bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Shadow-Based Needle Positioning System in Performing CT Image-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Lung Lesions: Our Initial Experience
Authors: Keshava Shyamkumar N. , Moses Vinu , Padmanabhan Aswin
Published: April 2022

Context Computerized tomography (CT) is widely used for various interventions and there is a need for an effective navigation tool, for best outcomes.

Aim The study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of light- and shadow-based needle positioning assistance device, an innovative navigation tool over the conventional freehand technique, in performing CT image-guided percutaneous interventions.

Settings and Design This randomized control trial was performed among patients undergoing CT-guided percutaneous intervention for lung pathologies.

Methodology A total of 60 participants were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. The accuracy of needle insertion and other efficacy parameters were assessed for both groups. Post needle placement, CT images were used to evaluate the study endpoints.

Statistical Analysis Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 20 software.

Results The mean needle positioning accuracy was 2.1 mm in the experimental group compared with 7.2 mm in the control group freehand procedures. The average time to position the needle at the desired target location was 2.5 minutes in the assisted procedure as compared with 5.3 minutes in the freehand procedure (p < 0.05). The total number of check scans required to position the needle was 1.3 for assisted procedures and 1.9 for freehand procedures.

Conclusion The use of shadow-based assistance device for CT-guided interventions is proven to be efficient and safer with high needle positioning accuracy.
Vaccination and three non-pharmaceutical interventions determine the dynamics of COVID-19 in the US
Authors: Zhong Lu , Diagne Mamadou , Wang Qi , Gao Jianxi
Published: April 2022

The rapid rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine raises the question of whether and when the ongoing pandemic could be eliminated with vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Despite advances in the impact of NPIs and the conceptual belief that NPIs and vaccination control COVID-19 infections, we lack evidence to employ control theory in real-world social human dynamics in the context of disease spreading. We bridge the gap by developing a new analytical framework that treats COVID-19 as a feedback control system with the NPIs and vaccination as the controllers and a computational model that maps human social behaviors into input signals. This approach enables us to effectively predict the epidemic spreading in 381 Metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the US by learning our model parameters utilizing the time series NPIs (i.e., the stay-at-home order, face-mask wearing, and testing) data. This model allows us to optimally identify three NPIs to predict infections accurately in 381 MSAs and avoid over-fitting. Our numerical results demonstrate our approach’s excellent predictive power with R2 > 0.9 for all the MSAs regardless of their sizes, locations, and demographic status. Our methodology allows us to estimate the needed vaccine coverage and NPIs for achieving Re to a manageable level and how the variants of concern diminish the likelihood for disease elimination at each location. Our analytical results provide insights into the debates surrounding the elimination of COVID-19. NPIs, if tailored to the MSAs, can drive the pandemic to an easily containable level and suppress future recurrences of epidemic cycles.
Basic studies toward ultrafast soft x-ray photoelectron diffraction; its application to probing local structure in iodobenzene molecules
Authors: Teramoto T. , Minemoto S. , Majima T. , Mizuno T. , Mun J. H. , Yagishita A. , Decleva P. , Tsuru S.
Published: April 2022

Ultrafast x-ray photoelectron diffraction (UXPD) for free molecules has a promising potential to probe the local structures of the molecules in an element-specific fashion. Our UXPD scheme consists of three steps: (1) near-infrared laser (NIR) with ns pulse duration aligns sample molecules, (2) ultra-violet laser with fs pulse duration pumps the aligned molecules, and (3) soft x-ray free-electron laser (SXFEL) with fs pulse duration probes the molecules by measuring x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) profiles. Employing steps of (1) and (3), we have measured I 3d XPD profiles from ground state iodobenzene aligned by the NIR laser with the SXFEL. Then, we have intensively calculated I 3d XPD profiles with density functional theory, taking degrees of alignments of the molecules into account, to extract a distance between C and I atoms in iodobenzene from the experimental I 3d XPD profiles. Although we have failed to determine the distance from the comparison between the experimental and theoretical results, we have succeeded in concluding that the degeneracies of the initial state eliminate the sensitivity on molecular structure in the I 3d XPD profiles. Thus, the observation of fine structures in the XPD profiles could be expected, if a nondegenerate molecular orbital is selected for a probe of UXPD. Finally, we have summarized our criteria to perform UXPD successfully: (1) to use SXFEL, (2) to prepare sample molecules with the degree of alignment higher than 0.8, and (3) to select a photoemission process from a nondegenerate inner-shell orbital of sample molecules.
Elastic modulus measurements of cooked Lutefisk
Authors: Feneuil Blandine , Strøm Lillebø Eirik , Honstad Christian Larris , Jensen Atle , Carlson Andreas
Published: April 2022

Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian Christmas dish, made of dry cod soaked in a lye solution before re-hydrated. We report measurements of tissue rheological properties of cooked Lutefisk. Surprisingly, we find that the elastic modulus does not seem to depend heavily on cooking time, cooking temperature, or the amount of salt, but depends instead mainly on the size of the fish fillets and can be affected by when the cod is fished during the season. Although salting and cooking of the Lutefisk strongly affect the visual aspect of fish fillets, these changes are not found to be correlated with the elastic modulus of the lutefisk when measured with a rheometer.
Dense twin and domain boundaries lead to high thermoelectric performance in Sn-doped Cu3SbS4
Authors: Lu Baobiao , Wang Mingyuan , Yang Jian , Hou Haigang , Zhang Xiangzhao , Shi Zhongqi , Liu Junlin , Qiao Guanjun , Liu Guiwu
Published: April 2022

Exploring high-performance medium-temperature thermoelectric (TE) materials with nontoxicity and low price is of great significance for waste heat recovery. In spite of low price and nontoxicity, the poor intrinsic electrical properties of Cu3SbS4 restrict its potential commercial applications. Herein, intermediate-phase-free Cu3SbS4-based bulks were fabricated by incorporating a sulfurization process between melting and sintering, and the as-formed dense twin and domain boundaries in a Sn-doped Cu3SbS4 system can significantly enhance the electrical conductivity and retain a higher level of the Seebeck coefficient based on the energy filtering effect and band flattening and convergence. The high power factor of ∼13.6 μW cm−1 K−2 and relatively low thermal conductivity are achieved for a 1.5%Sn-doped Cu3SbS4 sample, resulting in a record zT of ∼0.76 at 623 K in Cu3SbS4-based systems. This work develops an effective pathway to synthesize intermediate-phase-free Cu3SbS4-based TE materials and provides an effective strategy for enhancing TE performance in diamond-like semiconductors by interface engineering.
Development of a near-5-Kelvin, cryogen-free, pulse-tube refrigerator-based scanning probe microscope
Authors: Kasai Jun , Koyama Tomoki , Yokota Munenori , Iwaya Katsuya
Published: April 2022

We report the design and performance of a cryogen-free, pulse-tube refrigerator (PTR)-based scanning probe microscopy (SPM) system capable of operating at a base temperature of near 5 K. We achieve this by combining a home-made interface design between the PTR cold head and the SPM head, with an automatic gas-handling system. The interface design isolates the PTR vibrations by a combination of polytetrafluoroethylene and stainless-steel bellows and by placing the SPM head on a passive vibration isolation table via two cold stages that are connected to thermal radiation shields using copper heat links. The gas-handling system regulates the helium heat-exchange gas pressures, facilitating both the cooldown to and maintenance of the base temperature. We discuss the effects of each component using measured vibration, current-noise, temperature, and pressure data. We demonstrate that our SPM system performance is comparable to known liquid-helium-based systems with the measurements of the superconducting gap spectrum of Pb, atomic-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy image and quasiparticle interference pattern of Au(111) surface, and non-contact atomic force microscopy image of NaCl(100) surface. Without the need for cryogen refills, the present SPM system enables uninterrupted low-temperature measurements.
A gas curtain beam profile monitor using beam induced fluorescence for high intensity charged particle beams
Authors: Salehilashkajani A. , Zhang H. D. , Ady M. , Chritin N. , Forck P. , Glutting J. , Jones O. R. , Kersevan R. , Kumar N. , Lefevre T. , Marriott-Dodington T. , Mazzoni S. , Papazoglou I. , Rossi A. , Schneider G. , Sedlacek O. , Udrea S. , Veness R. , Welsch C. P.
Published: April 2022

A minimally invasive transverse beam profile monitor based on supersonic gas curtain technology and beam-induced fluorescence has been developed and demonstrated. The concept presented can be used to measure both the profile of the proton beam in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the concentricity of the electron and the proton beams in the LHC hollow electron lens. In this Letter, the performance of such a monitor for a low energy electron beam is discussed, which paves the way for its wider implementation.
A new woven composite constitutive model validated by shock wave experiments
Authors: Scott Nicholas R. , Rajendran Arunachalam , Nelms Matthew D. , Prakash Vikas
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present results of plate impact simulations of shock compressed woven glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) performed using the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian three-dimensional finite element code. A hyperelastic large-strain-based empirical Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) formulation is employed to describe damage initiation and growth in the shock-compressed GRP. The model parameters calibration scheme utilizes the Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector normal particle velocity measurements at the free surface of the GRP target plates. The impact velocity in the experiments ranged from 8.5 to 418 m/s. The finite element model considered planar 0°/90° bidirectional plies with an individual ply thickness of 0.68 mm, stacked to reach a total laminate thickness of 6.8 mm. The anisotropic elastic strains were estimated from the experimentally determined tetragonal symmetry stiffness matrix for the GRP. The strain-based damage model captures several salient features observed in the measured free surface particle wave profiles, including the shock rise time, onset of Elastic—Elastic Cracking, and the shape of the nonlinear portion of the experimental particle velocity profiles. The CDM model predicts the dominant damage mode to be matrix microcracking due to shear and the associated bulk expansion (bulking) under the global compressive loading in the plate impact configuration.
Quantum computing of Hückel molecular orbitals of π-electron systems
Authors: Yoshida Ryuhei , Lötstedt Erik , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: April 2022

