Highly Efficient Heavy-Metal-Ion Removal from Shellfish Processing Liquid with Low Protein and Polysaccharide Loss by Hybrid Mesoporous Silica Diol-APDC-SBA15

Heavy metal ions in shellfish products are harmful to human health,and their removal with low nutrient loss remains challenging.Herein,a new type of mesoporous silica(SBA15),modified internally with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(APDC)and externally with alkyl-diol groups,which was named as Diol-APDC-SBA15,was successfully developed and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction patterns,nitrogen adsorption,and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The solutions with lead,chromium,cadmium,and copper were used to investigate the adsorption capacity of Diol-APDC-SBA15.Diol-APDC-SBA15 was adopted to remove heavy metals from cooking liquids of clams(Ruditapes philippinarum),hydrolysate liquids of oysters(Ostrea gigas Thunberg),and polysaccharide solution from the cooking liquid of R.philippinarum.The efficiencies of removing heavy metal ions and the loss rates of proteins and polysaccharides were examined.The results showed that the adsorption capacities of Diol-APDCSBA15 for Pb,Cr,Cd,and Cu in standard heavy-metal solutions were 161.4,166.1,29.6,and 60.2mgg^(−1),respectively.The removal efficiency of Diol-APDC-SBA15 for Pb in the three shellfish processing liquids ranged from 60.5%to 99.6%.The Cr removal efficiency was above 99.9%in the oyster hydrolysate liquid.Meanwhile,the percentages of polysaccharide loss were 5.5%and 3.7%in the cooking liquid of clam and polysaccharide solution,respectively,and the protein loss was 1.2%in the oyster hydrolysate liquid.Therefore,the Diol-APDC-SBA15 material exhibits a great potential application in the removal of heavy metals from shellfish processing liquids with low losses of proteins and polysaccharides.

Dominant species of mid-elevation grasslands of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park are predicted to be largely immune to climate change

Anticipating global change impact on natural vegetation,especially in poorly researched systems,requires an understanding of the environmental factors that most strongly influence the organisation of plant communities at different scales.The environmental relations of plant communities in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa remain poorly researched.This study investigated the influence of selected environmental determinants on the dominant species of plant community organisation in this area.In order to provide an overview of the influence of the environment on botanical composition and plant diversity,this study,conducted as four discrete exercises,investigated the interplay of altitude,aspect and slope on the abundance of selected species,and to examine the influence of latitude,geological substrate and local topography on species composition.Plant diversity showed no pattern of response to investigated environmental variables.Species composition was related to temperature and solarradiation variables.High altitude sites facing east were distinct for non-graminoid species.Altitude and latitude exerted a pronounced effect on species composition,confounded by longitude and precipitation gradients.Geological substrate,in concert with slope steepness and orientation,influenced composition,restricting the abundance but not distribution of some grasses.Highly individualistic responses were found for C_3,C_4,and non-graminoid species in relation to altitude,slope and aspect.Slope and aspect mediate the effects of altitude and hence temperature for some species.This study has demonstrated the complexity of drivers influencing species and compositional distribution in the Drakensberg and permits a preliminary consideration of potential changes in the composition and dominance structure of mid-elevation grasslands in response to climate change.The dominant grass species were widespread across environmental gradients,occupying currently warm,cool,moist and dry habitats.Hence,we predict that these midelevation C_4 grasslands will persist in the face of current patterns of climate change provided they are not unduly impacted by other global change threats such as altered fire regimes and nutrient deposition.This prediction is,however,unlikely to apply to the herbaceous dicotyledons and non-graminoid monocotyledons,a component which contributes 78%towards species richness.This study could not make a critical assessment of the non-graminoid species owing to their low frequency of occurrence and low abundance in our plot-based sampling approach.Further monitoring and a targeted sampling approach is is required in future.

