bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Flats With Implementation of Cross Ventilation In West Jakarta
Authors: Adli M S , Hendarti R , Sakina B
Published: April 2024

Flats are a strategy that can be implemented to address housing needs on limited land, one of which is public flats. There is a problem with the lack of airflow rate which makes occupants use artificial ventilation to increase the airflow rate in flats units. Natural ventilation can solve airflow problems, with minimal energy use. The use of the cross-ventilation method is more effective than the use of one-sided ventilation. This study aims to discuss the size and location of the openings that can affect the airflow rate in flat’s units so that public flats with good airflow can be created using a quantitative simulation method. The simulation was carried out using the Rhinoceros software and the Butterfly plug-in with a model of an apartment unit with a different configuration of the size and location of the openings. The results of the simulation can be used to design residential flats with different heights, such as with an opening configuration ratio of 2:1:2.5 for a height of 9-24m and 2.5:1:2 for a height of 1-16m.
Hydrological Evaluation Using the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) Distribution Method at Tamblang Dam, Bali
Authors: Cahyono Christian , Reviandra Gevan
Published: April 2024

The purpose of a dam is to control the water flow in a river, stream, sea, or lake. However, the water storage capacity of the dam can decrease over time due to the sediment that settles in the reservoir. Therefore, it is important to manage the water resources well and prevent problems like floods. The frequency analysis shows that the Pearson III and Gumbel Log probability distributions are the best methods to analyze the data because they have the smallest deviation values. The Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) probability distribution is the second-best method and can also be used. The GEV distribution method gives higher results for the maximum discharge in 50-, 00- and 1000-year return periods with percentages of 0.10%, 3.04% and 12.35%.
Flood Mapping Potential Areas Using HEC-RAS Software (Case Study: Kota Lama of Semarang)
Authors: Cahyono Christian , Rusli Loviandy
Published: April 2024

Semarang has experienced floods every year, with a peak in the rainy season. At the end of 2022, there was heavy rain which caused the East Flood Canal River to overflow. As a result, the floods inundated several areas in Semarang City, including Kota Lama of Semarang. This study aims to determine the value of the designed discharge, the area of the flood inundation that occurred and the flood inundation map for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years. The methodology of this research consist of hydrological analysis, hydrological modelling with HEC-HMS and hydraulics modelling with HEC-RAS and integration with ArcGIS. In this study, it was found that for a return period of 2 years the planned flood discharge value was 153.7 m3/second with an inundation area of 406 Ha and a flood height of 17 cm to 68 cm, up to a return period of 100 years with a planned flood discharge value of 455.7 m3/second with an inundation area of 796 Ha and a flood height of 83 cm to 180 cm.
IoT-Based HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant: A Design Thinking Approach and Business Model Analysis
Authors: Basuki Carola , Pratiwi Chairani Putri , Manuetha Frederico Godwyn Pratama Dewat , Alvarez Kenny Christiano , Winarta Nathanael Pandu , Susetya Nicholas Oliver Marvin
Published: April 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) generates new business opportunities by connecting physical objects with a multitude of sensors. IoT research mainly focused on technology and business models are relatively unexplored, although developing IoT business models is important for successful IoT service. The aim of this research is to prototyping business model for IoT development HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant. This research has a generic design thinking framework and business model for IoT through literature analysis and interviews. To create the developing of the HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant, the researcher undertakes case studies of a group of students who are in the process of finding problems, creating ideas, design product, to testing the HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant product using IoT that combines internet technology and smartphones. In addition, a group of students also made a Business Model which will later be used as planning, especially in the Competitive Advantages, Key Resources, Key Partners, Cost Structure to added value and sell products that will later be marketed to consumers. This research acts as a starting point for designing or developing business models for IoT services. The findings suggest that the HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant has a considerable chance of success rate for potential users, especially those who like to water plants but do not have enough time. The HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant can be a tool for caring (watering plants automatically) and this tool can provide information to users when their plants have been watered. This HydroM8 Self-Watering Plant has the potential to significantly impact for the community of agriculture sector and promote sustainable water use efficiency.
Smart Water Management System Using IOT based Sensors
Authors: Tedjojuwono Samuel Mahatmaputra , Jahja Jovan Dinata
Published: April 2024

The advancement of technology in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) have grown rapidly over the past years in the field of water management in various context. The work aims to contribute to general process flow of a smart city management specifically in the field of the residential water management system. As well to design a smart water management system for the residential areas that can be implemented not only to a single residential area but to multiple residential areas. This is achieved through implementing sensor-based water flow meter to replace current mechanical water flow gauge. It is as well addressed the need of a common platform to store data that are currently proposed through an additional data acquisition application. Lastly, the work proposes an affordable prototype to measure water flow rate using IOT based sensors to be implemented at large scale and promising usability testing result.
The effect of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) powder addition on the physicochemical and sensory properties of white chocolate ganache
Authors: Pamungkaningtyas F H , Fandy S J , Septiyanto J P
Published: April 2024

Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream commonly utilized as fillings or glazing. Butterfly pea and roselle are edible flowers with potential bioactive compounds that could improve ganache functionality. This research aimed to understand the effect of butterfly pea and roselle powder addition with various concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2% (w/v)) on white chocolate ganache’s physical and sensory properties. The samples were analyzed for their water content, color profile, water activity, total soluble solids, and hedonic scores. Results showed that the butterfly pea-added ganache had a higher water content and activity than the roselle-added ganache. However, the total soluble solid analysis showed a reverse trend. Addition of 2% edible flower powder decreased the moisture content of ganache up to 2%. Increasing the concentration of butterfly pea powder resulted in higher blueness intensity, while in roselle ganache, there was no significant effect on the redness. The hedonic test showed that the difference in edible flower types and concentration resulted in no significant difference in panelists’ acceptance of all tested sensory attributes.
Application of response surface methodology on optimization of textural properties in the development of gelatin-based jelly candy from honey orange (Citrus nobilis) and purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims)
Authors: Putri J W , Romauli N D M , Julianti E
Published: April 2024

Jelly candy is a type of confectionery made from a mixture of fruit juices or flavores syrups and gelling agent such as gelatin which produced chewy candy with variety of flavors and shapes. Honey orange and purple passion fruit are both the trademark fruits in North Sumatera. This study examined changes of fruit juice ratio and gelatin concentration toward the gumminess, hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness which are textural properties of jelly candy. The test was carried out with the use of texture analyzer. The change of fruit juice ratio and gelatin concentration gives effect to change of gumminess, hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness. Optimal fruit juice ratio and gelatin concentration using the response surface methodology (RSM) randomized with central composite design (CCD) occur at ratio of honey orange juice and purple passion fruit of 70 : 30 with a gelatin concentration of 12.923% with the textural properties of gumminess, hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, springiness and adhesiveness are 508.291 g, 265.736 g, 20.932 mJ, 1.160, 2.696 mm and 0.0000 mJ, respectively.
The Effect of Cold Press Juice Consumption During Snack Time on Hunger Level and Food Intake Based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Authors: Halim Josephine Gabrielle , Ervina Ervina
Published: April 2024

Obesity is a chronic disease linked to excessive unhealthy snacking and sedentary behaviour. In attempts to combat obesity, increasing fruits and vegetables consumption has been recommended. To date, no study has evaluated the effectiveness of cold pressed juice (CPJ) on obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CPJ on hunger level and food intake in adults using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Fifty-one adult participants (25.80 ± 7.92 years old) were divided into normal (NO) and overweight/obese (OW/OB) groups and they consumed CPJ and non-CPJ during the snacking time. After the standardized breakfast, hunger levels were measured with VAS every 30 minutes for 5 hours. Participants had an ad libitum lunch and food intake was measured. Findings indicate that CPJ reduced the desire to eat fatty foods in OW/OB subjects at +180, +240, and +270 minutes (p-value<0.05). CPJ was less effective in regulating hunger, satiety, and the desire to eat sweet and salty foods in both BMI groups (p-value>0.05). Moreover, CPJ did not significantly suppress food intake in NO and OW/OB subjects. These findings serve as a preliminary step in exploring obesity management targeting hunger level suppression and food intake reduction.
Community education approaches for food waste reduction in Indonesia: A systematic review
Authors: Angelina  , Tahara C M , Audrey M , Evelyne T , San V Y , Rukmini E
Published: April 2024

