Significant Adverse Influence Research Articles

Environmental Impact of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria, Their Role in Intestinal Bowel Diseases, and Possible Control by Bacteriophages

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent a group of prokaryotic microorganisms that are widely spread in the anoxic environment (seabed, riverbed and lakebed sediments, mud, intestinal tract of humans and animals, metal surfaces). SRB species also have an impact on processes occurring in the intestinal tract of humans and animals, including the connections between their presence and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since these SRB can develop antimicrobial resistance toward the drugs, including antibiotics and antimicrobial agents, bacteriophages could represent an additional potential effective treatment. The main objectives of the review were as follows: (a) to review SRB (both from intestinal and environmental sources) regarding their role in intestinal diseases as well as their influence in environmental processes; and (b) to review, according to literature data, the influence of bacteriophages on SRB and their possible applications. Since SRB can have a significant adverse influence on industry as well as on humans and animals health, phage treatment of SRB can be seen as a possible effective method of SRB inhibition. However, there are relatively few studies concerning the influence of phages on SRB strains. Siphoviridae and Myoviridae families represent the main sulfide-producing bacteria phages. The most recent studies induced, by UV light, bacteriophages from Desulfovibrio vulgaris NCIMB 8303 and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ATCC 13541. Notwithstanding costly and medically significant negative impacts of phages on SRB, they have been the subject of relatively few studies. The current search for alternatives to chemical biocides and antibiotics has led to the renewed interest in phages as antibacterial biocontrol and therapeutic agents, including their use against SRB. Hence, phages might represent a promising treatment against SRB in the future.

Environmental, social and governance performance and stock price volatility: A moderating role of firm size

This study examines the role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance on stock price volatility of textile and apparel firms. This study further examines whether firm size moderates the relationship between ESG and stock price volatility. We consider a global sample of 44 textile and apparel firms available in Refinitiv between 2010 and 2018 and apply the fixed‐effects panel regression model to reduce unobserved endogeneity bias. We find a significant adverse influence of ESG on stock price volatility. However, firm size portrays a non‐significant moderating effect on ESG‐stock price volatility nexus. This study contributes to the research domain of ESG and risk by presenting the significant influence of ESG on stock price volatility in the textile and apparel industry. This study will be a reference point for textile and apparel firms' managers to consider ESG issues seriously as the attention on ESG causes a reduction to stock price volatility. Portfolio managers may invest in high achieving ESG firms to leverage the market volatility of their portfolio.

Social ties, spatial migration paradigm, and mental health among two generations of migrants in China

AbstractDespite emerging literature on the effects of cross‐border ties on international immigration's mental health, research concerning China's internal migrants' mental health remains scarce. After 40 years of China's “one‐child policy,” new‐generation migrants (born after 1980) have been found to have poorer mental health status. With smaller family structures, previous studies found that new‐generation migrants are more likely to be affected by migration‐related stresses, with social ties having mixed effects on their mental health. In this paper, we examine the effects of local ties (in host cities) and trans‐local ties (in the migrants' original home location) on China's rural and urban migrants' mental health by using a national‐level survey data comprising N = 16,000 participants. We focus on whether these relationships vary among the four categories of migrants—grouped according to their place of origin and date of birth. The study results show that both local and trans‐local “kinship” ties have positive effects on migrants' mental health, whereas participation in organisation or activities have negative effects. In addition, new‐generation migrants were found to have relatively poor mental health, being more easily affected by trans‐local kinship ties. Moreover, participation in local activities had more significant adverse influence on interprovincial floating migrants, who had poorer mental health than the intraprovincial group. The study deciphered underlying negative health consequences attributed to the one‐child policy and calls for intraprovincial mobility with local urbanisation. The study concludes that social integration of new‐generation migrants can act as a protective intervention aimed at enhancing the mental capital of Chinese cities.

