bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid encapsulation of true ferns and arborane/fernane compounds fossilised in siderite concretions supports analytical distinction of plant fossils
Authors: Tripp Madison , Schwark Lorenz , Brocks Jochen J. , Mayer Paul , Whiteside Jessica H. , Rickard William , Greenwood Paul. F. , Grice Kliti
Published: November 2023

Fossilised true ferns (Pecopteris sp.) preserved in siderite concretions from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte (Illinois) presented a unique opportunity to characterise the organic signatures of these late Carboniferous plants. Localised analyses of true fern fossils showed several highly abundant phytohopanoids and fernane/arborane derived aromatic products, which were present only negligibly within their siderite matrix, as well as from other types of fossilised plants. These terpenoids had been recognised in some extant ferns, but scarcely in sedimentary organic matter and their exact source remained ambiguous. The present fossil biomarker data confirms an ancient true fern origin. Furthermore, the excellent concretion preservation of a series of related terpenoid products provided a rare insight into their diagenetic formation. The benign properties of carbonate concretions could be exploited further for biomarker evidence of other fossilised organisms, with one important caveat being that biomarker signals attributed to isolated fossils be significantly distinct from background organic matter pervading the concretion matrix. For instance, hydrocarbon profiles of seed ferns (pteridosperms) and articulates (horsetails) also preserved in Mazon Creek concretions were indistinguishable from separate analysis of their concretion matrix, preventing biomarker recognition.
Assessing multiple free-roaming dog control strategies in a flexible agent-based model
Authors: Yoak A. J. , Calinger K. M. , Hiby E.
Published: November 2023

Management of free-roaming dog populations is required to mitigate the threat of pathogens like rabies, minimize conflict with people, wildlife, and livestock and improve dog welfare however there are multiple strategies currently employed including sterilization, vaccination, and lethal removal. This work describes an agent-based stochastic model, ‘StreetDogSim’ that can be used as a planning tool to investigate the predicted impact of different strategies with variable implementation approaches and adjustable parameters to match local conditions. Here, we explore the effects of different management strategies with additional variation in their duration, intensity, and vaccine quality on important population metrics such as overall size, demographics, vaccination coverage, time until effective population suppression, and duration of suppression. Under most model parameterizations, a strategy that targets females for sterilization with vaccination outperforms all other options with respect to population control and demographic changes.
Changes in the gene expression and methylation in chicken cecal tonsils after in ovo administration of bioactive substances
Authors: Dunislawska Aleksandra , Gryzinska Magdalena , Siwek Maria
Published: November 2023

Cecal tonsils are the main organs which generate an immune response and also the part of the GALT, thus they are in the close proximity of the intestinal microbiota and continuously exposed to microbe-associated molecular patterns. GALT developed regulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms which eliminate or tolerate microbiota. Bioactive substances in ovo administration ensures an early contact between the GALT and beneficial bacteria, which greatly promotes the development of tolerance. Our previous studies have shown that the administration of bioactive substances in ovo silences gene expression in the cecal tonsils. The research hypothesis assumes that negative silencing of expression is correlated with the level of methylation in the tonsils. Therefore the current study aimed to analyze the global and gene-specific DNA methylation profiles in the cecal tonsils of two distinct chicken genotypes administered in ovo with bioactive substances. Eggs of Ross 308 and Green-legged Partridgelike were stimulated on day 12 of incubation. The injected compounds were: probiotic—Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris, prebiotic—galactooligosaccharides, and synbiotic—combination of both. Chickens were sacrificed on d 42 post-hatching. Cecal tonsils was collected, RNA and DNA were isolated and intended to gene expression, gene methylation and global methylation analysis. Cecal tonsils changes were observed in the methylation of 6 genes: SYK, ANGPTL4, TNFRSF14, IKZF1, CYR61, SERPING. Analyzes showed that the suppression of gene expression is related to the level of methylation of individual genes. Based on the results obtained in the cecal tonsils, it can be concluded that the silencing of gene expression is of an epigenetic nature. This is another study aimed at analyzing the relationship between the host, its intestinal microbiota and the possibilities of its programming.
Functional diversity and spatial association analyses at different spatial scales reveal no changes in community assembly processes along an aridity gradient in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Carvajal Danny E. , Loayza Andrea P. , Squeo Francisco A.
Published: November 2023

The structuring of plant assemblages along environmental gradients is typically explained by shifts from competition (limiting similarity) to environmental filtering as the environment becomes more stressful. However, facilitation, weaker-competitor exclusion, environmental heterogeneity, and the colonization-competition tradeoff can also structure plant assemblages along gradients. These assembly processes act on different plant traits and organs, and their prevalence varies with respect to the spatial scale. Using patterns of functional diversity, coupled with patterns of species association at two spatial scales, here we discern the assembly processes that structure shrub communities in four localities along an aridity gradient of the Atacama Desert. At each site, we calculated functional dispersion indexes for above- and below-ground traits, and patterns of species association at a patch and neighborhood scale. Our results revealed that at the patch scale in intermediate levels of aridity, the dominant assembly process was within-site environmental heterogeneity. At the neighborhood scale, communities are assembled mainly through random processes. Nonetheless, in some communities, the dominant assembly process was competition via limiting similarity or exclusion of the weaker competitor, and these did not change along the gradient. Together, these results reveal that environmental heterogeneity and competition are the main drivers of plant community assembly in a hyper-arid environment.
Leveraging homologous hypotheses for increased efficiency in tumor growth curve testing
Authors: Hutson Alan D. , Yu Han , Attwood Kristopher
Published: November 2023