Food waste is leftover food that is ultimately wasted because the consumer cannot consume it and or is food material that is wasted due to negligence. In 2022, about 40.9% of the composition of waste in Indonesia is food waste. Therefore, food waste education is crucial to reduce food waste, and one way is through community education. This research aims to summarize the community education activities about food waste in Indonesia. This research is conducted to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals. The PRISMA guidelines became the foundation for this paper. This research used databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, BINUS library, and repository UGM to find relevant and related studies. The method used in this study is done by normative research using secondary data resources, comprehensive reviews of relevant literature, including academic articles, reports, and regulations related to food waste education in Indonesia. Papers used in this systematic review are 53 papers including journals and proceedings. Food waste community education in Indonesia focuses on seminars/campaign for 36% with the most targeted participant is adult. Zero hunger, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption & production, no poverty, and climate action are undertaken to achieve in community education activities.
Factors affecting consumers’ acceptability of fiber drink products
Authors: Ervina Ervina , Cicilia
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors that impact consumers’ acceptability of fiber drink products. The influence of both the sensory and non-sensory factors on the liking of fiber drink was investigated using 121 consumers (mean age 20.3 ± 3.2-year-old). Six commercial fiber drink samples were investigated in this study with different flavor and characteristics. The CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) method was implemented for descriptive measurement of the fiber drink samples and consumer acceptance was measured using 9-point hedonic scale. The result showed that both sensory and non-sensory characteristics were able to impact liking of fiber drink samples. The sensorial characteristics of bright color (p< 0.001), sweet aroma (p< 0.001), fruity aroma (p< 0.001), berry aroma (p=0.043), sweet taste (p< 0.001), and fruity taste (p< 0.001), were shown to significantly impact liking. In contrast, attributes of darker (p< 0.001) and green (p< 0.001) color, texture of sandy (p=0.002), clumpy (p< 0.001), puree (p=0.009) and gel-like (p< 0.001) were significantly decreasing liking. For the non-sensory attributes, factors associated with health and wellness have significantly impact liking with artificial (p=0.018) and nauseated (p<0.001) showed to negatively impact liking. This is the baseline study to understand factors impacting the acceptability of consumers in fiber drink samples and can be used to develop fiber drink products with the most acceptable profiles based on consumers’ evaluations.
The Effect of Red Bean Juice and Butterfly Pea Extract on Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Quality of Stirred Yoghurt
Authors: Airin Felisha , Surono Ingrid Suryanti
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to determine the effect of adding red bean juice and butterfly pea extract to stirred yogurt on antioxidant activity, total flavonoids, and sensory properties. Preliminary research on total plate count was conducted, followed by antioxidant activity, total flavonoids, and sensory properties. Data analysis used one-way ANOVA, Tukey HSD, and the Pearson correlation test. The addition of 10% butterfly pea extract (A3), 10% red bean juice and 10% butterfly pea extract (A4) significantly increased the antioxidant activity. All treatments had a significant effect on the increase of total flavonoids, but significantly decreased the preference of colour. The addition of 10% butterfly pea extract (A3), 10% red bean juice and 10% butterfly pea extract (A4) significantly decreased overall preference. The addition of 10% red bean juice and 10% butterfly pea extract (A4) significantly decreased the preference of consistency as compared to the control.
The effects of roselle extract addition on physical properties and organoleptic preferences of sorghum noodles
Authors: Onasie Evie Wilona , Abadi Evelyne Elvania , Kristiana Angela , Lo Diana
Published: April 2024

This research is intended to study the effect of roselle extract addition on physical, hedonic preferences, and nutrition facts of the sorghum noodles. The research is conducted using a Completely Randomized Design one factor with the concentrations of roselle extract were 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%. The analysis conducted were water absorption, color value, and organoleptic analysis with one-way ANOVA test followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for statistical analysis. The results showed that addition of roselle extract significantly affect the physical and organoleptic properties of sorghum noodles. The high concentration of roselle extract caused an increment in rehydration power, redness value, yellowness value, and decrement in lightness value. The rehydration power of sorghum noodles was 65 to 115%, lightness 43.10 to 63.78, redness -5.57 to 0.50, and yellowness 22.71 to 30.96. Based on the organoleptic preference test, roselle extract concentration of 30% has the best organoleptic properties with the liking scores of color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall liking of 3.40, 3.47, 3.50, 3.53, and 3.53, from the range of 1-5 respectively. From the nutrition fact prediction, sorghum noodle with 30% roselle extract has the higher calcium, and potassium than sorghum noodle without roselle extract. Therefore, 30% roselle extract addition on sorghum noodles showed was the best result in physical properties and organoleptic preferences.
Application of hesperidin crude extract from Siamese orange peel as an alternative natural antioxidant in the butter making process
Authors: Vivienne Clarissa , Amrinola Wiwit
Published: April 2024

Butter is a form of fat product that is quickly rancid. Reactions that cause rancidity can be prevented by adding synthetic antioxidant compounds. Behind that, the use of synthetic antioxidants triggers various side effects. Based on these problems, this study aimed to determine the effect of adding hesperidin crude extract from Siamese orange peel on the quality of the resulting butter product. In general, this research was divided into two parts: the isolation of the crude extract of hesperidin and the preparation and characterization of the final quality of butter. The crude extract of hesperidin showed positive for flavonoids and polyphenols. In general, the addition of hesperidin crude extract showed an effect by increasing the value of antioxidant activity and decreasing the peroxide value. The conclusion that can be obtained is the shelf life and the addition of hesperidin crude extract showed an effect on the final quality of butter. The best formulation in this study was the addition of 1.5% hesperidin crude extract. The formulation proved to have the highest value for antioxidant activity and the lowest value for peroxide value.
Antioxidant Activity and Consumer Acceptance Level of Kombucha Tea With Noni Fruit Extract (Morinda citrifolia)
Authors: Jennifer  , Surya R.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the impact of fermentation time and the best formulation of black tea and noni fruit juice on the production kombucha with the highest hedonic value and antioxidant activity. The research method involved (1) preparing kombucha tea, (2) assessing antioxidant activity, Total Solids value, pH value of the sample, and (3) conducting statical analysis using One-Way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Post Hoc Test at a confidence level a = 5% and T test. The addition of noni juice was found to increase the antioxidant activity in kombucha; however, it reduced the overall hedonic value of kombucha. In conclusion, this study determined that sample P2 (200 mL of noni juice in 800 mL of black tea) was the best formulation. Statistical tests revealed that both fermentation time and formulation P2 significantly influenced the increase in antioxidant activity, reaching 41.20%. Additionally, the highest hedonic score was achived by the control sample fermented for 7 days, which scored to 6.68%.
Utilization of Ginger and Its Waste
Authors: Sari D A , Saputro N W , Ulfa V S , Sukanta S , Wagiono W , Hasyim M
Published: April 2024

