bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The scientific basis of the implementation of differential incubation periods of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) seeds in the harsh continental climate of Central Asia
Authors: Jumaghulov Kh A , Rakhmanova Kh E
Published: March 2023

In many foreign countries where cocooning is developed, new effective scientific-based innovative technologies are being developed for the cultivation of high-quality cocoon raw materials, their preliminary processing and increase of cocoon productivity. It is pivotal to obtain high quality, thin and strong silk fiber from cultivated cocoons. This research was aimed at researching differential incubation periods of mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori.L.) seeds in the continental climate of Central Asia, particularly in Uzbekistan. During the experiments, the methods of morphological, biological, technological, production and statistical analysis of mulberry silkworms, and the methods of “Agrotechnology for the care of industrial hybrids of mulberry silkworms” were used. According to the results, in comparison with the farm 5, this indicator was 15.2%, and it was found that the amount of non-grade cocoons increased by 14.4-15%, it was increased by 4.3-4.9% on average, compared to the experimental options. Therefore, the period of cocoon maturation depends on the time and method of placing the seeds in the hatchery for revival, agrotechnics of worm feeding and climatic weather conditions.
Improving the efficiency of dust collectors and modernization of the aspiration system in cotton cleaning plants
Authors: Alieva R , Olimova N
Published: March 2023

On the basis of MPC of substances in the atmospheric air the values of maximum permissible emissions (MPE) are established, which ensure compliance with hygienic standards in practice. One of the ways to reduce emissions of dust and other pollutants into the atmosphere is the introduction of modern or two-stage equipment for cleaning pollutants. The results of the analysis show that the efficiency of dust extraction at the surveyed enterprises has decreased. It is possible to improve the efficiency of existing dry mechanical dust collectors, i.e., to install additional filters or to install modern electronic filters.
Sensor BMP280 Statistical Analysis for Barometric Pressure Acquisition
Authors: Kusuma Hollanda Arief , Oktavia Desi , Nugaraha Sapta , Suhendra Tonny , Refly Septia
Published: March 2023

BMP280 sensor is widely used to measure air pressure. Accuracy and precision are parameters used to indicate the performance of a sensor. This study examined the BMP280 sensor performance by measuring the air pressure on 15 sensors compared with BMKG devices as a reference standard. This measurement was conducted in BMKG class III Tanjungpinang from 20-22 May 2022. BMP280 Sensor performance analysis was performed using a statistical analysis one-way ANOVA method, Tukey test, linear regression, and root mean square error. Based on the results of one-way ANOVA, it is found that there is a BMP280 sensor that is different from the others. The Tukey test found that ID sensors 6 & 14 are not significantly different, ID sensors 1 & 4 are not significantly different, sensors 15 & BMKG are not significantly different, and sensors 3 and 9 are not significantly different. In addition, the results of linear regression and RMSE show an increase in the accuracy of the BMP280 sensor reading. Linear regression makes sensor measurement more accurate due to the small RMSE value.
Maritime Community Food Security: Case Study of Meranti Sago
Authors: Swastiwi Anastasia Wiwik , Febby Febriyandi YS , Simbolon Gulmok
Published: March 2023

The threat of a food crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years has become a national issue. It is necessary to build a food system that is in accordance with the potential of local resources as a substitute for rice, namely sago. One of the foodstuffs recorded in Indonesian history to date is Sago Meranti which is produced in Meranti, Riau Province. However, now sago is no longer a staple food there. This study aims to find out how the history of sago processing in the lives of the Meranti people and its potential as a supporter of food security for maritime communities in the present and in the future. This study uses an approach through four stages of work, namely heuristics, source criticism, interpretation and historiography. The results of this study indicate that sago has been the staple food of the Malay Meranti community in the past, but the tradition of eating sago in the Meranti community is getting worse. This is due to the incessant food security program that relies on rice, changes in the Meranti community’s relationship with sago, and the community’s underdeveloped sago processing technology. The potential of sago as food security alternative for maritime communities.such as meranti or even in the national level can be realized through government policies that declare sago as a healthy staple food, and support the development of a community-based sago processing industry in Meranti.
Silica sand distribution and their corelation with sediment characteristics in Tanjung Berikat waters, Central Bangka
Authors: Zulfikar Muhammad , Muljana Budi , Sjafri Ildrem
Published: March 2023

Bangka Belitung has known as Island that is traversed by the Southeast Asian granite belt. Tanjung Berikat waters are one of the waters in Central Bangka Regency that is traversed by the Southeast Asian granite belt, so it has various potential mineral placers such as silica sand (that showed by quartz content). This study aims to determine the content and distribution of quartz minerals, sediment grain size, bathymetry, and the correlation between these variables with each other. We used shallow reflection single channel seismic and surficial seabed sediment sampling. Data processing and analysis consist of processing signals and seismic data interpretation, sieve grain mineralogy analysis, and grain size analysis. The correlation test was carried out on the distribution of quartz minerals, sediment grain size, and bathymetry using the Pearson correlation test. The results of the Pearson correlation test generally have a strong correlation between the distribution of quartz minerals with bathymetry and sediment grain size. This occurs because quartz distribution in the study area is a product of sediment supply originating from the mainland Klabat Granite rocks.
Formulation of Fuel Oil Consumption Estimation on The Fishing Vessels Through The Gill Net and Bubu Fishing Gears for Evaluating Fuel Subsidies in Bintan Regency - Indonesia
Authors: Saputra Henry , Fathallah Aguk Zuhdi Muhammad
Published: March 2023

