Search Results (38)

The biologic response following the insertion of dental implants is a widely studied process. Recent research has highlighted the importance of implant surface topography and chemistry as highly influential factors in consolidating the dental implant with the surrounding biological environment. The hydrophilicity, or wettability, of dental implants plays a pivotal role in these interactions and successful osseointegration. A more well-established factor that can also influence the development of the tissue–implant interface is exposure to tobacco smoke. While the negative impact of smoking on the biological response of the tissue is clear, there has been no research evaluating the impact that tobacco smoke can have directly on the surface chemistry of dental implants. The present study aimed to explore the effect of smoking on implant surface chemistry and wettability in vitro. Five different implant disks (Ti-Mach, Ti-SLA, Ti-Alloy, Zirc-1 and Zirc-2) were subjected to contamination with tobacco smoke using a portable smoke infuser with dome enclosure. Occasional smoking (5×/day 10 min each for 3 days) and heavy smoking (20×/day for 10 min each for 10 days) were simulated. The wettability of the implant disks was evaluated via the contact angle technique using artificial blood and albumin, as well as saline as a control. It was determined that the contamination of implant surfaces due to smoking produces changes in the surface chemistry and wettability. Changes in the surface hydrophilicity differed based on the implant material. Within the constraints of this investigation, tobacco smoke improved the hydrophilicity of titanium surfaces but worsened that of ceramic surfaces when utilizing the testing solutions. Different implant surfaces exhibit different wetting behavior following contamination with nicotine smoke. This might have an impact on the treatment of peri-implantitis in smokers due to changes in implant surface hydrophilicity, which can affect the re-osseointegration process. Full article

Commercial wearable systems for surface electromyography (sEMG) acquisition often trade bandwidth, synchronization, and battery life for miniaturization, and their proprietary designs inhibit reproducibility and cost-effective customization. To address these limitations, we developed MOT, a fully wireless, multichannel platform built from commodity components that can be replicated in academic laboratories. Each sensor node integrates an AD8232 analog front-end configured for 19–690 Hz bandwidth (59 dB mid-band gain) with a 12-bit successive approximation ADC sampling at 1 kS/s. Packets of 120 samples are broadcast via the low-latency ESP-NOW 2.45 GHz protocol to a central hub, which timestamps and streams data to a host PC over USB-UART. Bench tests confirmed the analog response and showed mains interference at least 40 dB below voluntary contraction levels; the cumulative packet loss remained below 0.5% for six simultaneous channels at 100 m line-of-sight, with end-to-end latency under 3 ms. A 180 mAh Li-ion cell was used to power each node for 1.8 h of continuous operation at 100 mA average draw, and the complete sensor, including enclosure, was found to weigh 22 g. MOT reduced a 60 Hz artifact magnitude by up to 22 dB while preserving signal bandwidth. The hardware, therefore, provides a compact and economical solution for biomechanics, rehabilitation, and human–machine interface research that demands mobile, high-fidelity sEMG acquisition. Full article

In July 2024, the “Investigating the Archaeology of Death in Pompeii Research Project” carried out a scientific and methodical excavation of the areas outside two of the gates to the city of Pompeii. One of them is the funerary area of Porta Nola (next to the tomb of Obellio Firmo) and the other is outside Porta Sarno area (east of the tomb of Marcus Venerius Secundius). The investigated funerary area to the east of Porta Sarno corresponds with the area excavated in 1998 for the construction of the double Circumvesuviana rails. The 1998 excavations recorded the presence of more than 50 cremation burial sites, marked by stelae (columelle) and a monument with an arch, which are delineated by a boundary wall. The tombs were initially dated to the Late Republican period. In order to carry out comprehensive studies of the funerary area uncovered in 1998, a four metre by four metre trench was stratigraphically excavated. This investigation allowed mapping of the area and the carrying out of archaeological analysis and bioarchaeological studies in order to answer the questions that guided our archaeological research, such as whether the funerary area was abandoned and, if so, when? What was the chronological succession, monumentality, and prestige of this funerary space? Was it a single family and private funerary enclosure, or was it an open public space? How were this funerary area and the spaces destined to preserve the memory of the deceased managed? How were the funerary and mortuary rituals and gestures articulated and what did they consist of? Our methodical excavation discovered a monumental tomb which allows us to answer many of the questions raised by our research. This extraordinary monument consists of a wide wall with several niches containing the cremated remains of the deceased built into its structure and which is crowned by a relief of a young couple. The symbolism of the carved accessories of the wife may identify her as a priestess of Ceres. Additionally, the quality of the carving in the sculptures and their archaic characteristics suggest a Republic period dating, which is uncommon in southern Italy. Full article