The Forced Cancellations of Four Selected Annual Sport Events (ASES) Due to COVID-19 and Its Socio-Economic Influence on South Africa: A Literature Review

During the first three months of 2020, the world was struck by the COVID-19 global pandemic. This resulted in governments around the world to adopt interventions aimed at containing and mitigating outbreaks of COVID-19. In a South African dispensation, the national government followed suit with the rest of the world which led to the halting and/or slowing-down of economic operations, particularly after enforcing a national lockdown. The foregoing resulted in the cancellation and/or postponement of events, including that of annual sport events (ASEs). Notwithstanding the South African President’s acknowledgement of potential economic shrinkage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to explore the possible socio-economic influences that forced cancellations of four selected ASEs might have on the country, albeit from a theoretical vantage point. This conceptual study was non-empirical and exploratory in nature; utilising a qualitative research approach. An extensive literature review was conducted which resulted in the analysing of secondary data, allowing for the study to fall within the interpretivist research paradigm. Considering the trends noted, it is highly probable that the forced cancellations of the selected four ASEs will have a significant adverse influence on South Africa, particularly from a socio-economic stance. As such, this study lays a framework for future empirical investigations pertaining to inter alia the exact adverse socio-economic influences of forced ASE cancellations due to COVID.

Overview of Breast Cancer and Implications of Overtreatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: An Indian Perspective.

The prevalence and mortality of breast cancer is increasing in Asian countries, including India. With advances in medical technology leading to better detection and characterization of the disease, it has been possible to classify breast cancer into various subtypes using markers, which helps predict the risk of distant recurrence, response to therapy, and prognosis using a combination of molecular and clinical parameters. Breast cancer and its therapy, mainly surgery, systemic therapy (anticancer chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy), and radiation therapy, are associated with significant adverse influences on physical and mental health, quality of life, and the economic status of the patient and her family. The fear of recurrence and its devastating effects often leads to overtreatment, with a toxic cost to the patient financially and physically in cases in which this is not required. This article discusses some aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis and its impact on the various facets of the life of the patient and her family. It further elucidates the role of prognostic factors, the currently available biomarkers and prognostic signatures, and the importance of ethnically validating biomarkers and prognostic signatures.

Factors Predicting Severe Myelosuppression and Its Influence on Fertility in Patients with Low-Risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia Receiving Single-Agent Methotrexate Chemotherapy.

PurposeTo investigate the potential factors to predict severe myelosuppression among low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients with single-agent methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy. To analyze reproductive outcomes of patients with or without severe myelosuppression after achieving complete remission (CR).Patients and MethodsThe retrospective study included 319 low-risk GTN patients registered from January 2008 to December 2018 in our hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to myelosuppression grading. Their clinical data and reproductive outcomes were compared and analyzed.ResultsA higher proportion of patients in group A received second-line chemotherapy than group B (P<0.001). The number of total chemotherapy courses was more in group A than group B (P=0.001), while the number of MTX chemotherapy courses was more in group B than group A (P=0.001). When the joint predictor of pretreatment albumin (ALB) was not more than 44.5 g/L, pretreatment serum creatinine (Scr) was not less than 75.6 μmol/L, and the number of MTX chemotherapy courses was not less than four, there was a moderate predictive value. There was no significant difference of reproductive outcomes between the two groups after achieving CR.ConclusionAlthough some patients developed severe myelosuppression, MTX was still the effective first-line treatment for low-risk GTN patients. Patient’s pretreatment ALB was not more than 44.5 g/L, pretreatment Scr was not less than 75.6 μmol/L, and the number of MTX chemotherapy courses not less than four could be used as combined predictors to recognize the risk of severe myelosuppression. Severe myelosuppression had no significant adverse influence on fertility after achieving CR.

Psychological symptoms of ordinary Chinese citizens based on SCL-90 during the level I emergency response to COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the psychological symptoms of ordinary Chinese citizens during the Level I Emergency Response throughout China. From January 31 to February 2 2020, an online questionnaire, Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was designed, and differences in GSI T-scores among subgroups were examined by ANOVA. Based on a cut-off point of the GSI T-scores of 63, the overall sample was divided into high and low-risk groups. of the 1,060 participants investigated in China, more than 70% of them have moderate and higher level of psychological symptoms specifically elevated scores for obsessive compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, and psychoticism. There were no significant differences between males and females. Those who were of over 50 years old, had an undergraduate education and below, were divorced or widowed, and agricultural workers had significantly more symptoms. However, significantly more minors and medical staff were in the high-risk group. These results show that COVID-19 has a significant adverse socio-psychological influence on ordinary citizens. Therefore, governments should equip psychological health departments and pay attention to the people who are in high-risk groups, providing psychological interventions and assistance.