The largest percentage of expenditure in fishing operations using motor boats is Fuel Oil (BBM) which amounts to 40-50% of total operating costs. Inorder to ensure the smoothness and accuracy of the distribution of subsidized fuel for fisheries businesses, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries issued Ministerial Regulation KP No.13 of 2015 concerning guidelines for the implementation of the issuance of recommendation letters for the purchase of certain types of fuel oil for capture fisheries businesses. In this study, an evaluation of the formulation was carried out to determine the estimated consumption of fuel subsidies on fishing vessels measuring 10-30 GT with Gill Net and Bubu fishing gear in Bintan Regency. In the calculation process, the estimated fuel consumption for fishing vessels must consider several aspects, namely the type of fishing gear, the distance to the fishing location, the power on the main and auxiliary engines, as well as the fuel coefficient and specific gravity used. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate fuel consumption by calculating the operating mode on each type of fishing gear. This is intended as an effort to provide a more precise estimate of fuel consumption.

The method used in determining fuel estimates is with two different scenarios. In scenario I, the calculation of fuel consumption uses the formulation of Permen-KP No. 13 of 2015, with the formula used in the main engine is the power of the main engine, namely the Cfo and the duration of the capture operation per trip, while for the estimated measurement of the consumption of auxiliary machines, it is calculated 20% of the estimated fuel of the main engine. On the other hand, based on scenario II, the formulation of fuel consumption estimates still uses the formulation of Permen-KP No. 13 of 2015, but the evaluation is carried out by adding calculations of the catch operation time according to the type of Gill Net or Bubu fishing gear, the distance to the capture location, and the power of the auxiliary machine used. The results of this study found that there were differences in fuel consumption in the two types of fishing gear in each scenario. In scenario II, a ship using Gill Net fishing gear requires a greater fuel consumption of 44% thana ship with Bubu fishing gear. In addition, scenario II recommends adding 43% fuel for Gill Net ships and adding 39% fuel for Bubu ships. With this scenario II modeling, theproduction contribution obtained during the application of scenario II increased by 15% on the Gill net fishing gear and 17% on the Bubu fishing gear.
Analysis of Heavy Metal Contents (Cu. Pb And Zn) of Coral Annual Band (Porites Lutea) in the Eastern Part of Bintan Island
Authors: Ananda Dedet , Mulyono Asep , Putra Risandi Dwirama , Syakti Agung Dhamar
Published: March 2023

This study analyzed the growth rate of massive corals Porites lutea and heavy metal contents in its annual band. The aims of this study were to perceive the age of corals, relation between growth rates and sea surface temperature, rainfall, and duration of sunlight as well as the heavy metal (Cu, Pb and Zn ) extent in their annual band. This study was conducted with radiographic approach to determine the direction and the annual band of corals. Sample preparation methods contained determining the annual growth direction, cutting the samples, and dissolving the coral samples. The prepared samples were analyzed using AAS to calculate their Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations. The results showed that the growth rate of P. lutea coral growth rate was range from 2.78 ± 0.25 to 9.90 ± 1.90 mm/year. The growth rate and sea surface temperature were positively correlated (18.28 %), the rainfall and sunlight duration were correlated negatively 37.82 % and 0.67 % respectively. The highest concentration of Cu and Pb were consecutively found at the stations Kawal, Malang Rapat, and Teluk Bakau, while the highest concentration of Zn were consecutively found in Teluk Bakau, Malang Rapat, and Kawal. Through annual band of coral, from surface to the core part of massive colony coral, we noticed The Cu, Zn and Pb increased variedly with value range of 2.087 ± 0.179 to 2.504 ± 0.117 mg/kg for Cu, 12.304 ± 4.815 to 32.944 ± 5.926 1mg/kg for Zn, and 1.761 ± 0.910 to 9.501 ± 0.483 926 mg/kg. The study may reveals an historical apportionment of anthropogenic heavy metals in the studied area.
Sea Grape Caulerpa Racemosa Carbon Stock Productivity with Enviteg Aquafarm Cultivation Technology
Authors: Raza’i Tengku Said , Amrifo Viktor , Putra Imam Pangestiansyah , Melani Winny Retna
Published: March 2023

Global climate change that occurs due to various activities carried out by humans in an effort to meet the needs of life such as conversion of residential land, industrial development, mono-culture plantations and forest burning. This condition will cause the depletion of plants as free carbon absorbers. The purpose of this study was to determine the value and productivity of the carbon stock of C.racemosa sea grapes as a cultivated commodity that could be superior. The results showed that C.racemosa had carbon reserves (ash content) of 2.98% of its body and was able to contribute carbon in nature of 32.18 kg/ha to 307.31 kg/ha based on location in Bintan and 97.78 kg/ha. ha up to 130.78 Kg/ha based on the wind season. This shows that C. racemosa besides being able to be used for meeting needs can also be developed as carbon stocks in the waters.
Oceanographic conditions and sedimentation in the Kawal river Bintan Island and impact on the prevalence of coral disease
Authors: Putra R D , Surinati D , Mulyono A , Narulita I , Djuwansah M R , Wirayuhanto H , Yulada M R , Saputra A C , Hukom F D , Sari T E Y
Published: March 2023