In the global low-carbon era, building energy conservation has achieved significant success. However, especially in the culture and tourism industry, there are many brick–wood buildings that imitate ancient styles. As their appearance authenticity and structural safety must be maintained, energy-saving retrofits face multiple constraints. For such buildings, regulating building energy consumption through the renovation of the enclosure structure has practical value in supporting the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. This study addresses the contradiction between the preserving architectural forms and improving energy efficiency in the energy-saving renovation of brick–wood buildings that imitate ancient styles. It presents a “Three-Micro” technical system grounded in the minimum-intervention principle, integrating micro-intervention implantation, micro-realignment regulation, and micro-renewal iteration. Through modular node design, it combines traditional construction with modern energy-saving techniques and systematically devises an energy-saving retrofit plan for such existing buildings. Through simulation and verification using the case of the Northwest Corner Tower in the Imperial City of Shengjing, the results show that the energy-saving rate of the building itself is 58.47%, while the comprehensive energy-saving rate is 87.56%. Both meet the evaluation criteria for ultra-low energy consumption buildings under the relevant standards, which proves the feasibility of the “Three-Micro” technical system. It provides solutions for the energy-saving renovation of similar buildings, especially those brick–wood buildings that imitate ancient styles and have a high degree of completion (a high level of imitation of ancient architecture). At the same time, it also holds important reference value for the energy-saving renovation of some non-core ancient buildings that are commonly used in everyday life, such as those serving as ticket offices, exhibition halls, administrative offices, etc. Full article

(1) Background: Hibernation in Lutrasil-covered enclosures led to elevated mortality rates for Cornu aspersum on Romanian farms. This two-year study evaluated the feasibility of adapting indoor hibernation technology to the Italian outdoor snail farming (IOSF) system as a solution for overwintering mature C. aspersum snails. (2) Methods: Body weight, survival rates, and mortality factors during key hibernation phases (purging and overwintering) were monitored in three commercial snail farms using different hibernation scenarios. Labor efficiency was evaluated, comparing the use of micro shelters vs. hand-picking for snail collection. We analyzed post-purging/post-hibernation weight loss and mortality in hibernation spaces with and without proper thermal insulation. Mortality causes were also investigated. (3) Results: Using micro shelters significantly reduced labor time for snail collection. Weight loss during purging, but not during overwintering, were similar between groups. Post-hibernation survival ranged from 69% to 79% for comparable hibernation durations. Significantly lower survival was associated with significantly higher weight loss and using hibernation spaces with minimal thermal insulation. Predators exerted a very limited effect on post-hibernation survival, with most death appearing to be related to environmental causes. (4) Integrating indoor hibernation into the IOSF system is a promising strategy for the successful rearing of C. aspersum in colder climates. Full article

Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) has become widely naturalised and invasive across many countries and regions including northern Australia. To aid management of A. indica where it has become a weed, a series of studies were undertaken to determine its potential soil seed bank persistence. In a field trial, packets of seeds were buried, retrieved periodically over two years and the seed viability assessed. Viability declined rapidly, with a single viable seed retrieved after 12 months burial and none thereafter. Burial depth, soil type, and pasture cover (present and excluded) significantly influenced viability (%) at 3- and 6-month retrievals. Similar data were obtained from repeated runs of a controlled ageing laboratory experiment, which categorized seeds as forming a ‘transient’ seed bank. In a third trial, fresh fruits were placed on the soil surface in replicated field enclosures over two consecutive years and seedling emergence monitored fortnightly. In both years there was no emergence from pasture excluded soil plots and emergence ceased after 2.3 and 8.4 months in plots with pasture present. A fourth (glasshouse) trial found most seeds will emerge from the soil when buried from 1 to 4 cm. However, more fatal germination than successful emergence was recorded for seeds buried at 8 cm. Seed desiccation and fatal germination are factors in A. indica developing a transient soil seed bank, and infestations require shorter-term control programs where seed input is prevented. Full article

The Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) and the Infrared Working Group of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC-IRWG) are two ground-based networks that provide the retrieved concentrations of up to 30 atmospheric trace gases, using solar absorption spectrometry. Both networks provide reference measurements for the validation of satellites and models. TCCON concentrates on long-lived greenhouse gases (GHGs) for carbon cycle studies and validation. The number of sites is limited, and the geographical coverage is uneven, covering mainly Europe and the USA. A better distribution of stations is desired to improve the representativeness of the data for various atmospheric conditions and surface conditions and to cover a large latitudinal distribution. The two successive Fiducial Reference Measurements for Greenhouse Gases European Space Agency projects (FRM4GHG and FRM4GHG2) aim at the assessment of several low-cost portable instruments for precise measurements of GHGs to complement the existing ground-based sites. Several types of low spectral resolution Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers manufactured by Bruker, namely an EM27/SUN, a Vertex70, a fiber-coupled IRCube, and a Laser Heterodyne spectro-Radiometer (LHR) developed by UK Rutherford Appleton Laboratory are the participating instruments to achieve the Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRMs) status. Intensive side-by-side measurements were performed using all four instruments next to the Bruker IFS 125HR high spectral resolution FTIR, performing measurements in the NIR (TCCON configuration) and MIR (NDACC configuration) spectral range. The remote sensing measurements were complemented by AirCore launches, which provided in situ vertical profiles of target gases traceable to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reference scale. The results of the intercomparisons are shown and discussed. Except for the EM27/SUN, all other instruments, including the reference TCCON spectrometer, needed modifications during the campaign period. The EM27/SUN and the Vertex70 provided stable and precise measurements of the target gases during the campaign with quantified small biases. As part of the FRM4GHG project, one EM27/SUN is now used as a travel standard for the verification of column-integrated GHG measurements. The extension of the Vertex70 to the MIR provides the opportunity to retrieve additional concentrations of N₂O, CH₄, HCHO, and OCS. These MIR data products are comparable to the retrieval results from the high-resolution IFS 125HR spectrometer as operated by the NDACC. Our studies show the potential for such types of spectrometers to be used as a travel standard for the MIR species. An enclosure system with a compact solar tracker and meteorological station has been developed to house the low spectral resolution portable FTIR systems for performing solar absorption measurements. This helps the spectrometers to be mobile and enables autonomous operation, which will help to complement the TCCON and NDACC networks by extending the observational capabilities at new sites for the observation of GHGs and additional air quality gases. The development of the retrieval software allows comparable processing of the Vertex70 type of spectra as the EM27/SUN ones, therefore bringing them under the umbrella of the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON). A self-assessment following the CEOS-FRM Maturity Matrix shows that the COCCON is able to provide GHG data products of FRM quality and can be used for either short-term campaigns or long-term measurements to complement the high-resolution FTIR networks. Full article

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) rely on frequency- and amplitude-modulated whistles to communicate, and noise exposure can inhibit the success of acoustic communication through masking or causing behavioral changes in the animal. At the US Navy Marine Mammal Program (MMP) in San Diego, CA, dolphins are housed in netted enclosures in the San Diego Bay and exposed to noise from vessels, unmanned underwater vehicles, and other remote sensing devices. The acoustic behavior of 20 dolphins was monitored and whistle rates during noise events were quantified. Whistle rates during the onset of the event (i.e., the first 5 min) did not significantly differ from the pre-onset (5 min immediately preceding). Whistle rates were also not significantly different for the entire duration of the event compared to a matched control period. The noise’s frequency range (i.e., control, mid-frequency (0–20 kHz) or high-frequency (21–80 kHz)), signal-to-noise ratio, and sound pressure level were not significantly related to the dolphins’ whistle rate. Considering this is a location of frequent and moderate noise output, these results lend support to established guidelines on anthropogenic noise exposure for cetaceans, suggesting that moderate noise exposure levels may not impact communication efforts in bottlenose dolphins. Full article

In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites. Full article

This paper investigates the changes in species diversity and the spatial pattern of the population of a moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest community in the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve in Fujian Province, China. Using the method of space–time substitution, the composition of species and changes in the spatial patterns of different communities were analyzed by taking Phyllostachys edulis mixed forests after 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 40 years of enclosure as the survey object. The results showed that as the number of years of enclosure extended, the important values of the Japanese bay tree (Machilus thunbergii Sieb. & Zucc.), chinquapin (Castanopsis faberi Hance), and Masson’s pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) increased continuously. These trees became the dominant species of mature forest after 40 years of enclosure. The species diversity of mature and young trees in the community generally increased in parallel with the years of enclosure, and the species diversity of the shrubs generally increased first and then decreased as the number of years of enclosure increased. With the extension of enclosure years, the average diameter at breast height of the mature trees tended to increase, indicating that there were increasing advantages of mature growth as the time of enclosure increased. With the extension of enclosure years, the pattern of spatial distribution of the mature trees in the forest community was generally an aggregated distribution. The Phyllostachys edulis forest community under the prolonged enclosure conditions responded in a positive direction and ultimately formed a more stable Phyllostachys edulis mixed forest community. Full article

