Extensive Areas Research Articles

The effect of biochar in a specialty adsorbent on enhanced PFAS removal from surface water

An enhanced specialty adsorbent, referred to as biochar-based iron and perlite-integrated green environmental media (BIPGEM), was designed to simultaneously remove both long-chain PFAS mainly including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from surface water matrices. Batch-scale experiments using BIPGEM revealed that the removal efficiencies for PFOA and PFOS exceeded 98 % when treating a mixture of 3 short-chain PFAS, including perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (GenX Chemicals). Additionally, a fixed-bed column study using BIPGEM revealed that the removal efficiencies of PFOA and PFOS were over 85 % within the first 12 h whereas the removal efficiency of PFBA was over 40 % at the fortieth hour. It was confirmed that the critical role of biochar in the removal of long-chain PFAS, particularly PFOA, can be attributed to the following factors: (1) the morphological structure and pore size of biochar restrict PFAS mobility, (2) the extensive specific surface area of biochar, with a positive charge (point of zero charge = 10.7) at the experimental condition, enhances the adsorption likelihood with the negatively charged hydrophilic heads of PFOA and PFOS, and (3) the presence of non-polar aromatic rings with high hydrophobicity in biochar facilitates the removal of PFAS through hydrophobic interactions with the functional groups of PFAS.

Impact of left atrial stiffness measurement as a pre-procedural predictor of an extensive left atrial low-voltage area

Abstract Background The presence of a left atrial (LA) low-voltage area (LVA) after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a strong predictor of recurrence and LVAs are often an additional ablation target. However, predicting the presence of an LVA before the procedure remains challenging. Purpose To assess the LA stiffness index as a preprocedural predictor of an extensive LVA. Methods We prospectively evaluated 74 patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF and high-density bipolar LA voltage mapping during sinus rhythm or high right atrial pacing. "LVA" was defined as an area with bipolar electrograms (<0.5 mV), while "extensive LVA" was defined as the presence of an LVA that covered more than 15% of the LA surface. Echocardiographic measurements, including the LA volume index (LAVi), E/e' ratio, LA reservoir strain (LASr), and LA stiffness index, calculated as the ratio of E/eʹ to LASr, were performed prior to catheter ablation in all patients. Results Overall, 17 patients (23.0%) had an extensive LVA. Patients with extensive LVAs were older (73 ± 7 vs. 66 ± 8 years; P=0.003), predominantly female (59% vs. 23%; P=0.01), and more frequently showed persistent AF (59% vs. 30%; P=0.04) in comparison to patients without extensive LVAs. According to a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the LA stiffness index was more accurate than the LAVi or LASr for predicting extensive LVAs (Figure), allowing using a cutoff value ≥0.6 with 73% sensitivity and 91% specificity. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the LA stiffness index was an independent predictor of an extensive LVA (odds ratio [OR], 44.11; 95% CI 3.83–507.47, P=0.002). Conclusion The LA stiffness index was a robust predictor of the extent of LVAs in AF patients and thus could be useful for the preprocedural selection of candidates for catheter ablation and to determine the most effective ablation strategies.

A self‐cooling self‐humidifying mosquito carrier backpack for transporting live adult mosquitoes on foot over long distances under challenging field conditions

