bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Family Clusters of Children with SARS-CoV-2: Children Do Not Play the Leading Role
Authors: Ergenc Zeynep , Kepenekli Eda , Şenyürek Betül , Yakut Nurhayat , Boran Perran
Published: December 2021

Objective The exact role of children in the household transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not clear. In this study, we investigated the role of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in household transmission by identifying the index patient and contact tracing the household members.

Methods A total of 103 children with COVID-19 who attended Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, between 25th March and 27th May 2020 were included in the study. A family cluster was defined as a group of ≥two confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 in the same family, and a household contact (HHC) was defined as any person who had stayed in the same residence.

Results In total, 78 family clusters and 307 HHCs belonging to these clusters were screened. In only four clusters was the index case determined to be in the pediatric age group (5.1%). Fathers, mothers, grandparents, and adult siblings were identified as the index cases in 37 (47.4%), 18 (23.0%), 8 (10.2%), and 6 (7.7%) clusters, respectively. Of the 307 HHCs, 88 were in the pediatric age group, and 39 were SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive.

Conclusion Our data showed that SARS-CoV-2 is uncommon in children without any history of contact to a RT-PCR test positive patient. The role of children as the index patient in family clusters is 5.1%, and the actual index case is usually an adult individual who has had an outside contact.
Association of Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Monir , Akhter Shaheen , Rahman M.M. , Fatema Kanij , Mullik M.I.S. , Islam K.A. , Siddika Ayesha , Khan A.R.M. S.H. , Uddin M.Z. , Saad T.
Published: December 2021

Background Psychiatric disorders are important aspects of epilepsy and have received increasing attention in the last several years. Although a significant number of children are afflicted with epilepsy with psychiatric comorbidities, the actual burden was not evaluated sufficiently.

Objective To determine the types and frequency of psychiatric disorders in children with epilepsy.

Materials and Methods This hospital-based case-control study was conducted at the outpatient department of a tertiary care center in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September 2018 to August 2019. In total, 68 epileptic children, ranging from 5 to 17 years of age, were enrolled as cases. A similar number of nonepileptic children of age, sex, and sociodemographic status matched were enrolled as control. Parent, teacher, and self-version of Bengali Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) were used to assess the psychiatric disorders, and the diagnosis was assigned as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-V of Mental Disorders.

Results Higher proportion of psychiatric illness were found significantly among the cases (83.8% vs. 16.2%; p < 0.001) and broad categories of disorders, namely, neurodevelopmental (30.9% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001), emotional (48.5% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001) and behavioral disorder (19.1% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.043) compared with controls. There was a significant relationship between psychiatric disorders with the duration of epilepsy of the respondents (p = 0.032).

Conclusions This study result showed the significant association of psychiatric disorders with epilepsy among children and adolescent population. Thus, psychiatric disorders should be properly addressed during treatment of epilepsy.
Excessive Derotational K-Wire Angulation Decreases Compression by Headless Compression Screw
Authors: Gil Joseph A. , Montague Michael D. , Lama Christopher J. , Brodeur Peter , Katarincic Julia A. , Got Christopher J.
Published: December 2021

Background Scaphoid fracture is the most common carpal bone fracture. Open reduction internal fixation of scaphoid fractures typically undergo stabilization by a single headless compression screw (HCS). During screw insertion, a derotational Kirschner wire (K-wire) is often placed for rotational control of the near and far fragment.

Questions/Purposes The aim of this study was to determine if there is an angle of derotational K-wire placement in relation to the axis of a HCS that compromises the amount of compression generated at a fracture site by the HCS. We hypothesize that increased off-axis angle will lead to decreased compression across the fracture site.

Methods A Cellular Block 20 rigid polyurethane foam (Sawbones, Vashon, WA) scaphoid model was created to eliminate variability in bone mineral density in cadaveric bone. MiniAcutrak HCS screws (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR) were used for testing. Three conditions were tested: (1) HCS with derotational wire inserted parallel to the HCS (zero degrees off-axis); (2) HCS with derotational wire inserted 10 degrees off-axis; and (3) HCS with derotational wire inserted 20 degrees off-axis.

Results A statistically significant difference in the mean compression of the control group (56.9 N) was found between the mean compression with the derotational K-wire placed 20 degrees off-axis (15.2 N) (p = 0.001).

Conclusions Compression at the fracture site could be impeded by placing an excessively angulated off-axis derotation wire prior to insertion of the HCS.

