Convergence in CO 2 emissions, carbon footprint and ecological footprint: evidence from OECD countries

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to augment the existing literature on convergence of CO₂ emissions, by adding carbon footprint per capita and ecological footprint per capita to the convergence debate. We use the residual augmented least squares regression to examine the stochastic convergence of the environmental indices in 27 OECD countries. Furthermore, in contrast to the previous studies which mainly used the conventional beta-convergence approach to examine conditional convergence, we use a beta-convergence method that is capable of identifying the actual number of countries that contribute to conditional convergence. The sigma-convergence of the environmental indices is also examined. The results suggest that conditional convergence exists in 12 countries for CO₂ emissions per capita, 15 countries for carbon footprint per capita and also 13 countries for ecological footprint per capita. There is evidence for sigma-convergence for all the three indicators. The policy implications of the results are discussed in the body of the paper.

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One-step synthesis of versatile magnetic nanoparticles for efficiently removing emulsified oil droplets and cationic and anionic heavy metal ions from the aqueous environment

Abstract

Versatile polyethyleneimine (PEI)-coated Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method. The morphologies, structures, and properties of MNPs prepared for different reaction times have been characterized through various techniques. The synthesized MNPs were then used to separate emulsified oil and cationic and anionic heavy metal ions from the aqueous environment; moreover, the effects of the temperature, pH, and ionic strength of aqueous media, the solvothermal reaction time, and the number of reuse cycles on the removal efficiency have been investigated in detail. The results showed that pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm well described the adsorption processes of Cu(II) and Cr(VI). The Langmuir model yielded maximum adsorption capacities of 66.6 mg g⁻¹ for Cu(II) and 54.5 mg g⁻¹ for Cr(VI) at pH 5.0 and 25 °C. The synthetic MNPs could also efficiently separate diesel oil or olive oil droplets stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate from aqueous media. Moreover, these MNPs could be recycled five times without showing significant loss in separation efficiency. Notably, the synthesized PEI-coated MNPs could simultaneously separate emulsified oil and cationic and anionic heavy metal ions from multicomponent wastewater. Such versatile PEI-coated MNPs displayed good affinity towards emulsified oil and cationic and anionic heavy metal ions, showing great potential for practical applications in the treatment of complicated industrial wastewater matrices.

Graphical abstract

Simultaneous separation of emulsified oil and cationic and anionic heavy metal ions from aqueous media by using polyethyleneimine-coated Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles.

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Climate warming experiment finds unexpected results

From Phys.org January 4, 2019 by Emily Pontecorvo, American Geophysical Union Tropical forests store about a third of Earth's carbon and about two-thirds of its above-ground biomass. Most climate change models predict that as the world warms, all of that biomass will decompose more quickly, which would send a lot more carbon dioxide into the…

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Cactus Knowing What Snow Is

Some trip photos of snow in the Arizona and New Mexico Desert. Continue reading →

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Correction to: Effluent composition prediction of a two-stage anaerobic digestion process: machine learning and stoichiometry techniques

The original publication of this paper contains a mistake. Unfortunately, an author was inadvertently missed out, Constanza Arriagada had participated in the operation of the anaerobic digesters cited in the work and now as a PhD student, she is involved in the production of other publication

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Correction to: Migration and transformation of different phosphorus forms in rainfall runoff in bioretention system

The corresponding Author of this paper transferred to another institution. The correct affiliation is shown in this paper.

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Colour and SERS Patterning Using Core–Satellite Nanoassemblies

Chem. Commun., 2019, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C8CC09270B, Communication

Sungwoon Lee, Minkyu Kim, Sangwoon Yoon
We explore spatial control of the formation of core–satellite nanoassemblies on glass substrates. UV irradiation leads to the photooxidative desorption of thiol linkers from the deposited gold nanoparticles on the...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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On oldie, but a goody… “7 years later, failed Waxman-Markey bill still”… FAILED

Guest nostalgia by David Middleton When writing my last post on Nancy Peolosi's Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, I ran across this gem… CLIMATE 7 years later, failed Waxman-Markey bill still makes waves Amanda Reilly and Kevin Bogardus, E&E News reporters E&E Daily: Monday, June 27, 2016 It's been seven years since the House passed…

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Mechanisms into the removal and translocation of cadmium by Oudemansiella radicata in soil

Abstract

This study investigated the removal and translocation mechanism of cadmium (Cd) by Oudemansiella radicata (O. radicata) in mushroom-soil rhizosphere and the fruiting body of mushroom. For this, the biomass, physiochemical parameters, and Cd distribution of O. radicata were examined in the soil spiked with 0, 10, 20, and 30 mg kg⁻¹ Cd. The soil microecology and the Cd fractionation in the soil rhizosphere were also measured. Results showed that, O. radicata possesses high capability to tolerate Cd, although its surface phenotypic structure was influenced by high concentrations of Cd. The observed concentrations of Cd in O. radicata were in the following order: root (the part of stipe in soil) > pileus > stipe. The presence of Cd led to an increase in the production of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione (GSH). These results suggested that antioxidant enzymes and GSH assisted detoxification and accumulation of Cd within the mushroom. Meanwhile, in the soil rhizosphere, the concentrations of oxalic, citric, and malic acids were enhanced with the treatment of Cd, indicating that the production of these acids was closely related to the presence of Cd in soils. Additionally, the proportion of acid-soluble Cd was increased and the soil microecology (microbial counts, urease, and acid phosphatase activities) also enhanced with the inoculation of O. radicata. Overall, this study demonstrated that O. radicata is a promising candidate for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

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Hansen’s 1988 Predictions Redux

Guest Post by Willis Eschenbach Over in the Tweeterverse, someone sent me the link to the revered climate scientist James Hansen's 1988 Senate testimony and told me "Here's what we were told 30 years ago by NASA scientist James Hansen. It has proven accurate." I thought … huh? Can that be right? Here is a…

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Labour’s Shadow Chancellor plans to slap new ‘green’ taxes on plane tickets

By Paul Homewood

h/t Patsy Lacey

 

Labour's John McDonnell is plotting a tax hike on plane tickets and getting rid of duty free at airports, the Treasury warned last night.

The Shadow Chancellor wants to put up levies on flying and increase rates paid on alcohol in the departure lounge, according to comments made by his team.

The changes could double the cost of a plane ticket – making a summer holiday somewhere sunny abroad out of reach for many hard-working families.

Shadow Treasury Minister Clive Lewis has vowed to crackdown on the ability of Briton fly by plane abroad if Labour are elected.

He said: 'Growth in demand for UK air travel must be limited.'

He argued that they must 'control and push down demand for flights'.

He called and a useful 'lever' to do this.

The current rate of APD sees the average family already paying £81 per year in 'holiday tax'.

A new frequent-flyer tax and ending the duty-free status of flights and airport shopping are other options being discussed.

A £238 flight would rocket to £505 if all the measures are introduced, pricing many families out of a holiday completely, according to The Sun.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6561361/Warning-Labour-holiday-tax-families.html

 

Needless to say, the Labour Party assures us that this is not party policy, but we have heard that one before!

 

To argue that Air Passenger Duty a 'fiscally progressive tax' shows just how out of touch Labour are with their own roots. They seem to have the quaint idea that only rich people can afford to fly. It is working class families who will be hit hardest by APD, as they have kids to pay for as well.

No doubt McDonnell sees this as a nice little earner, but it is Clive Lewis who appears to give the game away. UK air travel must be cut, according to him, and to do so it must be priced out ordinary people's budgets.

 

Meanwhile, Beijing's new Daxing International Airport is due to open this autumn.

With eight runways serving 100 million passengers annually, Daxing International will becoming the world's largest airport.

Beijing new Daxing airport terminal building rendering

 

And China also aims to open 200 more airports by 2035:

 

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) published a development report on Monday that aims to add 216 new airports by 2035 and develop a number of regional transport hubs.

According to the CAAC, China had 234 civil airports as of October this year and is expected to have around 450 by 2035, China Daily reports. Further, the demand for passenger transport in China will account for a quarter of the world's total and exceed that of the US by 2035, making China the largest air passenger market in the world.

It also says that world-class airports will be built in the Yangtze River Delta region, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Chongqing and Chengdu city cluster.

"Service has improved substantially, but existing airports are far from adequate and are unevenly distributed throughout the country," said Dong Faxin, director of the administration's development and planning department.

