bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting Genomic DNA of Fossilised Pollens from Volcanic Soil Sediment of Liyangan Site-Central Java
Authors: Sasongko ND , Windriyani  , Siswanto  , Aziz S
Published: November 2020

Liyangan buries some artifacts in volcanic sediment, including pollens. Reconstructing ancient plant diversity requires good quality in an adequate amount of genomic DNA from fossilized pollen. The current study was aimed to separate pollens from their sediment and extract the pollens. The separation was done according to different protocols (BALAR’s and Geology’s), DNAs were extracted by applying modified-CTAB and mini Genomic DNA Mini Kit. Current data showed the two separation and extraction protocols were able to separate fossilized pollens and so to extract them. The BALAR method combined with CTAB resulted in 314µg/ml to 887µg/ml while a lower amount of 382µg/ml to 852µg/ml were obtained when extracted by DNA Mini Kit. The Geology protocol combined with CTAB resulted in even lower concentrations (43µg/ml to 230µg/ml); and 22 µg/ml to 216 µg/ml by DNA Mini Kit. The BALAR’s protocol performed a better result in separating fossilized pollens from other materials. Both extraction methods resulted in an adequate amount of genomic DNA, although in quite low quality.
The Correlation Between Coral Cover and The Associated Reef Fishes Abundance in Enggano Island Bengkulu
Authors: Kusuma AB , Renta PP , Purnama D , Negara BFSP , Claudea C , Budiharto T , Kholid I
Published: November 2020

The coral reef is the habitat for more than a million marine species. The damage of the coral reef could decrease associated marine biodiversity, and the coral reef fishes are one of the groups impacted by the coral reef destruction. This study aimed to measure the coral coverage, to estimate the abundance of coral fishes, and to determine the correlation between coral coverage and abundance of coral reef fishes in Enggano Island, Bengkulu. The line intercept transect method was used by applying 25 m length transects to measure the coral cover in 12 sampling stations. The visual census method was implemented to count the presence of coral reef fishes around the transect line. The correlation between coral coverage and abundance of coral reef fishes was estimated using the multiple-linear-regression method. The results revealed that the coral coverage in Enggano Island varies from 99.6%-6.6%. The highest coverage was observed in station one at the leeward of Dua Island, whereas the lowest was found in station nine at Kahabi. The depth that measured 21 m could cause low coral coverage in condition. The substratum at this depth receives low sunlight intensity; thus, photosynthesis could not function efficiently. The highest coral reef fish abundance estimated at 603 ind/125 m2 was found in station 12 at Berhau, whereas the lowest at 8 ind/125m2 was in station eight at Kahabi. The analysis showed a positive but considerably a weak correlation between coral coverage and abundance of coral reef fishes with an r-value of 0.61 and the determination coefficient of 61.00%.
Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn Populations in Sumatra Island Showed Low Genetic Differences: A study based on the intergenic spacer atpB – rbcL
Authors: Susanto Agus Hery , Nuryanto Agus , Daryono Budi Setiadi
Published: November 2020

Previous study onSynedrella nodiflora(L.) Gaertn populations in Java Island showed both very low haplotype and nucleotide diversity, and at the same time revealed high connectivity among the populations. Sumatra Island, which is like Java Island located in Sunda Shelf, has been subjected to relatively increasing human population and overexploitation of natural resources in a few last decades. This condition put the island of being vulnerable to terrestrial ecosystem changes that potentially influence the existing populations ofS. nodiflora. Hence, this study aimed to assess genetic differences amongS. nodiflorapopulations in Sumatra Island using intergenic spacer (IGS)atpB –rbcL. This molecular marker has been used in the population genetic study of some plant species. In this study we collected randomly 20 individuals from four different locations in Sumatra. The results showed, based on IGSatpB –rbcL sequences of 860 bp length, that only two haplotypes were found. One of them was the same haplotype mostly found in Java Island, and the other showed some base substitutions. Low genetic differences indicating high connectivity among populations ofS. nodiflorain Sumatra Island is observed.
Production of Pectinase Enzymes by Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds. Causing Anthracnose in Red Chilli (Capsicum annuum, L.)
Authors: Muljowati JS , Soesanto L , Nugroho LH
Published: November 2020

Almost all pathogenic fungi produce pectinase enzymes used to degrade host cell wall during pathogenesis. The mode of action of C. acutatum (Ca) is no different from other Colletotrichum species. The fungi produce cutinase and pectinase enzymes to weaken the host defenses and help the further infection. The success of pathogenesis by C. acutatum determines the occurrence of anthracnose disease. During pathogenesis, other than cutinase, pectinase is an enzyme that plays a vital role in cell wall degradation of the host. This paper discusses the ability of C. acutatum to produce pectinase enzymes. The fungus of six isolates was the C. acutatum from Java whose pathogenicity was the highest at each sampling location (Malang, Temanggung, Kulonprogo, Brebes, Garut, and Pandeglang). The results showed that all C. acutatum isolates produced pectinase. There was a difference in the ability to macerate enzymes even though enzyme quality test showed no difference.
Phenetic Taxonomy of Local Duku (Lansium parasiticum (Osbeck) K.C. Sahni & Bennet) from Three Regencies Based on Micromorphological Characters
Authors: Herawati Wiwik , Sukarsa  , Hidayah Hexa Apriliana
Published: November 2020

