bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of spirulina meals on Oithona sp. (Claus, 1866) production through growth analysis
Authors: Samara S H , Santanumurti M B , Widyantoro A G , Putri B , Hudaidah S
Published: April 2021

Oithona sp. is widely used for natural feed of larval stage. Therefore it is necessary to develop its culture method. The appropriate nutrient will affect the development of Oithona sp production. One of the highly nutritious ingredients is Spirulina meals. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Spirulina meals application on the population density of Oithona sp. The treatments in this study were A (Oithona sp. fed with Chaetoceros sp. of 2x106 cell/ml), B (Oithona sp. fed with 83 mg/L of Spirulina meals), C (Oithona sp. fed with 167 mg/L of Spirulina meals), D (Oithona sp. fed with 249 mg/L of Spirulina meals). The results showed that Spirulina meals had an effect on the population density of Oithona spp. This study also showed that the use of 83 mg/L of Spirulina meals could produce the best results with the amount up to 1067 ind/ml and grow speed of 0,78 ± 0,08 ind/day
Differences size of Channa striata broodstock and the number of eggs produced in natural spawning
Authors: Maulana M H , Wicaksono R D , Suciyono
Published: April 2021

Snakehead fish (Channa striata) is a type of freshwater fish that has the potential to be developed because of its high economic value. Information about the reproductive biology of Channa striata is still limited, so it is necessary to carry out reproductive studies for its future development. Research on the aspects of reproductive biology such as the comparison of the weight of the broodstock (female) to the number of fecundities was carried out descriptively in December - January 2020. This study used three categories of broodstock parent size with different weights, namely (P1): 155-350 grams, (P2): 400-700 grams, (P3):> 700-1200 grams. The results showed that the number of eggs produced sequentially, namely (P1): 75,62.57 ± 1,106 eggs, (P2): 9,821.17 ± 628 eggs, (P3): 11,103.80 ± 2,307 eggs. This study concludes that the number of eggs produced increases with the larger size of the broodstock used. However, it was found that a consistent number of eggs were found at the parent size between 400 - 700 grams.
Species determination based on head scutes, carapace, and plastron of turtle hatchlings at Boom Beach, Banyuwangi
Authors: Hidayatulloh D R , Dhamayanti Y , Purnama M T E
Published: April 2021

A comprehensive study on the determination of species is important for the turtle conservation program. The external characteristics of turtles were identified based on the pattern of the head scutes, carapace and plastron. This study aimed to investigate the dead hatchling species at Boom Beach, Banyuwangi. Boom Beach is a 3 km stretch of beach in northeast Banyuwangi. We investigated 15 dead hatchlings from 4 different nests. Patrols were carried out all night and morning on the surface of the nest and excavated to collect dead hatchlings. All hatchlings were cleaned of epibion and dried to avoid reflection. The hatchlings were placed on a white table and photographed with a digital camera (Nikon D3100) from above. Figures were taken at a distance of 1 m to reduce the effects of visual distortion. As a result, the pattern of head scutes consisted of more than one pair of prefrontal scales; carapace consisted of six lateral scutes and six vertebral scutes; and plastron consisted of four intramarginal scutes with pores, respectively. It can be concluded that all the dead hatchlings were species of olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Effect of differences in cocopeat, hydroton, and husk charcoal as an eggplant planting medium (Solanum melongena) on the absorption of ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2) and nitrate (NO3) dumbo catfish (Clarias sp.) water cultivation in aquaponic system
Authors: Putri T A , Prayogo  , Rahardja B S
Published: April 2021

Dumbo catfish known as freshwater commodity which its culturing has been done throughout every region in Indonesia. Compared to other freshwater commodity, dumbo catfish has a fairly higher nutrient content, higher economical value, faster growth and easier maintenance. There are various ways to culture dumbo catfish, one of them is by using aquaponic system, which described as a combination of hydroponic and aquaculture in closed water recirculation system. Aquaponic system uses various type of planting media for filtering water, so that ammonia and nitrite are reduced then modified as nitrate, where nitrate absorbed by plants. This study uses 3 different media: cocopeat, hydroton, and husk charcoal. This study aims to investigate whether three previous media can absorb ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in dumbo catfish culturing using aquaponic system, also figuring out the most effective one. This study uses RAL method with 4 treatments: control (P0), cocopeat (P1), hydroton (P2), husk charcoal (P3) repeated 5 times. The main parameter are ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, then analyzed using ANOVA. The result showed 3 different media absorbed ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate significantly, with husk charcoal as the most effective media with ammonia, nitrite, nitrate level 0,59 mg/L, 0,37 mg/L, and 4,99 mg/L respectively.
Women in the coastal area and seaweed farming in Madura, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sahidu A M , Made S , Riniwati H
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to 1) analyze the roles and tasks of female seaweed farmers or wives of male seaweed farmers in Sumenep Regency, 2) analyze the factors affecting the roles of those women to increase family income. The research employed quantitative and qualitative methods, using a questionnaire, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations as the means to collect the data. Most of them worked as day-based laborers for seaweed farming. The average income earned was IDR 585,100/month. The domestic role of female seaweed farmers as housewives included cooking, taking care of the house, taking children to and picking them up from school, caring for children, and managing family finances. Work-hour, educational background, work experience, and the number of children as variables simultaneously affected the wives’ income share on family income. However, work-hour as a variable did not have a significant effect on it.
Fisheries community behaviour towards water quality of the Deket river, Lamongan district
Authors: Saad M , Milad R M , Faiz Y A A , Hikmah N L
Published: April 2021