In this note, we present an innovative approach called “homologous hypothesis tests” that focuses on cross-sectional comparisons of average tumor volumes at different time-points. By leveraging the correlation structure between time-points, our method enables highly efficient per time-point comparisons, providing inferences that are highly efficient as compared to those obtained from a standard two-sample t test. The key advantage of this approach lies in its user-friendliness and accessibility, as it can be easily employed by the broader scientific community through standard statistical software packages.
Enhanced CO2 capture potential of UiO-66-NH2 synthesized by sonochemical method: experimental findings and performance evaluation
Authors: Kazemi Amir , Moghadaskhou Fatemeh , Pordsari Mahyar Ashourzadeh , Manteghi Faranak , Tadjarodi Azadeh , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: November 2023

The excessive release of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution, has resulted in significant environmental problems all over the world. CO2 capture technologies offer a very effective means of combating global warming, climate change, and promoting sustainable economic growth. In this work, UiO-66-NH2 was synthesized by the novel sonochemical method in only one hour. This material was characterized through PXRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA methods. The CO2 capture potential of the presented material was investigated through the analysis of gas isotherms under varying pressure conditions, encompassing both low and high-pressure regions. Remarkably, this adsorbent manifested a notable augmentation in CO2 adsorption capacity (3.2 mmol/g), achieving an approximate enhancement of 0.9 mmol/g, when compared to conventional solvothermal techniques (2.3 mmol/g) at 25 °C and 1 bar. To accurately represent the experimental findings, three isotherm, and kinetic models were used to fit the experimental data in which the Langmuir model and the Elovich model exhibited the best fit with R2 values of 0.999 and 0.981, respectively. Isosteric heat evaluation showed values higher than 80 kJ/mol which indicates chemisorption between the adsorbent surface and the adsorbate. Furthermore, the selectivity of the adsorbent was examined using the Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST), which showed a high value of 202 towards CO2 adsorption under simulated flue gas conditions. To evaluate the durability and performance of the material over consecutive adsorption–desorption processes, cyclic tests were conducted. Interestingly, these tests demonstrated only 0.6 mmol/g capacity decrease for sonochemical UiO-66-NH2 throughout 8 consecutive cycles.
Environmental impact of the explosion of the Nord Stream pipelines
Authors: Sanderson Hans , Czub Michał , Jakacki Jaromir , Koschinski Sven , Tougaard Jakob , Sveegaard Signe , Frey Torsten , Fauser Patrik , Bełdowski Jacek , Beck Aaron J. , Przyborska Anna , Olejnik Adam , Szturomski Bogdan , Kicinski Radoslaw
Published: November 2023

Armed conflicts have, in addition to severe impacts on human lives and infrastructure, also impacts on the environment, which needs to be assessed and documented. On September the 26th 2022, unknown perpetrators deliberately ruptured the two gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 with four coordinated explosions near a major chemical munition dump site near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. While the massive release of natural gas into atmosphere raised serious concerns concerning the contribution to climate change—this paper assesses the overlooked direct impact of the explosions on the marine ecosystem. Seals and porpoises within a radius of four km would be at high risk of being killed by the shockwave, while temporary impact on hearing would be expected up to 50 km away. As the Baltic Proper population of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) is critically endangered, the loss or serious injury of even a single individual is considered a significant impact on the population. The rupture moreover resulted in the resuspension of 250000 metric tons of heavily contaminated sediment from deep-sea sedimentary basin for over a week, resulting in unacceptable toxicological risks towards fish and other biota in 11 km3 water in the area for more than a month.
Attenuation of irradiated choroid and its regional vortex veins in central serous chorioretinopathy after photodynamic therapy
Authors: Matsumoto Hidetaka , Hoshino Junki , Nakamura Kosuke , Kishi Shoji , Akiyama Hideo
Published: November 2023

We retrospectively studied 12 eyes of 12 patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) to investigate choroidal thickness changes following half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) using widefield choroidal thickness maps obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Additionally, we assessed the relationship between choroidal thickness changes and the regional vortex veins as visualized on widefield en face OCT of the choroid. Pre-treatment en face images of the choroidal vasculature were superimposed on subtracted choroidal thickness maps before and 3 months after half-fluence PDT. The choroidal thickness decreased mainly in the irradiated macular area and in the region of vortex veins which function as drainage for the macula in all eyes. Eleven eyes (91.7%) showed choroidal thinning in the nasal area which overlapped with the nasal vortex vein distribution. Moreover, in 10 (90.9%) of those eyes, we observed intervortex venous anastomosis across the vertical watershed zone. Quantitative analysis revealed that the reduction in choroidal thickness was most pronounced in the macular area. Furthermore, the choroidal thickness reduction in the area with macular drainage vortex veins was significantly greater than that in the area without such vortex veins. These results suggest that half-fluence PDT might decrease choroidal thickness due to choriocapillaris occlusion in the irradiated macula, possibly leading to diminished venous drainage from the macula to regional vortex veins. Moreover, venous blood flow through the anastomotic vessels from the macular drainage vortex veins into the nasal vortex veins might be reduced post-treatment.
Projective spacetime symmetry of spacetime crystals
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Chen Z. Y. , Zhao Y. X.
Published: November 2023