China's airports are expected to handle 720 million trips by 2020 – up from 552 million last year – according to the the administration.

https://gbtimes.com/china-aims-to-develop-over-200-new-airports-by-2035

 

 

Does Clive Lewis really think stopping working class families from flying to Majorca will make any difference to the world's climate?

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Nancy Pelosi: “We must … face the existential threat of our time: the climate crisis”… We?

Guest commentary by David Middleton From Politico… 'The existential threat of our time': Pelosi elevates climate change on Day One By ANTHONY ADRAGNA and ZACK COLMAN 01/03/2019 […] Speaker Nancy Pelosi brought up the issue in her opening address while touting a new select panel to come up with ideas on how to solve it,…

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Forget El Nino, StormFest is about to Hit the West Coast

Reposted from Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog Thursday, January 3, 2019 Forget El Nino, StormFest is about to Hit the West Coast Things often calm down after January 1 during El Nino years….but not this year…with the U.S. West Coast from central California to Washington State about to be pummeled by a series of…

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Swiss Daily BaZ: On Why German Spiegel Journalist Was Allowed to Fool The World For So Long

1. Markus Somm of the Swiss Baseler Zeitung (BaZ) here has an interesting commentary on why Spiegel and CNN-award wining journalist Claas Relotius had been able to get away with writing totally made up stories for as long as he did.

Claas Relotius is the journalist who traveled to rural Fergus Falls, Minnesota, immediately after the inauguration of then president-elect Donald Trump in order to find out why rural America voted so heavily in favor of Trump. The reason in a nutshell, according to Relotius: because rural Americans are uneducated, blindly patriotic, gun-bearing, narrow-minded rednecks.

In his article he provided numerous examples to back it up. The problem, however: he made it all up! Today it has arguably become the biggest journalistic scandal in at least 10 years. Both Relotius and Spiegel have been disgraced.

Further investigation uncovered that Relotius had been writing phony news for years. The BAZ asks: How could this have happened and why hadn't he been exposed much earlier?

What makes this scandal all the more oppressive to the media, however, is the fact that Relotius did so for years without ever being discovered. No documentation expert and no editor-in-chief noticed anything. Indeed, Relotius was flooded with journalist prizes for his many works of fiction."

What was even more embarrassing is the fact that he wrote for Spiegel, probably one of the most renowned news magazines worldwide, and one that bragged about its investigative and fact-checking prowess. Somehow, quality control got thrown overboard along the way.

Agenda over truth

The Markus Somm at the BAZ suspects much of it had to do with the hard left-wing leanings of the Spiegel editorial board, who loathe conservative, rural Americans. The BAZ asks:

If Spiegel, left-liberal, often self-righteous, had been a bit more pluralistic, if there had been more people on its editorial board who were conservative – would Relotius have not been uncovered sooner?

In BAZ's view, the answer to that question is 'yes':

The fact that he became a world star, has a lot to do with the prejudices the Relotius virtuoso served. Refugees are basically better people, war is a misery which is mostly blamed on the West, progressive people live in the city, the distressed in the countryside, and Trump is a disaster. Relotius wrote what they wanted to hear, he lied about what his superiors and colleagues already believed, and that's why they felt so comfortable in affirming that reality seemed to conform to their prejudice. Nowhere is this perhaps more apparent than in a report on Fergus Falls."

Relotius spent several weeks in Fergus Falls in order to gain a clear picture of the small town's residents and how they lived. But what Relotius found was something in complete contradiction to the prejudices spread in Germany about rural America.

He just could not possibly return to Germany and tell Spiegel editors and America-loathing German readers: Hey, rural Americans are pretty hip and normal folks, and then ask Spiegel to reimburse all his travel expenses and pay for his fact-finding labor. So he just fabricated everything they wanted to hear.

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Germany’s Renewable Energy Fail: German CO2 Emissions 10 Times Higher than Nuclear-Powered France

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Monetising the wind isn't going to solve anyone's electricity supply problems. Exactly the reverse is far more likely.

STOP THESE THINGS

The meme has it that wind and solar are all about slashing CO2 emissions, whereas that pathetic pair are just a colossal moneymaking scam.

Apart from South Australia, no country other than Germany threw more at chaotically intermittent wind and solar.

The results have been an utter debacle: Germans suffer the second highest power prices in Europe, just behind wind 'powered' Denmark, and those prices are rocketing north at double-digit rates. The German grid is on the brink of collapse.

And all in an effort to curb emissions of carbon dioxide gas. Leaving aside arguments about whether CO2 is a toxic pollutant or a naturally occurring beneficial trace gas which plants crave, if the primary object of Germany's 'transition' to an all wind and sun powered future was cutting carbon dioxide gas emissions, the result has been a dismal failure – that's cost Germans more than a €Trillion, so…

View original post 1,584 more words

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Uptake and distribution of fluopyram and tebuconazole residues in tomato and bell pepper plant tissues

Abstract

The present study describes the uptake and distribution of fungicides, fluopyram, and tebuconazole in tomato and bell pepper plant tissues from the soil drench application of their combination product fluopyram17.7% + tebuconazole 17.7%. For extraction and cleanup of fluopyram, its metabolite fluopyram benzamide, and tebuconazole samples, the QuEChERS method was used in conjunction with LC-MS/MS. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method determined were 1.5 μg kg⁻¹ and 0.005 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, and recoveries of all analytes from sample matrices remained within the acceptable range of 70–120%. Rapid uptake of the fungicides by tomato and bell pepper plants was observed from the first day onwards. In the tomato plant, the major part of the fungicides accumulated in the roots, whereas in bell pepper plant, it accumulated both in the roots and in the leaves. Accumulation of fluopyram and tebuconazole residues was lowest in tomato and bell pepper fruits which were much below their respective maximum residue limits (MRLs). The highest residue concentration of fluopyram and tebuconazole in tomato fruits was 0.060 and 0.009 mg kg⁻¹; the corresponding values in bell pepper fruits were 0.080 and 0.013 mg kg⁻¹. In field soil, fluopyram residues were 3.18–3.570 mg kg⁻¹ initially which dissipated at the half-life of 36 days. Tebuconazole concentration was 1.57–1.892 mg kg⁻¹ initially, and it dissipated at the half-life of 44.5–49.5 days. The major metabolite of fluopyram, fluopyram benzamide, was detected in plant tissues as well as in soil, and remained within 12% of the parent compound. The results of the study indicated that fluopyram and tebuconazole are less likely of entry into food chain through intake of tomato and bell pepper fruits if these crops are grown on soil contaminated with these fungicides.

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Assessment of Pb and Cd contaminations in the urban waterway sediments of the Nen River (Qiqihar section), Northeastern China, and transfer along the food chain

Abstract

The increasing anthropogenic inputs of Pb and Cd into China's Nen River (Qiqihar section) owing to rapid urbanization in the past 50 years may pose ecological risks to the river's aquatic system. To confirm this hypothesis, we determined the Pb and Cd concentrations in the sediments of the Nen River flowing across Qiqihar City by comparing the control group (samplings in the Nen River branch bypassing the city) and bioaccumulation along the food chain. We found significantly higher Pb concentrations in the sediments than in the control group (39.21 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight [dw] vs. 22.44 mg kg⁻¹ dw; p < 0.05). However, the difference between the Cd contents of the two groups was nonsignificant (0.33 mg kg⁻¹ dw vs. 0.30 mg kg⁻¹ dw) (p = 0.07). Accumulated Pb and Cd in the sediments pose a medium risk to the system of Nen River according to the result of risk assessment code analysis. The increased Pb and Cd levels along the food chain had adverse health effects in the species at the top level of the food chain. For example, the feathers of Corvus frugilegus and Sterna hirundo contained 0.28–2.25 mg kg⁻¹ dw of Cd. These values are considered potentially toxic to common avian species. The bone Pb level of C. frugilegus ranged from 4.82 to 7.41 mg kg⁻¹ dw within the increasing Pb range (2–15 mg kg⁻¹ dw) of common water birds. The inputs of Pb and Cd into the local environment should be reduced for the preservation of aquatic system health.

