Erosion of rigid plastics in turbid (sandy) water: quantitative assessment for marine environments and formation of microplastics.

Mechanical degradation (erosion) of plastics in the marine environment has been reported in many literature studies but without quantitative information. This type of degradation is crucial as it accounts for most of the initial microplastic products, in marine environments (, rivers and oceans). Here, we quantify the erosion of plastics by water-borne sediments under typical perpendicular water velocities and sand loads of turbid rivers and coastal oceans.

Injury to the tunica media initiates atherogenesis in the presence of hyperlipidemia.

Background And Aims: Fatty streaks initiating the formation of atheromatous plaque appear in the tunica intima. The tunica media is not known to be a nidus for lipid accumulation initiating atherogenesis. We assessed changes to the tunica media in response to a micro-injury produced in the pig aorta.

COVID-19 and offshore oil and gas workers: The role of personality.

This qualitative study aimed to identify mental health hazards in the offshore oil and gas industry, as well as the role of the personality types of the Five Factor Model (FFM) in coping with these stressors. A focus group with 8 participants and a pilot study with 5 participants were conducted. Results showed that several stressors are currently present for Australian offshore oil and gas employees, in particular COVID-19 and the resulting negative effects on rosters, working hours, job security and time spent away from home.