bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of paddy field conversion rate in relation to food security in Aceh Besar District, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Yasar M , Kamarudin M K , Diana Mohd Idris N , Kiswayadi T D , Salima R , Foo J
Published: December 2022

Productive paddy fields are an important asset in supporting food security. However, due to the increasing competition for land use with sectors outside agriculture, it has triggered the pace of land conversion without control and has the potential to threaten the stability of food supply itself. This study aims to identify the rate of paddy field conversion that occurs in Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province, Indonesia. This research was conducted through a spatial approach using the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify forms of spatial change based on land use. The method used is a Supervised Classification. The results of the study showed that the highest rate of paddy field conversion occurred in the period 2010-2020 reaching 0.947%/year. This is not comparable to the ability of the substitution efforts made in the previous ten years (2000-2010) which was 0.88 %/year. The form of land conversion that occurred was dominated by the non-agricultural sector, especially residential needs reaching 61.89%. This has the opportunity to reduce rice production by 1,051.38 / year. Therefore, efforts to control the rate of land conversion are absolutely necessary to ensure sustainable food security.
Detection of groundwater sources in Lembor village using geoelectrical resistivity method schlumberger configuration
Authors: Hasan M F R , Pradiptiya A , Setiawan Y , Agung P A M , Susilo A , Sunaryo
Published: December 2022

Drought is one of the problems faced by the people of Lembor Village, Lamongan Regency, this problem will be slightly resolved if the area has reserves of groundwater sources. Therefore, this study aims to determine the existence of potential groundwater sources around Lembor Village. The method used is the geoelectrical resistivity method schlumberger configuration. Data acquisition was carried out for 10 measuring points of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with a track length of 310 meters, and a distance between electrodes of 10 meters. The measurement results are then correlated between VES points to produce a 2-dimensional cross-section. The results showed that the measured resistivity value was between 0.03 Ωm to 81.1 Ωm. The structure of the subsurface layer of the study area is dominated by clay and limestone. The indications for the presence of groundwater are found at a depth between 25 to 35 meters at a track distance of 35 to 45 meters, a track distance of 170 to 180 meters, and a track distance of 270 to 280 meters with resistivity values between 0.03 Ωm to 0.32 Ωm. The indications of the presence of groundwater sources need to be investigated in a wider area, to determine the distribution and direction of groundwater flow.
Preparation and characterization of nanofiltration (NF) polyethersulfone and its preliminary studies on beta-carotene concentration from crude palm oil
Authors: Razi F , Azwar A , Sofyana S , Erfiza N M , Luxyana M
Published: December 2022

The enrichment of beta-carotene concentration from crude palm oil (CPO) using nanofiltration polyethersulfone (NF-PES) membrane was studied. This work begins with preparing the NF-PES membrane via the phase inversion method as the first stage. PES polymer was used as base membrane material and N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. Then, the process concentration of beta-carotene was conducted by filtration of the red palm methyl ester as feed solution using dead-end mode filtration. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of separation pressure (3; 4; and 5 bar) on beta-carotene concentration from the feed solution. SEM results showed that the NF PES membrane had an asymmetric structure. It consisted of two layers: the thin top layer had a dense structure, while the support layer had a sponge-like structure. Besides, the pure water permeability of NF PES membrane was about 2-18 L/m2.h.bar was fitted within the range of NF membranes. The optimum operating pressure that gives the highest beta-carotene concentration was achieved at 3 bar. As a result, the beta-carotene concentration has improved about 1.14 times compared to the initial beta-carotene concentration in the feed solution.
Loaf volume and porosity for sourdough bread based modified cassava flour by linier regression and sensory evaluation approach
Authors: Zaidiyah Z , Nur B M , Lubis Y M. , Nasution I S , Nadia F , Khaira U
Published: December 2022

Sourdough bread is a type of bread that has a slightly sour taste and uses natural yeast as a starter. Mocaf is a gluten-free flour made from cassava. Gluten-free flour-based sourdough bread has different physical properties such as volume expansion and porosity compared to wheat-based sourdough bread. Sourdough bread has a unique taste compared to bread in general, a sensory approach is required to get the right formula according to the panelist. This study aims to investigate the ratio of mocaf to flour on the development of volume and porosity of bread using simple linear regression. In addition, a sensory test was also carried out to assess the panelists’ preference for sourdough bread with the selected formula. The results showed that the upper limit of mocaf use in sourdough bread production was 20% based on linear regression of bread loaf and porosity. Panelis preference in hedonic evaluation for sourdough bread based mocaf remained low. Bread selected in this study had less moisture and fat content than control sourdough bread, while the ash and total carbohydrate content in sourdough bread based mocaf were higher than control. Wheat and mocaf flour ratio 80:20 produced sourdough bread with characteristics close to control bread with a moisture 27.82%, ash 2.03%, crude protein 5.26%, fat 0.52%, carbohydrates 64.37 %, crude fiber 2.04%, and energy 156.52 Kcal
Modular Rainwater Storage Design Planning in Support of the Urban Infrastructure Systems Program
Authors: Kurniawan A , Abieza T , Sembada P T S , Jayatri F N M
Published: December 2022

