bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Growth Centers in Regional Development in Wonogiri Regency
Authors: Martini M , Musiyam M
Published: July 2024

One of the reasons for the social inequality that occurs in various regions is the difference in the pace of the economy and the uneven development across regions. In general, the problems that exist in areas experiencing inequality are high unemployment rates, lack of community facilities and infrastructure, and even inequality in the quality of natural resources and human resources. This problem causes underdeveloped areas to experience poverty. For this reason, it is necessary to determine distributed growth centers in Wonogiri Regency to minimize the gaps that occur. The aim of this research is to determine which sub-districts are suitable as locations for growth centers in Wonogiri Regency. The analysis used is scalogram analysis and gravity model analysis. Scalogram analysis is used to analyze the location of growth centers in terms of the number of facilities and infrastructure available, while gravity model analysis is used to analyze the determination of the hinterland of each growth center. The results of the analysis show that of the 25 sub-districts in Wonogiri Regency, 5 sub-districts have been identified as centers of growth, namely Wonogiri Sub-district, Jatisrono Sub-district, Baturetno Sub-district, Purwantoro Sub-district and Pracimantoro Sub-district.
Spatial Pattern and Determinant of Poverty Cases in Sragen Regency, Java
Authors: Arif M , Hasmarini M I , Kurniawan W , Rahim H A
Published: July 2024

The poverty pattern observed in Sragen Regency, Central Java, revealed that inadequate infrastructure development led to the migration of the underprivileged community residing in a relatively isolated region to areas with better geographical conditions and accessibility. Remarkably, this study unveiled a negative correlation between the dependency ratio and poverty in Sragen Regency. This unique circumstance arose from the early employment of children in this locality, surpassing their peers, which generated additional income for their families. Despite the reduction in poverty, the persistent cycle of poverty looms due to the substandard quality of education that hampers their productivity from reaching optimal levels. To address this issue, this study suggests that infrastructure development in low rural areas should prioritize unlocking the potential to enhance production value while simultaneously providing the community with additional income sources, thereby deterring low-income families from migrating to urban areas. Consequently, their children will have improved educational opportunities.
Estimation of Oil Palm Tree Quantity Using Oil Palm Ecognition and SAGA GIS Based on UAV Imagery (Case Study: Dumai, Riau)
Authors: Sari A K , Priyono K D , Rosyadi Y
Published: July 2024

Oil palm is a plantation commodity in Indonesia that drives the growth of the national economy. The growth of oil palm is rapidly expanding every year, thus requiring efficient land monitoring strategies. Tree counting is one technique used to monitor current conditions in vast plantation areas. Utilizing UAV technology in agricultural mapping is the best option as a tool for capturing high-resolution aerial photos. The objective of this research is to automatically count the number of oil palm trees by comparing two methods and algorithms. GEOBIA (Geography-Based Image Analysis) and Deep Learning classification are methods used for automatic object counting. In this study, high-resolution aerial photo data was utilized, making object detection much more feasible. The research applied the Template Matching and Watershed Segmentation algorithm models in a sample area of 32.5 hectares divided into two blocks: Unknown-2 and E-1. It can be concluded that both methods, with their respective algorithm models, are sufficiently relevant for use in the automatic counting process of oil palm trees. This is evidenced by the accuracy test error values, which are not more than 15%, indicating that the counted oil palm tree results can be used for further data analysis.
Analysis Of The Effect Of Vegetation Density Index On Land Surface Temperature In Sukoharjo Regency In 2018 – 2022
Authors: Rachmasya S S , Susilawati S A
Published: July 2024

Regional Development and population growth in Sukoharjo Regency will result in reduced land vegetation, thus giving an impact on the influence of rising ground surface temperatures. The objective of this study is to (a) Analyze land surface temperature in Sukoharjo Regency in 2018 – 2022 (b) Analyze vegetation density index in Sukoharjo Regency in 2018 – 2022 (c) Analyze changes in vegetation density index to land surface temperature in Sukoharjo Regency in 2018 – 2022. The quantitative descriptive analysis method extracting Landsat 8 image data into vegetation density index & land surface temperature, and the SPSS correlation test. The results of the study were obtained in the form of vegetation density index values in 2018, 2020, and 2022 which were dominated by medium vegetation, in 2019 and 2020 low vegetation, and in 2021 dominated by high vegetation. The average land surface temperature in Sukoharjo regency for the period 2018-2022 is in the range of 18.1 – 33.7° C with a fluctuating distribution every year. The correlation of vegetation density index and land surface temperature in 2018-2022 in Sukoharjo Regency obtained negative results with correlation values of -0.536 in 2018, -0.827 in 2019, -0.768 in 2020, -0.516 in 2021, and -0.553 in 2022.
Geospatial Information Analysis Based on Numerical Modelling of Tsunami Inundation in Coastal Area of Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency
Authors: Darmawan D C S , Sasmi A T , Khoirunnisa H
Published: July 2024