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Characteristics of pipe corrosion scales in untreated water distribution system and effect on water quality in Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigated the characteristics of iron corrosion scales in pipes at tube well, overhead tank, and consumers' end in older untreated water distribution system in Peshawar city, Pakistan. Effect of water quality conditions on corrosion scales and that of scales on drinking water quality in such systems was also assessed by undertaking a comparison with new piped distribution systems. The scales were analyzed for chemical composition and morphology using X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and a scanning electron microscope (SEM), while water quality was examined for physicochemical and biological characteristics. The main crystalline phases of corrosion scales were goethite, magnetite, siderite, and quartz. From tube well to consumers' end, goethite increased from 36 up to 48%, quartz declined from 22 to 15%, while magnetite fluctuated and siderite disappeared. Elemental composition of scales showed the deposition of Zn, Al, Mn, Cr, Pb, Cu, As, and Cd with Zn (13.9 g/kg) and Al (3.6 g/kg) in highest proportion. The SEM analysis illustrated the presence of microbial communities indicating the formation of biofilms in the corrosion scales. The significant difference (P < 0.05) in levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), Cl⁻, SiO₄⁴⁻, electrical conductivity (EC), SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, alkalinity, hardness, and trace metals between old (DS-O) and new piped systems indicated their role in corrosion scale formation/destabilization and the effect of scale dissolution on water quality. In DS-O, EC, Cu, and Mn were significantly higher (P < 0.05), whereas turbidity, EC, DO, and SiO₄⁴⁻ significantly increased from source to consumers' end implying a higher dissolution of scales and lowered corrosion rates in DS-O to utilize SiO₄⁴⁻ and DO for iron oxidation.

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Summary Against Modern Thought: Eternity Lasts A Long Time

Previous post.

You MUST review. It's been a few weeks since our break, and doubtless your memory is sketchy about where we are and how we got here.

THAT THOSE WHO SEE GOD WILL SEE HIM PERPETUALLY

1 Now, it is clear from this that those who obtain ultimate felicity as a result of the divine vision never depart from it.

2 For, "everything which at one time exists, and at another does not, is measured by time," as is clear in Physics IV [12: 221b 28]. But the aforementioned vision, which makes intellectual creatures happy, is not in time but in eternity. So, it is impossible for a person to lose it, once he has become a partaker in it.

Notes The distinction between being in time and in eternity is crucial. And also a disproof that does not not exist, which is to say, time certainly exists for us.

3 Again, the intellectual creature does not reach his ultimate end until his natural desire comes to rest. But, just as one naturally desires felicity, so also does he naturally desire everlasting felicity; for, since he is everlasting in his substance, he desires to possess forever that object which is desired for its own sake and not because of something else. Therefore, his felicity would not be the ultimate end unless it endured perpetually.

4 Besides, everything that is possessed with love may cause sorrow, provided it be recognized that such a thing may be lost. But the aforesaid vision which makes men happy is especially loved by its possessors, since it is the most lovable and desirable of objects. Therefore, it would not be possible for them to avoid sorrow if they knew that they would lose it at some time. Now, if it were not perpetual, they would know this, for we have shown already, that, while seeing the divine substance, they also know other things that are naturally so. Hence, they certainly know what kind of vision it is, whether perpetual or to stop at some future time. So, this vision would not be theirs without sorrow. And thus it will not be true felicity which should be made free from all evil, as we showed above.

5 Moreover, that which is naturally moved toward something, as to the end of its motion, may not be removed from it without violence, as in the case of a weight when it is thrown upward. But from what we have said, it is obvious that every intellectual substance tends by natural desire toward that vision. So, it cannot fail to continue that vision, unless because of violence. But nothing is taken away from a thing by violence unless the power removing it is greater than the power which causes it. Now, the cause of the divine vision is God, as we proved above. Therefore, since no power surpasses the divine power, it is impossible for this vision to be taken away by violence. Hence, it will endure forever.

Notes Sin is violence.

6 Furthermore, if a person ceases to see what he formerly saw, this cessation will be either because the power of sight fails him, as when one dies or goes blind, or because he is impeded in some other way, or it will be because he does not wish to see any longer, as when a man turns away his glance from a thing that he formerly saw, or because the object is taken away. And this is true in general whether we are talking about sensory or intellectual vision.

Now, in regard to the intellectual substance that sees God there cannot be a failure of the ability to see God: either because it might cease to exist, for it exists in perpetuity, as we showed above, or because of a failure of the light whereby it sees God, since the light is received incorruptibly both in regard to the condition of the receiver and of the giver. Nor can it lack the will to enjoy such a vision, because it perceives that its ultimate felicity lies in this vision, just as it cannot fail to will to be happy. Nor, indeed, may it cease to see because of a removal of the object, for the object, which is God, is always existing in the same way; nor is He far removed from us, unless by virtue of our removal from Him. So, it is impossible for the vision of God, which makes men happy, ever to fail.

7 Again, it is impossible for a person to will to abandon a good which he is enjoying, unless because of some evil which he perceives in the enjoyment of that good; even if it be simply that it is thought to stand in the way of a greater good. For, just as the appetite desires nothing except under the rational character of a good, so does it shun nothing except under the character of an evil.

But there can be no evil in the enjoyment of this vision, because it is the best to which the intellectual creature can attain. Nor, in fact, can it be that he who is enjoying this vision might think that there is some evil in it, or that there is something better than it. For the vision of the highest Truth excludes all falsity. Therefore, it is impossible for the intellectual substance that sees God ever to will to be without that vision.

Notes In other words, sin won't be possible.

8 Besides, dislike of an object which one formerly enjoyed with delight occurs because this thing produces some kind of real change, destroying or weakening one's power.

And this is why the sense powers, subject to fatigue in their actions because of the changing of the bodily organs by sense objects, are corrupted, even by the best of such objects. Indeed, after a period of enjoyment, they grow to dislike what they formerly perceived with delight.

And for this reason we even suffer boredom in the use of our intellect, after a long or strenuous meditation, because our powers that make use of the bodily organs become tired, and intellectual thinking cannot be accomplished without these. But the divine substance does not corrupt; rather, it greatly perfects the intellect. Nor does any act exercised through bodily organs accompany this vision. Therefore, it is impossible for anyone who at one time took joy in the delight of this vision to grow weary of it.

Notes This third paragraph is also pertinent to our discussion of intelligence.

9 Furthermore, nothing that is contemplated with wonder can be tiresome, since as long as the thing remains in wonder it continues to stimulate desire. But the divine substance is always viewed with wonder by any created intellect, since no created intellect comprehends it. So, it is impossible for an intellectual substance to become tired of this vision. And thus, it cannot, of its own will, desist from this vision.

Notes Recall, too, that there are hierarchies of infinity; they become so rich and dense that it is impossible to exhaust them, even in eternity.

10 Moreover, if any two things were formerly united and later come to be separated, this must be due to a change in one of them. For, just as a relation does not come into being for the first time without a change in one of the things related, so also it does not cease to be without a new change in one of them.

Now, the created intellect sees God by virtue of being united to Him in some way, as is clear from what we have said. So, if this vision were to cease, bringing this union to an end, it would have to be done by a change in the divine substance, or in the intellect of the one who sees it. Both of these changes are impossible: for the divine substance is immutable, as we showed in Book One [13], and, also, the intellectual substance is raised above all change when it sees God's substance. Therefore, it is impossible for anyone to depart from the felicity in which he sees God's substance.

11 Besides, the nearer a thing is to God, Who is entirely immutable, the less mutable is it and the more lasting. Consequently, certain bodies, because "they are far removed from God," as is stated in On Generation II [10: 336b 30], cannot endure forever. But no creature can come closer to God than the one who sees His substance. So, the intellectual creature that sees God's substance attains the highest immutability. Therefore, it is not possible for it ever to lapse from this vision.

12 Hence it is said in the Psalm (83:5): "Blessed are they who dwell in Your house, O Lord: they shall praise You for ever and ever." And in another text: "He shall not be moved for ever that dwells in Jerusalem" (Ps. 124: 1) And again: "Your eyes shall see Jerusalem, a rich habitation, a tabernacle that cannot be removed; neither shall the nails thereof be taken away for ever; neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken, because only there our Lord is magnificent" (Is. 33:20-21). And again: "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God: and he shall go out no more" (Rev. 3:12)

13 By these considerations, then, the error of the Platonists is refuted, for they said that separated souls, after having attained ultimate felicity, would begin to desire to return to their bodies, and having brought to an end the felicity of that life they would again become enmeshed in the troubles of this life; and also the error of Origen, who said that souls and angels, after beatitude, could again return to unhappiness.