Clinical Relevance Our study adds a new detail to the optimal technique of HCS placement in scaphoid fractures to improve compression and fracture union.
Influence of plasma-activated water (PAW) on the germination of radish, fenugreek, and pea seeds
Authors: Guragain Rajesh Prakash , Baniya Hom Bahadur , Pradhan Suman Prakash , Pandey Bishnu Prasad , Subedi Deepak Prasad
Published: December 2021

The present work is focused on investigating the effect of plasma-activated water (PAW) on the seed germination and seedling growth of radish, fenugreek, and pea seeds. A home-made gliding arc discharge (GAD) reactor generated in air under atmospheric pressure and operating at 50 Hz line frequency is used for water activation. PAW was prepared by exposing deionized water to GAD for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. As a result of plasma treatment, deionized water showed substantial changes in physical characteristics such as pH and electrical conductivity along with chemical parameters such as nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia. The effect on germination was evaluated based on the fraction of germinated seeds and their length at 7 and 12 days after treatment. Seeds irrigated with PAW resulted in a higher imbibition rate than those irrigated by deionized water. When the seeds were irrigated with PAW, the germination parameters such as final germination rate, mean germination rate, coefficient of velocity of germination, germination index, and growth parameters such as shoot/seedling length and vigor index increased. In conclusion, PAW may be utilized to increase the germination rate of seeds.
Tall Buildings and Elevators: New sustainable Design
Authors: Al-Kodmany Kheir M.
Published: December 2021

Efficient vertical mobility is a critical component of the development and construction of tall buildings. This chapter investigates recent advances in elevator technology and examines their impact on the development of tall buildings. It maps out, organizes, and collates complex and scattered information on multiple aspects of elevator design, and presents them in an accessible and non-technical discourse. Importantly, the chapter contextualizes recent technological innovations by examining their implementations in recent major projects including the One World Trade Center in New York, Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Jeddah Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and the green retrofit project of the Empire State Building in New York. Furthermore, the chapter discusses future vertical transportation models including a vertical subway concept, a space lift, and electromagnetic levitation technology. Finally, it proposes useful areas for future research on the topic, including Robotics technology, 3D printing, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enhancing Marine Biodiversity with Artificial Structures
Authors: Chou Loke Ming
Published: December 2021

Degradation of the marine environment by human activity has resulted in deterioration of the ecological integrity of major marine ecosystems as well as reduction and loss of biodiversity. Artificial structures have been known to enhance marine biodiversity in both coastal and offshore waters. These include structures primarily intended to restore marine life, such as artificial reefs, and structures not intended to enhance biodiversity, but that can contribute towards it, such as seawalls, pilings, breakwaters, and oil and gas installations. The former is designed to mimic structural aspects of the natural reef that will support the expansion of biodiversity and are meant to counterbalance reef degradation and declining fish stocks. The latter has the potential to support biodiversity, which can be enhanced by ecological engineering to incorporate features that encourage the development of biodiversity. These enhancements can transform these abiotic structures into effective substrates for supporting biotic communities in the surrounding environment. Installations such as oil and gas rigs function like an artificial reef throughout their operational phase. At the end of their production life they can be fully converted to artificial reefs as their ecological contribution cannot be ignored. Anthropogenic structures in the marine environment have a role to play in enhancing biodiversity.
Self-Sufficient Bioelectricity Systems in Architecture: Employing Spirulina Platensis in Photosynthetic Microbial Fuel Cells for the Generation of Domestic and Urban Bio-Electricity through a Diffusion-Limited Aggregation Pattern
Authors: Jaafari Abd Al Qader , Roznowski Victoria , Estévez Alberto T. , Abdullah Yomna K.
Published: December 2021

Since the industrial revolution, society's requirement for energy has increased owing to technological advancements in all fields, forcing the use of non-renewable energy sources, mainly fossil fuels, the ecological and economical footprint of which is drastically harmful to the planet and living beings. In the current work, the main objective is to mitigate this damaging effect, by introducing affordable multi-scale, self-sufficient bioelectricity systems into architectural and urban use in everyday life. This system employs a photosynthesis microbial fuel cell (PMFC) utilizing Spirulina platensis for the generation of renewable bio-electricity. The PMFC achieved a maximum open-circuit voltage of 0.81 V, a current density of 0.045 A m−2 under 10 Ω, and a power density of 0.0038 W m−2 under 10 Ω. A diffusion-limited aggregation model simulated the behavior of electrons inside the PMFC generating the bio-electricity, as a generative form-finding process to design and fabricate the final forms of the system. The final form was optimized for 3D printing achieving water tightness, a high shape fidelity, and boosting the PMFC performance, by doubling the current and power densities compared with the prototype. The bio-battery maintained its performance for 14 days before needing to be recharging with fresh medium. A methodology for scaling up and aggregating the system was designed to provide architectural and urban applications.
Outcomes of rapid digital transformation of large-scale communications during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Strong J. , Drummond S. , Hanson J. , Pole J. D. , Engstrom T. , Copeland K. , Lipman B. , Sullivan C.
Published: December 2021

