18701 research outputs found
Sort by
In silico genomic insights into bacteriophages infecting ESBL-producing Escherichia coli from human, animal, and environmental sources
No full textThe emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Escherichia coli, particularly extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC), is a global public health concern. Bacteriophages (phages) play a significant role in bacterial evolution and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates prophages integrated within ESBL-EC genomes to assess their diversity, gene content, and potential contributions to ESBL-EC persistence across human, animal, and environmental reservoirs. Between May and December 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Abuja and Lagos, collecting 448 stool, cecal, and environmental samples from abattoir workers, slaughtered cattle, and the abattoir environment. ESBL-EC genomes from these samples, obtained in an earlier study, were analyzed for phage regions using PHASTER. Intact prophages were analyzed in silico using computational tools to detect ARGs, ESBL genes, virulence factors, and heavy metal resistance. Their genomic relationships were examined with statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: Out of 448 samples, ESBL-EC prevalence was 21.7% (97/448). Among 97 ESBL-EC isolates, 646 prophage regions were detected, with 30% (194/646) classified as intact phages. Among the 158 phages with genus assignments, Punavirus was the most prevalent (60.1%). Escherichia was the most frequent predicted host (308/646), particularly in cattle (n = 143) and human (n = 124) sources. Among ESBL-EC genomes, 83.5% (81/97) with intact phages carried phage-associated ARGs, 76.3% (74/97) carried phage-associated ESBL genes, 18.6% (18/97) harbored phage-associated virulence factors, 15.5% (15/97) contained phage-associated plasmids, and 10.3% (10/97) had heavy metal resistance. The most prevalent phage-associated ARGs detected were qnrS1 (73/81) and blaCTX-M-15 (72/81). Two isolates recovered from abattoir workers carried two phage-like plasmids, each harboring either tet(A) or blaCTX-M-55 gene. The predominant phage lifestyles were temperate (n = 182), mainly in the Peduoviridae family, and lytic (n = 12) in the Punavirus genus. Conclusion: This is the first study in Nigeria to characterize phages in ESBL-EC isolates at the One Health interface. The presence of intact phages in humans, animals, and the environment underscores the complex interactions shaping phage ecology. The discovery of ARGs, virulence genes, and heavy metal resistance within prophages suggests a potential role in AMR dissemination. Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms of ARG transfer mediated by phages in One Health settings
Advancing social work research and practice: celebrating ten years of the Decisions, Assessment and Risk Special Interest Group (DARSIG)
No full textThis article commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Decisions, Assessment and Risk Special Interest Group (DARSIG), established under the umbrella of the European Social Work Research Association in 2014. We reflect on developments in DARSIG in the context of advancements in practice, service management, theory, collaborative research and teaching on decision making, assessment and risk. We conclude that DARSIG provides a mechanism for further advancing social work research and teaching across Europe
Home‐range spillover in habitats with impassable boundaries: Causes, biases and corrections using autocorrelated kernel density estimation
No full textAn animal's home-range plays a fundamental role in determining its resource use and overlap with conspecifics, competitors and predators, and is therefore a common focus of movement ecology studies. Autocorrelated kernel density estimation addresses many of the shortcomings of traditional home-range estimators when animal tracking data are autocorrelated, but other challenges in home-range estimation remain. One such issue is known as ‘spillover bias’, in which home-range estimates do not respect impassable movement boundaries (e.g. shorelines and fences), and occurs in all forms of kernel density estimation. While several approaches to addressing spillover bias are used when estimating home ranges, these approaches introduce bias throughout the remaining home-range area, depending on the amount of spillover removed, or are otherwise inaccessible to most ecologists. Here, we introduce local corrections to home-range kernels to mitigate spillover bias in (autocorrelated) kernel density estimation in the continuous time movement model (ctmm) package, and demonstrate their performance using simulations with known home-range extents and distributions, and a real-world case study. Simulation results showed that local corrections minimized bias in bounded home-range area estimates, and resulted in more accurate distributions when compared with commonly used post hoc corrections, particularly at small–intermediate sample sizes. Comparison of the impacts of local vs. post hoc corrections to bounded home-ranges estimated from lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) demonstrated that local corrections constrained the redistribution of probability mass within the remaining home-range area, resulting in proportionally smaller home-range areas compared with when post hoc corrections are used