Wigner’s seminal work on the Poincaré group revealed one of the fundamental principles of quantum theory: symmetry groups are projectively represented. The condensed-matter counterparts of the Poincaré group could be the spacetime groups of periodically driven crystals or spacetime crystals featuring spacetime periodicity. In this study, we establish the general theory of projective spacetime symmetry algebras of spacetime crystals and reveal their intrinsic connections to gauge structures. As important applications, we exhaustively classify (1,1)D projective symmetry algebras and systematically construct spacetime lattice models for them all. Additionally, we present three consequences of projective spacetime symmetry that surpass ordinary theory: the electric Floquet-Bloch theorem, Kramers-like degeneracy of spinless Floquet crystals, and symmetry-enforced crossings in the Hamiltonian spectral flows. Our work provides both theoretical and experimental foundations to explore novel physics protected by projective spacetime symmetry of spacetime crystals.
Spectroscopic/colorimetric dual-mode rapid and ultrasensitive detection of reactive oxygen species based on shape-dependent silver nanostructures
Authors: UshaVipinachandran Varsha , Bhunia Susanta Kumar
Published: November 2023

Different shaped silver nanostructures including nanoparticles, nanoprisms, and nanocubes were utilized to demonstrate simple spectroscopic and colorimetric techniques for sensitive ROS detection.
A central functional group-dependent stereoinduction mechanism for chiral super Brønsted C–H acid catalysis
Authors: Zhu Lihan , Wang Dongqi
Published: November 2023

DFT calculations disclosed that the central functional group could induce a favorable chiral environment and determine enantioselectivity for Brønsted C–H acid catalysis.
Vapor-assisted synthesis of the MOF-74 metal–organic framework family from zinc, cobalt, and magnesium oxides
Authors: Wauteraerts Nathalie , Tu Min , Chanut Nicolas , Rodríguez-Hermida Sabina , Gandara-Loe Jesus , Ameloot Rob
Published: November 2023

M-MOF-74 (M = Zn, Mg, Co) can be obtained via vapor-assisted synthesis starting from the corresponding metal oxides.
Fe2P nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanofiber composite towards lightweight and highly efficient microwave absorption
Authors: Li Yao , Guan Guangguang , Yan Liang , Zhang Kaiyin , Xiang Jun
Published: November 2023

A simplified in situ synthesis method was proposed for the first time to prepare an Fe2P@CNF composite, achieving good microwave absorption properties.
Anderson-type polyoxometalates for catalytic applications
Authors: Li Ai-Juan , Huang Sheng-Li , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: November 2023

Anderson-type polyoxometalates shown exceptional catalytic abilities. The unique combination of heteroatoms, organic grafting, and network immobilization gives a distinct advantage in catalytic performance.
Physiological sensing system integrated with vibration sensor and frequency gel dampers inspired by spider
Authors: Huang Jianren , Chen Anbang , Liao Jinrong , Han Songjiu , Wu Qirui , Zhang Jiayu , Chen Yujia , Lin Xiandong , Guan Lunhui
Published: November 2023

Inspired by the spider's ability to perceive vibration signals, we have developed biomimetic vibration sensors and dampers. By harnessing the outstanding vibration-sensing capabilities and the interference-resistant properties, we achieve precise monitoring of physiological signals.
An ultrasound-controllable ROS-responsive nanoplatform for O2 and NO generation to enhance sonodynamic therapy against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yuhan , Ju Rong , Wei Guoqing
Published: November 2023

FOT/Fe3O4@Lipo-ICG could effectively eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-induced local infection during ultrasound activation, offering a promising strategy for enhancing and synergizing SDT for eradicating MDR bacterial infections.
Highly selective Cu2+ detection with a naphthalimide-functionalised pillar[5]arene fluorescent chemosensor
Authors: Chang Rong , Chen Chan-Yu , Gao Liya , Li Yana , Lee Zui-Harng , Zhao Hongxia , Sue Andrew C.-H. , Chang Kai-Chi
Published: November 2023

Ligand 1, a rim-differentiated pillar[5]arene with five naphthalimide groups, serves as a highly selective ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for Cu2+.
Transition-metal-free and additive-free intermolecular hydroarylation of alkenes with indoles in hexafluoroisopropanol
Authors: Zhou Changsheng , Huang Ming , Yao Yufeng , Chen Chunyu , Yi Xin , Yang Ke-fang , Lai Guo-Qiao , Xuan Wenjing , Zhang Pinglu
Published: November 2023

