patient. Case Description/Methods: A 83-year-old male with deceased donor renal transplantation on immunosuppression therapies presented with profound weakness. He was restarted on hemodialysis one month prior for declining renal allograft function which had been stable for the past 2 decades. Initial workup showed pneumonia on imaging, elevated procalcitonin, alkaline phosphatase, and pancytopenia. He developed hematochezia with worsening anemia which prompted colonoscopy that revealed deep and innumerable ulcers measuring greater than one cm in the whole colon. One large ulcer with a visible vessel near the hepatic flexure was treated with epinephrine, electrocautery, and endoclip for hemostasis. Ulcer biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with fungal yeast forms morphologically compatible with Histoplasma by Grocott's Methenamine Silver (GMS) staining. Bone marrow pathology was suggestive of fungal infiltration, but marrow and blood cultures were negative. Family revealed he lives in an old mold infested home and has history of visiting caves. Treatment was initiated with liposomal Amphotericin B then transitioned to oral Itraconazole. He has continued to make a strong recovery and remains on dialysis (Figure). Discussion: For healthy individuals, exposures to Histoplasma generally occur as asymptomatic to self-limited pulmonary infection. Disseminated Histoplasmosis is often undiagnosed and carries high mortality if untreated. These patients usually had past exposures with dormant inoculation that is reactivated after immunosuppression. GI involvement is common but can be non-symptomatic or with only vague abdominal complaints from colonic fungal invasion. Suspicion of DH should be met with a low threshold for endoscopic evaluation and requires tissue biopsy for diagnosis.Figure 1.: (A) Large ulcer in the cecum which was biopsied. (B) Numerous ulcers seen diffusely throughout the colon. (C, D) H&E and Grocott’s Methenamine Silver (GMS) stain of colonic mucosa with patchy ulceration and granulomatous inflammation including fungal yeast forms, morphologically compatible with Histoplasma.

Analysis of the main design and operating parameters of the device for the fermentation of bird droppings

The study on the utilization of poultry droppings put forward the need for the constructive and technological improvement of the biofermentation device. A drum-type bioreactor better meets the requirements for the technological process of eco-friendly biologically active fertilizer production from livestock and poultry wastes. However, the great size of the heat transfer surface of the bioreactor drum and its significant ejection momentum during spinning require quite a lot of energy. To decrease this consumption, the main constructive parameters should be optimized. The main reason is the sharp increase in prices for mineral fertilizers, the weak economic condition of most farms, the lack of advanced processing technologies and the use of organic fertilizers.
 Our aim in these studies was to analyze the types of design and operating parameters of the device for the fermentation of bird droppings. To this end, we conducted a study on the disposal of bird droppings, and also put forward the need for constructive and technological improvement of the biofermentation device. One of such ways to solve the problem was a drum-type bioreactor, which, according to our research indicators, better meets the requirements for the technological process of producing environmentally friendly biologically active fertilizers from animal husbandry and poultry waste, however, the size of this equipment of the heat transfer surface of the bioreactor drum and its significant emission pulse during rotation require a rather large waste of energy. To reduce this consumption, it is necessary to optimize the basic design parameters.
 Devices that work continuously were recognized as the most promising. They fully meet the technological and operational requirements

P186 Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient in a tertiary care center in North India

