Evidence and modeling of mechanoluminescence in a transparent glass particulate composite

International audienceMechanoluminescence (ML) of a transparent alkali-phosphate glass composite with SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy particles is reported. Uniaxial compression experiments show the linear dependence of the mechanoluminescence intensity with the mechanical power. A theoretical model, based on the physics of delayed processes (in analogy of viscoelasticity), is proposed. This model accurately predicts the ML intensity changes induced by a complex mechanical loading and provides a convincing description of the mechanoluminescence response

Indentation-induced stress distribution and pressure effect on the resistivity of YSZ

International audienceIonic conductivities measured under GPa-order high pressure provide various information about ion hopping mechanisms such as the activation volume (ΔV). Traditionally, anvil cells have been used for high-pressure measurements. We previously reported a new method for high-pressure impedance measurements, up to a few GPa, employing an indentation-induced local stress field. In this method, both mechanical and electrical (Young's modulus and high pressure impedance) properties can be obtained simultaneously. However, in this method, high pressures are induced only around the tip of the indenter, and such stress distribution should be considered for the estimation of ΔV accurately. In the present study, employing a finite element method (FEM) calculation, the stress distribution around the tip of the indenter, and effects of such GPa-order high pressures on the O2− ion conduction of Y2O3-doped zirconia (YSZ) are shown

Physical properties of the GexSe1 − x glasses in the 0 < x < 0.42 range in correlation with their structure

International audiencePhysical properties, including mechanical, thermal and optical properties, have been investigated for chalcogenide glasses in the GexSe1 − x system, for x ranging between 0 and 0.42. In the 0 = 2.4). Conversely, the chemical threshold ( = 2.67) clearly induces a change in the compositional trend of these properties. In the x > 1/3 range, Tg decreases and the elastic moduli markedly increase, which is not expected from the continuously reticulated model. The change of the physical properties in this range is an indicator of the existence of separated Ge-rich domains

Buoys with looming eyes deter seaducks and could potentially reduce seabird bycatch in gillnets.

Bycatch of seabirds in gillnet fisheries is a global conservation issue with an estimated 400 000 seabirds killed each year. To date, no underwater deterrents trialled have consistently reduced seabird bycatch across operational fisheries. Using a combination of insights from land-based strategies, seabirds' diving behaviours and their cognitive abilities, we developed a floating device exploring the effect of large eyespots and looming movement to prevent vulnerable seabirds from diving into gillnets. Here, we tested whether this novel above-water device called 'Looming eyes buoy' (LEB) would consistently deter vulnerable seaducks from a focal area. We counted the number of birds present in areas with and without LEBs in a controlled experimental setting. We show that long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis abundance declined by approximately 20-30% within a 50 m radius of the LEB and that the presence of LEBs was the most important variable explaining this decline. We found no evidence for a memory effect on long-tailed ducks but found some habituation to the LEB within the time frame of the project (62 days). While further research is needed, our preliminary trials indicate that above-water visual devices could potentially contribute to reduce seabird bycatch if appropriately deployed in coordination with other management measures

Buoys with looming eyes deter seaducks and could potentially reduce seabird bycatch in gillnets.

Bycatch of seabirds in gillnet fisheries is a global conservation issue with an estimated 400 000 seabirds killed each year. To date, no underwater deterrents trialled have consistently reduced seabird bycatch across operational fisheries. Using a combination of insights from land-based strategies, seabirds' diving behaviours and their cognitive abilities, we developed a floating device exploring the effect of large eyespots and looming movement to prevent vulnerable seabirds from diving into gillnets. Here, we tested whether this novel above-water device called 'Looming eyes buoy' (LEB) would consistently deter vulnerable seaducks from a focal area. We counted the number of birds present in areas with and without LEBs in a controlled experimental setting. We show that long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis abundance declined by approximately 20-30% within a 50 m radius of the LEB and that the presence of LEBs was the most important variable explaining this decline. We found no evidence for a memory effect on long-tailed ducks but found some habituation to the LEB within the time frame of the project (62 days). While further research is needed, our preliminary trials indicate that above-water visual devices could potentially contribute to reduce seabird bycatch if appropriately deployed in coordination with other management measures

A relationship between non-exponential stress relaxation and delayed elasticity in the viscoelastic process in amorphous solids: Illustration on a chalcogenide glass

International audienceInorganic glasses are viscoelastic materials since they exhibit, below as well as above their glass transition temperature, a viscoelas-tic deformation under stress, which can be decomposed into a sum of an elastic part, an inelastic (or viscous) part and a delayed elastic part. The delayed elastic part is responsible for the non-linear primary creep stage observed during creep tests. During a stress relaxation test, the strain, imposed, is initially fully elastic, but is transformed, as the stress relaxes, into an inelastic and a delayed elastic strains. For linear viscoelastic materials, if the stress relaxation function can be fitted by a stretched exponential function, the evolution of each part of the strain can be predicted using the Boltzmann superposition principle. We develop here the equations of these evolutions, and we illustrate their accuracy by comparing them with experimental evolutions measured on GeSe 9 glass fibers. We illustrate also, by simple equations, the relationship between any kind of relaxation function based on additive contribution of different relaxation processes and the delayed elastic contribution to stress relaxation: the delayed elasticity is directly correlated to the dispersion of relaxations times of the processes involved during relaxation