Competition effects in an afrotemperate forest

Background： Information about competition responses is mainly available for monospecific stands or mixed stands with a small number of species. Studies on complex multi-species and highly structured forest ecosystems are scarce. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to quantify competition effects and analyse competition responses in a species-diverse afrotemperate forest in South Africa, based on an observational study with mapped tree positions and long-term diameter increment records. Methods： The sensitivity to competition was analysed for individual species and involved the calculation of the slope of the linear relation between the value of a competition index （CI） and diameter growth as a measure of sensitivity. In a next step different competition indices were combined and tree diameters were grouped in three classes as surrogates for canopy status and ontogenetic stage. Results： Five competition indices were found to be effective in showing sensitivity to competition for a number of canopy and sub-canopy species. Significant linear regressions were fitted for 18 of a total of 25 species. Species reactions varied significantly in their sensitivity to the different CIs. The indices were classified as belonging to two groups, those that responded more to local crowding and those that are more sensitive to overtopping, which revealed species-specific sensitivities to both factors. The analysis based on diameter classes revealed that species clearly changed their sensitivity to crowding or overtopping depending on diameter. Canopy and sub-canopy species showed distinct differences in their reactions. Conclusions： The application of multiple CIs brought novel insights relating to the dynamics of afrotemperate forests. The response patterns to different competition indices that focus on crowding and overtopping are varied and tree diameter dependent, indicating that oversimplified assumptions are not warranted in the interpretation of Cl- growth relations.

Research,Extension,and Good Farming Practices Improve Water Quality and Productivity

Agriculture in southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho known collectively as the Treasure Valley has depended on furrow irrigation using heavy inputs of water and nitrogen （N） fertilizer. Crop rotations include onion, corn, wheat, sugar beet, potato, bean, and other crops. By 1986 groundwater had become contaminated with nitrate and residues of the herbicide chlorthal-dimethyl （DCPA）; an official groundwater management area was established by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality along with an action plan and well monitoring network. The action plan allowed for a trial period to see whether voluntary changes would improve trends. Researchers, producers, and agencies cooperated to develop production options that had the possibility of being both environmentally protective and cost effective. Options were tested to improve irrigation practices, increase N fertilizer use efficiency on several rotation crops, and find a cost effective replacement for DCPA. Research demonstrated the opportunity for increased productivity through both irrigation scheduling and the adoption of drip and sprinkler systems. Fertilizer research demonstrated that smaller, more frequent N applications were more efficient than a single large application. Effective, lower cost herbicides replaced DCPA. Research results were effectively delivered through many means and voluntarily adopted. Both groundwater nitrate and DCPA residues are declining. Productivity has increased.

Bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination(BTFC) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in Greece

AIM：To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination of bimatoprost 0.03%and timolol 0.5%（BTFC）in patients in Greece with primary open angle glaucoma（POAG）or ocular hypertension（OHT）whose previous therapy provided insufficient lowering of intraocular pressure（IOP）.·METHODS：A multicenter,prospective,open-label,non-interventional,observational study of the use of BTFC in clinical practice was conducted at 41 sites in Greece.The primary endpoint was the reduction in IOP from baseline at study end,approximately 12wk after initiation of BTFC therapy.·RESULTS：A total of 785 eligible patients were enrolled in the study and 97.6%completed the study.The mean±SD IOP reduction from baseline at 12wk after initiation of BTFC was 6.3±2.8 mm Hg（=764;〈0.001）.In patients（=680）who replaced their previous IOP-lowering monotherapy（a single drug,or a fixed combination of 2drugs in a single ophthalmic drop）with once-daily BTFC,the mean±SD IOP reduction from baseline at 12wk was 6.2±2.8 mm Hg（〈0.001）.IOP was reduced from baseline in 99.2%of patients,and 58.0%of patients reached or exceeded their target IOP.Substantial mean IOP reductions were observed regardless of the previous therapy.BTFC was well tolerated,with 96.0%of patients who completed the study rating the tolerability of BTFC as＂good＂or＂very good.＂Adverse events were reported in 8.3%of patients;only 0.6%of patients discontinued the study due to adverse events.·C ONCLUSION：In clinical practice in Greece,BTFC is well tolerated and effectively lower the IOP in patients with POAG or OHT who requires additional IOP lowering on their previous therapy.