The southern coastal area of Java Island is a subduction area confluence of the Eurasian Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. The southern area of Temon District, Kulon Progo Regency includes the Central Java-East Java megathrust area. Megathrust Central Java-East Java has a maximum earthquake potential of 8.9 Mw which has the potential to cause a tsunami disaster. The built-up land area in Temon District has a potential threat from the danger of tsunami inundation. The purpose of this study is to (1) analyze the danger of tsunami inundation in Temon District and (2) determine the area of built-up land affected by tsunami inundation. The method used in this study is descriptive quantitative-qualitative. TUNAMI-N3 was used in numerical modelling to determine tsunami inundation hazards and Google Earth Engine was used in analyze built-up land in Temon District. The results of tsunami inundation hazard treatment and built-up land areas were analyze using ArcGIS 10.8 to determine built-up land affected by the potential tsunami inundation hazard. The results showed that the tsunami generated from the earthquake scenario with a magnitude of Mw 8.9 had a maximum height of 19.86 meters with an average travel time of 33 minutes to reach the coastal area of Temon District. Temon District affected by tsunami inundation hazard has a tsunami area of 2.47 km2 with details of a low tsunami danger level of 0.67 km2, medium tsunami danger of 0.95 km2 and high tsunami danger of 0.85 km2. The maximum height of the tsunami inundation bath is 6.54 meters. Temon District has a built-up land area of 14.308 km2. Built-up land affected by tsunami inundation is 0.55 km2 with details of 0.14 km2 at low danger of tsunami inundation, 0.20 km2 at medium danger of tsunami inundation and 0.21 km2 at high tsunami inundation hazard.
Development of Integrated Coconut Agroindustry from a Circular Economy Perspective: A Literature Review
Authors: Elfahmi Mifta , Sutiarso Lilik , Purwadi Didik , Machfoedz Mochammad Maksum
Published: July 2024

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest coconut-producing countries. In 2021, the coconut plantation area in Indonesia reached 3,374,347 hectares, resulting in a total production of 2,853,299 tons. Among the total coconut plantation area, 3,361,145 hectares (99.02%) are dedicated to smallholder plantations, involving 6,003,690 farming households. Therefore, coconuts play a significant and vital role in Indonesia. A circular economy approach prioritizes the effective utilization of resources, minimizing waste, and promoting material recycling to establish sustainable systems. The development of an integrated coconut agroindustry that applies circular economy principles by processing all parts of the coconut fruit to produce value-added products and reduce waste generated from the coconut processing process can create an efficient production cycle and minimize negative environmental impacts. In this paper, a comprehensive review of existing literature is conducted, focusing on the advancement of an integrated coconut agroindustry within the framework of a circular economy. Through maximizing the utilization of all parts of the coconut and enhancing value through innovative approaches, the integrated coconut agroindustry has the potential to play a substantial role in fostering economic growth, preserving the environment, and promoting societal well-being.
Analysis of garlic farming revenue in Karanganyar Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Purwono  , Rahayu E S , Sutrisno J , Marwanti S
Published: July 2024

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is consumed as a cooking seasoning, flavoring, culinary, and herbal medicine. In Indonesia, domestic production is only about 5% of national consumption needs, so 95% of the shortfall comes from imports. Garlic is a superior agricultural product that has the potential to generate income for farmers. The purpose of this research is to analyze the income of garlic farming. The research was conducted in Karanganyar Regency using a proportional systematic random sampling method, and 194 farmers were selected. This research compares 3 planting seasons, which are divided into planting in April-May, June-July and August-November. Production inputs consist of seeds, manure, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, labor, dolomite, and others. The results obtained, the average production cost per hectare is Rp.87,779,449,-.The proportion of the cost of buying seeds is 34.72%. The average production is 4.78 tons per hectare with an average price of Rp.20,848 per kilogram. The average income per hectare is Rp.87,977,271,-. The value of the R/C ratio is 1.002 (> 1), and the value of the B/C ratio is 0.002 (> 0). Thus, garlic farming in Karanganyar Regency is profitable, because the income (revenue) is greater than the costs incurred and it is still feasible to continue because it provides positive benefits.
Sustainable Economic Analysis of Oil Palm Value Chain in Imo State Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges.
Authors: Adikaibe Paschal Chukwunonso , Ekowati Titik , Kusmiyati Florentina
Published: July 2024