In order to demonstrate an applicability of quantum computing to fundamental electronic structure problems of molecules, we describe the Hückel Hamiltonian matrix in terms of quantum gates and obtain the orbital energies of fundamental π-electron molecules (C2H4, C3H4, C4H4, C4H6, and C6H6) using a superconducting-qubit-type quantum computer (ibm_kawasaki) with a post-selection error mitigation method. We show that the orbital energies are obtained with sufficiently high accuracy and small uncertainties and that characteristic features of the electronic structure of the π-electron molecules can be extracted by quantum computing in a straightforward manner.
The intermediate state approach for doubly excited dark states in EOM-coupled-cluster theory
Authors: Ravi Moneesha , Park Young choon , Perera Ajith , Bartlett Rodney J.
Published: April 2022

Solution of dark, doubly excited states using equation-of-motion coupled-cluster (EOM-CC) usually equires at least triple excitations or even quadruples beyond the standard singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) for an appropriate treatment. A new route to obtain these doubly excited states using EOM-CCSD is demonstrated. Traditionally, EOM-CC is performed on a closed shell reference state that has a well-described single reference CC wavefunction. In this Communication, we attempt to use low spin open-shell states such as the MS = 0 triplet and open-shell singlet as a reference state. Using this intermediate excited state as a reference state provides us with the benefit of obtaining a doubly excited state, as a single excitation at the cost of EOM-CCSD.
Postmitotic G1 phase survivin drives mitogen-independent cell division of B lymphocytes
Authors: Singh Amit , Spitzer Matthew H. , Joy Jaimy P. , Kaileh Mary , Qiu Xiang , Nolan Garry P. , Sen Ranjan
Published: April 2022

Significance

The prevailing dogma is that renewed mitogenic signaling is essential to traverse G1 phase of the cell cycle after each division. B lymphocytes undergo multiple mitotic divisions, termed clonal expansion, to expand antigen-specific cells that mediate effective immunity. Here we demonstrate that B cells that have undergone one cell division continue to proliferate even in absence of further mitogenic signals. This mitogen-independent proliferation is accompanied by an altered G1 phase marked by transcriptomic and proteomic features of G2/M. Survivin, a G2/M-specific oncogene, is required in G1 to achieve mitogen-independent proliferation.
ATR activity controls stem cell quiescence via the cyclin F–SCF complex
Authors: Salvi Jayesh S. , Kang Jengmin , Kim Soochi , Colville Alex J. , de Morrée Antoine , Billeskov Tine Borum , Larsen Mikkel Christian , Kanugovi Abhijnya , van Velthoven Cindy T. J. , Cimprich Karlene A. , Rando Thomas A.
Published: April 2022

Significance

The replication stress response protein, ATR, is active in quiescent muscle stem cells in response to DNA:RNA hybrids, and this activity maintains quiescence by ensuring degradation of key cell-cycle transition factors by the E3 ubiquitin ligase cyclin F–SCF complex. This is critical for understanding how stem cells regulate a state of prolonged and reversible cell-cycle arrest and how genome integrity is maintained over time. Together, these studies offer a unique picture of a molecular mechanism controlling stem cell quiescence.
Cold-season freeze frequency is a pervasive driver of subcontinental forest growth
Authors: Girardin Martin P. , Guo Xiao Jing , Gervais David , Metsaranta Juha , Campbell Elizabeth M. , Arsenault André , Isaac-Renton Miriam , Hogg Edward H.
Published: April 2022

Significance

The reduction of freeze exposure with winter warming has consequences for carbon sequestration by northern forests. Quantifying the impact of these changes on tree growth is, however, challenging because of among- and within-tree species variability in freeze tolerance and phenological cues. Here, we provide a comprehensive assessment of tree growth response to the cold-season frequency of freeze days using an extensive tree-ring dataset covering Canada’s forests. Our study shows that tree growth responses to freeze exposure vary in direction and magnitude by clade and species but also with leaf-out strategy, tree age and size, and environmental factors. Such quantification can help predict terrestrial carbon dynamics under climate change.
Calcium channel blockers potentiate gemcitabine chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Aissa Alexandre F. , Kumar Sandeep , Pham Thao N. D. , Underwood Patrick W. , Nair Rakesh , Ke Rong , Rana Basabi , Trevino Jose G. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Benevolenskaya Elizaveta V. , Rana Ajay
Published: April 2022

Significance

Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death, in part due to incomplete responses to standard-of-care chemotherapy. In this study, using a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing and high-throughput proteomics, we identified the calcium-responsive protein calmodulin as a key mediator of resistance to the first-line chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. Inhibition of calmodulin led to the loss of gemcitabine resistance in vitro, which was recapitulated using a calcium chelator or Food and Drug Administration–approved calcium channel blockers (CCBs), including amlodipine. In animal studies, amlodipine markedly enhanced therapeutic responses to gemcitabine chemotherapy, reducing the incidence of distant metastases and extending survival. Hence, incorporating CCBs may provide a safe and effective means of improving responses to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients.
High-performance seawater oxidation by a homogeneous multimetallic layered double hydroxide electrocatalyst
Authors: Yu Luo , Xiao Jiayong , Huang Chuqiang , Zhou Jianqing , Qiu Ming , Yu Ying , Ren Zhifeng , Chu Ching-Wu , Yu Jimmy C.
Published: April 2022