Objective This study examined the content and impact of a new digital communication medium, called a VIDCAST, implemented at a large hospital and health service when the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, and the key concerns held by staff at the time when the health service was preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic to arrive in this health service. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used. Thematic analysis of 20 transcripts of daily VIDCASTS broadcast between 30 March and 24 April 2020 was undertaken, in addition to descriptive analysis of feedback from an anonymous online survey. Results Survey feedback from 322 staff indicated almost universal satisfaction with this new communication method. The VIDCASTS provided a new COVID-safe method for the Executive to connect to staff at a time of uncertainty. Thematic analysis of the content of the VIDCASTS revealed three themes: ‘Accurate Information’, ‘Reassurance and Support’ and ‘Innovation’. The Executive was able to reassure staff about what the organisation was doing to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all, and enabled an effective response to the pandemic. Conclusions The digital communication channel of VIDCASTS, rapidly operationalised at a major Australian hospital and health service in March 2020, provided important information and support for staff as it prepared for the anticipated COVID-19 surge. What is known about the topic? When the COVID-19 pandemic began, traditional face-to-face staff meetings were disrupted and many hospitals and their staff were left scrambling for information, and for reassurance about their safety, as they prepared to receive increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients. What does this paper add? The implementation of a digital communication tool was able to address many of the concerns raised by hospital staff in other geographic locations dealing with surging COVID-19 cases and underpinned a globally leading COVID-19 response. What are the implications for practitioners? New digitised communication methods provided an effective vehicle to inform and support staff in the early stages of pandemic preparation.
Assessing the impacts of projected climate changes on maize (
Authors: Yang Xuan , Menefee Dorothy , Cui Song , Rajan Nithya
Published: December 2021

Context Investigating agronomic responses of dryland maize (Zea mays L.) systems under global change could provide important insights in designing climate-resilient cropping systems. Aims and methods In this study, we integrated Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) with Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 and 20 Global Climate Models to systematically: (1) calibrate and validate APSIM using large-field study conducted in East-Central Texas; (2) evaluate the impacts of climate change on maize productivity and risks; and (3) investigate the variations in growth stage lengths. Key results Results indicated that APSIM simulated grain yield, biomass production, precipitation productivity (PP; kg ha−1 mm−1) and developmental stage transition agreed well with observation (NRMSE < 14.9%). Changes in temperature and precipitation shortened growing seasons and affected available water, resulting in widely varied yield and PP. Mean grain yield changed from −34.8 to +19.7%, mean PP were improved 9.2–36.5%. The grain production could be maintained at least the standard of 75% of historical in most cases, but with greater risks for achieving higher threshold (50% of baseline). Finally, simulations indicated shortened days (4–13 days) for reaching key developmental stages for maize. Conclusions and implications The results advocate adoptions of management practice that incorporating early sowing, irrigations at sowing/VT stages, and selections of late-maturing cultivars for better sustainability and higher productivity.
Phyllodes and bipinnate leaves of
Authors: Renner Matt A. M. , Foster Charles S. P. , Miller Joseph T. , Murphy Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

In Acacia, 90% of species have drought-tolerant phyllodes as their adult foliage, the remaining species have bipinnate leaves. We conducted tests for relationships between foliage type and 35 bioclimatic variables at the continental scale and found significant correlations of both ‘moisture seasonality’ and ‘radiation in the coldest quarter’ with foliage type. Bipinnate species have lower species mean values of each variable, growing in stable soil moisture and generally darker environments (longer nights and lower incident radiation), on average. Evolutionary transformations between bipinnate and phyllodinous adult foliage exhibit asymmetry across the Acacia phylogeny, with transformations from bipinnate leaves to phyllodes occurring times faster than the reverse. At least three (and up to seven) transitions from phyllode to bipinnate adult foliage were inferred. Foliage type in the most recent common ancestor of extant Acacia is unresolved, some analyses favour a phyllodinous ancestor, others a bipinnate ancestor. Most ancestral nodes inferred as having bipinnate adult foliage had median age estimates of less than 5 million years (Ma), half having ages between 3 and 1.5 Ma. Acacia lineages with bipinnate adult foliage diversified during the Pliocene, perhaps in response to wetter climatic conditions experienced by the continental margin during this period.
On the Schrödinger map for regular helical polygons in the hyperbolic space
Authors: Kumar Sandeep
Published: December 2021

The main purpose of this article is to understand the evolution of X

t
= X

s
∧−
X

ss
, with X(s, 0) a regular polygonal curve with a nonzero torsion in the three-dimensional Minkowski space. Unlike in the case of the Euclidean space, a nonzero torsion now implies two different helical curves. This generalizes recent works by the author with de la Hoz and Vega on helical polygons in the Euclidean space as well as planar polygons in the Minkowski space. Numerical experiments in this article show that the trajectory of the point X(0, t) exhibits new variants of Riemann’s non-differentiable function whose structure depends on the initial torsion in the problem. As a result, we observe that the smooth solutions (helices, straight line) in the Minkowski space show the same instability as displayed by their Euclidean counterparts and curves with zero-torsion. These numerical observations are in agreement with some recent theoretical results obtained by Banica and Vega.
Piecewise linear iterated function systems on the line of overlapping construction
Authors: Dániel Prokaj R , Simon Károly
Published: December 2021