To investigate the morphological characteristics and nutrient content of bamboo whip systems in the Wuyi Mountain Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest in response to enclosure succession. The mixed Moso bamboo forests in the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve with 0, 4, 6, 11, 16, and 41 enclosure years were taken as the object of investigation. All the bamboo whips in the 2 m × 2 m sample plots were excavated layer-by-layer according to the soil layers of 0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm, and a total of 54 plots were dug. The morphological characteristics and nutrient contents of the Moso bamboo whips in the different soil layers were analyzed and evaluated. Enclosure management measures can not only effectively improve vegetation coverage, biodiversity, and biomass, but also improve soil moisture and nutrient status, indirectly affecting the vegetation, which is of great significance for preventing soil erosion. The results showed that the whip number, whip diameter, flagella number, whip length, and whip weight in the 0–20 cm soil layer were significantly increased by 169.2%, 11.0%, 197.5%, 113.7%, and 109.0% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with CK after 41 years of enclosure. The average internode length was significantly decreased by 27.9% (p < 0.05) compared to CK after 41 years of enclosure. In the 20–40 cm soil layer, the whip diameter increased by 9.7% after 41 years of enclosure compared with CK, but the whip number, flagella number, whip length, and whip weight were significantly reduced after 16 and 41 years of enclosure compared to CK (p < 0.05). In the 40–60 cm soil layer, the whip number, number of flagella, and whip length increased significantly after 6 and 11 years of enclosure compared with CK (p < 0.05). In the 0–20 cm soil layer, the contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium in CK were higher than those in other enclosure years, and the soluble sugar content in CK was significantly higher than that in the enclosures of 4, 6, 11, and 41 years by 39.8%, 37.9%, 34.4%, and 34.0% (p < 0.05). The organic carbon content was significantly increased by 14.8%, 12.7%, 7.2%, and 7.1% (p < 0.05) after 4, 6, 11, and 41 years of enclosure compared with CK, respectively. The starch content was significantly increased by 34.1%, 23.0%, and 62.7% (p < 0.05) after 6, 16, and 41 years of enclosure compared with CK, respectively. In the 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm soil layers, the total nitrogen content and soluble sugar content in CK were significantly lower than that in the enclosures of 4 years (p < 0.05), the total phosphorus and total potassium content in CK were significantly higher than that in the enclosures of 41 years (p < 0.05), and the organic carbon content and starch content in CK were significantly higher than that in the enclosures of 6 years (p < 0.05). In summary, enclosure measures were implemented for Moso bamboo forests in the Wuyi Mountain Nature Reserve, which promote the growth of Moso bamboo whips and optimize the structure of bamboo whips. Full article

The ability to simultaneously heat and image samples using transmitted light is crucial for several biological applications. However, existing techniques such as heated stage microscopes, thermal cyclers equipped with imaging capabilities, or non-contact heating systems are often bulky, expensive, and complex. This work presents the development and characterization of a Miniaturized Optically-clear Thermal Enclosure (MOTE) system—an open-source, inexpensive, and low-powered modular system—capable of convectively heating samples while simultaneously imaging them with transmitted light. We develop and validate a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to design and optimize the heating chamber. The model simulates velocity and temperature profiles within the heating chamber for various chamber materials and sizes. The computational model yielded an optimal chamber dimension capable of achieving a stable temperature ranging from ambient to 95 °C with a spatial discrepancy of less than 1.5 °C, utilizing less than 8.5 W of power. The dual-functionality of the MOTE system, enabling synchronous heating and transmitted light imaging, was demonstrated through the successful execution of paper-based LAMP reactions to detect λ DNA samples in real-time down to 10 copies/µL of the target concentration. The MOTE system offers a promising and flexible platform for various applications, from molecular diagnostics to biochemical analyses, cell biology, genomics, and education. Full article