Hydroarylation of alkenes with indoles in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) without the presence of any transition metals or additives.
Synthesis of tricyclic oxazinoindolones via Pd-catalyzed intramolecular addition of carboxylic acids to alkynes
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Subhamoy , Khaitan Bhavya , Gandhi Shikha
Published: November 2023

A straightforward Pd-catalysed synthesis of oxazinoindolones via an intramolecular addition of carboxylic acids to alkynes has been developed.
Visible light-enabled synthesis of phosphorylated indolizine and pyridoindole derivatives via HAT-mediated radical cascade cyclization
Authors: Shen Kunrong , Feng Chuan , Liu Yilei , Yi Dong , Lin Peng , Li Huifang , Gong Yimou , Wei Siping , Fu Qiang , Zhang Zhijie
Published: November 2023

Phosphinoyl radicals were generated from H-phosphonates via a photocatalytic HAT process and applied to the construction of phosphorylated heterocycles under metal-free conditions.
Characterization of organic release kinetics in particleboard using a dual model fitting methodology
Authors: Yuan Guodong , Yuan Huiwen , Zhao Yingfeng , Liang Zhi
Published: November 2023

Thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected the release of organic compounds from wood panels, and to determine the release kinetics of the organic compounds via bi-exponential and mass transfer models to provide a theoretical basis for targeted pollution prevention and control.
Surface-modified silicalite-1-filled PDMS membranes for pervaporation dehydration of trichloroethylene
Authors: Song Xiaosan , Song Xichen , Liu Bo , Yue Zilin
Published: November 2023

In this study, the impact of silane coupling agents, namely APTMS, TMCS, and TMDS, on the hydrophobicity of silicalite-1 zeolite was investigated to enhance the pervaporation separation performance of MMMs for TCE.
Acid-promoted fluorescent probe for monitoring endogenous methylglyoxal in tumors and gastritis
Authors: Xu Weijia , Liu Senyao , Cao Wenwen , Xiong Hu
Published: November 2023

An acid-promoted “turn-on” fluorescent probe is reported for real-time detection of methylglyoxal in tumors and gastritis with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Emulsifier adsorption kinetics influences drop deformation and breakup in turbulent emulsification
Authors: Håkansson Andreas , Nilsson Lars
Published: November 2023

We combine drop breakup simulations with adsorption kinetics to gain insight into how emulsifier dynamics control turbulent drop breakup.
Construction of Pd–TiOx interfaces for selective hydrodeoxygenation of CO bonds in vanillin by supporting Pd nanoparticles on ETS-10 zeolite
Authors: Huang Jianbin , Zhou Chang , Zhang Jian , Meng Hao , Lu Shiyao , Xiao Feng-shou
Published: November 2023

Pd nanoparticles on ETS-10 zeolite with abundant Pd–TiOx interfaces are very active for the selective hydrodeoxygenation of CO bonds in vanillin.
Systematic copolymer screening for foaming experiments supported by computational methods
Authors: Endres Patrick , Schuett Timo , Brütting Christian , Kimmig Julian , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , Standau Tobias , Zechel Stefan , Ruckdäschel Holger , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2023

Synthesis and processing parameters are determined with the support of computational methods based on a Gaussian process model, Bayesian optimization, active learning algorithms and random sampling as well as exploitation-based algorithms (Greedy).
Rectal delivery of 89Zr-labeled infliximab-loaded nanoparticles enables PET imaging-guided localized therapy of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Fan Yeli , Wang Xinyu , Yan Ge , Gao Hongfang , Yang Min
Published: November 2023

Rectal delivery of radiolabeled infliximab nanoparticles enabled PET imaging confirmation of colon targeting and prolonged retention at inflammation sites, while demonstrating comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy to intravenous antibody therapy.
The design, synthesis and application of rubicene based polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Ma Liangzhuo , Han Yinghui , Shi Qinqin , Huang Hui
Published: November 2023

Rubicene, a key nanofragment of C70, is attracting great attention owing to its unique molecular structure and physicochemical properties.
Optimizing the electronic configuration of h-BN for boosting the photocatalytic transformation of acid gases under visible light
Authors: Yang Hao , Zeng Libin , Wang Jiali , Yang Can
Published: November 2023

The incorporation of heteroatomic carbon optimizes the electronic configuration of boron nitride (BN) to enhance its performance in photocatalytic elimination of acidic gases.
The Communication Success Screener: A Preliminary Investigation of Perceived Communicative Success Across Modalities, Environments, and Demands
Authors: Gallée Jeanne , Tilton-Bolowsky Victoria E. , Stark Brielle C.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Behavioral intervention targeting speech, language, and communication concerns is an established therapeutic approach for patients with communication concerns across a range of acquired neurogenic disorders. The multidimensional factors that contribute to a person's self-identified communication challenges and strengths in their daily communication needs must be considered to provide functional and person-centered care. While assessments grounded in clinician observation or client self-report exist, there is a direct need for a screening tool that comprehensively evaluates the roles of modality (verbal, text, gesture) and environment (in-person, virtual) on self-reported success across communicative demands. In this study, we describe a preliminary approach to monitoring the progression of receptive and expressive communication skills in people with chronic poststroke aphasia in the context of communication practices of the 21st century, culminating in the development and exploratory implementation of a novel clinical instrument: the Communication Success Screener (COMSS).

