Sunlight Exposure Research Articles

Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency through 3D-Printed COC/Al₂O₃ Anti-Reflective Coversheets

In the past few years, there has been a considerable growth in the utilization of solar cells to produce electrical power to fulfil the growing worldwide energy demands. An optical loss is a crucial factor that impacts the performance of the photovoltaic conversion process. This loss occurs when incoming sunlight is reflected back on the outer layer of the photovoltaic cells. The application of antireflective materials on the photovoltaic substrates can enhance the absorption of sunlight and minimize the reflection. Currently, there is no ideal anti-reflective coating for solar cells that can allow the transmission of sunlight without any reflection. In this research, a transparent cyclic-olefin-copolymer (COC) was used to fabricate anti-reflection (AR) coversheet by fused deposition modelling process (3D printing). Further, the aluminium oxide Al2O3 powder was added at the proportions of 1wt%, 2wt%, 3wt%, and 4wt% to the COC polymer to increase the anti-reflection characteristics. The structural, morphological, mechanical (tear strength), electrical and temperature characteristics were studied. The performance of COC with aluminium oxide (COCA) coversheets was evaluated, and the findings revealed a considerable increment in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.21% (sunlight exposure) and 18.34% (neodymium light) for COCA3 coversheets. As seen, the COCA3 sample exhibit lower electrical resistance of 3.88 ×10-3 Ω cm, carrier concentration (36.91×1020 cm-3) and higher hall mobility (13.67 cm2/Vs). The findings from the investigations demonstrated that the utilization of COC with Al2O3 powder (COCA) can be a suitable antireflective coversheet material for boosting the performance of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

Environmental factors and the incidence of pediatric epistaxis: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

A growing body of literature explores environmental risk factors for pediatric epistaxis, yielding variable results. We aim to clarify these associations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, Web of Science, Medline, Google Scholars, and Embase were systematically searched up to April 2024. Eligible articles were reviewed, and the quality was assessed. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify correlations between the incidence of epistaxis and multiple environmental factors according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 8 studies, comprising 55,176 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of epistaxis peaked during the summer months (Proportion=12.73%, CI: 9.629%-16.201%). Significant risk factors included environmental variables elevated in the summer, including higher monthly mean temperatures, increased sunlight exposure, elevated O3 levels, and lower atmospheric pressure. In contrast, factors like mean monthly humidity, wind speed, SO2, CO, NO2, and PM-10 levels were not associated with an increased risk of epistaxis. This meta-analysis underscores the significant impact of multiple environmental factors, particularly those more pronounced during the summer months, on the incidence of pediatric epistaxis.

Analysis of External Environmental Design Factors on Mosquito Breeding in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara

Factors such as environmental temperature, rainfall, location of waste disposal sites, sunlight exposure, water flow, as well as chemical, biological, and socio-cultural conditions play a crucial role in the development of malaria cases. This study specifically aims to analyze the influence of environmental elements on the number of malaria and dengue fever (DF) cases in Sikka Regency, as well as to evaluate the physical design elements of the area that can reduce DF cases in the region. The research was conducted in several locations within Sikka Regency, taking into account the differences in location and the distance between buildings in relation to thermal characteristics. The results indicate that areas located more than 500 meters above sea level did not experience malaria or DF cases, which is also influenced by the outdoor environmental design, such as building density and vegetation size, affecting light intensity. Lower light intensity increases humidity, which accelerates mosquito breeding.

Multifunctional hybrid films made from CoT3OTx4 and CoFeT2OT4 nanoparticles inside a poly 3-hydroxybutyrate matrix and study of their impact in methyl orange photodegradation.