Ginger has become the focus of research because of its oleoresin and essential oil content. First, the drying process can maintain the quality of post-harvest products and increase the shelf life of dry products. Applying heat by air, microwave, vacuum, and freeze-drying can remove up to 5% (w.b.) of the moisture content of the material. High temperatures provide a greater driving force and result in the best possible product damage. The involvement of an adsorption dryer can be an opportunity to carry out drying at low temperatures by involving a dehumidified air agent. Apart from drying, the extraction process is an essential component of the ginger isolation technique. In addition to temperature, the physical properties involved in this process are density and pressure (having relatively great difficulty in achieving the desired properties). Significant components with GC-MS and GLC tests gave different peak area results from the drying and extraction processes. However, β-phellandrene and camphene represent the presence of ginger essential oil in both methods. Then, the pulp and skin can also be reprocessed through extraction to produce ginger oil and ginger pulp. The sustainability of ginger residue through pyrolysis can produce ginger charcoal products. Meanwhile, the ginger pulp contains sugar, acid, and micro-fibrillation of cellulose (MFC) through hydrolysis. The results of research related to ginger provide opportunities for SMEs to produce post-harvest products in red ginger powder. The extraction process with polar solvents and the role of appropriate technology have encouraged independent economic activities. In addition, dregs from raw materials and by-products can be exploited for opportunities to reduce the waste generated.
The Effect of Different Disinfectants for Controlling Salmonella Serotypes on Food Contact Surfaces: A Review
Authors: Bun Jasmine , Nugroho Galih
Published: April 2024

Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne infections worldwide. Various Salmonella enterica serotypes can cause this infection and can be transmitted through food contact surfaces. The most common way to prevent this infection is by applying disinfectant on food contact surfaces. Therefore, this research aims to summarize the effect of different disinfectants for controlling Salmonella serotypes on food contact surfaces. PRISMA guidelines were used as the method to find suitable sources for this systematic review. Relevant studies that were used are retrieved from several databases such as Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Taylor & Francis, SAGE, and Scopus. The keywords used to identify the relevant studies were “disinfectant”, “Salmonella sp.”, “food contact surface”, “food safety”, and “hygiene”. The initial search in the databases yielded 75 articles. After the screening process based on the criteria of the article, only 6 articles were used in the final systematic review. The result showed that the effect of disinfectants on foodborne pathogens, especially Salmonella serotypes, can be influenced by the composition of the disinfectant, the type of serotype, and the food contact surface material used. Therefore, in-depth consideration is needed regarding the factors that influence the effectiveness of a disinfectant, especially on food contact surfaces in the food industry.
Proximate, total phenolic, carotenoid, antioxidant activity, color, and FTIR analysis of red ginger powders (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) through the evaporation-crystallization process
Authors: Iqbal M , Sari D A , Saputro NW , Sukanta S , Hasyim M
Published: April 2024

Red ginger is a plant that is rich in antioxidants and is easily available in Indonesia. So far, red ginger has been used with various extraction methods by previous researchers, but the application of this process has not been able to be used by independent economic MSMEs. This research took place using evaporation-crystallization equipment as the main tool, accompanied by temperature variations (80 and 90°C) and granulated sugar as a crystallization agent (60 and 100%). The quality of the powdered red ginger product analyzed in this study showed good stability values for the fresh red ginger raw material before processing. The average value of the proximate content of red ginger products is 7.668; 12.116; 5.225; 0.422-1.708; 73.960% for moisture, ash, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content, respectively; and total glucose of 63.768 ppm. Meanwhile, the results of the phenolic and carotenoid content provide a significant reduction of up to 50%. The average content is 42.459 mg gallic acid/g; and 5.480 g respectively (including color - also a decrease in L, a, and b values) compared to the red ginger pulp raw material. The opposite value occurred in the DPPH antioxidant activity of red ginger pulp, the content of which was 2-3 times higher than fresh red ginger. These findings not only have an impact on the development of more health-beneficial food and beverage products but also encourage further understanding of the potential of bioactive compounds in ginger to support human well-being.
Towards a Holistic Understanding: Health Consciousness and Perceived Benefit in Consumer Choices of Hydroponic Products
Authors: Fahlevi Mochammad , Dandi Mochamad , Matroji Fajar Juanda , Asetya Dimvy Rusefani
Published: April 2024

