Contamination of Clams with Human Norovirus and a Novel Hepatitis A Virus in Cameroon

Food and Environmental Virology - Shellfish constitute an important protein source but may be contaminated by viruses from various origins. A study performed on clams collected in Cameroon showed a...     

Effect of Accelerated Weathering on Biocomposites Processed by SMC and Compression Molding

The durability of biocomposites utilized for building components has been a subject of recent concern and questioning. To address these concerns, the long-term effects of weathering on biocomposites used as building components were evaluated using an accelerated weatherometer. The biocomposite samples were processed by sheet molding compounding (SMC) panel processing and/or compression molding. The accelerated weatherometer served to expose the samples to ultraviolet radiation (UV), condensation, and water spray at levels pertinent to actual conditions: 48 cycles of UV (340 nm) treatment at 60 °C for 2.5 h was followed by water spray for 0.5 h, and then condensation at 45 °C for 24 h. Twelve cycles were repeated in each test, and the total duration for the complete test was 2016 h. Measurements for color, surface roughness test weight change, and dynamical mechanical analysis were taken at regular intervals of time. It was found that the surface roughness increased, as the color changed, and storage modulus decreased with increases in the exposure time of the samples to accelerated weathering conditions, compared to their properties at the beginning of the test.     

A note on the development of the thermocline in temperate lakes

An exact solution has been obtained for a non-linear partial differential equation governing the vertical transport of heat in a lake. The equation, derived and analyzed numerically by Sundaram and Rehm (1971, 1973) is based on a balance between thermal buoyany forces and wind induced turbulence. The exact solution displays the qualitative features of the numerical solution and its representation of the seasonal descent of the thermocline is accurate.     

Advancing climate compatible development: lessons from southern Africa

Climate compatible development (CCD) has emerged as a new concept that bridges climate change adaptation, mitigation and community-based development. Progress towards CCD requires multi-stakeholder, multi-sector working and the development of partnerships between actors who may not otherwise have worked together. This creates challenges and opportunities that require careful examination at project and institutional levels and necessitates the sharing of experiences between different settings. In this paper, we draw on the outcomes from a multi-stakeholder workshop held in Mozambique in 2012, the final in a series of activities in a regional project assessing emerging CCD partnerships across southern Africa. The workshop involved policymakers, researchers and representatives from NGOs and the private sector. We employ a content analysis of workshop notes and presentations to identify the progress and challenges in moving four case study countries (the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) towards CCD pathways, by exploring experiences from both project and policy levels. To advance institutional support for the development of successful CCD policies, practices and partnerships, we conclude that there is a need for: (a) institutional development at the national level to strengthen coordination and more clearly define roles and responsibilities across sectors, based on the identification of capacity and knowledge gaps; (b) partnership development, drawing on key strengths and competences of different stakeholders and emphasising the roles of the private sector and traditional authorities; (c) learning and knowledge-sharing through national and regional fora; and (d) development of mechanisms that permit more equitable and transparent distribution of costs and benefits. These factors can facilitate development of multi-stakeholder, multi-level partnerships that are grounded in community engagement from the outset, helping to translate CCD policy statements into on-the-ground action.     

Use of a Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulizer for Viral Disinfection of Emergency Ambulance and Hospital Waiting Room

Food and Environmental Virology - Disinfection of hospital facilities and ambulances is an important issue for breaking the chain of transmission of viral pathogens. Hydrogen peroxide has provided...     

A new Jurassic theropod from China documents a transitional step in the macrostructure of feathers

Genuine fossils with exquisitely preserved plumage from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous of northeastern China have recently revealed that bird-like theropod dinosaurs had long pennaceous feathers along their hindlimbs and may have used their four wings to glide or fly. Thus, it has been postulated that early bird flight might initially have involved four wings (Xu et al. Nature 421:335–340, 2003; Hu et al. Nature 461:640–643, 2009; Han et al. Nat Commun 5:4382, 2014). Here, we describe Serikornis sungei gen. et sp. nov., a new feathered theropod from the Tiaojishan Fm (Late Jurassic) of Liaoning Province, China. Its skeletal morphology suggests a ground-dwelling ecology with no flying adaptations. Our phylogenetic analysis places Serikornis, together with other Late Jurassic paravians from China, as a basal paravians, outside the Eumaniraptora clade. The tail of Serikornis is covered proximally by filaments and distally by slender rectrices. Thin symmetrical remiges lacking barbules are attached along its forelimbs and elongate hindlimb feathers extend up to its toes, suggesting that hindlimb remiges evolved in ground-dwelling maniraptorans before being co-opted to an arboreal lifestyle or flight.