This work aims to produce hybrid materials with potential applications in dye photodegradation. Therefore, hybrid films were obtained by incorporating cobalt (II, III) oxide (Co3O4) or cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) with 18 ± 1.6 nm and 26 ± 1.3 nm, respectively, into a poly 3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) polymeric matrix. The Co3O4@P3HB and CoFe2O4@P3HB hybrid films were fabricated by solvent casting in a ratio of 85 mg to 15 mg (P3HB-NPs). Different spectroscopic and microscopy techniques characterized the Co3O4 and CoFe2O4 NPs and the P3HB, Co3O4@P3HB and CoFe2O4@P3HB films. The optical band gap for Co3O4 and CoFe2O4 NPs was estimated from their diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) around 2.5 eV. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the hybrid films revealed that the nanometric sizes of the Co3O4 and CoFe2O4 nanoparticles incorporated into the P3HB are preserved. The magnetic hysteresis curve of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and CoFe2O4@P3HB film showed a ferromagnetic behaviour at 300 K. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of nanocrystals, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided evidence for the successful incorporation of the NPs into the P3HB matrix. The surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the hybrid films are increased compared to the P3HB film. The impact of the nanoparticles and the hybrid films on the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) in its acidic form was studied. The photodegradation tests were carried out by direct sunlight exposure. The CoFe2O4@P3HB hybrid film achieved 85% photodegradation efficiency of a methyl orange solution of 20 ppm after 15 minutes of exposure to sunlight. After 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight, the nanoparticles and the hybrid films reached about 90% of the MO degradation. The results suggest that combining nanoparticles with the polymer significantly enhances photodegradation compared to isolated nanoparticles.

US Public Interest in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Following Jimmy Buffett's Death and Implications for Continued Health Advocacy: Infodemiology Study of Google Trends.

Through Jimmy Buffett's unfortunate battle with lymphoma originating from Merkel cell carcinoma and subsequent media coverage of his death, public interest in skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, and the health effects of sunlight exposure increased, as evidenced by our results.

Evaluating potential landing sites for the Artemis III mission using a multi-criteria decision making approach

The selection of a landing site within the Artemis Exploration Zone (AEZ) involves multiple factors and presents a complex problem. This study evaluates potential landing sites for the Artemis III mission using a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies, specifically the TOPSIS algorithm. By integrating topographic, illumination, and mineralogy data of the Moon, we assess 1247 locations that meet the Human Landing System (HLS) requirements within 13 candidate regions and Site 004 near the lunar south pole. Criteria considered include surface visibility, HLS-astronaut line of sight, Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs), sunlight exposure, direct communication with Earth, geological units, and mafic mineral abundance. Site DM2 (Nobile Rim 2), particularly the point at latitude 84°12’5.61”S (−84.20156°) and longitude 60°41’59.61”E (60.69989°), is the optimal location for landing. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of our approach, validating the suitability of the best location despite the MCDM method employed and variations in criteria weightings to prioritize illumination and PSRs. This research demonstrates the applicability of GIS-MCDM techniques for lunar exploration and the potential benefits they can bring to the Artemis program.

The Impact of Chlorinated Water and Sun Exposure on the Durability and Performance of Swimwear Materials

Understanding the factors that affect how materials age is essential for creating a durable product with long-lasting properties. It is also important to prioritize defining aging parameters that reflect the real-world conditions the materials will encounter. For this study, a range of swimwear materials were selected consisting of a blend of polymer (polyamide/polyester) and elastane in varying ratios. In order to simulate aging conditions, materials were immersed in chlorinated outdoor pool water during the summer season, either in shade or the sun, for 200 and 300 h. The materials were tested for mass per unit area, thickness, tensile properties, and moisture management. A slight mass per unit area increase was observed, rising from 1.0% after 200 h of chlorine and sunlight exposure to 3.7% after 300 h. Thickness increased by 1.7% after 200 h and 3.2% after 300 h of chlorine exposure, with no significant effect of sunlight. Breaking force dropped by 12.4% after 200 h in chlorine and 8.2% in chlorine and sunlight, becoming more pronounced after 300 h (65.7% in chlorine and 65.1% in chlorine and sunlight). The overall moisture management capability declined from 0.4888 to 0.3457 after 200 h in chlorine and 0.3393 with sunlight, dropping further after 300 h to 0.3838 and 0.3253, respectively.