Hydroponic products have emerged as a popular choice, particularly among urban populations opting for healthy food alternatives. This study aims to investigate the impact of health consciousness and perceived benefits on the purchase intention of hydroponic products. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of perceived benefits, concerning the Value-Based Consumer Decision Model. The study encompasses responses from 208 participants residing in Indonesia, obtained through snowball sampling techniques. The study utilizes structural equation modelling (SEM) methodology using SmartPLS 4 software. The findings elucidate the significant roles that health consciousness β 0.294 and perceived benefits β 0.393 play in shaping the purchase intention toward hydroponic products. Health consciousness as a crucial factor for perceived benefit β 0.483. This research delves deeper by developing a model to fill existing research gaps. It explores the mediating role of perceived benefit in influencing the relationship between health consciousness on purchase intention β 0.190, the model reveals that perceived benefit successfully mediates the influence of health consciousness on purchase intention. This research is novel in its application of the value-based consumer decision model to the consumer behavior associated with hydroponic products. It offers important implications for business practitioners in the hydroponic product sector, providing invaluable insights into the shifting market dynamics driven by an increasingly health-conscious and benefit-oriented consumer base.
Primer Design for Cloning of L-arabinose isomerase Gene from Arthrobacter psychrolactophillus into plasmid pET28a(+)
Authors: Nirwantono R. , Herawan David , Firdausa Salsabila , Nuryana Issa , Laksmi Fina Amreta , Pardamean B.
Published: April 2024

A novel putative L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) called ApL-AI with the accession number WP_110486392.1 was successfully retrieved from Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus B7 genome (Accession: NZ_QJVC01000021.1) through genome mining analysis. This study aimed to obtain the L-AI gene from the Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus B7 genome and clone it into the pET28a(+) plasmid. The primers pair designed in this study successfully amplified the gene using 60 °C of PCR annealing temperature and supported the gene amplicon to insert into the pET28a(+) to form plasmid pET28a(+)-ApLAI. It was proved by the appearance of a 1557-bp amplification band on the gel electrophoresis. The sequencing analysis also revealed that the gene was inserted in the correct direction, with the gene positioned after the promoter and finished with a terminator. Therefore, the plasmid can be used to express the ApL-AI gene to produce the ApL-AI enzyme for downstream analysis and further prospecting.
Apennine Crossings
Authors: Havely Nick
Published: April 2024

Apennine Crossings follows a modern mountain route across Italy: that of the ‘Great Apennine Excursion’, while moving back and forth in time, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War and from pilgrims merchants and tourists to soldiers, partisans, and poets. It interweaves the stories of past travellers in the region with the narrative of a walk across the ridge of the Northern Apennines, visiting high passes, remote lakes, and ancient sanctuaries. The travellers’ stories are drawn from a wide range of published and unpublished sources (letters, journals, memoirs, poems) and they illustrate a number of themes: the social and religious culture of the Northern Apennines, the perceptions of mountains; the development of literary tourism; and the impact of twentieth-century warfare. The book includes twenty-four illustrations, with maps for the whole route and for the sections covered by each of the seven chapters.
Introduction
Authors: Havely Nick
Published: April 2024

The Introduction outlines the course of the GEA trail, and its landscape, explaining how and why the writer came to know and travel across this part of the Apennines. It presents the range of travellers whose stories cross the path and form most of the book’s narrative: from clerics and pilgrims to tourists and World War II combatants. It discusses motives for travel across the Apennines, the genres of travel writing that will be sampled here, the range of published and unpublished sources that will be drawn upon, and the structure of this book and its relationship to previous writing about travel and travellers.
Lunigiana
Authors: Havely Nick
Published: April 2024

The last main chapter of the book takes the writer and a companion into the region of the Lunigiana on the final three days of the GEA trail. In rain and mist they cross the high peaks between the Lagastrello Pass and the Lago Santo Parmense; then they follow the ridge to the Passo della Cisa and a final long day brings them in darkness to the end of the GEA at the Passo dei Due Santi. At the Lago Santo the early exploits of a famous partisan leader ‘Facio’ are memorialized and recalled here. The Passo della Cisa was one of the most important crossing points on the Apennines before the age of the autostrada and its history from medieval times to the twentieth century is given close attention. Finally the activities of partisans in western Lunigiana accompany the narrative on the last day of the journey.
On Sin
Authors: Schellenberg J L
Published: April 2024

This chapter formulates arguments from development against the Christian doctrine of sin. The Misdiagnosis Argument maintains that the worst human problem is not constituted by a pattern of bad actions and moral dispositions implicating all humans, but rather a complex condition involving pain, ignorance, and other factors. This means the doctrine of sin is false. The Limited Responsibility Argument holds that bad acts are generally determined or near-determined. Since the doctrine of sin assigns a degree of moral responsibility for bad actions that is greater than this would allow, it is false. The Counterexample Argument shows that, on one interpretation, the doctrine of sin entails that all humans have believed in the existence of God, and on another, that all humans are in a profoundly disordered condition marked by self-oriented desire. But we have learned of various facts offering counterexamples to both entailments. Hence they, and the doctrine of sin, are false.
On Salvation
Authors: Schellenberg J L
Published: April 2024