In this paper we consider iterated function systems (IFS) on the real line consisting of continuous piecewise linear functions. We assume some bounds on the contraction ratios of the functions, but we do not assume any separation condition. Moreover, we do not require that the functions of the IFS are injective, but we assume that their derivatives are separated from zero. We prove that if we fix all the slopes but perturb all other parameters, then for all parameters outside of an exceptional set of less than full packing dimension, the Hausdorff dimension of the attractor is equal to the exponent which comes from the most natural system of covers of the attractor.
Land surface models significantly underestimate the impact of land-use changes on global evapotranspiration
Authors: Wang Qilin , Wang Yingping , Zhang Lu , Qin Shujing , Zhang Quan , Liu Pan , Liu Liu , Zou Kaijie , Cheng Shujie , Cheng Lei
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Despite numerous assessments of the impact of land-use change (LUC) on terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET) that have been conducted using land surface models (LSMs), no attempts have been made to evaluate their performance in this regard globally. Errors in simulating LUC impacts on ET largely stem from LUC data interpretation (LI, i.e. mapping of gridded LUC data into annual plant function types) and model structure (MS, i.e. parameterization of land-surface processes). The objective of this study was to benchmark ET estimates from four LSMs using the Zhang-curve, a prototype of the Budyko framework that has been validated against global hydrological observations and used widely to quantify the impacts of LUC on ET. A framework was further proposed to quantify and attribute errors in estimated ET changes induced by LI or MS. Results showed that all LSMs underestimated ET changes by about 55%–78%, and 37%–48% of the error was attributable to LI, but only 11%–32% of the error was attributable to MS across the four LSMs. From a hydrological perspective, our analysis provided insights about the errors in estimated impacts of LUC on ET by LSMs. The results demonstrated that LUC data interpretation accounted for a larger fraction of errors than LSM structure. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the defining and development of consistent protocols for interpreting global LUC data for future assessments.
Optimizing the size of a hybrid renewable energy system using various types of storage technologies
Authors: Proaño Noé Fernando , Román Mayra Salazar , Juan Lata-García
Published: December 2021

Hybrid renewable energy (HRE) systems without connection to the grid have a series of drawbacks due to the lack of reliability in the predictability of the climate, for this reason it is necessary to achieve the optimal sizing of the system components together with reliable storage systems to ensure the correct energy supply. At present commercially there are several storage technologies, lead acid batteries are the most used however they are losing space compared to lithium ion in stationary applications despite the uncertainties for cost and profitability, another technology is pumped hydro, appears as a clean solution unlike the previous ones. In this document the hybrid system composed of photovoltaic panels, a biogas generator and the three types of storage individually by means of technological tools is optimized, the result of the techno-economical simulation indicates that the system with pumped hydro has the lowest energy cost (COE) with 0.299 $/kWh, while the system with acid lead batteries has the highest energy cost at 0.401 $/kWh but has the lowest initial project cost 1.05 M$, lithium ion batteries reach a longer life time.
Analytical models for adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) systems in lined tunnels
Authors: Menéndez Javier , Loredo Jorge , Prado Laura Álvarez de , Fernández-Oro Jesús M. , Bernardo-Sánchez Antonio
Published: December 2021

Adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) systems consist of an underground reservoir where compressed air is stored at high pressures. The ambient air is compressed by compressors located at the surface and the thermal energy is stored using thermal energy storage (TES) systems. The compressed air is stored in the subsurface reservoir (charge). Then, when the electricity is needed, the compressed air is released and expanded in gas turbines to produce electricity (discharge). In this paper, an analytical model has been developed to investigate the thermodynamic behaviour during air charge and discharge processes. Operating pressures from 4.5 to 7.5 MPa has been employed in lined tunnels in the compression and decompression stages. The model considers a 20 mm thick sealing layer, a 0.4 m thick concrete lining and a 1 m thick rock mass around the air. Air mass flow rates of 0.19 and 0.27 kg s−1 have been used in the charge processes for polymer material and steel, respectively. Finally, in the discharge processes the mass flow rate increases up to -0.38 and -0.45 kg s−1 for polymer and steel. The air temperature and pressure and the temperature and heat transfer in the sealing layer, concrete lining and rock mass have been analyzed for 100 cycles considering polymer material and steel as sealing layers. The heat transfer through the sealing layer reaches -150 and -95 W m-2 for steel and polymer, respectively. The results obtained show that the storage capacity increases when the heat transfer through the sealing layer increases.
A comparative approach in the utilisation of rice husk and empty palm bunch in the biomass boiler
Authors: Kaniapan Sivabalan , Nesan Kartikeyan Patma , Ya Hamdan , Hassan Suhaimi , Buang Azizul , Safuan Zakaria Mohd
Published: December 2021

