Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau,China

Studying the spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their interrelationships on the Loess Plateau against the background of the gully control and land consolidation(GCLC)project has significant implications for ecological protection and quality development of the Yellow River Basin.Therefore,in this study,we took Yan'an City,Shaanxi Province of China,as the study area,selected four typical ecosystem services,including soil conservation service,water yield service,carbon storage service,and habitat quality service,and quantitatively evaluated the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services from 2010 to 2018 using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs(InVEST)model.We also analysed the relationship between the GCLC project and regional ecosystem service changes in various regions(including 1 city,2 districts,and 10 counties)of Yan'an City and proposed a coordinated development strategy between the GCLC project and the ecological environment.The results showed that,from 2010 to 2018,soil conservation service decreased by 7.76%,while the other three ecosystem services changed relatively little,with water yield service increasing by 0.56% and carbon storage service and habitat quality service decreasing by 0.16% and 0.14%,respectively.The ecological environment of Yan'an City developed in a balanced way between 2010 and 2018,and the four ecosystem services showed synergistic relationships,among which the synergistic relationships between soil conservation service and water yield service and between carbon storage service and habitat quality service were significant.The GCLC project had a negative impact on the ecosystem services of Yan'an City,and the impact on carbon storage service was more significant.This study provides a theoretical basis for the scientific evaluation of the ecological benefits of the GCLC project and the realization of a win-win situation between food security and ecological security.

Spatiotemporal Characteristics and Future Scenario Simulation of the Trade-offs and Synergies of Mountain Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of the Dabie Mountains Area, China

Mountain ecosystems play an essential role in supporting regional sustainable development and improving local ecological environments. However, economic development in mountainous areas has long been lagging, and multiple conflicts related to resource assurance, ecological protection, and economic development have emerged. An accurate grasp of the current status and evolutionary trends of mountain ecosystems is essential to enhance the overall benefits of ecosystem services and maintain regional ecological security. Based on the In VEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs) model, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and the trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services(ES) in the Dabie Mountains Area(DMA) of eastern China. The Markov-PLUS(Patch-generating Land Use Simulation) model was used to conduct a multi-scenario simulation of the area's future development. Water yield(WY) and soil conservation(SC) had overall increasing trends during 2000-2020, carbon storage(CS)decreased overall but slowed with time, and habitat quality(HQ) increased and then decreased. The ecological protection scenario is the best scenario for improving ES in the DMA by 2030;compared to 2020, the total WY would decrease by 3.77 × 10^(8) m^(3), SC would increase by 0.65 × 10^(6) t, CS would increase by 1.33 × 10^(6) t, and HQ would increase by 0.06%. The comprehensive development scenario is the second-most effective scenario for ecological improvement, while the natural development scenario did not have a significant effect. However, as the comprehensive development scenario considers both environmental protection and economic development, which are both vital for the sustainable development of the mountainous areas, this scenario is considered the most suitable path for future development. There are trade-offs between WY, CS, and HQ, while there are synergies between SC, CS, and HQ. Spatially, the DMA's central core district is the main strong synergistic area, the marginal zone is the weak synergistic area, and trade-offs are mainly distributed in the transition zone.

Trade-off and Synergy of Rural Functions Under County Depopulation in the Typical Black Soil Region of Northeast China

As the population continues to shrink in the black soil region of Northeast China since 2000,it is critical to master the impact of population shrinkage on rural functions to realize rural revitalization and sustainable development.In this study,we focused on the impacts of depopulation on the evolution and interrelationship of rural subfunctions.Based on the rural function indexes system,the TOPSIS(Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution)method,spatial analysis method,and mathematical statistics analysis method were used to summarize the spatial and temporal characteristics of rural function development,as well as the effect of population shrinkage in the typical black soil region of Northeast China.The results showed that depopulation varied in the extent and duration between the forested region and plain areas,which both impacted the trajectories of rural subfunctions evolution.For the economic development function and ecological conservation function,the effect of continuous slight depopulation was beneficial,while the effect of rapid depopulation was adverse,which was exactly opposite to the agricultural production function.All forms of population shrinkage were conducive to the development of the social security function.With the deepening population shrinkage,depopulation mainly promoted the collaborative development between subfunctions in this study,except the relationship between agricultural production and social security function.But effects of depopulation on the interrelationship of rural subfunctions varied between the forested region and plain areas in some cases.The results provided evidence for the cognition that population shrinkage had complicated effects on rural subfunctions.

