Development of a Stable TiO 2

A convenient and low-cost approach for the elaboration of a stable superhydrophobic coating is reported, involving the use of TiO2 nanoparticles via the spray coating method. This method can be used for preparing self-cleaning superhydrophobic coatings on large areas for different kinds of substrates. The synergistic effect of the micro/nanobinary scale roughness was produced by a multilayer RTV SR/TiO2 composite. The influence of the nanofiller concentration in a specific frequency range (40 Hz to 2 MHz) on the dielectric behavior was analyzed as well. It was found that the real relative permittivity (εr′) increases as the nanofiller concentration increases. Superhydrophobic behavior is analyzed by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and profilometer. The stability of the developed coating also has been evaluated in terms of immersion in various aqueous solutions, heating, adhesion, and exposure to UV irradiation, and the results showed good stability against these factors. The coating retained its superhydrophobicity after several days of immersion in solutions of different pH levels (2, 4, 6, and 12) and different conductivities. In addition, they also exhibited exceptional stability against UV radiation and heating, as well as good mechanical stability

Variation de la tolérance à la salinité chez l'orge pendant la germination et la croissance des plantes

L’effet du traitement salin sur la germination et la croissance des plantules a été étudié sur 9 génotypes d’orge (5 cultivars locaux et 4 variétés sélectionnées). Les génotypes ont été comparés pour plusieurs caractères à des concentrations différentes de NaCl (0, 100 mM, 150 mM et 200 Mm) et des concentrations différentes de l’eau de mer (0%, 20%, 30% et 40%). Les résultats montrent l’existence d’une variabilité pour la tolérance à la salinité au stade de la germination et au stade de la croissance des plantules. L’interaction (génotypes x traitements) est significative pour la longueur de la racine et hautement significative pour le poids sec des racines. Certains cultivars locaux apparaissent plus tolérants que les autres génotypes testés, surtout au stade de la germination des graines. Une absence de corrélation a été observée pour la tolérance à la salinité entre le stade de la germination et le stade de la croissance des plantules

Is salinity the main ecologic factor that shapes the distribution of two endemic Mediterranean plant species of the genus Gypsophila?

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104-014-2218-2Aims Responses to salt stress of two Gypsophila species that share territory, but with different ecological optima and distribution ranges, were analysed. G. struthium is a regionally dominant Iberian endemic gypsophyte, whereas G. tomentosa is a narrow endemic reported as halophyte. Theworking hypothesis is that salt tolerance shapes the presence of these species in their specific habitats. Methods Taking a multidisciplinary approach, we assessed the soil characteristics and vegetation structure at the sampling site, seed germination and seedling development, growth and flowering, synthesis of proline and cation accumulation under artificial conditions of increasing salt stress and effect of PEG on germination and seedling development. Results Soil salinity was low at the all sampling points where the two species grow, but moisture was higher in the area of G. tomentosa. Differences were found in the species salt and drought tolerance. The different parameters tested did not show a clear pattern indicating the main role of salt tolerance in plant distribution. Conclusions G. tomentosa cannot be considered a true halophyte as previously reported because it is unable to complete its life cycle under salinity. The presence of G. tomentosa in habitats bordering salt marshes is a strategy to avoid plant competition and extreme water stressSoriano, P.; Moruno Manchón, JF.; Boscaiu Neagu, MT.; Vicente Meana, Ó.; Hurtado, A.; Llinares Palacios, JV.; Estrelles, E. (2014). Is salinity the main ecologic factor that shapes the distribution of two endemic Mediterranean plant species of the genus Gypsophila?. Plant and Soil. 384(1-2):363-379. doi:10.1007/s11104-014-2218-2S3633793841-2Alonso MA (1996) Flora y vegetación del Valle de Villena (Alicante). 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Dielectric Properties of TiO2/Silicone Rubber Micro- and Nanocomposites

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber SR/TiO2 nanocomposites and microcomposites are developed and characterized, and their dielectric behaviour and electrical conductivity are studied in this paper. We demonstrate that the surfactant Triton X-100 greatly improves the dispersal of micro- and nanoparticles across the surface to produce more homogeneous composites that have improved dielectric properties. This heightened dispersal with the presence of a surfactant is also confirmed by SEM analysis. We also discuss the influence of the filler concentration and particle size on the dielectric behaviour of the nanocomposites and the microcomposite surfaces having a frequency range of 40 Hz to 2 MHz. The dielectric properties are improved by the introduction of 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% TiO2 nano- and microparticles. Furthermore, there is an improvement in the permittivity values for the microcomposites compared to the nanocomposites for all frequencies. This finding is of great importance for high-voltage electrical insulation

Devastating Decline of Forest Elephants in Central Africa.

African forest elephants– taxonomically and functionally unique–are being poached at accelerating rates, but we lack range-wide information on the repercussions. Analysis of the largest survey dataset ever assembled for forest elephants (80 foot-surveys; covering 13,000 km; 91,600 person-days of fieldwork) revealed that population size declined by ca. 62% between 2002–2011, and the taxon lost 30% of its geographical range. The population is now less than 10% of its potential size, occupying less than 25% of its potential range. High human population density, hunting intensity, absence of law enforcement, poor governance, and proximity to expanding infrastructure are the strongest predictors of decline. To save the remaining African forest elephants, illegal poaching for ivory and encroachment into core elephant habitat must be stopped. In addition, the international demand for ivory, which fuels illegal trade, must be dramatically reduced