The undeniable presence of microplastics (MPs) in soil, air and, especially, in the aquatic environment has revealed them to be an emerging pollutant. One of the main sources contributing to the ...release of these microplastics into the environment is wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). During the treatment of wastewater, these microparticles undergo incomplete retention, which leads to their discharge in huge amounts into water masses. The microplastics removed from the wastewater during the treatment processes usually become entrained in the sewage sludge, which is commonly employed as organic fertilizer. Alarming data regarding the occurrence of MPs in nature and the increasing public awareness of environmental concerns have led to the appearance of numerous studies on this topic in recent years. So, this work is focused on providing an overview of available processes for the removal of microplastics from water and also from sediments. Social demand for the correct and effective management of microplastics is constantly increasing and should be given careful consideration before future action is taken. Recycling is a good option, and policies might be developed in this direction, moving towards a circular and sustainable economy for plastics.
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•WWTPs are considered a hotspot of microplastics contamination.•Implementing measures in WWTPs could avoid microplastics release to the environment.•MBR is the most effective process to microplastic removal in WWTPs.•Improving management of plastic wastes can reduce environmental risk of microplastics.•Further research on new technologies to remove microplastics should be carried out.
Brain lipid homeostasis is an absolute requirement for proper functionality of nerve cells and neurological performance. Current evidence demonstrates that lipid alterations are linked to ...neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The complexity of the brain lipidome and its metabolic regulation has hampered the identification of critical processes associated with the onset and progression of AD. While most experimental studies have focused on the effects of known factors on the development of pathological hallmarks in AD, e.g., amyloid deposition, tau protein and neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, etc., studies addressing the causative effects of lipid alterations remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we have used a multifactor approach combining diets containing different amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), estrogen availabilities, and genetic backgrounds, i.e., wild type (WT) and APP/PS1 (FAD), to analyze the lipid phenotype of the frontal cortex in middle-aged female mice. First, we observed that severe n-3 PUFA deficiency impacts the brain n-3 long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) composition, yet it was notably mitigated by hepatic de novo synthesis. n-6 LCPUFAs, ether-linked fatty acids, and saturates were also changed by the dietary condition, but the extent of changes was dependent on the genetic background and hormonal condition. Likewise, brain cortex phospholipids were mostly modified by the genotype (FAD>WT) with nuanced effects from dietary treatment. Cholesterol (but not sterol esters) was modified by the genotype (WT>FAD) and dietary condition (higher in DHA-free conditions, especially in WT mice). However, the effects of estrogen treatment were mostly observed in relation to phospholipid remodeling in a genotype-dependent manner. Analyses of lipid-derived variables indicate that nerve cell membrane biophysics were significantly affected by the three factors, with lower membrane microviscosity (higher fluidity) values obtained for FAD animals. In conclusion, our multifactor analyses revealed that the genotype, diet, and estrogen status modulate the lipid phenotype of the frontal cortex, both as independent factors and through their interactions. Altogether, the outcomes point to potential strategies based on dietary and hormonal interventions aimed at stabilizing the brain cortex lipid composition in Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology.
Lipid rafts are highly dynamic membrane domains featured by distinctive biochemical composition and physicochemical properties compared with the surrounding plasma membrane. These microstructures are ...associated not only with cellular signaling and communication in normal nerve cells but also with pathological processing of amyloid precursor protein in Alzheimer's disease. Using lipid rafts isolated from human frontal cortex in nondemented subjects aging 24 to 85 years, we demonstrate here that lipid structure of lipid rafts undergo significant alterations of specific lipid classes and phospholipid-bound fatty acids as brain cortex correlating with aging. Main changes affect levels of plasmalogens, polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid), total polar lipids (mainly phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin, sulfatides, and cerebrosides), and total neutral lipids (particularly cholesterol and sterol esters). Besides, relevant relationships between main fatty acids and/or lipid classes were altered in an age-related manner. This “lipid raft aging” exhibits clear gender differences and appear to be more pronounced in women than in men, especially in older (postmenopausal) women. The outcomes led us to conclude that human cortical lipid rafts are modified by aging in a gender-dependent fashion. Given the central role of bilayer lipid matrix in lipid rafts functionality and neuronal signaling, we hypothesize that these findings might underlie the higher prevalence of cognitive decline evolving toward Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women.