Technology to optimize the potential of rainwater that utilizes rainwater harvesting technology (PAH) cannot simply be accepted by the community, especially in urban areas. Urban areas have limited land to support rainwater storage which has large dimensions with the shape of a tube. Therefore, a modular form was developed that can help urban communities who do not have large lands to optimize the potential for rainwater that falls and is used as clean water to supply daily needs. These components are collected and classified according to urban infrastructure systems (UIS). The planned reservoir with dimensions that are more effective and easy to apply in various places is planned to have a maximum dimension of 1 meter high and 0.5 meters wide made of modular plastic. After going through the stages of analysis of the discharge that can be accommodated in the engineering of a modular rainwater reservoir, then proceed with the design process and provide clarity of designation examples. By utilizing the form with a capacity of 32 liters, this rainwater reservoir can be arranged and adjusted according to the designation of the people who want to use it.
The polyamine compound to response for biotic and abiotic stresses in Zea mays plant
Authors: Hayati R , Rosa E , Rahmiati R , Savitri S , Fitri S , Khumaira K
Published: December 2022

Zea mays L. is the main multipurpose plant for feed energy, food and highly a susceptible for the environmental stresses to agricultural biotechnology. The plant triggers for the main factor in limited Z. mays yield. Recently, it was obtain a crop yields to be significan reduced, and stray due to environmental factor also biotic stresses. Moreover, it was confirm the security of live cells under non-adverse shapes, the polyamine compound was regulate most important roles to responses under abiotic and biotic stresses. The climate change for increasing to demand in maize production plants have been urged to increase for the stress in the tolerance investigation to that crop, although it was certainly realize and assignment of the polyamine compounds for responses for variety environmental stresses. In this study, we were describe a review and summarize the recent literature on the role for the polyamine compound with conferring stress tolerance to Z. mays plants. To the accumulation of polyamine compounds, that mechanism and behavior, recently to genetic the manipulation studied it was perform to pathway to the polyamine metabolism, it was improved the abiotic and biotic stress distance have been research. Then, the polyamine compound metabolism under stress term was not operate personally in that cells, and it was associated to other metabolic pathways in Z. mays plants. On the other hand, the complex joining and a role was a signaling to molecules have been reported.
The Assessment of material resource and cycle (MRC) of architectural finishing works for tall building construction
Authors: Hajji A M , Yulistyorini A , Dewi C P , Ahmad M H
Published: December 2022

This study is conducted to identify the application of GREENSHIP-based material resources and cycle (MRC) as part of green campus development in Universitas Negeri Malang (UM). The study focuses on the new two integrated classroom buildings in UM, which has nine floors with 44,917 m2 of total floor area. The parameters used in this study covers purchasing policy, waste management policy, the use of non-ODP refrigerant, existing conservation materials, and low environmental impact materials. The results of the study has shown that: (1) the prerequisite criteria for materials purchasing policies were fulfilled based on the use of environmentally friendly material categories in the building procurement process; (2) as for the waste treatment policy, there is the existence of a policy statement letter from the top management for waste processing and product saving campaigns; (3) the use of refrigerant without ODP are declared to be in compliance with the use of refrigerant type R410a with ODP value = 0; (4) since the building construction project use entirely new materials, the GREENSHIP requirement for used materials are not fulfilled; (5) 82.5% of materials for architectural finishing works are environmental-friendly as assessed from the materials specification; (6) regarding waste treatment practices, there is a separate waste processing facility for organic, inorganic and B3 type of waste as required by GREENSHIP.
Net Ecosystem Exchange of Carbon Dioxide in Rice Summer – Autumn crop of the lower Mekong delta, Vietnam
Authors: Pham H Q , Pavelka M , Dušek J , Nguyen V X , Vu K H N , Bui A T , Le S T
Published: December 2022

This study describes the net ecosystem exchange of CO2 in a rice summer-autumn growth season in the lower Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Eddy Covariance and bio-meteorological systems were used to continually record the net CO2 exchange between the paddy field and the atmosphere, together with environmental variables affecting the exchange rate. Rice plant growth (height, above-, and belowground biomass) was measured every 15 days during the entire crop. Our study paddy field emitted CO2 at the mean rate of 5.06 ± 2.49 µmol m-2 s-1, while the rate of CO2 capturing was 18.65 ± 11.76 µmol m-2 s-1 throughout the entire crop. The paddy field acted as a CO2 sink almost during the crop. The quick increase of leaf area from the 15th to the 60th day led to the rise in CO2 influx. The decrease in influx rate after the 60th day resulted from the senescence and death of the aboveground biomass. The drainage in the last ten days of the crop probably contributed to the increase in CO2 effluxes and hence, turned the paddy field into a CO2 source. Ambient temperature was an important factor affecting the rate of CO2 exchange affects the photosynthesis, plant respiration, photorespiration, and organic matter decomposition.
Evaluation and usability testing on integrated forest and land fire patrol application in Sumatera Region
Authors: Gusmendasari R , Sitanggang L S , Ardiansyah F , Syaufina L , Rahmawan H , Trisminingsih R , Wulandari
Published: December 2022

