Fossils of embryonic and hatchling individuals can provide invaluable insight into the evolution of prenatal morphologies, heterochronies, and allometric trajectories within Archosauria but are exceptionally rare in the Triassic fossil record, obscuring a critical aspect of archosaurian biology during their evolutionary origins. Microvertebrate sampling at a single bonebed in the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation within Petrified Forest National Park has yielded diminutive archosauriform femora (PEFO 45274, PEFO 45199) with estimated and measured femoral lengths of ~31 mm and ~ 37 mm, respectively. These new specimens provide the unique opportunity to assess the preservation, body size, and growth dynamics of skeletally immature archosauriforms in North America and compare the growth dynamics of archosauromorphs within an evolutionary and ontogenetic context.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis study investigates the valorization of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) through protein extraction and their application in mycelium-based packaging and renewable energy pellets. Three extraction methods-mechanical stirring, ultrasound-assisted, and CO-assisted extraction-were applied to SCGs. CO-assisted extraction yielded the highest protein content at 34.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic created critical challenges for hospitals and health care providers. Suddenly clinics were forced to close; elective procedures were delayed; scheduled visits were canceled; emergency rooms were overcrowded; hospital beds, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) were in short supply; and staff were faced with rapidly changing circumstances, care protocols, trauma, and personal risk. To better address challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics, the National Telemedicine Technology Assessment Resource Center (TTAC) was asked to develop a Pandemic Response Action Plan that would allow its users to address critical issues with available telemedicine and related technologies.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOdonates (dragonflies and damselflies) can indicate the ecological health of aquatic biota within the rich but vulnerable biodiversity of tropical forests. The reaction of odonates to deforestation can be measured by changes in coarse taxonomic ratios. Suborder Zygoptera are thermal conformers susceptible to overheating, having the affinity with shaded, intact sites.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe global population is expected to increase by nearly 2 billion individuals over the next three decades, leading to a significant surge in waste generation and environmental challenges. To mitigate these challenges, there is a need to develop sustainable solutions that can effectively manage waste generation and promote a circular economy. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are being developed for various applications, including packaging, architectural designs, sound absorption, and insulation.
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