Synergies and trade-offs of climate-smart agriculture(CSA)practices selected by smallholder farmers in Geshy watershed,Southwest Ethiopia

Studies on mainstreaming climate-smart agriculture(CSA)practices can increase smallholder farmers’capacity and awareness to improve food security and establish sustainable livelihoods through resilient agricultural systems,while achieving adaptation and mitigation benefits.Hence,valuable insights can be obtained from smallholder farmers in responding to present and forthcoming challenges of climate change impacts.However,there is little research work on trade-off and synergy assessments.Taking Geshy watershed in Southwest Ethiopia as a case study area,both quantitative and qualitative data analysis were undertaken in this study.The data were collected from 15 key informant interviews,6 focus group discussions,and 384 households to answer the following questions:(1)what are the top 5 preferred CSA practices for smallholder farmers in Geshy watershed when coping with the impacts of climate change?(2)What is the performance of the preferred CSA practices?And(3)which trade-offs and synergies are experienced upon the implementation of CSA practices?The study came up with the most preferred CSA practices such as the use of improved crop varieties,small-scale irrigation,improved animal husbandry,the use of efficient inorganic fertilizers,and crop rotation with legumes.The selected CSA practices showed that the productivity goal exhibit the best synergy,while the mitigation goal has trade-offs.The study also indicated that the use of improved crop varieties causes high synergies in all 3 goals of CSA practices;small-scale irrigation provides a medium synergy on productivity goal but high synergy for adaptation and mitigation goals;improved animal husbandry shows a high synergy with the adaptation goal,a relatively lower synergy with the productivity goal,and a trade-off with the mitigation goal;the use of efficient inorganic fertilizers shows maximum synergy for the productivity and adaptation goals;and crop rotation with legumes exhibits high synergy with the productivity and mitigation goals but a relatively lower synergy with the adaptation goal.These results can provide evidence to various stakeholder farmers in the value chain that the impacts of climate change can be addressed by the adoption of CSA practices.In general,CSA practices are considered indispensable.Smallholder farmers prefer CSA practices that help to increase crop productivity and household resilience to climate change impacts.The results generate a vital foundation for recommendations to smallholder farming decision-makers.It also sensitizes actions for innovative and sustainable methods that are able to upscale the preferred CSA practices in the agricultural system in Geshy watershed of Southwest Ethiopia and other regions.

Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in Karst Area of China Driven by Grain-for-Green Program

As an important means regulating the relationship between human and natural ecosystem,ecological restoration program plays a key role in restoring ecosystem functions.The Grain-for-Green Program(GFGP,One of the world’s most ambitious ecosystem conservation set-aside programs aims to transfer farmland on steep slopes to forestland or grassland to increase vegetation coverage)has been widely implemented from 1999 to 2015 and exerted significant influence on land use and ecosystem services(ESs).In this study,three ecological models(In VEST,RUSLE,and CASA)were used to accurately calculate the three key types of ESs,water yield(WY),soil conservation(SC),and net primary production(NPP)in Karst area of southwestern China from 1982 to 2015.The impact of GFGP on ESs and trade-offs was analyzed.It provides practical guidance in carrying out ecological regulation in Karst area of China under global climate change.Results showed that ESs and trade-offs had changed dramatically driven by GFGP.In detail,temporally,SC and NPP exhibited an increasing trend,while WY exhibited a decreasing trend.Spatially,SC basically decreased from west to east;NPP basically increased from north to south;WY basically increased from west to east;NPP and SC,SC and WY developed in the direction of trade-offs driven by the GFGP,while NPP and WY developed in the direction of synergy.Therefore,future ecosystem management and restoration policy-making should consider trade-offs of ESs so as to achieve sustainable provision of ESs.