Ungulate impacts on forest understory alter tree species composition, with cascading effects on forest functions and resilience against future climate conditions. Indeed, the ungulate browsing pressure on tree seedlings is species-specific and causes contrasted growth reductions that alter tree recruitment rates. Untangling the effects of browsing from the effects of the other factors driving regeneration success is required to guide the forest and ungulate management. In particular, Fagus sylvatica L. strongly dominates temperate Quercus-Fagus forests close to their climax, and it remains unclear if controlling ungulate populations can maintain tree species diversity in naturally regenerated forests. We addressed this question by monitoring 734 pairs of fenced and unfenced 6-m² plots across a broad gradient of Cervus elaphus L. abundance in Belgian Quercus-Fagus forests managed by continuous cover forestry. Seedling height, density, and vegetation cover were monitored from 2016 to 2021. Species diversity and ecological affinity for light, temperature, and atmospheric humidity conditions were computed from these measures. With ungulates, the mean growth of Betula pendula Roth. and Sorbus aucuparia L. was negligible, whereas, without ungulates, their growth was higher than the growth of other species. With ungulates, the growth of Fagus sylvatica L. and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst was higher than other species. Quercus (Quercus petreae (Matt.) Liebl and Quercus robur L.) growth was the lowest in all conditions. Finally, Carpinus betulus L. was heavily browsed but still grew higher than its competitors with ungulates. Ungulate browsing can then severely affect seedling growth and likely reduce the diversity of future recruited trees. In the study area, browsing unfavored the regeneration of the species that are less shade tolerant, more-drought tolerant, and more-heat tolerant. It thus accelerates the natural succession and reduces forest resilience to heat and drought events. Such an observation was found valid over a wide study area encompassing contrasting levels of Cervus elaphus L. abundance. Combining further reductions of ungulate populations with foodscape improvement is likely required to maintain species diversity in these forests. Full article

We have tested a method of olfactory environmental enrichment in hoary foxes used in other wild canids in captivity. The individuals were exposed to four olfactory stimuli (meat, mouse urine, cheese, and egg) that were wrapped in cotton bags outside the enclosures at the zoo for five minutes. Behavioral observations were performed using the focal animal method, and all occurrences were recorded. The pre-exposure phase (Basal), exposure phase (Exp), and post-exposure phase and Basal phase (Pos) were analyzed for a period of five minutes. Behavioral responses were categorized as positive, negative, or other. Positive behavior tended to increase (p = 0.07) from the Basal phase to the Exp phase, but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.31) between the phases. Negative and other behavior did not differ statistically from the Basal phase to the Exp phase (N−, p = 0.32; Ot, p = 0.35) or Basal to the Pos phase (N−, p = 0.18; Ot, p = 0.92). The odors used seemed to elicit positive behavior weakly. Negative behavior was stable for the hoary foxes. The method failed to improve the hoary foxes’ welfare. Because their natural diet is based on insects and fruits, it is suggested that the stimuli used in this study have no appetitive value for hoary foxes. The method used with the same olfactory stimuli that were successful in other canid species is unsuitable for hoary foxes. Full article

Animals in human care are affected by stressors that can ultimately reduce fitness. When reproduction is affected, endangered species conservation programs can be severely compromised. Thus, understanding factors related to stress and reproduction, and related hormones, is important to ensure captive breeding success. Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are endangered, and populations in the wild are threatened with extinction. A global captive breeding program has been launched to conserve the species with the goal of reintroduction. However, there is little information on how stressors impact physiological aspects of the species. This study measured fecal glucocorticoid (fGCM), progestagen (fPM), and androgen (fAM) metabolite concentrations in 12 female and 8 male red pandas at 3 zoos in India to determine predictors of adrenal and gonadal steroid activity, and the influence of fGCM on reproduction. Based on the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), fGCM concentrations were positively correlated with the number of visitors, number of nests and enclosure areas, and negatively related to frequency of feedings, log density, and social time, while fPM concentrations were negatively associated with enclosure areas. A confounder for enclosure areas and number of nests was the fact that these spaces were relatively barren, with limited hiding spaces, compared to the smaller enclosures. By contrast, no significant relationships were found for fAM, perhaps due to the smaller sample size. A negative relationship between fGCM and fPM was observed, indicating increasing adrenal hormones may decrease reproductive function among female red pandas. Results suggest that zoo management should consider increasing feeding frequency, providing larger enclosures with more enrichment and more nests in larger spaces, and regulating visitor numbers to support good welfare and potentially improve reproductive fitness of red pandas in captivity. Full article