Significance

Seawater is one of the most abundant resources on Earth. Direct electrolysis of seawater is a transformative technology for sustainable hydrogen production without causing freshwater scarcity. However, this technology is severely impeded by a lack of robust and active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Here, we report a highly efficient OER electrocatalyst composed of multimetallic layered double hydroxides, which affords superior catalytic performance and long-term durability for high-performance seawater electrolysis. To the best of our knowledge, this catalyst is among the most active for OER and it advances the development of seawater electrolysis technology.
Spin-dependent transport in a driven non-collinear antiferromagnetic fractal network
Authors: Mondal Kallol , Ganguly Sudin , Maiti Santanu K
Published: April 2022

Non-collinear magnetic texture breaks the spin-sublattice symmetry which gives rise to a spin-splitting effect. Inspired by this, we study the spin-dependent transport properties in a non-collinear antiferromagnetic fractal structure, namely, the Sierpinski Gasket (SPG) triangle. We find that though the spin-up and spin-down currents are different, the degree of spin polarization is too weak. Finally, we come up with a proposal, where the degree of spin polarization can be enhanced significantly in the presence of a time-periodic driving field. Such a prescription of getting spin-filtering effect from an unpolarized source in a fractal network is completely new to the best of our knowledge. Starting from a higher generation of SPG to smaller ones, the precise dependencies of driving field parameters, spin-dependent scattering strength, interface sensitivity on spin polarization are critically investigated. The spatial distribution of spin-resolved bond current density is also explored. Interestingly, our proposed setup exhibits finite spin polarization for different spin-quantization axes. Arbitrarily polarized light is considered and its effect is incorporated through Floquet–Bloch ansatz. All the spin-resolved transport quantities are computed using Green’s function formalism following the Landauer–Büttiker prescription. In light of the experimental feasibility of such fractal structures and manipulation of magnetic textures, the present work brings forth new insights into spintronic properties of non-collinear antiferromagnetic SPG. This should also entice the AFM spintronic community to explore other fractal structures with the possibility of unconventional features.
On the use of polychromatic cameras for high spatial resolution spectral dose measurements
Authors: Cloutier E , Beaulieu L , Archambault L
Published: April 2022

Objective. Despite the demonstrated benefits of hyperspectral formalism for stem effect corrections in the context of fiber dose measurements, this approach has not been yet translated into volumetric measurements where cameras are typically used for their distinguishing spatial resolution. This work investigates demosaicing algorithms for polychromatic cameras based spectral imaging. Approach. The scintillation and Cherenkov signals produced in a radioluminescent phantom are imaged by a polychromatic camera and isolated using the spectral formalism. To do so, five demosaicing algorithms are investigated from calibration to measurements: a clustering method and four interpolation algorithms. The resulting accuracy of scintillation and Cherenkov images is evaluated with measurements of the differences (mean ± standard deviation) between the obtained and expected signals from profiles drawn across a scintillation spot. Signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-background ratio are further measured and compared in the resulting scintillation images. Finally, the resulting differences on the scintillation signal from a 0.2 × 0.2 cm2 region-of-interest (ROI) were reported. Main results. Clustering, OpenCV, bilinear, Malvar and Menon demosaicing algorithms respectively yielded differences of 3 ± 5%, 1 ± 3%, 1 ± 3%, 1 ± 2% and 2 ± 4% in the resulting scintillation images. For the Cherenkov images, all algorithms provided differences below 1%. All methods enabled measurements over the detectability (SBR > 2) and sensitivity (SNR > 5) thresholds with the bilinear algorithm providing the best SNR value. Clustering, OpenCV, bilinear, Malvar and Menon demosaicing algorithms respectively provided differences on the ROI analysis of 7 ± 5%, 3 ± 2%, 3 ± 2%, 4 ± 2%, 7 ± 3%. Significance. Radioluminescent signals can accurately be isolated using a single polychromatic camera. Moreover, demosaicing using a bilinear kernel provided the best results and enabled Cherenkov signal subtraction while preserving the full spatial resolution of the camera.
Development of a surface plasma method for negative ion beams production
Authors: Dudnikov Vadim
Published: April 2022

By now, the fluxes of accelerated negative ions of steel an indispensable tool for accelerators, plasma physics, solid state physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, important areas of new technique and technology. It arouses increased interest to the development of intensive sources of these particles.

The cesiation effect - a significant increase in the emission of negative ions from the discharge with a simultaneous decrease in the flux of accompanying electrons below the current of negative ions after adding a small amount of cesium or other substances with a low ionization potential to the discharge was discovered 50 years ago, on July 1, 1971 in the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP), Novosibirsk, Russia.