The river as a water source is one of the natural resources which has a multipurpose function for life, livelihood and also aquaculture. The Deket River is one of the rivers in Lamongan Regency that has experienced a decline in water quality, due to contamination by domestic and industrial waste. This study aims to determine the behaviour, perceptions and attitudes of the fisheries community towards the quality of the waters in the Deket River, Lamongan Regency. This research uses descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods. This research was conducted at 3 stations and 3 sample points for observation of water quality. The lab test results show that the average value of 3 stations still has several parameters that exceed the maximum threshold and are classified as light pollution. Based on the multiple linear regression test, people’s perceptions and attitudes about the decline in water quality affect fisheries community behaviour by 49%. Several water quality parameters caused by domestic and industrial waste have values above the maximum threshold, so they can be an indicator of degradation in water quality. The decline in water quality in the Deket River can affect the behaviour of the fisheries community around the riverbanks
Development of Sustainable Mangrove Areas Based on Empowerment of Coastal Communities in Cemara Beach, Pakis, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Setyaningrum E W , Erwanto Z , Prapti K P , Jayanti A L , Dewi A T K , Susanti H D
Published: April 2021

One of the regencies in East Java Province which has the longest coast is Banyuwangi Regency. One of the potential area to be developed is Cemara Beach in Pakis District Banyuwangi. This Beach has natural resources in the form of pine area, turtle landing and breeding area, and mangrove forests. Mangrove on Cemara Beach were scattered along the river with 11 species. The purposes of area development are mangrove nursery and processing, managing mangrove area into ecotourism, and sustainable coastal area. The methods of area development was approaching to the community, creating activities by encouraging the people to participate and increasing their knowledge about livelihood, so they can arrange the plans for its implementation. Result of the development is that there are mangrove nurseries for three types namely Sonneratia caseolaris, Avicennia dan Rhizophora apiculata. The other results are mangrove’s leaves and fruit which are processed to be mangrove chips, tea, and syrup. Mangrove management into ecotourism by building mangrove tracks, making trash traps so the garbage from the sea does not enter the stream, vice versa when the high is tide. Sustainable coastal development namely thickening mangrove density by planting mangrove from nurseries and creating hardware on the beach in the form of a tetrapod.
Hematology Response of Catfish (Clarias sp.) as an Indicator of Fish Health in Tuban Regency
Authors: Yanuhar U , Raharjo D K W P , Caesar N R , Junirahma N S
Published: April 2021

Catfish farming offers strong potential for community economic growth. Catfish are resistant to various water conditions so that many people cultivate this fish. Just like other fish farming, the disease is the biggest obstacle in catfish farming. Changes in fish haematology in response to stress agents are indicators of the stress stage of fish, yielding useful information for curbing unfavourable conditions that can affect fish health. This study aimed to determine the haematological conditions of catfish in three different locations scattered in Tuban Regency as an indicator of fish health. The method used was descriptive by observing Erythrocytes, Leukocytes, Hemoglobin, and Hematocrit at 3 locations, namely in Tegalagung Village (a), Jenggolo Village (b), and Campurejo Village (c). The results of the erythrocyte at all locations were (a) 540,000 cells/mm3, (b) 1,980,000 cells/mm3, and (c) 1,690,000 cells/mm3. The results of the leukocyte count at all locations showed that (a) 301,000 cells/mm3, (b) 545,500 cells/mm3 and (c) 276,000 cells/mm3. Hemoglobin observations showed at the location (a) 16 g%, (b) 10.1 g% and (c) 10.8 g%. Hematocrit observation results showed at locations (a) 14%, (b) 13% and (c) 15%. Based on those results, it shows that catfish are in abnormal conditions. It is concluded that hematological parameters are outside the normal fish limits.
Analysis of past 26 years landing data to understand the status of Acetes spp. populations in Malaysia
Authors: Stephenie D K , Chen C A , Hassan R , Mustafa S , Shapawi R , Halid N F A
Published: April 2021