Lansium parasiticum(Duku) is a plant species with complex morphological characters because of its wide distribution. This study examined the plant anatomical variation patterns and phenetic relationships among 15 local duku samples from Purwokerto, Purbalingga, and Banjarnegara. The anatomical data were analyzed descriptively, and the similarity relationship was measured with the UPGMA method using the MEGA 10.0.1 software. The results of anatomical characters analysis suggested a high degree of diversity among the duku. UPGMA tree derived from cluster analysis showed two majors clusters. The first cluster consisted of samples whose upper epidermis thickness was ⩾16.5µm. The second cluster comprised fourteen samples with upper epidermis thickness <16µm.
Water Quality Status of Segara Anakan Cilacap Indonesia for Biota Life
Authors: Piranti AS , Rahayu DRUS , Ardli ER , Setyaningrum N , Widyartini DS , Insan I
Published: November 2020

The Segara Anakan is a fertile estuarine of Indonesian water having strategic values for various uses. Increased human activities have increased the potential risk of deteriorating environmental quality and subsequently caused a decline in organism biodiversity. The purposes of this study were to assess the quality of Segara Anakan by evaluating the pollution status biologically, whether it fulfilled the requirement for organism life or not. The research method used was a four-month survey in the eastern part of the Segara Anakan area. Sampling was done purposively in 7 sites. The parameters observed were water quality according to seawater quality standards for marine biota. The status of water quality was determined using the Coefficient of Saprobic. The results showed that ten parameters did not meet water quality standards, that were TSS, Dissolved Oxygen, Phosphate, Orthophosphate, Nitrate, PCBs, TBT, and Cr, As, Cd, and Pb. The status of water quality in all locations showed that it was lightly polluted with the status of mesosaprobic β. It was recommended that human activities that potentially pollute the environment, such as waste disposal, be restricted to avoid the water quality from becoming worse.
Performance of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens, Larvae during valorization of organic wastes with changing quality
Authors: Kinasih I , Suryani Y , Paujiah E , Ulfa RA , Afiyati S , Adawiyah YR , Putra RE
Published: November 2020

Organic wastes are one of the major problems in many cities. A common treatment for the wastes usually by sanitary landfill, composting, or burning. However, many cities of developing countries lack the effort to collect, separate, and transform organic waste lead to an increasing pile of organic wastes and the cost of treatment. Bioconversion of organic wastes by larvae of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) into versatile prepupae could be considered as a solution for this problem as this process give economic value to organic wastes. Studies in Indonesia showed the high potency of this insect to apply for managing organic wastes. However, most of the studies only focused on one type of wastes which is only available from standardizing industrial systems, not municipal systems, and small industries which are the main organic producers in Indonesia. In this study, BSFL was fed only one type of organic wastes showed a shorter development period. Changes in feedstock quality from low protein to high protein material generally produced lower survival rates and weight with a longer development period. The result indicated the importance of the nutrition content early period feedstock to produce high-quality larvae and more sustainable organic waste management.
A Sustainable Approach to the Prevalent Problems in Tactical Urban Construction of Temporary Structures
Authors: Sivakkumar Shiva Nandhini , Shankar Durga Shree , Yahiyakhan Jabirkhan , Venkatachalam Manjunath Nochikuttai , Shanmugam Dhivyabharathi , Mangottiri Vasudevan
Published: November 2020

It is essential to make a check on extraneous usage of concrete in construction to reduce the urban heat island effects. As a step towards sustainability, small or temporary structures can be constructed by reusing a variety of rigid materials that are found in abundance in scrapyards. This paper emphasizes the sustainability aspects of reusing scrap materials for constructing a bus shelter using the principles of tactical urbanism. The selected materials include scrap steel pipes, wasted foam sheets, gypsum board, plastic cans and bottle caps. After minimal modifications (cleaning, sizing and shaping), they were converted to suitable panels and members of designed dimensions. The embodied carbon analysis showed that 130.23 kg equivalent of carbon dioxide is saved by not using new materials in construction. By this approach, the net embodied carbon for the entire structure is turned to be negative (-85.23 kg equivalent of carbon dioxide). On another aspect of tactical urbanism, a suitable construction methodology is designed to utilize minimal time and manpower for construction which also could reduce the carbon and energy footprints substantially. The innovative provision for using clamps on the skeleton frame enabled direct insertion of panels, thus minimizing the requirements for fasteners or adhesives. The entire structure is found to be light in weight and portable but strong against pulling loads. The social and environmental aspects of sustainability were evaluated using checklist, sectoral matrix and checklist methods. We envisage this approach in making security homes, isolation wards at times of contagious outspread, locomotive stalls etc.
Sustainable bamboo housing for the earthquake prone areas
Authors: Vengala Jagadish , Rao Raghunath Seshagiri
Published: November 2020