The cesiation effect has opened the door to high-intensity, high-brightness negative ion beams production. The efficiency of generating beams of negative ions was significantly increased due to the invention at the BINP of geometric focusing of generated negative ions. Based on the cesiation effect a surface-plasma method for producing beams of negative ions was developed at the BINP, which provided the creation of surface plasma sources of negative ions for accelerators with a current of hundreds of mA and sources for Controlled Nuclear Fusion with a current of tens of A. (the previous intensity record was 5 mA).

Surface plasma sources are being developed all over the world in England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, Korea, China, India, USA, Canada, Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine, Finland with investments in billions of USD. Specialists in surface plasma sources are trained at the Plasma Physics Department of Novosibirsk State University.
Exploring the intrinsic energy resolution of liquid scintillator to approximately 1 MeV electrons
Authors: Deng Y. , Sun X. , Qi B. , Li J. , Yan W. , Li L. , Jiang H. , Wang C. , Cai X. , Hu T. , Fang J. , Fan X. , Gu F. , Lv J. , Ling X. , Qu G. , Qi X. , Sun L. , Zhou L. , Yu B. , Xie Y. , Ye J. , Zhu Z. , Zh Y. , Zuo G.
Published: April 2022

We propose a novel method for exploring the intrinsic
energy resolution of a liquid scintillator (LAB + 2.5 g/L PPO +
3 mg/L bis-MSB) to approximately 1 MeV electrons. With the help of
coincidence detection technology, single-energy electrons of 
207Bi were effectively selected. With a careful measurement and
analysis of the energy resolution of a small liquid scintillator
detector, the intrinsic energy resolution of the liquid scintillator
to 976 keV electrons was extracted to be 1.83% ± 0.06%. We
used the wide-angle Compton coincidence (WACC) method to measure the
luminescent nonlinearity of a liquid scintillator and found that it
contributes only weakly to the intrinsic energy resolution of
electrons. Such an unexpected large intrinsic energy resolution may
come from fluctuations in energy transfer processes.
Advances in digital light processing of hydrogels
Authors: Mo Xingwu , Ouyang Liliang , Xiong Zhuo , Zhang Ting
Published: April 2022

Hydrogels, three-dimensional (3D) networks of hydrophilic polymers formed in water, are a significant type of soft matter used in fundamental and applied sciences. Hydrogels are of particular interest for biomedical applications, owing to their soft elasticity and good biocompatibility. However, the high water content and soft nature of hydrogels often make it difficult to process them into desirable solid forms. The development of 3D printing (3DP) technologies has provided opportunities for the manufacturing of hydrogels, by adopting a freeform fabrication method. Owing to its high printing speed and resolution, vat photopolymerization 3DP has recently attracted considerable interest for hydrogel fabrication, with digital light processing (DLP) becoming a widespread representative technique. Whilst acknowledging that other types of vat photopolymerization 3DP have also been applied for this purpose, we here only focus on DLP and its derivatives. In this review, we first comprehensively outline the most recent advances in both materials and fabrication, including the adaptation of novel hydrogel systems and advances in processing (e.g. volumetric printing and multimaterial integration). Secondly, we summarize the applications of hydrogel DLP, including regenerative medicine, functional microdevices, and soft robotics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that either of these specific review focuses has been adopted in the literature. More importantly, we discuss the major challenges associated with hydrogel DLP and provide our perspectives on future trends. To summarize, this review aims to aid and inspire other researchers investigatng DLP, photocurable hydrogels, and the research fields related to them.
The additive effects of photobiomodulation and bioactive glasses on enhancing early angiogenesis
Authors: Huang Lidong , Gong Weiyu , Huang Guibin , Li Jingyi , Wu Jilin , Wang Yuguang , Dong Yanmei
Published: April 2022

Bioactive glasses (BG) have been widely utilized as a biomaterial for bone repair. However, the early angiogenesis of BG may be inadequate, which weakens its osteogenic effects in large-sized bone defects and often leads to the failure of bone regeneration. In this study, we explored the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) combined with BG on early angiogenesis to solve this bottleneck problem of insufficient early angiogenesis. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured with BG extracts and treated with PBM using 1 J cm−2. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and tubule formation assay were utilized to detect HUVECs’ proliferation, vascular growth factor genes expression and tubules formation. In vivo, bone defects at the femoral metaphysis in Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with BG particulates and PBM at 120 J cm−2. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was used to observe the inflammatory response, tissue formation and biomaterial absorption of bone defects. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to observe the vascular-like structure formation. The in vitro results showed that PBM combined with BG significantly promoted HUVECs’ proliferation, genes expression and mature tubules formation. On days 2, 4 and 7, the mRNA expression of VEGF in BG + PBM group was 2.70-, 2.59- and 3.05-fold higher than control (P< 0.05), and significantly higher than PBM and BG groups (P< 0.05). On days 4 and 7, the bFGF gene expression in BG + PBM group was 2.42- and 1.82-fold higher than control (P< 0.05), and also higher than PBM and BG groups (P< 0.05). Tube formation assay showed that mature tubules were formed in BG + PBM and PBM groups after 4 h, and the number in BG + PBM group was significantly higher than other groups (P< 0.05). In vivo results further confirmed PBM induced early angiogenesis, with more vascular-like structures observed in BG + PBM and PBM groups 2 week post-surgery. With the optimum PBM fluence and BG concentration, PBM combined with BG exerted additive effects on enhancing early angiogenesis.
Effects of Payload on Non-exhaust PM Emissions from Hybrid Electric Vehicle during Braking Sequences
Authors: Wirojsakunchai E , Plengsa-Ard C , Songkitti W
Published: April 2022

Vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines are known as one of the most important Particulate Matters (PM) emissions sources. Many countries are aware of this issue and interested in employing more electric vehicles to reduce this emission. However, various past research claims that electric vehicles also emitted PM as conventional vehicles due to their non-exhaust emissions such as brake wear, tyre wear, road surface wear, and road dust resuspension. In addition, substantial evidence showed that there was indeed a positive correlation between the weight of vehicles and amounts of non-exhaust PM emissions. This study aims to measure on-road non-exhaust PM emissions from a hybrid electric vehicle during braking sequences. An onboard PM measuring device is attached to the side of the tested hybrid electric vehicle. PM measurements are monitored during the braking sequence in the electrified vehicle mode. Studies of increasing payloads that might affect the tendency of non-exhaust PM emissions are observed. The PM emission pattern during the braking sequence is captured by the current PM measuring setup as seen in the literature. The braking pattern (hard vs. soft brake) shows distinct amounts in PM emissions by a factor of two. Based on experimental data, it is found out that the additional payload of approximately 70 kg increases the amount of non-exhaust PM emissions by almost 20%.
An overview of indoor air pollution in the Malaysian kindergarten environment
Authors: Zakaria I B , Mahyuddin N
Published: April 2022

The components of indoor air determine the quality of the indoor environment, which affects the health and well-being of inhabitants. Exposure to high levels of indoor air pollution in a kindergarten environment has a detrimental influence on children’s learning performance and increases the risk of respiratory problems that could lead to absenteeism. This paper explores and summarises the literature on indoor air pollution in kindergartens in the Malaysian environment. A review was done by analyzing papers taken from four electronic databases: Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar. Information on indoor pollution levels and determinants sources were extracted from 17 studies. The most investigated pollutants were carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), fungi and bacteria. Inadequate ventilation systems and overcrowded classrooms all contributed to excessive CO2 levels. Indoor PM2.5 sources are generated from cooking activities while cleaning, opening windows and movement activities of children were the primary sources of coarse particles. High concentrations of VOCs are emitted from a wide variety of indoor sources. Mobile vehicles and the proximity of kindergartens to busy roads were key contributors to higher CO concentrations. The findings highlight the importance of interventions to improve indoor air pollution in kindergarten premises in various settings.
Exposure to industrial air pollution and its association with respiratory symptoms among children in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat
Authors: Farihah Mohmad Shamsuddin Aida , Jalaludin Juliana , Haslina Hashim Nor
Published: April 2022

Outdoor air pollution for anthropogenic sources is generally caused by the emission of the combustion process which are industries, motor vehicles, and others. These industrial areas emitted a lot of hazardous gases into the atmosphere, polluting the surrounding air to its worse. The close proximity from the industry and duration of stay at the current area could worsen the respiratory health of the children. Compared to adults, children were more likely to get worse implications when exposed to air pollution. This cross-sectional comparative study aimed to determine the exposure to industrial air pollution its association with respiratory symptoms among children aged 3 to 12 years old in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. Children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected to participate in this study. Those who reside less than 5 km from the industrial area were chosen as the exposed group, while children living more than 5 km from the industrial areas were selected as the comparative group. A questionnaire adapted from the American Thoracic Society was used to determine children’s background information and respiratory health symptoms. Nature of area, distance from the main road and industrial area, type of house, building materials, and carpet usage were found significant among the groups. There was a significant difference in respiratory health symptoms of cough and phlegm for the exposed and the comparative group at p = 0.038 and p = 0.008, respectively. Phlegm was revealed to be associated with the duration of stay in the current area for the exposed group (OR = 5.149, 95% CI = 1.080-18.365). On the other hand, phlegm and cough had an association with distance from the industrial area at (OR = 3.889, 95% CI = 1.004 - 15.068) and (OR = 6.707, 95% CI = 1.406 - 31.989), respectively. In multiple logistic regression done on phlegm, it was found that duration of stay (years) was the most significant variable after controlling all confounders at (B = 3.469, p = 0.004, AOR = 3.094, 95% CI = 3.108-31.353).
Evaluation of In-Vehicle Pollutants Exposure and Respiratory Symptoms among Bus Drivers in Kota Bahru, Malaysia
Authors: Adam Ayub Zhafir , Jalaludin Juliana , Nizam Mohd Isa Khairul , Mohd Razif Noraini Nor
Published: April 2022