Acetes spp. is one of the sergestid species that living mainly in the estuaries and shallow waters of the tropical and subtropical regions. In Malaysia, it is known as ‘Udang Baring’ in Peninsular Malaysia and ‘bubuk’ in Sabah and Sarawak. Acetes shrimp pastes are being produced widely throughout Southeast Asia. Economically, these shrimps contribute to the local in Malaysia as they are commercially being sold as dried, salted or fermented shrimps as part of the local delicacies such as ‘belacan’ and ‘cencaluk’. Data on Acetes landing (1993-2018) was collected from Department of Fisheries of Malaysia (DOFM) and Department of Fisheries Sabah (DOFS). Several missing data from Sabah (DOFM) was replaced by data from DOFS. All data were analysed using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis to determine the similarities of Acetes landing throughout the study years. Results of MDS indicate that at 80% similarity, the landing years were clustered into 11 groups. Correlation analysis indicates that three states were negatively correlated with landing years while another three states showed a positive correlation (p< 0.05). The significant increase of landings in early 2000s might due to the government effort in 1996 that had initiated Malaysia’s National Agricultural Policy (NAP) 3 (1998 – 2010). Results showed landings 1990s’ and early 2000s’ were low and all impacted by the climatic events (El Niño, La Niña, or both). In conclusion, the increasing trend in Acetes landings lately potentially show that Acetes industry is getting more recognized in Malaysia even though some states showed a drastic decreasing trend that probably indicates overexploitation which needs further investigation for confirmation.
The effect of CaO doping in activated carbon composite as a heavy metal adsorbent in water
Authors: Rahayu S , Kurniawidi D W , A’yun Q , Alaa S
Published: April 2021

Lead (Pb) is a dangerous heavy metal that can settle in marine animals, and it will have a bad impact on our health. One of the efforts to reduce the stream’s levels of hazardous metals is by using the adsorption method. This study aimed to determine the effect of CaO doping on activated carbon composites on the physical properties of water and its ability to absorb Pb. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was conducted to determine the remaining Pb content after the adsorption process. Based on the results, it was found that the doping of CaO in activated carbon composites affected the physical properties of water-based on parameters of pH, EC, TDS, temperature, and turbidity. The water quality test results have met the PerMenKes standard No: 416/MENKES/PER/IX/1990, with the water quality obtained having a pH value of 7, EC 313.00 µs/cm, TDS 156.50 ppm, temperature 29 , and turbidity 3.95 NTU. Besides that, the addition of CaO mass to activated carbon composites affects Pb metal’s adsorption ability, where CaO doping can increase the absorption of Pb.
Transportation costs of different sizes of cantang hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ x Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) fingerlings
Authors: Ismi S , Budi D S
Published: April 2021

Cantang hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ x Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) fry were supplied in many regions in Indonesia through various modes of transportation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate transportation costs against cantang hybrid grouper fry size as consideration for fry users. The research was conducted at one of the grouper hatcheries in Kalianget Village, Banyuglugur District, Situbondo Regency, East Java, Indonesia in December 2019. The hybrid grouper fingerlings were used are 3.0-4.0 cm, 5.0-6.0 cm, 7.0- 8.0 cm, and 9.0-10.0 cm (in total length) were transported from the nursery in Situbondo (East Java, Indonesia) to Medan (North Sumatra, Indonesia) using land and air transportation in 18-20 hours. The results showed that the highest price for grouper fingerlings to the destination was 9.0-10.0 cm of 13,050 IDR and the lowest price for fingerlings of 3.0-4.0 cm of 3,880 IDR. This data can be used as a reference for cantang grouper farmers to determine the most efficient fry size for rearing production.
Diversity studies of freshwater goby species from three rivers ecosystem in Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Gani A , Adam M I , Bakri A A , Adriany D T , Herjayanto Muh. , Nurjirana  , Mangitung S F , Andriyono S
Published: April 2021

Inland public water areas which include freshwater lakes and several rivers in Sulawesi Island have native and endemic fish species which potential as ornamental fish. One of them is a member of Gobiidae. Several studies have reported the species of freshwater goby in Central Sulawesi Province. However, the information is still lacking, especially in the Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi. Therefore, research is needed to examine the diversity of gobies in this area. Observations were conducted in three rivers (Salodik, Kintom, and Simpong). The results of fish inventory in the three Luwuk Banggai rivers obtained 131 fish specimens, namely 26 specimens from the Salodik river, 29 specimens from the Kintom river, and 76 specimens from the Simpong river. The Simpong River has the highest Shannon-Wiener index (H’) followed by the Kintom and Salodik rivers, which are 2.6313, 2.0114, and 1.3656, respectively. Similarity analysis of the three rivers produced 2 clusters. The Salodik River in fish diversity shows differences with the other two rivers, while the Simpong and Kintom rivers are in one cluster. Further research is needed related to the biodiversity of gobies and their relationship to habitat characteristics and river water quality in the Luwuk Banggai.
Biodiversity studies of echinoderms in Sedati waters, Sidoarjo District, East Java Province
Authors: Firmaningrum N F , Sari L A , Pursetyo K T , Zein A , Idris M H , Cahyoko Y
Published: April 2021