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesHistoplasmosis is a geographically restricted dimorphic fungi that causes disseminated infection in immune-competent as well as immunocompromised patients. Adrenal involvement is seen in disseminated disease but sometimes it may be the only site where then infection can be demonstrated. Early diagnosis and treatment are needed to save the patient from fatal adrenal insufficiency. We present a case of bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis in immunocompetent patient.MethodsA 63-year-old male presented to our hospital with a history of insidious onset of decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss for the last 6 months associated with generalized weakness. Patient had a history of mild to moderate intensity epigastric pain and discomfort which was intermittent in nature. Patient originally belongs to Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, but he was residing in Kolkata for the last 8 months.Patient had no history of fever, cough, hemoptysis, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, and steatorrhea. No history of orthostatic hypotension, salt craving, hyperpigmentation, headache, visual field disturbances, polyuria, behavioral changes, episodic headache, palpitation, diaphoresis, systemic hypertension with episodic all four-limb weakness. There was no history of abdominal striae, easy bruisability, difficulty in standing from squatting position. There was no history of tuberculosis among family members. On detailed history, it was revealed that he fed pigeons every day in the slum house where he lived in Kolkata.On the CECT abdomen it was found that there is an ill-defined hypodense enhancing lesion (72 × 52 × 77 mm) in right suprarenal region and bulky, necrosed 25 × 26 × 19 mm lesion in left suprarenal gland associated with multiple nonnecrotic paraaortic and aortic caval lymphadenopathy. He also received empirical anti-tubercular therapy for 15 days in the form of ethambutol and levofloxacin.ResultsIn all, 10% KOH wet mount of crushed smear of adrenal biopsy samples showed tissue debris and small narrow neck budding yeasts. Giemsa stain shows few small budding yeasts. Culture was put in SDA at 25°C and 37°C and incubated. On day 12, growth of colony in 25°C appears as white cottony growth with yellowish white reverse. On day 24, colony appears as buff brown with yellowish brown reverse. LPCB was done from the colony showing presence of characteristic tuberculate macroconidia (8–14) μm in diameter formed on short, hyaline, undifferentiated conidiophores and production of plenty round to pyriform microconidia (2–4 μm) in diameter, occurring on short branches and directly on the sides of the hyphae. Based on the direct microscopy and culture characteristics a diagnosis of Histoplasma capsulatum was given.ConclusionSystemic histoplasmosis is typically acquired through inhalation of microconidia or small hyphal elements in soil contaminated with bird and bat droppings leading to primary infection. This patient only manifested bilateral adrenal involvement with nonspecific symptoms.

P178 An unusual recurrent case of Cryptococcal sacroilitis in an immunocompetent elderly female in Rajasthan, India

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMBackground Cryptococcus lives in the environment all over the globe. Although it spreads via inhalation route still most of the exposed individuals never get sick as the majority of cases are seen in immunocompromised. Objective of this clinical case report is to highlight the rare fungal etiology associated with iliac bone abscess to avoid incorrect diagnosis and prompt management of case.Case PresentationA 70-year-old elderly female presented with hip pain for a month duration, not relieved with analgesics in September, 2021. In MRI a well-defined irregularly marginated hyperintense focal lesion was found in left iliac bone with joint effusion suggestive of infective etiology, tubercular, or less likely metastasis.CT-guided biopsy reported occasional hyphae-like fragments giving an impression of acute on chronic osteomyelitis with suspicion of fungal infection. Culture reported Cryptococcus neoformans. Fungal markers and Beta-d glucan were indeterminate and Galactomannan was found negative for the sample. Extrapulmonary TB was ruled out by AFB staining, MGIT Culture, and GeneXpert MTB. Bone scan, tumor markers, and PET scan ruled out osteolytic lesion secondary to metastasis. Though PET Scan and HRCT thorax confirm pulmonary involvement giving a picture of bilateral interstitial lung disease along with multiple enlarged lymph nodes.Patient serum was found negative for HIV, HBV, and HCV. Liver and renal function tests were within normal range and in hematology, ESR was raised (50; normal range:0-20). Patient is hypertensive with HbA1c of 5.3. There was no history of travel, avian exposure, weight loss, and COVID-19 infection. Patient was started on voriconazole and considering generalized lymphadenopathy, a therapeutic trial of anti-tubercular therapy was started which was stopped within a week on patient non-compliance. Abscess resolved with voriconazole and patient was discharged.In February 2022, Patient presented with similar complaints. CT scan of this fluctuant nodule depicted hypoechoic lesion which was ultrasound-guided drained. Sections show many rounds of oval fungal organism which were found PAS positive with mucicarmine and alcian blue positive capsule. Budding yeast cells were seen on KOH mount and India ink preparation demonstrated capsule which was confirmed by Cryptococcal Antigen test giving an overall impression in favor of Cryptococcosis. Patient was started on oral fluconazole and Injection liposomal amphotericin B 250 mg for 14 days.Discussion and ConclusionThis is the first case of skeletal Cryptococcosis at our institution which was managed by antifungals without surgical debridement resulting in resolution of abscess. Isolated focal iliac bone cryptococcosis is unusual but may occur in immunocompetent with everyday exposure to the organism. Herein, Patient had bilateral lung involvement along with multiple lymphadenopathies with no evidence of TB bacilli which inferences that the isolate most likely originated from environmental bird droppings and has disseminated from pulmonary lesion to the iliac bone. The radiological findings of iliac cryptococcosis abscess were nonspecific. A definitive diagnosis was made on histopathological and fungal examinations of ultrasound-guided drained abscess. Patient will be followed in the near future for relapse or any other medical issues related to the case.

