Soil fungal community shift evaluation as a potential cadaver decomposition indicator

Fungi metabolise organic matter in situ and so alter both the bio-/physico-chemical properties and microbial community structure of the ecosystem. In particular, they are responsible reportedly for specific stages of decomposition. Therefore, this study aimed to extend previous bacteria-based forensic ecogenomics research by investigating soil fungal community and cadaver decomposition interactions in microcosms with garden soil (20 kg, fresh weight) and domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) carcass (5 kg, leg). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–30 cm on days 3, 28 and 77 in the absence (control −Pg) and presence (experimental +Pg) of Sus scrofa domesticus and used for total DNA extraction and nested polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE) profiling of the 18S rRNA gene. The Shannon–Wiener (H′) community diversity indices were 1.25 ± 0.21 and 1.49 ± 0.30 for the control and experimental microcosms, respectively, while comparable Simpson species dominance (S) values were 0.65 ± 0.109 and 0.75 ± 0.015. Generally, and in contrast to parallel studies of the bacterial 16S rRNA and 16S rDNA profiles, statistical analysis (t-test) of the 18S dynamics showed no mathematically significant shifts in fungal community diversity (H′; p = 0.142) and dominance (S; p = 0.392) during carcass decomposition, necessitating further investigations

Qatar 2022: Facing the FIFA World Cup climatic and legacy challenges

The 2022 World Cup creates great opportunities for the country of Qatar, but also poses significant challenges. In this study the main challenge of maintaining thermal comfort conditions within the football arenas is presented, with respect to the Heat Stress Index (HSI) and the aero-thermal comfort thresholds established for opened stadiums. Potential cooling strategies for delivering tolerant comfort levels are introduced, followed by their functional strengths and limitations for the hot-humid climate of Qatar. An estimation of the cooling load for semi-outdoor stadiums in Qatar is also presented. The results, produced by dynamic thermal modelling, indicated that a load of 115 MWh per game should be at least consumed in order to provide both indoor and outdoor thermal comfort conditions. Finally, the use of solar energy technologies for the generation of electricity and cooling are evaluated, based on their viability beyond the 2022 World Cup event, towards the nation’s targets for sustainability and lasting legacy