Emergence of hidden phases of methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) upon compression

We perform a thorough structural search with the minima hopping method (MHM) to explore low-energy structures of methylammonium lead iodide. By combining the MHM with a forcefield, we efficiently screen vast portions of the configurational space with large simulation cells containing up to 96 atoms. Our search reveals two structures of methylammonium iodide perovskite (MAPI) that are substantially lower in energy than the well-studied experimentally observed low-temperature Pnma orthorhombic phase according to density functional calculations. Both structures have not yet been reported in the literature for MAPI, but our results show that they could emerge as thermodynamically stable phases via compression at low temperatures. In terms of the electronic properties, the two phases exhibit larger band gaps than the standard perovskite-type structures. Hence, the pressure-induced phase selection at technologically achievable pressures (i.e., via thin-film strain) is a viable route towards the synthesis of several MAPI polymorph with variable band gaps

Emergency Mosquito Control on a Selected Area in Eastern North Carolina After Hurricane Irene

Natural disasters such as hurricanes may contribute to mosquito abundance and, consequently, arbovirus transmission risk. In 2011, flooding from Hurricane Irene in eastern North Carolina (NC) resulted in increased mosquito populations that hindered recovery efforts. Budget shortfalls in NC have reduced the functionality of long-term mosquito surveillance and control programs; hence, many counties rely on the Federal Emergency Management Agency for post-disaster mosquito control. This pilot study examines mosquito abundance pre- and post-aerial insecticide spraying at eight study sites in Washington and Tyrrell Counties in rural eastern NC after Hurricane Irene. Percent change was calculated and compared for traps in areas that received aerial pesticide application and those that did not. Traps in spray zones show decreases in mosquito abundance when compared to control traps (treatment: −52.93%; control: 3.55%), although no significant differences (P = 0.286) were found in mosquito abundance between groups. Implications of reactive rather than proactive mosquito control responses are discussed

Climate Variability, Social and Environmental Factors, and Ross River Virus Transmission: Research Development and Future Research Needs

Background: Arbovirus diseases have emerged as a global public health concern. However, the impact of climatic, social and environmental variability on the transmission of arbovirus diseases remains to be determined. Objective: We provided an overview of research development and future research directions about the inter-relationship between climate variability, social and environmental factors and the transmission of Ross River virus (RRV) – the most common and widespread arbovirus disease in Australia. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search on climatic, social and environmental factors and RRV disease. Potentially relevant studies were identified from a series of electronic searches. Databases searched were the MEDLINE (via EBSCOhost), Current Contents Connect (via ISI Web of Knowledge) and ScienceDirect. We critically reviewed key predictors of RRV transmission through an integration of our own research with literature. Results: The body of evidence reveals that the transmission cycles of RRV disease appeared to be sensitive to climate variability. Rainfall, temperature and high tides were among major determinants of the transmission of RRV disease at macro level. However, the nature and magnitude of the inter-relationship between climate variability, mosquito density and the transmission of RRV disease varied with geographic area and socio-environmental condition. Projected anthropogenic global climatic change may result in an increase in RRV infections. Conclusions: The analysis indicates that there is a complex relationship between climate variability, social and environmental factors and Ross River virus transmission. Different strategies should be adopted for the control and prevention of Ross River virus disease at different levels. These research findings could be used as an additional tool to support decision-making in disease control/surveillance and risk management

Integrating pollution reporting, climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and land-use planning: A case study of the 2011 Brisbane floods

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Arboviruses of Oceania

Arboviruses present an ongoing challenge to Oceanic nations. Viruses including Ross River, Barmah Forest and Murray Valley encephalitis are endemic to the region and are responsible for occasional outbreaks. Recent epidemics of chikungunya, Zika and dengue viruses across many nations demonstrate the vulnerability of this region to globally emergent arboviruses. In addition to global disease trends, the emergence of these viruses is largely driven by human influences such as water and waste management, air travel and land use. Limited public health resources and infrastructure, dispersed populations and the complexity of arbovirus ecologies complicate mitigation and management strategies in the Western Pacific. A regional collaborative approach augments the surveillance and response capability of individual nations, but the challenge of managing arbovirus risk with limited resources remains. In the absence of specific disease treatments and feasible vaccination solutions, mosquito control and personal protective measures are the mainstay of management programmes, albeit with variable success. In the long term, the development and integration of novel surveillance, diagnostic and mosquito control technologies will improve the capacity to prevent and respond to arbovirus threats