Antibiofouling performance and mechanisms of a modified polyvinylidene fluoride membrane in an MBR for wastewater treatment: Role of silver@silica nanopollens

Biofouling remains to be one of major obstacles in membrane bioreactors (MBRs), calling for the development of antibiofouling membranes. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), being a kind of broad spectrum bactericidal agent, have been widely used for modifying membrane; however, uncontrollable release of AgNPs and thus a short lifetime of modified membranes are thorny issues for the AgNPs-modified membranes. In this study, silica nanopollens were used as AgNPs nanocarriers for membrane modification (ASNP-M), which could improve silver delivery efficacy, avoid agglomeration and control Ag+ release towards bacteria. At a silver loading of 107.7 ± 10.9 μg Ag/cm2, ASNP-M effectively inhibited growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with an Ag+ release rate of 0.5 μg/(cm2 d). Long-term MBR tests showed that ASNP-M exhibited a significantly reduced transmembrane pressure increase rate of 0.88 ± 0.34 kPa/d which was much lower than that of two control membranes, i.e., pristine membrane (M0) (2.32 ± 0.86 kPa/d) and Ag@silica nanospheres (without spikes) modified membrane (ASNS-M) (2.25 ± 1.28 kPa/d). No significant adverse influences on the pollutant removal were also observed in the reactor. Foulants analysis revealed that biofilm of ASNP-M was thinner and comprised of mainly dead cells, and only organic matter with strong adhesion properties was allowed to attach onto the membrane surface. Bacterial community analysis suggested that the incorporation of Ag@silica nanopollens inhibited colonization of bacteria which are capable of causing membrane biofouling (e.g., Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria). These findings highlight the potential of the antibiofouling membrane to be used in MBRs for wastewater treatment and reclamation.

A Study on the Strength and Fatigue Properties of Seven-Wire Strands in Hangers under Lateral Bending

Hangers are important tensile members in half-through arch bridges and through arch bridges (HTABs and TABs). The floating deck structures of HTABs and TABs will commonly produce longitudinal deformation and rotate under the effect of temperature and the temperature gradient, which will cause bending deformation at anchorages of fixed-end hangers. This bending deformation can generate adverse bending stress for hangers and decrease the strength and fatigue properties of the seven-wire strands in the hangers. Firstly, theoretical derivation and finite element analysis are conducted to study the bending stress of hangers that is caused by bending deformation. We find that bending stress of hangers is mainly generated by lateral bending caused by the difference in longitudinal displacement at both ends of the hangers under the effect of temperature. Subsequently, the ultimate tensile strength of the seven-wire strands under lateral bending is obtained by FEM and an experimental study. The ultimate tensile strength of the seven-wire strands could decrease by 23.3% when lateral bending is considered. Moreover, the relationship between the fatigue properties of the seven-wire strands and lateral bending is obtained based on observing the ultimate tensile strength under lateral bending. Lateral bending significantly influences the fatigue properties of the seven-wire strands. When the lateral bending angle reaches about 50 mrad, the fatigue resistance of the seven-wire strands drop by almost 40%. The considerable decrease in the strength and fatigue properties of the seven-wire strands indicates that lateral bending has a significant adverse influence on hangers that consist of seven-wire strands. Finally, it is advised to use the tied arch structure for HTABs and TABs to mitigate the adverse influence of lateral bending on hangers.

A novel approach coupling ferrous iron bio-oxidation and ferric iron chemo-reduction to promote biomineralization in simulated acidic mine drainage.

A novel Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans-mediated approach coupling biological oxidation and chemical reduction for treating acid mine drainage (AMD) was investigated. The results showed that controlled addition of zero valent iron (ZVI) into the coupling system did not exhibit a significant adverse influence on the bacterial activity of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans but markedly increased the formation of secondary Fe-minerals. Nutrition did not affect the efficiency of coupling process, except for the bacteria density of A. ferrooxidans. 2 days cyclic treatment performed better than that of 4 and 8 days. After 14 cycles of the coupling process, 89.4% of total iron (2.23 g L−1) was transferred into Fe-minerals finally. In addition, the combined system was highly effective in removing sulfate (63%) from a simulated AMD that contained soluble Cu, Zn, Al, and Mn. Valuable iron-sulfate material e.g. schwertmannite was formed with little co-precipitation of other metals. Therefore, the integration of A. ferrooxidans into the reduction by ZVI may have considerable potential in the enhancement of biomineralization efficiency, which may further decrease soluble TFe and sulfate loads in AMD before lime neutralization.