Exposure to in-vehicle air pollutants has been recognized as a risk factor for respiratory diseases. The present study, therefore, investigates the factors, including duration of employment and in-vehicle concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that can influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in commercial bus drivers. A total of 34 bus drivers and 51 administrative staff (comparative group) from the bus operator in Kota Bahru, Malaysia were randomly enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The personal characteristics and respiratory symptoms were reported using a validated questionnaire from the American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78-A). In-vehicle concentrations of PM2.5, CO2 and NO2 were continuously measured over eight hours on each bus driver. The prevalence of self-reported cough, phlegm and chronic phlegm among bus drivers were 55.9%, 73.5% and 35.3%, respectively, significantly higher compared to the comparative group (p < 0.001). Moreover, the duration of employment with bus operators for more than four years was significantly related to the manifestation of phlegm (OR = 8.27, 95% CI = 3.12-21.89) and cough (OR = 4.57, 95% CI = 1.66-12.59). Among the pollutants measured, concentrations of PM2.5 (92.1 µg/m3) and CO2 (286.9 ppm) inside the buses were significantly higher in the morning compared to afternoon hours (p < 0.001). These findings provide important evidence for further surveillance programs that could reduce occupational exposure for bus drivers.
Development Strategy for Palm Sugar Product Attribute: a Competitive Product to Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Pratiwi L F L , Millaty M , Dewi M P
Published: April 2022

Coconut palm sugar products are sugar products mostly produced by farmers and MSMEs. The creative and innovative concepts of palm sugar products can be performed by developing product innovations, packaging and marketing. The development of palm sugar products based on consumer preferences can be used as an effort to develop competitive agribusiness products to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One aspect of sustainable development is economic sustainability resulting from the growth of the community’s economic sector from both on-farm and off-farm activities. This study aimed to analyse consumer preferences and strategies for developing palm sugar product attributes. The research location was selected by purposive sampling in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The data analysis used fishbein multi-attribute and Important Performance Analysis Matrix. The results showed that consumer preferences for palm sugar products are determined from the attributes of price, packaging, health benefits&nutritional content, sugar-spice-blend innovation, expiration date, preservatives, organicity, halal status, shape&size, color, taste&aroma, aesthetics, solubility, hygiene, durability, promotion, accessibility, and discount. The strategy for developing palm sugar product attributes is to increase the attributes of sugar-spice-blend innovation and accessibility, as well as maintain the attributes of health benefits, nutritional content, expiration date, organicity, halal status, taste, hygiene, and durability.
Optimalization of The Use of Vannamei Shrimp Production Factors in The Agromijil Farmer Group, Purworejo Regency
Authors: Santosa A , Hamidah S , Manudin R
Published: April 2022

This research was conducted at the Agromijil Farmer Group Purworejo Regency. The purposes of this research were: (1) analyzed the influence of production factors, and (2) analyzed the optimalization of the use of the Vannamei Shrimp production factors. The method of research used was survey, and the research location was determined by use the purposive method. The sampling method was simple random sampling, using the Slovin formula with a sample size of 43 farmers from total population of 70 farmers. This research used primary and secondary data, these are collected by observation, interview and documentation. The analysis technique used the Regression Analysis of the Cobb-Douglas production function and Optimalization Analysis. Based on the research results, it was found that: (1) production factors in the form of pond area, number of fry, feed, probiotic, calcium and labor affected the production of Vannamei shrimp; and (2) use of pond area, amount of fry, feed, probiotic, calcium, and labor were not optimal.
High Altitudes Limit The Incidence of Huanglongbing snd Its Vector, Diaphorina Citri, in Citrus Orchards
Authors: Holford P , Om N , Donovan N J , Beattie G A C , Subandiyah S , Gunadi R , Poerwanto M E
Published: April 2022

Citrus fruit are important crops in many regions of the world and are valuable sources of carbohydrates, fibre and health-promoting compounds. Like other crops, production of these fruits is affected by a range of pests and pathogens that can affect the sustainable development of citriculture. The most devastating of these is huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterial disease caused by species of liberibacters, pathogens that are spread by insect vectors. Currently, there is no remedy for HLB, and management relies on the use of disease-free seedlings, the rouging of diseased trees, and pesticides to suppress populations of vectors. Our studies on HLB in Indonesia and Bhutan have shown that citrus grown at higher altitudes (above 1000–1200 m ASL) can remain free from the main vector of the disease, the psyllid Diaphorina citri, despite climatic conditions at these altitudes being favourable for the insect. Thus, sustainable production of citrus at these altitudes without the use of polluting agrochemicals may be possible. However, this would be dependent on the production and use of HLB-free propagation material, strict control on the movement of trees into these areas and the adoption of appropriate agronomic practices for the control of other pests and pathogens.
Mercury Pollution from Small Scale Gold Mines in Agricultural Lands
Authors: Munawar A , Intania C , Barchia M F , Suhartoyo H , Asriani P S
Published: April 2022