In river mouths and coastal areas, sediment carried by water flows often clogs the estuaries and causes silting lagoons, impacting the prevalence of coral disease. Ten sediment traps were installed in the river 25 cm from the bottom to record the data for 21 days in Kawal River. Oceanographic and current flow data were collected using CTD and a Current meter using the Eulerian method with a depth interval installation of 0.25 to 0.75 from the river surface. The Underwater Photo Transect (UPT) is a method to analyze the condition of coral reefs and coral disease. CTD the temperature data ranged from 30.471 ± 0.001 °C to 31,609. ±0.001°C, salinity value ranges from 29.643 ± 0.001 PSU to 32.336 ± 0.001 PSU and current flow ranged from 0.063 ± 0.010 m/s to 0.281 ± 0.012 m/s. The results of the sediment trap, the dry weight value of sediment deposited in the sediment traps ranges from 0.89 grams, and for the largest of 48.45 grams, the turbidity ranged from 0.77 NTU to 4.22 NTU. The prevalence of coral disease was 56.40%. The conclusion indicates that excessive sedimentation rates at river mouths can result in a high incidence of coral disease.
Analysis of marine garbage catches in mangrove roots of rhizophora sp in senggarang besar, tanjungpinang, Indonesia
Authors: Yuniar Sintana Tri , Virizki Anasha Nugrahaini , Sahilla Dilla , Jumari  , Fajri Muhammad , Praditya Mhd Habib , Febriansyah Pajri , Manalu Raquel , Kurniadi Zefri Khalik , Sanjaya Iqbal Maulana Yusuf , Nugraha Bramantio Adhityas , Hidayat Rommy , Kurniawan Dedi , Zamalludin  , Saputra David , Nugraha Harist Aditya , Veronisa  , Irawan Henky
Published: March 2023

Rhizophora sp has a single root. The shape of the roots, which are like anchors, is what makes mangroves wave absorbers, sediment binder, and so on. One of the functions of mangrove roots is to prevent the release of garbage into the open sea. This is due to the shape of the roots that make garbage snagged (caught) on the sidelines of the roots. The purpose of this study was to analyze the capture of marine debris in the mangrove roots of Rhizophora sp in the Sengarang Besar ecosystem. This research was conducted in December 2021 in the mangrove forest of Senggarang Besar. The method used is the line transect method with 10 Rhizophora sp mangrove trees located on the coast. Then, data analysis on the density of waste caught in the mangrove roots of Rhizophora sp. The results showed that the inorganic waste found in the mangrove roots of Rhizophora sp were plastic waste, metal waste, glass waste, rubber waste, and cloth waste. Plastic waste is the highest waste catch in the mangrove ecosystem of the Great Senggarang beach. Then the data that has been taken is analyzed using Pearson correlation to prove whether there is a relationship between the circumference and the type of garbage caught. The results of the Pearson correlation between cloth and plastic with root circumference were -0.30 and -0.04 (no correlation between the two variables); Pearson glass correlation with root circumference was 0.45 (sufficient correlation); Pearson rubber correlation with circumference is 0.71 (strong correlation). It can be concluded that there are other factors such as geographical influences, ocean currents, and others in the catch of garbage at mangrove roots.
The Planning Concept of Sustainable Marine Based Ecotourism in Kuala Sempang Village, Bintan, Indonesia
Authors: Gusrizal  , Muzwardi A. , Muhammad A.S. , Arfandi M. , Kusasi F.
Published: March 2023

Kuala Sempang is a coastal village in the Bintan Regency which has the largest mangrove ecosystem. This village’s advantageous location near the estuary of the Busung River gives it the opportunity to develop marine-based ecotourism. Unfortunately, this untapped potential has not yet been fully realized. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to propose a planning concept for the development of sustainable marine-based ecotourism in Kuala Sempang. This study employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including interviews and observations, as well as visual analysis utilizing drone imagery and Google Earth. This study intends to generate a spatial and architectural design for potentially developable areas. In addition, a gross budget estimation plan (RAB Global) will also be produced, explaining the total amount will be spent on the development of each area. According to the findings, three seven locations have a good chance of becoming ecotourism destinations: Dapur Arang Sei Lepan, the coastal area of Busung Bridge, and the area surrounding Empat Islands. According to the RAB Global, a multi-years village fund would not be sufficient to cover the full expense of developing the area. Government assistance and private investment are also required for the development of these potential marine tourism destinations.
Mangrove Bio-Ecology for Rehabilitation Purposes in Pandeglang
Authors: Ati Restu Nur Afi , Kepel Terry L. , Kusumaningtyas Mariska A. , Sudirman Nasir , Salim Hadiwijaya L. , Solihuddin Tubagus , Heriati Aida , Mustikasari Eva
Published: March 2023