The impact of lower quality water on soiling removal from photovoltaic panels

Soiling, bird droppings, and dust accumulation on the surface of photovoltaic cells, can reduce the solar energy absorption and produce power losses. In solar plants where soiling is a problem, the use of low quality water in lieu of typically used demineralized water could conserve fresh water. Soiling was studied in a group of 264 photovoltaic panels, facing due south with a tilt angle of 32°, located at the West Yard of the City of Las Vegas, Nevada. The panels were grouped into six independent sections and each section was manually washed eight times during 302 days using different cleaning methods. The results show that dust did not seem to have a great effect on the system performance, with the control group experiencing only a 1.88% reduction in mean efficiency due to dust accumulation. Washing with distilled water recovered the mean normalized system efficiency approximately 1.32%, followed by treated wastewater (0.92%), treated wastewater with surfactant (0.73%), vacuum cleaner (0.27%), and groundwater (0.24%). The dust composition analysis indicated the dust particles identified on the surface of the photovoltaic panels were the same from the ground or caused by the light vehicular traffic. Pyrolysis-GC/MS identified that the presence of organic compounds on the surface of the PV panels was related to the local suspended soil, pollen, and vaporized cooking oils. The dissolved minerals in the wastewater and in the groundwater, at this location, negatively impact the performance of the system and can be considered an inefficient cleaning method.

Application of intensive technologies for improved production processes in poultry farms

One of the important problems in the modern world is to provide the population with high-quality food. So, today the agricultural sector faces the main task of increasing the production of agricultural products, as well as the use of agricultural waste. Poultry farming is one of the main branches of the agricultural sector. The main task facing farmers is to improve the conditions and technology for feeding and keeping farm birds, and one of the important tasks is the state of indoor air in this regard, the problem remains open. Therefore, the main way to solve this problem is the preferred transition to intensive technologies in order to realize the efficiency potential in poultry farming. However, the intensification of the area increases the anthropogenic load on the environment. The main source of environmental risk is the systems of disposal of bird droppings. Our research has shown that 85 % of the negative impact on the environment is caused by poultry and animal husbandry waste. Lighting also plays an important role in poultry farming. Thus, lighting is the basis for electricity consumption. Both natural and industrial lighting is important for the physiology of birds and their development, but, unfortunately, it is quite energy-intensive. In this regard, the idea of solving this problem is being created, it is the development and application of new, efficient, inexpensive and environmentally friendly technologies that are important for large-scale research. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account that most poultry farms are equipped with simple mechanical ventilation systems without cooling. So, an increase in productivity is possible through the introduction of intensive technologies, while the economic assessment of the use of evaporation plants, the disposal of bird droppings and LED lighting can be of practical importance.

