Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella sp. that is found in water and soil. Infection may cause pneumonia (Legionnaires’ Disease) and a milder form (Pontiac Fever). Legionella colonizes water systems and results in exposure by inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days. Precipitation and humidity may be associated with increased risk. We used Medicare records from 1999 to 2020 to identify hospitalizations for legionellosis. Precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity were obtained from the PRISM Climate Group for the zip code of residence. We used a time-stratified bi-directional case-crossover design with lags of 20 days. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression and distributed lag non-linear models. A total of 37 883 hospitalizations were identified. Precipitation and relative humidity at lags 8 through 13 days were associated with an increased risk of legionellosis. The strongest association was precipitation at day 10 lag (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05–1.11 per 1 cm). Over 20 days, 3 cm of precipitation increased the odds of legionellosis over four times. The association was strongest in the Northeast and Midwest and during summer and fall. Precipitation and humidity were associated with hospitalization among Medicare recipients for legionellosis at lags consistent with the incubation period for infection.

Slender Russian thistle (Salsola collina Pall.) is a troublesome weed distributed mainly in the cropping regions of northern China that produces heteromorphic seeds in the same plant. However, limited information is available on the germination ecology of heteromorphic seeds in S. collina. Thus, the present study was conducted to verify the effect of alternating temperature conditions, light conditions, winged perianth, salt concentrations, water stress, and burial depths on the seed germination or seedling emergence of S. collina. The results showed that S. collina produced two different types of fruits/seeds that significantly differed in seed size, seed color, external structure, and germination/dormancy behavior. The type A seeds (green seeds) were nondormant, and the germination percentage was >96% at all alternating day/night temperatures and light conditions; whereas type B seeds (yellow seeds) exhibited dormancy characteristics and poor germination (≤1%). Moreover, the winged perianth did not inhibit the germination of S. collina green seeds. The germination of green seeds declined rapidly when NaCl concentration exceeded 100 mM, and only 2.22% germination was observed at 600 mM NaCl. About 62.00% of green seeds germinated at −0.6 MPa, and 8.00% germination was obtained at −1.2 MPa. The seedling emergence declined with an increase of burial depth, and decreased sharply when the burial depth exceeded 1.0 cm. Only 8.33% seedling emergence occurred at a burial depth of 4.0 cm. The results gathered from present study will help to illustrate the ecological adaptation strategy of S. collina and indicate that shallow tillage can effectively minimize the seedling emergence of S. collina.

Studies on climate variables and food pathogens are either pathogen- or region-specific, necessitating a consolidated view on the subject. This study aims to systematically review all studies on the association of ambient temperature and precipitation on the incidence of gastroenteritis and bacteraemia from Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio, and Listeria species. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 9 March 2023. We screened 3,204 articles for eligibility and included 83 studies in the review and three in the meta-analysis. Except for one study on Campylobacter, all showed a positive association between temperature and Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio sp., and Campylobacter gastroenteritis. Similarly, most of the included studies showed that precipitation was positively associated with these conditions. These positive associations were found regardless of the effect measure chosen. The pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) for the three studies that included bacteraemia from Campylobacter and Salmonella sp. was 1.05 (95 per cent confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03, 1.06) for extreme temperature and 1.09 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.19) for extreme precipitation. If current climate trends continue, our findings suggest these pathogens would increase patient morbidity, the need for hospitalization, and prolonged antibiotic courses.

We investigated how environmental conditions translate into reproductive success or failure in Aurelia aurita from the medusa to the polyp life stage. This study examined how: (i) settlement success and development of planula larvae and polyps vary across the year, (ii) the role of temperature in determining the successful settlement of larvae and growth of polyps, and (iii) the influence of maternal provisioning in the successful settlement of larvae and growth of polyps. Medusae were collected monthly from February to December 2019 from Horsea Lake, UK. Planula larvae were settled in conditions mimicking the in situ temperature and salinity of collection. For the individual treatments, planula collected in August settled most rapidly. Early development rates (<8 tentacles) were significantly higher than later growth rates (>8 tentacles) and were positively correlated with temperature, unlike later growth rates. Planula length, used as an indicator of maternal provisioning, varied significantly across the year. In July 2019, a high temperature anomaly coincided with an increased time spent by planula larvae in the water column. Increasing temperatures past thermal limits through the increasing occurrence of temperature anomalies is likely to be detrimental to larval settlement and indirectly to the replenishment of temperate polyp populations.