Oil palm production abounds with opportunities and challenges to sustainable economic growth in developing economies like Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to analyse the economics of the value chain of oil palm in Imo State. This study took into consideration three key value chain actors; which were mapped as the farmer, the processors and the marketers. It evaluated the different actors and their functions in the value chain to understand their dynamics and potential growth in the value chain. The identified opportunities in the value chain are job creation, increased demand for the products of oil palm, economic diversification, value chain integration and collaboration with other stakeholders, export potential and Interventions from governments and investors across the globe. There has been different government intervention to improve this sector of agriculture in Imo state. The challenges identified were inflation, lack of finance, land constraints and the tenure system, limited market information and the pricing dynamics that have affected the value chain actors in the expansion of the oil palm enterprise in Imo State. In summary, the study has shown the potential and the limitations faced by the value chain actors of oil palm in Imo State, Nigeria.
Production risk analysis of semi-organic rice in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Istiyanti E , Saputra B
Published: July 2024

Organic farming is a combination of conventional agriculture developed with innovation and science, adopting the principles of health, ecology, justice, and protection of the environment. Semi-organic rice farming refers to the transition from conventional to organic rice farming. Semi-organic rice farming is riskier due to the soil’s unstable fertility. This research aimed to determine the production risk in semi-organic rice and analyze the factors affecting that risk. Since Sleman Regency, specifically Seyegan District, is home to a thriving organic rice, the study took place here. A total of 100 respondents were taken using proportional random sampling. The production risk of semi-organic rice was analyzed using the coefficient of variation. The factors influencing the production risk were examined using the Cobb-Douglas production function. The results revealed that semi-organic rice carried high production risk, with a coefficient of variation higher than 0.5. Land area and land status influenced the production risk of semi-organic rice. The wider the implementation of semi-organic rice farming, the greater the production risk. Semi-organic rice farming on own land possessed a smaller risk than non-owned land.
Perception of Maize Farmers’ Financial Inclusion Via Mobile Money. A Case Study of the Dormaa-Ahenkro Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Mensah Emmanuel , Setiadi Agus , Roessali Wiludjeng
Published: July 2024

The study looks into maize farmers’ perceptions of being financially included through mobile money services. The available data collected was analysed through the perception index by the SPSS. Data were collected through the primary data which 150 questionnaires were used and respondents’ responses were collected on the questionnaire administration. perception of the maize farmers was analysed and based on the series of questions through frequency, mean and percentages from the perception index, which came out that 47.3% were very familiar and 36.7% were familiar with mobile money as a financial inclusion which shows mobile money has become very important in the system and as financial inclusion in some African countries and Ghana as a whole. However, respondents stated the fact that they use mobile money for saving and paying bills with a percentage of 96%. To further conclude the maize farmers said the mobile money concept has increased their access to financial services with 28.0% strongly agreeing to the fact that it has increased their chances to have financial services, 33.3% agreed, 28.7 were neutral to the statement, 6.7% were also disagreeing and 3.3% strongly disagreed. The outcome has affirmed that mobile money has increased access to maize farmers’ financial inclusion.
The Role Of Millennial Farmers In Optimizing Critical Land In Order to Face the Food Crisis In the Era Of Society 5.0
Authors: Arvianti Eri Yusnita , Yoga Tirta , Gunawan Cakti Indra , Rosalina Ika
Published: July 2024

The era of society 5.0 is a concept of people’s lives that utilize information technology in solving social problems in facing the food crisis in Indonesia. This research aims to investigate the contributions of farmers in enhancing the productivity of critical land. Millennial farmers are recognized as crucial players in the advancement of sustainable food land agriculture in Indonesia, reflecting their belief that this development is essential for bolstering the community’s economy. Critical land refers to an expanse of terrain that remains predominantly unflooded throughout the year, presenting potential for cultivation of food crops. The world food crisis is a threat to all countries in the world, both developing and developed countries. The 2008 world food crisis is poised for a recurrence in 2012, driven by a burgeoning population outpacing the growth in food production.
Role of Stakeholders in the Development of Organic Rice Agribusiness in Karanganyar Regency, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Winarno J , Wibowo A , Suwarto  , Permatasari P
Published: July 2024

Organic agriculture is growing in importance to address environmental challenges and meet the rising consumer demand for healthy, eco-friendly agricultural products. However, the success and growth of organic rice agribusiness depend heavily on the active involvement and collaboration of stakeholders across the entire agricultural value chain. Therefore, the present research aims to analyze the pivotal role of stakeholders in the development of organic rice agribusiness in the Karanganyar Regency. To achieve this objective, a qualitative approach was used to collect data through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and Focus Group Discussions with stakeholders such as farmers, business actors, local government, local communities, and consumers. The collected data were then analyzed using stakeholders’ analysis and thematic approaches to identify the roles, contributions, and challenges faced by each stakeholder. The results showed that stakeholders play a crucial role in the development of organic rice agribusiness. Farmers have a central role as primary producers and holders of local knowledge about organic farming practices. Additionally, business actors contribute by facilitating product marketing, processing, and distribution. Local governments are instrumental in providing policy and infrastructure support while also facilitating training and assistance for farmers. To ensure the success and growth of organic rice agribusiness, collaboration and synergy among stakeholders are vital as they establish networks, expand markets, access funding, and deliver education and training programs to farmers.
Strategies For Developing Agro-Tourism Areas And Community Empowerment Based On The Advantages Of Local Resources In The Taba Penanjung District, Central Bengkulu Regency
Authors: Reflis  , Yuristia Rahmi , Sumantri Bambang , Sriyoto  , Irnad
Published: July 2024