AbstractIt is often necessary to use motorised transport to move live mosquitoes from distant field collection points into a central insectary, so that their behavioural and/or physiological phenotypes can be assessed under carefully controlled conditions. However, a survey of heritable insecticide susceptibility traits among wild‐caught Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes, collected across an extensive study area composed largely of wilderness in southern Tanzania, necessitated that live mosquitoes were carried on foot over distances up to 25 km per day because most of the area was impassable by car, motorcycle or even bicycle during the rains. A self‐cooling, self‐humidifying carrier backpack was therefore developed that allows live adult mosquito specimens to be transported across rugged miombo woodland and floodplain terrain throughout the year. This wettable backpack was fabricated from stitched Tanzanian kitenge cotton fabric and polyvinyl chloride–coated fibreglass netting that allows easy circulation of air in and out. An outer cover flap made of cotton towelling embedded inside a kitenge envelope overhangs the fibreglass netting upper body of the bag, to protect mosquitoes from direct sunlight, and can be soaked with water to maintain low temperature and high humidity inside. Mean survival of insectary‐reared female An. arabiensis transported through nine different mobile camps inside the 509 km2 Ifakara‐Lupiro‐Mang'ula wildlife management area (ILUMA WMA), over up to 143 km and 25 days, was statistically indistinguishable from those left in the field insectary over the same period. Although considerable variance of survival was observed between different batches of mosquitoes from the insectary and between individual cups of mosquitoes, the different levels and positions inside the backpack had no influence on this outcome. Temperature and humidity inside the backpack were maintained at standard insectary conditions throughout, despite much more extreme conditions immediately outside. When the backpack was used to transport wild An. arabiensis and Anopheles quadriannulatus across a much larger study area of >4000 km2, encompassing the ILUMA WMA, some nearby villages and adjacent parts of Nyerere National Park (NNP), it achieved a mean survival rate of 58.2% (95% confidence interval 47.5–68.2). Encouragingly, no difference in survival was observed between ILUMA WMA and NNP even though transport back from NNP involves much longer distances, sometimes involving lengthy journeys by car or boat. Overall, this mosquito carrier backpack prototype appears to represent a viable and effective method for transporting live wild‐caught mosquitoes on foot across otherwise impassable terrain under challenging weather conditions with minimal detrimental impact on their survival.

AI-empowered Search Drone: Advanced AI-based Tiny Object Search Drone for Broad Areas

Abstract. Detecting the garbage distribution and position in broad terrains(beaches, grasslands, squares, etc) is extremely important for environmental protection and urban image. Manually screen these terrains is time-consuming and ineicient. Autonomous robot may find the wastes automatically, but they may hinder and even endanger the pedestrians. Unmanned aerial systems(UAS) are ideal tools for monitoring broad areas and detecting garbage. In this project we create an AI-empowered Search Drone for extensive garbage search in broad regions. The camera on our drone and the external image transmission module on the computer receive and process top-view image from the sky. The images from high altitude lead to the reduction in target size and object distortion. We innovately modified the network structure of the oicial YOLOv5 model by adding layers specifically for small object detection, enhancing its adaptability to small targets captured by drones.To address camera image distortion, we leveraged the OpenCV (cv2) library to obtain and apply a distortion correction matrix. Furthermore, we devised an algorithm that calculates the real-world location of targets based on their pixel positions, the drones height, and the ratio between pixel and real-world dimensions.To strengthen the models garbage search capabilities, we simulated various garbage search scenarios in open environments and collected image datasets using drones for specialized training. Finally, we utilized the PyQt library to develop a simplistic front-end interface for data analysis and comparison of the detection performance between the original and optimized models. Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized model outperforms the original model, effectively enhancing garbage search eiciency in extensive areas. This project represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology to combat environmental pollution.

How Connected Cars Could Capture Cloud Dynamics for Solar Forecasting—Evidence from Two Simulation Scenarios

The rapidly increasing share of fluctuating electricity from photovoltaics calls for accurate approaches to estimate cloud motion, the primary source for the varying power supply. While local sensor networks are prominent in targeting forecast horizons too short for image‐based methods, they have minimal spatial coverage. This work presents the first step towards expanding those approaches to spatially scalable sensor networks: With the motivation of using automotive light sensors as a sensor network, two excerpts from a microscopic traffic simulation serve as simulative sensor networks. A fractal‐based cloud shadow pattern passes the sensor network areas with defined velocities and directions, which shall be estimated using the cumulative mean absolute error method. The evaluation results indicate that the more extensive observation areas compensate for the dynamics in the sensor network when compared to a reference work with a static sensor grid. Furthermore, this work shows how the estimates deteriorate with lower vehicle penetration rates (PR) and longer building shadows due to a lower solar elevation angle. At a penetration rate of 40%, the root mean square errors for both sensor networks are still below 5 ms−1. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal characteristics of a vehicle network offer a potential for estimating cloud movements.