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Forecasting model to assess the potential of secondary lead production from lead acid battery scrap

Abstract

Lead acid battery (LAB) scrap management is an important issue both environmentally and economically. The recovery of lead from battery scrap leads to a reduction in negative impacts of lead mining, as well as making the battery production cycle environmentally friendly. This work aims to propose a forecasting model for lead generation from LAB scrap based on time series modeling that uses data regarding after-market of batteries and new batteries produced for new cars. In order to illustrate the applicability of the new proposal, the model was applied to the Brazilian case. The main results show that at least 1% of LAB scrap from light vehicles have unknown or improper destinations; the efficiency of the recycling process in Brazil is still low, resulting in lead losses close to 4.5%; the lack of a sectorial agreement between the official battery market and the government concerning the reverse logistics of LAB scrap leads to a lack of precise data on the amount of LAB scrap generated and its final destination. Moreover, the economic importance of lead recycling and logistics of the secondary market are also discussed, with a focus on the dangers of illegal recycling.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2GYe1gj

Characterizing PBDEs in fish, poultry, and pig feeds manufactured in China

Abstract

A total of 53 feeds from 23 brands for four types of animals, i.e., fish, chicken, duck, and pig, as well as six types of raw materials, were bought from Guangxi, Hubei, Anhui, and Guangdong provinces in China and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The raw materials including super fish meal, ordinary fish meal, poultry ore, soybean, stone powder, and rapeseed were selected because they were added to all the animal feeds manufactured. The occurrence of PBDEs was ubiquitous in the feeds and raw materials, with BDE-209 as the most abundant congener. The average concentration of ∑₈PBDE was 1.1 and 0.44 ng g⁻¹ dry weight in feeds (range 0.25–5.7) and raw materials (range 0.27–0.84), respectively. No statistically significant differences in ∑₈PBDE concentrations were observed among the four groups of animal feeds. Feeds from Yangzhiyuan Brand (n = 11) contained statistically (p < 0.01) lower ∑₈PBDE concentrations than all other brands except for Baoshun Brand. Chicken was selected as a representative animal to assess health risk for human exposure to PBDEs via the consumption of chicken raised by the feeds under investigation. Hazard quotients based on per-capita consumption of chicken were all below 1, indicating low potential risk to humans consuming chicken raised with the feeds.

Graphical abstract

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Continuous dye adsorption and desorption on an invasive macrophyte ( Salvinia minima )

Abstract

The continuous adsorption-desorption of methylene blue (MB) on an invasive macrophyte, Salvinia minima, was investigated in fixed-bed columns. The effects of bed depth (h) (9.30, 18.70, and 28 cm), inlet dye concentration (C₀) (51 ± 1.20, 154 ± 2.00, and 250 ± 1.50 mg L⁻¹), and flow rate (Q) (7 and 14 mL min⁻¹) on dye removal and breakthrough curves were assessed. Thomas, modified dose-response (MDR) and bed depth service time (BDST) models were fitted to the experimental data. Desorption and regeneration studies were also performed. The breakthrough time was affected by h, C₀, and Q. The dynamic bed capacity at the breakthrough point (q_b) increased with increasing h but decreased with increasing C₀ and Q. Dynamic bed capacities (q_e) from 318 to 322 mg g⁻¹ were achieved at h = 28 cm, C₀ = 154 ± 2.0, or 250 ± 1.50 mg L⁻¹, independently of the Q value. High MB removals were also observed (75–78%). FTIR analysis revealed that hydroxyl and carboxyl groups could be involved in dye adsorption. MDR and BDST models were both successfully used to predict the breakthrough curves of MB adsorption onto S. minima. A high regeneration efficiency (> 87%) was obtained after three adsorption-desorption cycles. These results confirm that the use of S. minima biomass could be a very efficient and eco-friendly alternative for MB adsorption in continuous mode.

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The effect of nanoparticles on the photosynthetic pigments in cadmium—zinc interactions

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination, one of the greatest global problems, not only endangers humans and animals but also negatively affects plants. New trends, the production and industrial applications of metals in nanoforms, lead to release of large amounts of nanoparticles into the environment. However, the influence of nanoparticles on living organisms is not well understood. Cadmium is a heavy metal not essential for plants, and to its phytotoxicity also contributes its chemical similarity to zinc. It has been recorded that zinc at low concentrations reduces the toxicity of cadmium, but our results with ZnO nanoparticles did not proved it. In contrast, ZnO nanoparticles significantly increased the negative effect of cadmium, which was reflected mainly in changes in the content of photosynthetic pigments.

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Estimating missing concentrations of p,p′- DDT in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey using multiple imputation

Abstract

We investigated the association between diabetes and p,p′-DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) in blood of Mexican Americans who participated in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In this sample, p,p′-DDT were missing in 50% of subjects and we used multiple imputation (MI) to address the problem. Compared to ignoring the missing data, MI led to a more robust threshold for the p,p′-DDT reference category. Whereas previously p,p′-DDT ≤ 0.0860 ng/g was used as the reference category, using MI, we were able to use p,p′-DDT < 0.0574 ng/g as the reference category to study the association between p,p′-DDT and diabetes via logistic regression. In this analysis, p,p′-DDT ≥ 0.0750 ng/g was associated with an odds ratio of 1.99 (95% CI 1.09–3.61) for diabetes and 4.20 (95% CI 1.93–9.12) for diabetic nephropathy. The reference category for diabetes without nephropathy outcome stayed consistent after MI but our analysis confirmed that p,p′-DDT > 0.0860 ng/g was associated with diabetes without nephropathy with an odds ratio of 1.89 (95% CI 1.09–3.27). Our study showed that MI can be effectively used to deal with missing at random data in persistent organic pollutants measured in the 1999–2004 NHANES.

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Melting ice sheets release tons of methane into the atmosphere, study finds

From EurekAlert! Public Release: 3-Jan-2019 Melting ice sheets release tons of methane into the atmosphere, study finds University of Bristol Melting ice sheet release tons of methane into the atmosphere, study finds The Greenland Ice Sheet emits tons of methane according to a new study, showing that subglacial biological activity impacts the atmosphere far more…

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Human Biology

Health care: Where are we heading? Monali Amit Shah Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):1-1

The incidence of brain tumours in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis Soheil Hassanipour, Gholamreza Namvar, Mohammad Fathalipour, Mohammad Ghorbani, Elham Abdzadeh, Saber Zafarshamspour, Shirin Riahi, Abdollah Mohammadian-Hafshejani, Hamid Salehiniya Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):2-7 Background: Brain tumours (BTs) constitute approximately 88% of all central nervous system tumours. The present study aimed to determine the age-standardised rate (ASR) of BTs in Iran. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on all studies of BTs incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar and Web of Sciences as international databases and Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex and IranDoc as Iranian databases until April 2018. This systematic review was done based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: The primary search yielded 312 relevant studies. A total of 17 studies were included after more detailed retrieval. The results of the random-effect model were demonstrated the ASR of BTs was 4.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.20–5.12) for males and 3.40 (95% CI, 2.67–4.13) for females. Conclusion: The incidence of BTs is lower in Iran compared to other parts of the world. The incidence of nervous system cancers is increasing base on region, geographical, and economic conditions in Iran. Hence, training programmes can be considered to reduce the risk factors, complications of nervous system cancers and early diagnosis of nervous tumors.

The effect of placenta abruption on the risk of intrauterine growth restriction: A meta-analysis Ensiyeh Jenabi, Salman Khazaei, Bita Fereidooni Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):8-11 There is a contradict findings on the effect of placenta abruption on the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Therefore, the objective of present meta-analysis was to identify all the eligible studies to assess the effect of placenta abruption on the risk of IUGR. The major electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched to identify relevant published studies. The literature search included 551 articles until January 2018 with 35,201 participants. In the end, a total of seven references were remained for this meta-analysis. Two independent authors reviewed the retrieved the studies and extracted data. I2 statistics was used to assess of heterogeneity. The random effects model was conducted to assess pooled effects size. the results of study showed that placenta abruption has a significant effect on the risk of IUGR based on odds ratio results (2.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.57, 2.55). The result reported of the measure of effect was homogeneous (I2 = 0.0%). we presented based on reports in epidemiological studies that placenta abruption is a risk factor for IUGR.

Is breech presentation associated with autism spectrum disorders among children: A meta-analysis Ensiyeh Jenabi, Saeid Bashirian, Salman Khazaei Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):12-15 The meta-analysis of case–control and cohort studies was conducted to obtain the association between breech presentation and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. The search for relevant studies in major electronic databases was performed including; Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus up to May 2018. The odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was extracted from eligible studies. The pooled estimate of OR was not indicated a significant association between breech presentation and risk of ASD among children (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.93–1.37), but this association was significant in the unadjusted analysis (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.05–1.58). Our findings were not showed that breech presentation is associated with increased risk of ASD among children.