Method:

Thirty-three participants with aphasia due to stroke were recruited to complete and evaluate the COMSS via an online survey. Quantitative responses and open-ended participant feedback were collected to validate and propose adaptations to the COMSS. Group-level analyses and case presentations were used to highlight COMSS features and outcomes.

Results:

Participant responses to the COMSS questionnaire suggest that this screening tool creates differentiated communicative success profiles based on self-report. Participant feedback also indicated that the COMSS appropriately evaluates self-reported success across modalities of verbal, text, and gesture in the context of in-person and virtual environments.

Conclusions:

The communication concerns experienced by people with aphasia are often heterogeneous and vary as a function of their daily activities of living, preferred language modalities, and environmental supports. We present preliminary feasibility analyses of the COMSS as a potential tool to support the monitoring of functional change by evaluating self-reported communicative success across form, modality, environment, and task demand.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24521044
Research on partition control of direct air‐cooling condenser based on multivariable Hammerstein CARMA model predictive control
Authors: Sun Yang , Deng Hui , Du Ming , Li Yunzhi
Published: November 2023

Partition control of the fan array within a direct air‐cooling condenser (DACC) is recognized as a highly effective energy‐saving measure and a means to mitigate the adverse effects of ambient winds. This study focuses on the development of a dynamic partition model, which establishes the relationship between mass flow rate and fan array speed under windy conditions. The model is grounded in multivariable Hammerstein controlled autoregressive moving average (H‐CARMA) systems. Additionally, an innovative extended stochastic gradient algorithm, founded on the hierarchical identification principle, is introduced to estimate the model's unknown parameters. The recursive least square is employed as a benchmark to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the approach. Subsequently, leveraging the identified model, the model predictive controller based on the differential evolution method is designed to derive the optimal control law. Finally, simulation test and analysis are carried out to testify the effectiveness of our control strategy. The experiment result shows that the dynamic characteristics of the system have been significantly improved and the fan power consumption is reduced by 3.5% compared to the PID controller.
Consumer Preference Analysis of Phalaenopsis Orchid Variety
Authors: Nurmalinda  , Siti Badriah Dedeh , Kartikaningrum Suskandari
Published: November 2023

The majority of new Phalaenopsis orchid varieties circulating in Indonesia are still imported from abroad. To limit imports, orchid breeders was trying to produce new crossbred varieties that were needed by orchid producers and lovers in Indonesia. Before being distributed to orchid lovers, a consumer preference test was conducted to find out which orchid varieties were favored by consumers. In this regard, the aim of the study was to assess consumer preferences of Phalaenopsis orchid variety. The survey was carried out online on June 20-27, 2022, among 215 respondents from DKI Jakarta and West Java, with questionnaires distributed personally via social media links (WhatsApp). Respondent selection was done by simple randomization (simple random sampling). The Chi Square test was used to analyze the data. The results showed that there is sufficient evidence to reject H0 and accept H1. Candidate varieties of Phalaenopsis 1 (Puspita Devi Agrihorti) are preferred over other varieties. There is a considerable variation in the distribution of preferences between the candidate variety and the comparison variety of Phalaenopsis. The implication of this research was that the existence of new varieties of orchids can reduce our dependence on Phalaenopsis orchid varieties from abroad.
Technical efficiency and corn farming productivity: A stochastic frontier analysis of small-scale farmer in Indonesia
Authors: Fauzan Muhammad , Akhmadi Heri , Thach Keo Sa Rate , Dwi Maulidiawati Nanda
Published: November 2023

Corn is one of the strategic agricultural commodities in Indonesia. West Java is one of the corn production centres in Indonesia and the province with the highest corn productivity nationally. The high productivity of corn farming in West Java is interesting for further study. This paper examines factors affect corn production and how far is the level of efficiency in the use of input in corn production of small-scale farmers in West Java. The study employed a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional survey. The Cobb–Douglas production function and trans-log function were used in estimating the productivity of input, while the technical efficiency was analyse using Stochastic Production Frontier. The results show that land and seed were the most influential factors on corn production. The estimation result from Stochastic Frontier Model showed that variable of land, seed, hired labour and family member, statistically significant impact on technical efficiency of corn production. Moreover, the estimated average technical efficiency of corn farming was approximately 72% with more than 70% of corn farmer had efficiency above 60%.
Price Fluctuation and Vertical Market Integration of Shallots in The Production Center of Central Java Indonesia
Authors: Susanawati  , Ayu Fitria Endang , Rina Kamardiani Diah , Binti Zainal Abidin Nadiah
Published: November 2023