Sidoarjo waters is a buffer zone of Surabaya City. Sidoarjo has many industries such as the metal, textile and waste treatment industries. Many industrial wastes are discharged into Sidoarjo waters, especially Sedati. Waste entering the waters can affect water quality, which influences the living things. One of them is echinoderms. This research purpose to find out the differences of echinoderms in Sedati waters. The research was done from October to December 2019. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively quantitatively using the diversity index Shanon Winner and ANOVA. The results showed that the diversity of echinoderms species found has significant differences. Species were found like Archaster typicus, Echinothrix calamaris, and Ophiothrix sp. The average diversity of echinoderms was 0.4119 + 0.1479 (H < 1) so it was classified as low criteria with polluted water quality. The low variation of echinoderms can be caused by several factors such as location, season, physical quality, chemical quality, biotic factors and the fishing gear used. One of the efforts reduces the impact of pollution is to treat waste before it transferred to the release and move the fishing gear used to be more environmentally friendly.
Surviving from shocks of the COVID-19: adaptation strategies of the Sama Bajo Tiworo small scale fishers as a response to the crisis
Authors: Tadjuddah M , Wianti N I , Suriana  , Buana T , Abdullah S , Wunawarsih I A
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed social-economic life globally with no exception to the small-scale fisher in small islands region. This paper examines how the pandemic effects to the Sama Bajo social-economic life and to observe how theSamaBajo response adaptively to the crisis. The research has been done in July until middle August 2020 in two small islands in Tiworo Straits. By using mix methods both quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect and analyse the data from 12 key informants, the research result shows that the COVID-19 has significant impacts to the blue swimming crab fishing activity andSamaBajo food security in Tiworo Straits. Regarding this, to cover their household consumption of daily basis and to avoid them to fall into chronic poverty, the households built four major adaptation strategies. Interestingly, because of safety first rationality, during the crisis, theSamaBajo pre-existing social insurance tends to be more powerful.
Dinoflagellate cyst assemblages in surface sediment from Jakarta Bay
Authors: Sidabutar T , Srimariana E S
Published: April 2021

Dinoflagellate cysts play an essential role in the initiation, recurrence and geographical expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The horizontal distribution and abundance of dinoflagellate cysts in marine sediments provide essential information in giving early warnings of the presence of toxic species and possible continuing recurrence of HABs in a given area. This research carried out in the waters of Jakarta Bay. Sediment samples collected from thirteen sampling stations using TFO gravity corer 2.1 cm diameter from sediment thickness 0-4 cm. The results showed that resting cysts belong to Gonyaulax, Alexandrium, Scrippsiella, Protoperidinium, Gymnodinium, Gyrodinium. Two of them, namely Gymnodinium sp and Alexandrium sp, known as toxic species. Cysts in the sediment thickness 0-4 cm mainly dominated by the group of Gonyaulax (Gonyaulacoid). Cyst abundance in the sediment depth-layer 0-2 cm is higher than in depth-layer 2-4 cm. The number of dino-cysts in sediment layer 0-2 cm ranged from 2.984 – 22.298 cysts cm−3while in the layer 2-4 cm the amount varies from 1.063 – 8.132 cysts cm−3of wet sediment. The result revealed that dino-cyst abundance is higher in the deposit collected from locations near to the coast. The assemblages of dinoflagellate resting cysts seemed to have a relation with some hydrological parameters.
The effect of different feeding on growth, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency in synodontis (Synodontis eupterus) seed
Authors: Nurhadi S , Murniasih S , Dewi N N
Published: April 2021

Synodontis fish is a ornamental freshwater fish that has high economic value and is popular with the community because of its upside-down swimming habit. This encourages farmers to increase production output. The resulting production depends on the maintenance method, which starts from the seeding stage. One of the influential factors in hatchery activities include the availability of feed for seed. This research was carried out on December 23, 2019, until January 23, 2020 at Research Institute for Ornamental Fish Culture, Depok, West Java, which aimed to determine the growth, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency of synodontis fish seed with different feeds. The method used in this study was sampling the length and body weight of the fish which was carried out once a week in 5 aquariums with different feeding treatments. The monitoring results showed that the synodontis fish seed experienced growth (length and weight) every week. However, the given feed was not efficient because it had an FCR value was > 2.0 and an feed efficiency value was <50%. As for the best feed, it is given to synodontis fish seed in the form of natural food (Chironomussp.) which have high value of growth rate.
Design and Implementation of Security Device for Patient Health Monitoring Systems
Authors: Sahu A.K. , Misra N. K. , Kumar D.
Published: April 2021

