bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Model for Estimation of Mass Concentration based on Particle Count Distribution for Ambient Air Monitoring
Authors: Francis A S , Chee F P , Chang J H W , Sentian J , Dayou J , Payus C M
Published: November 2019

The application of optical based instrument in particulate matter monitoring has gained interest among researchers in recent years due to their high degree automation in providing real time reading of particulate matter concentrations. Such instrument usually comes in compact form making it compatible for in-situ monitoring especially for dense monitoring network. Theoretically, optical based instrument is unable to measure the mass concentration of particulate matter which is the key parameter in air quality monitoring. Instead, the mass concentration is calculated based on particle size distribution under assumptions that all particles is spherical using a known density. This being said, the accuracy of the reported mass concentration by optical instrument can be easily deteriorated if one of these assumptions is violated. Therefore, there is a need for a thorough evaluation on the particle to mass conversion factor in order to improve the accuracy of the reported mass concentrations by an optical instrument. In this study, the reported mass concentration from an optical based instrument as a function of particle distribution through random air sampling was investigated. The obtained data was then used to develop a parametric model for calculation of particulate mass concentration based on particle count distribution. The model developed was evaluated at several site and reported a good accuracy with high correlation (R2 > 0.97) in estimation of mass concentration.
Impact of Implementing Game Elements in Gamifying Educational Environment: A Study
Authors: Durin F , Lee R , Bade A , On C K , Hamzah N
Published: November 2019

Gamification is the use of game elements in a non-gaming environments. The aims of implementing game elements in gamifying educational environment is to make the learners engaged and motivated in the learning process. But, some of the research result giving bad impacts in implementing gamification in education. The objective of this research is to study the impact of implementing game elements in education. The aim of this research is to study which game elements is most commonly used in gamifying educational environment. The study is done by reviewing previous research on impacts of implementing game element in education from 2008 until 2018 to see whether the elements giving positive or negative impacts on education. The results shows the most common game elements used in gamification is rewards, feedback, challenge, quest/mission/goal, level/stage, point/score, avatars/players, task, character, time-limit, narrative/dialogue, leaderboards, progress bars, and badges. Majority of the research on gamification in education reports positive impacts by introducing gamification in education. In conclusion, by implementing game elements in the gamifying educational environment is a good method to create a good adjustment in learners’ behavior and assertiveness in the learning process, it can develop engagement and motivation of the learners’.
Flood Susceptibility Analysis (FSA) Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model at The Kg. Kolopis area, Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Sharir Kamilia , Rodeano Roslee , Mariappan Syalini
Published: November 2019

Flooding is one of the major natural disasters in Sabah, Malaysia. Several recent cases of catastrophic flooding were recorded mainly in Kg. Kolopis area, Sabah. Heavy monsoon rainfall has triggered floods and caused significant damage in Kg. Kolopis area. The 2014 floods have affected 5,000 peoples. The objectives of this paper are (i) to determine the Flood Hazard Level (FHL) and (ii) to identify the factors contributing to the flood occurrences. In this study, eight (8) parameters were considered in relation to the causative factors to flooding, which are: rainfall, slope gradient, elevation, drainage density, land use, soil textures, slope curvatures and flow accumulation Flood Hazard Analysis (FHAn) map were produced based on the data collected from the field survey, laboratory analysis, high resolution digital radar images (IFSAR) acquisition, and secondary data in three (3) different period (2002, 2008 and 2014). FHL was defined using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Model integrated with GIS software. The developed model will be a precious resource for consulting, planning agencies and local governments in managing risk, land-use zoning and remediation efforts to mitigate risks. Moreover, the technique applied in this study can easily be extended to other areas, where other factors may be considered, depending on the availability of data.
Soil Erosion Analysis using RUSLE Model at the Minitod Area, Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Roslee R , Sharir K
Published: November 2019

Soil erosion is one of the leading causes of soil degradation and is often associated with agricultural intensification, deforestation and human activities that did not take care of environmental sustainability. Assessing the soil erosion is essential, and therefore, detail assessment on the prediction of soil erosion and its impacts has been carried out spatially using the application of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) at the Minitod area, Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia. The parameters of the RUSLE model were determined using the Geographical Information System (GIS). There are six factors parameter maps were considered in RUSLE; rainfall erosivity factor (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), cover management(C) and conservation practice (P). These factors were calculated to determine their effects on annual soil erosion in the study area. About 36.65% of the study area was classified as very low, 16% as low, 15.71% as moderate, 21.59% as high and 10.09% as very high. Soil erosion hazard has been identified using the model and found to be significant in areas with a slope above 25°. All findings showed that integration of GIS could be used for spatial analysis on a regional scale. Production of the value maps can be applied to development planning areas, especially for housing and agriculture developments.
Paleoclimate of Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene Temburong Formation, Klias Peninsula, Sabah, Base on Planktonic Foraminifera Assemblage
Authors: Asis J , Tahir S , Musta B , Jasin B , Soehady HFW , Gabda D
Published: November 2019