Shallots from Brebes production center are not only distributed in that region but also to all regions in Indonesia, including Beringharjo market in Yogyakarta. Therefore, this study aims (1) to analyze price fluctuations of shallots in producer and consumer markets in Brebes and Beringharjo Yogyakarta; (2) to analyze vertical market integration in Brebes and producer markets in Brebes with consumer market in Beringharjo. The data used is weekly price of shallots in producer and consumer markets in Brebes, as well as in Beringharjo during 2015-2019. Data were analyzed using the Engle Granger cointegration model. The results showed that the price of shallots in producer and consumer markets tends to fluctuate and has the same pattern of movement. Shallot price fluctuations in producer market in Brebes are higher than consumer market in Brebes and Beringharjo Yogyakarta [9]. Shallot price fluctuations between the three markets were highest in January, February and December and lowest in May and November. In the short and long term, there is weak integration between the producer market and consumer market in Brebes. In the short term there is no integration between the producer market in Brebes and consumer market in Beringharjo Yogyakarta, but in the long term there is weak market integration.
Competitiveness of Toraja Specialty Coffee in the Global Market: Porter’s Diamond Model
Authors: Husain Andi Subhan , Umami Liza
Published: November 2023

From 2017 to 2020, there has been a notable increase in Indonesia’s coffee exports. This expansion can be closely linked to the diplomatic efforts undertaken by the government. Research on the export competitiveness of Toraja coffee in the global market has not been widely found. The aim of this study is to understand the competitiveness of Toraja coffee in the global market based on its competitive advantages and to identify the factors that may influence the performance of Toraja coffee’s export competitiveness in the global market. This research, we use Porter’s Diamond Model’s four dimensions to identify crucial development indicators to enhance the competitiveness of Toraja specialty coffee. The most recent data used in this study, which used secondary sources and a descriptive methodology, from 2018-2021. According to the data source of literature review which was publications from the Scopus database founded 25 document results with keywords: Toraja and coffee, processed by VOSviewer software, researchers finding that Toraja coffee relating to the competitiveness in the global market need to be explore more. The result of this research indicates that Toraja specialty coffee production is a superior product and provides the long-term well-being of the people of South Sulawesi.
The Entrepreneurial Characters of Farmers That Influence on Profits of Shallot Farming in Coastal Land
Authors: Buddhi Satyarini Triwara , Fujiwara Takahiro , Berlian Octiva Ars
Published: November 2023

This article contains the results of research with a purpose to determine the farmer’s entrepreneurial character, the profits, and analyze the entrepreneurial character that influencing the profits of shallot farming in coastal lands, Panjatan District, Kulon Progo. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. This research was conducted using descriptive quantitative analysis. Determination of respondents by simple random sampling as many as 40 farmers among 76 farmers who planted shallots on coastal land during the study. The entrepreneurial character analysis uses an assessment based on the Likert scale, while analyzing the entrepreneurial character that affects the profits of shallot farming using multiple linear regression. The result of research shows that the entrepreneurial character score is 3.17. Internal factors show the score obtained is 3.14. External factors score is 3.54. The shallot farming analysis shows that the total costs are IDR 5,290,619 per 1,000 m2, Revenue IDR 7,312,625 per 1,000 m2. Income IDR 1,529,897 per 1,000 m2, and Profit IDR 2,022,006 per 1,000 m2. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that entrepreneurial character factors that have a significant effect on profit are facing change. The conclusion obtained is that entrepreneurial character analysis has a strong category.
The Local Government’s Strategy Optimizing Extension Worker Role for Smallholder Empowerment
Authors: Aminah Sitti , Syafri Wirman
Published: November 2023

The study objectives were to analyze 1. The level of the extension worker’s role. 2. The level of smallholder empowerment 3. Effect of the extension worker role on smallholder’s empowerment. 4. Formulating strategies to optimize the extension worker’s roles. The study was designed as a survey method, population is 568 farmers in four villages that carry out smallholder empowerment programs. Using a purposive sample, farmers who own land ≤ 20,000 square meters. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM). The study results showed that 1. The level of extension worker role in smallholder empowerment programs is in a low category. 2. The level of the smallholder’s empowerment is in a low category. 3. There are two aspects of the role of extension workers effect on smallholder empowerment namely accessing information-learning and credibility-competency of extension workers. However, there is no effect of dialogic communication on smallholder empowerment 4. The local government strategies for optimizing extension worker roles through enhancing two aspects, 1. Institutional support of BPPT through providing training and disseminating innovation-technology. 2. Local government policy support to increase the capacity of extension workers through formal and informal education, providing incentives, rewarding, and preparing facilities.
Assessing the Effects of Rice Land Function Transfer on Farmer Quality of Life
Authors: Anggarawati Sari , Arifien Yunus , Agung Eka Suwarnata Anak , Luqmanul Hakim Taufik
Published: November 2023