ABSTRACT
We present a technique to detect optical transients based on an artificial neural networks method. We describe the architecture of two networks capable of comparing images of the same part ...of the sky taken by different telescopes. One image corresponds to the epoch in which a potential transient could exist; the other is a reference image of an earlier epoch. We use data obtained by the Dr. Cristina V. Torres Memorial Astronomical Observatory and archival reference images from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We trained a convolutional neural network and a dense layer network on simulated source samples and then tested the trained networks on samples created from real image data. Autonomous detection methods replace the standard process of detecting transients, which is normally achieved by source extraction of a difference image followed by human inspection of the detected candidates. Replacing the human inspection component with an entirely autonomous method would allow for a rapid and automatic follow-up of interesting targets of opportunity. The toy-model pipeline that we present here is not yet able to replace human inspection, but it might provide useful hints to identify potential candidates. The method will be further expanded and tested on telescopes participating in the Transient Optical Robotic Observatory of the South Collaboration.
The chemical and mineralogical composition of steel slag produced in two ArcelorMittal steel plants located in the North of Spain, as well as the study of the influence of simulated environmental ...conditions on the properties of the slag stored in disposal areas, was carried out by elemental chemical analysis, XRF, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy with EDS analyzer. Spectroscopic characterization of the slag was also performed by using FTIR spectroscopy. Due to the potential uses of the slag as low cost adsorbent for water treatment and pollutants removal, its detailed textural characterization was carried out by nitrogen adsorption−desorption at 77 K and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results show that the slag is a crystalline heterogeneous material whose main components are iron oxides, calcium (magnesium) compounds (hydroxide, oxide, silicates, and carbonate), elemental iron, and quartz. The slags are porous materials with specific surface area of 11 m2g−1, containing both mesopores and macropores. Slag exposure to simulated environmental conditions lead to the formation of carbonate phases. Carbonation reduces the leaching of alkaline earth elements as well as the release of the harmful trace elements Cr (VI) and V. Steel slags with high contents of portlandite and calcium silicates are potential raw materials for CO2 long-term storage.
Resumen Este trabajo presenta una investigación exploratoria transversal cuyo objetivo es evaluar la conciencia de metacognición lectora de los futuros maestros, grupo estratégico para entender la ...enseñanza de la lectura del presente y del futuro inmediato. Para ello, 252 estudiantes de Magisterio completaron el cuestionario validado MARSI (Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory). Los resultados obtenidos indican que estos futuros maestros prefieren las estrategias de resolución de problemas. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del grado (educación infantil o primaria) y el género (las mujeres utilizan más estrategias de apoyo a la lectura). Por último, se valora la pertinencia de tener en cuenta esta identidad metacognitiva lectora para actualizar la formación lectora de los estudiantes de Magisterio.
Abstract The present work shows a cross-sectional, exploratory study aimed at evaluating the metacognition awareness in reading of future teachers, a strategic group for understanding the teaching of reading in the present and in the immediate future. With this objective, 252 preservice teachers completed the validated Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI) questionnaire. The results indicate that these future teachers prefer using problem-solving strategies. Statistically significant differences were found, according to degree (early childhood or elementary education) and gender (women used more support strategies for reading). Finally, the importance of taking metacognitive learning identity into account in updating the reading training of preservice teachers is valued.
Résumé Cet article présente une étude exploratoire transversale visant à évaluer la conscience de la métacognition en lecture des futur.e.s enseignant.e.s, groupe stratégique pour comprendre l’enseignement de la lecture dans le présent et dans le futur immédiat. À cette fin, 252 professeur.e.s des écoles en formation ont rempli le questionnaire validé MARSI (Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory). Les résultats obtenus indiquent qu’ils privilégient les stratégies basées sur la résolution de problèmes. Des différences statistiquement significatives ont été trouvées en fonction du niveau d’enseignement (préscolaire ou primaire) et du genre (les femmes utilisant davantage de stratégies de soutien à la lecture). La prise en compte de l’identité métacognitive en lecture est pertinente et doit être valorisée pour actualiser la formation en lecture des élèves-enseignant.e.s.