Planktonic foraminifera assemblages were studied for biostratigraphy and paleoclimatic interpretation of the Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene of Temburong Formation, Klias Peninsula, Sabah. The Temburong Formation is composed of mainly flysh-type argillaceous deposit intercalations of slightly calcareous pelagic shale. Recently we discovered abundance of moderate to well-preserved planktonic foraminifera at the measured section and its planktonic assemblages are useful for biostratigraphy and paleoclimatic studies of Temburong Formation. A total of nine samples of shale were collected from three outcrops and processed based on standard micropaleontology method. Twenty-eight species of planktonic foraminifera were identified and grouped into three zones, namely: P21-P22 Globorotalia opima opima-Globigerina angulisuturalis zone, N4 Globigerinoides primordius-Globigerinoides quadrilobatus zone, and N5-N6 Catapsydrax dissimilis-Globigerinoides altiapetura zone. For paleoclimate studies, the relative abundance of planktonic foraminifera was obtained and grouped into climatic indices namely cool, cool-temperate, warm, warm-temperate and none climatic diagnostic. The result shows the changes of planktonic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoclimatic indices through Oligocene-Miocene boundary. The cool climate indices were identified at the lower part of the study section of Upper Oligocene sediment and gradually shifted to warm climatic indices at Lower Miocene section.
Assessment of Human Health Risk in Groundwater at Rural and Agriculture Areas in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Nordin N , Jawan A B , Sumin V B , Mokhtar M B , Ta G C
Published: November 2019

Lack of treated water system in Sabah has increase human dependency to groundwater sources. The presence of contaminants such as nitrate in groundwater can pose severe health implications to human, such as methemoglobinemia and cancerous diseases. The objectives of this paper were to quantify the nitrate concentration in groundwater, to calculate potential human health risk exposure of nitrate in groundwater and to compare the potential human health risk exposure of nitrate between rural and agriculture areas. Six tube wells were selected at Inanam and Kota Belud district and involved one-hundred eighty respondents aged from 7 to 12 years old. The groundwater samples were analyzed using Cadmium Reduction method of HACH DR2800 Spectrophotometer and human health risk exposure were assessed using Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) and Hazard Index (HI) after set of information of respondents were obtained by questionnaires. Result obtained were showing mean ± S.D of nitrate levels in groundwater well and filtered water of agriculture (0.79 ± 0.33 mg/L; 0.33 ± 0.29 mg/L) and rural (0.50 ± 0.12mg/L; 0.53 ± 0.10 mg/L) areas were within the acceptable value limit set by National Drinking Water Quality Standard of Malaysia (10 mg/L). The statistical analysis of Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA test implied there were no significant differences of nitrate levels between two areas (p>0.05). Moreover, the mean ± S.D of CDI for agriculture and rural areas were 0.0064 ± 0.0056 mg/kg/day 0.0140 ± 0.0096 mg/kg/day respectively and HI were less than 1. The insignificant differences of potential human health risk were noted in terms of gender and age of respondents between two areas. This specified that the human health risk of respondents involved in this study was in acceptable range and not exposed to severe health risks.
Physico-chemical Properties and Mineralogical Identification of Soils from Mélange in Beluran-Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Musta B , Erfen H F W S , Karim A S R , Kim K W , Kim J H
Published: November 2019

The study area located in the main road of Beluran - Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia which mostly consists of melange. Melange material consists of mixed rocks with different sizes and originated from old rock formation. These materials commonly embedded in shale matrix and highly sheared. A total of twelve soil samples were collected along the main road in order to analyse the physico-chemical properties and mineral identification. The result of analysis shows the moisture content was in the range from 7.0% to 23.38% with the plasticity indexes were in the range from 6.32% to 34.18%. The plotted in plasticity chart shows that the soil can be classified as intermediate plasticity to high plasticity. The texture of soil best classified as clayey sand, silt with sandy clay, sand with silty clay and clay soil. The mineral content of the soil mainly contains of quartz, kaolinite and illite. Other minerals also were observed such as maghemite, hematite, chlorite and calcite. The various minerals composition shows many types of parent rocks. Whereas the high clay minerals will affect the stability of soil slope due to high moisture-adsorption minerals and high plasticity index.
Routing problem in rectangular mesh network using shortest path based Greedy method
Authors: Adzhar Noraziah , Salleh Shaharuddin , Yusof Yuhani , Ahmad Muhammad Azrin
Published: November 2019

A supercomputer can have thousands of processor-memory pairs which often referred as processing pins. Each of these pins is connected to each other through networks and passes message using a standard message passing mechanism such as Message Passing Interface. In this research, we consider the routing problem in rectangular mesh network. Each terminal pin in the network needs to be connected with its destination pin for it to function properly. Thus, maximizing the number of connection for each pair of pins and keeping the total energy throughout the network minimum becomes our main objective. In order to achieve this objective, each net need to be routed as shortest as possible. Therefore, developing a shortest path based routing algorithm is in need. In this research, Dijkstra’s algorithm is used to establish the shortest connection for each net. While this method guarantees to provide the shortest connection for each single net (if exists), however each routed net will become the obstacles and block later connections. This will add complexities to route later nets and make its routing longer than optimal or sometimes impossible to complete. Therefore, the routing sequence need to be rip-up and all nets need to be re-routed. This paper presents a complete routing algorithm which can further refine the solution by using Dijkstra’s based greedy method. The outcomes from this research is expected to benefit engineers from electric & electronic industry.
Study on the Impact of Land Consolidation Project on Soil Quality in Bainijing Town, Dingbian County
Authors: Lirong HE
Published: November 2019