Reliability Study on FRP Composites Exposed to Wet-Dry Cycles

Due to lack of research data on the rates of deterioration of FRP properties under a harsh environment exposure, it was pointed out in the design guidelines that the durability of FRP needs to be further developed. Therefore, in this study, 48 FRP samples were tested under wet-dry cycles exposure. The effect of wet-dry cycling times on the failure modes, tensile strength, and the probability distribution of different FRP (GFRP and CFRP) composite specimens were investigated. The experimental results showed that the wet-dry cycles have a significant adverse influence on the tensile strength, have a certain adverse effect on the elongation, and a very limited influence on the elastic modulus of FRP. According to the experimental results, a probability analysis was conducted on the degradation of tensile strength. Five widely used test methods were adopted to verify the possible distribution types of tensile strength, and a reliability index β was then calculated. Subsequently, the effects of the design tensile strengths of ACI-440, TR-55, GB 50608-2010, GB 50367-2013, European Fib Bulletin 14 and Italian CNR guidelines on the β were investigated. The investigation illustrates that only the design value of the TR-55 code can guarantee sufficient long-term safety of a CFRP composite, whereas all the six codes cannot guarantee the long-term safety of a GFRP composite and the partial safety factors in these codes are still not conservative. Therefore, a more conservative safety factor was suggested. Moreover, the design value of tensile strength needs to be further conservative when the standard deviation of the load is large.

Integrating RFID and BIM technologies for mitigating risks and improving schedule performance of prefabricated house construction

With its generally recognized benefits of clean and safe working environment and good quality, prefabricated house construction (PHC) as a solution is gaining momentum in the face of various housing challenges in Hong Kong's construction industry. Although prefabrication has its own benefits, its fundamental disadvantages of fragmentation, discontinuity, poor interoperability, and scarce real-time information availability have imposed significant adverse influence on the schedule performance of prefabricated house construction. As a result, despite the promise of the government to provide sufficient houses and harmonious housing, schedule delay problems still frequently beset the industry of PHC. To help address schedule delay problems encountered in the construction of prefabrication housing, this research first identified and analysed critical schedule risk factors that may have significant influence on the schedule performance of PHC. Based on the identified schedule risks, the challenges and corresponding required functions for enhancing schedule performance are determined. Then, a radio frequency identification device (RFID)-enabled BIM platform that integrates various involved stakeholders, information/data flow, offshore prefabrication procedures, and state-of-the-art construction technologies, is developed to handle the critical schedule factors. Smart construction objects and RFID-enabled smart gateway work collaboratively to ease operations within the three echelons of prefabrication manufacturing, logistics and on-site assembly construction, while real-time captured data are used to form a closed-loop visibility and traceability mode in which different end users can supervise the construction statuses, progresses in real time. The developed platform can provide various services, tools and mechanisms to different stakeholders, improve the success of daily operations and decision makings throughout PHC management, such that critical schedule risks can be mitigated and the schedule performance of PHC can be enhanced to ensure timely project delivery.

Impact of regulatory changes on government bond market liquidity

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the seriousness of the impact of new regulatory factors on liquidity in government bond markets since the onset of the global financial crisis.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaires were circulated for examining the adverse impact of regulatory changes on liquidity. New evidence was presented about the adverse impact of the process of regulatory changes on market liquidity.FindingsThe paper presents new survey results on the adverse liquidity impact of regulations on market liquidity. Responses show that government issuers differ in their assessment on the severity of the impact of the various regulations. Determining this longer-term impact is quite complex because measures of liquidity may not only reflect the impact of regulatory changes, but also the responses by policymakers and market participants (to these regulatory changes), covering in particular the following: market transparency, trading practices, market infrastructure and other policies to promote liquidity, including by reducing unconventional monetary policy measures. Also, market dynamics may have become more complex due to responses by market participants.Practical implicationsDebt managers need to take into account regulations with a significant adverse influence on both market liquidity and the price discovery process. As liquidity in government bond markets also has a direct impact on funding possibilities and financing costs, funding liquidity may also be affected, especially during periods with market stress. This means that the funding strategy may need to be adapted.Originality/valueThe paper presents new survey results on the impact of new regulations on market liquidity. This assessment is quite complex because measures of longer-term liquidity may reflect the impact of regulatory changes and the responses by policymakers and market participants to these changes.