Influence of Nitride Coatings on Corrosion Resistance and the Biocompatibility of Titanium Alloy Products

The bioadhesion of bacteria to the surface of samples with Ti–TiN, Zr–ZrN, Zr–(Zr, Nb)N, and Zr–(Zr, Hf)N coatings was studied via incubation with gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The samples were kept at 25 °C for 30 days in a 3% NaCl solution. The deposition of coatings slows, whereas oxidation processes intensify. The oxygen content on the TiN and (Zr, Nb)N coating surfaces was higher than that of the Ti sample without a coating. Samples with ZrN and, especially, (Zr, Hf)N coatings resist oxidation better. Regarding bioactivity toward S. aureus, the highest density of biological forms was observed on the surfaces of TiN and (Zr, Hf)N coatings. The lowest density was on the surfaces of uncoated, ZrN-coated, and (Zr, Nb)N-coated samples. On Ti–TiN, Zr–ZrN, and Zr–(Zr, Nb)N coatings, the formation of surface biostructures of a filamentary type was observed. In the uncoated sample, the biostructures have an island character, and in the sample with a Zr–(Zr, Hf)N coating, the formation of extensive areas of biostructures was observed. Between the biostructures and coating, a layer 5 to 15 nm thick was observed, presumably associated with bacterial adhesion. The presence of biostructures on the coating surface can activate or slow oxidation processes.

Investigating the vertical extent of the 2023 summer Canadian wildfire impacts with satellite observations

Abstract. Pyrocumulonimbus clouds (pyroCbs) generated by intense wildfires can serve as a direct pathway for the injection of aerosols and gaseous pollutants into the lower stratosphere, resulting in significant chemical, radiative, and dynamical changes. Canada experienced an extremely severe wildfire season in 2023, with a total area burned that substantially exceeded those of previous events known to have impacted the stratosphere (such as the 2020 Australian fires). This season also had record-high pyroCb activity, which raises the question of whether the 2023 Canadian event resulted in significant stratospheric perturbations. Here, we investigate this anomalous wildfire season using retrievals from multiple satellite instruments, ACE-FTS (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment – Fourier transform spectrometer), OMPS LP (Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite Limb Profiler), and MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder), to determine the vertical extents of the wildfire smoke along with chemical signatures of biomass burning. These data show that smoke primarily reached the upper troposphere, and only a nominal amount managed to penetrate the tropopause. Only a few ACE-FTS occultations captured elevated abundances of biomass-burning products in the lowermost stratosphere. OMPS LP aerosol measurements also indicate that any smoke that made it past the tropopause did not last long enough or reach high enough to significantly perturb stratospheric composition. While this work focuses on Canadian wildfires given the extensive burned area, pyroCbs at other longitudes (e.g., Siberia) are also captured in the compositional analysis. These results highlight that despite the formation of many pyroCbs in major wildfires, those capable of penetrating the tropopause are extremely rare; this in turn means that even a massive area burned is not necessarily an indicator of stratospheric effects.

Vulnerability of Southern Hemisphere bats to white-nose syndrome based on global analysis of fungal host specificity and cave temperatures.

White-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease affecting hibernating bats, is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Since the initial introduction of Pd from Eurasia to the United States in 2006, WNS has killed millions of bats throughout the temperate parts of North America. There is concern that if Pd is accidentally introduced to the Southern Hemisphere, WNS could pose similar threats to the bat fauna of the Southern Hemisphere's more temperate regions. Efforts are required to better understand the vulnerability of bats globally to WNS. We examined phylogenetic distances among cave roosting bat species globally to estimate the probability of infection by Pd. We predicted cave thermal suitability for Pd for 441 cave-roosting bat species across the globe via spatial analysis. We used host specificity models based on 65 species tested for Pd to determine phylogenetic specificity of Pd. Phylogenetic distance was not an important predictor of Pd infection, confirming that Pd has low host specificity. We found extensive areas (i.e., South America, Africa, and Australia) in the Southern Hemisphere with caves that were suitable for cave-roosting bat species and for Pd growth. Hence, if Pd spreads to the Southern Hemisphere, the risk of exposure is widespread for cave-roosting bats, and infection is possible regardless of relatedness to infected species in the Northern Hemisphere. Predicting the consequences of infection remains difficult due to lack of species-specific information about bat winter biology. Nevertheless, WNS is an important threat to naive Southern Hemisphere bat populations. Hence, biosecurity measures and planning of management responses that can help prevent or minimize a potential WNS outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere are urgently needed.