Trade-offs/Synergies in Land-use Function Changes in Central China from 2000 to 2015

To solve the problems caused by irrational land-use, studying the functions of land-use, its changing characteristics, and the relationship between each land-use function will be beneficial for achieving sustainable land development. In this research, we constructed an evaluation framework of multiple land-use functions(LUFs) based on sustainable land-use theory. Specifically,, we classified the multiple LUFs into three types: agricultural production function(APF), living function(LVF), and ecological service function(ESF).We then spatialized the economic and social data, and implemented the InVEST(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model and RUSLE(Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to evaluate each sub-LUF(crop production, aquatic production, woodlands production, livestock production, living space, life quality, water supply, soil conservation, climate regulation, biological conservation) in central China in 2000 and again in 2015. Moreover, by analyzing the changes to LUFs and the relationships between each LUF change, we were able to discern patterns of LUF change in central China. The results show that: (1)42.12% of total territory in the study area increased their APF from 2000 to 2015, while 43.41% of the lands increased their ESF yet only 8.98% of the lands increased their LVF;(2) in Hubei and Hunan, there was more land with an increase of APF than in Anhui or Jiangxi. The APF in Jiangxi exhibited the greatest decline over time period, the LVF increased more in the provincial capital cities than in other regions, and the ESF expanded more in Jiangxi than in the other provinces;and (3) the changes in APF were significantly and positively correlated with changes in LVF. Additionally, changes in ESF were negatively but non-significantly correlated with changes in APF and LVF.

Trade-offs and synergies of climate change adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa:A systematic review

Climate change adaptation strategies provide a cushion for smallholder farmers,especially in subSaharan Africa against the risks posed by climate hazards such as droughts and floods.However,the decision-making process in climate adaptation is complex.To better understand the dynamics of the process,we strive to answer this question:what are the potential trade-offs and synergies related to decision-making and implementation of climate adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa region?A systematic literature review methodology was used through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis(PRISMA)statement with the four-stage inclusion/exclusion criteria to identify the literature from selected databases(Scopus and Google Scholar).The climate adaptation strategies are organized into five broad categories(crop management,risk management,soil/land management,water management,and livestock management strategies).Evidence suggests that potential trade-offs may arise concerning added costs,additional labor requirements,and competition among objectives or available resources.The synergies,on the other hand,arise from implementing two or more adaptation strategies concurrently in respect of increased productivity,resilience,yield stability,sustainability,and environmental protection.Trade-offs and synergies may also differ among the various adaptation strategies with minimum/zero tillage,comparatively,presenting more tradeoffs.The development and promotion of low-cost adaptation strategies and complementary climate adaptation options that minimize the trade-offs and maximize the synergies are suggested.Skills and knowledge on proper implementation of climate change adaptation strategies are encouraged,especially at the local farm level.

Analysis on synergies and trade-offs in green building development:from the perspective of SDG 11

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a prospect for the future development of all countries in the world.Its core is to set up the Sustainable Development Goals for the year of 2030,and develop a series of institutional mechanisms around SDGs to promote its implementation.The SDGs include 17 goals,of which SDG 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive,safe,resilient and sustainable.Green building can play a positive role in the implementation of SDG 11.However,the entire process of green building development involves multiple stakeholders and various professional fields,which play different roles where may be positive synergies or negative trade-offs in the whole process.This paper uses the nexus approaches to clarify how multiple stakeholders and professions interact with each other in the green building development with the aim of promoting SDG 11.

Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Services in the Taihu Lake Ba- sin of China

Understanding the spatial interactions among multiple ecosystem services is crucial for ecosystem services management. Ecosystem services, including crop production, freshwater supply, aquatic production, net primary production, soil conservation, water conservation, flood regulation, forest recreation, were measured at 1-km grid scale covering the Taihu Lake Basin(TLB) of China. Our objective is to get a comprehensive understanding of the spatial distributions, trade-offs, synergies of multiple ecosystem services across the TLB. Our results found that: 1) majority of ecosystem services were clustered in space and had a similar spatial distribution pattern with the geographical resource endowment. Most of the landscape contributed a high supply of no services, one or two, and a low supply of three to seven services. 2) There were high correlation between forest recreation and freshwater supply and regulating services. Aquatic production had low correlation with other services. 3) The changes of provisioning services led to trade-offs between regulating services and cultural services in the TLB, while synergies mainly occurred among the provisioning service. 4) The spatial relationships of multiple services are consistent at 1-km spatial scale, counties and provinces. This research could help integrate multiple ecosystem services across scales and serve as a reference for decision making.

Long-range electron synergy over Pt_(1)-Co_(1)/CN bimetallic single-atom catalyst in enhancing charge separation for photocatalytic hydrogen production

The development of novel single-atom catalysts with optimal electron configuration and economical noble-metal cocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production is of great importance,but still challenging.Herein,we fabricate Pt and Co single-atom sites successively on polymeric carbon nitride(CN).In this Pt_(1)-Co_(1)/CN bimetallic single-atom catalyst,the noble-metal active sites are maximized,and the single-atomic Co_(1)N_4sites are tuned to Co_(1)N_3sites by photogenerated electrons arising from the introduced single-atomic Pt_(1)N_4sites.Mechanism studies and density functional theory(DFT)calculations reveal that the 3d orbitals of Co_(1)N_3single sites are filled with unpaired d-electrons,which lead to the improved visible-light response,carrier separation and charge migration for CN photocatalysts.Thereafter,the protons adsorption and activation are promoted.Taking this advantage of long-range electron synergy in bimetallic single atomic sites,the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity over Pt_(1)-Co_(1)/CN achieves 915.8 mmol g^(-1)Pt h^(-1),which is 19.8 times higher than Co_(1)/CN and 3.5 times higher to Pt_(1)/CN.While this electron-synergistic effect is not so efficient for Pt nanoclusters.These results demonstrate the synergistic effect at electron-level and provide electron-level guidance for the design of efficient photocatalysts.

Achieving gradient heterogeneous structure in Mg alloy for excellent strength-ductility synergy

Most metals including Mg alloys have a longstanding dilemma of strength-ductility trade-off,which is hindering their wider applications.In this study,we propose a gradient heterogeneous grain(GHG)structure for evading this trade-off dilemma and ultrasonic severe surface rolling is attempted to construct this novel structure in ZE41 Mg alloy.Here,the GHG structure combine the benefits of gradient structure and heterogeneous grain structure and introduce large microstructural heterogeneities.Compared to the coarse-grain and heterogeneous-grain structured alloys,the GHG structured one exhibits dramatical enhancement in strength,ductility,and strain hardening capability.To the best of our knowledge,its strength becomes much higher than that of common ZE41 Mg alloys at no reduction in ductility.These unique mechanical properties stem from not only the individual contribution of the heterogeneous structure components including the fine/ultrafine grains and deformed coarse grains but also their synergistic effect via hetero-deformation induced strengthening and hardening effects.In summary,our study provides a feasible way to develop new Mg alloys with high strength and good ductility.