One of the causes of the annual decline in the forest area in Indonesia is forest and land fires. To prevent forest and land fires, the government carries out integrated patrol activities by forming a team for fire-prone area. A mobile application called Patroli Karhutla has been developed to facilitate the data recording obtained by the integrated patrol team. This study aims to produce recommendations for improvement in terms of usability based on evaluation and testing by users of the application in Sumatra. Evaluation and improvement of the application were conducted before testing. Testing includes two components, namely task success and efficiency, using several methods such as observation, interviews, focus group discussions, and concurrent think aloud. The test results on task success based on the level of success showed that the average task success of Patroli Karhutla application reached the target except for the profile and observation report. The average task success in scenarios done by respondents is 83.9 based on the indicators. The geometric mean-time of work on the scenario of the respondents has not reached the target and got two times the specified benchmark time. Errors and comments provided during testing by respondents produce some recommendations for improvement in the application for further development.
Chemical analysis of mangrove land in north Aceh
Authors: Harifia R , Irham M , Muhammadar  , Faisal  , Rusdi M
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the condition of water quality and the type of sediment fraction in the mangrove area around North Aceh in terms of physical and chemical parameters. Chemical analysis was carried out to test the content of heavy metals Pb, Cu, Cd, Hg, Fe and NH3, DO and physically analyzed to see the type and structure of sediment in addition to temperature, pH, brightness, and salinity in the mangrove area. This study used 3 sampling locations, namely the mangrove area around Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PIM), Lasloka, and Krueng Manee, 12 chemical and physical test parameters with a depth of 1-2.3 m for each sampling. The assessment was carried out through 2 stages of testing, namely in situ test, namely temperature, brightness, salinity, DO, pH. Meanwhile, ex-situ tests were carried out on TSS parameters, lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg) and ammonia (NH3). The results showed that almost all study areas exhibited that heavy metals were still below the permissible threshold except in the Krueng Manee area where the NH3, Cd and Hg tests showed values above the permissible or in a polluted state. The sediment characteristic analysis informed that round PIM and Krueng Manee is sandy loam dominated by Avicennia Sp mangroves and Loslaka area is muddy sand dominated by Rhizophora Sp mangrove species.
Distribution and breeding site of Scylla serata (Forskal) in south west coast of Aceh
Authors: Asiah M D , Syafrianti D , Wardiah  , Ulhusna F A , Zulfikar
Published: December 2022

Mangrove forests function as breeding, spawning, and nursery ground for various commercial such as mud crabs. This study aims to analyze the habitat characteristics of mud crabs in the mangrove ecosystem as a breeding location on the southwest coast of Aceh Province. This research was conducted in the mangrove ecosystem in the districts of Aceh Jaya, West Aceh, and Southwest Aceh.The station for sampling and data measurement was determined by the purposive method. The characteristics of habitat including pH, temperature, and salinity, were analyzed by Completely Randomized Design using ANOVA. Sedimentation, dominant flora and fauna species was presented descriptively. The results showed that the pH values in the three districts ranged from 7.22 to 7.25 and did not show a significant difference (P>0.05). The temperature values ranged from 25 to 35°C, showing a significant difference (P<0.05) and the salinity ranged from 11.33‰ to 19.50‰ showing a significant difference (P<0.05). Sedimentation such as mud, sand, litter, and former shellfish. The main flora species were Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh, Rhizopora apiculata B, Rhizopora mucronata L, Nypah fructican W, Soneratia caseolaris L, and Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Zucc, whereas the fauna species are Scylla serrate (Forskål), Faunus ater L, Uca Sp, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg). It can be concluded that the mangrove ecosystems in the southwest coast area are very potential to support the mud crab breeding process.
Andesite Mine Handling Strategy as an Effort to Minimize Significant Impacts of Environmental Damage in Aceh Jaya, Indonesia
Authors: Rizaldi M , Ramli I , Deli A
Published: December 2022