A fascination with tailless mice: a scientific historical review of studies of the T/t complex.

The T/t complex of the mouse attracted many of the major figures of mouse genetics to perform genetic, cytogenetic, physiological, biochemical and molecular biological studies of it. These studies started with the discovery of short tailed mutants (Ts) and recessive lethal developmental mutations (ts) which mapped to the same "locus" in the early 1920s in France. However, due to the non-receptivity of French scientists to genetics, they continued to be studied in mostly Anglophone countries to be joined by a wider international community in the 1970s. These discoveries led to developmental studies of the lethal mutants which provided the origin of mammalian developmental genetics. The fascinating property of transmission ratio distortion (non-50/50 segregation of alleles in offspring of males) elicited tremendous interest. There were false leads (that the region consisted of unusual DNA, that the alleles controlled cell surface antigens on embryonic cells and spermatozoa) and exciting discoveries. This historical review provides a review of this extensive area of research and some of the individuals involved in it.

A landscape-based approach to design flower blocks may reduce mammalian predator activity and protect ground-nesting farmland birds

AbstractHigh predation rates threaten many ground-nesting farmland birds and are difficult to address through conventional measures such as lethal predator control or fencing. Landscape-based approaches for conservation measures promise an alternative by reducing predator - bird encounters, but require detailed knowledge of landscape effects on predation risk. Different habitat elements attractive to predators could have opposing effects on neighbouring nesting habitats, with implications for conservation: Increased predation risk due to higher predator activity (A) or reduced predation risk by distracting predators (B). Here we focus on the placement of conservation measures using flower blocks targeted at Grey Partridges in a Central European Farmland. Based on a three-year camera trap dataset, we investigated effects of landscape structure and composition on mammalian predator activity within flower blocks at two scales (100 m and 500 m radius around the camera) with generalized linear mixed models. Length of linear edge structures, i.e., field block borders, was most important, with a greater availability of linear edge structures leading to a decrease in predator activity at both scales (hypothesis B). Conversely, predator captures at both scales increased with increasing extensive vegetation area (i.e., permanent grassland, flower blocks and fallows) and in proximity to roads, indicating that these may attract predators and increase predator densities (hypothesis A). Our results suggest that a landscape-based approach can mitigate predation risk for ground-nesting birds in flower blocks and analogous conservation measures. Highly structured, small-scale agricultural landscapes seem to be particularly important for reducing mammalian predator activity in flower blocks.

Gravity and magnetic study of the Xitle volcanic field, Basin of Mexico – Inferences on the pre-eruptive topography

Results of a gravity and magnetic study over a lava field in the southern Basin of Mexico are used to investigate on lava emplacement and pre-eruptive topography. The characteristics of lava flows depend on multiple factors, including the lava composition, effusion rate, rheology, fluid content and underlying terrain. The ∼2000 years old volcanic field, formed by seven flow units emplaced by the Xitle eruption, covers an extensive area >80 km2 characterized by topographic relief on the Ajusco volcano flank and surrounding plain. The study is conducted on the northern end of the volcanic field. The gravity and magnetic study is based on regional-residual separation, vertical and horizontal derivatives, reduced to the pole, analytical signal, spectral analysis and forward modeling. The regional gravity field shows two anomaly lows in the central sector, with the residual field showing trends of gravity highs. The residual magnetic anomaly is characterized by trends of magnetic highs associated to the lava field. Depths estimated from spectral analysis of gravity and magnetic anomalies show shallow sources at ∼22 m and ∼46 m, and deep sources at ∼469 m and ∼268 m, respectively. The underground sequence is modeled as a volcanoclastic succession of varying thickness. The first vertical derivatives, gradients and analytical signal enhance the anomalies associated to lava thickness variations. Joint gravity and magnetic analysis constraints the deep/shallow anomaly sources in the volcanic field and relations to pre-eruptive structure.