Taking Bainijing Town, Dingbian County, Shaanxi Province as an example, the nutrient characteristics and physical and chemical properties of soil samples were studied and analyzed. The results showed that the soil pH of D001 and D002 samples was the highest (9.7), the total amount of water soluble salts of D002 samples was the highest (0.5 g kg−1), and the soil conductivity of D001 samples was the highest (15.8 mS m−1). The highest content of soil organic matter was 9.52 mg kg−1, the highest content of total nitrogen was 0.45 g kg−1, the highest content of available phosphorus was 1.4 mg kg−1, and the highest content of available potassium was 381 mg kg−1. According to the national unified classification table of soil nutrient content, the pH values of three soil samples in Bainijing Town of Dingbian County are alkaline, the organic matter content is deficient, and the available phosphorus and total nitrogen content are extremely deficient.
Calculating the water salt production function parameters of seed maize under water salt combination stress
Authors: Yuan Chengfu , Xiong Fangjing
Published: November 2019

In order to explore the relationship between crop yield and water salt stress, field experiments were conducted under deficit irrigation with saline water in Shiyang Rive Basin. It introduced into the crop-water-salt production function. The crop-water-salt production function parameters were calibrated and validated based on the field experiments measured data. The results showed that the simulated evapotranspiration and yield agreed well with the measured values of seed maize at different growth stages. The crop-water-salt production function parameters after calibration and validation were b=6.72, ky1
=0.43, ky2
=0.82, ky3
=1.41, ky4
=0.65, ky5
=0.24, respectively. The yield response factor (ky
) reflected sensitivity to the seed maize at different growth stages under water salt combination stress. The crop-water-salt production function can well simulate the seed maize evapotranspiration and yield under water salt combination stress after calibration and validation.
Numerical investigation of grease separation of multi-blades centrifugal fan with inner guides
Authors: Zhao Dongfang , You Xueyi
Published: November 2019

To study the effect of inner guide vanes on the grease particle separation performance of multi-blade centrifugal fan (MCF), numerical simulations are executed under the working condition. The inner guide vanes are arranged in a ring with even space at the blade outlet. The turbulent airflow field is modelled with the renormalization group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model. For the particulate phase, discrete phase model (DPM) is employed to track greases particles migration. The comparison of grease particles separation efficiency suggests that the potentially benefit effects induced by inner guide vanes is efficient and reliable. The predicated results show that the total separation efficiency of MCF with inner guide vanes is higher by 4.5% than that of the original MCF for the particle of diameter between 1 μm to 10 μm. In addition, the separation efficiency of volute is higher than that of the original MCF and it mainly separates grease particles for the diameter in the range of 1 μm to 4 μm.
Analysis of Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency of Space Laser Energy Transfer Based on Temperature Rise Effect
Authors: Kuang Hongyu , Li Mingzhe , Kuang Hongyu
Published: November 2019

Temperature is an important factor affecting the efficiency of laser energy transmission. In this paper, aiming at the application of laser energy transmission in space, the existing spatial laser energy transmission photoelectric conversion model is improved and the mathematical model of photocell temperature rise is established. The model is used to analyze the influence of photoelectric cell temperature change on photoelectric conversion efficiency. The model takes into account various factors such as temperature, photoelectric cell material, space thermal radiation, laser space transmission characteristics, and improves the accuracy of the current model. On this basis, the maximum photoelectric conversion efficiency under different conditions and the corresponding photoelectric cell temperature are calculated. The conclusion shows: when other conditions remain unchanged, the photoelectric conversion efficiency first increases and then decreases with the increase of temperature. In addition, the stability value of the temperature of the photocell is generally different from the corresponding temperature value under the maximum efficiency under different conditions. So it is necessary to adjust the temperature according to the specific situation. It provides a theoretical basis for the practical application and temperature control of laser energy transfer in space.
Analysis of User Load Characteristics of Automatic Demand Response in Industrial Parks Based on Fuzzy C-means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Yu Jiancheng , Li Siwei , Yue Liang , Zhang Jie , Wang Yongli , Li Jiapu
Published: November 2019