Growing world’s population has immense contribution towards world economy and energy utilisation. The enormous usage of conventional fuel has contributed many environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emission (GHG), world climate change, and deterioration of human health. Recent study focuses on the generated power from EPB compared with methane in a typical biomass boiler. Also, there are very limited studies on the Air to Fuel (ATF) ratios value in boiler operation. In this paper, empty palm bunch (EPB) and rice husk (RH) have been selected as biomass fuel in the biomass boiler. The same recommended parameters of boiler and turbine was chosen for both EPB and RH feedstocks from previous study. Overall, the study proven to produce about 33% and 25% of energy from EPB and RH of what a methane (CH4) can produce from the same amount of feeding rate, respectively, with EPB producing 13.31% of higher turbine power than RH. This directly contributes to the technical feasibility and adaptability of environmentally friendly elements by seizing the opportunity of carbon emission of conventional fuel and replacing it with natural resources such as EPB and RH which are part of the biomass fuel replacement regime. However, ATF ratio of RH is significantly minimal of what a CH4 and EPB utilised to burn 1 kg of fuel. Therefore, EPB and RH would be suitable for future renewable biomass feedstock in comparison with conventional fuel for power generation purposes.
Ecological and sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles from alcoholic extract of Eucalyptus globulus: Evaluation of alcoholic solvent influence (70° and 96°)
Authors: Asmat-Campos D. , Delfin-Narciso D. , Juárez-Cortijo L. , Nazario-Naveda R.
Published: December 2021

The present study provides an ecological and sustainable methodology for obtaining nanostructured material from Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, as a potential value-added alternative and a contribution to circular economy. Silver nanoparticles (NP Ag) were synthesized, through the reducing action of the alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus on the precursor silver nitrate (AgNO3) evaluating the influence of alcoholic solvent (70 ° and 96 °) and pH in the synthesis. The silver colloids obtained were evaluated by UV-vis spectrophotometry, which shows the formation of nanoparticles through the plasmon resonance peak; showing that for pH values 9.9 and 10 with alcohol extract of 70 ° and 96 ° respectively, silver nanoparticles with plasmon resonance peaks at 410 nm and 412.5 nm are obtained. While for pH values 3.86, 11.8 (96°) and 4.7, 8.2 (70°) nanoparticles with higher polydispersity and in a lower proportion are obtained. The results suggest that the alcoholic extracts of eucalyptus can act as reducing agents and that the optimum pH value for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles corresponds to 10.
Formal modelling of the electricity markets: the example of the load reduction of electricity mechanism “NEBEF”
Authors: Selot Florian , Robisson Bruno , Vaglio-Gaudard Claire , Gil-Quijano Javier
Published: December 2021

The liberalisation of the electricity market initiated at the beginning of the 21st century has opened it to new parties. To ensure the growth of participants’ number will support the system’s balance, the EU regulation 2019/943 confirms that “all market participants should be financially responsible of the imbalances they cause”. In their respective area, the transmission system operators develops the regulation in compliance with this condition. However, as the regulation takes into account the new realities of the market such as renewables, the interactions between the participants become more complex. One of the risks is that the imbalance of an actor may not be due to its own actions, not complying with the EU regulation then. To analyse this kind of implicit condition, we propose a formal approach to model the exchanges of energy. Using the French regulation as a base, we model the participants and their interactions in the form of symbolic equations using the energy-related terms as variables. In this paper, to illustrate the model we will use to analyse the entire electricity market, we apply it to the NEBEF mechanism only. This mechanism is dedicated to the selling of demand response in France and introduces a third party between the final producer and the final consumer: the demand response operator. We model the mechanism and analyse how the mechanism complies with the balancing responsibility. Our results demonstrate that the mechanism complies with the regulation but there are some limits due to the calculation method of the reference consumption.
Adsorptive removal of chromium (VI) from synthetic waters using magnetic lignocellulosic composites
Authors: Medina-Espinosa Tanya , Asimbaya Christopher , Galeas Salomé , Rosas-Laverde Nelly M. , Debut Alexis , Guerrero Víctor H.
Published: December 2021

The removal of heavy metals from water is one of the major challenges that humanity must address to avoid negative potential impacts on the environment and human health. During the last few years, several adsorbents have been examined, in a search for highly efficient and cost-effective materials. In this work, we investigated the use of laurel, canelo and eucalyptus lignocellulosic sawdust residues (LRs) impregnated with magnetite nanoparticles (MNP), to remove Cr6+ ions. Each LR was added to an aqueous solution in which MNP were being synthesized by coprecipitation. Two composite adsorbents were obtained, with LR:MNP ratios of 1:1 and 3:1. The materials obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained showed that the laurel composite was the best adsorbent, reaching a maximum removal efficiency and capacity of 99.8 % and 30.5 mg/g, respectively. The optimal contact time was 30 min and the process fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, showing small effects of the fraction of sawdust residues used to support the MNP. Further studies will be performed to optimize the composition of the composites aiming to reduce the amount of costly MNP used while ensuring a high removal performance.
Measuring Commuters’ Behavior and Preference Towards Sustainable Mobility: Case Study of Suburban Context of Pathumthani, Thailand
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Klaylee Jirawan
Published: December 2021