This study explores the impact of the conversion of paddy fields on farmers’ quality of life in Parung Panjang District, Bogor Regency. Income level, condition of house construction, asset ownership, and source of income are the parameters of the quality of life in this study. The analytical method used was descriptive quantitative with the Wilcoxon signed rank statistical test. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the concept that is used as reference is the theory of quality of life from an objective perspective. In 2017-2019, paddy fields in Parung Panjang District shrunk by 104.50 hectares, and the survey showed that the conversion of paddy fields is due to the massive construction of housing complexes. The impact of the life quality showed improvement in condition and the area of the house buildings by 16.1%, on contrary the study found that the ownership of paddy fields was decreased by 48.4%. Additionally, there was a reduction in the level of the economy based on income per month by 67.7%.
IoT-based pH Monitoring for Nutrient Absorption Efficiency in Hydroponic Plant at Pion Hidrofarm Start-Up
Authors: Beatrice Amanda , Pramono Andi , Yuwono Michael Hermawan , Runtuwene Victor , Wijaya Ida Bagus Ananta
Published: November 2023

Farming land in Malang City is getting more limited because several agricultural areas have changed their function to housing or commercial areas such as cafes. Pion Hidrofarm, a startup company in Malang City, demonstrated how to use this hydroponic technique to save land by arranging it vertically and on narrow land. This research aims to make a simple prototype in the form of a tool that can monitor the pH of water nutrients. In addition, this device will also neutralize the pH of the water automatically. The method used in this research is a single case study using a design thinking approach. The author studied literature from various sources as secondary data to support the research. Four stages have been carried out, starting from learning the concept of hydroponic growing media to buying model “A” hydroponic media with 180 planting holes. The fifth stage currently being researched is monitoring the pH of the water. In addition, this tool also functions to neutralize the pH of the water automatically if there is a pH swing with a value above or below the threshold. If automatic neutralization cannot run for some time, it will notify the farmer for manual action.
Effect of Latex Dry Rubber Content (DRC) 30 on Marshall Parameters of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Del Piero Fickho Aleksandro , Siswanto Henri , Arif Dimas Hudan Nur , Supriyanto Bambang , Limantara Arthur Daniel
Published: November 2023

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest latex producers. Latex can be used as an asphalt modifier on road pavements. The level of road damage in Indonesia is high. The purpose of this research was to describe the effect of using DRC-30 latex on Asphalt Concrete in terms of Marshall parameters. The test specimens are made using two kinds of asphalt concrete (AC) gradations, namely the Asphalt Concrete Wearing Course (ACWC) gradation, and the AC-Base gradation. Test data were analyzed using Marshall parameters, namely stability, flow, void in mix (VIM), and void filled with asphalt (VFA). The test results showed that latex increased the stability value in all types of gradations. Latex increased the value of Flow AC-Base, but decreased the value of flow at ACWC. The addition of latex to AC decreased the VIM value of AC-Base and ACWC. Meanwhile, the addition of latex to AC-Base and ACWC increased the value of VFA, the highest increase was for AC-Base. Based on Marshall parameters, the best performance of AC due to the addition of latex is in the AC-Base gradation.
Embodied carbon analysis on multi-story building using flat slab and conventional slab system
Authors: Putri Julieta Eka Yudo , Pratama M. Mirza Abdillah , Sari Undayani Cita
Published: November 2023

Concrete is a construction material that is responsible for a large portion of carbon emissions from the construction industry due to the use of heavy-duty machines during materials processes, transportation, and concreting. Improvement of engineering design has been conducted by previous researchers to develop an eco-friendlier built environment. The use flat slab system could reduce the work quantity due to the abstain of beams as structural members. Therefore, the flat slab should be designed to independently withstand flexure during the loading action. This current study intends to compare the resulting carbon embodied in the multi-story building which uses the flat slab system to one with the conventional system. Researchers use the building of the Faculty of Physical Education Science as a case study. This research will be investigated using Building Information Modelling-based program that incorporates the ICE Database for the carbon factor. The analysis is discretized in the cradle-to-gate phase. The use of flat slabs can reduce the need for concrete and reinforcing steel materials by up to 5.767%. With the use of reduced materials, the value of embodied carbon also decreased by a percentage of 6.607%.
Examining online international health professions education: a mixed methods review of barriers, facilitators, and early outcomes
Authors: Dell’Aiera Laura , Fitzgerald David , Fisher David , Gill Norman W.
Published: November 2023

Background: Access to quality healthcare education across the world is disproportionate. This study explores the potential for Cardiovascular Perfusion education to be delivered online to reach international students. Methods: Exploratory mixed methods were used to identify the barriers, facilitators, and early outcomes of online international health professions education. Results: Qualitative analysis yielded four primary and nine subthemes. Multiple interventions were implemented in the planning of a novel online international Extracorporeal Science (ECS) program based on these themes. Quantitative data from the first semester of the new ECS program was collected along with data from the traditional entry-level program and historic data from previous entry-level cohorts. No significant correlations or differences were found between students. Student satisfaction surveys were determined to be equivalent for each group. Mixed data analysis revealed exceptional student satisfaction in areas where qualitative feedback was incorporated into the program design. Conclusions: Online international education may be a viable option in the health professions. Barriers and facilitators to this mode of education were identified and utilized in designing one such program. Early outcomes from the novel ECS program reveal that student performance and satisfaction are equivalent to those of a traditional in-person training program.
On the numerical approximation of Blaschke–Santaló diagrams using Centroidal Voronoi Tessellations
Authors: Bogosel Beniamin , Buttazzo Giuseppe , Oudet Edouard
Published: November 2023