Under the background of the energy revolution of building a global energy Internet and promoting clean and green ways to meet power demand, the research on the planning and construction of smart grids and smart parks and related key technologies is becoming more and more important. This paper first introduces the automatic demand response technology of the park and the algorithm and implementation process of the load clustering technology as the basis. Secondly, the fuzzy c-means aggregation is applied to the 96-day daily load data of the 20 stations in the substation of a certain eco-city. The class algorithm performs cluster analysis, and the different load types in 5 are obtained. The demand response time interval of different load types is summarized, which provides a reference for the characteristic analysis, prediction and classification management of demand-side controllable load.
Optimization of Sliding Pressure Curve of Thermal Power Unit Based on Economical and Primary Frequency Modulation Characteristics
Authors: He Jun , Yan Bo , Yang Zhoushi , Peng Daogang
Published: November 2019

According to the thermal economic characteristics and primary frequency modulation characteristics of the thermal power unit’s variable working conditions, the nozzle distribution steam turbine unit is taken as the research object to meet the primary frequency modulation capacity and reduce the unit heat consumption rate. The influence of the valve position on the economics of the unit and the primary frequency modulation capability is used to provide a richer adjustment basis for the technical and economic comparison between different operating modes of the unit, and the obtained sliding pressure running curve can meet the requirements of primary frequency regulation of the power grid. The throttling loss generated during the operation of the unit is minimized, and the optimal configuration between the grid operation and the power economy is realized.
Evaluation and Decision-Making Method of Power Distribution Network Projects Based on Weighting with Game Theory and Implicit Enumeration
Authors: Chen Lei , Jiang Jing , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Lin , Liu Hong
Published: November 2019

Aiming at the problems of one-sided determination of index weight in the evaluation method of distribution network projects, and instability of project optimization results, a method of evaluation and decision-making of distribution network construction and renovation projects based on weighting with game theory and implicit enumeration is proposed. Firstly, the evaluation index system is constructed from two dimensions of technical efficiency and economic benefit. Secondly, the indicators are weighted by the weight set model based on game theory. After that, the decision optimization model is solved by the implicit enumeration method. The case study shows that the method is practical and effective, and can provide a scientific and reasonable reference for the construction and renovation projects investment of grid companies.
Effect of Shelf Life on the Quality of Fried Sambal (Condiments of Instant Uduk Rice)
Authors: Bahar Asrul , Suwardiah Dwi Kristiastuti
Published: November 2019

Preserved food products in the packaging often found on the market, but very few types of preserved food based on traditional Indonesian food. The addition of sugar and Solutions of tamarind is expected to dry fried sambal products have a long shelf life and be complementary rice uduk instant in one package, so that these products can be manufactured into a superior product business. The purpose of this study: 1) to determine the shelf life of dry fried sambal potato; and 2) microbacteria test. Dry fried sambal potato there are 3 kinds of treatment in the use of packaging that is plastic packaging, aluminum foil and without packaged. Type of experimental research with two-factor research design, the amount of sugar and solutions of tamarind. The results showed that storage with aluminum foil packaging of crispness level was crisp enough for 8 weeks of storage and bacteria contaminant amount 5,3104. The conclusion that dry fried sambal potatoes potatoes packing with aluminum foil is safe to consume and feasible.
Identification of Non Timber Forest Product Use of Canarium Nut (Canarium Sp) in Makian Island
Authors: Kamaluddin Abdul Kadir , Rasulu Hamidin
Published: November 2019

Forests as natural resource systems have the potential to provide multipurpose benefits. In addition to timber products, forests can provide benefits in the form of non-timber forest products and the environment. Research results show that timber forest products from forest ecosystems are only 10% while most (90%) of other products are in the form of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that have not been optimally managed and utilized to improve society welfare. This study aims to identify factors that influence the utilization of canarium nut. The data were performed using survey. The data used in this study came from primary and secondary data. Primary data in this study were collected through direct interviews with respondents. The results showed that out of 150 respondents farmers, 109 people used canarium nut flesh as raw material for chili sauce with a percentage of 72.7%. In addition to processing canarium nut flesh into chili sauce which had the highest percentage, the use as a cooking spice was also not much different, namely as many as 107 people with a percentage of 71.3%. This was because chili sauce and cooking spices were always served every day in complementing the food menu of the Pulau Makian society. Meanwhile, the utilization of canarium nut as raw material for making macron and bagea cakes, they had a lower percentage by 9.4% and 34.0%. This was because the making of macron and bagea took quite a long time and required a lot of additional ingredients.
Properties of Ethanolysis Product from Ketapang Seed Oil (Terminalia Catappa Linn) Incorporated in Mucoadhesive Patch Film
Authors: Miksusanti  , Herlina  , Fithri A.N , Ferlinahayati
Published: November 2019