Photoinduced fluidity in chalcogenide glasses at low and high intensities: A model accounting for photon efficiency

International audienceDetailed measurements of photoinduced fluidity in Ge-Se glasses were performed using a novel shear relaxation test in torsion mode. It is shown that photofluidity is significant even at a very low intensity and that there is no apparent threshold for activating the photostructural processes. Instead, the mechanism of photofluidity is described as a cumulative process involving photoinduced motions of every atom within the irradiated volume. Based on this assumption, a model is proposed, which is shown to accurately predict the power and wavelength dependence of photofluidity using a single fitting parameter n. The factor n represents the photon efficiency for inducing an atomic motion. Photofluidity experiments performed on glass fibers of various mean coordination number indicate that the process is rapidly reduced in overconstrained glasses. The values of n obtained for these glasses correlate remarkably well with the mean coordination dependence of other photostructural changes (photodarkening, photoexpansion). This indicates that the model is physically sound. Moreover, the model is shown to quantitatively describe photofluidity data from other glass systems from literature, therefore suggesting that it could be universally applied to all chalcogenide glasses

Is Adipose Tissue a Place for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Persistence?

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), has the ability to persist in its human host for exceptionally long periods of time. However, little is known about the location of the bacilli in latently infected individuals. Long-term mycobacterial persistence in the lungs has been reported, but this may not sufficiently account for strictly extra-pulmonary TB, which represents 10–15% of the reactivation cases. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We applied in situ and conventional PCR to sections of adipose tissue samples of various anatomical origins from 19 individuals from Mexico and 20 from France who had died from causes other than TB. M. tuberculosis DNA could be detected by either or both techniques in fat tissue surrounding the kidneys, the stomach, the lymph nodes, the heart and the skin in 9/57 Mexican samples (6/19 individuals), and in 8/26 French samples (6/20 individuals). In addition, mycobacteria could be immuno-detected in perinodal adipose tissue of 1 out of 3 biopsy samples from individuals with active TB. In vitro, using a combination of adipose cell models, including the widely used murine adipose cell line 3T3-L1, as well as primary human adipocytes, we show that after binding to scavenger receptors, M. tuberculosis can enter within adipocytes, where it accumulates intracytoplasmic lipid inclusions and survives in a non-replicating state that is insensitive to the major anti-mycobacterial drug isoniazid. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Given the abundance and the wide distribution of the adipose tissue throughout the body, our results suggest that this tissue, among others, might constitute a vast reservoir where the tubercle bacillus could persist for long periods of time, and avoid both killing by antimicrobials and recognition by the host immune system. In addition, M. tuberculosis-infected adipocytes might provide a new model to investigate dormancy and to evaluate new drugs for the treatment of persistent infection

Best practices for fishing sustainability : fishing gear assessment in the Newfoundland inshore northern cod fishery

From the biggest fishery collapse in the history to a recent and limited reopening, the northern cod fishery of Newfoundland is now facing significant issues regarding its ecological and economic sustainability. Major pivotal factors influencing resource sustainability involve the predominant use of gillnets as the main fishing method and the perception of Atlantic cod as a low value commodity product. By considering gillnetting and two other fishing methods used in this fishery, handlines and Newfoundland cod pots, we identified strengths and weaknesses of each harvesting method as a basis for best practices management decisions. This assessment involves multi-criteria evaluations based on “ideal gear properties” identified by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) that was adapted to incorporate additional criteria based on data specific to this fishery and harvesting methods. An index scoring system involving 20 ecological, economic and social criteria was developed and used to assess the three gears. Catch related data were collected onboard commercial fishing vessels during 7 days of fishing and 15 structured interviews with fishermen were conducted in the economic and social criteria assessment. Literature reviews were also conducted to supplement these data. Handlining obtained the best results on each of the three main categories, with significant advantages with regard to collateral impacts on the marine ecosystem as well as economic and social incentives for an adaptive and accessible cod fishery. Newfoundland cod pots were evaluated with the second overall best results, offering benefits for cod population composition and interesting work conditions. Although this device presented economic disadvantages, Newfoundland cod pots ensure best quality of catches and therefore are an interesting option for a quality-based fishery. Though being the fishing gear the most widely in use by cod fishermen, bottom-set gillnets are the least sustainable fishing method. Its catch related advantageous, such as catch efficiency and size selectivity, seem nevertheless not adapted to the new quality-based fishery aimed at by many fishery stakeholders. There is therefore major rationale to promote the use of handlines and pots as these two fishing methods are easily complementary

Iceland Lumpfish 2022 Bycatch Mitigation Trials

Database and R File from Seabird Bycatch Mitigation Trials in the Icelandic Lumpfish fishery (2022). Testing of Looming-eyes buoys and analysis of depth based measures. Project supported by the Marine Stewardship Council, Ocean Stewardship Fund – Science and Research Fund