Urban mobility has been facing changing circumstances globally including congestion, air and noise pollution, climate change which search for alternatives to mitigate the influence of fossil fuels consumption, urbanization and the impacts of new technology. Cities are currently facing ever greater social challenges in respect of the environment, transport, health and social cohesion. Especially, suburban city context represents the commuting patterns behavior differs from the general populations. This study focuses on an analysis of the behavior and preference of commuters on mobility options in relation to the perspective of the development of energy-efficient systems of the future mobility choice. This study applied factor analysis with principal component method to identify the subjective factors based on travellers’ attitude and perception comparative with their current travel choices and recommend suitable measurements. The consideration of suburban context could then be determined together with demand management scheme in term of sustainable transport system in Pathumthani, Thailand as a pilot case for suburban regions.
Repellent activity of three essential oils against dengue and filarial vector mosquitoes
Authors: Meisyara D , Tarmadi D , Zulfitri A , Fajar A , Himmi S K , Kartika T , Guswenrivo I , Yusuf S
Published: December 2021

Cymbopogon nardus, Syzygium aromaticum, and Citrus sinensis have been well known to possess insecticidal activity. Here, we investigated the repellent activity of individual of three essential oils (C. nardus, S. aromaticum, C. sinensis) and a combination of essential oils (C. nardus + C. sinensis, C. nardus + S. aromaticum, and C. sinensis + S. aromaticum) against a dengue vector, Aedes aegypti and a filarial vector, Culex quinquefasciatus. The essential oils (1 mg) were smeared evenly on the surface of the left arm (three volunteers) and then subjected to 25 females of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus in the cage. The number of landed mosquitos was observed every hour for 7 hours to determine the protection index (PI). The result showed that individuals of three essential oils and a combination of essential oils generated > 90% of PI until 7 hours of application for both mosquitos species tested. Overall, the data demonstrated that individual of three essential oils, i.e., C. nardus, S. aromaticum, C. sinensis, and various combinations of essential oils (C. nardus + C. sinensis; C. nardus + S. aromaticum; C. sinensis + S. aromaticum) are promising as repellent agents against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus.
Stemflow and throughfall on several tree architectural models
Authors: Wibowo R Y K S , Hermawan R , Rushayati S B
Published: December 2021

The aim of developing urban forests for steep areas is to prevent erosion. Erosion can be caused by stemflow and throughfall. The difference in stemflow and throughfall is thought to be due to differences in the tree architecture model. The study investigates the effects of several tree architectural models on the amount of stemflow and throughfall. It is hoped that data and information of this research can be taken into consideration in selecting tree species for the benefit of soil and water conservation in urban forest areas that have the potential for erosion and sedimentation. The collection and processing of data comprised the rainfall data obtained from Meteorological Climatological and Geophysical Agency, measurement of leaf area index using a hemispherical photograph and Hemiview 2.1 software, measurement of stemflow and throughfall in five tree architectural models (Massart, Aubreville, Koriba, Rauh, and Troll). Afterward, the relationship between the dependent and independent variables is known through multiple linear regression analysis using Minitab 16 software. The result showed that the tree architectural model influences stemflow and throughfall. The tree architectural model with the highest stemflow and throughfall is Rauh, and the lowest belongs to the Massart architectural model. The tree architectural model that can be used for land and water conservation is Massart; the species is Diospyros discolor Willd.
The challenges of forest bathing tourism in Indonesia: A case study in Sudaji Village, Bali
Authors: Dahlan M Z , Dewi M R , Putri V O
Published: December 2021

Forest bathing or Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese is known as a traditional practice of engaging oneself in nature by using all five senses. This practice provides some preventive health and healing functions, but more examples of good practice are still needed. Concerning the scientific evidence related to the effect of forest bathing in promoting health, this study aims to identify the potential of a traditional agricultural landscape in Sudaji Village as forest-bathing tourism. Landscape Characteristic Assessment was used to analyze the potentials and constraints of various landscape types and to propose a recommendation for bridging towards sustainable rural tourism. Findings show that Sudaji Village has a high potential to promote its forested landscape, agricultural land, and Subak as its socio-ecological system, river, mountain, as well as socio-cultural activities related to agriculture. Furthermore, the use of all human five senses is strongly related to Panca Tan Matra’s philosophical concept that is believed to be the way to communicate with God. This study promotes the potential of forest bathing as a prospective rural development strategy through tourism. In addition, strengthening the role of local communities is crucial to ensure that their natural and cultural resources of great potential be developed as tourist objects and attractions.
Tree form morphometrics of Agathis dammara and Acacia mangium in the IPB’s Dramaga Landscape Campus, Bogor
Authors: Karlinasari L , Adzkia U , Fredisa Y , Rahman M M , Nugroho N , Siregar I Z
Published: December 2021