The propose of these research was to prepare monoacilglyserol (Ethanolysis Product from Ketapang Seed Oil/EPKSO) by ethanolysis reaction and to measured it’s antibacterial activity as free materials and as immobilizes material in starch film/patch. The oil of ketapang seed was extracted by pressing method. Fatty acid in the oil was identified with Gas Chromatography (GC). Ethanolysis process used 5 mL ketapang seed oil and 2mL NaOH in 100 mL ethanol 95%. Sample EPKSO from ethanolysis of ketapang seed oil were compare to EPKSO standard from SEAFAST Centre. The preparative TLC of ethanolysis product was eluted with n-hexane: diethyleter: formic acid (80:20:2) v/v. EPKSO was produced by TLC preparative from ethanolysis product. Antibacterial activity of EPKSO from ethanolysis reaction was assayed against Streptococcus mutans with diffusion method. From this research, ketapang seed oil obtained was 7.69 % w/w. The major fatty acid from ketapang seed oil from Gas Chromatography (GC) were palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. The minor of fatty acid were miristic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid, cis-10-heptadecanoic acid, belaidic acid, arachidonic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, cis-11.14-eicosedienoic acid, behenic acid, trisanoic acid and lignoseric acid. Both of the EPKSO have similar Rf (0.07). The amount of EPKSO result from ethanolysis ketapang seed oil was 1.79 % w/w. This EPKSO can inhibit S. mutans at 0.4 % w/v with inhibition zone 183 mm2. EPKSO was incorporated in starch based film/mucoadhesive patch with variation 2 MIC, 4 MIC 6 MIC dan 8 MIC. After incorporated with EPKSO starch based film/mucoadhesive patch can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans at all EPKSO concentration in film/patch. Most of mechanical properties of film/patch still meet the range of standard. Organoleptic assay showed no significant difference between starch film with and without EPKSO.
Changes in Soil Chemical and Physical Properties of Andisols under Oil Palm Small holder in the West Pasaman District of West Sumatra
Authors: Rusman Bujang , Agustian  , Aprisal
Published: November 2019

Monitoring the productivity and sustainability of oil palm plantations is very important to anticipate the possibly land degradation occurs. The objective of this research was to comprehend the influence of oil palm plant age on the change on soil chemical and physical properties in small oil palm plantation in West Pasaman district of West Sumatra. Field research was conducted from May to July 2016 by using survey method under 3 different plant ages (5-10, 10-15, and >15 years old) in 3 areas (Kinali, Pasaman, and Koto Balingka sub-district). The variables of this study consisted of soil chemical properties: SOM, CEC, pH, total N, available-P, exchangeable base cations (K, Ca, Mg and Na-exch.); physical properties: bulk density, plant available water and water content at pF 2.54 and pF 4.2. Soil quality value calculations obtained with least squares linear regression for three different ages of oil palm plants, did not show significant effect on soil quality of Andisols under small oil palm plantation in West Pasaman district. Our findings suggested that there was no effect of oil palm ages on soil quality of Andisols, however other researches in soil biology and biochemical properties are still needed to obtain a comprehensive result.
The Analysis of Strategic Partnership to Supply Mandailing Arabica Coffee for Export Quality Markets
Authors: Siregar Erin , Nazir Novizar , Asben Alfi
Published: November 2019

Coffee is a commodity that is essential to the international market. One of the best coffee from Indonesia is Mandailing coffee originating from North Sumatra. Simpang Banyak Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra Province is a centre of coffee agroindustry. It require best supplier in order to meet export market demand. Determination of required quality criteria in accordance with the standard of quality of coffee exports including the water content of 12%, a defective value below 4%, cherry seeds without mixture, cupping score is 85 and the uniform size of coffee beans. To meet the needs of the export market, the agroindustry also need a supply of coffee from the best coffee suppliers that have several criteria: Price, Quality, Production, and the accuracy of delivery by comparing these criteria at three suppliers chosen. A total of 10 experts were asked to choose an alternative based on the established criteria. Supplier selection weighting of data analysis in this study were calculated using analytical hierarchy process. The results showed that the most influential criteria to supplier selection criteria for Mandailing coffee is quality with a weight of 0.414 and a production with a weight of 0.277. Delivery accuracy weighting criteria is 0.245 and last criteria is the price of 0.065. While the best suppliers selected by the respondents is the Supplier Z with weights of 0.664 and supplier X (0.187) and last supplier is Y (0.176).
The activity of Potassium and Phosphate Solubilizing bacteria from sugarcane rhizosphere on Some Bagasse Condition media inoculated byLignocellulolytic bacteria
Authors: Setiawati Tri Candra , Mandala Marga , Avief
Published: November 2019

The main aim of this research was to study the activities of phosphate solubilizing (PSB) and potassium solubilizing (KSB) bacteria and lignocellulolytic on some conditions of bagasse media. Six conditions of bagasse were combined with lignocellulolytic bacteria as carrier media for PSB and KSB. Bacteria activity under observation included respiration, concentration of P-total, K-total, N-total, organic carbon, the change of C/N ratio, and the change in cellulose and lignin concentration. The research results corroborated that respiration of microbial increase from D+7 (seventh days) to D+28 (twenty-eighth days) on all condition of bagasse media with maximum respiration reaching11.14mg CO2/kg/day; the population of PSB and KSB are 97.67.107cfu.g-1 and 64.17. 107cfu.g-1; the concentration of K-total and P-total, N-total, C-organic and C/N ratio decreased on all treatments media during incubation respectively.
Which is which, Biomass or Solar for Food and Energy?
Authors: Ito Nobutaka
Published: November 2019