Blaschke–Santaló diagrams are images of maps defined on a set of parameters, taking values into an Euclidean space. Typically, the dimension of the source space is high, possibly infinite, while the target space is two or three dimensional. These diagrams help characterize geometrically various inequalities and are of particular interest in the field of shape optimization. We propose a numerical method, based on Centroidal Voronoi Tessellations, which produces sample points in the parameter space that have uniformly distributed images in the Blaschle–Santaló diagram, therefore providing an accurate description of the latter. Compared with the classical Monte Carlo methods, which simply use a large number of images corresponding to random parameters, the method proposed is computationally efficient and precise. Simulations for two and three dimensional diagrams are presented involving examples in algebra and shape optimization.
Interest rate risk of Chinese commercial banks based on the GARCH-EVT model
Authors: Chen Xin , Shan Zhangming , Tang Decai , Zhou Biao , Boamah Valentina
Published: November 2023

Interest rate market risk faced by China’s commercial banks is increasing after the announcement that the interest rate marketisation is completed. This paper examines the Value-at-Risk, and statistical properties in the daily price return of Shanghai banks’ overnight offered rate. The study applies two-stage approaches, combining GARCH-type models with extreme value theory. Firstly, the Markov regime switching model is used to test the regime states of the series. Secondly, the performance of different VaR models are examined. Results show that the extreme value approach estimates better at the 99% confidence level. The EGARCH-GED model is the most suitable of the employed GARCH-type models. The back-testing results support the idea that the approach used in this study is appropriate for improving commercial banks’ daily risk management. This paper applies the GARCH-EVT method for interest rate measurement after China’s interest rate marketisation and added regime analysis of interest rate. Suggested policy implications will help formulate policies that guide the activities of commercial banks in China.
Modular water harvester ensures continuous water production for arid regions
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: November 2023

A rotational adsorption strategy offers substantial benefits over existing designs, potentially granting millions of people reliable access to clean water.
Convolutional-neural-network-based DES-level aerodynamic flow field generation from URANS data
Authors: Romano John P. , Baysal Oktay , Brodeur Alec C.
Published: November 2023

The present paper culminates several investigations into the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) as a post-processing step to improve the accuracy of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations for subsonic flows over airfoils at low angles of attack. Time-averaged detached eddy simulation (DES)-generated flow fields serve as the target data for creating and training CNN models. CNN post-processing generates flow-field data comparable to DES resolution, but after using only URANS-level resources and properly training CNN models. This document outlines the underlying theory and progress toward the goal of improving URANS simulations by looking at flow predictions for a class of simple, two-dimensional, streamlined profiles (i.e., an NACA0006 airfoil simulated at Mach 0.3 over an angle-of-attack range of −8° to 8°). After several design iterations, two trained CNN models predict the pressure and density fields immediately surrounding the airfoils, and those results compare well to DES ground truth data. Generally, the trained models match the DES resolution for the model training data. However, to accurately predict the flow conditions outside of the training set, other approaches are necessary. For this portion of the research, all computational fluid dynamic calculations use NASA’s fully-unstructured-Navier–Stokes-3D solver. The rest of the software comes from Python libraries within the public domain to encourage follow-on research. These libraries include TensorFlow for machine learning models and the sequential model-based optimization to generate the algorithm configuration for hyperparameter optimization.
Resistive instabilities in toroidal anisotropic plasmas
Authors: Shi Tonghui , Shen B. , Wan B.
Published: November 2023

Resistive singular layer equations are developed by applying the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model to toroidal anisotropic plasmas. This work extends the previous ideal MHD theory [Shi et al. Phys. Plasmas 23, 082121 (2016)] to the resistive case. These layer equations can be used to investigate resistive localized MHD instabilities, such as tearing instability and resistive interchange instability. Compared to existing resistive theory [Johnson and Hastie, Phys. Fluids 31, 1609 (1988)], our model includes plasma compressibility, allowing for a study of the coupling between parallel motion to perpendicular one, which is known as the apparent mass effect. In addition, these obtained equations are valid for low n modes, where n is the toroidal mode number. The dispersion relation is derived in a reduced model. We find that the anisotropic pressure effect (when p⊥ > p‖) not only increases the stable threshold of the resistive interchange mode but also raises the critical value Δc of the tearing mode stability index Δ′, which represents the logarithmic jump of the radial magnetic field perturbation across the rational surface. This discovery holds significant practical implications for mitigating neoclassical tearing modes in high confinement plasmas, particularly those characterized by a low aspect ratio (such as spherical tokamaks) or low magnetic shear (as designed in ITER hybrid scenarios). However, it enhances the growth rate of the tearing mode in a low growth rate region, where p‖ and p⊥ denote the pressure components parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic fields, respectively.