The incidence of testicular cancer in Iran from 1996 to 2017: A systematic review and meta-analysis Soheil Hassanipour, Mohammad Ghorbani, Milad Derakhshan, Hamed Fouladseresht, Shokrollah Mohseni, Elham Abdzadeh, Shirin Riahi, Morteza Arab-Zozani, Hamed Delam, Hamid Salehiniya Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):16-20 Objective: Testicular cancer (TC), although it is one of the most unusual cancers, seems to be increasing. There is no accurate information on the incidence of this cancer in Iran. The present study is conducted to evaluate the incidence rates of TC in Iran. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on all published studies of TC incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and four Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex and IranDoc) until June 2018. This systematic review was done according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Result: The database searching yielded 132 potentially relevant studies. A total of 11 studies were included in the study. The results of the random-effects model were demonstrated that the age-standardised rate (ASR) of TC was 1.13, 95% confidence interval (0.97–1.29) among Iranian males. Conclusion: ASR for TC in Iran is lower than the world average; however, it has a higher incidence than other Asian countries.

Effect of cryopreservation on the structural and functional integrity of human periodontal ligament stem cells: A systematic review Rujuta Krishnakant Pandya, Monali Shah, Yesha Shroff, Mrugank Vyas Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):21-27 Aim: The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the effect of cryopreservation on the human periodontal ligament (PDL) stem cells and their ability for periodontal regeneration. Materials and Methods: An electronic search without time restrictions was conducted up to August 2017 in indexed databases using the combination of different keywords including cryopreservation, cryofixation, vitrification and human periodontal ligament stem cells. The exclusion criteria included reviews, commentaries, letters to the editor, interviews and updates. The relevant articles were included and data extraction was processed. Results: Dimethyl sulphoxide was used as a cryoprotectant in all the studies which yielded good results. The magnetic freezing proves to be better than the normal freezer. The cryopreserved cells showed no significant difference for viability, proliferation, and regenerative capacities as compared to the fresh human PDL stem cells (PDLSCs), in vitro as well as in vivo. Conclusion: Cryopreservation of the human PDLSCs would serve as an opportunity for future regenerative therapy for the periodontium.

The effect of diabetes on nerve–muscle conduction of tibial and peroneal nerve association with habit and habitat in Bikaner Region Ekta Soni, Priyanka Soni, Jitendra Kumar Acharya Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):28-31 Introduction: Diabetes is due to defect in Beta cell of islets of Langerhans, that is seen in pancreas. This defect is responsible for disturbance in blood glucose level. Other factors which are also responsible includes diet, hereditary, immunological factor, lack of exercise etc., The damage to nerves in DM has been assumed to be a result of the interaction of metabolic defects complicated by vasa nervorum abnormalities. Nerve conduction velocity, are standard measurement used to confirm the presence or absence of diabetic neuropathy. In Nerve conduction velocity study common nerves that are studied are common peroneal nerve, tibial nerve and sural nerve. Materials and Methods: The study was planned in Physiology Department in close collaboration with Department of Medicine (Diabetic Section), S.p.mc. Bikaner. A total of 100 subjects for study from diabetic centre, were selected. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before commencement of study from ethical committee of our institution. Results: In present study, maximum number of patients were non-smokers in both study and control groups (87% and 91% respectively) and this difference was found statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). We observed that the patients were vegetarian in both study and control groups and this difference was found statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The mean peroneal nerve in study group was 42.26 ± 1.95 m/s and in control group it was 52.05 ± 4.78 m/s and the difference was found statistically highly significant (P < 0.001) and mean value of tibial nerve in study group was 41.71 ± 2.29 m/s and in control group it was 49.84 ± 2.67 m/s and the difference was found statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study, we concluded that nerve conduction velocities decreases in tibial and common peroneal nerve in diabetic patients as compared to control. Nerve conduction velocities also decrease with increasing age, increased HbA1C >6.5%.

New insight into the role of electronic apex locators in detecting simulated horizontal root fractures: An In vitro study Mukti M Shah, Vaishali V Parekh, Nidhi J Patel, Parth V Dodiya, Dipak H Chauhan Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):32-36 Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study is to check the accuracy of two different electronic apex locators (EALs): Canal Pro and Root ZX – in locating simulated horizontal root fractures (HRFs). Materials and Methods: Forty-five recently extracted, single-rooted, human permanent teeth were selected for the study. Endodontic access cavity was prepared, and canal patency was checked using no. 10-K file. Horizontal fractures were simulated using 0.2-mm thick diamond disk in coronal, middle and/or apical third of root by operator one, until half of the canal was exposed circumferentially. Using both the apex locators, all the fractures were detected by the second operator to confirm the accuracy of EALs. The actual length of the fractures was then measured under ×2.5 magnification, and results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Results were analysed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test, and the differences between all the test samples were analysed. All the measurements were compared to the actual values separately. A statistically significant difference was determined at 95% confidence level (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Investigated both the EAL are capable of detecting simulated HRF and that the Canal Pro showed a higher accuracy rate.

To determine the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency using a novel water-soluble tetrazolium-8 formazan method' for neonatal screening in region of Himachal Pradesh, India Seema Sharma, Milap Sharma Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):37-41 Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most significant enzyme defect in India with an incidence ranging from 2% to 27.9% in different communities. Prolonged neonatal jaundice and haemolytic crisis are known to occur in children with G6PD deficiency. Hence, screening of a population for G6PD deficiency is paramount. A Novel water soluble tetrazolium-8 (WST-8) Formazan Method has been used in this study for in-field mass-screening of G6PD in the region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 5652 neonates were screened to assay G6PD activity using WST8/1-methoxy phenazine methosulphate method within the first 48 h of life. Orange colour at the end of the procedure indicated normal G6PD activity while pink or colourless appearance indicated G6PD deficiency. Results: After the screening of 5652 neonates, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 12.4%. 45 newborns (6%) had a severe G6PD deficiency. Males were more affected than females (70:30). Furthermore, males had higher prevalence of deficiency than females (64% [n = 29] and 16% [n = 16]). Conclusions: G6PD deficiency assessment by the method used for population screening in the study was easy to do and quite simple. Following this, the high prevalence of this deficiency was noted in Himachal Pradesh. This study highlights the need to do neonatal screening of G6PD deficiency in population so that untowards complications like haemolytic crisis, complications due to neonatal jaundice can be avoided.

Evaluation of the accessible level of iodine in marketed iodised salt in Iran: A comparison with standard recommended values Abolfazl Mohammadbeigi, Ali Salehi, Hamidreza Heidari, Mahdi Asadi-Ghalhari Advances in Human Biology 2019 9(1):42-45 Background: Iodine is one of the essential micronutrients for synthesise and secrete adequate amounts of thyroid gland hormones. Its deficiency is the most important threatening causes for human health. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine concentration in marketed edible salt samples in Qom city and to compare with existing standards and offering solutions necessary to fix the probably problems. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out on 60 samples of 20 brands of marketed edible salt in Qom during 2017. Iodine concentration was evaluated by the British Pharmacopoeia titration method. Results: According to the national standard of Iran during this study, iodine concentration in 51.67% of salt samples was in acceptable limits and 48.33% of samples were out of acceptable ranges. None of the tested samples had iodine content more than the standard limit. Conclusions: To improve salt fortification status and removing iodine deficiency in society, the following actions should be considered: enforcing producers to follow national and international standards, continuous monitoring the producers, necessary legal actions against offending manufacturers and appropriate measures by health ministry and relevant authorities.

How to fund roads and ensure electric vehicles pay their share

Why not just drop the fuel taxes and have every private car user pay mileage fees, maybe based on vehicle weight?

Since electric vehicles use no gasoline, their drivers pay no gasoline tax.

And as more people drive EVs, gas-tax revenue for road repairs is dwindling, says Phys.org.

So how can California and the rest of the country avoid road-funding shortfalls and ensure that EV drivers pay their share of needed repairs?

A research report submitted to the California Legislature this week by the University of California, Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies proposes an innovative solution: Switch EVs to a mileage fee while continuing to have gasoline-powered cars pay gasoline taxes.

Gas tax or mileage fee?