Natural Products for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the use of natural products in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Several agents, such as guar gum, magnesium, oat bran, blond psyllium, and soy, have shown efficacy for treatment of T2DM. Objective: To review the scientific literature to identify effects of natural products (i.e., dietary supplements) for the treatment of T2DM. Methods: A search of Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database was performed to identify natural products advocated for the treatment of T2DM. Natural products categorized as both “possibly effective” and “likely safe” (guar gum, magnesium, oat bran, blond psyllium, and soy) were selected for review. A MEDLINE (1950-March 2013) literature review was performed. Articles published within the last ten years (January 2003-March 2013) and pertinent articles published prior to 2003 were included in this review. Diabetes prevention studies were not selected for this review. Conclusions: Based on the published information, there is little evidence to support the use of herbal products for the treatment of T2DM. Some agents may be useful as adjunctive therapy;however, patients should be encouraged to speak with their health care practitioner before starting or stopping any herbal products.

Analysing the quality of Swiss National Forest Inventory measurements of woody species richness

Background: Under ongoing climate and land-use change, biodiversity is continuously decreasing and monitoring biodiversity is becoming increasingly important. National Forest Inventory(NFI) programmes provide valuable timeseries data on biodiversity and thus contribute to assessments of the state and trends in biodiversity, as well as ecosystem functioning. Data quality in this context is of paramount relevance, particularly for ensuring a meaningful interpretation of changes. The Swiss NFI revisits about 8%–10% of its sample plots regularly in repeat surveys to supervise the quality of fieldwork.Methods: We analysed the relevance of observer bias with equivalence tests, examined data quality objectives defined by the Swiss NFI instructors, and calculated the pseudo-turnover(PT) of species composition, that is, the percentage of species not observed by both teams. Three attributes of woody species richness from the latest Swiss NFI cycles(3 and 4) were analysed: occurrence of small tree and shrub species(1) on the sample plot and(2) at the forest edge, and(3) main shrub and trees species in the upper storey.Results: We found equivalent results between regular and repeat surveys for all attributes. Data quality, however,was significantly below expectations in all cases, that is, as much as 20%–30% below the expected data quality limit of 70%–80%(proportion of observations that should not deviate from a predefined threshold). PT values were about 10%–20%, and the PT of two out of three attributes decreased significantly in NFI4. This type of uncertainty –typically caused by a mixture of overlooking and misidentifying species – should be considered carefully when interpreting change figures on species richness estimates from NFI data.Conclusions: Our results provide important information on the data quality achieved in Swiss NFIs in terms of the reproducibility of the collected data. The three applied approaches proved to be effective for evaluating the quality of plot-level species richness and composition data in forest inventories and other biodiversity monitoring programmes. As such, they could also be recommended for assessing the quality of biodiversity indices derived from monitoring data.

Quantifying multiple-site compositional turnover in an Afrotemperate forest, using zeta diversity

Background： Species turnover is typically measured by partitioning diversity components into alpha and pairwise beta diversity. However, alpha and beta components cannot express the full spectrum of multiple-site compositional turnover. To this end, zeta diversity has been proposed as an extended framework to allow complete biodiversity partitioning and to measure multiple-site species turnover. We use a zeta-diversity framework to explore the turnover and potential community assembly processes of an African Montane Forest. Methods： Using a 20 m grid, we explore the species turnover in a 4.55 ha forest plot located in the Garden Route National Park of South Africa, with 47 and 27 canopy and sub-canopy tree species in the regional poo We first calculate how zeta diversity declines and how the probability of retention of species with particular occupancies changes with increasing zeta orders （i.e. the number of sites [grid cells] involved in the calculation）. Using null models with row sums and column sums constrained respectively, we explore whether species turnover is driven by mechanisms of ecological differences （species-specific occupancies） or habitat heterogeneity （site-specific alpha diversity and thus environmental filters）. Results： The decline of zeta diversity with zeta order followed a power law; that is, the probability of retention increased with species occupancies, suggesting common species being more likely to be discovered in extra sites. The null model retaining row sums （species＇ occupancy） of the species-by-site matrix recreated perfectly the decline of zeta diversity, while the null model of habitat heterogeneity （retaining column sums） was rejected. This suggests that mechanisms driving species-specific occupancies （i.e. ecological differences between species） dictate the multi-site species turnover in the community. The spatial patterns of zeta diversity revealed little spatial structuring forces, supporting a fine-grain structure in these southern Cape forests. Conclusions： The framework of zeta diversity revealed mechanisms driving the large discrepancies in the occupancy among species that are behind the species turnover in the African Montane forest plot. Future studies could further link species turnover to spatial distance decay. Environmental filters and temporal turnover from landscape demography could bring a cohesive understanding of community assembly in these unique forest ecosystems.