The growth rate of mineral mine exploitation is increasing due to the advancement and sophistication of industrial technology equipment, causing the carrying capacity of the environment to be exceeded and becoming a threat to the sustainability of natural resources and causing environmental damage. This research studies the impact of environmental damage on andesite mining activities in Gampong Kuala Ligan, Sampoiniet District, Aceh Jaya Regency, making a good mining management strategy for good mining practice. Environmental damage impact analysis using data collection and maps, weighting and scoring as well as strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis. Overlay analysis shows the mining location including the eligible and conditionally eligible mining areas. Impact forecasts at the research site include topography, landslide process, erosion rate, sources of livelihood and income levels of the population, as well as public health, are the significant impacts. In contrast, land cover vegetation and crime rates are insignificant impacts. The matrix analysis shows that the research site is in very unfavorable situation. So a strategy turn around in needed which utilizes strengths to overcome threats. In the External Strategic Factor Analysis, the total score for strengths minus weaknesses is 2.29 and the total score for opportunities minus threats is -0.33. Analysis of internal and external factors shows that environmental management strategies that need to be carried out are implementing bench system mining technology, making drainage channels, providing socialization and making regional regulations that technically regulate mineral mining management for impact control and control in limiting land clearing and carrying out reclamation post-mining area. For occupational accident, risk management theory is carried out through elimination, substitution, engineering design, administration, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Utilization of silica-enriched filter cake industry by-products as partial ordinary portland cement replacement
Authors: Bereda Yodit Birhanu , Tesfamariam Belay Brehane , Desissa Temesgen Debelo , Habtamu Gezahegn , Singh Balkeshwar , Ramulu Perumalla Janaki
Published: December 2022

In recent years, industrial byproducts have been converted into useful and valuable commercial items. Reusing these byproducts plays a crucial role to ensure the circular economy and thereby safeguard the environmental impacts. In Ethiopia, the Aluminate Sulphate chemical factory disposes of filter-cake waste materials in landfills that have high silica content. The factory is using pure kaolin and other raw materials for the production of Aluminum Sulphate and Sulphuric Acid by burning at high temperatures. By-products materials were collected from the factory and then calcined (post-treated) at 600 °C for 2h in a muffle furnace. From Atomic Absorption Spectrometry measurement result, it is confirmed that the post-treated (at 600 °C/2h) silica-enriched filter-cake waste materials have a similar composition to Metakaolin (MK). Post-treated filter cake (named MK) became more amorphous having high reactive silica with very low impurities as it was calcined and quenched rapidly. In this study, the properties of blended Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-mortar samples were investigated with the addition of heat-treated filter cake waste materials (0%–20%) as a partial OPC replacement. X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Thermal Analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry were used to investigate the properties of mortar samples that contain post-treated filter-cake (MK) materials and OPC-cement. The flexural and compressive strengths of 10% MK + 90% OPC-mortar samples were enhanced at early curing ages, 7 & 28 days. Moreover, the flexural and compressive strengths of OPC mortars with 15% MK have been improved at 28 days of curing age. However, 20% MK + 80% OPC blended mortars have not shown any improvement in mechanical properties. Setting time, soundness, water absorption, and apparent porosity of cement pastes with the addition of post-treated filter cake (MK) are also analyzed.
Frequent pro-climate messaging does not predict pro-climate voting by United States legislators
Authors: Wynes Seth , Dickau Mitchell , Kotcher John E , Thaker Jagadish , Goldberg Matthew H , Matthews H Damon , Donner Simon D
Published: December 2022

Legislators who frequently advocate for climate action might be expected to cast more pro-climate votes, but pro-climate messaging alone may not predict actual voting behavior. We analyzed 401 539 tweets posted by 518 United States federal legislators over the 6 months prior to the 2020 election and identified 5350 of these as containing climate-relevant messaging. Of the 4881 tweets that we coded as promoting climate awareness or supporting action (‘pro-climate’), 92% were posted by Democratic legislators while all 138 tweets undermining climate awareness or opposing action (‘anti-climate’) were posted by Republicans. Constituent support for Congressional climate action was only weakly related to the rate of pro-climate tweeting by legislators. Overall, we found that increased pro-climate tweeting was not a significant predictor of pro-climate voting when controlling for party affiliation and constituent support for climate action. We conclude that climate-concerned voters would be best served by using party affiliation rather than climate-related messaging to judge the pro-climate voting intentions of United States legislators.
Study of the wind-pressure distribution of flat-roof parabolic condensers based on wind-tunnel tests
Authors: Zou Qiong , Zeng Xuan , Wang Chao , Shen Yijun
Published: December 2022

The structure of parabolic condensers makes them susceptible to wind load because of their thin and large windward mirrors. In this paper, the wind pressure on a model of a condenser mirror (1:35) on multistorey flat roofs is analysed via pressure measurement in a wind tunnel. The mean wind-pressure distribution law of flat-roof condenser mirrors (including the change law with working conditions and the maximum distribution characteristics) and the distribution law of fluctuating and extreme wind pressure are obtained. Furthermore, by comparison with the ground-based condenser distribution law, similarities and differences between the two are obtained. Research results show that the wind-pressure distribution law of flat-roof parabolic condenser mirrors is the same as those on the ground, but the mean wind-pressure coefficient (absolute value) is generally ~30% smaller. Furthermore, the maximum effect is generally located at the windward mirror edge and the mirror is more susceptible to wind pressure in wind directions of 30° and 135°–150°. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for wind-resistant structure design and multistorey flat-roof condenser-related research.
Frailty assessment as part of transplant listing: yes, no or maybe?
Authors: McAdams-DeMarco Mara A , Thind Amarpreet K , Nixon Andrew C , Woywodt Alexander
Published: December 2022