Assessment of bioavailable hydrocarbons in Pribilof Island rock sandpiper fall staging areas and overwintering habitat

At present, significant adverse hydrocarbon influence on the Pribilof Island rock sandpiper (Calidris ptilocnemis ptilocnemis) is unlikely. Almost the entire population overwinters in Cook Inlet and breeds on four Bering Sea islands. Passive samplers deployed several times in a three year period and corresponding sediment and soft tissue samples on St. Paul Island and in Cook Inlet generally accumulated small quantities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Composition was consistent with oil in <15% of the passive samplers and rarely in soft tissue. Total PAH concentrations in corresponding sediment were very low (<42ng/g dry weight); composition was consistent with oil in 39% of these samples and biomarker composition confirmed this on St. Paul Island. However, composition was dominated by normal alkanes from natural sources.

Frequent Mutations and Their Influence on Prognosis in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background. Several genetic alterations such as translocations, gene mutations and deletions play an important role in myeloid leukemogenesis. The cytogenetic information is a very significant tool to classify pts at their initial diagnosis into prognostic categories. For pts with cytogenetically normal AML, prognosis can be specified by mutational status of the genes NPM1, FLT3, CKIT, NRAS and DNMT3A.The aim of the research was to investigate the frequency and prognostic impact of FLT3, NPM1, CKIT, NRAS and DNMT3A mutations in AML pts and to analyze their interaction with other prognostic markers.Methods. This study was performed in 200 adult pts (190 pts with de novo and 10 pts with secondary AML), previously untreated, median age 55 years (18-86). According to the results of cytogenetic analyses pts were separated in four groups: with favourable (9,0%), unfavourable (14,0%) prognosis, with normal karyotype (NK) (48,5%) and other aberrations (28,5%). Mutations in FLT3, CKIT and NPM1 were analysed by PCR and in NRAS by sequencing. Mutation analysis of DNMT3A R882 was performed by high-resolution melting curve analysis. Cytogenetic studies were analysed on bone marrow samples using standard GTG-method.Results. Mutations in FLT3, CKIT, NRAS and NPM1 genes were detected in 105/200 (52,5%) pts. A total of 128 mutations were revealed in this group: 24,0% - FLT3-ITD, 6,5% - FLT3-TKD, 20,5% - in NPM1, 10,0% - in NRAS and 3,0% - in CKIT. 82 pts had single mutations and in 23 pts mutations occurred simultaneously: 17 with FLT3-ITD and in NPM1, 2 with FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD, 1 with FLT3-TKD and in NPM1, 3 with NPM1 and NRAS mutations. We found that mutations with the significantly higher incidence (p=0,001) were observed in the group of pts with NK (80/97), whereas there were only 8/28 pts with mutations in the group with complex karyotype. When analyzing the age-related features, it was shown that the majority of mutations were detected in the group of pts at the age from 60 to 69 years.Mutations FLT3-ITD and FLT3-TKD were associated with higher WBC count comparing with pts without mutations (p=0,001 and p=0,014, respectively). The median follow-up for overall (OS) and relapse-free (RFS) survival for pts with FLT3-ITD against ptswith FLT3-ITD- was: 5,4 vs 12,8 months and 4,9 vs 10,0 months (p=0,001 and p=0,001), respectively. Mutation FLT3-TKD was also found to be prognostically unfavorable, but only comparing with pts with FLT3-ITD- genotype.As the result of OS and RFS analyses in pts with and without NPM1 mutations we revealed the significant favorable influence of NPM1 mut on the prognosis (p=0,002 and p=0,020, respectively). However pts with genotype FLT3-ITD+/NPM1+ were found to get to the group with an intermediate risk.We detected the significant adverse influence of CKIT mut on RFS (p=0,041). Mutations in NRAS didn't impact on prognosis; we only showed the tendency towards worsening of OS and RFS in group of pts with favorable cytogenetics (p=0,214 and p=0,160, respectively).Mutations DNMT3A R882 were investigated in group of 143 AML pts and were detected in 23 (16,1%) pts. Pts with DNMT3A R882 had higher WBC (p=0,001) and platelets (p=0,020) count at diagnosis and more frequently belonged to FAB groups M5 (p=0,003), as compared with DNMT3A wt. Of 23 pts who had AML with DNMT3A mutations, 17 had tumors with NK profiles (24,3% of a total of 70 cytogenetically normal samples) (p=0,009). Pts with isolated DNMT3A mutations were seen in 4 cases, whereas in the rest of pts they were detected simultaneously with mutations in genes FLT3, NPM1, NRAS and CKIT. DNTM3A mutations were significantly more prevalent in NPM1 mut (p=0,005) and FLT3-ITD (p=0,005) positive cases than wild type. DNMT3A mutations were associated with negative influence on pts OS and risk of relapse, compared with DNMT3A wt (р = 0,031 and р = 0,045, respectively).Summary. Mutations in FLT3 and NPM1 had a significantly higher incidence in the group of pts with a normal karyotype. FLT3 mutations showed the adverse prognostic value. Insertions in NPM1 were shownto be the favorable factor, correlating with prolonged RFS in all pts excepting pts with FLT3-ITD+/ NPM1+ genotype. CKIT mut was associated with higher relapse incidence in AML pts, while NRAS mut showed lack of prognostic significance. AML with DNMT3A mut represent the group, homogeneous on a number of clinical and laboratory parameters, associated with adverse prognosis and a high risk of the relapse. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of Parental Psychological Control on Child’s School Life: Mobile Phone Dependency as Mediator