In continuous upgrading world, humans believe in their self-worth. They have participation in every sector of life, but lives have become so vulnerable these days that the safety and security of their lives are one of the burning questions about this pandemic corona virus disease. Considering all incidents and violation of rules do not spread against humanity this idea of a smart wristband safety device aligned with GPS and GSM modules, with temperature and pulse sensors came into consideration. During dangerous situations user just needs to press the SOS button fitted on the wristband, or the sensors will sense an increase in temperature or pulse rate and then automatically the message of user location tracking via GPS will be sent to the registered numbers through GSM. The main objective is for the device to be light weight and place the SOS switch in an easy accessible region, with additional sensors leaving no worse case possible.
A Review on Land-use and Land-change with Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Gupta D , Sethi D , Bathija R
Published: April 2021

A significant proportion of the planet’s ground environment has changed with ground use and land-related shifts, exacerbated by both human behavior and natural feedback. Anthropogenic activities have dramatically altered natural ecosystems, in particular in areas greatly affected by population growth and climate change such as Eastern Africa. For environmental protection and successful water management practices, it is important to be aware of the trends in land use & land cover (LULC). This study centered on developments in LULC patterns in Climate Modelling, remote sensing, and field data combined to identify positive feedback circuits or negative ones using remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems (GIS). Furthermore, its findings include statements that focus on policies that display the impacts and levels of LULC transformation and the dissemination of these improvements in time and space as a central element in the current methods for environmental control of changes and the management of natural resources.
Optimization of thermal oxidation for 4H-SiC and fabricate/characterize MOS capacitor
Authors: Shekhawat Rajesh Singh , Singh Nongthombam Joychandra , Shakil Moh. , Kumar Prashant , Kumar Dhirendra , Kumar Prem , Singh Arvind Kumar , Kothari Prateek , Das Surajit , Prajapat Priyavart , Panwar Deepak Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev , Eshwar T , Singh Sumitra , Singh Dheerendra
Published: April 2021

On the 4H-SiC substrate, C-face and Si-face oxide layers have been grown by thermal oxidation process and sputtering. The thermal oxidation temperature dependence of 4H-silicon carbide (SiC) is systematically investigated using capacitance-voltage (C–V) measurements. The oxidation quality and thickness vary according to the temperature and time duration of the thermal oxidation. The layers’ thicknesses are determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the temperature range is between 800°C and 1110 °C. The primary reason to fabricate the Metal-Oxide-Silicon (MOS) capacitor is to know the thermal oxidation process and a working principle. In this paper, we optimize a thermal oxidation process and fabricate the MOS structure. Then we determine the various parameters such as flat band voltage (Vf
b), Inversion threshold voltage (Vt), Surface depletion capacitance (Cdep), Oxide capacitance (Cox), the total capacitance of the device (Co), doping concentration (Nd), Depletion width (Xd), Maximum depletion width (Xdt) and Interface trap density (Dit). Finally, we analyze and discuss the MOS capacitance.
A Comparative Analysis of using Various Machine learning Techniques based on Drowsy Driver Detection
Authors: Bano A , Saxena A , Das G K
Published: April 2021

In image processing or computer vision, image segmentation is a vital issue for applications such as scene understanding, medical image evaluation, robotic perception, video surveillance, increased reality or compression, etc. Every year in road accidents caused because of human mistake, the numbers of dead and injured are rising. Drowsiness and driving are particularly risky and difficult to recognize. The second leading cause of road crashes in drowsiness after alcohol. Detecting driver drowsiness is a technology of safety for vehicles that helps placed an end to driver injuries that are dozy. One of the main causes of road accidents is driver drowsiness. It is a very serious issue for road safety. We have presented various methods for detecting the drowsiness of the driverin this paper and the comparisons among such methods are extremely challenging. For this purpose, we have compared machine learning methods based on facial expression, especially on eye state. Apart from eye detection, it performed experiments on mouth detection and face detection as well. This paper explores several methods for machine learning, like SVM, CNN, or HMM. From the analysis, we have found that the HMM model achieved more accurate results in comparisonto others.
System Model of VANET using Optimization-Based Efficient Routing Algorithm
Authors: Kannadhasan S , Shanmuganantham M , Nagarajan R
Published: April 2021