This chapter identifies what’s minimally involved in the doctrine of salvation, and formulates two arguments from development against it. These arguments are united by the thought that, in the case of our relations to each other, salvation would require access to information humans have recently come to possess but that was not made available through Christ, which means that the doctrine is false. According to the Unsatisfied Factual Requirements Argument, a whole-making reordering of human relations requires access to a variety of ordinary facts, access which was not made available through Christ. The Gender/Sexuality Benightedness Argument focuses on information needed to make right what has gone deeply wrong among us, which includes the oppression of women and of LGBT people. False views about such people have prevailed across many centuries, and Christian teaching has been complicit in this. Thus again a requirement of salvation was not made available through Christ.
Erasure and Assertion in Body Aesthetics: Respectability Politics to Anti-Assimilationist Aesthetics
Authors: Martin-Seaver Madeline
Published: April 2024

Marginalized people have used body aesthetic practices, such as clothing and hairstyles, to communicate their worth to the mainstream. One such example is respectability politics, a set of practices developed in post-Reconstruction black communities to prevent sexual assault and convey moral standing to the white mainstream. Respectability politics is an ambivalent strategy. It requires assimilation to white bourgeois aesthetic and ethical standards, and so guides practitioners toward blandness and bodily erasure. Yet, it is an aesthetic practice that cultivates moral agency and helps communities avoid violence and meet social and economic goals. I contrast respectability politics with the anti-assimilationist body aesthetics of Chike Jeffers and Janell Hobson. Because these accounts do not seek to neutralize or erase the body, they fundamentally value black people. As such, they more effectively convey personhood than assimilationist strategies do and also demonstrate the positive role that body aesthetics can play in everyday ethical projects.
Synthesis of the A/D/E-ring Core Compounds of Maoecrystal V
Authors: Asao Hiroki , Shimasaki Yasuharu , Sasaki Ayaka , Katayama Shunki , Ida Kousuke , Kotake Masaaki , Sato Eriko , Sato Yuki , Ishimoto Taiki , Izumi Minoru , Vavricka Christopher J , Kuwahara Shigefumi , Kiyota Hiromasa
Published: April 2024

Synthesis of the A/D/E-ring core compounds of maoecrystal V was achieved. The key Diels-Alder reactions between tricyclic α-methylene lactones and Kitahara-Danishefsky dienes afforded the spirocyclic core compounds in a regioselective and stereoselective manner.
A comparative benchmarking and evaluation framework for heterogeneous network-based drug repositioning methods
Authors: Li Yinghong , Yang Yinqi , Tong Zhuohao , Wang Yu , Mi Qin , Bai Mingze , Liang Guizhao , Li Bo , Shu Kunxian
Published: April 2024

Computational drug repositioning, which involves identifying new indications for existing drugs, is an increasingly attractive research area due to its advantages in reducing both overall cost and development time. As a result, a growing number of computational drug repositioning methods have emerged. Heterogeneous network-based drug repositioning methods have been shown to outperform other approaches. However, there is a dearth of systematic evaluation studies of these methods, encompassing performance, scalability and usability, as well as a standardized process for evaluating new methods. Additionally, previous studies have only compared several methods, with conflicting results. In this context, we conducted a systematic benchmarking study of 28 heterogeneous network-based drug repositioning methods on 11 existing datasets. We developed a comprehensive framework to evaluate their performance, scalability and usability. Our study revealed that methods such as HGIMC, ITRPCA and BNNR exhibit the best overall performance, as they rely on matrix completion or factorization. HINGRL, MLMC, ITRPCA and HGIMC demonstrate the best performance, while NMFDR, GROBMC and SCPMF display superior scalability. For usability, HGIMC, DRHGCN and BNNR are the top performers. Building on these findings, we developed an online tool called HN-DREP (http://hn-drep.lyhbio.com/) to facilitate researchers in viewing all the detailed evaluation results and selecting the appropriate method. HN-DREP also provides an external drug repositioning prediction service for a specific disease or drug by integrating predictions from all methods. Furthermore, we have released a Snakemake workflow named HN-DRES (https://github.com/lyhbio/HN-DRES) to facilitate benchmarking and support the extension of new methods into the field.
Guided diffusion for molecular generation with interaction prompt
Authors: Wu Peng , Du Huabin , Yan Yingchao , Lee Tzong-Yi , Bai Chen , Wu Song
Published: April 2024