Bamboo-based housing systems are prevalent as a vernacular type of construction in many parts of the world where bamboo is available locally. Even in India, bamboo-based houses are not so uncommon, especially in the north-eastern part, which is seismically the most vulnerable zone. Structural evaluation, chiefly seismic evaluation, significantly requires a lot of infrastructures. Prohibitively expensive infrastructure cannot be used to evaluate housing systems which themselves are extremely low-cost in nature. There is a need to evaluate the components of a bamboo-based housing system in addition to the full-scale models under seismic loads by using simple and cost-effective facilities. A seismic evaluation of a full-scale bamboo housing system was carried out on two models using a shock table test facility. This helped in identifying the extreme limits of seismic vulnerability of the bamboo-based housing system. From this study, it was observed that the model did not collapse nor did it show any signs of collapse. Also, there were no indications of any tendency of any local collapse of the roofing elements. Hence, it can be concluded that the model had fulfilled the requirement of resisting major levels of lateral forces without losing its stability.
Non-Linear Seismic Analysis of Steel Plate Shear Wall Subjected to Blast Loading
Authors: Sunagar Prashant , Dharek Manish S , Nruthya K , Sreekeshava K S , Nagashree B , Ramegowda RS
Published: November 2020

Compared to traditional lateral loading systems, such as steel braced frames, RCC walls and moment- frames, Steel plate shear walls (SPSWs) have affordable detailing pre-requisites, requires lower construction tolerances, allows faster construction and leads to less lateral load. Similar to concrete shear walls, SPSW structures are more versatile and due to their versatility, the designer also needs to have additional flexural rigidity when using SPSW in tall buildings. In spite of all advantages, SPSW are not universally accepted because of typical SPSW arrangements result in huge column sizes and forbid the usage of slender walls while reducing the efficiency of the structure. SPSW allow for less structural wall thickness in comparison to the thickness of concrete shear walls. So, it is necessary to design the thickness of a SPSW required for particular load. This paper would address the above issues with concrete examples and suggest approaches for the creation of the next generation of shear walls made of steel plate. Such approaches would allow SPSWs to be applied efficiently by offering new configuration, different modelling techniques and a more detailed understanding of model behaviour by comparing different SPSW thickness and different patterns in a particular structure. The analysis in this study is done by considering a steel structure. Earthquake data is considered for analysis and it is assigned using time history function in SAP 2000. The paper deals with lateral resistance of a steel structure for a seismic loading with different SPSW thickness and patterns. which showed SS2 type steel plate shear wall configuration performing well in resisting bending moment in both directions.
Experimental Study on Self Compacting Concrete Withaddition of Super Absorbent Polymer
Authors: Selvakumar Vetrivel , Paneerselvan Keerthana , shanmugasundaram Rasswanth , Asokan Mohanraj , Veerachamy Senthilkumar
Published: November 2020

This experimental work focuses on the effect of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in self-compacting concrete (SCC). The target strength to be achieved is M40. The superabsorbent polymer acts as an Internal curing agent (ICA) which is added at a percentage varying from 0.1 to 0.3 and superplasticizer to about 0.8% with respect to the mass of cementitious materials. SCC is super workable due to its low water-cement ratio, which gives rapid strength, more durability, and best quality. In this study the properties of fresh and hardened concrete were investigated. The workability properties like Slump flow, V Funnel and L Box tests were carried out. The mechanical behaviour and durability study such as Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) were alsoconducted on SAP added SCC. SEM Analysis was carried out toidentify the newly formed materials within the concrete system. The concrete added SAP behaves similarly and as like the conventional concrete in strength aspect but varies in case of durability properties.
Performance studies on Geo polymer concrete
Authors: Vellaichamy Preetha , Selvarajan Hariharan , Ramalingam Arjun , Uthirasamy Kalaiyarasan
Published: November 2020

Geo polymer concrete, an eco-friendly concrete produced without addition of cement. Though cement is a basic material in the production of concrete; however in global carbon dioxide emission 5 to 8% contribution is from the production of concrete. In geo polymer concrete the absence of cement is replaced by an inorganic alumina silicate compound synthesized using fly ash as a binder. Fly ash involves in reduction of high energy consumption and offers solutions for utilizing waste by products from industries. This paper describes the experimental investigation on fly ash based Geo polymer concrete to evaluate the effects of workability, compressive and split tensile strength in order to ensure the overall performance of the concrete mix. The various parameters has been analysed based on the ratio of liquid to binder, molarity of sodium hydroxide solution, ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide and alkaline to fly ash ratio. The test results indicate that the compressive strength gradually increases with increase in molarity of NaOH solutions for two different alkaline to fly ash ratios of 0.35 and 0.5 respectively. The split tensile strength of geo polymer concrete is very low and not increases significantly. The workability of mix improves by adding 2% superplasticizer. Further overall performance is greatly influenced by the molarity of NaOH solution and the ratio of alkaline to fly ash to evaluate the early age strength of concrete.
Effect of Waste Burnt Bricks as Coarse Aggregate on the Compressive Strength of Ligth Weight Re-Vibrated Concrete
Authors: Auta Samuel Mahuta , Hassan Tasiu
Published: November 2020