We human beings are now facing and tackling two global issues of energy and environment. Due to the poor policy of rice production control, Rice agriculture is at stake in Japan. Half of the farmers are highly aged over 65 years and successors are not growing up. Paddy fields are not actively and efficiently used. It looks most of them have been planted to the extent of the complaint. In this paper the food and energy production from rice compared with solar power generation is discussed from the effective use of paddy fields because Rice is a buffer resource available for food and energy for sustainable development [1].
High performance CO2 gas sensor based on noble metal functionalized semiconductor nanomaterials for health and environmental safety
Authors: M V Manasa , Devi G Sarala , P S Prasada Reddy , B Sreedhar
Published: November 2019

Design, synthesis and fabrication of novel p-n type semiconducting Pd incorporated MoO3: NiO (MNP) nanocomposite via Hydrothermal protocol and Impregnation method as Carbon-dioxide (CO2) gas sensing material was demonstrated with efficient conductivity and superior stability. The formation of nanocomposites MoO3:NiO and MoO3: NiO: Pd was systematically reviewed and confirmed by x-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern, x-ray Flurescence Spectroscopy (XRF) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). A plausible gas sensing mechanism was deduced in terms of adsorption—desorption phenomenon, thus addressing the feasibility and potentiality of MNP nanocomposite engineered for the development of sensitive (S = 96%), selective and stable CO2 gas sensor.
Factors affecting energy expenditure in a declining fur seal population
Authors: McHuron Elizabeth A , Sterling Jeremy T , Costa Daniel P , Goebel Michael E
Published: November 2019

Quantifying metabolic rates and the factors that influence them is key to wildlife conservation efforts because anthropogenic activities and habitat alteration can disrupt energy balance, which is critical for reproduction and survival. We investigated the effect of diving behaviour, diet and season on field metabolic rates (FMR) and foraging success of lactating northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from the Pribilof Islands during a period of population decline. Variation in at-sea FMR was in part explained by season and trip duration, with values that ranged from 5.18 to 9.68 W kg−1 (n = 48). Fur seals experienced a 7.2% increase in at-sea FMR from summer to fall and a 1.9% decrease in at-sea FMR for each additional day spent at sea. There was no effect of foraging effort, dive depth or diet on at-sea FMR. Mass gains increased with trip duration and were greater in the fall compared with summer, but were unrelated to at-sea FMR, diving behaviour and diet. Seasonal increases in at-sea FMR may have been due to costs associated with the annual molt but did not appear to adversely impact the ability of females to gain mass on foraging trips. The overall high metabolic rates in conjunction with the lack of any diet-related effects on at-sea FMR suggests that northern fur seals may have reached a metabolic ceiling early in the population decline. This provides indirect evidence that food limitation may be contributing to the low pup growth rates observed in the Pribilof Islands, as a high metabolic overhead likely results in less available energy for lactation. The limited ability of female fur seals to cope with changes in prey availability through physiological mechanisms is particularly concerning given the recent and unprecedented environmental changes in the Bering Sea that are predicted to have ecosystem-level impacts.
RootNav 2.0: Deep learning for automatic navigation of complex plant root architectures
Authors: Yasrab Robail , Atkinson Jonathan A , Wells Darren M , French Andrew P , Pridmore Tony P , Pound Michael P
Published: November 2019

Background

In recent years quantitative analysis of root growth has become increasingly important as a way to explore the influence of abiotic stress such as high temperature and drought on a plant's ability to take up water and nutrients. Segmentation and feature extraction of plant roots from images presents a significant computer vision challenge. Root images contain complicated structures, variations in size, background, occlusion, clutter and variation in lighting conditions. We present a new image analysis approach that provides fully automatic extraction of complex root system architectures from a range of plant species in varied imaging set-ups. Driven by modern deep-learning approaches, RootNav 2.0 replaces previously manual and semi-automatic feature extraction with an extremely deep multi-task convolutional neural network architecture. The network also locates seeds, first order and second order root tips to drive a search algorithm seeking optimal paths throughout the image, extracting accurate architectures without user interaction.

Results

We develop and train a novel deep network architecture to explicitly combine local pixel information with global scene information in order to accurately segment small root features across high-resolution images. The proposed method was evaluated on images of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from a seedling assay. Compared with semi-automatic analysis via the original RootNav tool, the proposed method demonstrated comparable accuracy, with a 10-fold increase in speed. The network was able to adapt to different plant species via transfer learning, offering similar accuracy when transferred to an Arabidopsis thaliana plate assay. A final instance of transfer learning, to images of Brassica napus from a hydroponic assay, still demonstrated good accuracy despite many fewer training images.