Integration of very high-resolution stereo satellite images and airborne or satellite Lidar for Eucalyptus canopy height estimation

Eucalyptus plantations cover extensive areas in tropical regions and require accurate growth monitoring for efficient management. Traditional in-situ measurements, while necessary, are labor-intensive and impractical for large-scale assessments. Very high-resolution satellite stereo imagery is playing an increasingly important role in the estimation of fine Digital Surface Models (DSMs) across landscapes. However, its ability to estimate canopy height models (CHMs) has not been widely investigated. This study investigates the integration of high-resolution satellite stereo imagery from the Pleiades sensor with airborne or satellite Lidar data to estimate canopy height over eucalyptus plantations. Two study sites were selected in Brazil, representing flat and semi-mountainous topographies, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) and Sao Paulo (SP), respectively. Digital Surface Models generated from Pleiades images (DSMP) were combined with Digital Terrain Models extracted from airborne Lidar data (DTMALS) to create Canopy Height Models (CHMALS). The evaluation of the CHMALS was based on two in situ canopy height measurements (Hmax and Hmean). For the SP site, the CHMALSmax, which is the average height of top 10% pixel values within each plot, correlated well with in situ Hmean, which is the average height of 10 central trees (r = 0.98), showing a bias of 1.4 m, RMSE of 3.1 m, and rRMSE of 18.5%. At the MS site, CHMALSmax demonstrated a bias of 1.9 m, RMSE of 2.3 m, rRMSE of 17.3%, and r correlation of 0.92. Despite a tendency to underestimate heights below 20 m in young tree plantations with open canopy, the results indicate reliable canopy height estimation. The study also investigates the potential of Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) elevation data as an alternative to DTMALS in absence of airborne Lidar data. The resulting CHMGedi is promising but slightly less accurate than Lidar-based CHMs. The best GEDI-based CHM (CHMGedimax) showed a bias and rRMSE of 1.3 m and 20.5% for the SP site, and 2.2 m and 24.9% for the MS site. These findings highlight the potential for integrating Pleiades and Lidar data for efficient and accurate canopy height monitoring in eucalyptus plantations.

Laser-induced graphene-based aptasensor for the selective detection of Escherichia coli in urine samples

A Laser-Induced Graphene-based (LIG) electrode covalently functionalized with an aptamer (P12-55) was used to develop an aptasensor detecting Escherichia coli in urine samples. Recent strides in material science have spotlighted LIG for exceptional attributes like robust mechanical resistance, superior conductivity, extensive surface area, and facile synthesis/patterning on various polymeric substrates. Variations in the aptasensor charge transfer resistance upon interaction with bacterial cells were evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Tests in phosphate buffer saline solution showed the aptasensor linear response for E. coli between 100 and 103 CFU/mL. The sensor proved to be selective for E. coli as a negligible response was observed in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Finally, the sensor was calibrated in urine samples spiked with a known concentration of E. coli cells. Its characteristics make the aptasensor viable for low-cost and portable devices identifying pathogenic microorganisms at the point-of-need. Due to the short response time (about 30 min), we believe that these sensing devices may significantly improve control and management of urinary tract infections.

Estimating Vertical Distribution of Total Suspended Matter in Coastal Waters Using Remote-Sensing Approaches

The vertical distribution of the marine total suspended matter (TSM) concentration significantly influences marine material transport, sedimentation processes, and biogeochemical cycles. Traditional field observations are constrained by limited spatial and temporal coverage, necessitating the use of remote-sensing technology to comprehensively understand TSM variations over extensive areas and periods. This study proposes a remote-sensing approach to estimate the vertical distribution of TSM concentrations using MODIS satellite data, with the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea (BSYS) as a case study. Extensive field measurements across various hydrological conditions and seasons enabled accurate reconstruction of in situ TSM vertical distributions from bio-optical parameters, including the attenuation coefficient, particle backscattering coefficient, particle size, and number concentration, achieving a determination coefficient of 0.90 and a mean absolute percentage error of 26.5%. In situ measurements revealed two distinct TSM vertical profile types (vertically uniform and increasing) and significant variation in TSM profiles in the BSYS. Using surface TSM concentrations, wind speed, and water depth, we developed and validated a remote-sensing approach to classify TSM vertical profile types, achieving an accuracy of 84.3%. Combining this classification with a layer-to-layer regression model, we successfully estimated TSM vertical profiles from MODIS observation. Long-term MODIS product analysis revealed significant spatiotemporal variations in TSM vertical distributions and column-integrated TSM concentrations, particularly in nearshore regions. These findings provide valuable insights for studying marine sedimentation and biological processes and offer a reference for the remote-sensing estimation of the TSM vertical distribution in other marine regions.