Agro-tourism is an agriculture-based business that is open to the public. Developing agro-tourism based on regional advantages is a promising prospect for improving a region’s economy. By synergizing all available resources and empowering the community to manage agro-tourism, the economy in Taba Penanjung district can be improved. This study aimed to determine the strategy for developing integrated commodity-based agro-tourism in Taba Penanjung district, Central Bengkulu Regency. The research was conducted in Taba Penanjung district, considering that this area has strategic agricultural and agro-tourism potential in Bengkulu Province. The respondents in this study were 20 community leaders, village officials, agro-tourism managers, and youth members of youth organizations. This study uses SWOT analysis to create a development strategy. The results of this study are: 1) The results of the IFAS calculation get a total weight value of 2.852, and the EFAS calculation gets a total weight value of 2.576 2) In the IE matrix, the agro-tourism area in Taba Penanjung district is in quadrant V which means this agro-tourism area is in medium position with a strategy that can be implemented, namely to hold and maintain because Taba Penanjung district have good internal strength and external opportunities.
Supply Chain Efficiency of Red Chili in The Production Center of Bantul Indonesia Using The Performance Masurement System Approach
Authors: Susanawati  , Jalilah S , Sriyadi
Published: July 2024

This study aims to describe the red chili supply chain in terms of actors and their activities and to analyze the efficiency of the red chili supply chain in Sanden District using the Performance Measurement System (PMS) approach. Sampling of farmers in this study was carried out in stages starting from the sub-district, village, hamlet and farmer levels. Respondents farmers taken deliberately as many as 75 people. Sampling after farmers was carried out using the snowball sampling method with a total of 69 respondents. The data used are primary data and secondary data. Descriptive analysis techniques are used to analyze the red chili supply chain. While the efficiency of the red chili supply chain is analyzed using supply chain efficiency indicators with the Performance Measurement System (PMS) approach which includes production costs, profit and return on investment. The results of this study indicate that the red chili supply chain in Sanden District is formed by three chains with 5 actors namely farmers, auction markets, collectors, retailers, and consumers. Chain 1 is the most efficient in terms of profit and return on investment (ROI). Chains 2 and 3 are the most efficient in terms of production cost indicators. These results can be used by actors to choose the supply chain that provides the highest profit.
The Effect of the Addition of baker’s Yeast and Tape Yeast with the Length of Fermentation on the Quality of Carica vinegar
Authors: Arifan F , Januwardani S A , Fauzi A N , Sapatra EF , Pradigdo S F
Published: July 2024

Vinegar is a condiment produced by alcoholic and acetic acid fermentation of various sugary or starchy ingredients. Vinegar can be produced from a substrate containing a certain amount of ethanol which comes from various sources such as coconut water, pineapple peel, fruit and coffee grounds. Acetic acid can be produced by two methods, namely synthetic/chemical and microbiological or fermentation. Vinegar is widely available in the market, is commonly consumed and contains chemicals that are harmful to the body. Vinegar is produced through an industrial process with a pure chemical synthesis process. In this study, the basic ingredients for the process of making acetic acid came from carica fruit juice. The stages of forming acetic acid include the addition of sugar, the first fermentation and the second fermentation. In the first fermentation process, the yeast used is baker’s yeast, while the second fermentation uses tape yeast. Determination of variables in this study using a factorial design. The results of the study obtained the optimum effect of fermentation time, yeast mass and volume of alcohol for the manufacture of carica fruit vinegar. The higher the concentration of the tape yeast used in the processing of carica vinegar, the higher the alcohol content and total acid produced, and the lower the pH and sugar content. Of all the treatments the best results were produced from an experiment with a total acid of 5.2. The experimental variable was a yeast mass of 4 g, a fermentation time of 11 days and a volume of alcohol used was 30 ml.
Modified Arrowroot Starch: Impact of Multiple Acetylation on Physical, Chemical, and Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: Ariyantoro A R , Prabawa S , Anwar D
Published: July 2024