Ecological view of human development calls for an investigation of multiple contexts surrounding children. In South Korea, traditional Confucianism and recent technological advancements serve as influential social and cultural contexts that affect parent–child relations and child development. High levels of parental control and strong emphasis on academic achievement have long been distinctive features of Korean parenting practices, which are attributable to Confucian values. Additionally, Korean children’s mobile phone dependency (MPD) has become a growing concern, as South Korea developed as an IT powerhouse. Combined, these contexts resulted in high parental control of children’s mobile phone use, so that such electronic devices would not hinder learning and achievement. Effects of high parental control on children’s MPD and their school life, however, have yet to be discovered. We hypothesized, that, unlike parents’ intentions, psychological control is more likely to increase MPD and disrupt school life. To examine this research model, we made use of the first and third wave data from Korea Children and Youth Panel Survey. Participants were 2378 children (52.2 % boys) of the same age of 10 in the first wave. After multiple imputation for missing values, hierarchical logistic regression followed to examine the mediational model. The results verified the hypothesized model, showing significant adverse influence of psychological control on MPD, self-regulated learning and school adjustment. MPD fully mediated the effect of psychological control on self-regulations, while partially mediating the effects on school adjustment. Implications for Korean parents with regard to supporting children’s psychological autonomy was discussed.

Effects of gibberellic acid on ovarian biochemical composition and ecdysteroid amounts in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera, Acrididae)

Migratory locusts represent the most important crop pests in Africa and Asia. Because environmental damages are associated with the use of synthetic insecticides in locust and grasshopper control, new environmentally acceptable approaches are becoming increasingly important. The effects of gibberellic acid (GA3), a plant growth regulator, was investigated by topical application and ingestion on the reproductive physiology and ecdysteroids production of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria at concentrations of 125, 625, 3125, 4125, 5125 and 6125 μg/mL. The treatment applied to adult females during the pre-ovipositional phase provokes a significant adverse influence on their reproductive potential. Indeed, GA3 significantly reduced both fecundity and fertility. Gibberellic acid also caused disturbances in the incorporation of the hemolymph metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) in the oocyte resulting in a significant reduction in their concentrations in the ovaries. Ecdysteroid production was measured by an enzymo-immunoassay. GA3, administered by ingestion to the adult females, significantly reduced the ecdysteroid titers in ovaries and freshly laid eggs.