The paper presents an experimental study on the compressive strength of re-vibrated concrete cubes using waste burnt bricks as coarse aggregate. Using 1:2:4 as concrete mix ratio and 0.6 water-cement ratio to cast 48 cubes specimens and cured for 7 and 28 days; 24 cubes for control (granite as coarse aggregate); and another 24 cubes for waste burnt bricks as coarse aggregate. Each of these categories were re-vibrated at an interval of 10 minutes each, for 60 minutes after the initial vibration. The compressive strength of the cured concrete cubes specimen were determined. The results obtained showed a maximum strength of 24.96N/mm2 at 60th minutes re-vibration for 28 days curing and a maximum strength of 18.64N/mm2 at 60th minutes re-vibration for 28 days curing for the control (granite as coarse aggregate) and waste burnt bricks (WBB) as coarse aggregates respectively. It was concluded that crushed waste burnt bricks can be used to replace granite in the production of lightweight re-vibrated concrete.
Manufacturing of Low Cost Concrete by Using Paper Industry Waste
Authors: Moorthy Gnanasundar Valarmathi , Thangaraj Palanisamy , Shanmugam Thirugnanam
Published: November 2020

Manufacture of Ordinary Portland cement needs large amount of earth resources and also releases enormous amount of green house gases during its production which adversely affect the environment. Therefore an alternative to cement usage in construction can make a huge impact on reducing environmental pollution. Paper making industries generally produces large amount of solid wastes. To reduce disposal and pollution problems emanating from these industrial wastes, it is most essential to develop profitable building materials from them. Therefore in order to resolve the disadvantages of both these sides, an attempt is made to use these paper industrial wastes known as hypo sludge as replacement of cement for a concrete. Hence it avoids environmental pollution due to usage of cement and also solves the problem of mass disposal of these wastes. This hypo sludge behaves like cement because of its silica, lime and magnesium components. These components improve the setting of the concrete and also provide necessary strength for the concrete. Keeping this in view, investigations were done to produce low cost concrete by blending various ratios of cement with sludge. The project deals with experimental investigations on strength of concrete and optimum percentage of the partial replacement of cement by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% hypo sludge and finding out the strength of blended materials. The percentage of cost saved due to replacement is also found out. This project definitely has a major impact on environmental production reduction.
Consideration of Strength Parameters of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Concrete over Conventional Concrete
Authors: Mariyappan Ranjitham , Sivakumar Banusri , Jaganathan Dhanusuya , Allimuthu Dhananjayan , Subramanian Dhayananthan , Anbazhagan Gobishankar
Published: November 2020

The Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has become a typical practice in the transportation business. RAP from reusing exercises address the issues of diminishing use of declining virgin total sources, material stockpiling and removal of recovered black-top material. The rule factors behind reusing endeavours incorporate decrease of development squander, safeguarding of non-inexhaustible normal assets, and lower vitality costs. In light of numerous researches facility test results suggested for utilization of RAP in street base and sub base layers is in fact practical. Various transportation organizations have been reusing RAP in unbound base and sub base layers. In this examination, the ideal rate for supplanting recovered totals with Virgin Aggregates is found and the ideal rate is tried for the quality attributes of the totals. Despite the fact that having a huge amount of RAP, because of its inadequate quality necessities it can’t be utilized until it is dealt with. The treated RAP material can be mixed with material like lime, fly debris, concrete oven cleans or Portland concrete in unsterilized street asphalts. The reason for this examination work is to show up at the ideal level of reused black-top asphalt and cementitious material dependent on quality boundaries in street development to make the base course impermeable. It expands the quality and firmness of the sub base layer just as it decreases the protection from rutting and weariness breaking.
Study on Improvement of Black Cotton Soil by Using Fines of Concrete Cube & Brick Demolition Waste
Authors: Shivakumar Chakure , Srikanth Bolle , Kumar Kancharidasu Sunny , Keerthi Niteen
Published: November 2020

Subgrade soil is a primary part of a road crust which gives considerable strength and support to the whole pavement structure from below. If the subgrade soil exhibits a weak soil then improvement of load-bearing strength properties of that subgrade soil is done by soil-stabilization technique. This project aims to conduct a study to check the improvements in properties of Black Cotton (BC) soil by adding Fines of Crushed concrete cube and Brick waste separately. By varying percentage of Fines of Concrete Cube Waste (FCCW) at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%, the soil parameters such as Compaction characteristics, CBR and Shear Strength were studied. These values are compared to that of a untreated BC soil. Similarly, the varying percentage of Fines of Brick Demolition Waste (FBDW) at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%, the soil parameters only considered was Compaction characteristics. The first approach of BC stabilized using FCCW, the Maximum Dry Density increased from 1.504g/cm3 to maximum 1.708 g/cm3, decrease in Optimum Moisture Content and later increase, CBR value increased from 2.05%to maximum 7% and Shear strength increased from 377kN/m2 to maximum 1390 kN/m2 at 20% FCCW respectively. The second approach of BC stabilized using FBW, the Maximum Dry Density increased from 1.565g/cm3 to maximum 1.702 g/cm3 and decrease in Optimum Moisture Content at 20% FBDW respectively. However, in the light of studies conducted, the 20% of FCCW and 20% of FBDW are considered as the optimum proportion of the FCCW and FBDW resulting in maximum strength and performance as observed from UCS test results in the first approach.
Utilisation of Recycled Glass Powder for the Stabilization of Black Cotton soil by Alkali Activation
Authors: Hashmie Nooraien , Gunagi Priya , Belagal Prajwal , Manoharan Shimna
Published: November 2020