Modifying single-acetylated starch in arrowroot starch has improved starch quality, especially in paste clarity properties. It was conducted to determine the effect of the double acetylation modification method on the physical, chemical, and physicochemical characteristics of modified arrowroot starch. It used a completely randomized design with variations in the concentration of acid acetate and the immersion time of single acetylation modification. The best single Acetylated Starch is the treatment of variations in adding 2% acetic acid concentration for 60 minutes soaking time, which then proceeds with double acetylation modification. Double acetylation has a paste clarity level of 25.02%, moisture content of 13.33%, Amylose Content of 30.62%, Water Absorption of 3.77 g/g, Swelling power of 9.30 g/g, and Solubility of 5.19%. The pasting properties have a Peak Viscosity of 5716 cP, Through Viscosity of 2336 cP, Breakdown Viscosity of 3380 cP, Final Viscosity of 2750 cP, Setback Viscosity of 414 cP, Peak Time of 5 minutes, and Pasting Temperature 70.90°C. The dual acetylation improves the solubility and swelling power compared with single acetylation and unmodified starch.
Long-term in vitro maintenance of plasma cells in a hydrogel-enclosed human bone marrow microphysiological 3D model system
Authors: Martini Stefania , Drzeniek Norman Michael , Stark Regina , Kollert Matthias Reiner , Du Weijie , Reinke Simon , Ort Melanie , Hardt Sebastian , Kotko Iuliia , Kath Jonas , Schlickeiser Stephan , Geißler Sven , Wagner Dimitrios Laurin , Krebs Anna-Catharina , Volk Hans-Dieter
Published: July 2024

Plasma cells (PCs) in bone marrow (BM) play an important role in both protective and pathogenic humoral immune responses, e.g. in various malignant and non-malignant diseases such as multiple myeloma, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Dedicated microenvironmental niches in the BM provide PCs with biomechanical and soluble factors that support their long-term survival. There is a high need for appropriate and robust model systems to better understand PCs biology, to develop new therapeutic strategies for PCs-related diseases and perform targeted preclinical studies with high predictive value. Most preclinical data have been derived from in vivo studies in mice, as in vitro studies of human PCs are limited due to restricted survival and functionality in conventional 2D cultures that do not reflect the unique niche architecture of the BM. We have developed a microphysiological, dynamic 3D BM culture system (BM-MPS) based on human primary tissue (femoral biopsies), mechanically supported by a hydrogel scaffold casing. While a bioinert agarose casing did not support PCs survival, a photo-crosslinked collagen-hyaluronic acid (Col-HA) hydrogel preserved the native BM niche architecture and allowed PCs survival in vitro for up to 2 weeks. Further, the Col-HA hydrogel was permissive to lymphocyte migration into the microphysiological system´s circulation. Long-term PCs survival was related to the stable presence in the culture of soluble factors, as APRIL, BAFF, and IL-6. Increasing immunoglobulins concentrations in the medium confirm their functionality over culture time. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of successful long-term maintenance of primary-derived non-malignant PCs in vitro. Our innovative model system is suitable for in-depth in vitro studies of human PCs regulation and exploration of targeted therapeutic approaches such as CAR-T cell therapy or biologics.
Tuning the activation function to optimize the forecast horizon of a reservoir computer
Authors: Hurley L A , Restrepo J G , Shaheen S E
Published: July 2024

Reservoir computing is a machine learning framework where the readouts from a nonlinear system (the reservoir) are trained so that the output from the reservoir, when forced with an input signal, reproduces a desired output signal. A common implementation of reservoir computers (RCs) is to use a recurrent neural network as the reservoir. The design of this network can have significant effects on the performance of the RC. In this paper we study the effect of the node activation function on the ability of RCs to learn and predict chaotic time series. We find that the Forecast Horizon (FH), the time during which the reservoir’s predictions remain accurate, can vary by an order of magnitude across a set of 16 activation functions used in machine learning. By using different functions from this set, and by modifying their parameters, we explore whether the entropy of node activation levels or the curvature of the activation functions determine the predictive ability of the reservoirs. We find that the FH is low when the activation function is used in a region where it has low curvature, and a positive correlation between curvature and FH. For the activation functions studied we find that the largest FH generally occurs at intermediate levels of the entropy of node activation levels. Our results show that the performance of RCs is very sensitive to the activation function shape. Therefore, modifying this shape in hyperparameter optimization algorithms can lead to improvements in RC performance.
Odor, air quality, and well-being: understanding the urban smellscape using crowd-sourced science
Authors: Bhandari Sahil , de Ferreyro Monticelli Davi , Xie Karen , Ramkairsingh Andre , Maher Rochelle , Eykelbosh Angela , Henderson Sarah B , Zimmerman Naomi , Giang Amanda
Published: July 2024