Adverse influences of drought and temperature extremes on survival of potential tree species for commercial environmental forestry in the dryland areas on the western slopes of New South Wales, Australia

In order to search for suitable tree species for commercial environmental forestry over the vast semiarid and drought prone areas across the western slopes of New South Wales, Australia, a large species trial involving nine selected potential species was established at 45 sites over three broad regions in 2000. A year later, the “Millennium Drought”, the longest uninterrupted series of years with below median rainfall in southeast Australia since 1900, took hold and lasted until 2009. The repeated measurements of tree survival over mostly a 10 year period after planting were analyzed in relation to age, region, site type, species and four continuous climatic variables. Logistic regression models with logit as the link function were specified for the binary and binomial responses of plot survival and the survival rate of individual trees within a plot. At both levels the marginal expectations were modelled through the generalized estimating equations. The results showed that plot survival was the lowest for Acacia mearnsii, Pinus pinaster and Corymbia variegata at 32%, 70% and 94% respectively, while that for all other species was at least 99%. The survival rate of individual trees was the highest for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. sideroxylon and E. argophloia at 80%, 73% and 70%, respectively. They were followed by Corymbia maculata at 60%, Eucalyptus hybrid clones at 58%, C. variegata at 54%, and Eucalyptus cladocalyx at 42%. A. mearnsii and P. pinaster had the lowest survival rates of 6% and 33%. Aridity had significant adverse influence on the survival rate of A. mearnsii, P. pinaster and the Eucalyptus hybrid. Except for C. maculata and C. variegata, all species were significantly influenced by the adverse effects of cumulative drought severity. The mean extreme minimum temperature had significant adverse influences on C. maculata, C. variegata, E. cladocalyx and the Eucalyptus hybrid, while the mean extreme maximum temperature had significant adverse effect on E. cladocalyx only. The results suggest that Eucalyptus camuldulensis and E. sideroxylon were the two species most suitable to the semiarid and drought prone areas. For the two Corymbia species to maintain an adequate level of survival, areas with mean extreme minimum temperature below −4°C should be avoided. More careful site selection is needed for E. argophloia, E. cladocalyx and the Eucalyptus hybrid for particular niche plantings because of their sensitivity to drought conditions and temperature extremes. The remaining two species, A. mearnsii and P. pinaster, are not suitable to the semiarid and drought prone environments because of their poor survival and sensitivity to adverse climatic conditions.

Influence of coupling agent in compatibility of post-consumer HDPE in thermoplastic composites reinforced with eucalyptus fiber

This study investigates the feasibility of using recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood fiber from species Eucalyptus grandis (EU) to manufacture experimental composite panels. The use of maleated polyethylene as coupling agent (CA) improved the compatibility between the fiber and plastic matrix. The mechanical properties of the resultant composites were compared with polymer with and without compatibilizer. The influence of the coupling agent (CA) in the polymer matrices and composites were evaluated at different concentrations, checking the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of wood plastic composites (WPC). Results of mechanical, physical and thermal properties showed that concentration of 3% w/w CA in the polymer matrices was that which showed the best results, but in the composites properties were very similar in all formulations. Based on the findings in this work, it appears that recycled materials can be used to manufacture value-added panels without having any significant adverse influence on material properties.

Sleep architecture in school-aged children with primary snoring

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine if sleep architecture was altered in school-aged children with primary snoring (PS). MethodsChildren ages 6 to 13years from 13 primary schools were randomly recruited. A validated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening questionnaire was completed by their parents. Children at high risk for OSA and a randomly chosen low-risk group were invited to undergo overnight polysomnography (PSG) and clinical examination. Participants were classified into healthy controls, PS, mild OSA, and moderate to severe OSA (MS OSA) groups for comparison. ResultsA total of 619 participants underwent PSG (mean age, 10.0±1.8years; 396 (64.0%) boys; 524 (84.7%) prepubertal). For the cohort as a whole, there were no significant differences in measures of sleep architecture between PS and nonsnoring healthy controls. In the multiple regression model, percentage of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) stage 1 (N1) sleep had a significantly positive association, whereas percentage of slow-wave sleep (SWS) had a significantly negative association with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) severity after controlling for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) z score, and pubertal status. In prepubertal children with PS, no significant disruption of sleep architecture was found. However, pubertal adolescent PS participants had significantly higher adjusted percentage of N1 sleep and wake after sleep onset (WASO) compared to healthy controls. ConclusionsPS did not exert significant adverse influences on normal sleep architecture in prepubertal school-aged children. Nevertheless, pubertal adolescents with PS had increased N1 sleep and WASO.