scholarly journals Increased Biting Rate and Decreased Wolbachia Density in Irradiated Aedes Mosquitoes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Moretti ◽  
Elena Lampazzi ◽  
Claudia Damiani ◽  
Giulia Fabbri ◽  
Giulia Lombardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Infection Type ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Female Sterility ◽  
Fish Analysis ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Biting Rate ◽  
Effects Of Irradiation On

Abstract Background: Releasing considerable numbers of radiation-sterilized males is a promising strategy to suppress mosquito vectors. However, releases may also include small percentages of biting females which translate to large numbers when releases are large.Currently, the effects of irradiation on the host-seeking and host-biting behaviors have not been exhaustively investigated. Information is also lacking regarding the effects of sterilizing treatment on the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which is known to affect the vector competence of infected mosquitos.Methods: To ascertain the effects of irradiation on females, the pupae of two Aedes albopictus strains, differing in their natural or artificial Wolbachia infection type, and Ae. aegypti—which is not infected by Wolbachia—were treated with various doses of X-rays and monitored for key fitness parameters and biting behavior over a period of two weeks. The effect of radiation on Wolbachia was investigated by qPCR and FISH analysis.Results: Partial Ae. albopictus female sterility was achieved at 28 Gy but the number of weekly bites more than doubled compared to that of the controls. Radiation doses of 35 and 45 Gy completely inhibited progeny production but did not significantly affect the survival or flight ability of Ae. albopictus females and caused a tripling of the number of bites per female per week (compared to untreated controls). These results were also confirmed in Ae. aegypti after treatment at 50 Gy. Wolbachia density decreased significantly in 45-Gray-irradiated females, with the greatest decreases in the early irradiation group (26±2-hour-old pupae). Wolbachia density also decreased as adults aged. This trend was confirmed in ovaries but not in extra-ovarian tissues. FISH analysis showed a strongly reduced Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in the ovaries of 13±1-day-old females.Conclusions: These results suggest that, under SIT programs, the vector capacity of a target population could increase with the frequency of the irradiated females co-released with the sterile males due to an increased biting rate. In the context of a successful suppression, the related safety issues could be generally negligible, but they should be conservatively evaluated when large scale programs relying on imperfect sexing and high overflooding release ratios are run for long time in areas endemic for arboviral diseases. Also, the effects of irradiation on the vector competence deserve further investigation.

scholarly journals Increased biting rate and decreased Wolbachia density in irradiated mosquitoes: safety issues in the framework of genetic control strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Moretti ◽  
Elena Lampazzi ◽  
Giulia Fabbri ◽  
Giulia Lombardi ◽  
Claudia Damiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Radiation Treatment ◽  
Infection Type ◽  
Vector Competence ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Infected Mosquito ◽  
Female Sterility ◽  
Fish Analysis ◽  
Significant Downward Trend

AbstractReleasing considerable numbers of radiation-sterilized males is a promising strategy to suppress mosquito vectors. However, under large-scale settings, small percentages of biting females can also be released in the field.Currently, the effects of the irradiation on host-seeking and host-biting behaviors have not been exhaustively investigated. Information is also lacking regarding the effects of a sterilizing treatment on the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, that is known to attenuate the vector competence of infected mosquito species.To ascertain the risks associated with the release of irradiated females, the pupae of two Aedes albopictus strains, differing by their natural or artificial Wolbachia infection type, were X-ray-treated using various doses to monitor key fitness parameters and biting behavior over two weeks. The effect of the radiation on Wolbachia was investigated by qPCR and FISH analysis. Radiation doses of 35 and 45 Gy completely inhibited progeny production but did not significantly affect Ae. albopictus female survival and flight ability, and caused a tripling of the number of bites per female per week compared to untreated controls. These results were also confirmed in Ae. aegypti after treatment at 50 Gy. A partial Ae. albopictus female sterility was achieved at 28 Gy but the number of weekly bites more than doubled compared to the controls. The Wolbachia density showed a significant downward trend in 45-Gy-irradiated females and decreased with adult aging and in younger treated pupae. This trend was confirmed in ovaries but not in extraovaric tissues. FISH analysis evidenced a strongly reduced Wolbachia-specific fluorescence in the ovaries of 13±1-day-old females. These findings suggested that irradiation could markedly increase the vectorial capacity of female mosquitoes, raising concerns about open field programs involving the release of substantial numbers of irradiated mosquitoes in the absence of perfect sexing methods.Author summaryTo reduce the reproductive potential of a target wild population of mosquitoes, X- or gamma-ray-based irradiation is a common procedure used to induce sterility in males prior to their release in the field. A small percentage of females escaping the sexing procedure may be also unintentionally released. Herein, we tested the effect of the radiation treatment on Aedes albopictus females and found that doses commonly used in SIT programs were not sufficient to significantly reduce survival and flight abilities, and the treated females continued to seek hosts even after engorgement, tripling the weekly number of bites compared to the controls. This phenomenon was confirmed in irradiated Ae. aegypti females. Moreover, the radiation treatment reduced the density of the endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria and markedly affected their distribution in the tissues of Ae. albopictus possibly reducing their ability to affect the vector competence, which is common in infected Aedes species. This was more evident when radiation had been applied on younger pupae and it increased with female aging. Results suggest that large-scale control programs based on mosquito irradiation should include rigorous methods for perfect sexing to avoid the risk of release of a myriad enhanced vectors.