Odors are a topic of emerging environmental health interest given their potential links to air quality, health, well-being, and quality of life. However, odors have traditionally been challenging to study given variability in individual sensitivity and perception, atmospheric physico-chemical processes, and emissions of mixtures of odorous contaminants. Here, we explore the potential utility of crowd-sourced odor report data in improving understanding of spatiotemporal patterns of odor experiences and their impacts. We conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of a 12-month data set from a web application collecting crowd-sourced odor reports, including spatiotemporal information, odor and self-reported impacts description (OSAC: odors, symptoms, actions in response, and suspected causes), and demographics, in Vancouver, Canada. Users report diverse OSAC with strong seasonality and spatial variability. Reported symptoms, ranging from neurological to emotion- and mood-related, highlight the complexity of odor-related health and well-being impacts. Odors can trigger maladaptive actions, where individuals are exposed to other environmental stressors (e.g. heat stress) or curtail healthy behaviors (e.g. exercising outside) to cope with odor impacts. Clustering analysis of OSAC suggests that odor exposures may be linked to health, well-being, and quality of life impacts through complex mechanisms, related not only to the odor experienced but also perceived causes. Spatiotemporal patterns in reports highlight the potential influence of persistent sources (e.g. waste management) and transient events (e.g. accidents). Exploratory multiple linear regression models suggest that monitoring of air quality and meteorology may be insufficient to capture odor issues. Overall, these results suggest that crowd-sourced science incorporating self-reported health and well-being effects and behavioral responses can enrich understanding of the impacts of odorous emissions at large spatiotemporal scales and complement traditional air pollution monitoring.
Embedding Sustainable Development in Trade
Authors: Trachtman Joel P
Published: July 2024

This chapter describes the normative and institutional gaps between trade, sustainability, and development: between trade and sustainable development. The international trade system grew and is suited to an era that did not require the integration of trade with sustainable development. Even the concept of ‘embedded liberalism’, which has emphasized the need to embed commerce in a redistributive, and in later literature a regulatory, system, has not sufficiently addressed the need for international regulation and international redistribution. This chapter explains how this discontinuity may be addressed through negotiations that integrate trade with sustainable development.
Evaluating the Sustainability Agenda in International Trade Agreements
Authors: Harrison James
Published: July 2024

This chapter argues that the significance of the sustainability agenda in free trade agreements (FTAs) can only be properly evaluated by investigating its real-world impacts. It claims that there are four issues, currently marginalized within the legal scholarship, that must be fully explored for this evaluation to take place: (1) the range of aims that sustainability provisions seek to achieve; (2) the effects of individual sustainability provisions on sustainability outcomes; (3) the legitimacy of the sustainability agenda in FTAs, particularly from a development perspective; and (4) the importance of sustainability provisions in FTAs in comparison to other trade policy instruments that can be utilized to advance the sustainability agenda. The chapter explores our current state of understanding about these four issues and suggests ways of making future scholarship more engaged with them.
Sustainable Development and International Economic Law
Authors: Rolland Sonia E
Published: July 2024

Development, sustainable development, and international economic law have emerged on different tracks over the past eight decades or so. While they intersect in many ways, they are distinct concepts moulded by unique hermeneutics. Each concept infuses different legal instruments that coexist but are not necessarily coordinated, and at times may even clash. International economic law is in transition, facing institutional and normative crises. Sustainable development is heralded as a legal, political, and moral imperative in the context of climate change and in light of the basic human requirement of a decent standard of living. In response, this chapter offers different pathways for articulating the relationship between development, international economic law, and sustainability.
Trade Agreements and Disability Inclusion
Authors: Bahri Amrita
Published: July 2024

The impact of trade agreements can vary between different groups of people, mainly because they play different roles in society, markets, and the economy, and they enjoy different opportunities. Hence, if trade agreements are designed without taking into account their impact on powers and opportunities created for different people and groups, these policy instruments can magnify existing inequalities. It is therefore important that future trade agreements are negotiated and implemented with an inclusive lens to ensure that these instruments can benefit all, including the marginalized groups of society. This chapter provides a discussion on the interlinkages between trade agreements and non-market access interests relating to sustainability, such as labour protection, gender equality, and disability inclusion to reflect on how the current trade agreements are increasingly addressing concerns not traditionally thought of as trade related. It will then zoom into the question of how disability inclusion is one such non-trade-germane concern that has found a place in current trade agreements. The chapter will identify and assess the approach with which countries so far have included provisions on disability concerns in their trade agreements.
Exploring the Nexus of Environmental Sustainability and International Trade
Authors: Panezi Maria
Published: July 2024

The link between trade and the environment is articulated in international trade agreements in the form of provisions, both preambular and substantive, that relate to environmental obligations, environmental policy exceptions to trade rules, and environment chapters. This chapter specifically discusses ‘self-standing’ environmental obligations in trade agreements. These provisions are deemed independent and can function separately from the trade agreement’s overall framework, as articulated in the agreements’ text or as they operate in practice. The chapter examines the categories of environmental provisions found within trade agreements and discusses the possible meanings of ‘self-standing’ environmental obligations in trade agreements. It also analyses the self-standing nature of procedural and institutional obligations provisions as they relate to dispute settlement, enforcement, and trade remedies, briefly looks at environmental provisions and agreements at the WTO, and discusses the global governance dimensions of the inclusion of environment provisions in trade agreements.
Sustainability Obligations and Developing Countries
Authors: Simo Regis Y
Published: July 2024