Assessment of the Viability of the Reuse of Sedibeng District Municipal Secondary Effluent in Southern Gauteng, South Africa

Population growth, urbanization, water resources pollution, environmental awareness, uneven distribution of water resources and water scarcity have necessitated water reuse especially in arid and semi-arid countries. Influent and effluent data of chemical and biological analyses from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Sedibeng district municipality (SDM) were used to assess the viability of water reuse. Available worldwide water reuse criteria of Water Reclamation Plants (WRPs) for different reuse options were used to characterize the SDM’s four WWTPs for potable water, power and steel industrial water reuse. Only WWTP4 does not meet the influent design criteria of the New Goreangab WRP in Windhoek, Namibia of 43 mg/l and the DWAF general limit of discharge of 75 mg/l used by Beaufort West WRP in South Africa for COD. WWTP2 and 4 do not meet the DWAF general limit of 25 mg/l for suspended solids. Some of the water quality parameters of the effluents from these plants were non-compliant to the requirements for reuse in power generation and steel manufacturing. However, the implementation of advance treatment technologies such as membrane or advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as part of the treatment train in a potential WRP would address the water quality issues. Water reclamation of SDM effluent either through direct (DPR) or indirect potable (IPR) water reuse, power generation and steel manufacturing industry has the potential of reuse in the Southern Gauteng region. The success of the selected option would be depended on cost effectiveness, stakeholder commitment and public acceptance of the reuse strategy.

Use of Affordable Materials to Improve Water Quality in Peri-Urban Settlements in Windhoek, Namibia

Water samples from Daan Viljoen dam, Avis dam and Goreangab dam were collected and filtered with burlap, cotton and polyester. The water samples were analyzed for the presence of total coliform, Escherichia coli, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), somatic coliphage, Clostridium perfringens, turbidity and conductivity. The bacteriological analysis was carried out by membrane filtration and pour plate techniques. The water from the three dams was found to contain high levels of microorganisms which indicated that it was not safe for human consumption. Turbidity was improved after filtration. Cotton filtered out the most microorganisms (p < 0.05) in all dams compared with the other two types of cloths.

Local People’s Knowledge and Perceptions of Wildlife Conservation in Southeastern Zimbabwe

This study aimed at examining local people’s knowledge and perceptions of wildlife conservation in southeastern Zimbabwe. Data were collected between October and November in 2012 using a purposive sampling approach of households (n = 114) in communities adjacent to Gonarezhou National Park. Our results show that local people were aware of the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) and Gonarezhou, and their associated purposes. However, our results suggest that local people had inadequate knowledge about the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) and its purpose. Moreover, mixed perceptions about the impact of the GLTFCA on local livelihoods and conservation in the study area were recorded. Finally, the results indicated that improving park-community relationships, education and awareness programmes on natural resources conservation could assist in raising the status of conservation in Gonarezhou and GLTFCA.

Testing of the Adhesion of Herpes Simplex Virus on Textile Substrates and Its Inactivation by Household Laundry Processes

Viral infections like Herpes simplex increasingly pose a serious threat to European health care systems and welfare of the population. Indirect transmission routes of infections via inanimate surfaces are often underestimated. In this study, we investigated the adhesion and persistence of Herpes simplex virus on cotton fabrics as well as its inactivation by domestic laundry. Virus adhesion to textile fibers was distinct, because viral DNA was detectable on fabrics for at least 48 hours after contamination as well as after home laundry. Particles remained infectious for several hours at room temperature and partially for 48 hours at 2℃ - 8℃. Nevertheless, domestic laundry was able to inactivate virus particles given that detergents were adequately used. This confirmed that standard household laundry processes, as established in Europe, are a suitable tool to reduce infectious Herpes virus particles from textiles, thereby supporting the prevention of infections circulating in the household and community.