Small scale gold mines widely spread in developing countries, including Indonesia. Most miners use mercury (Hg) in an amalgamation process to separate gold from its ores. This process produces a waste as mercury-containing slurries which is eventually discharged to surrounding water streams, potentially creating ecosystem pollution. If the polluted water is used for irrigation to surrounding ricefields, mercury may stay and accumulate in streambed sediments and irrigated soils and enter the food chain, including human consumption. This research was aimed to assess pollution potential in stream water and ricefields surrounding small scale gold mines in Lebong District, Bengkulu, Indonesia. This research was conducted from November to December 2018. Field activities included collecting 9 water samples, 6 sediment samples, 3 soil samples, and 3 plant samples in different locations. Laboratory analysis were carried out at the Soil Science Laboratory, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu and the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT) Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The results showed that all water, streambed sediment, soil, water, and plant tissue samples contained mercury and most of their concentrations exceeded the threshold values. The highest Hg concentrations were found 58.19, 16.85, and 15.44 ppm the streambed sediments, rice plants, and ricefield soils respectively, while a relatively lower Hg (0.044 ppm) was found in the stream water.
Effect of Concentration and Time of Chitosan Application on Pachira Breeding (Pachira Aquatica)
Authors: Yuniastuti E , Nugroho A C , Djoar D W , Putri I I S
Published: April 2022

Pachira is an ornamental plant that can be used as biodiesel, because of the high fat content in the seeds. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be used to replace fossil fuels. By using biodiesel as a fuel, it will support a sustainable agricultural system that can produce energy for other sectors outside of agriculture. Pachira plant breeding has not been widely carried out in Indonesia, so the potential use of pachira seeds as biodiesel has not been highlighted. The aims of the study is to determine the concentration and timing of chitosan application for pachira breeding. This study was conducted in Blora Regency using a completely Randomized Block Experimental Design (RCBD) with two treatment factors, namely concentration and time of application. The concentration was divided into three levels, namely 1%, 2% and 4% concentration, the time of application was divided into three levels, namely in the morning, afternoon, morning and afternoon. The application of chitosan was carried out every week as much as 20 ml according to the treatment. Maintenance carried out is to pour 50 ml of water every day on all research samples. The results showed that treatment with a concentration of 4% and watering in the afternoon could stimulate plant height growth at the beginning of the seedling phase, having the most leaves, producing greener leaf colors and having wider roots.
Design of Automatic Pest Trap using A Yellow-LED bait on Cucumber Plants
Authors: Telaumbanua M , Azwar F R , Lanya B , Haryanto A , Amien E R
Published: April 2022

Cucumber is a popular plant that is much needed by Indonesian society. The demand for cucumbers tends to increase every year. In cucumber cultivation activities, the biggest challenge is pest and disease attacks. Continuous pest attack causes growth failure for cucumber plants. For this reason, technology is needed that can reduce pest attacks that damage cucumber plants. The design of the technology is an automatic pest trap that uses solar energy so that it can be placed in the field without an additional electricity supply. This study aimed to design a pest insect trapping system for cucumbers using a yellow-LED as bait. The yellow bait used was assembled using yellow LEDs. The pest trap system used a microcontroller integrated E18-D50NK infrared sensor and insect booster fan. The sensor worked to detect the presence of insects, and then the fan pushed the insects into a reservoir filled with water. Tests and observations were carried out for six days (144 hours). The results showed that there were 837 insects detected by the system, while 665 insects entered the reservoir. The number of dead insects in the reservoir was 598 insects. The average duration of falling insects by the fan was 130 seconds. The results of the calculation of the effectiveness between the insects detected and caught were 80.87%.
Potential of Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata) and Cow Manure for Available Phosphor Supply on Sandy Beach Soil and P Uptake by Onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: Peniwiratri L , Arbiwati D
Published: April 2022

The low availability of phosphorus nutrients for onion plants resulted in disruption of the plant growth process such as blocking the extension of the root causing the uptake of nutrients decreased. This research was conducted to know the role of Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata) and cow manure for available phosphor of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake by onion. The research method used was the Completely Randomized Design Method of 15 treatments, namely the mixture treatment of cow manure (S) and kirinyuh (K) at 10, 20 and 30 tons/ha equivalent doses. The treatment was: the dose of S and K mixture at without cow manure and kirinyuh (P0), 10 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P1), 75/25 (P2), 50/50 (P3), 25/75 (P4), 0/100 (P5); at 20 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P6), 75/25 (P7), 50/50 (P8), 25/75 (P9), 0/100 (P10); and at 30 ton/ha comprised S/K ratios of 100/0 (P11), 75/25 (P12), 50/50 (P13), 25/75 (P14), 0/100 (P15). Each treatment was repeated 3 (three) times. The results were analyzed by variance at 5% significant level and tested further with Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level if there was a significant influence. The results showed that the mixture of cow manure and kirinyuh could increase P available of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake of onion. Giving a mixture of cow manure (S) 25% and kirinyuh (K) 75% at the equivalent dosage of 30 tons/ha significantly gave the higestes P available of Sandy Beach Soil and P uptake of onion.