A distinctive feature of the new generation of regional trade agreements signed by developed countries is the inclusion of sustainability obligations. These obligations, whether in the form of clauses or chapters, bind parties to respect internationally recognized core labour standards and protect the environment. While the multilateral forum may be challenging to supporters of ‘trade and . . .’ issues, the regional trade agreements setting appears as the next best avenue to suppress the possibility of incorporating special and differential treatment that upholds equity considerations and guarantees developing countries’ rights to variable geometry in multilateral trade agreements. This chapter explores the role, if any, of special and differential treatment at the three levels of trade governance of sustainability obligations, namely, multilateral, regional/reciprocal, and unilateral.
Sustainability Obligations in Trade Agreements
Authors: Henckels Caroline
Published: July 2024

Governments have invoked general and security exceptions in trade law where their trade commitments conflict with non-trade objectives, often for sustainability reasons such as environmental protection. This chapter suggests these exceptions might also be available to governments seeking to justify non-compliance with sustainability obligations in trade agreements. Exceptions are arguably applicable to a variety of sustainability obligations, just as they are to traditional obligations in trade agreements. Exceptions for public morals, human life and health, and security appear to be the most relevant in this regard. However, it is also possible to argue that, based on the language of the chapeaux of exceptions based on General Agreement in Tariffs and Trade Article XX, exceptions are only relevant to obligations that have some relationship with trade. In any event, the circumstances precluding wrongfulness are available to governments seeking to justify non-compliance with sustainability obligations, although stringent conditions limit governments’ ability to successfully invoke them.
The Role of ‘Development’ in Sustainable Development in Trade Agreements
Authors: Nedumpara James J
Published: July 2024

Trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapters of trade agreements seek to implement a range of non-economic values and goals through specific commitments. While the non-economic values merit consideration, enforcement of such values through binding commitments in a trade agreement is contentious and too sensitive for several developing countries. In particular, including such elements in trade agreements has implications especially for achieving the goal of ‘development’ in view of the significant economic and social costs involved. This chapter seeks to examine whether the TSD chapters have the purpose or effect of undermining the notion of ‘economic development’ within the broader context of sustainable development and how it is possible to reconcile the various elements of this concept within the universal notion of sustainable development.
From Neoliberalism to Ordoliberalism, and Beyond
Authors: Garcia Frank J , Osorio Hernández Mario R
Published: July 2024

The future of the world economic order is unclear, with dissatisfaction at an all-time high. What should a programme of global economic ordering fit for the twenty-first century look like? The chapter explores this question by interrogating economic ideologies and their role in leading the world down the current path, as well as their potential and limitations in charting a new future, enabling a post-neoliberal ideological shift towards a more sustainable view of state–market relations at the global level. The alternative considered here draws on the European ‘ordoliberal’ approach to market regulation. This alternative provides a basis for understanding the influence and constraints of economic ideologies in shaping the contemporary legal and institutional imagination, while also suggesting a more sustainable framework for global economic governance.
Determinants influencing the implementation of multifactorial falls risk assessment and multidomain interventions in community- dwelling older people: a systematic review
Authors: Vandervelde Sara , Van den Bosch Natalie , Vlaeyen Ellen , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Flamaing Johan , Belaen Goedele , Tuand Krizia , Vandendriessche Thomas , Milisen Koen
Published: July 2024

Background

Multifactorial falls risk assessment and multidomain interventions are recommended by the World guidelines for falls prevention and management. To successfully implement these interventions, it is important to understand determinants influencing the implementation.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for this systematic review on the 3 December 2021 and updated on the 3 April 2023 in five databases: PubMed (including MEDLINE), EMBASE (via Embase.com), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Cochrane Library), Web of Science Core Collection and CINAHL (via EBSCO). Studies were included if they reported on determinants influencing the implementation of a multifactorial falls risk assessment and/or multidomain interventions in community-dwelling older people. Editorials, opinion papers, systematic reviews and studies focusing on one population (e.g. Parkinson) were excluded. Two researchers independently screened the articles on title, abstract and full text. The quality was evaluated based on a sensitivity analysis. ‘The Comprehensive Integrated Checklist of Determinants of practice’ was used to categorise the determinants.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were included. Determinants were classified as barriers (n = 40) and facilitators (n = 35). The availability of necessary resources is the most reported determinant. Other commonly reported determinants are knowledge, intention/beliefs and motivation at the levels of older people and healthcare professionals, fitting of the intervention into current practice, communication, team and referral processes and financial (dis)incentives.