Research Progress of Self-Cleaning, Anti-Icing, and Aging Test Technology of Composite Insulators

Composite insulators are widely used in power systems because of their advantages of light weight, good pollution resistance, and high mechanical strength. With the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem, especially in winter at high latitudes, composite insulators are easily affected by fog, bird droppings, algae, and icing. Long-term exposure to the outdoor insulator surface will cause aging, which will then pose ae potential safety hazard to the stable operation of insulators. Therefore, the self-cleaning, anti-icing, and aging test technologies of composite insulators are particularly important. This paper introduces the research progress and current situation of self-cleaning, anti-icing surface preparation, and aging test technology of composite insulators, and looks forward to the future development of composite insulators.

Effects of rearing methods on feather-damaging behavior and corticosterone metabolite excretion in the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis Vieillot)

Hand-reared birds are more likely to develop behavioral disorders such as feather-damaging behavior (FDB) than parent-reared birds; this may adversely affect the human–animal bond and lead to poor animal welfare. Therefore, it is important to determine the effects of rearing methods on FDB to improve the welfare of companion birds. We determined the effects of rearing methods on FDB in the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis Vieillot) using a case–control study and by comparing the concentrations of corticosterone metabolites (CM) in bird droppings among the following 3 groups: (1) non-FDB hand-reared (N-HR) birds; (2) FDB hand-reared (FDB-HR) birds; and (3) parent-reared (PR) birds with neonatal handling. The case–control study included sex, age, rearing method, signs of separation anxiety, staple food, fresh food, enrichment, and the presence of conspecifics as potential risk factors for FDB. Droppings were collected once a month over a 3-day period for 2 months, and the CM concentrations in the droppings were determined using a competitive enzyme immunoassay. The prevalence of FDB was higher in the HR birds than in the PR birds. Furthermore, there was no difference in the mean CM concentrations in the droppings between the N-HR and FDB-HR birds; however, the mean CM concentrations in the droppings of these birds were higher than those of the PR birds. The presence of conspecifics resulted in significantly lower CM concentrations in the 3 groups than when conspecifics were absent. These findings suggest that rearing methods influence FDB development and dropping CM concentrations in the peach-faced lovebirds. Therefore, we propose parental rearing with neonatal handling over hand-rearing and maintaining with conspecifics for the welfare of the peach-faced lovebirds.

Systematic review on Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex infections with recommendations for practice in health and care settings

• Cryptococcal meningitis and pulmonary cryptococcosis are most commonly reported. • C. neoformans is primarily found in bird droppings. • C. gattii is mainly associated with trees. • C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex can stay dormant in its host. • Its two transmission routes are airborne and donor-derived. Cryptococcosis, a fungal disease that is mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex, can be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals. Following notification of two inpatient cryptococcosis cases in Scotland, reported to ARHAI Scotland via the outbreak and incident reporting system, an investigation was prompted towards the cause and sources of the infectious agent. Limited evidence is available on cryptococcosis in Scotland and therefore a systematic literature review on nosocomial C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex infections was performed. A targeted literature review was produced using a defined methodology as described in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Development Process ( https://hpspubsrepo.blob.core.windows.net/hps-website/nss/2892/documents/1_combined-nipcm-methodology-v3.1.pdf ). Three literature databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL) were searched, evidence was screened for relevance, relevant studies were critically appraised and summarised to form evidence-based conclusions and recommendations for practice in health and care settings. Out of the 3489 search results, 71 papers were included to form recommendations in this review. Within the evidence base, the majority of papers were found to be of low to moderate quality (SIGN50 level 3 or level 4). The evidence suggests that immunocompromised patients are most at risk of a C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex colonisation/infection which can involve the lungs, meninges and/or brain, and other sites (e.g. skin and/or soft tissue, bone, eye, and lymph nodes). Due to its ability to undergo genotypic and phenotypic changes, Cryptococcus spp. can stay dormant in its host and therefore incubation periods can vary between 6 weeks and 2 years. C. neoformans is primarily found in bird droppings whereas C. gattii is mainly associated with trees and the two transmission routes for Cryptococcus spp. are airborne and donor-derived. Although acquisition in the UK cannot be determined from these studies, conclusions and category B recommendations have been made for practice in health and care settings on the basis of the relevant studies found in literature.