This study aims to determine the bio-ecological condition of mangroves that could be considered for the rehabilitation planning process by the government or any other entities. This study was conducted in Ciseukeut-Panimbang, Pandeglang. Eight mangrove species were found, which belongs to four families of Avicenniaceae, Myrsinaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Rhizophoraceae. The density of mangrove species in the study site ranges from 113-744 ind/ha. The results of the diversity index value showed that mangrove vegetation was in the low category with a range of 0.04 – 0.16. This value indicates the presence of environmental pressures, so the mangrove ecosystem is considered unstable. The dominance index belongs to the low category with a range of 0.03 - 0.23. The uniformity index value is also low at 0.01-0.08. The value shows that the mangrove ecosystem in Ciseukeut Panimbang Village is experiencing pressure, or its condition has decreased. Efforts to rehabilitate mangroves in Panimbang regency can be done by planting from the dominant mangroves Avicennia sp and Rhizophora sp. These species play a very important role in Panimbang, its important value index was 90,66% and 56,77%. The timing of planting propagules in Pandeglang area should be carried out in the eastern season so that the propagule can grow optimally and safely inundate from tides that occur in the western season with a height of up to 1 m.
Climate change innovative action to overcome marine pollution in Kepulauan Riau
Authors: Akbar D , Prayuda R , Setiawan A , Wahyudi H , Yudiatmaja W E , Kartika F D , Putri A A
Published: March 2023

Global Blue New Deal aims to create climate stability and ocean climate nexus, also to elaborate COP26 works remains. The most important agenda is to tackle the disinclination of ocean health action. Even though the awareness of essential meaning of healthy ocean to sustainable blue economy and human well-being. The first pillar is to preserve ocean health due to its impact on the rise of sea level and welfare of local communities by reducing land-based marine pollution. Halt and curb use of plastic nurdles, plastic bags, and micro plastics through use of bans, taxes and other disincentives. The second pillar, conduct naturally friendly solution to promote sustainable environment and resilience for climate risk by supporting global movement to secure 30% of the ocean all over the world by 2030, also leveraging the existence of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Effect of laser shock processing on residual stress evolution in martensitic stainless steel multi-pass butt-welded joints
Authors: Li Li , Guo Shudong , Guo Yanhui , Ren Jingzhong , Hou Wenbin , Wang Xigang , Jia Lu , Zhang Nannan , Gan Hongyan
Published: March 2023

Laser shock processing (LSP) is an innovative approach, which effectively improves the mechanical behavior of metallic structures by introducing compressive residual stress. To evaluate the residual stress evolution in low-carbon 13Cr4Ni martensitic stainless steel multi-pass butt-welded joints induced by LSP, a two-step numerical simulation including welding analysis, at first, followed by LSP calculation with the simulated welding stress results being taken into account, was performed based on ABAQUS software. Effects of LSP parameters such as power density, spot size, overlapping rate and numbers of laser shock on the residual stress variations, were systematically investigated. To validate the reliability and accuracy of the numerical simulation, experiments of welding and LSP were conducted in sequence. The residual stress after welding and LSP were investigated by x-ray diffraction method. Results demonstrate that the simulated results show a good agreement with the experimental datas. The welding residual stress distribution is uneven. Larger tensile stresses appear on the weld surface and its adjacent heat-affected zone, which could be converted into high-level compressive stress after LSP. Furthermore, an ideal residual stress field can be obtained after two successive laser shocks with an overlap rate of 75% when the power density, spot diameter, and pulse width are 7.6 GW cm−2, 4 mm, and 25 ns, respectively.
Multimodal analysis of generic cantilever-based piezoelectric nanogenerators with offset-proof mass
Authors: Pandey Chandan , Sharma Gaurav , Prakash Chandra , Dixit Ambesh , Pratiher Barun
Published: March 2023

The present work investigates analytically and experimentally the multimodal performance analysis of piezoelectric (PZT-5A) based generic nanogenerators. The present nanogenerators consider both uni-morph and bimorph with offset-proof mass subjected to sinusoidal base excitation. The finite element-based multi-mode electromechanical coupled dynamics governing equations are derived to formulate the analytical expressions of uni-morph, and bimorph nano-harvesters for frequency responses function of output voltage, current, and power, respectively. The impact of base excitation, load resistance, thickness, length, and mass of offset-proof mass on the output voltage and harvested energy is investigated by considering multi-mode vibration bodies. PZT-5A is evenly distributed over the substructure for the single voltage output. Interestingly, we noticed that a uni-morph cantilever with offset-proof mass is the best among all the investigated configurations, showing the maximum power at different load conditions. Analytical solutions are in good agreement with nearly no error for the first few vibration modes as compared to what was obtained using numerical simulation. The experimental realization for a single mode of vibration has been explored, and results showed that the fundamental mode swings very similar behaviors in voltage and power output, mostly in pre-and post-resonance conditions as compared to analytical results, and the difference between these two results is about nearly 5%. Thus, the present work depicts an effectual correlation between analytical development, numerical results using COMSOL 2D, and experimental realization for analyzing energy harvesting devices. These results may be helpful for the experimentalists to design efficient nanogenerators.
Numerical investigation on regulation and suppression of heat and mass transfer by varying thermal and solutal buoyancy force
Authors: Singh Ranjit J. , Kannan Y S , Nimmagadda Rajesh , Shukla B
Published: March 2023

