Cooler and drier conditions increase parasitism in a subtropical damselfly population

Host–parasite interactions are impacted by climate, which may result in variation of parasitism across landscapes and time. Understanding how parasitism varies across these spatio-temporal scales is crucial to predicting how organisms will respond to and cope under a rapidly changing climate. Empirical work on how parasitism varies across climates is limited. Here, we examine the variation of parasitism across seasons and identify the likely climatic factors that explain this variation using Agriocnemis femina damselflies and Arrenurus water mite ectoparasites as a host–parasite study system. We assessed parasitism in a natural population in Sylhet, Bangladesh which is located in subtropical climate between 2021 and 2023. We calculated prevalence (proportion of infected individuals) and intensity (the number of parasites on an infected individual) of parasitism across different seasons. Parasite prevalence and intensity were greater during cooler seasons (autumn and winter) compared to hotter seasons (spring and summer). Mean temperature and precipitation were negatively correlated with parasite prevalence, whereas only mean precipitation was negatively correlated with parasite intensity. Tropical, subtropical and mediterranean regions are predicted to experience extreme climatic events (extreme temperature, less precipitation and frequent drought) as a consequence of anthropogenic climate change, and our finding suggests that this might alter patterns of parasitism in aquatic insects

Adhoc mobile power connectivity using a wireless power transmission grid

Wireless charging of devices has significant outcomes for mobile devices, IoT devices and wearables. Existing technologies consider using Point to Point type wireless transfer from a transmitter Tx (node that is sending Power) to a receiver Rx (node that receives power), which limits the area of coverage for devices. As a result, existing systems are forced to use near field coupling to charge such devices. Fundamental limitation is also that such methods limit charging to a small hotspot. In partnership with Wireless Electrical Grid LANs (WiGL pronounced “wiggle”), we demonstrate patented Ad-hoc mesh networking method(s) to provide wireless recharging at over 5 feet from the source, while allowing significant lateral movement of the receiver on the WiGL (Wireless Grid LAN or local area network). The transmitter network method leverages a series of panels, operating as a mesh of transmitters that can be miniaturized or hidden in walls or furniture for an ergonomic use. This disruptive technology holds the unique advantage of being able to provide recharging of moving targets similar to the cellular concept used in WiLAN, as opposed to prior wireless charging attempts, which only allow a hotspot-based charging. Specifically, we demonstrate the charging of a popular smartphone using the proposed system in the radiating near field zone of the transmitter antennas, while the user is free to move in the space on the meshed network. The averaged received power of 10 dBm is demonstrated using 1W RF-transmitter(s), operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The proposed hardware consists of antennas arrays, rectennas, power management and USB 2.0 interfaces for maintaining a voltage between 4.2 and 5.3 V and smooth charging. We also show extending the wireless grid coverage with the use of multiple transmitting antennas, and mechanical beam-steering even further an increased coverage using the proposed system

Assessment of heavy metals concentrations in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh

Background: Contamination of soil with heavy metals is an alarming issue around the world. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the contamination status of heavy metals in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh. Methods: Soil samples were randomly collected from 20 sites and digested by wet digestion method. The concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The quality of soil was assessed based on the contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk index factor (ERIF) analyses. Results: The average concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were obtained to be 258.08 ± 51.61, 3736.90 ± 322.17, 19.55 ± 6.49, 66.76 ± 18.32, 0.59 ± 0.13, and 10.40 ± 1.49 mg kg-1, respectively, which were below the permissible limit. The highest value of CF (0.74 ± 0.16), Igeo (0.35 ± 0.34), EF (24.86 ± 6.27), and PERIF (22.11 ± 4.81) was observed for Cd. The pollution of CF, Igeo, EF, and ERIF was classified as very severely polluted, unpolluted to moderately polluted, strongly to extremely polluted, and slightly polluted, respectively, with these heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. One-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference between Zn and Cd concentrations (P < 0.05), whereas Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between Zn-Pb (P = 0.01) and Fe-Zn (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There are different classes of contamination with heavy metals in the study area. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken and people’s awareness of the soil pollution should be raised. Keywords: Soil pollution, Heavy metals, Contamination factor, Geoaccumulation index, Enrichment factor, Ecological risk index facto