scholarly journals On the Root Causes of the Fukushima Daiichi Disaster from the Perspective of High Complexity and Tight Coupling in Large-Scale Systems

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 414
Author(s):  
Atsuo Murata ◽  
Waldemar Karwowski
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Complexity ◽  
Tight Coupling ◽  
Large Scale Systems ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Loss Of Coolant ◽  
Station Blackout ◽  
Fukushima Daiichi

This study explores the root causes of the Fukushima Daiichi disaster and discusses how the complexity and tight coupling in large-scale systems should be reduced under emergencies such as station blackout (SBO) to prevent future disasters. First, on the basis of a summary of the published literature on the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, we found that the direct causes (i.e., malfunctions and problems) included overlooking the loss of coolant and the nuclear reactor’s failure to cool down. Second, we verified that two characteristics proposed in “normal accident” theory—high complexity and tight coupling—underlay each of the direct causes. These two characteristics were found to have made emergency management more challenging. We discuss how such disasters in large-scale systems with high complexity and tight coupling could be prevented through an organizational and managerial approach that can remove asymmetry of authority and information and foster a climate of openly discussing critical safety issues in nuclear power plants.

scholarly journals Fabrication of microcapsule extinguishing agent with core-shell structure for lithium-ions battery fire safety

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weixin Zhang ◽  
Lin Wu ◽  
Dujin Qiao ◽  
Jie Tian ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Urea Formaldehyde ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Formaldehyde Resin ◽  
Shell Material ◽  
Lithium Ions ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Fire Extinguishing ◽  
New Type ◽  
Core Shell Structure

Safety issues limit the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a new type of N-H-microcapsule fire extinguishing agent is prepared by using melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin as shell material, perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone)...

scholarly journals Antihyperglycaemic therapies and cancer risk

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 371-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Z Lutz ◽  
Harald Staiger ◽  
Andreas Fritsche ◽  
Hans-Ulrich Häring
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Tumour Growth ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Antidiabetic Drug ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Drug Classes ◽  
Few Data

Aims: This review is aimed at highlighting the potential mitogenic/tumour growth–promoting or antimitogenic/tumour growth–inhibiting effects of the main antihyperglycaemic drug classes. Methods: We review and discuss the most current studies evaluating the association between antidiabetic medications used in clinical practice and malignancies as described so far. Results: Metformin seems to be the only antidiabetic drug to exert protective effects both on monotherapy and also when combined with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulins in several site-specific cancers. In contrast, several other drug classes may increase cancer risk. Some reason for concern remains regarding sulphonylureas and also the incretin-based therapies regarding pancreas and thyroid cancers and the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as pioglitazone regarding bladder cancer. The majority of meta-analyses suggest that there is no evidence for a causal relationship between insulin glargine and elevated cancer risk, although the studies have been controversially discussed. For α-glucosidase inhibitors and glinides, neutral or only few data upon cancer risk exist. Conclusion: Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, a potential risk of mitogenicity and tumour growth promotion cannot be excluded in case of several antidiabetic drug classes. However, more large-scale, randomized, well-designed clinical studies with especially long follow-up time periods are needed to get reliable answers to these safety issues.