In this study, a three-dimensional numerical analysis is presented for regulation and suppression of heat and mass transfer by varying thermal and solutal buoyancy force with a rotating cylinder placed at the center of the cavity. The energy and concentration equations are coupled by Dufour and Soret parameters to have a mutual effect of concentration and temperature on heat and mass transfer. The thermal buoyancy in the flow is adjusted by varying Rayleigh number of Ra = 104, 105, 106 and the mixed convection in the flow is regulated by varying Richardson number of Ri = 0.5, 1, 1.5 at unity buoyancy ratio (N = 1), Soret number, Lewis number and Dufour number. The present heat and mass transfer solver is developed and validated using the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package OpenFOAM 5.0. The two vertical opposite sides of the cavity are maintained as isothermal and isosolutal (iso-concentration), and the remaining four surfaces with rotating cylinder are kept as adiabatic. The present analysis reveals the impact of the mutual coupling of heat and mass transfer with the presence of thermal buoyancy, solutal buoyancy including mixed convection flow. The increase in the forced circulation at fixed thermal and solutal buoyancy force increases the heat and mass transfer. The variation of Nu

avg
and Sh

avg
is observed to be steady even with increasing Ra, then changes to periodic and chaotic with the implementation of a rotating cylinder. The detailed analysis on the variation of thermal buoyancy at unity buoyancy ratio, forced convection is reported by plotting streamlines, temperature and concentration contours, average Nusselt and Sherwood number.
Exponential fields and Conway’s omega-map
Authors: Berarducci Alessandro , Kuhlmann Salma , Mantova Vincenzo , Matusinski Mickaël
Published: March 2023

Inspired by Conway’s surreal numbers, we study real closed fields whose value group is isomorphic to the additive reduct of the field. We call such fields omega-fields and we prove that any omega-field of bounded Hahn series with real coefficients admits an exponential function making it into a model of the theory of the real exponential field. We also consider relative versions with more general coefficient fields.
Cohort-based smoothing methods for age-specific contact rates
Authors: Vandendijck Yannick , Gressani Oswaldo , Faes Christel , Camarda Carlo G , Hens Niel
Published: March 2023

The use of social contact rates is widespread in infectious disease modeling since it has been shown that they are key driving forces of important epidemiological parameters. Quantification of contact patterns is crucial to parameterize dynamic transmission models and to provide insights on the (basic) reproduction number. Information on social interactions can be obtained from population-based contact surveys, such as the European Commission project POLYMOD. Estimation of age-specific contact rates from these studies is often done using a piecewise constant approach or bivariate smoothing techniques. For the latter, typically, smoothness is introduced in the dimensions of the respondent’s and contact’s age (i.e., the rows and columns of the social contact matrix). We propose a smoothing constrained approach—taking into account the reciprocal nature of contacts—introducing smoothness over the diagonal (including all subdiagonals) of the social contact matrix. This modeling approach is justified assuming that when people age their contact behavior changes smoothly. We call this smoothing from a cohort perspective. Two approaches that allow for smoothing over social contact matrix diagonals are proposed, namely (i) reordering of the diagonal components of the contact matrix and (ii) reordering of the penalty matrix ensuring smoothness over the contact matrix diagonals. Parameter estimation is done in the likelihood framework by using constrained penalized iterative reweighted least squares. A simulation study underlines the benefits of cohort-based smoothing. Finally, the proposed methods are illustrated on the Belgian POLYMOD data of 2006. Code to reproduce the results of the article can be downloaded on this GitHub repository https://github.com/oswaldogressani/Cohort_smoothing.
Evaluating the Impact of Statin Use on Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness and Influenza Infection in Older Adults
Authors: Chung Hannah , Campitelli Michael A , Buchan Sarah A , Campigotto Aaron , Chen Branson , Crowcroft Natasha S , Dubey Vinita , Gubbay Jonathan B , Karnauchow Timothy , Katz Kevin , McGeer Allison J , McNally J Dayre , Mubareka Samira , Murti Michelle , Richardson David C , Rosella Laura C , Schwartz Kevin L , Smieja Marek , Zahariadis George , Kwong Jeffrey C
Published: March 2023

Background

Older adults are recommended to receive influenza vaccination annually, and many use statins. Statins have immunomodulatory properties that might modify influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) and alter influenza infection risk.

Methods

Using the test-negative design and linked laboratory and health administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, we estimated VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza among community-dwelling statin users and nonusers aged ≥66 years during the 2010–2011 to 2018–2019 influenza seasons. We also estimated the odds ratio for influenza infection comparing statin users and nonusers by vaccination status.