Molecular Identification of Cryptococcus neoformans Isolates from House Environments of HIV-Infected Patients in an Urban Area, Indonesia: A First Report

Cryptococcus neoformans isolates were previously obtained from pigeon droppings in Jakarta. This study aimed to determine another source of infection and describe the supporting niche of the fungus. The occurrence of C. neoformans was evaluated in 110 samples of decaying wood and leaves, tree hollow debris, dust, and bird droppings. Yeasts isolates were collected from 22 houses of HIV-infected patients. The isolates were identified based on culture characteristics, an assimilation test, and URA5 restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. The spatial analysis was conducted in geographical information system to determine dominant house and environmental factors. Seven of the 120 isolates (5.83%) were identified as C. neoformans, corresponding to four (18.2%) houses. All isolates were from house environments of HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Spearman’s correlation analysis and McNemar’s test revealed a significant association between cryptococcosis in HIV-infected patients and their environment. The clinical and environmental isolates were 100% identical based on molecular techniques, indicating that the patients acquired cryptococcosis from the environment. The spatial analysis revealed that house dust, soil, and leaves were the dominant distribution factors in terms of estimating disease prevalence. This study demonstrates that the house environment is a source of infection for cryptococcosis.

Infrared Thermography in Maintenance of Building Applied Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic Systems (PV) are the most widely used renewable energy source in the Republic of Croatia but with a modest share in the total energy balance. EU energy policy encourages PV installation in building elements such as facades, roofs or separate constructions with the aim of achieving zero-energy buildings. Whether an integrated or stand-alone system during their lifetime requires periodic maintenance. In a normal operation, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection twice a year before and after the winter period to determine the condition of the equipment, connecting lines and supporting structures. In the case of a significant deviation from the normal production, the inspection must be done as soon as possible. Most commonly, the problems of the unmaintained system cannot be perceived as long as the PV system is in an operational state. Dropping of dust, bird droppings or shading over a longer period may lead to system components being damaged and to necessary repair costs that can be prevented by regular maintenance procedures, including regular surface cleaning of photovoltaic panels. Infrared thermography is a fast method of detecting heat sources due to shading or defective photovoltaic module elements. The paper provides visual examples of thermal spots that can be observed during the infrared thermographic inspection of photovoltaic systems, as well as a review of their impact on the system.

Experimental investigation of Effect of Dust Accumulation and Discoloration on Photovoltaic Panel Material

ABSTRACT Several factors affect the performance of photovoltaic panels like latitude, longitude, tilt angle, dust accumulation, shadow, bird droppings, operating temperature, and so on; out of these parameters, dust is less acknowledged. Therefore, in this paper, the effect of the dust accumulation trend on a glass slide sample for 7 days at a geographical location, Gwalior, India, was observed. The characterizations of the dust, such as the transmittance, density, and particle size, were analyzed using a UV-vis spectrometer, chemical balance, and optical microscope, respectively. It was found that there is a 15% transmittance drop on collected dust samples in 7 days, and it is recommended that the panel must be cleaned every third day to keep the panel efficient. Also, the effects of transmittance on PC and PET material utilized in photovoltaic panel encasement for 2 months were observed, and it was concluded that the optical efficiency of PC is 23% higher than PET as well as PC is a good superstrate, but PET is not good encapsulation for photovoltaic cell in optical efficiency regard.