Black Cotton Soil forms a major soil group in India. It covers 20% of the total area of India. Due to its high swelling and shrinkage characteristics, Black cotton soil has been challenging for construction activities. To overcome the problems caused by black cotton soil, the soil needs to be stabilized. Stabilization increases the strength of soil and controls the swell and shrinks potential of soil thus improving the load bearing capacity of soil. Lime and Cement are commonly used additives in soil stabilization. The production of commonly used additives like lime and cement contributes to a higher carbon footprint. Recycled glass powder is a construction and demolition waste. Recycled glass powder is rich in Silica and Alumina, thereby on addition of an alkali; it forms a geopolymer that enhances the strength of the soil. In this study Recycled glass powder is added in the proportions of 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% and 18 % along with Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Silicate in the ratio of 1:2.5 to the Black cotton soil to facilitate the geopolymerization reaction. The effect of Recycled glass powder based geopolymer on the strength of Black cotton soil for the curing period of 3 and 7 days is investigated. The Unconfined compressive strength of Black cotton soil increases with the increase in proportion of geopolymer up to an optimum value of 9%. With the increase in curing time the strength of Stabilized Black cotton soil increases. A Recycled glass powder based geopolymer can be used as an effective soil stabilizer.
Air Pollution Resistance assessment of existing plants near Talkatora Industrial Area, Lucknow, India
Authors: Gautam Poonam , Shukla A K
Published: November 2020

According to recent reports India is considered as 5th most polluted country of the world. Being a developing country, growing industrialization is a prime reason of pollution in India. Green vegetation plays an important role in reducing the air pollution through active absorption and accumulation. Thus the presence of greenery in concerned areas provides a cost-effective and environmentally benign way to remediate air pollution. The presented investigation was conducted to estimate air pollution by evaluating Air Pollution Tolerant Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of 6 plant species in experimental area Talkatora industrial area, Lucknow, and control area IET college campus, Lucknow. Study revealed APTI of selected plants as Ficus religiosa (26.69)> Azadirachta indica (25.66)> Alstonia scholoris (13.89)> Mangifera indica (13.89)> Polyalthia longifolia (9.66)> Pongamia pinnata (9.56) at the experimental site and Azadirachta indica (31.79)> Ficus religiosa (24.82)> Mangifera indica (14.41)> Alstonia scholoris (13.02)> Polyalthia longifolia (9.73)> Pongamia pinnata (9.47) at control site. Supported by assessment of API, it was observed that Ficus religiosa (81.25%), Azadirachta indica (75%) and Mangifera indica (75%) were highest scoring plants thus can be suggested for development of green belt in the pollution concerned areas.
Understanding the Variability in Estimation of Water Quality of Lakes and Reservoirs
Authors: Singh Ramp Pal , Mangottiri Vasudevan , Pandiyan Balaganesh
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a critical review on the existing methodology of water quality assessment of lakes and reservoirs being used as a source of water supply and irrigation purposes. The seasonal and depth-wise variations in water quality are also analysed and presented through two case studies. It is inferred that water quality monitoring is a helpful tool not only to evaluate the impacts of pollution sources but also to ensure an efficient management of water resources and the protection of aquatic life. However, it is incomplete to make any meaningful prediction without correlating the prevailing catchment characteristics as well as imparting the scope for real-time action plan. The present study highlights a few strategic features causing variability in water quality and proposes a corroborative plan to address those issues.
Performance of different types of constructed wetlands for treating wastewater in short time horizon
Authors: Vanitha Sankararajan
Published: November 2020

Constructed wetland is one of the well-knowncost-effective technologies for treating domestic sewage. This work is mainly focuses to study the performance of constructed wetland at initial stage of wetland. Three types of constructed wetland namely Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland (VFCW), Horizontal zigzag flow Constructed wetland (HFCW) and Upflow Constructed Wetland (UFCW) were made based upon the direction of water flow through porous medium. The primary treated sewage is passed through three wetlands and the water quality was tested before and after treatment. Wetland performance was analyzed continuously for one month after sapling stage. Water quality parameters such as pH, Temperature Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Nitrates (NO3
-) and Phosphate (PO4
-) were tested. Removal of COD and Phosphates are uniformly increasing for this duration. The maximum removal of COD, TSS and Phosphates are 40%, 30%, 87% and 45% respectively. Nitrification is good from initial stage of constructed wetland. In one month experimental period, removal of solids is not stable. It was observed that, heavy fluctuation was occurred during experimental period. But increasing trend is observed in the removal of solids. Also it is recommended that more sampling is needed at initial stage of constructed wetlands.
Phytoremediation: sustainable approach for the removal of Heavy metals from the environment using plants
Authors: Ganesan Subbulakshmi , Panda Sagnika , sinha Anjali , chettri Ayush
Published: November 2020

