Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Krzysztof Damaziak, Agata Marzec
Summary: The unique structure, shape, and pigmentation of bird eggshells greatly contribute to their efficient reproduction on land and serve as important factors for identification, protection, and interpretation of evolutionary mechanisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
E. Martin Hechenleitner, Maria V. Fernandez Blanco, Segundo R. Nunez-Campero, Lucas E. Fiorelli, Paula Bona
Summary: Researchers used X-ray micro-CT scans to characterize crocodilian eggshells for the first time, revealing complex ornamentation and unique pore canal structures. These features may be related to nesting materials and nesting areas selected by different species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Harsha Dhiman, Vishal Verma, Lourembam R. Singh, Vaibhav Miglani, Deepak Kumar Jha, Prasanta Sanyal, Sampat K. Tandon, Guntupalli V. R. Prasad
Summary: The Upper Cretaceous Lameta Formation in central India is known for its abundant sauropod fossils and egg remains. A new study has documented ninety-two titanosaur clutches from the Dhar District, providing valuable quantitative data for understanding titanosaur palaeobiology and egg preservation. The study identified 256 eggs and three types of clutch patterns, suggesting a high oospecies diversity and providing insights into the reproductive biology of titanosaurs. The lithologies of the egg-bearing rocks indicate a fluvial/alluvial setting, and the presence of certain fabric structures suggests a palustrine depositional condition.
Article
Ornithology
Iris I. Levin, Stephanie L. Kaufman, Sophia E. Knaysi, Olivia G. Rataezyk
Summary: Maculation on avian eggshells serves as an identity signal to help females recognize and reject foreign eggs. This ability is particularly important for species that nest in dense colonies.
Article
Ecology
David Vieco-Galvez, Isabel Castro, Patrick C. H. Morel, Wei Hang Chua, Michael Loh
Summary: The study found differences in eggshell water vapor conductance between different species of Apteryx, correlated with their respective altitudes; it also showed a significant increase in water vapor conductance late in incubation compared to unincubated eggs. The research also described new features such as triangular mineral particles and plugged pores in the eggshell, which provide necessary microbial protection for a species with a long incubation period.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Marie R. G. Attard, Steven J. Portugal
Summary: Bird embryo survival depends on the controlled transfer of water vapour and respiratory gases through the eggshell, which is influenced by the surrounding physical environment. This study found that eggshell conductance in birds is mainly determined by body mass, temperature seasonality, and parental incubation behavior, with high latitude breeding birds benefiting from lower eggshell conductance.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vitalii I. I. Sysoev, Olga A. A. Gurova, Yuliya V. V. Fedoseeva, Artem V. V. Gusel'nikov, Anna A. A. Makarova, Alexander V. V. Okotrub, Lyubov G. G. Bulusheva
Summary: The effect of humidity on the electrical conductivity of SWCNT films depends on both the conductivity of individual nanotubes and the electrical contacts between them. Non-functionalized SWCNTs and contacts between them exhibit decreased conductivity upon adsorption of water molecules. Covalent fluorination reduces the conductivity of SWCNTs and increases the sensitivity of the film to low concentrations of water vapor. Nitrogen-containing groups added through substitution reactions improve intertube contacts and increase the surface area for water adsorption. Increasing the number of functional groups on the SWCNT surface enhances the sensor's sensitivity to low water concentrations but worsens the response at high humidity.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yudi M. Lozano, Timon Lehnert, Lydia T. Linck, Anika Lehmann, Matthias C. Rillig
Summary: The research revealed that microplastics of different shapes, polymers, and concentrations have varying effects on soil properties and plant performance. Fibers can increase plant biomass, films decrease soil density, and foams and fragments may enhance soil aeration. However, microplastics also decrease soil aggregation and microbial activity, indicating potential negative impacts on soil health.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naoki Tanifuji, Takeshi Shimizu, Hirofumi Yoshikawa, Miki Tanaka, Kosuke Nishio, Kentaro Ida, Akihiro Shimizu, Yukio Hasebe
Summary: This study explores the application of eggshell membranes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, aiming to develop cheaper and more eco-friendly options. The findings demonstrate that by using eggshell membranes as proton-conductive material, electricity can be generated, leading to cost reduction and further improvement of fuel cells.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Yaping Huang, Zhiyuan Wei, Qiang Zhang, Hongneng Cai, Xuecheng Han, Xiaoxue Dong
Summary: This study investigates the stress characteristics of YbDS environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) under the coupling effect of YbDS corrosion and thermal cycling. The results emphasize the importance of corrosion-induced stress changes and the influence of volume shrinkage and increased porosity on the EBC stress field.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Thomas M. Sexton, Camille M. Steber, Asaph B. Cousins
Summary: Canopy water use efficiency (WUEcanopy) can impact crop yield but is influenced by various component traits. Intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi) and leaf water use efficiency affect WUEcanopy, but measurements of leaf water use efficiency should consider environmental variations.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingxue Zhao, Huaize Feng, Tongren Xu, Jingfeng Xiao, Rossella Guerrieri, Shaomin Liu, Xiuchen Wu, Xinlei He, Xiangping He
Summary: Drought, as a natural hydrometeorological phenomenon, has become more frequent and widespread due to climate change, with water availability strongly regulating the coupling between carbon uptake and water loss. Different vegetation types show varying effects on WUE, with VPD and Gc playing important roles in controlling WUE.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Chen, Hongsen Qiu, Xianfeng Li, Qikun Tong, Martin Jensen, Qing Li, Ning Wang
Summary: A three-level pore structure hydrogel consisting of PVA and rGO was prepared for efficient photothermal evaporation. The hydrogel showed promising properties due to its unique pore structure and demonstrated stable evaporation rate and salt rejection ability.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kerstin Elert, Ruben Alabarce Alaminos, Cristina Benavides-Reyes, Miguel Burgos-Ruiz
Summary: Despite the extensive use of gypsum-lime plasters and renders worldwide, there is a lack of systematic studies on the effect of lime content on their properties. Our study found that even small lime additions reduced strength but compatible conservation materials can be designed. Lime additions also significantly improved weathering resistance, enabling wider use of gypsum-lime plasters as a more sustainable alternative to current building materials.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mark Gowdy, Philippe Pieri, Bruno Suter, Elisa Marguerit, Agnes Destrac-Irvine, Gregory Gambetta, Cornelis van Leeuwen
Summary: Grapevines regulate transpiration by adjusting their water conductance mechanism in response to environmental changes. A simplified method based on the crop canopy energy flux model is introduced to determine bulk stomatal conductance. This method provides accurate estimation of grapevine conductance and is useful for estimating vine transpiration in water use models.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)