Molecular generative models have exhibited promising capabilities in designing molecules from scratch with high binding affinities in a predetermined protein pocket, offering potential synergies with traditional structural-based drug design strategy. However, the generative processes of such models are random and the atomic interaction information between ligand and protein are ignored. On the other hand, the ligand has high propensity to bind with residues called hotspots. Hotspot residues contribute to the majority of the binding free energies and have been recognized as appealing targets for designed molecules. In this work, we develop an interaction prompt guided diffusion model, InterDiff to deal with the challenges. Four kinds of atomic interactions are involved in our model and represented as learnable vector embeddings. These embeddings serve as conditions for individual residue to guide the molecular generative process. Comprehensive in silico experiments evince that our model could generate molecules with desired ligand–protein interactions in a guidable way. Furthermore, we validate InterDiff on two realistic protein-based therapeutic agents. Results show that InterDiff could generate molecules with better or similar binding mode compared to known targeted drugs.
GradHC: highly reliable gradual hash-based clustering for DNA storage systems
Authors: Ben Shabat Dvir , Hadad Adar , Boruchovsky Avital , Yaakobi Eitan
Published: April 2024

Motivation

As data storage challenges grow and existing technologies approach their limits, synthetic DNA emerges as a promising storage solution due to its remarkable density and durability advantages. While cost remains a concern, emerging sequencing and synthetic technologies aim to mitigate it, yet introduce challenges such as errors in the storage and retrieval process. One crucial task in a DNA storage system is clustering numerous DNA reads into groups that represent the original input strands.

Results

In this paper, we review different methods for evaluating clustering algorithms and introduce a novel clustering algorithm for DNA storage systems, named Gradual Hash-based clustering (GradHC). The primary strength of GradHC lies in its capability to cluster with excellent accuracy various types of designs, including varying strand lengths, cluster sizes (including extremely small clusters), and different error ranges. Benchmark analysis demonstrates that GradHC is significantly more stable and robust than other clustering algorithms previously proposed for DNA storage, while also producing highly reliable clustering results.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/bensdvir/GradHC.
Single proxy control
Authors: Park Chan , Richardson David B , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J
Published: April 2024

Negative control variables are sometimes used in nonexperimental studies to detect the presence of confounding by hidden factors. A negative control outcome (NCO) is an outcome that is influenced by unobserved confounders of the exposure effects on the outcome in view, but is not causally impacted by the exposure. Tchetgen Tchetgen (2013) introduced the Control Outcome Calibration Approach (COCA) as a formal NCO counterfactual method to detect and correct for residual confounding bias. For identification, COCA treats the NCO as an error-prone proxy of the treatment-free counterfactual outcome of interest, and involves regressing the NCO on the treatment-free counterfactual, together with a rank-preserving structural model, which assumes a constant individual-level causal effect. In this work, we establish nonparametric COCA identification for the average causal effect for the treated, without requiring rank-preservation, therefore accommodating unrestricted effect heterogeneity across units. This nonparametric identification result has important practical implications, as it provides single-proxy confounding control, in contrast to recently proposed proximal causal inference, which relies for identification on a pair of confounding proxies. For COCA estimation we propose 3 separate strategies: (i) an extended propensity score approach, (ii) an outcome bridge function approach, and (iii) a doubly-robust approach. Finally, we illustrate the proposed methods in an application evaluating the causal impact of a Zika virus outbreak on birth rate in Brazil.
Addressing age measurement errors in fish growth estimation from length-stratified samples
Authors: Zheng Nan , Kheirollahi Atefeh , Yilmaz Yildiz
Published: April 2024

Fish growth models are crucial for fisheries stock assessments and are commonly estimated using fish length-at-age data. This data is widely collected using length-stratified age sampling (LSAS), a cost-effective two-phase response-selective sampling method. The data may contain age measurement errors (MEs). We propose a methodology that accounts for both LSAS and age MEs to accurately estimate fish growth. The proposed methods use empirical proportion likelihood methodology for LSAS and the structural errors in variables methodology for age MEs. We provide a measure of uncertainty for parameter estimates and standardized residuals for model validation. To model the age distribution, we employ a continuation ratio-logit model that is consistent with the random nature of the true age distribution. We also apply a discretization approach for age and length distributions, which significantly improves computational efficiency and is consistent with the discrete age and length data typically encountered in practice. Our simulation study shows that neglecting age MEs can lead to significant bias in growth estimation, even with small but non-negligible age MEs. However, our new approach performs well regardless of the magnitude of age MEs and accurately estimates SEs of parameter estimators. Real data analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed model validation device. Computer codes to implement the methodology are provided.
Targeting T-bet expressing B cells for therapeutic interventions in autoimmunity
Authors: Sachinidis Athanasios , Lamprinou Malamatenia , Dimitroulas Theodoros , Garyfallos Alexandros
Published: April 2024