These studies Review the plant species for phytoremediation potential and capability to consumption and accrue Heavy metals concentration. Natural renewable resources are valuable assets for human development. Extreme utilization of the resources and severely contaminated due to the influence of human activity on nature. Resources Contamination with toxic metals is a wide-ranging environmental issue resultant from various sources like Inorganic fertilizer, pesticides, leaching, and dumping of pollutants. The Remediation of sites polluted with toxic metals is predominantly difficult. Conventional techniques for recovery are expensive and environmentally uncongenial. Plant-based technology known as Phytoremediation has been proposed as an economical environment-friendly alternative technology to the conventional remediation approaches.
Analytical Solutions of Two-body Spring Vibrator Problem
Authors: Zhu Ping
Published: November 2020

In two-body problems, the problem of the two-body spring vibrator is a more typical and interesting mechanics problem. But the relative motion of the two-body spring vibrator involves elliptical integrals, so the problem is very complex and had not yet been solved analytically in the past time. In this paper, using the elliptical integral theory, we obtain the analytic solutions of the two-body spring vibrator motion law, so that we can discuss further the motion characteristics.
The Effects of the Size and Location of the Recirculation Windows of Combustion Chambers in a Coke Oven on Emissions of NO and Unburnt Fuels by CFD Numerical Simulation
Authors: Cao Yinping , Du Zhengang , Hu Zhen , Jin Shuangling , Lu Wangzhao , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2020

NOx emission from combustion chambers of coke ovens is receiving renewed attention in recent years in China. Combustion process optimization and post combustion treatments are used to reduce NOx emission. In this paper, the effects of size and location of recirculation windows in the heating flues of combustion chambers in a coke oven from Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. on emissions of NO and unburnt fuels were investigated by CFD numerical simulation, targeting for redesign of recirculation windows. Results indicate that with increasing the window size, the amount of recycled flue gases increases, maximum flame temperature decreases and temperature uniformity is improved, leading to a reduction of NO emission. The emission of unburnt fuels increases with the window size at higher heat flux, but this is less obvious at lower heat flux. With moving the windows towards inlets of fuels and air, the average temperatures increase slightly, maximum flame temperature and temperature uniformity keep unchanged, the emission of unburnt fuels decreases apparently, the NO emission increases slightly at lower heat flux, but keeps unchanged at higher heat flux. The unburnt fuel emission is dominated by the average temperature while NO emission by both the average temperature and temperature uniformity. The effect of the window size on NO emission is more apparent than that of the location of the windows while the latter is more obvious than the former to reduce the unburnt fuel emission.
Bridge Vibration Virtual Sensor Based on Eulerian Video Magnification and Gray Mean Difference
Authors: Zheng Jiayan , Li Qiumo , Mao Ruoyu , Wang Yuzhou , Zhou Zhixiang
Published: November 2020

A non-contact measurement method is proposed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional contact sensors in this paper. The camera is used as a non-contact virtual sensor of the whole field vibration. The motion in raw video was amplified by Eulerian Video Magnification technology and the gray mean of the selected region from processed video is obtained. The gray value difference between frames represents the dynamic response signal of the local area of the bridge structure under the excitation. The actual displacement amplitude in the time domain of the target structure can be obtained by conversion. A model bridge experiment was carried on, the results show that good coincidence in time domain and good accuracy in frequency domain, the error of the proposed method is 2.2% compared with the traditional measurement, indicating that the method without manual mark has the advantages of accurate, easy to obtain, low cost and high efficiency.
Application Research on Reliability Modeling of Multi-failure Modes Correlation System Based on Time Varying Copula Model
Authors: Zhou Ling , He Zhenxin
Published: November 2020

The reliability modeling of dynamic correlation system with multi-failure modes is studied in this paper. Firstly, Patton model, one of the time-varying copula models, is introduced. Secondly, multi-dimensional time-varying copula function of multi-failure modes correlation system is transformed into two-dimensional time-varying copula functions based on vine Copula function, and then reliability modeling and solution procedure of multi-failure modes correlation system is presented based on time-varying copula model. Finally, the above reliability modeling and solution procedures are demonstrated through a vehicle suspension system engineering case, and their correctness are proved by the results obtained in engineering case.
General practitioner conduct of clinical services representing comprehensive geriatric assessment is associated with lower risk of mortality in older Australians receiving home care packages
Authors: Visvanathan Renuka , Amare Azmeraw T , Wesselingh Steve , Inacio Maria C
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the utilisation of general practice Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) services aligned to Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) within 6 months of an aged care eligibility assessment and its effects on mortality and transition to permanent residential aged care (PRAC).

Design

Retrospective cohort study from the Historical Cohort of the Registry of Senior Australians.

Setting

Community.

Participants

In total, 69,171 Individuals (aged 75+) receiving home care packages (HCPs) between 2011 and 2015.

Outcome measures

Mortality and transition to PRAC.