A wireless networking strategy is the VANET (Vehicular ad hoc network). This approach is used to connect between vehicles and to raise the question of traffic quality. The most important aspect is the connection between V2v and V2i, so it is essential to ensure appropriate protection and privacy techniques. VANET safer, effective and avoid illegal vehicle interference with other cars, this work suggests an authentication scheme based on the hash feature. Only an authenticated vehicle may use the party key agreement scheme using the Chinese residual theorem. The forward and backward confidentiality was done in this manner. Security and privacy are fulfilled by our scheme. The most favorable aim is to create more useful, productive and safer roads across vehicle networks by educating the basic authorities and drivers in the future on a timely basis. Another aim is to identify wireless technology for the development of VANET. The aim is to protect and render feasible commercial requests by means of a variety of short to medium communication systems and/or other VANET networks. This technology will help the primary concern for safe contact in crucial time and meet the QOS criteria of other interactive multimedia applications or e-commerce.
Synthesis, barrier performance, and molecular simulation of a high-barrier polyimide that contains amide groups
Authors: Wen Qian , Tang Ao , Chen Chengliang , Liu Yiwu , Xiao Chunguang , Tan Jinghua , Li Duxin
Published: April 2021

4-Amino-N′-(4-aminobenzoyl)benzohydrazide (AAPDA), a diamine monomer that contains two amide groups, was synthesised by amidation and reduction, after which it was polymerised with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) to prepare AAPPI, a novel polyimide. AAPPI exhibited excellent barrier performance, with oxygen- and water-vapor-transmission rates (OTR and WVTR, respectively) of only 1.7 cm3 m−2 d−1 and 1.0 g m−2 d−1, respectively. This polyimide (PI) also exhibits outstanding thermal properties, with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 423 °C, a 5% weight-loss temperature (Td5%) of 509 °C, and a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 2.58 ppm K−1 under nitrogen. The barrier performance of AAPPI was also compared to that of DABPI, a structurally similar PI. Molecular simulations, wide-angle x-ray diffractometry (WAXD), and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) revealed that AAPPI forms many more interchain hydrogen bonds than DABPI due to its additional amide groups. Consequently, AAPPI has very tightly packed polymer chains, a high degree of crystallinity, a small free volume, and poor chain mobility. These factors generally inhibit the permeation of small molecules, which explains why AAPPI has better barrier properties than DABPI. This novel PI has broad applications for the packaging of flexible electronics.
Activated chitosan microspheres as air cathode catalyst for high power production in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ke Zeng , Ming Yuan , Zhihao An , Jingying Ma , Wenwen Zhang , Donghui Chen
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to modify chitosan microspheres to have large specific surface area as cathode catalysts in microbial fuel cell. Nitrogen-rich chitosan microspheres were first prepared and were used as precursors to prepare the activated carbon materials. The activation effects of KOH and activation temperature on the graphitization degree, specific surface area and electrochemical performance were investigated. The materials were characterised through various microscopic analyses and the electrochemical properties of the materials as cathode catalyst were also investigated. Before and after the activation, the materials remained in microspheric morphology, shown by SEM measurement, while the specific surface area of the activated material increased significantly and reached 1562 m2g−1 measured by BET. The graphitization degree of the material showed synchronized increase with calcination temperature, which was detected by Raman spectroscopy. The materials activated were rich in nitrogen, revealed by XPS for elemental analysis. When activated at the temperature of 850 °C, the material demonstrated lower internal resistance (0.6 Ω cm−2), higher alternating current density (24.27 × 10–4 A·cm−2) and the highest power density (1531 ± 51 mW·m−2) which was 1.4 times that of the original carbon felt. It was illustrated by the electrochemical tests that the material prepared from the precursor chitosan microspheres as cathode catalyst has the high activity of oxygen reduction reaction in MFCs.
Improvement of impregnation quality on out-of-autoclave processed CFRP aircraft wing spar through resin flow simulation
Authors: Park Dong-Cheol , Yu Tianyu , Park Soo-Jeong , Shin Do-Hoon , Kim Yun-Hae
Published: April 2021

Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) is becoming one of the most robust alternatives for autoclave processes. VaRTM, which applies the resin injection method in a vacuum environment, generally uses fiber reinforcement and a polymer matrix separately in the process. The VaRTM is mainly dominated by the characteristics of constituent materials, such as preform permeability and resin viscosity. Among them, process design with the arrangement of resin inlet/outlet locations is closely related to process defects, and inappropriate inlet/outlet layouts cause voids, etc, which has a decisive effect on quality degradation. Therefore, in this study, a highly curved and twisted spar structure was fabricated by the VaRTM, and both flow simulations using Programs for Applied Mechanics–Resin Transfer Molding software and experimental test parts built with three different inlet/outlet line conditions were performed and compared to predict and improve impregnation quality. There was good agreement between the simulation and built test specimen for the three cases that the shorter inlet and outlet length resulted in improved impregnation quality. It was verified that impregnation and inner quality could be improved through flow simulation analysis during the VaRTM process.
Nanotechnology in cosmetics pros and cons
Authors: Yadwade Rachana , Gharpure Saee , Ankamwar Balaprasad
Published: April 2021