Regulating the synergy coefficient of composite materials for alleviating self-discharge of supercapacitors

Supercapacitor is an efficient energy storage device,yet its wider application is still limited by self-discharge.Currently,various composite materials have been reported to have improved inhibition on self-discharge,while the evaluation of the synergistic effect in composite materials is challenging.Herein,pairs of intercalation type pseudocapacitive niobium oxides are pre-lithiated and coupled to construct conjugatedly configured supercapacitors,within which the cathode and anode experience identical reaction environment with single type of charge carrier,thus providing ideal platform to quantify the synergistic effect of composite materials on the self-discharge process.By using titanium dioxide as the stabilizer,we have compared how the modes of forming composite would influence the selfdischarge performance of the active composite materials with similar ratio of the constituent materials.Specifically,core@shell Nb_(2)O_(5)@TiO_(2) composite using TiO_(2) as the shell shows significantly higher synergy coefficient(μ=0.61,defined as the value that evaluates the synergistic effect between composite materials,and can be quantified using the overall performance of the composite,performance of individual component as well as the ratio of the component.) than other control group samples,which corresponds to the highest retained energy of 63% at 100 h.This work is expected to provide a general method for quantifying the synergistic effect and guide the design of composite materials with specific mode of forming the composite.

Trade-offs between ion-conducting and mechanical properties: The case of polyacrylate electrolytes

Polymer electrolytes(PEs)have been long recognized as the key materials to enable energy-dense batteries and render flexible energy devices practically viable,owing to their chemical and mechanical reliability.However,much of their promise is yet to be realized.The roomtemperature ion conductivity of existing PEs still falls short of the implementation criterion of 10^(-4) S cm^(-1) on the promise of acceptable mechanical properties,thereby precluding their practical application.The twin but inversely related duties of polymers,that is,functioning as both an ion-conducting medium and a structural backbone,underlie this issue but are less elucidated systematically.The polyacrylate(PA)family is among promising polymer matrices on account of ester polarity,electrode compatibility,chemical tunability,and mechanical durability.The extensive applicability of PA in plasticized gels,dry solids,and emerging composites makes PA-based PEs representative to illustrate the trade-off between ion conduction and mechanical strength.We herein seek to outline the stated long-standing conflict exemplified by PA-based PEs,focusing on crucial strategies toward balancing and reconciling the two mutually exclusive properties,with the intention of offering designing guidelines for next-generation PEs.

Recycling Spent LiCoO_(2)Battery as a High-efficient Lithiumdoped Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Co_(3)O_(4)Composite Photocatalyst and Its Synergistic Photocatalytic Mechanism

The ever-increasing quantity of spent lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)is both a potential environmental pollutant and a valuable resource.The spent LIBs recycling mainly aimed at the separation of valuable elements.Some issues still exist in these processes such as high energy consumption and complex separation procedures.This study avoided element separation and proposed a facile approach to transform spent LiCoO_(2) electrode into a lithium(Li)-doped graphitic carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))/Co_(3)O_(4) composite photocatalyst through one-pot in situ thermal reduction.During the thermal process,melamine served as the reductant for LiCoO_(2) decomposition and the raw material for g-C_(3)N_(4) production.Li was in situ doped in g-C_(3)N_(4) and the generated Co_(3)O_(4) was in situ integrated,forming a Li-doped g-C_(3)N_(4)/Co_(3)O_(4) composite photocatalyst.This special composite exhibited an enhanced photocatalytic performance,and its photocatalytic H2 production and RhB degradation rates were 8.7 and 6.8 times higher than those of g-C_(3)N_(4).The experiments combined with DFT calculation revealed that such enhanced photocatalytic efficiency was ascribed to the synergy effect of Li doping and Co_(3)O_(4) integrating,which extended the visible light absorption(450-900 nm)and facilitated the charge transfer and separation.This study transforms waste into a high-efficient catalyst,realizing high-valued utilization of waste and environmental protection.