Tree growth comprises diverse tree forms and crown shapes that are influenced by the growing space and are related to biomechanical responses. Due to the complex structures of tree forms and crown architecture, more understanding of their functions is necessary. The study aimed to evaluate the morphometrics of two tree species of contrasting tree forms. Each represents excurrent and decurrent crown architectures located in the Dramaga Campus Landscape, Bogor. Morphometric analysis was conducted on those two species, namely excurrent agathis (n=23 trees) and decurrent mangium (n= 15 trees). The morphometric analysis was carried out for several basic growth variables such as diameter at breast height, total height, and crown height. In addition, other variables and parameters were also assessed, namely live crown ratio, slenderness ratio, crown diameter, crown projection area, crown index, and coefficient of space for growth. The results showed that the average diameters of agathis and mangium trees in this study were 0.49 and 0.48 m, respectively, while the average heights were 24.63 m and 18.23 m, respectively. The live crown ratio of both trees was more than 80%. The average slenderness ratio for agathis trees was 50.66 higher than that of mangium trees (40.64). The crown projection areas for agathis and mangium were 37.60 m2and 69.69 m2, respectively. On the other hand, the crown index of agathis was 3.20, and mangium was 1.84. The coefficient of space for the growth of agathis and mangium was 0.14. and 0.19. The information related to tree morphometry is important for tree management, especially in evaluating healthy and steady tree stands.
Is leaning trees of Vatica pauciflora (Korth.) Blume related to their crown architecture?
Authors: Rachmadiyanto A N , Karlinasari L , Nandika D , Witono J R , Siregar I Z
Published: December 2021

Vatica pauciflora (Korth.) Blume (Dipterocarpaceae) or locally known as resak rawa is an important tree. It is categorized as vulnerable regarding the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. We can find the resak rawa tree collection in the Bogor Botanic Gardens, which serves as a place for research and tourism. Due to the diversity in individual tree anatomy within species, understanding correlation among individual tree traits, particularly crown architecture and tree leaning, is of great interest. That will be important because the leaning trees and crown architecture will affect the risk level to the safety of visitors. We can also use the architecture of the tree crown to understand the factors that influence tree growth. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the leaning trees and the crown architecture of V. pauciflora. Eight heritage trees of the species in the Bogor Botanic Gardens at the age of 54–105 years old were purposely, sampled in this study. The variables observed were height, trunk and crown diameter, leaning tree, live crown ratio, and direction of the main branches. The results show that crown shapes will follow the leaning trees with a correlation of 0.97. The main branches will be longer in the direction of the leaning trees (y=0.9956x+11.312; R²=0.9431). Suggestions to the management of V. pauciflora are to provide information boards to visitors and pruning the crown in the direction of the leaning trees is needed. The findings could be used to formulate mitigation measures as to the risk and safety of visitors.
The potential of Azadirachta excelsa characteristics as urban trees in residential areas
Authors: Depari E K , Wijayanto N , Rafi M , Wiryono  , Siregar I Z , Karlinasari L
Published: December 2021

Residential areas have the potential to conserve economically and ecologically important local tree species. However, local species to be planted in residential areas, including business and office districts, have to meet certain criteria in accordance mainly with the significant tree functions and services. This study was aimed at investigating the potential of Kayu bawang (Azadirachta excelsa) based on the desired characteristics for urban trees. The analysis of tree characteristics was based on their morphometrics which has been conducted in two planting systems, namely monoculture and polyculture, found on the private forests in Bengkulu Province. The two planting systems of Kayu bawang were reflected in the target location (e.g., roadside, park, and yard). Variables used for assessment included total height, the diameter of breast height, clear stem height, live crown height, the diameter of the crown, live crown ratio, crown projection area, and slenderness ratio. The results showed that the tree crown architecture is classified as decurrent, while the average live crown ratio (LCR) was moderate, which had an average live crown ratio (LCR) of 51-64 %, meaning not too dense appearance. The average slenderness ratio (SR) is generally moderate, where SR of Kayu bawang in monoculture system was 76, polyculture was 54 to 81. It can be concluded that this species does not really meet the criteria as urban trees on roadside because they have moderate LCR and SR values, but they can be used to enrich parks and other sites for promoting local tree identity.
Enhancing green open spaces while conserving local genetic resources: Evaluating growth performance of five native tree species
Authors: Dwiyanti F G , Rachmat H H , Susilowati A , Siregar I Z , Yulita K S
Published: December 2021