Catalytic performance of zinc-supported copper and nickel catalysts in the glycerol hydrogenolysis

Gas-phase catalytic conversion of glycerol to value added chemicals was investigated over zinc-supported copper and nickel catalysts.The addition of aluminum in the support was also investigated in glycerol conversion and the results indicate an increase in the acidity and adsorption capacity for both copper and nickel catalysts.HRTEM and XRD analysis revealed Ni Zn alloy formation in the Ni/ZnO catalyst.The XRD patterns of the prepared Zn Al mixed oxide catalysts show the presence of Gahanite phase(ZnAl2O4).In addition,H2 chemisorption and TPR results suggest a strong metal-support interactions(SMSI)effect between Ni and Zn O particles.Bare supports Zn O and ZnAl(Zn/Al=0.5)were investigated in the glycerol conversion and they did not present activity.Copper supported on ZnO and ZnAl mixed oxide(Zn/Al=0.5)was active towards hydroxyacetone formation.Nickel was active in the hydrogenolysis of glycerol both for C–C and C–O bonds cleavage of glycerol producing CH4.Strong metal-support interactions(SMSI)between Ni and ZnO has a remarkable suppression effect on the methanation activity during the glycerol conversion.

A Simplified Analytical Procedure for Simultaneous Determination of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Brominated Flame Retardants in Fish Tissue Samples from Vaal River,South Africa

In this study, the concentration of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were determined in fish samples, Labeo umbratus and Carp, collected from the Vaal River in South Africa. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction technique was used to extract the organic contaminants from fish samples, and the resulting extract was purified by sulphuric acid lipid removal followed by Strata X-cartridge SPE clean-up. The APEs and BFRs were derivatized using heptafluorobutyric anhydride before analysis with GC-MS. In both types of fish samples, lower oligomers of APEs were more abundant than the higher oligomers, while HBCD, BDE99 and PBB101 were the dominant BFRs. The concentrations of these pollutants ranged from 1.061 ng/g lipids (t-BP) in Labeo umbratus to 11.860 ng/g lipids (HBCD) in Carp.

Forensic odontology in DVI:current practice and recent advances

Forensic odontology frequently plays a significant role in identification of the victims of multi-fatality disasters,but not in all.It depends on adequate dental remains surviving the disaster and on the availability of dental records to be successful.This paper describes current practice in the techniques of identification in forensic odontology and outlines recent advances that are moving into the mainstream.

A test of two mechanisms proposed to optimize grassland aboveground primary productivity in response to grazing

Aims Mesic grasslands have a long evolutionary history of grazing by large herbivores and as a consequence,grassland species have numerous adaptations allowing them to respond favourably to grazing.Although empirical evidence has been equivocal,theory predicts that such adaptations combined with alterations in resources can lead to grazing-induced overcompensation in aboveground net primary production(ANPP;grazed ANPP>ungrazed ANPP)under certain conditions.We tested two specific predictions from theory.First,overcompensation is more likely to occur in annually burned grasslands because limiting nutrients that would be lost with frequent fires are recycled through grazers and stimulate ANPP.Second,overcompensation of biomass lost to grazers is more likely to occur in unburned sites where grazing has the greatest effect on increasing light availability through alterations in canopy structure.Methods We tested these nutrient versus light-based predictions in grazed grasslands that had been annually burned or protected from fire for>20 years.We assessed responses in ANPP to grazing by large ungulates using both permanent and moveable grazing exclosures(252 exclosures from which biomass was harvested from 3192 quadrats)in a 2-year study.Study sites were located at the Konza Prairie Biological Station(KPBS)in North America and at Kruger National Park(KNP)in South Africa.At KPBS,sites were grazed by North American bison whereas in KNP sites were grazed either by a diverse suite of herbivores(e.g.blue wildebeest,Burchell’s zebra,African buffalo)or by a single large ungulate(African buffalo).Important Findings We found no evidence for overcompensation in either burned or unburned sites,regardless of grazer type.Thus,there was no support for either mechanism leading to overcompensation.Instead,complete compensation of total biomass lost to grazers was the most common response characterizing grazing–ANPP relationships with,in some cases,undercompensation of grass ANPP being offset by increased ANPP of forbs likely due to competitive release.The capability of these very different grass-dominated systems to maintain ANPP while being grazed has important implications for energy flow,ecosystem function and the trophic dynamics of grasslands.