Phylogenetic placement and species delimitation of the crab spider genus Phrynarachne (Araneae: Thomisidae) from China

Evolutionary biologists have long been fascinated by the striking resemblance to bird droppings of the sit-and-wait crab spiders of the genus Phrynarachne. In doing so, species of Phrynarachne have evolved not to avoid detection, but rather, to cause predators to misidentify them as inedible and/or inanimate bird droppings. However, the lack of a phylogeny for Phrynarachne impedes our understanding of the evolution of this trait in the genus. Here we explore species boundaries in species of Phrynarachne from China using single- and multi-locus species delimitation approaches based on 30 Phrynarachne samples. All species delimitation approaches supported six species of Phrynarachne in China. We further present the first phylogenetic analysis of the genus Phrynarachne and estimate divergence times using two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes. All of our phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Phrynarachne in China, with the genus still included within the higher ‘Thomisus group’ based on our results. Our dating analyses place the crown age of Phrynarachne in China to the middle Miocene. Taken together, our study provides a time-calibrated phylogeny of the genus Phrynarachne in China for testing hypotheses regarding the evolution of the lineage and bird dropping masquerade.

Microbial stowaways: Waterbirds as dispersal vectors of aquatic pro‐ and microeukaryotic communities

AbstractAimWaterbirds are important dispersal vectors of multicellular organisms; however, no study to date has focused on their potential role in dispersing aquatic microbial communities. We explicitly studied endozoochory of prokaryotes and unicellular microeukaryotes by waterbirds using DNA metabarcoding. By directly comparing the dispersed set of organisms to the source pool of a natural metacommunity, we aimed at a realistic estimate of the importance of waterbird zoochory for natural microbial communities.LocationTemporary saline soda pans in Austria and Hungary.TaxonProkaryotes and unicellular microeukaryotes.MethodsIn 2017 and 2018, water samples were collected from a network of 25 temporary ponds along with fresh droppings of five waterbird species including the dominant greylag goose (Anser anser). Prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities were identified via 16S and 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. After quality filtering of sequence reads, pro‐ and microeukaryotic amplicon sequence variant (ASV) compositions were compared between the aquatic and dropping samples, across years and waterbird species.Results28% of the dominant aquatic prokaryotic and 19% of the microeukaryotic ASVs were transported by A. anser. ASV richness was lower, but compositional variation was higher in A. anser droppings than in aquatic communities, probably resulting from stochastic pick‐up from multiple aquatic habitats. The composition of prokaryotic ASVs in bird droppings differed among the 2 years and reflected the actual aquatic communities. The dispersed set of microbes were largely similar among the waterbird species except for the planktivore filter‐feeder northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata), which dispersed more microeukaryotes than the other waterbirds.Main conclusionsUsing an amplicon sequencing approach to characterize aquatic microorganisms in waterbird droppings and in the associated environment, our study provides strong evidence for endozoochory of natural communities. These results imply that waterbirds may be crucial in maintaining ecological connectivity between aquatic habitats at the level of microbial communities.

Long term operational performance and experimental on-field degradation measurement of 10 MW PV plant in remote location in India

The paper presents extensive monitoring, detailed long term operational performance and on-field degradation measurement of utility scale grid connected 10 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in real operating conditions. Different performance indices are evaluated incorporating IEC standard 61724 guidelines based on actual plant monitoring data (incident solar irradiation, ambient and module temperature and generated electrical energy) from January 2016 to December 2020 (period of five years). The annual average reference, array and final yield, performance ratio, capacity utilization factor, array capture and system losses, PV array and system efficiency of the plant were found to be 6–6.7 h/day, 4.83–5.1 h/day, 4.69–4.86 h/day, 72–74%, 19–20%, 1.02–1.33 h/day, 0.15–0.156 h/day, 12% and 11% respectively. Degradation of fielded modules is assessed by visual inspection and I-V curve tracing. Correlation of I-V characterization with electrical parameters of visually degraded installed PV modules is also presented. The calculated linear degradation rates varied from 0.97 to 1.52%/year in modules with considerable bird dropping, 1.33 to 1.61%/year in modules with light EVA discoloration, 1.6 to 1.86%/year in modules with glass breakage, 2.31 to 3.94%/year in modules with glass breakage and dark EVA discoloration, and 2.97 to 5.8%/year in modules with glass breakage and cell cracks. The annual linear degradation rates were found to be in the range of 0.9 to 1.1%/year for normal fielded modules with no visible degradation and 0.97 to 2.9%/year for visually degraded modules with mean and median values of 1.8%/year and 1.6%/year with six years operational period. The levelized cost of electricity, simple and discounted payback period and return on investment were found to be 4.05 Rs, 5.5 years, 11 years and 62.22% respectively. Annual CO2 savings of the plant is around 16,000 tons and CO2 emission reduction potential of installed pc-Si technology is found to be 1.6 tons/kWp.