scholarly journals Uptake of household disinfection kits as an additional measure in response to a cholera outbreak in urban areas of Haiti

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 623-628 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gartley ◽  
P. Valeh ◽  
R. de Lange ◽  
S. DiCarlo ◽  
A. Viscusi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Cholera Outbreak ◽  
Additional Measure ◽  
Medecins Sans Frontieres ◽  
Cleaning Products ◽  
First Time

Médecins Sans Frontières-Operational Centre Amsterdam piloted the distribution of household disinfection kits (HDKs) and health promotion sessions for cholera prevention in households of patients admitted to their cholera treatment centres in Carrefour, Port au Prince, Haiti, between December 2010 and February 2011. We conducted a follow-up survey with 208 recipient households to determine the uptake and use of the kits and understanding of the health promotion messages. In 61% of surveyed households, a caregiver had been the recipient of the HDK and 57.7% of households had received the HDKs after the discharge of the patient. Among surveyed households, 97.6% stated they had used the contents of the HDK after receiving it, with 75% of these reporting using five or more items, with the two most popular items being chlorine and soap. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in self-reported use items in the HDK was observed in households that received kits after 24 January 2011 when the education messages were strengthened. To our knowledge, this is the first time it has been demonstrated that during a large-scale cholera outbreak, the distribution of simple kits, with readily available cleaning products and materials, combined with health promotion is easy, feasible, and valued by the target population.

scholarly journals Flying Car Transportation System: Advances, Techniques, and Challenges

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaofeng pan ◽  
Mohamed-Slim Alouini
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Inherent Nature ◽  
Car Transportation

In order to fulfill transportation demands, people have well-explored ground, waterborne, and high-altitude spaces (HAS) for transportation purposes, as well as the underground space under cities (namely, subway systems). However, due to the increased burdens of population and urbanization in recent decades, huge pressures on public transportation and freight traffic are introduced to cities, plaguing the governors and constraining the development of economics. By observing the fact that near-ground space (NGS) has rarely been utilized, researchers and practitioners started to re-examine, propose and develop flying cars, which are not a totally novel idea, aiming at solving the traffic congestion problem and releasing the strains of cities. Flying cars completely differ from traditional grounded transportation systems, where automobiles/trains are suffering track limitations and are also different from the air flights in HAS for long-distance transfer. Therefore, while observing the lack of specific literature on flying cars and flying car transportation systems (FCTS), this paper is motivated to study the advances, techniques, and challenges of FCTS imposed by the inherent nature of NGS transportation and to devise useful proposals for facilitating the construction and commercialization of FCTS, as well as to facilitate the readers understanding of the incoming FCTS. We first introduce the increased requirements for transportation and address the advantages of flying cars. Next, a brief overview of the developing history of flying cars is presented in view of both timeline and technique categories. Then, we discuss and compare the state of the art in the design of flying cars, including take-off \& landing (TOL) modes, pilot modes, operation modes, and power types, which are respectively related to the adaptability, flexibility & comfort, stability & complexity, environmental friendliness of flying cars. Additionally, since large-scale operations of flying cars can improve the aforementioned transportation problem, we also introduce the designs of FCTS, including path and trajectory planning, supporting facilities and commercial designs. Finally, we discuss the challenges which might be faced while developing and commercializing FCTS from three aspects: safety issues, commercial issues, and ethical issues.

scholarly journals CrisDi School: disseminating crystallography in Piedmont, Italy

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C1277-C1277
Author(s):  
Domenica Marabello ◽  
Angelo Agostino ◽  
Piera Benna ◽  
Giovanna Dinardo ◽  
Carlo Lamberti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Kinetic Studies ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Main Task ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
The University ◽  
Basic Level