Frailty, characterized by a decreased physiological reserve and an increased vulnerability to stressors, is common among kidney transplant (KT) candidates and recipients. In this review, we present and summarize the key arguments for and against the assessment of frailty as part of KT evaluation. The key arguments for including frailty were: (i) sheer prevalence and far-reaching consequences of frailty on KT, and (ii) the ability to conduct a more holistic and objective evaluation of candidates, removing the inaccuracy associated with ‘eye-ball’ assessments of transplant fitness. The key argument against were: (i) lack of agreement on the definition of frailty and which tools should be used in renal populations, (ii) a lack of clarity on how, by whom and how often frailty assessments should be performed, and (iii) a poor understanding of how acute stressors affect frailty. However, it is the overwhelming opinion that the time has come for frailty assessments to be incorporated into KT listing. Although ongoing areas of uncertainty exist and further evidence development is needed, the well-established impact of frailty on clinical and experiential outcomes, the invaluable information obtained from frailty assessments, and the potential for intervention outweigh these limitations. Proactive and early identification of frailty allows for individualized and improved risk assessment, communication and optimization of candidates.
Discrepancies of fungi and plants in the pattern of beta-diversity with environmental gradient imply a comprehensive community assembly rule
Authors: Masumoto Shota , Kitagawa Ryo , Kaneko Ryo , Nishizawa Keita , Matsuoka Shunsuke , Uchida Masaki , Mori Akira S
Published: December 2022

Beta-diversity partitioning has shown that the nestedness component is developed with environmental stress in a variety of taxa. However, soil fungal community may maintain its turnover components in contrast to the development of plants’ nestedness component, and the potential causes remain unclear. To investigate the process of species turnover of soil fungi along a stress gradient in the Arctic, we divided species turnover component into sub-components: βsim_hete and βsim_homo representing species turnover with and without a change in the guilds, respectively. The results indicate that fungal communities maintain their turnover components, unlike plant communities; however, their βsim_hete increased under stressful conditions. Additionally, GDM analysis showed that βsim_hete was mainly explained by stress gradient and plant nestedness, suggesting that the functionality of soil fungi was ecologically filtered by environmental stress and plant community structure. The discordant trend of beta-diversity values between plant and fungi (i.e. development of plant nestedness and maintenance of fungal turnover) is possibly not caused by different assembly rules working in parallel on the two taxa, but according to an ecological rule that reflects plant–fungal interaction.
Phylotranscriptomic Analyses of Mycoheterotrophic Monocots Show a Continuum of Convergent Evolutionary Changes in Expressed Nuclear Genes From Three Independent Nonphotosynthetic Lineages
Authors: Timilsena Prakash Raj , Barrett Craig F , Piñeyro-Nelson Alma , Wafula Eric K , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , McNeal Joel R , Yukawa Tomohisa , Givnish Thomas J , Graham Sean W , Pires J Chris , Davis Jerrold I , Ané Cécile , Stevenson Dennis W , Leebens-Mack Jim , Martínez-Salas Esteban , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R , dePamphilis Claude W
Published: December 2022

Mycoheterotrophy is an alternative nutritional strategy whereby plants obtain sugars and other nutrients from soil fungi. Mycoheterotrophy and associated loss of photosynthesis have evolved repeatedly in plants, particularly in monocots. Although reductive evolution of plastomes in mycoheterotrophs is well documented, the dynamics of nuclear genome evolution remains largely unknown. Transcriptome datasets were generated from four mycoheterotrophs in three families (Orchidaceae, Burmanniaceae, Triuridaceae) and related green plants and used for phylogenomic analyses to resolve relationships among the mycoheterotrophs, their relatives, and representatives across the monocots. Phylogenetic trees based on 602 genes were mostly congruent with plastome phylogenies, except for an Asparagales + Liliales clade inferred in the nuclear trees. Reduction and loss of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic gene expression and relaxation of purifying selection on retained genes were progressive, with greater loss in older nonphotosynthetic lineages. One hundred seventy-four of 1375 plant benchmark universally conserved orthologous genes were undetected in any mycoheterotroph transcriptome or the genome of the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia but were expressed in green relatives, providing evidence for massively convergent gene loss in nonphotosynthetic lineages. We designate this set of deleted or undetected genes Missing in Mycoheterotrophs (MIM). MIM genes encode not only mainly photosynthetic or plastid membrane proteins but also a diverse set of plastid processes, genes of unknown function, mitochondrial, and cellular processes. Transcription of a photosystem II gene (psb29) in all lineages implies a nonphotosynthetic function for this and other genes retained in mycoheterotrophs. Nonphotosynthetic plants enable novel insights into gene function as well as gene expression shifts, gene loss, and convergence in nuclear genomes.
Testing management scenarios for the North Sea ecosystem using qualitative and quantitative models
Authors: Olsen Erik , Tomczak Maciej T , Lynam Christopher P , Belgrano Andrea , Kenny Andrew
Published: December 2022

