Although marine plastic pollution has been the focus of several studies, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the concentrations, characteristics and impacts of plastics in the oceans. This study aimed to quantify and characterize plastic debris in oceanic surface waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. Sampling was done through surface trawls, and mean debris concentration was estimated at 1,794 items.km −2 with an average weight of 27.8 g.km −2 . No statistical difference was found between the amount of mesoplastics (46%) and microplastics (54%). We found hard and flexible fragments, spheres and lines, in nine colors, composed mostly of polyurethane, polyamide, and polyethylene. An oceanographic dispersal model showed that, for at least seven years, sampled plastics likely did not originate from latitudes lower than 58°S. Analysis of epiplastic community diversity revealed bacteria, microalgae, and invertebrate groups adhered to debris. Paint fragments were present at all sampling stations and were approximately 30 times more abundant than plastics. Although paint particles were not included in plastic concentration estimates, we highlight that they could have similar impacts as marine plastics. We call for urgent action to avoid and mitigate plastic and paint fragment inputs to the Southern Ocean.

Polymerization of (4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)dimethylsulfoniumtriflate (MAPDST), as a key monomer containing the radiation sensitive sulfonium functionality, with various other monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), 4-carboxy styrene (STYCOOH), N-vinyl carbazole (NVK) in different molar ratios via free-radical polymerization method is described. This methodology led to the development of a small chemical library of six different radiation sensitive polymers for lithography applications. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy identified the reaction products as MAPDST homopolymer and MAPDST-MMA, MAPDST-STYCOOH, MAPDST-NVK copolymers. Molecular weights were obtained from gel permeation chromatography and the decomposition temperature (Td) values were determined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiation on a thin poly(MAPDST) film was investigated using monochromatic synchrotron excitation. These new polymeric materials were also exposed to electron-beam lithography (EBL) and extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) to achieve 20-nm line patterns.

This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to different types of child maltreatment (CM) and the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) later in life. A systematic review was conducted: the PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases were searched for relevant papers and ten studies were identified for further analysis. Random effects meta‐analyses were performed for each type of maltreatment in order to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for SUD incidence, and meta‐regressions were performed to explore potential moderators. Individuals with a history of physical abuse during childhood had a 74 per cent increased risk for drug abuse later in life (OR = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.362.18). The risk for drug abuse was also 73 per cent higher in individuals with a history of sexual abuse during childhood (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.242.41). A meta‐regression found that gender has a moderating effect, with women at a greater risk of SUD incidence compared to men. Exposure to CM, such as physical and sexual abuse in childhood, increases the risk of further substance abuse. Understanding the interplay between the different factors associated with violence and abuse of psychoactive substances is of fundamental importance in designing prevention approaches and interventions for drug users. Key Practitioner Messages Child exposure to violence was associated with the development of substance use disorder. Exposure to violence affects men and women in a gender‐dependent manner, with females being at a higher risk. Understanding the interplay between the different factors associated with violence and drug abuse is of fundamental importance to design prevention approaches and interventions. Drug users have higher rates of child maltreatment and psychological suffering compared to the general population.