Many states, including California, have opted for the easy way out—charging an extra registration fee for electric vehicles. But that is not a sustainable or effective solution, according to report author Alan Jenn, a UC Davis research scientist with the Plug-In Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Research Center.

"The California zero-emissions vehicle registration fee doesn't support the long-run funding of transportation infrastructure, nor is it equitable for drivers of electric and hydrogen vehicles," said Jenn.

Others argue that the gas tax must be replaced by a mileage-based fee as soon as possible to avert increasing shortfalls in road funding. But switching from the gas tax to a mileage fee would be technically and administratively difficult.

"California now has the opportunity to support alternative funding mechanisms," Jenn said. "Our study finds that a per-mile road charge, designed specifically for zero-emission vehicles, is a relatively low-cost and sustainable solution to funding our roads."

Continued here.

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Pediatric Neuropsychology

Review of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Investigating the BRIEF and BRIEF-SR in Adolescents with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Abstract To date, limited research has investigated the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and BRIEF Self-Report (BRIEF-SR) in adolescents presenting exclusively with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The present study was retrospective and included 163 adolescents (43% male; M age = 14.80; M days since injury = 34.10) referred for neuropsychological evaluation after mTBI. Results revealed that mean BRIEF and BRIEF-SR clinical scale scores in the sample were generally similar to those in the standardization sample, commensurate with previous literature on the trajectory of cognitive and symptom recovery after mTBI. Adolescents reported significantly higher scores than their parents only on Emotional Control, with no differences emerging on other clinical scales. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the two-factor model of the BRIEF-SR (Metacognition and Behavioral Regulation; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.97) provided relatively and statistically significant better fit than a one-factor model extracted in exploratory analyses. Results also indicated that a three-factor model of the BRIEF capturing Metacognition, Behavioral Regulation, and Emotional Regulation (CFI = 0.98) provided relatively and significantly better fit than the two-factor model. These results suggested that adolescents in the post-acute phase of mTBI recovery may rate their own executive dysfunction in terms of metacognitive and behavioral difficulties, while their parents may observe executive dysfunction in these two dimensions in addition to emotional dysfunction. Relationships to previous literature, limitations of the present study, and implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Test and Book Reviews in Pediatric Neuropsychology

Correction to: Automatized Sequences as a Performance Validity Test? Difficult If You Have Never Learned Your ABCs In the original article the name of author Allyson G. Harrison was misspelled. The original article has been updated and her name is correct here.

Pediatric Performance Validity Testing: State of the Field and Current Research

One-Minute PVT: Further Evidence for the Utility of the California Verbal Learning Test—Children's Version Forced Choice Recognition Trial Abstract Objective To replicate previous research on the forced choice recognition trial for the California Verbal Learning Test—Children's Version (FCR-C). Method Classification accuracy of the FCR-C was computed in 178 children referred for neuropsychological assessment to a tertiary care hospital. Results FCR-C ≤ 14 produced the best combination of sensitivity (.12–.42) and specificity (.88–.96). Unlike some of the criterion performance validity tests (PVTs), base rate of failure on the FCR-C was evenly distributed across age ranges. Conclusion The FCR-C is a quick and inexpensive PVT, unaffected by cognitive maturation, and highly specific to psychometrically defined invalid performance.

Automatized Sequences as a Performance Validity Test? Difficult If You Have Never Learned Your ABCs Abstract Accurate identification of symptom exaggeration is essential when determining whether or not data obtained in pediatric evaluations are valid or interpretable. Apart from using freestanding performance validity tests (PVTs), many researchers encourage use of embedded measures of test-related motivation, including the newly developed automatized sequences test (AST). Such embedded measures are based on identification of performance patterns that are implausible if the test taker is investing full effort; however, it is unclear whether or not persons with pre-existing cognitive difficulties such as specific learning disabilities (SLD) might be falsely accused of poor test motivation due to actual but impaired learning of basic sequences. This study examined the specificity of the AST by reviewing performance of 83 SLD adolescents. Anywhere from 22 to 41% of SLD adolescents investing good effort failed one or more of the tasks included in the AST, and those with lower intelligence scores had higher rates of failure. Clinicians should therefore be cautious if using this PVT with individuals who have a documented history of reading, learning, or intellectual problems.

Detecting Invalid Performance in Youth with Traumatic Brain Injury Using the Child and Adolescent Memory Profile (ChAMP) Lists Subtest Abstract Background Neuropsychological assessment must include determinants of validity. This study sought to develop an embedded performance validity indicator for the Child and Adolescent Memory Profile (ChAMP) Lists verbal memory subtest. Methods Children and adolescents (N = 103; mean age = 14.6 years, SD = 2.4, range = 8–18) who were on average 25 weeks (SD = 15.1) post-traumatic brain injury (TBI; 85% mild and 15% moderate-severe) were administered ChAMP Lists and two stand-alone performance validity tests (PVTs; Test of Memory Malingering; Medical Symptom Validity Test). Nineteen patients were deemed to have invalid performance defined as failure on both PVTs. Binary logistic regression and classification statistics were used to determine a cutoff score for invalid performance on ChAMP Lists using failure on two PVTs as the criterion. Results Invalid performance was not associated with demographics, injury type, or time since injury, but was significantly correlated with ChAMP Lists scaled scores. Only ChAMP Lists Recognition predicted validity grouping and had excellent discrimination (area under the curve of 93%). A cutoff scaled score of 7 or less on ChAMP Lists Recognition achieved sensitivity for invalid performance at 79% while maintaining specificity at 91%. A more stringent cutoff score of 5 or less on ChAMP Lists Recognition achieved sensitivity for invalid performance at 63% with specificity at 95%. Conclusion This study yields a promising embedded performance validity indicator for ChAMP Lists Recognition with good sensitivity and excellent specificity for detecting invalid performance in youth with TBI.

Why Children Fail the Test of Memory Malingering: Review of False Positive Performance in Pediatric Studies Abstract Rationale The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is a commonly utilized performance validity test currently recommended for pediatric use with children as young as 5 years of age. Yet, a small sample of children struggles to pass the TOMM due to true cognitive difficulties. The systematic search and review identified the reported cases of false positive and overall failing TOMM performance in children. The goal of this project was to increase the understanding of the cognitive constructs and minimum cognitive abilities necessary for children to pass the TOMM. The secondary goal was to use the existing data to suggest clinical guidelines related to use of the TOMM with children. Methods and Results A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO was conducted, returning an initial 12,052 results. After duplicate articles were removed, 10,583 remained; 61 were evaluated for eligibility and 22 were included as our final sample. Results suggested that false positives were observed in children with low IQ, memory issues, complex medical presentation, and younger children. Conclusions Without relevant, quality validation and normative studies, the TOMM should not be used clinically with young children or children suspected of having significant cognitive issues. Failing performance on the TOMM does not necessarily indicate poor effort or invalidate the neuropsychological profile. Instead, it may be reflective of other factors, particularly in children below age 6, children with lower intellectual abilities (especially FSIQ ≤ 75), children with multiple diagnoses, or children with more severe neurological diagnoses. Clinical recommendations are also discussed.

The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure: a Useful Measure of Organizational Skills for Adolescents with ADHD? Abstract Deficits in organization, time management, and planning (OTMP) abilities are common in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and contribute to impairment. Assessment of these skills is vital, but few measures have been validated for youth with ADHD. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) task is frequently used in research and clinical settings despite limited validity evidence. The present study evaluated whether ROCF performance, as scored via the Boston Qualitative Scoring System, exhibited validity as a measure of OTMP skills in a large (N = 285) sample of adolescents comprehensively diagnosed with ADHD. ROCF performance exhibited minimal associations with measures of OTMP, executive functioning, or aspects of academic impairment affected by OTMP abilities; all correlations were nonsignificant after accounting for the influence of intelligence. Further, ROCF task performance did not differ by ADHD presentation or medication status. Correlations with other variables that may be confounded with ROCF performance (anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, parent education) also demonstrated nonsignificant correlations with all BQSS scores. The ROCF may not adequately capture OTMP abilities of adolescents with ADHD; future directions for the assessment of OTMP skills are discussed.