The complexities of ecosystem-based management require stepwise approaches, ideally involving stakeholders, to scope key processes, pressures, and impact in relation to sustainability and management objectives. Use of qualitative methods like Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) with a lower skill and data threshold than traditional quantitative models afford opportunity for even untrained stakeholders to evaluate the present and future status of the marine ecosystems under varying impacts. Here, we present the results applying FCM models for subregions of the North Sea. Models for the southern North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and the Norwegian Trench were developed with varying level of stakeholder involvement. Future scenarios of increased and decreased fishing, and increased seal biomass in the Kattegat, were compared with similar scenarios run on two quantitative ecosystem model. Correspondence in response by the models to the same scenarios was lowest in the southern North Sea, which had the simplest FCM model, and highest in Norwegian Trench. The results show the potential of combining FCM and quantitative modelling approaches in integrated ecosystem assessments (IEAs) and in future ecosystem-based management advice, but to facilitate such comparisons and allow them to complement and enhance our IEAs, it is important that their components are aligned and comparable.
The Return of the Chinese Tribute System? Re-viewing the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Hobson John , Zhang Shizhi
Published: December 2022

This piece moves beyond orthodox international relations conceptions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by re-viewing it as a neo-tribute system that shares some of the key properties of the historical Chinese tribute system (CTS). We argue that neither of these projects embody imperialist properties but are based rather on relatively harmonious and peaceful relations between China and the members of these respective systems. The principal reason why we think a case can be made for viewing the BRI as a kind of neo-tribute system lies in its entwined economic and symbolic dimensions. While the historical CTS was ultimately designed to enhance the legitimacy of the Chinese emperor and the Chinese social system by attracting tribute states through the carrot of economic access to China's lucrative economy, the neo-tribute system today seeks to enhance the domestic legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by forging strong economic links with BRI states. More specifically, we argue that China's rulers gained legitimacy during the era of the tribute system through the symbolic practice of tribute state envoys demonstrating their status (although not political) inferiority by kowtowing in front of the emperor in the Chinese capital as a condition that is required in order to gain economically and politically. Likewise, BRI states today, in joining the system, provide tacit legitimacy to the Chinese state while also performing the symbolic practice of withholding public criticism of the CCP as the core condition of gaining economically from membership.
Comparative Phylogeography in the Taiwan–Luzon Volcanic Belt Indicates Fast Diversification History of Pachyrhynchus Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Ye Yan-Jhih , Huang Jen-Pan , Nguyen Hung N , Villanueva Reagan Joseph T , Amarga Ace Kevin S , Tseng Hui-Yun
Published: December 2022

Geological isolation with limited gene flow can shape phenotypic diversification among different populations or species. From Luzon northward to Taiwan lies a series of isolated volcanic islands (the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt) where three Pachyrhynchus species [P. sarcitis (Behrens, 1887), P. nobilis (Heller, 1912) and P. semperi (Heller, 1912)] (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) are sympatrically distributed. With intraspecific color variation across different islands, these three weevil species provide a unique opportunity to study genetic divergence associated with geographic isolation and/or phenotypic differences. In this study, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data derived from ddRAD-seq was used to reconstruct the speciation history and to delimit species within each of the three species. Our results indicate all three species have ancient diversification histories in southern islands of the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt instead of more recent diversification histories in northern islands. Ancestral effective population size estimations also support a scenario of a series of founder colonization events from southern to northern islands in the volcanic belt. Most island populations are monophyletic, and early-divergent populations with deep genetic structures are supported statistically as distinct species. However, color variations could occur between populations with very recent diversification, indicating a fast-evolving rate in the change of coloration, possibly due to müllerian mimicry or founder effects across this region.
Assessing the technical feasibility of a flexible, integrated Internet-of-things connected for asthma (C4A) system to support self-management: a mixed method study exploring patients and healthcare professionals perspectives
Authors: Hui Chi Yan , McKinstry Brian , Mclean Susannah , Buchner Mark , Pinnock Hilary
Published: December 2022

Background

A connected system with smart devices could transform patient care and empower patients control of their asthma.

Objective

To explore how a connected-for-asthma system (C4A) with smart devices from multiple companies (smart-inhaler; smart-watch; smart-peak-flow meter, manual digital thermometer during the Coronavirus disease (COVID)-pandemic) could support asthma self-management.

Methods

In a proof-of-concept mixed-methods study (Winter 2021/2022), we collected data from devices linked via the C4A app enabling patients to self-monitor and share a monitoring summary (in PDF format) with their clinician. Ten patients (range of age/gender, asthma experience, Apple/Android user) via social media, used C4A for a month. We conducted pre/post-interviews with patients, and a single post-interview with an asthma nurse and 3 general practitioners. Thematic analysis, informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was triangulated with descriptive analysis of usage data.