Conclusions

We present RootNav 2.0, a new approach to root image analysis driven by a deep neural network. The tool can be adapted to new image domains with a reduced number of images, and offers substantial speed improvements over semi-automatic and manual approaches. The tool outputs root architectures in the widely accepted RSML standard, for which numerous analysis packages exist (http://rootsystemml.github.io/), as well as segmentation masks compatible with other automated measurement tools. The tool will provide researchers with the ability to analyse root systems at larget scales than ever before, at a time when large scale genomic studies have made this more important than ever.
Matrix metalloproteinases and acute aortic dissection: Et Tu, Brute?
Authors: Takagi Hisato , Hari Yosuke , Nakashima Kouki , Kuno Toshiki , Ando Tomo
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the present evidence for the association of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with acute aortic dissection (AAD), we performed the first meta-analysis of all currently available case–control studies comparing circulating MMP levels between AAD patients and control subjects.

METHODS

To identify all studies investigating the levels of circulating MMPs in AAD patients, PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to July 2019. The levels of MMPs in AAD patients and control subjects were extracted from each study, and the standardized mean differences (SMDs) in MMP levels were generated. The study-specific estimates were combined in the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twelve studies enrolling a total of 458 AAD patients and 711 control subjects were identified and included. Pooled analyses demonstrated no significant differences in MMP-1 (4 studies; P = 0.21), MMP-2 (5 studies; P = 0.62) and MMP-3 levels (2 studies; P = 0.94) between AAD patients and control subjects; and significantly higher MMP-8 (2 studies; SMD 2.11; P = 0.020), MMP-9 (9 studies; SMD 1.54; P < 0.001) and MMP-12 levels (2 studies; SMD 1.33; P < 0.001) in AAD patients than in control subjects.

CONCLUSION

High circulating MMP-9 levels are associated with AAD, and MMP-8 and MMP-12 levels may be related to AAD.
A computation scheme based on field attenuation rate for improving regional-residual separation of potential field data set
Authors: Wang Jun , Meng Xiaohong , Li Fang
Published: November 2019

To further improve the accuracy of regional-residual separation of potential field data set, this paper presents a novel computation scheme based on different attenuation rate of the fields induced from deep and shallow sources respectively. For the new scheme, the observations are first upward continued to a plane above it to get an updated field. Then, the difference between the original field and the updated field is calculated. Next, a controlling parameter is set to select those data points whose amplitudes have been much reduced. The adverse effects from the residual anomalies on the fitting of the regional trend can be reduced by removing the identified local points from the original field. Finally, a low-order polynomial is utilised for approximating the regional trend, and the corresponding residual field can be obtained by simple subtraction. Compared with gradient-based methods, the proposed new scheme has better noise adaptability for distinguishing different anomalies. The accuracy of the presented scheme was tested on synthetic data with and without noise. All tests showed that the new scheme reduces subjectivity and inaccuracy of the conventional methods significantly. In addition, the scheme was applied to Bouguer gravity anomaly of the Dida orebodies in Jilin Province, northeast China. This application also verified the superiority of the proposed scheme.
Optimizing Phylogenomics with Rapidly Evolving Long Exons: Comparison with Anchored Hybrid Enrichment and Ultraconserved Elements
Authors: Karin Benjamin R , Gamble Tony , Jackman Todd R
Published: November 2019

Marker selection has emerged as an important component of phylogenomic study design due to rising concerns of the effects of gene tree estimation error, model misspecification, and data-type differences. Researchers must balance various trade-offs associated with locus length and evolutionary rate among other factors. The most commonly used reduced representation data sets for phylogenomics are ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and Anchored Hybrid Enrichment (AHE). Here, we introduce Rapidly Evolving Long Exon Capture (RELEC), a new set of loci that targets single exons that are both rapidly evolving (evolutionary rate faster than RAG1) and relatively long in length (>1,500 bp), while at the same time avoiding paralogy issues across amniotes. We compare the RELEC data set to UCEs and AHE in squamate reptiles by aligning and analyzing orthologous sequences from 17 squamate genomes, composed of 10 snakes and 7 lizards. The RELEC data set (179 loci) outperforms AHE and UCEs by maximizing per-locus genetic variation while maintaining presence and orthology across a range of evolutionary scales. RELEC markers show higher phylogenetic informativeness than UCE and AHE loci, and RELEC gene trees show greater similarity to the species tree than AHE or UCE gene trees. Furthermore, with fewer loci, RELEC remains computationally tractable for full Bayesian coalescent species tree analyses. We contrast RELEC to and discuss important aspects of comparable methods, and demonstrate how RELEC may be the most effective set of loci for resolving difficult nodes and rapid radiations. We provide several resources for capturing or extracting RELEC loci from other amniote groups.
Encapsulating metal organic framework into hollow mesoporous carbon sphere as efficient oxygen bifunctional electrocatalyst
Authors: Xiong Wanfeng , Li Hongfang , You Hanhui , Cao Minna , Cao Rong
Published: November 2019