Occurrence,distribution and ecological risk assessment of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers in sediment samples along the Vaal River catchment,South Africa

The occurrence,distribution and ecological risk assessment of twelve(12)organophosphorus flame retardants(OPFRs)were investigated in sediments from the Vaal River,South Africa.Six halogenated OPFRs[tris-(2-chloroethyl)phosphate(TCEP),three isomers of tris-(chloropropyl)phosphate(TCiPPs),tris-(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate(TDCiPP)and tris-(2,3 dibromopropyl)phosphate(TDBPP)]and six non-halogenated OPFRs[tris-(n-butyl)phosphate(TBP),tris-(phenyl)phosphate(TPhP),tris-(butyl ethoxy)phosphate(TBOEP),tris-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate(TEHP),diphenyl-2-ethylhexyl phosphate(DPEHP)and tris-(m-cresyl)phosphate(m-TCP)]were detected in this study.The concentrations of twelve OPFRs in total(S12OPFRs)ranged from 68 to 278 ng g^-1 dry weight(dw)with the mean and median of 138 and 120 ng g^-1;respectively.The non-halogenated OPFRs showed more abundances than the halogenated OPFRs with TDBPP,TBP,and TBOEP the most abundant compounds.Generally,concentrations of OPFRs in more urbanized region were higher than those in less urbanized regions.When the concentrations of OPFRs and total organic carbon(TOC)were correlated,a moderate and significant correlation(p<0.05)was observed.Ecological risk were estimated and our results showed that m-TCP poses high risk(HQ>1)while TBOEP,TPhP,and TBP posed medium risk(0.1<HQ<1)with the remainder posing negligible risk(HQ<0.01).The data obtained in this study provides valuable information on the occurrence and risks of the investigated OPFRs within Vaal River.

Tissue distribution of perfluoroalkyl acids and health status in wild Mozambique tilapia(Oreochromis mossambicus) from Loskop Dam, Mpumalanga, South Africa

This study examined concentrations of 15 perfluoroalkyl acids（PFAAs） in tissues from male Mozambique tilapia（Oreochromis mossambicus） collected at Loskop Dam, Mpumalanga,South Africa in 2014 and 2016. Nine of the 15 PFAAs were detected frequently and were included in statistical analysis and included two of the most commonly known PFAAs,perfluorooctanesulfonic acid（PFOS）（median, 41.6 ng/g） and perfluorooctanoic acid（PFOA）（median, 0.0825 ng/g）. Of the tissues measured, plasma（2016 and 2014 median, 22.2 ng/g）contained the highest PFAA burden followed by（in descending order）： liver（median,11.6 ng/g）, kidney（median, 9.04 ng/g）, spleen（median, 5.92 ng/g）, adipose（median, 2.54 ng/g）, and muscle（median, 1.11 ng/g）. Loskop Dam tilapia have been affected by an inflammatory disease of the adipose tissue known as pansteatitis, so this study also aimed to investigate relationships between PFAA tissue concentrations and incidence of pansteatitis or fish health status. Results revealed that healthy tilapia exhibited an overall higher（p-value 〈 0.05） PFAA burden than pansteatitis-affected tilapia across all tissues.Further analysis showed that organs previously noted in the literature to contain the highest PFAA concentrations, such as kidney, liver, and plasma, were the organs driving the difference in PFAA burden between the two tilapia groups. Care must be taken in the interpretations we draw from not only the results of our study, but also other PFAA measurements made on populations（human and wildlife alike） under differing health status.