Phenological studies for Cuban bulrush [Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. & Kunth) Lye] have been limited to the monocephalous form in Lake Columbus (Mississippi). Accordingly, there is little available information on potential phenological differences among O. cubense forms (monocephalous vs. polycephalous) and populations in other geographic locations in the United States. Therefore, seasonal patterns of biomass and starch allocation in O. cubense were quantified from two populations in Lake Columbus on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway in Mississippi (monocephalous), two populations from Lake Martin in Louisiana (polycephalous), and two populations from Orange Lake in Florida (polycephalous). Monthly samples of O. cubense inflorescence, emergent, and submersed tissue were harvested from two plots per state from October 2021 to September 2022. During monthly data collection, air temperature and photoperiod were recorded. Starch allocation patterns were similar among all sites, with starch storage being less than 1.5% dry weight for all plant tissues. Biomass was greatest in Lake Columbus (monocephalous; 600.7 g dry weight [DW] m−2) followed by Lake Martin (polycephalous; 392.3 g DW m−2) and Orange Lake (polycephalous; 233.85 g DW m−2). Peak inflorescence biomass occurred in the winter for the Lake Martin and Orange Lake populations and in the summer for the Lake Columbus population. Inflorescence biomass in Lake Columbus had a positive relationship (r2 = 0.53) with warmer air temperatures. Emergent and submersed biomass generally had negative relationships with both photoperiod and temperature (r2 = 0.02 to 0.77) in all sites. Peak biomass was also negatively related to temperature and photoperiod. Results from this study indicate that there are differences in biomass allocation between the two growth forms of O. cubense and that growth can occur at temperatures below freezing. Low temperature tolerance may allow this species to expand its range farther north than previously suspected.

Tropical ageratum (Ageratum conyzoides L.) is a problematic weed frequently observed in association with commercially important crops in Australian agroecosystems. Knowledge of the germination response of A. conyzoides is crucial for proactively managing this weed species, especially when herbicide resistance is involved. Herbicide screening and metsulfuron dose–response experiments were conducted on two separate populations of A. conyzoides (referred to as Sugarcane and Roadside) in an open environment to identify a metsulfuron-resistant population. Based on the survival percentage in the metsulfuron dose–response experiment, the Sugarcane population was found to be 54 times more resistant compared with the metsulfuron-susceptible population (Roadside). Subsequent laboratory experiments were performed to investigate the differential germination response of the two populations. No germination or emergence difference was observed between the Sugarcane and Roadside populations under various thermal regimes (15/5 to 35/25 C with a 12/12-h photoperiod), salinity levels (0 to 320 mM), osmotic potentials (0 to −1.6 MPa), and burial depths (1 to 4 cm). However, different environmental conditions significantly impacted the germination and emergence of A. conyzoides. Ageratum conyzoides germinated over a wide range of temperatures, with the highest germination rate (>90%) occurring at 30/20 C. With increasing levels of salinity, osmotic potential, and burial depth, the germination/emergence of A. conyzoides declined and was completely inhibited at 300 mM salinity, −0.8 MPa osmotic potential, and a 1-cm burial depth. The data generated from this study will be useful in developing a model-based approach to predict the occurrence of this weed species and thus aid in designing ecologically sustainable integrated weed management protocols.

A high-pressure, high-temperature cell was used to monitor the basal X-ray powder diffraction spacing of Na-saturated Cheto montmorillonite in contact with NaCl solutions at temperatures as high as 200°C and hydraulic pressures as high as 6700 psi (456 bar). The 003 and 005 reflections were used to determine d(001) of the smectite. The montmorillonite, in 1 molal NaCl, exhibited a d(001) of 15.4 Å at room temperature and pressure and a d(001) of 15.6–15.7 Å under 500–2200 psi hydraulic pressure. The basal spacing of the clay in 5 molal NaCl was 15.2 Å and 15.33–15.45 Å at 1 bar and 750–6700 psi (53–456 bar), respectively. Because no changes in the basal spacing with increasing temperature to 200°C were detected in any of the experiments, this Na-smectite probably exists as a two-water-layer complex under diagenetic conditions.

Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis Poir.) has invaded and colonized numerous habitats in the coastal areas of southeastern Australia and is a major weed in cultivated lands as well as in poorly grassed, neglected, and highly grazed pastures. To examine the seed germination ecology of two populations (Felton and Gatton) of S. madagascariensis, experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screen house. The germination of both populations increased as the alternating temperatures increased from the coolest temperatures (15/5 C) to warmer temperatures (25/15 C). However, the highest temperature regime (35/25 C) resulted in the lowest germination rates. The Gatton population exhibited greater tolerance to higher temperatures, resulting in significantly higher germination (2.4 times) than the Felton population at the highest alternating temperature of 35/25 C. Compared with the Felton population, the Gatton population demonstrated higher tolerance to salt and water stress. In comparison to alternating light and dark periods (12 h each) (97% to 98%), the germination of both populations of S. madagascariensis was significantly reduced under complete darkness (24 h) (33% to 39%). A screen house seed burial depth experiment revealed similar emergence of S. madagascariensis seedlings between the populations. The maximum emergence (60%) was observed for seeds placed at the soil surface, followed by a dramatic decline in seedling emergence with an increase in depth. No seedlings emerged from a burial depth of 4 cm. With the addition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop residue to the soil surface at rates comparable to 4,000 to 8,000 kg ha−1, seedling emergence of S. madagascariensis decreased significantly. Information acquired from this study could be utilized to manage and develop effective weed management strategies for controlling S. madagascariensis in different agroecological conditions.