Hybrid acoustic modeling: far-field predictions from scanning 3D sound intensity data

This research introduces a novel methodology for predicting the far-field acoustic behavior of complex vibro-acoustic sources, utilizing 3D sound intensity data acquired through Scan&Paint 3D's continuous scanning technology. By combining this experimental dataset with the computational modeling capabilities of the commercial acoustic package Actran, we establish a hybrid method capable of accurately computing noise generated by intricate vibro-acoustic phenomena. The use of a 3D sound intensity probe, in combination with an infrared stereo camera, accelerates the acquisition of acoustic data across an extensive area. This approach not only delivers detailed insights into the source's near-field acoustic behavior but also provides inputs for the computational model, allowing us to model how the vibrating structure radiates. Extensive validation is performed by calculating prediction errors across multiple observation points, ensuring high quality far-field predictions. The integration of extensive experimental data with advanced computational modeling marks a significant leap forward in evaluating the far-field impact of complex acoustic sources. This allows the industrial user to assess the performance of multiple potential mitigation solutions through simulation, quickly, easily, and reliably.

Functions for noise reduction in acoustic standards: evaluating reverberation time, mean absorption coefficient, and a novel approach

Contemporary European acoustic standards utilize dimensioning functions based on either reverberation time or mean absorption coefficient. For spaces with the primary goal of noise reduction, achieving consistent overall sound pressure level (SPL) reduction, regardless of room sizes and shapes is evidently desirable. The conditions under which reverberation time and mean absorption coefficient approaches align with the objective of consistent SPL reduction are analyzed. Generally, both approaches fall short of achieving consistency in case of varying ground surface or room shape, i.e. length, width and height relations. Additionally, in large rooms, constant or room height-dependent reverberation time functions may lead to extensive absorption areas, complicating the installation of acoustical treatments and degrading their economic efficiency. A novel dimensioning function, providing consistent SPL reduction independently of room size and shape, is derived based on diffuse field theory. The novel function is multiplied by a linear function of room height and length, to alleviate accuracy limitations of diffuse field theory in case of varying room shapes. Finally, simulations systematically varying room sizes and shapes demonstrate that the novel dimensioning function significantly outperforms existing approaches in achieving consistent SPL reduction.

Generic and Specific Models for Volume Estimation in Forest and Savanna Phytophysiognomies in Brazilian Cerrado.

The Cerrado has high plant and vertebrate diversity and is an important biome for conserving species and provisioning ecosystem services. Volume equations in this biome are scarce because of their size and physiognomic diversity. This study was conducted to develop specific volumetric models for the phytophysiognomies Gallery Forest, Dry Forest, Forest Savannah, and Savannah Woodland, a generic model and a model for Cerrado forest formation. Twelve 10 m × 10 m (100 m²) (National Forest Inventory) plots were used for each phytophysiognomy at different sites (regions) of the Federal District (FD) where trees had a diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.30 m) ≥5 cm in forest formations and a diameter at base height (Db; 0.30 m) ≥5 cm in savanna formations. Their diameters and heights were measured, they were cut and cubed, and the volume of each tree was obtained according to the Smalian methodology. Linear and nonlinear models were adjusted. Criteria for the selection of models were determined using correlation coefficients, the standard error of the estimates, and a graphical analysis of the residues. They were later validated by the chi-square test. The resultant models indicated that fit by specific phytophysiognomy was ideal; however, the generic and forest formation models exhibited similar performance to specific models and could be used in extensive areas of the Cerrado, where they represent a high potential for generalization. To further increase our understanding, similar research is recommended for the development of specific and generic models of the total volume in Cerrado areas.