Results

The system was perceived as “easy” to use. During the study, 7517 data points were collected from 10 patients; monitoring reduced over the month. Patients used devices if they trusted their “accuracy,” and adopted the system to monitor new medication or assess troublesome symptoms. One patient lost contact (because of COVID), 8 wanted to keep using C4A to manage their asthma, though were selective about the most useful devices. Clinicians wanted the report to provide an asthma score/status and reliever usage.

Conclusion

A connected system could enable flexible digital care by linking data from several devices to support self-management. To promote adoption/adherence, setup has to be simple, and patients need to trust that the devices accurately reflect their condition.
Designing and implementing smart glass technology for emergency medical services: a sociotechnical perspective
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Ramiya Ramesh Babu Noubra Ashika , Adelgais Kathleen , Ozkaynak Mustafa
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate key considerations and critical factors that influence the implementation and adoption of smart glasses in fast-paced medical settings such as emergency medical services (EMS).

Materials and Methods

We employed a sociotechnical theoretical framework and conducted a set of participatory design workshops with 15 EMS providers to elicit their opinions and concerns about using smart glasses in real practice.

Results

Smart glasses were recognized as a useful tool to improve EMS workflow given their hands-free nature and capability of processing and capturing various patient data. Out of the 8 dimensions of the sociotechnical model, we found that hardware and software, human-computer interface, workflow, and external rules and regulations were cited as the major factors that could influence the adoption of this novel technology. EMS participants highlighted several key requirements for the successful implementation of smart glasses in the EMS context, such as durable devices, easy-to-use and minimal interface design, seamless integration with existing systems and workflow, and secure data management.

Discussion

Applications of the sociotechnical model allowed us to identify a range of factors, including not only technical aspects, but also social, organizational, and human factors, that impact the implementation and uptake of smart glasses in EMS. Our work informs design implications for smart glass applications to fulfill EMS providers’ needs.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of smart glasses in EMS and other dynamic healthcare settings needs careful consideration of sociotechnical issues and close collaboration between different stakeholders.
Development and evaluation of an interoperable natural language processing system for identifying pneumonia across clinical settings of care and institutions
Authors: Chapman Alec B , Peterson Kelly S , Rutter Elizabeth , Nevers Mckenna , Zhang Mingyuan , Ying Jian , Jones Makoto , Classen David , Jones Barbara
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and interoperability of a natural language processing (NLP) system that extracts diagnostic assertions of pneumonia in different clinical notes and institutions.

Materials and Methods

A rule-based NLP system was designed to identify assertions of pneumonia in 3 types of clinical notes from electronic health records (EHRs): emergency department notes, radiology reports, and discharge summaries. The lexicon and classification logic were tailored for each note type. The system was first developed and evaluated using annotated notes from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Interoperability was assessed using data from the University of Utah (UU).

Results

The NLP system was comprised of 782 rules and achieved moderate-to-high performance in all 3 note types in VA (precision/recall/f1: emergency = 88.1/86.0/87.1; radiology = 71.4/96.2/82.0; discharge = 88.3/93.0/90.1). When applied to UU data, performance was maintained in emergency and radiology but decreased in discharge summaries (emergency = 84.7/94.3/89.3; radiology = 79.7/100.0/87.9; discharge = 65.5/92.7/76.8). Customization with 34 additional rules increased performance for all note types (emergency = 89.3/94.3/91.7; radiology = 87.0/100.0/93.1; discharge = 75.0/95.1/83.4).

Conclusion

NLP can be used to accurately identify the diagnosis of pneumonia across different clinical settings and institutions. A limited amount of customization to account for differences in lexicon, clinical definition of pneumonia, and EHR structure can achieve high accuracy without substantial modification.
Differences in Disease Non-battle Injury Between Combatant Commands
Authors: Hall Andrew , Ahmed Anwar E , Cieurzo Christopher , Payne Chelsea , Wilson Ramey L
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) have historically been a major or primary medical burden in expeditionary military populations. The United States has multiple deployed populations conducting operations across the world. This study aims to determine if DNBI rates are different between military populations by comparing the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) areas of responsibility.

Materials and Methods

The study period was from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Individual evacuation data including date, necessary specialty care, and combatant command (CCMD) were acquired via United States Transportation Command Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System. Total population data was acquired from USAFRICOM and USCENTCOM headquarters. Total inpatient and outpatient encounters at each CCMD were acquired via Theater Medical Data Store. The proportions and evacuation rates of DNBI types within USAFRICOM and USCENTCOM were compared.