Tuning the surface structure of zinc oxide nanorods by oxide entities of Ni for enhanced degradation of chlorophenoxy herbicide and chlorinated phenols

The surface of hexagonal ZnO was subjected to preliminary treatment with Ni2+ ions that transformed into a homogeneously coated layer by air calcination process in the loading range of 0.3–5 % with respect to the weight of ZnO support. The enhanced absorption in the visible region evidenced the formation of a visible light-responsive oxide entities of Ni2+ and Ni3+ that was further authenticated by multiple edges of variable energy in bandgap analysis. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed the potential role of surface oxides in prolonging the life span of photon-induced excitons. The majority formation of Ni2O3 among the oxide entities, as the surface layer was substantiated by XRD and XPS analysis. The homogeneity, texture, and microstructure of the coated layer were examined by FESEM and HRTEM analysis. The charge retention ability as a function of the thickness of the coated layer was estimated by chronopotentiometry whereas the SPIES measurements coupled with Mott-Schottky analysis facilitated the fetching of the flat band potential as well as the semiconducting electrical nature of the coated materials. The loading of the catalysts as well as the impregnation level for optimum degradation/removal was evaluated in sunlight exposure for the removal of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The catalyst with optimum activity i.e. 0.5 % Ni2+ impregnated ZnO, was tested for the removal of potential carcinogens that included 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The progress of the removal process was monitored by HPLC, and the extracted data was used for kinetic studies. The efficacy of the synthesized catalysts was further evaluated for the removal of a concoction of chlorophenol isomers i.e., 2-chlorophenol (2-CP), 3-chlorophenol (3-CP), 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP) and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), both in complete spectrum and visible region (400–800 nm) natural sunlight exposure and established the kinetics of the degradation process.

Comparison of the Average Daily Vitamin D3 Produced by Sunlight Exposure in Summer and the Winter: Across Sectional Study

Comparison of the Average Daily Vitamin D3 Produced by Sunlight Exposure in Summer and the Winter: Across Sectional Study

Aqueous photochemical aging of water-soluble smoke particles from crop straws burning

Most aqueous oxidation studies focus on single model precursors, while the photochemical aging of actual water soluble organic matter (WSOM) in particles emitted from biomass burning remains poorly understood. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was first used to analyze the WSOM in smoke particles emitted from three crop straws burning. The results show that the dominant WSOM in three crop straws (CS) smoke are phenolic substances with small differences. Aqueous photochemical aging of WSOM in CS smoke was investigated under simulated sunlight exposure. High-resolution aerosol mass spectrometry (HR-AMS) analyzed aqueous secondary organic aerosol (aqSOA) and it was found that the oxidation degree of aqSOA increased with prolonged aging. No obvious increase in the abundance of N-containing organic ions was observed over the course of aqueous aging. As aqueous aging progresses, the pH of the solution gradually decreases, accompanied by the continuous generation of organic acids. Studies on dithiothreitol (DTT) activity indicate that the impact of aqueous photochemical aging on health is not significant.The solution after photoaging shows relatively lower light absorption ability than the initial solution. The aqueous photochemical aging also led to a gradual reduction of fluorescence at excitation/emission = 250–260 nm/350 nm (protein-like substances) for CS smoke WSOM, suggesting the significant degradation of chromophores. However, three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) revealed that aqueous aged CS smoke WSOM contains compounds with high humification index, confirming that the fluorophore composition is altered by aqueous aging. The humic-like substance (HULIS) concentration increased for the first 3 h and then decreased, closely matching the pattern of a new fluorescence peak. Finally, GC/MS analysis of the products indicated that there was obvious decline in proportion of methoxyphenol. The results of this study are important for understanding the aqueous-phase oxidation reactions of CS smoke WSOM in the atmosphere and their light-absorption characteristics and health impacts.