The story of nitrogen

Abstract For centuries, farmers have needed fertilizers rich in nitrogen to increase crop yields. This need led to one of the most unusual wars in history: a war over fossilized bird droppings. Twentieth century chemists solved the problem of mass-producing nitrogen fertilizer, but their solution required enormous amounts of energy. Twenty-first century chemists now face the challenge of producing nitrogen fertilizer without the need for energy provided by fossil fuels.

Campylobacter hepaticus, the cause of Spotty Liver Disease in chickens, can enter a viable but nonculturable state

Campylobacter hepaticus causes Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) in layer hens, resulting in mortality and productivity losses. Like other Campylobacter species, C. hepaticus is a fastidious organism that requires microaerobic conditions to grow and efficiently replicate. Despite its apparent vulnerability to environmental conditions, it is suspected that there are environmental sources of C. hepaticus that cause infections in chickens newly placed in production houses. Although C. hepaticus DNA has been detected in insects, rodent and wild bird droppings, and in environmental samples such as water and soil, it has not been possible to culture C. hepaticus from these sources. Therefore, it is unclear whether these environments harbor viable bacteria or the remnants of dead bacteria. Determining the viability of C. hepaticus in challenging conditions has implications for understanding the potential relevance of environmental reservoirs and routes of transmission. Other Campylobacters are known to enter viable but nonculturable (VBNC) states that result in prolonged survival in hostile environmental conditions. This study has demonstrated that C. hepaticus can also enter a VBNC state when stored in water or a simple salt solution (Ringer’s solution). Cells in the VBNC state could not be recovered on media normally used for primary isolation, but media modifications were tested, and a ‘resuscitation’ media was developed. VBNC cells could be recovered from Ringer’s solution stored at 4 °C for up to 112 days. VBNC cells are postulated to play an important role in the epidemiology of SLD.

From crypsis to masquerade: Ontogeny changes the colour defences of a crab spider hiding as bird droppings

Abstract Selection imposed by visually hunting predators has driven the evolution of colour‐based antipredator defence strategies such as crypsis, masquerade, mimicry and aposematism. Individuals of many animals are generally considered to rely on a single type of defence strategy, but individuals of some species use multiple colour‐based defences. Many animals switch between colour‐based defences against visually hunting predators during ontogeny. However, why this occurs remains poorly understood. The crab spider Phrynarachne ceylonica is an often‐cited example of a bird dropping masquerade. It has recently been demonstrated that P. ceylonica crab spiders gain protection from their predators by being misidentified as bird droppings by their predators. P. ceylonica females show an ontogenetic shift in colour defences: early instars possess a dark and cryptic form, while at later instars and as adults, the spiders resemble bird droppings. We hypothesised that this shift may be driven by differential changes in predation risk of two defence strategies with increasing body size due to ontogeny. We tested this hypothesis by presenting naïve domestic chicks with 3D printed artificial spiders of two different sizes (small, large) and two colours (dark, bird dropping‐like), and determined whether larger bird dropping‐like spiders are more readily found and attacked than cryptic forms by chicks. We found that small cryptic spiders were more difficult to detect than small bird dropping masquerading spiders, but large cryptic spiders were attacked much more quickly and more frequently than large bird dropping masquerading spiders. Increasing predation pressure on larger, cryptic spiders during ontogeny suggests that switching to bird dropping masquerade may be a more effective defence as spiders increase in size. We thus conclude that the ontogenetic shift from crypsis to masquerade is adaptive.