Results

USCENTCOM had significantly higher proportions of outpatient and inpatient services for mental disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurologic conditions compared to USAFRICOM. USCENTCOM had a significantly lower evacuation rate compared to USAFRICOM for every year analyzed: 2017 (P-value < .0001; relative risk [RR] = 0.834; 95% CI = 0.80-0.87), 2018 (P-value < .0001; RR = 0.818; 95% CI = 0.78-0.85), 2019 (P-value < .0001; RR = 0.785; 95% CI = 0.75-0.82), 2020 (P-value < .0001; RR = 0.889; 95% CI = 0.84-0.94), and 2021 (P-value < .0001; RR = 0.868; 95% CI = 0.83-0.91).

Conclusions

The evacuation rates of different categories of DNBI vary between CCMDs. There will be CCMD-specific factors that impact the effectiveness of initiatives to reduce the DNBI burden.
ASSESSMENT OF PCXMC MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS IN SLOT-SCANNING-BASED EXAMINATIONS: COMPARISON WITH IN-PHANTOM THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETRY
Authors: Piai A , Loria A , Tiberio P , Magnino S , Campoleoni M , Sconfienza L M , del Vecchio A
Published: December 2022

Slot-scanning technology is nowadays a valid solution for the follow-up of chronic musculoskeletal disorders on children and adolescent patients, but there is no commercial software designed for simulating this X-ray beam geometry. PC Program for X-ray Monte Carlo (PCXMC) is a widespread Monte Carlo software developed for dose computation in projection radiography. In this study, experimental measurements were performed to evaluate its applicability in examinations with a slit-beam device. Physical phantoms corresponding to an adult and a 5-y-old child with calibrated thermoluminescent dosemeters were used for experiments. Different simulation approaches were investigated. Differences between measured and calculated organ doses ranged from −95 to 67% and were statistically significant for almost all organs. For both patients, PCXMC underestimated the effective dose of about 25%. This study suggests that PCXMC is not suited for organ dose evaluation in examinations with slot-scanning devices. It is still a useful tool for effective dose estimation when a proper correction factor is applied.
Evaluation of Weeds as Alternative Hosts of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis, the Causal Agent of Cassava Bacterial Blight in Burkina Faso
Authors: Yameogo Florence , Wonni Issa , Sanou Adama , Sere Issiaka , Somda Irénée , Szurek Boris , Gagnevin Lionel
Published: December 2022

Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv . manihotis ( Xpm), is one of the most important diseases threatening cassava and has recently been reported in Burkina Faso. Better management of CBB calls for the combined use of genetically resistant varieties and appropriate cultural practices. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential role of weed plants present in cassava fields as inoculum reservoirs for CBB. An inventory of weeds growing in eight cassava fields at four locations in Burkina Faso, and the cultivation of soil samples from the same eight fields, indicated the existence of 27 different species, reaching 28.32 plants per square meter. Field characterization led to the identification of seven species of weeds displaying symptoms reminiscent of Xpm infection, but no Xpm could be isolated from or detected in those plants. Artificial inoculations with Xpm resulted in 21 species producing symptoms of necrosis around the inoculation points. The presence of Xpm in the leaves of all these weed species was confirmed by re-isolation of the pathogen 2 weeks after inoculation. Thus, weeds that can harbor Xpm were prevalent in the cassava fields we studied, but their role as potential sources of Xpm inoculum for CBB epidemics remains to be demonstrated.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
TRPA1 protects mice from pathogenic Citrobacter rodentium infection via maintaining the colonic epithelial barrier function
Authors: Liu Lin , Xu Min , Zhang Zhudi , Qiao Zhao , Tang Zongxiang , Wan Fengyi , Lan Lei
Published: December 2022

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is expressed in gastrointestinal tract and plays important roles in intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity. However, the potential role of TRPA1 in host defense, particularly against intestinal pathogens, is unknown. Here, we show that Trpa1 knockout mice exhibited increased susceptibility to Citrobacter rodentium infection, associated with the increased severity of diarrhea and intestinal permeability associated with the disrupted tight junctions (TJs) in colonic epithelia. We further demonstrated the expression of TRPA1 in murine colonic epithelial cells (CECs) and human epithelial Caco‐2 cells both at protein level and transcription level. Using calcium imaging, TRPA1 agonists allyl isothiocyanates (AITC) and hydrogen peroxide were observed to induce a transient Ca2+ response in Caco‐2 cells, respectively. Moreover, TRPA1 knockdown in Caco‐2 cells resulted in the decreased expression of TJ proteins, ZO‐1 and Occludin, and in the increased paracellular permeabilities and the reduced TEER values of Caco‐2 monolayers in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of TRPA1 by HC‐030031 in the confluent Caco‐2 cells caused the altered distribution and expression of TJ proteins, ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐3, and exacerbated the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced damage to these TJ proteins and actin cytoskeleton. By contrast, AITC pretreatment restored the distribution and expression of these TJ proteins in the confluent Caco‐2 cells upon LPS challenge. Our results identify an unrecognized protective role of TRPA1 in host defense against an enteric bacterial pathogen by maintaining colonic epithelium barrier function, at least in part, via preserving the distribution and expression of TJ proteins in CECs.