Results

The claims for a management plan with team care arrangement (TCA) within 3 months of the health assessment (i.e. CGA) was present in 5% and associated with 14% lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 95%CI = 0.86, 0.80–0.93) compared to no claims, lower than that seen with partial CGA which was either health assessment claims only 7.0% (aHR, 95%CI = 0.93, 0.89–0.97) or management plan coupled with TCA claims only 9.0% (aHR, 95%CI = 0.91, 0.89–0.97). This pattern was seen in those frailer but not in those where the frailty index score was <0.21. Claims for management plans coupled with TCAs alone were associated with a 10% lower transition to PRAC (asHR, 95%CI = 0.90, 0.85–0.96) in those with FI score < 0.21 while this estimate was not significant in individuals with FI score ≥ 0.21.

Conclusion

It appears the conduct of a combination of interventions considered to be components of the CGA by GPs was associated with a lower risk of mortality that no claims or partial conduct of CGA.
Comparison of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Rates and 30-Day Postoperative Complications Between Patients With and Without Psychiatric Diagnoses
Authors: Spataro Emily A , Olds Cristen E , Kandathil Cherian K , Most Sam P
Published: November 2020

Background

Psychiatric comorbidity is associated with greater 30-day postoperative complication rates in various surgical specialties, but is not well characterized for reconstructive plastic surgery.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare reconstructive plastic surgery rates and 30-day postoperative complications between patients with and without psychiatric diagnoses.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing patients with and without psychiatric diagnoses. Data for January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015 were collected from the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases. Rates of reconstructive plastic surgery, demographic data, covariant diagnoses, and 30-day postoperative complications were collected. Differences between the 2 groups were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Among 1,019,128 patients (505,715 with psychiatric diagnoses and 513,423 without psychiatric diagnoses) assessed, reconstructive plastic surgery rates were between 4.8% and 7.0% in those with psychiatric diagnoses, compared with 1.6% in patients without psychiatric diagnoses. The greatest odds of undergoing reconstructive plastic surgery were in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76-5.67) and anxiety disorder (aOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 2.97-3.17). When assessing 1,234,206 patients (613,400 with psychiatric diagnoses and 620,806 without psychiatric diagnoses), all of whom underwent reconstructive plastic surgery, 2-fold greater odds of any 30-day postoperative complication was associated with psychiatric diagnoses (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.28-3.11), as well as greater odds of specific complications (surgical site infection, bleeding, and hospital admission). Eating disorder diagnosis was associated with the greatest odds of a complication (aOR, 4.17; 95% CI, 3.59-4.86), followed by nasal surgery (aOR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.74-4.89), and BDD (aOR, 3.16; 95% CI, 1.76-5.67).

Conclusions

Diagnosis of a psychiatric condition is associated with greater rates of reconstructive plastic surgery, and 2-fold greater odds of 30-day postoperative complications.

Level of Evidence: 4
SODA: multi-locus species delimitation using quartet frequencies
Authors: Rabiee Maryam , Mirarab Siavash
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Species delimitation, the process of deciding how to group a set of organisms into units called species, is one of the most challenging problems in computational evolutionary biology. While many methods exist for species delimitation, most based on the coalescent theory, few are scalable to very large datasets, and methods that scale tend to be not accurate. Species delimitation is closely related to species tree inference from discordant gene trees, a problem that has enjoyed rapid advances in recent years.

Results

In this article, we build on the accuracy and scalability of recent quartet-based methods for species tree estimation and propose a new method called SODA for species delimitation. SODA relies heavily on a recently developed method for testing zero branch length in species trees. In extensive simulations, we show that SODA can easily scale to very large datasets while maintaining high accuracy.

Availability and implementation

The code and data presented here are available on https://github.com/maryamrabiee/SODA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Plasma Clearance of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) before and after Bariatric Surgery for Morbid Obesity
Authors: Poh Kian Keong , Shabbir Asim , Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Lee Poay Sian Sabrina , So Jimmy , Frampton Christopher M , Pemberton Christopher J , Richards Arthur M
Published: November 2020

Background

Obese patients have lower plasma concentrations of the cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) than their age- and sex-matched counterparts. This may reflect lower production and/or increased peptide clearance. It is unclear whether NP bioactivity is affected by obesity.

Methods

We studied the effects of obesity on B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) clearance and bioactivity by comparing results from standardized intravenous infusions of BNP administered 2 weeks before and 6 months after bariatric surgery in 12 consecutive patients with morbid obesity (body mass index, BMI > 35 kg/m2). Anthropometric, clinical, neurohormonal, renal, and echocardiographic variables were obtained pre- and postsurgery. Pre- vs postsurgery calculated intrainfusion peptide clearances were compared.