Enzymatic Glycosylation of 4′-Hydroxychalcones: Expanding the Scope of Nature’s Catalytic Potential

Chalcones, including 4′-hydroxychalcones, have garnered significant attention in the area of drug discovery due to their diverse pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer effects. However, their low water solubility and bioavailability limit their efficacy in vivo. Glycosylation presents a promising approach to enhance the water solubility, stability, and metabolic properties of chalcones. This study investigates the enzymatic glycosylation of eight chemically synthesized 4′-hydroxychalcones using a diverse set of sugar glucosyltransferases from bacterial, plant, and fungal sources, alongside Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSuSy) in a cascade reaction. Among the tested enzymes, five exhibited a remarkable versatility for glycoside production, and for large-scale biotransformation, flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase Sbaic7OGT from Scutellaria baicalensis was selected as the most effective. As a result of the experiments conducted, eight trans-chalcone glycosides were obtained. During the purification of the reaction products, we also observed the isomerization of the products by simple sunlight exposure, which resulted in eight additional cis-chalcone glycosides. This study highlights the novel use of a cascade reaction involving Glycine max sucrose synthase (GmSuSy) for the efficient glycosylation of trans-4′-hydroxychalcones, alongside the unexpected discovery of cis-chalcone glycosides during the purification process.

Evaluating the Photocatalytic Activity of Green Synthesized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Water pollution from dyes is a major environmental challenge, demanding advanced materials for efficient degradation. In this study, we synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using an aqueous extract of Senegalia catechu leaves and evaluated their photocatalytic activity in methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under sunlight irradiation. The IONPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). XRD pattern showed a highly crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 34.7 nm, while SEM images revealed predominantly spherical particles with uneven surface texture. Photocatalytic efficiency exceeded 80% MB dye degradation after 120 min of sunlight exposure. Optimization of catalyst dose, pH, dye concentration, and other parameters is essential for maximizing degradation efficiency. The IONPs demonstrated reusability over four degradation cycles, retaining effective photocatalytic performance. This study underscores the potential of green-synthesized IONPs as eco-friendly photocatalysts for wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Evaluation of photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 applied over cement plaster for mitigating urban air pollutant: TVOC

Photocatalysis emerged as a prominent method for mitigating air pollution stemming from emissions of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in both indoor and outdoor environments. Given the slow degradation rate of certain TVOCs, which pose health risks, including carcinogenicity, there is a pressing need for effective air purification strategies, particularly within built environments where individuals spend substantial amounts of time. This study delves into the efficacy of TiO2 photocatalysis in reducing air pollutants when applied to building surfaces. Cement mortar samples, incorporating varied doses of TiO2 ranging from 7.83E-03 g/cm2 to 4.92E-02 g/cm2, were prepared and examined within batch reactors, both under sunlight exposure and in the absence thereof, to gauge their degradation rates towards TVOCs. Furthermore, surface characterization techniques were employed to explicate the microstructural properties of TiO2-coated plastered samples. The results obtained demonstrated the variation in the rate of degradation from 1.09E-04±0.1 % to 3.1E-4 ± 1.13 % min−1cm−2 for various initial concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in the range of 600 ppm to 2900 ppm over a period of 100 min. The selected approach demonstrated the maximum degradation rate constant of 5.2E-04 min−1cm−2 corresponding to 15 % of TiO2 dose by weight of cement. These findings underscore the promise of TiO2 in purifying polluted air and advocate for its widespread implementation on building surfaces to enhance air quality.

Functional design of PGMA-co-PDFHM/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite materials for anti-icing in simulated outdoor environment

To improve anti-icing traits of outdoor coatings, a synergy between photothermal and hydrophobic anti-icings was utilized to fabricate copolymer/Ti3C2Tx MXene composite coatings with good transparency and adhesion. MXene contributes to photothermal trait from local surface plasmon resonance effect. Copolymer enables hydrophobicity from perfluoroalkyls-induced low surface energy and high surface roughness. An increase in MXene dose results in an increased surface roughness. With 140.0 ± 2.2° of water contact angle and 70% of light transmittance, the optimal film bears 2 wt% of MXene. High MXene dose results in large temperature-increase of film under sunlight. After 15 min of sunlight exposure, the temperature of optimal film surface in icing simulation increases from − 18 ℃ to 7.2 ℃. After 48 h of acid immersion, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface based on 300 s of sunlight irradiation reaches 28.7 ± 1.2 ℃. After 48 h of ultraviolet irradiation, the temperature-increase of optimal film surface is 30.7 ± 0.8 ℃. This surface has a water contact angle of 132.7 ± 1.1° after 48 h of acid immersion. This study gives impetus to a preparation of various composite coatings for outdoor anti-icing/deicing.