Enhancing green open spaces in cities and their buffer areas has gained increasing recognition. While creating a more sustainable, liveable, and comfortable environment, green spaces could also provide an effort for plant domestication and conservation. We consider the potential urban greening and conservation action by planting five tree species consisting of one highly valuable and slow-growing species Eusideroxylon zwageri trees from four different origins and four fast-growing species of Duabanga moluccana, Anthocephalus macrophyllus, Duabanga grandifolia, and kayu papaya at the water reserve in suburban Ciherang-Bogor. Growth performance on mortality rate and the average height of the 4.5-year-old planted seedlings were observed to evaluate the adaptability and suitability of the species in the area. The results of mortality rate revealed that E. zwageri seedlings were ranged from 35% (from South Kalimantan) to 50% (from Jambi), while the four fast-growing species were ranged from 14% (Kayu papaya) to 83% (Duabanga moluccana) indicated that the mortality rate for the five species of seedlings planted varied. Whereas, the results of average height showed that E. zwageri seedlings were ranged from 196.15 cm (South Kalimantan) to 332.50 cm (Natuna), and four fast-growing species was ranged from 582.35 cm (Duabanga grandiflora) to 1411.10 cm (Anthocephalus macrophyllus) indicated that planting fast-growing trees in the suburban area is suitable to increase land coverage in a relatively short time, while slow-growing species are more suitable for species preservation purposes.
Assessment of urban tree condition using VTA at Urban Green Space of Mataram University Rectorate
Authors: Lestari A T , Wahyuningsih E , Syaputra M , Suparyana P K
Published: December 2021

Urban green spaces, including those in the University of Mataram, is all urban land covered by vegetation of any kind, which has aesthetic and recreation values and are important components in improving the ecosystem function. Many trees at the University of Mataram Rectorate Area have aesthetical and ecological values. These trees have not been subjected to health assessment, while various stressors may have impacted the trees in the past. There is no available previous assessment information regarding the tree’s health condition. The purpose of this study is to conduct a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) to evaluate the 62 trees’ health condition at the Mataram University Rectorate Area. The target trees were ≥20 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and poles (10-19 cm dbh). The assessment was carried out using the VTA method to the condition of the common defects of the tree. The results show that based on the condition of the common defects of the tree, it was found that 22% of the trees had dead trees, top, and branches; 21% had parasite or mistletoe; 19% had stem or branch decay; 13% had weak branch union; 10% had poor tree architecture; 6% had cracks; 4% had termite attack; 3% had cankers, and 2% trees had root problems. Based on the hazard category of targeted trees, 79,03% of the trees are in Low hazard conditions (sound), 19,35% were in Moderately hazardous conditions, and only 1,61% were in Highly hazardous conditions. This assessment should be continued with an in-depth investigation. Monitoring and evaluation of tree health assessment should be done at least once a year. It is very important to gather up-to-date information on health conditions in the trees. The evaluation results integrated into GIS will be used as a tree health database that can be updated continuously. This data is expected to reduce the risk of damage that can be caused by the trees.
Tree slenderness coefficient at Bali Botanic Garden
Authors: Hanum S F , Darma I D P , Atmaja M B , Oktavia G A E , Merriansyah H , Fauzi A
Published: December 2021

Standing trees has a higher risk regarding structural damage that can cause trees or parts of trees to fail. Meanwhile, Bali Botanic Garden is located in a highland area that periodically gets natural disasters such as heavy wind. However, the information on tree stability is little known. Therefore, tree stability at Bali Botanic Garden was assessed using tree slenderness coefficient (SC) as an indicator. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for locations which highly visited. A total of 624 trees with dbh>40 cm were examined as samples. Trees were classified based on their SC as high (>80), moderate (SC:70-80), low (SC<70). Data were analyzed using descriptive and correlation analysis. Tree slenderness coefficient at Bali Botanic Garden classified as low (609 specimens), medium (11 specimens), and high (4 specimens). Trees with the high category were three individuals of Bischofia javanica Blume (SC=82.76, 83.69, and 89.63) and a Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp. (SC=116.13). Trees with high SC had a higher susceptibility to wind-induced damage. There was a negative correlation between SC and others tree parameters except for tree height (r=0.44). Hence appropriate silvicultural treatment like thinning is recommended to enhance better tree development and minimize tree risk.
Drone technology for identification of healing forest spot at Kampung Cisamaya Mount Ciremai National Park
Authors: Ramdan H
Published: December 2021

Reconnecting people to nature through healing activities in the forest ecosystem is important. Various studies have shown that forest ecosystems dominated by tree vegetation have positive impacts on physical and psychological health. Not all locations in the forest ecosystem are suitable for healing forests (HF), but their suitability should be identified. Land slope, vegetation density, and easiness access to the site are some physical parameters of the land which are indicators for the development of HF site. Identification of suitable HF spots can be identified using drone technology and GIS. The research objective was the use of drones equipment in identifying potential sites for HF activities. The research site was Kampung Cisamaya in Mount Ciremai National Park. The type of drone used was the Phantom 4 Pro Obsidian equipped with a 20-megapixel RGB camera. The stages of research activities were data acquisition, processing, and analyzing from drone spatial data. Vegetation density was determined through GRVI (Green-Red Vegetation Index), while drone data analyzed the slope classification by DTM (Digital Terrain Model). The accessibility to the location was analyzed through data from the spatial map of the Kuningan Regency. The results found that the use of drones was effective in evaluating the suitability spots for HF activities. From this study can be concluded that the Cisamaya area was suitable for the development of HF activities due to physical parameters of flat to gentle slopes (0-15%), having dense vegetation, as well as the easiness access by people.