Results

Among persons tested for influenza across the 9 seasons, 54 243 had continuous statin exposure before testing and 48 469 were deemed unexposed. The VE against laboratory-confirmed influenza was similar between statin users and nonusers (17% [95% confidence interval, 13%–20%] and 17% [13%–21%] respectively; test for interaction, P = .87). In both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, statin users had higher odds of laboratory-confirmed influenza than nonusers (odds ratios for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons 1.15 [95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.21] and 1.15 [1.10–1.20], respectively). These findings were consistent by mean daily dose and statin type. VE did not differ between users and nonusers of other cardiovascular drugs, except for β-blockers. We did not observe that vaccinated and unvaccinated users of these drugs had increased odds of influenza, except for unvaccinated β-blocker users.

Conclusions

Influenza VE did not differ between statin users and nonusers. Statin use was associated with increased odds of laboratory-confirmed influenza in vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, but these associations might be affected by residual confounding.
Rare benign adrenal lesions
Authors: Dogra Prerna , Sundin Anders , Juhlin C Christofer , Calissendorff Jan , Falhammar Henrik , Bancos Irina
Published: March 2023

While most benign lesions of the adrenal glands represent either an adrenocortical adenoma or a myelolipoma, the advent and frequent use of high-resolution radiological investigations have led to relatively increased incidental discovery of rare adrenal lesions, specifically benign adrenal cysts, adrenal ganglioneuromas, adrenal schwannomas, adrenal hemorrhage, and adrenal calcifications. Radiological characteristics of the different rare benign adrenal lesions could vary from distinct to indeterminate. Though typically nonfunctional, these rare lesions require evaluation for adrenal hormone excess, as they may phenotypically appear similar to pheochromocytoma or adrenocortical carcinoma and could sometimes be associated with or conceal an underlying functional adrenal tumor. In this review, we discuss the various rare benign adrenal lesions, emphasizing a practical perspective.
Nudges and threats: soft versus hard incentives for tax compliance
Authors: Andersson Henrik , Engström Per , Nordblom Katarina , Wanander Susanna
Published: March 2023

We study what induces delinquent wage earners to pay their taxes due, using high-quality administrative data from the Swedish Tax Agency. We find a strong effect of the standard enforcement regime: a threat of having the debt handed over to the Enforcement Agency increases payments by more than 9 percentage points (from a baseline of 58%). When including actual enforcement, payment increases by 19 percentage points compared with those who do not risk enforcement. In a field experiment, we compare these effects of standard enforcement to those involving much milder nudges, consisting of letters reminding tax delinquents to pay their taxes due. We find that a ‘pure nudge’ (i.e., the inclusion of an extra sheet of paper with no valuable information) has an effect of around 7 percentage points for those who do not risk enforcement upon non-payment, that is, an effect almost as large as for the threat of enforcement. However, the same nudge has no detectable effect on the group that is subject to enforcement. Finally, we find a small additional effect on payments from social norm messages both for those who risk enforcement and for those who do not.
Vitamin D in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events
Authors: Carbone Federico , Liberale Luca , Libby Peter , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: March 2023

Both experimental and clinical findings linking vitamin D to cardiovascular (CV) risk have prompted consideration of its supplementation to improve overall health. Yet several meta-analyses do not provide support for the clinical effectiveness of this strategy. Meanwhile, the understanding of the roles of vitamin D in the pathophysiology of CV diseases has evolved. Specifically, recent work has revealed some non-classical pleiotropic effects of vitamin D, increasing the complexity of vitamin D signalling. Within particular microenvironments (e.g. dysfunctional adipose tissue and atherosclerotic plaque), vitamin D can act locally at cellular level through intracrine/autocrine/paracrine feedforward and feedback circuits. Within atherosclerotic tissues, ‘local’ vitamin D levels may influence relevant systemic consequences independently of its circulating pool. Moreover, vitamin D links closely to other signalling pathways of CV relevance including those driving cellular senescence, ageing, and age-related diseases—among them CV conditions. This review updates knowledge on vitamin D biology aiming to clarify the widening gap between experimental and clinical evidence. It highlights the potential reverse causation confounding correlation between vitamin D status and CV health, and the need to consider novel pathophysiological concepts in the design of future clinical trials that explore the effects of vitamin D on atherosclerosis and risk of CV events.
Exposomics as a tool to investigate differences in health and disease by sex and gender
Authors: Bucher Meghan L , Anderson Faith L , Lai Yunjia , Dicent Jocelyn , Miller Gary W , Zota Ami R
Published: March 2023

The health and disease of an individual is mediated by their genetics, a lifetime of environmental exposures, and interactions between the two. Genetic or biological sex, including chromosome composition and hormone expression, may influence both the types and frequency of environmental exposures an individual experiences, as well as the biological responses an individual has to those exposures. Gender identity, which can be associated with social behaviors such as expressions of self, may also mediate the types and frequency of exposures an individual experiences. Recent advances in exposome-level analysis have progressed our understanding of how environmental factors affect health outcomes; however, the relationship between environmental exposures and sex- and gender-specific health remains underexplored. The comprehensive, non-targeted, and unbiased nature of exposomic research provides a unique opportunity to systematically evaluate how environmental exposures interact with biological sex and gender identity to influence health. In this forward-looking narrative review, we provide examples of how biological sex and gender identity influence environmental exposures, discuss how environmental factors may interact with biological processes, and highlight how an intersectional approach to exposomics can provide critical insights for sex- and gender-specific health sciences.
Quantification of the mobility potential of antibiotic resistance genes through multiplexed ddPCR linkage analysis
Authors: de la Cruz Barron Magali , Kneis David , Elena Alan Xavier , Bagra Kenyum , Berendonk Thomas U , Klümper Uli
Published: March 2023