Resumo Este trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa exploratória transversal, cujo objetivo é avaliar a consciência de metacognição leitora dos futuros professores, grupo estratégico para entender o ensino da leitura do presente e do futuro imediato. Com esse objetivo, 252 alunos do magistério completaram o questionário validado MARSI (Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory). Os resultados obtidos indicam que esses futuros professores preferem as estratégias de resolução de problemas. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em função do grau (educação infantil ou primária) e do gênero (as mulheres utilizam mais estratégias de apoio à leitura). Por último, valoriza-se a pertinência de levar em consideração essa identidade metacognitiva leitora para atualizar a formação leitora dos alunos do magistério.
Access to genetically encoded data depends on the dynamics of DNA-binding proteins searching for specific target sites in the genome. This search process is thought to occur by facilitated ...diffusion—a combination of three-dimensional diffusion and one-dimensional sliding. Although facilitated diffusion is capable of significantly speeding up the search in vitro, the importance of this mechanism in vivo remains unclear. We use numeric simulations and analytical theory to model the target-search dynamics of DNA-binding proteins under a wide range of conditions. Our models reproduce experimental measurements of search-rate enhancement within bulk in vitro experiments, as well as the target search time for transcription factors measured in vivo. We find that facilitated diffusion can accelerate the search process only for a limited range of parameters and only under dilute DNA conditions. We address the role of DNA configuration and confinement, demonstrating that facilitated diffusion does not speed up the search on coiled versus straight DNA. Furthermore, we show that, under in vivo conditions, the search process becomes effectively diffusive and is independent of DNA configuration. We believe our results cast in a new light the role of facilitated diffusion in DNA targeting kinetics within the cell.
► Production of lactobionic acid from whey by Pseudomonas taetrolens. ► Enhancement in terms of bioconversion yield was achieved by varying inoculum size. ► Bioconversion efficiency was highly ...depended on inoculum age. ► A pH-shift cultivation strategy has enabled complete lactose bioconversion. ► Growth phase was featured by broth alkalinization and decrease in dissolved oxygen.
Lactobionic acid finds applications in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medicine. The production of lactobionic acid from whey by Pseudomonas taetrolens was studied in shake-flasks and in a bioreactor. Shake-flask experiments showed that lactobionic acid was a non-growth associated product. A two-stage pH-shift bioconversion strategy with a pH-uncontrolled above 6.5 during the growth phase and maintained at 6.5 during cumulative production was adopted in bioreactor batch cultures. An inoculation level of 30% promoted high cell culture densities that triggered lactobionic acid production at a rate of 1.12g/Lh. This methodology displayed efficient bioconversion with cheese whey as an inexpensive substrate for lactobionic acid production.
Managing agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity and ecosystem services is a key aim of a sustainable agriculture. However, how the spatial arrangement of crop fields and other habitats in ...landscapes impacts arthropods and their functions is poorly known. Synthesising data from 49 studies (1515 landscapes) across Europe, we examined effects of landscape composition (% habitats) and configuration (edge density) on arthropods in fields and their margins, pest control, pollination and yields. Configuration effects interacted with the proportions of crop and non‐crop habitats, and species’ dietary, dispersal and overwintering traits led to contrasting responses to landscape variables. Overall, however, in landscapes with high edge density, 70% of pollinator and 44% of natural enemy species reached highest abundances and pollination and pest control improved 1.7‐ and 1.4‐fold respectively. Arable‐dominated landscapes with high edge densities achieved high yields. This suggests that enhancing edge density in European agroecosystems can promote functional biodiversity and yield‐enhancing ecosystem services.
In this study, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment has been performed with the aim of finding out how the environmental impact derived from biodiesel production (using raw sunflower oil or waste ...cooking oils) could be affected by the degree of decentralization of the production (number of production plants in a given territory). The decentralized production of biodiesel has been proposed for several reasons, such as the possibility of small scale production, the fact that there is no need to use high technology or make large investments, and because small plants do not need highly specialized technical staff. Thus, hypothetical territories (considering scenarios in which the production and area were theoretically modified), as well as real territories, have been analyzed to determine which environmental indicators were most affected. Results showed that the optimum degree of centralization was different for each analyzed case. In general, in small territories centralized production was more suitable for the environment, decentralization being more advisable as the territory increased in area. For each of the cases analyzed, an optimum number of plants, which minimized the environmental impacts, was found. This work illustrates the importance of considering the number of industrial plants in the production design, not only from an economic aspect but also from an environmental point of view.
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