Effect of grape seed extract on maternal toxicity and in utero development in mice treated with zearalenone

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the polyphone content of grape seed extract (GSE) and to assess their protective effects against zearalenone (ZEN)-induced maternal toxicity and in utero development defects in mice. Five groups of pregnant mice were treated orally during days 6–13 of gestation as follows: control group, corn oil as vehicle (0.1 ml/mice)-treated group, ZEN-treated group (25 mg/kg b.w), GSE-treated group (150 mg/kg b.w.), and ZEN plus GSE-treated group. All animals were sacrificed on the 19th day of gestation and samples of bone marrow were collected for the micronucleus assay. The maternal and developmental toxicity were carried out. The HPLC analyses revealed that GES is rich in gallic acid, syringic acid, vanillin, quercetin, and coumaric acid. ZEN administration resulted in severe maternal and developmental toxicity which included an increase of micronuclei formation in bone marrow, decreased maternal weight gain, and litter weight. It also induces fetal growth retardation, increased number of the aborted dams and resorbed fetuses, abnormality of fetal bone ossification, and number of fetuses with a hematoma. GSE showed positive effects on the pregnant mice and the developing fetuses. Moreover, it counteracted the detrimental effects of ZEN in dams and fetuses. It could be concluded that polyphenols in GSE are a promising candidate to protect against ZEN toxicity in highly endemic areas.

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Assessment of organochlorine pesticides in the Himalayan riverine ecosystems from Pakistan using passive sampling techniques

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) pose a considerable threat to human and environmental health. Despite most OCPs have been banned, they are still reported to be used in developing countries, including Pakistan. We aimed to identify the distribution, origin, mobility, and potential risks from OCPs in three major environmental compartments, i.e., air, water, and soil, across Azad Jammu and Kashmir valley, Pakistan. The sums of OCPs ranged between 66 and 530 pg/g in soil, 5 and 13 pg/L in surface water, and 14 and 191 pg/m3 in air, respectively. The highest sum of OCPs was observed in the downstream zone of a river that was predominantly influenced by peri-urban and urban areas. The OCP isomers ratios (α-HCH/γ-HCH and o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT) indicate use of lindane and technical DDTs mixture as a source of HCH and DDT in the riverine environment. Similarly, the ratios of DDE and DDD/the sum of DDTs, α-endosulfan/β-endosulfan, and cis-chlordane/trans-chlordane indicate recent use of DDTs, endosulfan, and chlordane in the region. The air-water exchange fugacity ratios indicate net volatilization (fw/fa > 1) of α-endosulfan and trans-chlordane, and net deposition (fw/fa < 1) of β-endosulfan, α-HCH, γ-HCH p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, and p,p′-DDT. Based on the risk quotient (RQ) method, we consider the acute ecological risks for fish associated with the levels of OCPs as negligible. However, more studies are recommended to evaluate the chronic ecological risks to other riverine-associated aquatic and terrestrial species as well as human health risks to the POPs exposure through food chain transfer in forthcoming years.

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Ex situ catalytic biomass pyrolysis using mesoporous Ti-MCM-41

Abstract

Biomass has attracted considerable attention as energy, economic, and environmental asset, as result of its abundance and range of properties. The use of mesoporous catalysts during fast pyrolysis has been a highly important route to improve efficiency as well adding value to biomass. The addition of titanium to molecular sieves increases the efficiency of the pyrolysis reaction by improving production and selectivity of products of interest. This study aims at analyzing the catalytic pyrolysis products of elephant grass using titanium catalysts prepared at different Si/Ti molar ratios, i.e., 25 and 50. The material was supported on MCM-41 for the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass. The biomass pyrolysis reactions were performed in a micropyrolyzer coupled to a GC/MS analyzer. The Ti-MCM-41 samples were characterized by XRD, BET-specific area, and UV-visible. The distribution of pyrolysis products depended on process parameters such as temperature and catalyst type. The highest yield for hydrocarbon production, such as styrene, benzene, methylbenzene, and naphthalene, was observed at 600 °C using Si/Ti equal to 50.

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Ecotoxicological assessment of Fluazuron: effects on Folsomia candida and Eisenia andrei

Abstract

The cattle production in Brazil has increased considerably in the last years, mainly due to the control of parasite infestation of the animals, which cause loss of productivity to the sector. Fluazuron is an active ingredient (a.i.) of the benzoylurea class used to control ticks in cattle. As this a.i. has been found unchanged in animal feces, which may present a risk to edaphic organisms, this study aimed to assess the effects of fluazuron on survival, reproduction, and behavior of the soil invertebrates Folsomia candida and Eisenia andrei, through ecotoxicological assays. We carried out bioassays in a tropical artificial soil (TAS) spiked with increasing doses of the insecticide. Earthworm mortality was found only at the highest tested fluazuron concentration (LOEC = 160 mg a.i. kg⁻¹ dry soil and NOEC = 80 mg kg⁻¹), while the reproduction of F. candida and E. andrei was reduced at lower fluazuron concentrations (EC₅₀ = 4.48 mg kg⁻¹ and EC₅₀ = 20.8 mg kg⁻¹, respectively). Avoidance behavior was detected for both species at lower concentrations than those that caused impacts on reproduction, indicating that the substance may affect the soil habitat function. Since the possible adverse effects of fluazuron on edaphic fauna are still unknown or neglected, this study also warns about the possible harmful effect of veterinary pharmaceutical products on edaphic fauna.

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Gas thermal remediation of an organic contaminated site: field trial

Abstract

This paper investigated the performance of in situ gas thermal remediation (GTR) technique for the remediation of organic contaminated soil and groundwater. The pollutants of the site are mainly benzene, chlorobenzene, and petroleum. To evaluate the effectiveness of GTR, 100-m² site soil with a depth of up to 18 m were installed with heating wells and extraction wells. The temperature in the GTR system was 100~200 °C, and the pressure was 0.5~2.0 kPa. It ran for 34 days. Later, soil and groundwater were sampled 7 days after treatment. The results show that the temperatures of the central remediation area and the heating well surrounding area were higher than that of the edge position. The average temperature of the surface soil was the lowest. The highest temperatures were found at depths of − 3 m and − 6 m. In addition, the removal rates of benzene, chlorobenzene, and petroleum in soil were up to 99.81%, 99.72%, and 98.23%, respectively. Meanwhile, those for groundwater were up to 98.77%, 97.70%, and 99.99%, respectively. The removal rate of pollutants in soil is affected by temperature and the nature of the soil. Although many GTR projects have been applied in the USA, this project is the first engineering application project of GTR technology in China. The results present the good in situ organic removal efficiency of GTR system in this study and therefore provide a guidance and technical support for similar projects in China.

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The impact of Bt maize expressing the Cry1Ac protein on non-target arthropods

Abstract

From 2014 to 2016, individuals of the principal non-target arthropod (NTA) species in a field of Bt maize expressing the Cry1Ac protein (Bt38) were compared to those in a control field of the corresponding non-transformed near isoline (Z58). For all 3 years, the population dynamics and biodiversity of NTAs were analyzed to determine if any differences might be attributable to the genetically modified (GM) maize being evaluated. The main NTAs in these fields were Aphidoidea, Pentatomidae,Araneae, and Coccinellidae. Temporal variation in NTA diversity across sample dates within a year showed no significant differences between the Bt maize and the non-Bt maize field in the total number of individuals of the dominant arthropod species per 25 plants, the Shannon index (H), Pielou index (J), Simpson index (D), and Bray-Curtis index. The cultivation of Bt corn failed to show any detrimental evidence on individuals, H, J, D, and Bray-Curtis index of NTAs, and these parameters were identical in Bt and non-Bt corn plots. These results provide further evidence of the lack of ecological impact of GM maize.

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1 H NMR-based serum metabolomics analysis of the age-related metabolic effects of perinatal exposure to BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF in female mice offspring

Abstract

The widespread application of bisphenols (BPs) in the industry has made them ubiquitous in the environment, causing potential environmental risks. Its unknown impacts on human being have received more and more attention. In this study, we have assessed the metabolic effects of perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitutes (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF)) in female mice adolescent offspring and female mice adulthood offspring. ¹H NMR-based serum metabolomics showed that metabolic profiles were disturbed with BPA and its three substitutes exposure in female mice adolescent offspring and female mice adulthood offspring. In addition, age-related metabolic effects were found based on changes in serum endogenous metabolites and metabolic pathways. Specifically, metabolic pathway analysis showed that major disturbed metabolic pathways in female mice adulthood offspring compare with female mice adolescent offspring also changed significantly. With the increase of age of the female mice offspring, changes in the metabolic pathways became more obvious in the BPA treatment group. Conversely, partially disturbed metabolic pathways were restored in the BPS, BPF, and BPAF treatment groups. In conclusion, perinatal exposure to BPA and its three substitutes significantly interferes with metabolic profiles and metabolic pathways, and this metabolic effects were age-related. These results offer more detailed information about the age-related metabolic effects of perinatal exposure to BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF in female mice offspring and provide data for systematic evaluation of the health risk assessment of BPA and its substitutes.