Conjugated polymerized bimetallic phthalocyanine based electrocatalyst with Fe-N_(4)/Co-N_(4) dual-sites synergistic effect for zinc-air battery

The bifunctional oxygen catalyst is essential for zinc-air batteries(ZABs).Here,an efficient bifunctional oxygen catalyst,PPcFeCo/3D-G,is obtained throughπ-πinteraction between the conjugated polymerized iron-cobalt phthalocyanine(PPcFeCo)with excellent thermal stability and three-dimensional graphene(3D-G).The bimetallic synergistic effect of PPcFeCo,verified by DFT(Density functional theory)calculation,andπ-πinteractions enhances the catalytic activity and durability of the PPcFeCo/3D-G.Regarding electrochemical performance,the PPcFeCo/3D-G with a high electron transfer number(3.98,@0.768 V vs.RHE)has excellent half-wave potential(E_(1/2)=0.890 V vs.RHE)and exhibits outstanding reversibility(ΔE=0.700 V,ΔE=Ej=10-E_(1/2)).The liquid ZAB(LZAB)employed PPcFeCo/3D-G displays a high power density(222 m W cm^(-2)),a specific capacity(792 m A h g-1),and excellent durability(120 h).This work has guiding significance for the preparation of high-efficiency bifunctional catalysts.

Pocket Modification of x-Amine Transaminase AtATA for Overcoming the Trade-Off Between Activity and Stability Toward 1-Acetonaphthone

Amine transaminases(ATAs)catalyze the asymmetric amination of prochiral ketones or aldehydes to their corresponding chiral amines.However,the trade-off between activity and stability in enzyme engineering represents a major obstacle to the practical application of ATAs.Overcoming this trade-off is important for developing robustly engineered enzymes and a universal approach for ATAs.Herein,we modified the binding pocket of co-ATA from Aspergillus terreus(AtATA)to identify the key amino acid residues controlling the activity and stability of AtATA toward 1-acetonaphthone.We discovered a structural switch comprising four key amino acid sites(R128,V149,L182,and L187),as well as the"best"mutant(AtATAD224K/V149A/L182 F/L187F;termed M4).Compared to the parent enzyme AtATAD224K(AtATAPa),M4 increased the catalytic efficiency(k_(cat)/K_(m)^(1-acetonaphthone),where kcatis the constant of catalytic activities and is 10.1 min^(-1),K_(m)^(1-acetonaphthoneis) Michaelis-Menten constant and is 1.7 mmol·L^(-1))and half-life(t1/2)by 59-fold to 5.9 L·min^(-1)·mmol-1and by 1.6-fold to 46.9 min,respectively.Moreover,using M4 as the biocatalyst,we converted a 20 mmol·L^(-1)aliquot of 1-acetonaphthone in a 50 mL scaled-up system to the desired product,(R)-(+)-1(1-naphthyl)ethylamine((R)-NEA),with 78%yield and high enantiomeric purity(R>99.5%)within 10 h.M4 also displayed significantly enhanced activity toward various 1-acetonaphthone analogs.The related structural properties derived by analyzing structure and sequence information of robust ATAs illustrated their enhanced activity and thermostability.Strengthening of intramolecular interactions and expansion of the angle between the substratebinding pocket and the pyridoxal 5’-phosphate(PLP)-binding pocket contributed to synchronous enhancement of ATA thermostability and activity.Moreover,this pocket engineering strategy successfully transferred enhanced activity and thermostability to three other ATAs,which exhibited 8%-22%sequence similarity with AtATA.This research has important implications for overcoming the trade-off between ATA activity and thermostability.

Synergistic Effect of Nonionic Surfacants(Nonethoxylated Sorbitan Esters)on Herbicides in Paddy Fields