Conductive textiles for signal sensing and technical applications

Conductive textiles have found notable applications as electrodes and sensors capable of detecting biosignals like the electrocardiogram (ECG), electrogastrogram (EGG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and electromyogram (EMG), etc; other applications include electromagnetic shielding, supercapacitors, and soft robotics. There are several classes of materials that impart conductivity, including polymers, metals, and non-metals. The most significant materials are Polypyrrole (PPy), Polyaniline (PANI), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), carbon, and metallic nanoparticles. The processes of making conductive textiles include various deposition methods, polymerization, coating, and printing. The parameters, such as conductivity and electromagnetic shielding, are prerequisites that set the benchmark for the performance of conductive textile materials. This review paper focuses on the raw materials that are used for conductive textiles, various approaches that impart conductivity, the fabrication of conductive materials, testing methods of electrical parameters, and key technical applications, challenges, and future potential

Physical growth during the first year of life. A longitudinal study in rural and urban areas of Hanoi, Vietnam

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Good infant growth is important for future health. Assessing growth is common in pediatric care all over the world, both at the population and individual level. There are few studies of birth weight and growth studies comparing urban and rural communities in Vietnam. The first aim is to describe and compare the birth weight distributions and physical growth (weight and length) of children during their first year in one rural and one urban area of Hanoi Vietnam. The second aim is to study associations between the anthropometric outcomes and indicators of the economic and educational situations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Totally 1,466 children, born from 1^stMarch, 2009 to June 2010, were followed monthly from birth to 12 months of age in two Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites; one rural and one urban. In all, 14,199 measurements each of weight and length were made. Birth weight was recorded separately. Information about demographic conditions, education, occupation and economic conditions of persons and households was obtained from household surveys. Fractional Polynomial models and standard statistical methods were used for description and analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Urban infants have higher birth weight and gain weight faster than rural infants. The mean birth weight for urban boys and girls were 3,298 grams and 3,203 grams as compared to 3,105 grams and 3,057 grams for rural children. At 90 days, the urban boys were estimated to be 4.1% heavier than rural boys. This difference increased to 7.2% at 360 days. The corresponding difference for girls was 3.4% and 10.5%. The differences for length were comparatively smaller. Both birth weight and growth were statistically significantly and positively associated with economic conditions and mother education.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Birth weight was lower and the growth, weight and length, considerably slower in the rural area, for boys as well as for girls. The results support the hypothesis that the rather drastic differences in maternal education and economic conditions lead to poor nutrition for mothers and children in turn causing inferior birth weight and growth.</p

Cooler and drier conditions increase parasitism in a subtropical damselfly population

Abstract Host–parasite interactions are impacted by climate, which may result in variation of parasitism across landscapes and time. Understanding how parasitism varies across these spatio‐temporal scales is crucial to predicting how organisms will respond to and cope under a rapidly changing climate. Empirical work on how parasitism varies across climates is limited. Here, we examine the variation of parasitism across seasons and identify the likely climatic factors that explain this variation using Agriocnemis femina damselflies and Arrenurus water mite ectoparasites as a host–parasite study system. We assessed parasitism in a natural population in Sylhet, Bangladesh which is located in subtropical climate between 2021 and 2023. We calculated prevalence (proportion of infected individuals) and intensity (the number of parasites on an infected individual) of parasitism across different seasons. Parasite prevalence and intensity were greater during cooler seasons (autumn and winter) compared to hotter seasons (spring and summer). Mean temperature and precipitation were negatively correlated with parasite prevalence, whereas only mean precipitation was negatively correlated with parasite intensity. Tropical, subtropical and mediterranean regions are predicted to experience extreme climatic events (extreme temperature, less precipitation and frequent drought) as a consequence of anthropogenic climate change, and our finding suggests that this might alter patterns of parasitism in aquatic insects

Weaning and stunting affect nitrogen and carbon stable isotope natural abundances in the hair of young children