Applying metal organic frameworks (MOFs) in electrochemical systems is a currently emerging field owing to the rich metal nodes and highly specific surface area of MOFs. However, the problems for MOFs that need to be solved urgently are poor electrical conductivity and low ion transport. Here we present a facile in situ growth method for the rational synthesis of MOFs@hollow mesoporous carbon spheres (HMCS) yolk–shell-structured hybrid material for the first time. The size of the encapsulated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) is well controlled to 100 nm due to the spatial confinement effect of HMCS, and the electrical conductivity of ZIF-67 is also increased significantly. The ZIF@HMCS-25% hybrid material obtained exhibits a highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction activity with 0.823 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) half-wave potential and an even higher kinetic current density (JK = 13.8 mA cm−2) than commercial Pt/C. ZIF@HMCS-25% also displays excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance and the overpotential of ZIF@HMCS-25% at 10 mA cm−2 is 407 mV. In addition, ZIF@HMCS-25% is further employed as an air electrode for a rechargeable Zn–air battery, exhibiting a high power density (120.2 mW cm−2 at 171.4 mA cm−2) and long-term charge/discharge stability (80 h at 5 mA cm−2). This MOFs@HMCS yolk–shell design provides a versatile method for the application of MOFs as electrocatalysts directly.
Influence of nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism on DNA methylation in adults—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Amenyah Sophia D , Hughes Catherine F , Ward Mary , Rosborough Samuel , Deane Jennifer , Thursby Sara-Jayne , Walsh Colum P , Kok Dieuwertje E , Strain J J , McNulty Helene , Lees-Murdock Diane J
Published: November 2019

Context

Aberrant DNA methylation is linked to various diseases. The supply of methyl groups for methylation reactions is mediated by S-adenosylmethionine, which depends on the availability of folate and related B vitamins.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of key nutrients involved in 1-carbon metabolism on DNA methylation in adults.

Data sources

Systematic literature searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies that met the inclusion criteria and were published in English were included.

Data extraction

The first author, study design, sample size, population characteristics, type and duration of intervention, tissue type or cells analyzed, molecular techniques, and DNA methylation outcomes.

Data synthesis

A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate the effect of 1-carbon metabolism nutrients on global DNA methylation. Functional analysis and visualization were performed using BioVenn software.

Results

From a total of 2620 papers screened by title, 53 studies met the inclusion criteria. Qualitative analysis indicated significant associations between 1-carbon metabolism nutrients and DNA methylation. In meta-analysis of RCTs stratified by method of laboratory analysis, supplementation with folic acid alone or in combination with vitamin B12 significantly increased global DNA methylation in studies using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, which had markedly lower heterogeneity (n = 3; Z = 3.31; P = 0.0009; I2 = 0%) in comparison to other methods. Functional analysis highlighted a subset of 12 differentially methylated regions that were significantly related to folate and vitamin B12 biomarkers.

Conclusion

This study supports significant associations between 1-carbon metabolism nutrients and DNA methylation. However, standardization of DNA methylation techniques is recommended to reduce heterogeneity and facilitate comparison across studies.

Systematic Review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018091898.
A 40 months follow-up of Ebola virus disease survivors in Guinea (Postebogui) reveals longterm detection of Ebola viral RNA in semen and breast milk
Authors: Keita Alpha Kabinet , Vidal Nicole , Toure Abdoulaye , Diallo Mamadou Saliou Kalifa , Magassouba N’Fally , Baize Sylvain , Mateo Mathieu , Raoul Herve , Mely Stephane , Subtil Fabien , Kpamou Cécé , Koivogui Lamine , Traore Falaye , Sow Mamadou Saliou , Ayouba Ahidjo , Etard Jean Francois , Delaporte Eric , Peeters Martine ,   POSTEBOGUI Study Group
Published: November 2019

Background

With the increasing frequency and impact of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks illustrated by recent epidemics, good knowledge on extent of viral persistance or RNA detection in body fluids from survivors is urgently needed.

Methods

Ebola viral RNA shedding was studied with molecular assays in semen (n=1,368), urine (n=1,875), cervico-vaginal fluid (n=549), saliva (n=900), breast milk (n=168) and feces (n=558) from EVD survivors in Guinea (POSTEBOGUI cohort, n=802) at a regular base until 40 months after inclusion.

Results

27/277 (9.8%) male survivors tested positive for Ebola RNA in at least one semen sample. The probability of remaining positive for Ebola RNA in semen was estimated at 93.02% and 60.12% after three and six months. Viral RNA in semen was more frequent in patients with eye pain (p=0.036), joint pain (p=0.047), and higher antibody levels to Ebola virus antigens (NP (p=0.001), GP (p=0.05) and VP40 (p=0.05)). Ebola RNA was only rarely detected in other body fluids from EVD survivors : saliva (1/454) urine (2/593), breast milk (2/168), cervico-vaginal secretions (0/273), feces (0/330). RNA was detected in breast milk one month after delivery but 500 days after discharge of Ebola treatment unit (ETU) in a women who became pregnant seven months after discharge from the ETU.

Conclusions

The frequency and potential long term presence of viral RNA in semen confirm that systematic prevention measures in male survivors are required. Our observation in breast milk suggest that our knowledge on viral reservoir in immune priveledged sites and its impact are still incomplete.