There is a clear need for global monitoring initiatives to evaluate the risks of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) towards human health. Therefore, not only ARG abundances within a given environment, but also their potential mobility, hence their ability to spread to human pathogenic bacteria needs to be quantified. We developed a novel, sequencing-independent method for assessing the linkage of an ARG to a mobile genetic element by statistical analysis of multiplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) carried out on environmental DNA sheared into defined, short fragments. This allows quantifying the physical linkage between specific ARGs and mobile genetic elements, here demonstrated for the sulfonamide ARG sul1 and the Class 1 integron integrase gene intI1. The method's efficiency is demonstrated using mixtures of model DNA fragments with either linked and unlinked target genes: Linkage of the two target genes can be accurately quantified based on high correlation coefficients between observed and expected values (R2) as well as low mean absolute errors (MAE) for both target genes, sul1 (R2 = 0.9997, MAE = 0.71%, n = 24) and intI1 (R2 = 0.9991, MAE = 1.14%, n = 24). Furthermore, we demonstrate that adjusting the fragmentation length of DNA during shearing allows controlling rates of false positives and false negative detection of linkage. The presented method allows rapidly obtaining reliable results in a labor- and cost-efficient manner.
Development of vitamin B12 dependency inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lehner Sandra , Boles Eckhard
Published: March 2023

For decades, the industrial vitamin B12 (cobalamin) production has been based on bacterial producer strains. Due to limited methods for strain optimization and difficult strain handling, the desire for new vitamin B12-producing hosts has risen. As a vitamin B12-independent organism with a big toolbox for genomic engineering and easy-to-handle cultivation conditions, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has high potential for heterologous vitamin B12 production. However, the B12 synthesis pathway is long and complex. To be able to easily engineer and evolve B12-producing recombinant yeast cells, we have developed an S. cerevisiae strain whose growth is dependent on vitamin B12. For this, the B12-independent methionine synthase Met6 of yeast was replaced by a B12-dependent methionine synthase MetH from Escherichia coli. Adaptive laboratory evolution, RT-qPCR, and overexpression experiments show that additional high-level expression of a bacterial flavodoxin/ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (Fpr-FldA) system is essential for in vivo reactivation of MetH activity and growth. Growth of MetH-containing yeast cells on methionine-free media is only possible with the addition of adenosylcobalamin or methylcobalamin. A heterologous vitamin B12 transport system turned out to be not necessary for the uptake of cobalamins. This strain should be a powerful chassis to engineer B12-producing yeast cells.
Exceptional case of aortic atresia associated with atypical double aortic arch
Authors: Krokovay Anna , Cavigelli-Brunner Anna , Kretschmar Oliver , Cesnjevar Robert
Published: March 2023

We present the unique case of atretic aortic valve associated with hypoplastic ascending aorta and double aortic arch of unusual configuration supplying retrograde blood flow to the coronary arteries.
Impact of unplanned pregnancy on neonatal outcomes: findings of new high-risk newborns in Peru
Authors: Ticona Diana Manuela , Huanco Diana , Ticona-Rendón Manuel Benedicto
Published: March 2023

Background

Unplanned pregnancy is a significant public health problem, especially in low- to middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to determine the neonatal outcomes associated with unplanned pregnancy in a public hospital in southern Peru.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to August 2021 among 306 mothers and their newborns selected by convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, mothers were surveyed during their postpartum hospitalization about their pregnancy intentions. Unintended pregnancy was considered when it was mistimed or unwanted. Neonatal outcomes were assessed by reviewing medical records prior to discharge, evaluating the presence of low birth weight, insufficient birth weight, prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and neonatal mortality. Association was measured in terms of prevalence ratio (PR) and beta coefficient and respective 95% CIs, crude and adjusted for variables that obtained a value of p<0.20 in the crude model (maternal age, education and parity).

Results

The overall unplanned pregnancies rate was 65%, of which 40.5% were mistimed pregnancies and 24.5% unwanted pregnancies. Unplanned and mistimed pregnancies were significantly associated with insufficient birth weight [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=2.14; 95% CI 1.01 to 4.56 and aPR=2.43; 95% CI 1.09 to 5.39, respectively] and unwanted pregnancies were significantly associated with preterm birth (aPR=3.49; 95% CI 1.01 to 12.11). Furthermore, adjusted analysis showed that birth weight and gestational age were lower in unplanned, mistimed and unwanted pregnancies.