Results

BMI (44.3 ± 5.0 vs 33.9 ± 5.2 kg/m2, P < 0.001) and waist circumference (130.3 ± 11.9 vs 107.5 ± 14.7 cm, P < 0.001) decreased substantially after bariatric surgery. Calculated plasma clearance of BNP was reduced (approximately 30%) after surgery. Though not controlled for, sodium intake was presumably lower after bariatric surgery. Despite this, preinfusion endogenous plasma NP concentrations did not significantly differ between pre- and postsurgery studies. The ratio of plasma N-terminal (NT)-proBNP to 24 h urine sodium excretion was higher postsurgery (P = 0.046; with similar nonsignificant findings for BNP, atrial NP (ANP) and NT-proANP), indicating increased circulating NPs for a given sodium status. Mean plasma NP concentrations for given calculated end-systolic wall stress and cardiac filling pressures (as assessed by echocardiographic E/e’) rose slightly, but not significantly postsurgery. Second messenger, hemodynamic, renal, and neurohormonal responses to BNP were not altered between studies.

Conclusion

Obesity is associated with increased clearance, but preserved bioactivity, of BNP.
Perioperative fluid management in esophagectomy for cancer and its relation to postoperative respiratory complications
Authors: Van Dessel Eleni , Moons Johnny , Nafteux Philippe , Van Veer Hans , Depypere Lieven , Coosemans Willy , Lerut Toni , Coppens Steve , Neyrinck Arne
Published: November 2020

The optimal perioperative fluid management during esophagectomy is still not clear. Liberal regimens have been associated with higher morbidity and respiratory complications. Restrictive regimens might raise concerns for kidney function and increase the need to associate vasopressors. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the perioperative fluid administration during esophagectomy and to correlate this with postoperative respiratory outcome. All patients who underwent esophagectomy between January and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, type of surgery and postoperative course were reviewed. Fluid administration and vasopressor use were calculated intraoperatively and during the postoperative stay at the recovery unit. Fluid overload was defined as a positive fluid balance of more than 125 mL/m2/h during the first 24 hours. Patients were divided in 3 groups: GRP0 (no fluid overload/no vasopressors); GRP1 (no fluid overload/need for vasopressors); GRP2 (fluid overload with/without vasopressors). Postoperative complications were prospectively recorded according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group criteria. A total of 103 patients were analyzed: 35 (34%) GRP0, 50 (49%) GRP1 and 18 (17%) GRP2. No significant differences were found for age, treatment (neoadjuvant vs. primary), type of surgery (open/minimally invasive), histology nor comorbidities. There were significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences in fluid balance/m2/h (75 ± 21 mL; 86 ± 22 mL and 144 ± 20 mL) across GRP0, GRP1 and GRP2, respectively. We found differences in respiratory complications (GRP0 (20%) versus GRP1 (42%; P = 0.034) and GRP0 (20%) versus GRP2 (61%; P = 0.002)) and “Comprehensive Complications Index” (GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP1 (34.6; P = 0.015) and GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP2 (35.1; P = 0.009)). Multivariable analysis (binary logistic regression) for “any respiratory complication” was performed. Patients who received fluid overload (GRP2) had a 10.24 times higher risk to develop postoperative respiratory complications. When patients received vasopressors alone (GRP1), the chances of developing these complications were 3.57 times higher compared to GRP0. Among patients undergoing esophagectomy, there is a wide variety in the administration of fluid during the first 24 hours. There was a higher incidence of respiratory complications when patients received higher amounts of fluid or when vasopressors were used. We believe that a personalized and protocolized fluid administration algorithm should be implemented and that individual risk factors should be identified.
MitraClip: a word of caution regarding an all too liberal indication and delayed referral to surgery in case of failure
Authors: Ostovar Roya , Erb Michael , Schroeter Filip , Zytowski Michael , Kuehnel Ralf-Uwe , Hartrumpf Martin , Albes Johannes Maximilian
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES

Although indications for the MitraClip are becoming increasingly liberal, the number of patients requiring valve surgery after an insufficient outcome of the procedure is growing. Referral to surgery is, however, frequently delayed. During this time, the patients often deteriorate. We retrospectively analysed patients before MitraClip implantation and after mitral valve surgery.

METHODS

A total of 49 patients who received a mitral valve replacement (average 8 ± 12 months after MitraClip implantation) were assessed. Of these, 53% had 2–4 clips inserted. The mean age was 73 years, and the mean log EuroSCORE was 20.79 ± 14.42%. Echocardiographic data obtained prior to MitraClip implantation and preoperatively, 10 days and 6 and 12 months after cardiac surgery were reviewed. Survival analysis, risk profile and postoperative complications were analysed.

RESULTS

The 30-day and 1-year mortality was 26.5% and 59.2%, respectively. Prior to MitraClip implantation, 42.8% of patients had mild tricuspid insufficiency and 6.1% had moderate tricuspid insufficiency. Prior to surgery, 26.5% showed mild, 32.7% moderate and 38.8% severe tricuspid insufficiency (P < 0.001). Furthermore, right heart function assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion deteriorated significantly after Implantation of the MitraClip (P < 0.001). In patients with a MitraClip, the pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher at the time of mitral replacement than it was before the MitraClip was implanted (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A subgroup of patients does not benefit from a MitraClip and shows progressive deterioration in cardiac function, making valve replacement under difficult circumstances inevitable. The earlier these patients are operated on, the better it is. It can be assumed that some patients would be better off with primary surgery, especially if mitral reconstruction is then still feasible. Therefore, the indications for MitraClip implantation should be carefully considered and caution should be exercised during monitoring.