Geographical distribution of caudatoside and ptaquiloside in bracken ferns in Northern Europe

Bracken ferns (genus Pteridium) are among the most prevalent plants worldwide, with their distribution expanding due to their invasive nature. The environmental implications of their proliferation in areas affected by human activity, natural disasters, or land-use changes are concerning, primarily because of the carcinogenic illudane glycosides they produce. These compounds cause domestic and wildlife animal poisoning, as well as contamination of dairy products and drinking water. Several illudane glycosides are known, but usually only ptaquiloside (PTA) is monitored. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in illudane glycosides PTA, caudatoside (CAU) and ptesculentoside (PTE) across two phenotypes of Pteridium aquilinum (vars. aquilinum and latiusculum) over a broad geographic range spanning Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, encompassing 66 locations. We analysed different parts of the fern fronds (the tips and the lowest pinnae) using LC–MS and statistically explored the influence of phenotype, frond part, geographic location, sunlight exposure, and the surrounding ecosystem on glycoside content. Our findings reveal that PTA accounts for approximately two-thirds of the total illudane glycoside content, followed by CAU at nearly one-third, and a minor contribution from PTE. Glycoside levels were not influenced by phenotypic varieties or the studied environmental factors, but were significantly affected by geographic location. Specifically, CAU levels increased progressively towards the northeast, while PTA concentrations were highest in Denmark and markedly decreased in northeastern countries by over threefold, presumably due to climatic gradient. It has been further supported by temporal analysis in selected PTA-dominant regions indicating a reduction in PTA towards the end of the growing season, aligning its levels with those of CAU. Our study highlights that CAU concentrations in bracken ferns may equal or surpass PTA, contesting the prevailing view that PTA is the only notable illudane glycoside in Bracken. To provide unbiased assessment of the potential risks posed by P. aquilinum in the region, environmental and toxicological research should include measurements of not only PTA, but also CAU and, if possible, PTE.

The impact of minimal sunlight exposure on bone health: insights from a cohort study in erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited metabolic disease, causing lifelong painful phototoxic reactions, minimal sunlight exposure, and vitamin D deficiency. Previous studies reported a high osteoporosis prevalence in EPP patients. The objective is to identify those at risk for low bone mineral density (BMD) and assess which factors, including treatment with cholecalciferol and afamelanotide, improve BMD in EPP. A longitudinal ambispective single centre cohort study. Data from patient files and two-time questionnaires from adult patients with EPP who underwent at least one dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan between 2012 and 2023 were used. BMD is low in EPP patients, with 82.7% of the139 patients having a Z-score below 0 standard deviation (SD) at baseline. Low BMD classified as osteopenia was found in 39.5%, and osteoporosis in 15.3%. There were 50 osteoporosis-related fractures in 34.2% of patients. Aging (OR 1.08; CI: 1.03-1.12), persistent vitamin D deficiency (OR 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00-1.23) and a low body-mass index(OR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.82-0.99) increased the odds of low BMD. Patients with a vitamin D deficiency (OR 5.51; 95% CI: 1.69-17.92) and no cholecalciferol at baseline (OR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.04-1.34) had the highest odds of improving their BMD. Afamelanotide did not improve BMD. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status plays a crucial role in both preventing low BMD and improving BMD. EPP is a natural model for lack of sunlight exposure and vitamin D deficiency, underlining the importance of lifelong adequate vitamin D status for bone health in the general population.

Construction of Greenhouse for Horticultural Cultivation with Soil Media and Hydroponics