International audienceAbstractNatural abundances of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) can vary with both dietary intake and metabolic (specifically catabolic) state. In low-income countries, weaning is a period of dietary transition from milk to plant-based foods and a high-risk period for malnutrition. We explored how diet and malnutrition impact hair δ15N and δ13C in young children by an observational, cross-sectional study in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh [255 children, 6–59 months with 19.6% wasted (7.1% severely) and 36% stunted (9.8% severely)]. Hair δ15N and δ13C exhibited exponential decreases with age, with the loss of one trophic level (3.3‰ and 0.8‰, respectively) from 6 to 48 months, which we associate with the shift from exclusive breastfeeding to complete weaning. After adjustment for age and breastfeeding status, hair isotopic values were unaffected by wasting but lower in severe stunting (−0.45‰ to −0.6‰, P < 0.01). In this population of young children, whose isotopic values in hair primarily depended on age, we failed to observe any effect of wasting, likely due to opposite, compensating effects between dietary and metabolic changes involved. In contrast, we evidenced low δ15N and δ13C values in severely stunted children that likely indicate chronic exposure to diets low in animal products

FOLIAR APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS PROMOTES GROWTH AND YIELD-RELATED ATTRIBUTES OF OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) IN A SLIGHTLY SALINIZED AREA

Background: Micronutrients are required in trace amounts, but are importantly associated with plant growth and development. While soil salinity causes a frequent micronutrient deficiency in soil, the condition withholds plant growth, development, and eventually crop production. Since foliar application of micronutrient provides rapid nutrient absorption compared to soil amendments, it may confer straightforward mitigation of salinity stress. However, micronutrients availability to plants under saline conditions has drawn limited attention. Objective: To study the role of four micronutrients namely boron (B), zinc (Zn), chlorine (Cl), and silicon (Si) as well as their combinations as foliar application on growth, development, and yield responses of ‘okra cv. Nulok F1’ in a naturally very slightly salinized soil. Methodology: The research site belongs to Young Meghna Estuarine Flood Plain under the soil of Agro-ecological Zones (AEZ)-18. The area of EC dsm-1 2.39 is used for the cultivation of horticultural and cereal crops. The one-factor experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications and six treatments. The factor having six different micronutrients and their combinations under saline soil viz. T1 = control (untreated), T2 = 0.2 % B as solubor®, T3 = 0.2 % ZnSO4, T4 = 0.2 % KCl, T5 = 0.2% SiO2, and T6 = 0.2% solubor® B + 0.2% ZnSO4 + 0.2% SiO2 + 0.2% KCl. Result: A number of foliar treatments of micronutrients substantially improved plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, depth of root, fruit length, number of fruits, single fruit weight, yield plot-1, and total yield. Implication: Among the treatments, Si, and a mixture of solubor® B, Zn, Cl, and Si significantly uphold growth and yield-related attributes of okra indicating them as suitable micronutrients for okra production in salt-affected areas. Conclusion: The foliar application of Si and the mixtures of the four aforementioned micronutrients might enhance the growth and yield attributes of ‘okra cv. Nulok F1’ under salinity stress

A review on synthesis, characterizations, and applications of Schiff base functionalized nanoparticles

Nanotechnology has shown a promising future in material science for its enormous applications in the field of analytical, biological, catalytic, electroanalytical fields and so on. Recent nanoscience has given huge effort to enhance the applicability of nanoparticles (NPs) though modification or functionalization process, which makes its more sophisticated than the conventional one. In this modification process, nanoparticles (NPs) are stabilized or factionalized using organic, inorganic, metal complexes, and even with Schiff base (SB) ligands and their metal complexes. Schiff-base ligand functionalized NPs have wide applicability in catalytic process, antioxidant, antifungal, and analytical techniques due to enhancing of interfacial area between SB ligands and nanoparticles. The functionalized NPs have been introduced as a sensor for the detection of minute level of heavy metals, pesticides, and biomolecules. The composite materials have catalytic activities in a myriad number of oxidations, reduction, addition, and synthesis of organic molecules. The results revealed that the catalytic activities of the nano-catalysts remained fairly constant even after using several times in a chemical reaction. Besides, the biological behaviors of the SB functionalized NPs were prominently noticed due to presence of various functional groups, atoms, metal ions as well as nanomaterial. Even, the imine group (>C = N−) of SB effectively interacts with the cell of microorganisms, and inhibits the growth of cell. Schiff base ligands and corresponding metal complexes as enzyme inhibitor and potential antioxidants. So, this review study provides an outline about the applications of Schiff base functionalized NPs in catalysis, analytical, and biological applications