Apart from serving as a Th1 lineage commitment regulator, transcription factor T-bet is also expressed in other immune cell types and thus orchestrates their functions. In case of B cells, more specifically, T-bet is responsible for their isotype switching to specific IgG sub-classes (IgG2a/c in mice and IgG1/3 in humans). In various autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and/or rheumatoid arthritis, subsets of T-bet expressing B cells, known as age-associated B cells (CD19+CD11c+CD21−T-bet+) and/or double-negative B cells (CD19+IgD−CD27−T-bet+), display an expansion and seem to drive disease pathogenesis. According to data, mostly derived from mice models of autoimmunity, the targeting of these specific B-cell populations is capable of ameliorating the general health status of the autoimmune subjects. Here, in this review article, we present a variety of therapeutic approaches for both mice and humans, suffering from an autoimmune disease, and we discuss the effects of each approach on T-bet+ B cells. In general, we highlight the importance of specifically targeting T-bet+ B cells for therapeutic interventions in autoimmunity.
The Subcortical Atlas of the Marmoset (“SAM”) monkey based on high-resolution MRI and histology
Authors: Saleem Kadharbatcha S , Avram Alexandru V , Glen Daniel , Schram Vincent , Basser Peter J
Published: April 2024

A comprehensive three-dimensional digital brain atlas of cortical and subcortical regions based on MRI and histology has a broad array of applications in anatomical, functional, and clinical studies. We first generated a Subcortical Atlas of the Marmoset, called the “SAM,” from 251 delineated subcortical regions (e.g. thalamic subregions, etc.) derived from high-resolution Mean Apparent Propagator-MRI, T2W, and magnetization transfer ratio images ex vivo. We then confirmed the location and borders of these segmented regions in the MRI data using matched histological sections with multiple stains obtained from the same specimen. Finally, we estimated and confirmed the atlas-based areal boundaries of subcortical regions by registering this ex vivo atlas template to in vivo T1- or T2W MRI datasets of different age groups (single vs. multisubject population-based marmoset control adults) using a novel pipeline developed within Analysis of Functional NeuroImages software. Tracing and validating these important deep brain structures in 3D will improve neurosurgical planning, anatomical tract tracer injections, navigation of deep brain stimulation probes, functional MRI and brain connectivity studies, and our understanding of brain structure–function relationships. This new ex vivo template and atlas are available as volumes in standard NIFTI and GIFTI file formats and are intended for use as a reference standard for marmoset brain research.
Changes in the Appropriateness of US Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing After the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis of 2017–2021 Data
Authors: Chua Kao-Ping , Fischer Michael A , Rahman Moshiur , Linder Jeffrey A
Published: April 2024

Background

No national study has evaluated changes in the appropriateness of US outpatient antibiotic prescribing across all conditions and age groups after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in March 2020.

Methods

This was an interrupted time series analysis of Optum's de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, a national commercial and Medicare Advantage claims database. Analyses included prescriptions for antibiotics dispensed to children and adults enrolled during each month during 2017–2021. For each prescription, we applied our previously developed antibiotic appropriateness classification scheme to International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes on medical claims occurring on or during the 3 days prior to dispensing. Outcomes included the monthly proportion of antibiotic prescriptions that were inappropriate and the monthly proportion of enrollees with ≥1 inappropriate prescription. Using segmented regression models, we assessed for level and slope changes in outcomes in March 2020.

Results

Analyses included 37 566 581 enrollees, of whom 19 154 059 (51.0%) were female. The proportion of enrollees with ≥1 inappropriate prescription decreased in March 2020 (level decrease: −0.80 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, −1.09% to −.51%]) and subsequently increased (slope increase: 0.02 percentage points per month [95% CI, .01%–.03%]), partly because overall antibiotic dispensing rebounded and partly because the proportion of antibiotic prescriptions that were inappropriate increased (slope increase: 0.11 percentage points per month [95% CI, .04%–.18%]). In December 2021, the proportion of enrollees with ≥1 inappropriate prescription equaled the corresponding proportion in December 2019.

Conclusions

Despite an initial decline, the proportion of enrollees exposed to inappropriate antibiotics returned to baseline levels by December 2021. Findings underscore the continued importance of outpatient antibiotic stewardship initiatives.
Make Modern Microbiology Matter More in the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Oldberg Karl , Rasmussen Magnus
Published: April 2024

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 2023 guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis (IE) stress that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to manage patients with IE. In our view, the guidelines do not include the relevant perspectives from modern microbiology. The diagnostic criteria for IE were changed in the ESC 2023 guidelines, and many IE-causing pathogens are either not clearly defined. Moreover, an improved understanding of the relationship between bacterial species and the risk for IE has not been implemented. The guidelines give detailed and, in our view, incorrect instructions about diagnostic testing in blood culture–negative IE without presenting proper evidence. Other important diagnostic aspects, such as the value of repeated blood cultures and incubation time for blood cultures, are not discussed. We believe that a multidisciplinary collaboration that include microbiologists would have improved these guidelines, and we hope for a future harmonization of diagnostic criteria for IE.