Conclusions

Mapping of the barriers and facilitators is essential to choose implementation strategies tailored to the context, and to enhance the uptake and effectiveness of a multifactorial falls risk assessment and/or multidomain interventions.
Cell death in bryophytes: emerging models to study core regulatory modules and conserved pathways
Authors: Marchetti Fernanda , Distéfano Ayelén Mariana , Cainzos Maximiliano , Setzes Nicolás , Cascallares Milagros , López Gabriel Alejandro , Zabaleta Eduardo , Carolina Pagnussat Gabriela
Published: July 2024

This review summarizes recent progress in our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cell death pathways in bryophytes, focusing on conserved pathways and particularities in comparison to angiosperms. Regulated cell death (RCD) plays key roles during essential processes along the plant life cycle. It is part of specific developmental programmes and maintains homeostasis of the organism in response to unfavourable environments. Bryophytes could provide valuable models to study developmental RCD processes as well as those triggered by biotic and abiotic stresses. Some pathways analogous to those present in angiosperms occur in the gametophytic haploid generation of bryophytes, allowing direct genetic studies. In this review, we focus on such RCD programmes, identifying core conserved mechanisms and raising new key questions to analyse RCD from an evolutionary perspective.
The landscape of RNA 3D structure modeling with transformer networks
Authors: Tarafder Sumit , Roche Rahmatullah , Bhattacharya Debswapna
Published: July 2024

Transformers are a powerful subclass of neural networks catalyzing the development of a growing number of computational methods for RNA structure modeling. Here, we conduct an objective and empirical study of the predictive modeling accuracy of the emerging transformer-based methods for RNA structure prediction. Our study reveals multi-faceted complementarity between the methods and underscores some key aspects that affect the prediction accuracy.
Composite end points and competing risks analysis
Authors: Dayan Victor , Grant Stuart W , Brophy James M , Barili Fabio , Freemantle Nick
Published: July 2024

Composite end points are common primary outcomes in clinical trials. Their main benefit of utilizing a composite outcome is increasing the number of primary outcome events, meaning fewer participants are required to deliver an adequately powered trial. By combining multiple important end points in the primary outcome rather than having to select only 1, composite end points potentially make clinically meaningful benefits easier to detect and avoid ranking outcomes hierarchically. However, there are a number of important considerations when designing and interpreting clinical trials that utilize composite end points. In this Statistical Primer, issues with composite end points such as competing events, halo effect, risk of bias, time-to-event limitations and the win ratio are discussed in the context of real world clinical trials.
Mechanical factors influence β-catenin localization and barrier properties
Authors: Wu Xi , Cesarovic Nikola , Falk Volkmar , Mazza Edoardo , Giampietro Costanza
Published: July 2024

Mechanical forces are of major importance in regulating vascular homeostasis by influencing endothelial cell behavior and functions. Adherens junctions are critical sites for mechanotransduction in endothelial cells. β-catenin, a component of adherens junctions and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, plays a role in mechanoactivation. Evidence suggests that β-catenin is involved in flow sensing and responds to tensional forces, impacting junction dynamics. The mechanoregulation of β-catenin signaling is context-dependent, influenced by the type and duration of mechanical loads. In endothelial cells, β-catenin’s nuclear translocation and signaling are influenced by shear stress and strain, affecting endothelial permeability. The study investigates how shear stress, strain, and surface topography impact adherens junction dynamics, regulate β-catenin localization, and influence endothelial barrier properties.

Insight box Mechanical loads are potent regulators of endothelial functions through not completely elucidated mechanisms. Surface topography, wall shear stress and cyclic wall deformation contribute overlapping mechanical stimuli to which endothelial monolayer respond to adapt and maintain barrier functions. The use of custom developed flow chamber and bioreactor allows quantifying the response of mature human endothelial to well-defined wall shear stress and gradients of strain. Here, the mechanoregulation of β-catenin by substrate topography, wall shear stress, and cyclic stretch is analyzed and linked to the monolayer control of endothelial permeability.
Evidence for widespread translation of 5′ untranslated regions
Authors: Rodriguez Jose Manuel , Abascal Federico , Cerdán-Vélez Daniel , Gómez Laura Martínez , Vázquez Jesús , Tress Michael L
Published: July 2024

Ribosome profiling experiments support the translation of a range of novel human open reading frames. By contrast, most peptides from large-scale proteomics experiments derive from just one source, 5′ untranslated regions. Across the human genome we find evidence for 192 translated upstream regions, most of which would produce protein isoforms with extended N-terminal ends. Almost all of these N-terminal extensions are from highly abundant genes, which suggests that the novel regions we detect are just the tip of the iceberg. These upstream regions have characteristics that are not typical of coding exons. Their GC-content is remarkably high, even higher than 5′ regions in other genes, and a large majority have non-canonical start codons. Although some novel upstream regions have cross-species conservation - five have orthologues in invertebrates for example - the reading frames of two thirds are not conserved beyond simians. These non-conserved regions also have no evidence of purifying selection, which suggests that much of this translation is not functional. In addition, non-conserved upstream regions have significantly more peptides in cancer cell lines than would be expected, a strong indication that an aberrant or noisy translation initiation process may play an important role in translation from upstream regions.