The Interdepartmental Research Centre for the Development of Crystallography (CrisDi) aims to be an institution of reference for researchers at the University of Turin interested on the field of diffraction (X-rays, neutrons and electrons), to promote the knowledge and dissemination of crystallography, and to facilitate the access to available laboratory instrumentation (diffractometers and TEM) and to large scale facilities (synchrotron and neutron sources). CrisDi hosts scientists with interest in the fields of solid state chemistry and physics, organic, inorganic, organometallic and theoretical chemistry, mineralogy, biology, pharmaceutical and agricultural sciences. The Centre encourages the design and the development of new methodologies and applications, and supports the enhancement of the available instruments. The submission of proposals at large scale instruments is encouraged specially for young researchers and PhD students. The cultural and scientific interchange among crystallographers coming from different disciplines is strongly encouraged by CrisDi. A main task of the CrisDi is the annual organization of a post-grade level School with a series of courses dedicated to: (i) basic level crystallography (symmetry, theory of diffraction, crystal-chemistry), diffraction techniques (single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, neutron and electron scattering); (ii) advanced level (high temperature and high pressure structural studies, macromolecular crystallography, time resolved crystallography and kinetic studies); (iii) spectroscopic approaches (XAFS, XANES, XES and NMR) in crystallography. The school, which is held every year in May for about 20 ECTS equivalent, has no tuition fees and is also open to non-academia people.

Correlates of relationship issues among youth: Findings from a large scale youth mental health promotion program in India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Banandur ◽  
Gopalan Kalpana ◽  
Shikha G Pai ◽  
Mutharaju Arelingaiah ◽  
Sathya R Velu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Promotion Program ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Promotion Interventions

Abstract Background : Relationships and mental health have a bidirectional effect. The effect of relationships on mental health is stronger than vice versa. We analyzed two-year case records of 8595 beneficiaries aged 15-35 years attending youth guidance centres (Yuva Spandana Kendras) in Karnataka, India to understand factors affecting relationship issues. Methods : Multivariate logistic regression was performed with any beneficiary reporting having a relationship issue as outcome. Results : Occupation, marital status, health and lifestyle issues, personality issues, safety issues, gender, sex, & sexuality issues, suicidality, alcohol, and different emotions experienced,had significant association with relationship issues. Investing in health promotion interventions focusing on these precursors of relationship issues amongst youth seems strategic. Conclusion : Our findings have implications for other states in India and other low-middle-income countries like India.

scholarly journals Large Scale Renewable Energy Integration: Issues and Solutions

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. V. Brahmendra Kumar ◽  
Ratnam Kamala Sarojini ◽  
K. Palanisamy ◽  
Sanjeevikumar Padmanaban ◽  
Jens Bo Holm-Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Frequency Variation ◽  
Energy Integration ◽  
Renewable Energy Integration ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Additional Strain ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Stability Issues

In recent years, many applications have been developed for the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the grid in order to satisfy the demand requirement of a clean and reliable electricity generation. Increasing the number of RES creates uncertainty in load and power supply generation, which also presents an additional strain on the system. These uncertainties will affect the voltage and frequency variation, stability, protection, and safety issues at fault levels. RES present non-linear characteristics, which requires effective coordination control methods. This paper presents the stability issues and solutions associated with the integration of RES within the grid.

scholarly journals A young and obscured AGN embedded in the giant radio galaxy Mrk 1498

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
L Hernández-García ◽  
F Panessa ◽  
L Bassani ◽  
G Bruni ◽  
F Ursini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Radio Galaxy ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Nuclear Activity ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Multi Wavelength ◽  
Tidal Streams ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Extended Emission

Abstract Mrk 1498 is part of a sample of galaxies with extended emission line regions (extended outwards up to a distance of ∼7 kpc) suggested to be photo-ionized by an AGN that has faded away or that is still active but heavily absorbed. Interestingly, the nucleus of Mrk 1498 is at the center of two giant radio lobes with a projected linear size of 1.1 Mpc. Our multi-wavelength analysis reveals a complex nuclear structure, with a young radio source (Giga-hertz Peaked Spectrum) surrounded by a strong X-ray nuclear absorption, a mid-infrared spectrum that is dominated by the torus emission, plus a circum-nuclear extended emission in the [OIII] image (with radius of ∼ 1 kpc), most likely related to the ionization of the AGN, aligned with the small and large scale radio jet and extended also at X-rays. In addition a large-scale extended emission (up to ∼ 10 kpc) is only visible in [OIII]. These data show conclusive evidence of a heavily absorbed nucleus and has recently restarted its nuclear activity. To explain its complexity, we propose that Mrk 1498 is the result of a merging event or secular processes, such as a minor interaction, that has triggered the nuclear activity and produced tidal streams. The large-scale extended emission that gives place to the actual morphology could either be explained by star formation or outflowing material from the AGN.

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