Since metabolism, survival, and reproduction in hexapods are closely related to temperatures; changes in the mean and variance of temperature are major aspects of global climate change. In the typical context of biological control, understanding how predator–prey systems are impacted under thermal conditions can make pest control more effective and resilient. With this view, this study investigated temperature-mediated development and predation parameters of the predator Harmonia axyridis against the potential prey Spodoptera litura. The age-stage, two-sex life table of the predator was constructed at four temperatures (i.e. 15, 20, 25, and 30°C) by feeding on the first instar larvae of S. litura. Our results showed that the mean generation time (T) decreased but the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) increased with increased temperature. The mean duration of the total preadult stage decreased with higher temperatures. The T and r were 70.47 d and 0.0769 d−1 at 15°C; 58.41 d and 0.0958 d−1 at 20°C; 38.71 d and 0.1526 d−1 at 25°C; and 29.59 d and 0.1822 d−1 at 30°C, respectively. The highest net reproductive rate (R0) and fecundity were obtained at 25°C. The highest λ (1.1998 d−1) and lowest T (29.59 d) were obtained at 30°C, whereas the maximum net predation rate (C0) was at 25°C. Total population and predation rates projections were the highest at 30°C. Based on these findings, we anticipate that biological control strategies for this predator release against S. litura should be attuned to warming scenarios to achieve better biocontrol functions.

Hedge cactus (Cereus uruguayanus R. Kiesling; syn.: Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum.) is a columnar cactus that was introduced to Australia as an ornamental plant and has since become invasive in subhumid regions of Queensland and New South Wales. Compared with its congener, queen of the night (Cereus jamacaru DC.), which is currently invasive in both eastern and southern Africa, information on seed biology of C. uruguayanus is lacking. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of alternating day/night temperature, salt stress, water stress, and burial depth on germination and seedling emergence of four seed accessions of C. uruguayanus. Seeds were also subjected to a controlled aging test (CAT) to obtain an estimate of potential persistence under field conditions. The optimum temperature regime for germination of all accessions was 30/20 C. Germination decreased with an increase in sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, but germination of all accessions (range 26% to 81%) occurred at 160 mM NaCl, indicating very high salt tolerance. Seed germination gradually decreased with an increase in water stress, but germination in all accessions (range 19% to 47%) occurred at −0.8 MPa. Seed viability and dormancy status were unaffected by exposure to salt level (320 mM NaCl) and water (−1.6 MPa) stress under which germination did not occur. Germination responses to all three factors were generally similar to those documented for C. jamacaru. The emergence of C. uruguayanus decreased with an increase in seed burial depth. The highest emergence (43%) was recorded for surface-sown seeds, and emergence was reduced to 0 at a burial depth of 2 cm. CAT results for two seed accessions indicated that seeds of C. uruguayanus are likely to demonstrate extended (>3 yr) persistence under field conditions, a prediction that is supported by evidence that germination of its small (2-mm) seeds is markedly reduced by burial.

Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet is a species that has recently spread widely in the autumn crops of northwestern Iran. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination, emergence, and management of two populations of C. glandulosum. The effects of temperature, photoperiod, NaCl concentration, osmotic potential, seed burial depth, and straw mulch on seed germination and seedling emergence were evaluated for two populations of C. glandulosum from Tabriz and Marand, Iran. The highest germination percentage was observed in the Tabriz (93%) and Marand populations (94%) at 20/10 C (day/night). In both populations, germination was 82% to 93% across a wide range of light/dark periods (8 to 24 h of light). However, germination was significantly reduced (∼70%) under continuous darkness. The osmotic potential required to inhibit 50% of germination was 0.68 MPa for the Tabriz population and 0.62 MPa for the Marand population. The concentration of NaCl required to inhibit 50% of germination was 4.76 dS m−1 for the Tabriz population and 3.81 dS m−1 for the Marand population. The seed burial depths that caused a 50% decrease in emergence for the Tabriz and Marand populations were 1.86 cm and 2.22 cm, respectively. In the Tabriz and Marand populations, the application of 6000 kg ha−1 of straw mulch resulted in a decrease in C. glandulosum emergence to 3% and 10%, respectively. This study’s results inform the conditions required for C. glandulosum germination and establish a theoretical and practical foundation for predicting, preventing, and managing this species using scientific principles.