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The reduction effects of riparian reforestation on runoff and nutrient export based on AnnAGNPS model in a small typical watershed, China

Abstract

The continuous deterioration of the aquatic environment in rivers and streams is increasingly causing social and political tensions. To alleviate aquatic environmental problems, especially for the nonpoint source pollution, establishment of riparian forest buffers has been demonstrated as an effective control measure. However, few comprehensive studies of the reduction effects of riparian reforestation on the aquatic environment have been performed, particularly in identifying the suitable widths of reforestation projects. In this paper, the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point Source (AnnAGNPS) model was used to simulate the reduction effects of riparian reforestation on runoff and nutrient loads in Wucun watershed, China. The results showed that 20-m, 40-m, and 60-m widths of riparian buffer reforestation had significant effects on the yearly loads of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), with reduced rates of 23.21 to 56.2% and 18.16 to 52.14%, respectively. The reduction effect on annual runoff varied from 2.8 to 5.4%. Furthermore, the reduction effect of nutrients performed best during the transition period, while the best runoff reduction was found during the dry period. These distinct reductions indicated that the implementation of riparian forest buffers was capable of reducing the risk and frequency of flooding and eutrophication, especially during the wet and transition periods. Additionally, the 20-m width of riparian buffer reforestation achieved the highest reduction efficiency for runoff, and the 40-m width was the most suitable reforested riparian buffer width for TN and TP. Therefore, 40 m may be the optimum buffer width for the implementation of riparian reforestation in the Wucun watershed. These research results provided scientific information on selecting the optimum buffer width for aquatic environmental regulators and managers as the reduction effects of different widths of riparian buffers on runoff and nutrients were different when considering buffer reforestation.

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Melatonin attenuates bisphenol A-induced toxicity of the adrenal gland of Wistar rats

Abstract

This study investigated the role of melatonin (MLT) on adrenal gland toxicity induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Adult male rats were divided into four groups of seven animals each: Group I (control) received oral 0.2 ml canola oil; group II received intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day MLT; and group III received oral BPA (10 mg/kg BW/day). Group IV rats were treated with same dose of BPA as group III with a concomitant intra-peritoneal 10 mg/kg BW/day MLT. All treatments lasted for 14 days. BPA significantly increased (P < 0.05) adrenal index, circulating levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the rats. BPA caused marked vascular congestion, hyperplasia, cellular distortion, increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzymes, and decreased expression of αSmooth muscle actin as well as vimentin proteins. The concomitant treatment with MLT ameliorated these BPA-induced alterations. It is likely that melatonin attenuates BPA-induced alterations of the adrenal gland of rats through the antioxidant defense mechanism.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SJZxlX

Strategic growth of limnic green microalgae with phycoremediation potential for enhanced production of biomass and biomolecules for sustainable environment

Abstract

The approach of combining the microalgae cultivation with wastewater provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly perspective in the production of microalgae-based bio-products. In the present investigation, microalgae Scenedesmus rubescens KACC 2 isolated from catchment region of River Noyyal was found to be efficient in removing nitrogen, phosphorus, and heavy metals from industrial and domestic effluents, which was optimized through central composite design matrix for higher biomass generation. Nutrient requirements for the growth were optimized and evaluated using Plackett–Burman design to check the effect of variables. Three variables, viz., nitrate, phosphate, and inoculums, were found to be significant among the 11 variables tested, and the interaction between these variables and its optimum concentrations were statistically studied using central composite design matrix. The optimized growth conditions of this strain were found to be as nitrate (0.2%), phosphate (0.018%), and inoculums (7.5%). These conditions yielded a higher biomass of 0.73 g/L from the optimized media which was 5.4 times higher than the regular growth media. FT-IR analysis showed the variations in the spectra and also in biomolecular composition with 2-fold increase in the lipid and protein region when grown in optimized culture conditions. Lipid profile showed the presence of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in the biomass accepting it as a source of energy feedstock. This study concludes that nitrate, phosphate, and inoculums play a significant role in biomass production of S. rubescens with phycoremediation potential that can be exploited for simultaneous wastewater treatment–coupled biomass production.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SCGaen

Organic micropollutants’ distribution within sludge organic matter fractions explains their dynamic during sewage sludge anaerobic digestion followed by composting

Abstract

The simultaneous fate of organic matter and 4 endocrine disruptors (3 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(a)pyrene) and nonylphenols (NP)) was studied during the anaerobic digestion followed by composting of sludge at lab-scale. Sludge organic matter was characterized, thanks to chemical fractionation and 3D fluorescence deciphering its accessibility and biodegradability. Total chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was 41% and 56% during anaerobic digestion and composting, respectively. 3D fluorescence highlighted the quality changes of organic matter. During continuous anaerobic digestion, organic micropollutants' removal was 22 ± 14%, 6 ± 5%, 18 ± 9%, and 0% for fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and nonylphenols, respectively. Discontinuous composting allowed to go further on the organic micropollutants' removal as 34 ± 8%, 31 ± 20%, 38 ± 10%, and 52 ± 6% of fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and nonylphenols were dissipated, respectively. Moreover, the accessibility of PAH and NP expressed by their presence in the various sludge organic matter fractions and its evolution during both treatments was linked to both the quality evolution of the organic matter and the physicochemical properties of the PAH and NP; the presence in most accessible fractions explained the amount of PAH and NP dissipated.

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Morpho-physiological traits, antioxidant capacity and phytoextraction of copper by ramie ( Boehmeria nivea L.) grown as fodder in copper-contaminated soil

Abstract

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.), the oldest fiber crop in China, can also be grown as fodder crop because of its huge biomass production. Moreover, it has the potential to colonize heavy metal–contaminated soils which showed the possibilities of phytoremediation using B. nivea. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the potential of B. nivea for phytoextraction of copper (Cu)-contaminated soil. Moreover, the impact of different concentrations of Cu on growth and antioxidant enzymatic activity by B. nivea were also studied. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the growth, antioxidative response, and localization (distribution) of Cu in B. nivea plant under different Cu concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg⁻¹ soil). Results revealed that B. nivea tolerated up to 100 mg kg⁻¹ Cu concentration without a significant decrease in biomass, but further increase in Cu concentration from 200 to 400 mg kg⁻¹ exhibited a significant reduction in chlorophyll content, fresh and dry biomass, plant height, and number of leaves. It was further observed that B. nivea accumulated more Cu in roots (26 to 53 mg kg⁻¹), followed by the leaves (23 to 28 mg kg⁻¹) and stems (14 to 21 mg kg⁻¹), while the values for both bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) at all treatments were less than 1. Moreover, activities of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) were initially increased with the exposure of 50, 100, and 200 mg kg⁻¹ Cu, but decreased by further increasing the Cu concentration to 300 and 400 mg kg⁻¹ indicating the oxidative stress which is manifested by high malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents also. Thus, based on results, it can be concluded that B. nivea accumulated relatively low Cu contents in aboveground parts and could be grown as fodder crop for phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated sites.

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Magnetic nanoferromanganese oxides modified biochar derived from pine sawdust for adsorption of tetracycline hydrochloride

Abstract

In this study, a new type of composite material, namely modified biochar (MBC), was synthesized by loading the magnetic ferromanganese oxide nanoparticles on pine biochar. BET, SEM, and FTIR were employed to analyze the surface properties and pore structures of MBC. In addition, XRD was adopted to examine the crystal structure of MBC. Characterization results showed that the surface area and porosity of MBC have been greatly improved, and the functional groups have been introduced by ferromanganese oxides. Adsorption experiments of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) including kinetics, isotherms, thermodynamics as well as the influence of pH, salt ion strength, and the environmental risk of MBC, were evaluated. The results revealed that the experimental data conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm model. In the adsorption process, MBC showed excellent adsorption ability (maximum capacity for TC 100.74 mg g⁻¹) to BC (33.76 mg g⁻¹). In isotherm experiments, the maximum adsorption capacity of TC by MBC reached 177.71 mg g⁻¹. Toxicity studies showed that the MBC had no harm to the environment. To conclude, MBC has great potential for applications in removing TC from water.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RzINAh