The field of nanotechnology is being greatly explored by cosmetic industries in order to improve the efficacy of cosmetic products. The increased use of nanomaterials in the field of cosmetics can have two sides as health-related benefits and detrimental effects. This review mainly seeks the pros and cons of the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics along with some examples of nanomaterials that are widely used in cosmetic industries along with different types of nanotechnology-based cosmetic products. The benefits of nanomaterials in cosmetic formulations are huge. Moreover the study regarding the toxic effects on the health also equally matters. This review gives a brief outline of the advantages as well as disadvantages of nanotechnology in cosmetics.
Compliance Testing and Homogenous Exposure Group Assessment in the South African Coal Mining Industry
Authors: Made Felix , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Brouwer Derk
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Globally, several strategies for compliance testing and within-group exposure variability have been suggested. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the South African Mining Industry Code of Practice (SAMI CoP) approach for grouping and compliance testing against international standards.

Methods

A total of 28 homogenous exposure groups (HEGs) with 728 underground coal mine workers’ eight-hour time-weighted average coal dust concentration data were obtained. Compliance testing was assessed using 10% exceedance above occupational exposure limit (OEL) for SAMI CoP, and the 95th percentile of the lognormal distribution was computed for the European Standardization Committee (CEN) and American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Comparison of the homogeneity of the HEGs was done between SAMI CoP which mandates that both the arithmetic mean (AM) and 90th percentile must fall in the same exposure band to certify homogeneity and the global geometric standard deviation (GSD) and Rappaport ratio (R-ratio) with specific acceptability criteria. To test the homogeneity of exposure within job titles, eight non-homogenous HEGs that have two or more job titles with three measurements were investigated using GSD and the SAMI CoP criteria.

Results

A total of 21 HEGs out of 28 were non-compliant to the OEL across SAMI CoP, CEN, and AIHA criteria. Compliance to the OEL was observed for seven HEGs according to the SAMI CoP approach, whereas only one HEG was compliant according to both the SAMI CoP and CEN approaches. The GSD criterion and SAMI CoP revealed that 11 and 6 HEGs were homogenous, respectively, and only on 4 occasions, the 2 approaches agreed. The job titles of the majority of non-homogenous HEGs in both SAMI CoP and GSD were actually homogenous. Five out of 10 sub-groups have their AM above that of HEG B. Other HEGs had at least one of their AM and 90th percentile values above that of their respective parent HEGs.

Conclusions

All three approaches mainly confirmed non-compliance of HEGs. SAMI CoP tended to show compliance of HEGs more than CEN. Non-homogenous HEGs had many job titles that were homogenous according to both SAMI CoP and GSD criteria. There was no perfect agreement of homogeneity by all the indicators. For both future constitutions of HEGs as well as a retrospective assessment of high exposure groups, homogeneity can be improved by using job titles.
AMICI: high-performance sensitivity analysis for large ordinary differential equation models
Authors: Fröhlich Fabian , Weindl Daniel , Schälte Yannik , Pathirana Dilan , Paszkowski Łukasz , Lines Glenn Terje , Stapor Paul , Hasenauer Jan
Published: April 2021

Ordinary differential equation models facilitate the understanding of cellular signal transduction and other biological processes. However, for large and comprehensive models, the computational cost of simulating or calibrating can be limiting. AMICI is a modular toolbox implemented in C++/Python/MATLAB that provides efficient simulation and sensitivity analysis routines tailored for scalable, gradient-based parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification.

Availabilityand implementation

AMICI is published under the permissive BSD-3-Clause license with source code publicly available on https://github.com/AMICI-dev/AMICI. Citeable releases are archived on Zenodo.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Abnormalities in cortical pattern of coherence in migraine detected using ultra high-density EEG
Authors: Chamanzar Alireza , Haigh Sarah M , Grover Pulkit , Behrmann Marlene
Published: April 2021

Individuals with migraine generally experience photophobia and/or phonophobia during and between migraine attacks. Many different mechanisms have been postulated to explain these migraine phenomena including abnormal patterns of connectivity across the cortex. The results, however, remain contradictory and there is no clear consensus on the nature of the cortical abnormalities in migraine. Here, we uncover alterations in cortical patterns of coherence (connectivity) in interictal migraineurs during the presentation of visual and auditory stimuli and during rest. We used a high-density EEG system, with 128 customized electrode locations, to compare inter- and intra-hemispheric coherence in the interictal period from 17 individuals with migraine (12 female) and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects. During presentations of visual (vertical grating pattern) and auditory (modulated tone) stimulation which varied in temporal frequency (4 and 6 Hz), and during rest, participants performed a colour detection task at fixation. Analyses included characterizing the inter- and intra-hemisphere coherence between the scalp EEG channels over 2-s time intervals and over different frequency bands at different spatial distances and spatial clusters. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were estimated at zero-lag. Repeated measures analyses-of-variance revealed that, relative to controls, migraineurs exhibited significantly (i) faster colour detection performance, (ii) lower spatial coherence of alpha-band activity, for both inter- and intra-hemisphere connections, and (iii) the reduced coherence occurred predominantly in frontal clusters during both sensory conditions, regardless of the stimulation frequency, as well as during the resting-state. The abnormal patterns of EEG coherence in interictal migraineurs during visual and auditory stimuli, as well as at rest (eyes open), may be associated with the cortical hyper-responsivity that is characteristic of abnormal sensory processing in migraineurs.
Racial and Ethnic Differences and Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Wiley Zanthia , Ross-Driscoll Katie , Wang Zhensheng , Smothers Laken , Mehta Aneesh K , Patzer Rachel E
Published: April 2021