Theneral background greenhouse technology is increasingly recognized as an efficient solution for sustainable agricultural practices, especially in regions with limited fertile land. Specific background In Kedungpeluk Village, where the majority of residents work as fish farmers, there are also unused and arid lands. These underutilized spaces provide an opportunity for greenhouse-based horticultural cultivation using soil media and hydroponic technology. Knowledge gap however, limited knowledge and infrastructure have prevented local farmers from effectively utilizing these lands for sustainable crop production. Aims this community engagement project aims to build and utilize a greenhouse system to cultivate horticultural plants, focusing on optimizing both soil and hydroponic methods. Results the project successfully transformed barren land into productive greenhouses that facilitate the growth of tomatoes, chilies, eggplants, pak choy, and water spinach. The greenhouse structure, designed with transparent roofing, enhances sunlight exposure, promoting optimal plant growth. Both soil and hydroponic methods showed potential for increasing crop yields, with soil cultivation being more flexible but requiring extra care for pests, while hydroponics provided faster results with minimal weed and pest interference. Novelty this project introduces a dual-method approach combining traditional soil cultivation with modern hydroponic technology in a controlled greenhouse environment. Implications the findings highlight that greenhouse farming is a viable, modern agricultural solution for rural communities, offering increased productivity and quality crops, while also addressing the challenges of limited fertile land and changing climate conditions. This project serves as a model for sustainable agriculture in similar settings. Highlights: Dual-method approach: Combining soil and hydroponic techniques in a greenhouse. Efficient land use: Transforming unused arid land for productive horticulture. Controlled environment: Optimizing plant growth through sunlight, temperature, and humidity control. Keywords: Greenhouse, Horticulture, Soil Media, Hydroponics, Sustainable Agriculture

How long do bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses retain their replication capacity on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review examining environmental resilience versus healthcare-associated infection risk by "fomite-borne risk assessment".

SUMMARYIn healthcare settings, contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens potentially resulting in healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Pathogens can be transmitted directly from frequent hand-touch surfaces close to patients or indirectly by staff and visitors. HAI risk depends on exposure, extent of contamination, infectious dose (ID), virulence, hygiene practices, and patient vulnerability. This review attempts to close a gap in previous reviews on persistence/tenacity by only including articles (n = 171) providing quantitative data on re-cultivable pathogens from fomites for a better translation into clinical settings. We have therefore introduced the new term "replication capacity" (RC). The RC is affected by the degree of contamination, surface material, temperature, relative humidity, protein load, organic soil, UV-light (sunlight) exposure, and pH value. In general, investigations into surface RC are mainly performed in vitro using reference strains with high inocula. In vitro data from studies on 14 Gram-positive, 26 Gram-negative bacteria, 18 fungi, 4 protozoa, and 37 viruses. It should be regarded as a worst-case scenario indicating the upper bounds of risks when using such data for clinical decision-making. Information on RC after surface contamination could be seen as an opportunity to choose the most appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. To help with decision-making, pathogens characterized by an increased nosocomial risk for transmission from inanimate surfaces ("fomite-borne") are presented and discussed in this systematic review. Thus, the review offers a theoretical basis to support local risk assessments and IPC recommendations.

Observations from opening of a novel geotextile tube connection in field test site

A novel connection configuration for geotextile tubes was proposed, involving the insertion of an auxiliary tube between two main tubes, to ensure proper alignment and leveling when connecting them in a series, thus consolidating individual tubes into a unified structure while maintaining a consistent horizontal level. The novel connection was implemented at a test bed site in the Saemangeum reclaimed area, South Korea, to test exposure to the marine environment including sea waves, sun light exposure and reclamation process. This study presents the observations made upon opening the connection tube after 8 years. The observation shows that the connected geotextile tubes using the proposed auxiliary tube are suitable for use in long-term reclamation projects.

Sunlight Resurgence in the COVID-19 Era: A Review on Health-risk Dualities via Ayurveda and Conventional Science Perspectives

With the advent of COVID-19, numerous scientific studies from different parts of the world emerged, documenting the beneficial effects of sunlight on decreasing transmittance, morbidity, and mortality due to COVID-19. Research also highlighted the beneficial effects of sunlight in terms of antimicrobial, antiviral effects, and vitamin D production and its role in improving immunity and decreasing mortality due to COVID-19. Along with this, also resurfaced the debate on the hype of the above-mentioned and other positive attributes and the negative attributes of sunlight in terms of causing skin cancer and aggravation of certain other disease conditions. This article revisits the scientific and historical evidence in the context of sunlight and presents an interdisciplinary, integrative perspective, including Ayurveda and conventional science, for the evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages and contemplation regarding the application of sunlight exposure in health care.