Conclusions

Unplanned pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age of newborns. These data collected in a public hospital in a developing country may have significant implications today. If pregnancy intention is not included as a neonatal risk factor, insufficient birth weight and preterm birth could increase because a higher proportion of births will be unplanned.
Enforcing the Digital Markets Act: institutional choices, compliance, and antitrust
Authors: Crémer Jacques , Dinielli David , Heidhues Paul , Kimmelman Gene , Monti Giorgio , Podszun Rupprecht , Schnitzer Monika , Scott Morton Fiona , de Streel Alexandre
Published: March 2023

This article discusses how the European Commission can achieve the goal of effectively implementing the Digital Markets Act. Based on legal and economic reasoning, we highlight the important role of the gatekeeper’s compliance report, and discuss how to incentivize gatekeepers to write useful reports. In addition, we develop recommendations regarding the internal organization of the Commission, the prioritization of cases, and how to effectively use the concurrent enforcement powers of the Digital Markets Act and Article 102 of the TFEU. We illustrate the principles we develop using four different EU antitrust cases. Furthermore, we discuss coordination between the Commission and National Competition Authorities and the need to already develop an independent evaluation process for the Digital Markets Act.
Construction of a Zinc Oxide Nanorod-Modified Coated Wire Electrode for Potentiometric Determination of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride in Its Pure and Combined Form
Authors: Nashed Dania , Noureldin Imad , Alhaj Sakur Amir
Published: March 2023

Background

Coated wire electrodes (CWEs) are considered the most effective and selective type of ion- selective electrodes because of the electroactive materials which are used in surface modification.

Objective

This study aims to construct the first potentiometric method for analysis of levocetirizine (LVZ) in its combination form with montelukast (MON) drug.

Methods

A novel potentiometric sensor which consists of a silver wire coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod modified with a polymeric membrane (combining β-cyclodextrin and tetraphenyl borate, and plasticized with di-butyl phthalate) was constructed for the determination of LVZ·2HCl in its pure form and its combination dosage form.

Results

The fabricated sensor exhibited a linearity range of 5 × 10−6–1 × 10−2 mol/L with a Nernstian slope 57.88 mV/decade over the pH range 2–4.5. The effect of temperature on the constructed sensor was studied and it was found that the electrode worked effectively over 10–50°C. The electrode showed a fast response time and the lifetime of the electrode was found to be 72 days without significant change in the Nernstian slope value. The selectivity of the electrode toward LVZ was estimated in the presence of some obstructive ions.

Conclusion

The method was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirments for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) rules and applied to the determination of LVZ in its pure and combined pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Highlights

This article introduces the synthesis of the first coated wire electrode modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods for the determination of the drug levocetirizine. The results demonstrate the ability of electrochemical methods to analyze drugs in combination. The presented method excels over the other analytical methods in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity.
Design of phase II oncology trials evaluating combinations of experimental agents
Authors: Sharon Elad , Foster Jared C
Published: March 2023

We consider the design of phase II trials evaluating combinations of experimental therapies. In the modern era, many immunotherapy and targeted therapy regimens are being developed as combination regimens, including combinations consisting only of experimental agents. In some clinical or drug development scenarios, it may be difficult to isolate the effect of the individual agents composing a combination of this type, which makes the evaluation of the combination challenging. One such scenario arises when none of the agents making up the experimental combination have demonstrated single-agent activity in the clinical setting of interest. One solution to this problem is to use a randomized comparative trial in which the combination of interest is compared with 1 or both of its component agents, but some modifications to more traditional randomized comparative phase II trials must be made because all arms in such a trial would be experimental. In this manuscript, we present sensible modifications to randomized phase II trial designs that can be used in 2 common drug development scenarios of this type and provide a detailed discussion of the practical aspects of designing these trials. We also include 2 worked examples to further illustrate how to design such a trial.
Is Australia a Model for the UK? A Critical Assessment of Parallels of Cruelty in Refugee Externalization Policies
Authors: Matera Margherita , Tubakovic Tamara , Murray Philomena
Published: March 2023

For several years, Australia has been regarded by some politicians and observers in Europe as a model for hard-line policies towards refugees. At the same time, Australia’s implementation of refugee externalization measures has been subject to considerable scholarly attention and critique. Although the Australian approach has featured prominently in political debates in several European states, this article analyses the implications of a possible adoption of the Australian offshore detention approach for refugee policy-making in the UK, and the consequences this will have for the integrity of the international refugee protection regime. The article considers how states might influence each other’s policies—both directly and indirectly—by focusing on a case study of offshore detention and processing with regard to Australia’s influence on—and similarity to—the UK, to the extent that we observe policy parallels, as the article brings to light substantial policy convergence of detrimental practice of these two countries.
Multilevel emulation for stochastic computer models with application to large offshore wind farms
Authors: Kennedy Jack C , Henderson Daniel A , Wilson Kevin J
Published: March 2023

Renewable energy projects, such as large offshore wind farms, are critical to achieving low-emission targets set by governments. Stochastic computer models allow us to explore future scenarios to aid decision making while considering the most relevant uncertainties. Complex stochastic computer models can be prohibitively slow, and thus an emulator may be constructed and deployed to allow for efficient computation. We present a novel heteroscedastic Gaussian Process emulator that exploits cheap approximations to a stochastic offshore wind farm simulator. We also conduct a probabilistic sensitivity analysis to understand the influence of key parameters in the wind farm model, which will help us to plan a probability elicitation in the future.