The rheological properties of sepiolite gels in relation to solution chemistry, fiber charge, and microstructure are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to bring more clarity to this topic by quantifying the effects of solution pH, ionic strength, and adsorbed tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) additive on rheological properties. The electrical charge on sepiolite fibers was investigated to explain the fiber interaction configuration observed in the microstructure. Fiber interaction forces and dynamics explained the ageing behavior of the gel. Sepiolite gels of only a few percent solids displayed long-time ageing behavior, which was manifested by an increasing yield stress with wait time and continued for weeks. The gel microstructure showed randomly orientated rigid fibers with cross configuration attraction. Each fiber experiences both attractive (van der Waals and heterogeneous charge) and repulsive (electric double layer) forces, and initially a net force. The repulsive force causes these fibers to orientate or move continually to achieve a state of force equilibrium and this process takes a long time. The Leong model describes this ageing behavior. For good fiber separation, high intensity probe sonication of the suspension was required. The yield stress increased with sonication time, solids loading, and temperature. The yield stress was absent at pH > 11 and increased to a maximum value at pH < 8. This maximum was insensitive to pH between 4 to 8, and ionic strength up to 1 M KCl. TSPP reduced this maximum and shifted the zero yield stress region to a lower pH, ~7. The zero yield stress state corresponded to a zeta potential with a minimum magnitude of 30 mV.

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a key economically valuable component in iron ore and is extracted by dissolution processes, but among the Fe (oxyhydr)oxides its solubility behavior is one of the least understood. The objective of this study was to improve understanding of magnetite dissolution mechanisms leading to thermodynamic equilibrium by comparing the dissolution of two solid samples, one synthetic and one industrial, using oxalic, sulfuric, and nitric acids at varying concentrations and temperatures. Of the three solid-liquid systems investigated, only the system consisting of magnetite and oxalic acid reached an equilibrium state within the duration of an individual experiment (6 h). In this system, increasing the acid concentration resulted in a significant increase in the equilibrium concentration of dissolved Fe. When dissolving synthetic and industrial magnetite, increasing the temperature not only increased the rate of reaction but also affected the concentration of dissolved Fe. Significant effects were observed when increasing the temperature from 15 to 35°C, but only slight differences were seen on further increases in temperature. Observations regarding the equilibrium state of the sulfuric and nitric acid systems could not be made because equilibrium was not reached. The most important individual observation regarding the equilibrium state of the nitric- and sulfuric-acid systems seems to be that in future studies a much longer reaction time is necessary, due to slow kinetics of the dissolution mechanism. A proton-based mechanism has been hypothesized as the one governing the dissolution of magnetite by these two acids, but only the dissolution of the industrial sample yielded results that were similar for these two acids and consistent with that hypothesis.

The present study describes research carried out to evaluate the mineralogical, geochemical and technological properties of indurated shale-quarry wastes and assess the suitability of these low-cost and locally available quarry wastes generated from crushed indurated shales for possible use as alternatives to fresh raw materials in the manufacture of roofing-tile products. Firstly, the mineralogical and chemical properties of the indurated shales were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence, while their physical properties were identified by grain-size distribution, Atterberg limits, and clay activity. Samples of indurated shale-quarry wastes (ISQWs) were subjected to heat treatment at elevated firing temperatures to provide the required strength and durability and their ceramics properties (linear shrinkage, weight loss, water absorption, bulk density, and flexural strength) were determined. From the results, the ISQWs were composed predominantly of fine particles with medium plasticity and clay activity with values generally >0.75. The mineralogy revealed a predominance of aluminosilicates (illite-kaolinite-smectite-chlorite) with large quartz contents and variable percentages of carbonate and feldspar. The oxides were dominated by SiO2 and Al2O3, small amounts of ferromagnesian minerals, and considerable amounts of alkalis (K2O and Na2O) which act as fluxes. The CaO concentrations were variable and related to carbonate contents. Characterizations based on compositional ternary (total clay mineral-carbonate-quartz + feldspar) systems, Casagrande clay workability charts, and Winkler and McNally diagrams revealed their suitability for ceramics applications as the majority of ISQW samples fell within the specifications for roofing tiles. The ISQWs fired at a high temperature of 1000°C revealed considerable weight loss, reduction in both linear shrinkage and water absorption with insignificant increase in flexural strength. In order to achieve excellent ceramics properties and further reduce sintering temperature for their suitability as raw materials in the production of roofing tiles, beneficiations of ISQWs are highly recommended.