Hydrogen pathways for green fertilizer production: A comparative techno-economic study of electrolysis and plasmalysis
No full textDecarbonizing ammonia production is critical to meeting global climate targets in agriculture. This study evaluates two hydrogen pathways, plasmalysis and electrolysis, at Ontario's Courtright Complex using detailed techno-economic modeling. The natural gas–based plasma system achieves the lowest hydrogen cost (297.7 M/y) and shows strong sensitivity to natural gas prices. Electrolysis, powered by 110 MW PV, 1700 MW wind, 60 MW biomass, 95 MWh battery storage, and a 2.0 GW electrolyzer, produces hydrogen at 29.7 M/y) and significant grid interaction (2.67 TWh/y imports and 1.89 TWh/y exports), enhancing operational flexibility. Over a 15-year horizon, both pathways deliver substantial CO2 reductions (plasmalysis: 27,000 kt; electrolysis: 26,045 kt). Extending plant lifetimes from 10 to 30 y reduces the levelized cost of hydrogen from 1.91/kg in the plasmalysis case and from 1.18/kg in the electrolysis case, while increasing overall net present cost. Although electrolysis requires higher capital investment (1.79 B), it demonstrates resilience to fuel price volatility and provides additional grid revenue. In contrast, plasmalysis offers near-term cost advantages but remains dependent on fossil gas, underscoring its role as a transitional rather than fully green option for ammonia decarbonization
On different roles of interpersonal and institutional trust and trust in scientists in shaping COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
No full textThis study investigated the influence of interpersonal and institutional trust and trust in scientists on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. It hypothesized that institutional trust and trust in scientists are associated with reduced vaccine hesitancy, while interpersonal trust is not associated with vaccine hesitancy. These hypotheses were tested by estimating a set of multilevel regression models for a cross-sectional multi-country survey. The findings of the study confirmed all of the hypotheses mentioned above. The findings are relevant for subsamples of individuals who had (and did not have) COVID-19, lived (and did not live) with someone who had the virus, were satisfied (and not satisfied) with healthcare, and reported better (and worse health). The findings did not change with alternative operationalization of outcome and predictor variables and modification in the statistical specification. Remarkably, the magnitude of influence of institutional trust and trust in scientists is greater than that of GDP growth at the national level and net income at the individual level. These findings suggest promoting institutional trust and trust in scientists is an important way to reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccine uptake
The Lance: School Year 1975-1976 (Sept.-Dec.)
No full textSchool Year 1975-1976 Vol. 50: no. 1 (1975: Sept. 17) 12p.Vol. 50: no. 2 (1975: Sept. 26 16p.Vol. 50: no. 3 (1975: Oct. 3) 12p.Vol. 50: no. 4 (1975: Oct. 10) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 5 (1975: Oct. 17) 12p.Vol. 50: no. 6 (1975: Oct. 24) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 7 (1975: Oct. 31) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 8 (1975: Nov. 7) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 9 (1975: Nov. 14) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 10 (1975: Nov. 21) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 11 (1975: Nov. 28) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 12 (1975: Dec. 5) 16p.Vol. 50: no. 12 (1975: Dec. 5) 16p. The second no. 12; date is probably Dec. 12t
Circular steel-reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREI) with a rubber core - formulation derivation and numerical investigation
No full textReinforced elastomeric bearings serve as vital components in safeguarding structures against seismic events globally. Lead rubber bearings, featuring lead cores, exhibit heightened initial stiffness and superior energy dissipation during earthquakes. Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the perceived environmental impact, health risks, and considerable expenses associated with the integration of lead cores. In response, the exploration of rubber cores as an alternative has emerged, demonstrating promising capabilities in energy dissipation and weight reduction. This research introduces an analytical solution based on the pressure solution theory framework. Its primary objectives encompass computing the compression and bending moduli, as well as determining the three-dimensional distribution of normal and shear stress (or strain) within circular steel-reinforced elastomeric isolators (SREIs) featuring a rubber core. Both compressible and incompressible assumptions for the elastomer have been considered. A comprehensive parametric investigation evaluates the performance of SREIs with varying shape factors and sizes of rubber cores. Additionally, a rigorous validation process is conducted, involving the development of detailed finite element models to verify the analytical solutions under compression, bending, and combined loading conditions. The validated analytical framework serves as a fundamental tool for design engineers, facilitating the identification of critical bearing properties essential for the informed design of seismic-resilient structures