An uneven herbicide distribution can lead to reduced efficacy,and the release of herbicide residues and their transformation products into the environment through runoff increases their potential use risk.Understanding the water distribution dynamics of commonly used paddy field herbicides,for example,oxadiazon,is imperative for the long-term management of weeds in paddy fields.To clarify the diffusion and sedimentation ability of oxadiazon with the addition of a nonionic surfactant—diffusion and settling agent(DSA)for subsequent commercial use in paddy field water layers,the synergistic mechanisms of DSA with butachlor and bensulfuron-methyl in paddy fields were studied.Bioassays,instrumental analysis and field experiments were conducted in this research to provide a relevant basis for improving the efficacy of paddy field herbicides.The field experiment results indicated that DSA could increase the plant and fresh weight control effects of oxadiazon(450 g a.i.·hm^(-2)),butachlor and bensulfuron-methyl to different degrees.These findings demonstrated that DSA could not only effectively improve oxadiazon diffusion and settling in water layers and significantly increase the control effects of butachlor and bensulfuron-methyl,but also promote crop growth and development to different degrees.

Multimodal Synergistic Strategies in High School English Teaching

This paper focuses on the multimodal synergistic strategy in high school English teaching.It first briefly reviews the relevant concepts and theories of multimodality and multimodal teaching.On this basis,it employs cases from text books published by People’s Education Press to illustrate how to exert the synergistic effect of multimodal teaching to guide English teaching practice from the perspectives of the English core qualities-listening,speaking,reading,viewing,and writing.The introduction and application of multimodal theory into English teaching practice is conducive to further promoting the“student-centered”English teaching reform,and plays a positive role in the cultivation of high school students’thinking and the improvement of core literacy.

Evaluation of Disk Potentiation Test (DPT) and Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) for The Detection of Metallo-β-Lactamases (MBLs) in Clinical Isolates of Bangladesh

Objective: Increasing the emergence of Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing gram-negative bacteria and their dexterous horizontal transmission demands rapid and accurate detection. This study was conducted to determine a suitable method to promptly detect MBL-producing gram-negative bacteria. Methods: A total of 103 gram-negative bacteria were identified from various clinical samples at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka city. MBL producers were detected by two phenotypic methods, the Disk Potentiation Test (DPT) and the Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) based on β-lactam chelator combinations where EDTA/SMA has been used as an inhibitor and Imipenem, Ceftazidime as substrates. Results: 103 isolates which were identified as Escherichia coli spp, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas spp, Acinetobacter spp, Proteus spp, Providencia spp were found to be multidrug-resistant in antibiogram test. Isolates showed complete resistance (100%) to Imipenem, Meropenem, and Amoxiclav. The highest carbapenem-resistant etiological agents were Acinetobacter spp 40 (38.8%) followed by Pseudomonas spp 27 (26.2%), Klebsiella spp 26 (25.2%), Escherichia coli 8 (7.8%), Proteus spp 1 (1%) and Providencia spp 1 (1%). DPT method detected significantly (p = 0.000009) a higher number of MBL-producers (Imipenem with 0.5 M EDTA n = 61, 59.2% & Ceftazidime with 0.5 M EDTA n = 56, 54.4%) compared to the DDST method (Imipenem -0.5 M EDTA n = 43, 41.7%, Imipenem – SMA n = 38, 36.9% & Ceftazidime -0.5 M EDTA n = 15, 14.6%). Conclusion: Pieces of evidence suggest that DPT is a more sensitive method than DDST and could be recommended for identifying MBL-producing bacteria in Bangladeshi hospitals for the proper management of patients, to reduce time constraints and treatment costs.

Synergistic Treatment of Low-concentration Organic Waste Gas by Micro-nano Bubble Coordinated with Peroxymonosulfate

Continuous dynamic experiment was conducted for the treatment of low-concentration organic waste gas with xylene as a representative, using micro-nano bubble and peroxymonosulfate working in synergy. The degradation rule of xylene under different conditions such as the ORP value of the spray liquid, pH value of the spray liquid, liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, residence time of xylene, and initial concentration of xylene was investigated. The results showed that at a low concentration, the pH value of the spray liquid had little effect on the degradation rate of xylene. The degradation rate of xylene rose with the increase of the ORP value of the spray liquid, the liquid-gas ratio of the spray liquid, the residence time of xylene, and the initial concentration of xylene.