Eco-friendly fabrication of ZnO-TiO2-rGO nanocomposite for efficient adsorption-assisted organic dyes elimination

The growing interest in combining the photocatalytic properties of semiconductors like ZnO and TiO2 with the superior electron conduction capabilities of graphene has resulted in the successful synthesis of in-situ reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported ZnO-TiO2 nanostructures through a simple microwave-assisted synthesis method. X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterize structural, morphological and optical properties as well as surface functional groups of the synthesized products. The XRD measurements of our synthesized samples confirm both structural crystallinity and phase purity, while the FTIR analysis verifies the complete reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The synthesized ternary nanocomposite ZnO-TiO2-rGO exhibited a remarkable 100 % adsorption-assisted removal efficiency for 20 mg/L methylene blue (MB) dye under ultraviolet light illumination within 120 min, along with a 56 % dye adsorption removal efficiency in the same time interval. In comparison, pure ZnO showed 0 % adsorption and only 31 % photocatalytic efficiency at the similar condition. Remarkably, the ZnO-TiO2-rGO nanocomposite exhibited exceptional photocatalytic activity mediated by adsorption, achieving complete degradation of MB dye within 5 min under sunlight irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiency and dye adsorption capacity were found to be significantly lower for the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) compared to the cationic MB dye. The study thoroughly investigated the influence of catalyst dose and initial dye concentration on photodegradation. The proposed mechanism indicates that the extensive surface area and numerous active sites on the rGO promote adsorption, which is then followed by degradation through the metal oxides. Overall, the results unveil that the microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnO-TiO2-rGO nanocomposite is a promising and environmentally friendly approach for efficiently degrading dyes from contaminated wastewater using both UV light and natural sunlight irradiation.

Megafire smoke exposure jeopardizes tree carbohydrate reserves and yield.

The global incidence of megafires is on the rise, leading to extensive areas being shrouded in dense smoke for prolonged periods, spanning days or weeks1. Here, by integrating long-term regional observations of non-structural carbohydrate content in trees across California's Central Valley with spatiotemporal satellite data, we present compelling evidence that dense smoke plumes negatively impact carbohydrate stores in three tree species: Prunus dulcis, Pistacia vera and Juglans regia. Our findings show that the presence of smoke causes a significant decrease in total non-structural carbohydrates, with reductions in the accumulation of both soluble sugar and starch reserves. This decline in carbohydrate levels persists through the trees' dormancy period into the next season's bloom, culminating in a reduced yield. Our results highlight a previously unrecognized wildfire threat that could affect plant health and ecosystem stability in both agricultural and natural environments.

Seasonal and diel patterns in Black Sea harbour porpoise acoustic activity in 2020-2022.

The Black Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea with an unevenly distributed extensive coastal shelf area and anoxic deep waters. It is inhabited by common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as harbour porpoises, all represented by local subspecies. Between September 2020 and October 2022, 19 F-PODs deployed by research teams from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine collected data on acoustic activity of Black Sea harbour porpoises. Strong seasonal and diel patterns were found, which varied in three regions. In the south-eastern part of the Black Sea, harbour porpoise acoustic activity was higher from January to May, with a peak in April. This pattern agrees with the seasonal anchovy migration from the winter spawning grounds in warmer waters in the south-eastern region to feeding grounds on the productive shallow north-west shelf. The diel pattern showed strong nocturnal acoustic activity, which is consistent with anchovy vertical migration. Porpoises on the western side of the Black Sea exhibited a bimodal seasonal pattern in acoustic activity, with a larger peak in April and a smaller one in October. Diel activity was primarily nocturnal. On the north-west shelf, harbour porpoise acoustic activity was mostly recorded during the warm period from April to October. The diel pattern showed activity mainly during daylight with two peaks: a smaller one approximately at dawn and a larger one at dusk. This pattern is similar to the vertical migrations of sprat. Overall, the results of the study were consistent with the prey being an important driver of seasonal and diel dynamics of harbour porpoise acoustic activity.