Background

Since the introduction of remdesivir and dexamethasone for severe COVID-19 treatment, few large multi-hospital-system US studies have described clinical characteristics and outcomes of minority COVID-19 patients who present to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This cohort study from the Cerner Real World Database (87 US health systems) from 1 December 2019 to 30 September 2020 included PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black (Black), Hispanic White (Hispanic), or non-Hispanic White (White). The main outcome was hospitalization among ED patients. Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit care, and in-hospital mortality. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression compared sociodemographics, comorbidities, receipt of remdesivir or dexamethasone, and outcomes by racial/ethnic groups and geographic region.

Results

94 683 COVID-19 patients presented to the ED. Blacks comprised 26.7% and Hispanics 33.6%. Nearly half (45.1%) of ED patients presented to hospitals in the South. 31.4% (n = 29 687) were hospitalized. Lower proportions of Blacks were prescribed dexamethasone (29.4%; n = 7426) compared with Hispanics (40.9%; n = 13 021) and Whites (37.5%; n = 14 088). Hospitalization risks, compared with Whites, were similar in Blacks (RR: .94; 95% CI: .82–1.08; P = .4) and Hispanics (.99; .81–1.21; P = .91), but risk of in-hospital mortality was higher in Blacks (1.18; 1.06–1.31; P = .002) and Hispanics (1.28; 1.13–1.44; P < .001).

Conclusions

Minority patients were overrepresented among COVID-19 ED patients, and while their risks of hospitalization were similar to Whites, in-hospital mortality risk was higher. Interventions targeting upstream social determinants of health are needed to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19.
Two-year outcomes of more than 30 000 elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the All Nippon AF In the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry
Authors: Yamashita Takeshi , Suzuki Shinya , Inoue Hiroshi , Akao Masaharu , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Ikeda Takanori , Okumura Ken , Koretsune Yukihiro , Shimizu Wataru , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Toyoda Kazunori , Hirayama Atsushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Yamaguchi Takenori , Teramukai Satoshi , Kimura Tetsuya , Kaburagi Jumpei , Takita Atsushi
Published: April 2021

Aims

To clarify the real-world clinical status and prognosis of elderly and very elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients, more than 30 000 elderly patients with NVAF aged ≥75 years were enrolled in the ANAFIE Registry.

Methods and results

This multicentre, prospective, observational study followed elderly NVAF patients in Japan for ∼2 years. Among 32 275 patients (mean age, 81.5 years; men, 57.3%; mean CHA2DS2-VASc score, 4.5), 2445 (7.6%) were not receiving oral anticoagulants (OACs) and 29 830 (92.4%) were given OACs. Of these, 21 585 (66.9%) were receiving direct OACs (DOACs) and 8233 (25.5%), warfarin (mean time in therapeutic range: ∼75%). In total, the 2-year incidence rate was 3.01% for stroke/systemic embolic events (SEE); 2.00%, major bleeding; and 6.95%, all-cause death. When compared with the warfarin group, the DOAC group had a lower hazard ratio (HR) for stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death after adjusting for confounders. The group without OACs had a higher HR for stroke/SEE and all-cause death, with a lower HR for major bleeding. History of falls within 1 year at enrolment and of catheter ablation were positive and negative independent risk factors, respectively, for stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death.

Conclusion

In Japan, a large proportion of elderly and very elderly NVAF patients were receiving DOACs, which was significantly associated with lower rates of stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death vs. well-controlled warfarin. History of falls and of catheter ablation were independently associated with stroke/SEE, major bleeding, and all-cause death.
Genetic manipulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway activity has sex-biased effects onDrosophilabody size
Authors: Millington Jason W , Brownrigg George P , Basner-Collins Paige J , Sun Ziwei , Rideout Elizabeth J
Published: April 2021

In Drosophila raised in nutrient-rich conditions, female body size is approximately 30% larger than male body size due to an increased rate of growth and differential weight loss during the larval period. While the mechanisms that control this sex difference in body size remain incompletely understood, recent studies suggest that the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS) plays a role in the sex-specific regulation of processes that influence body size during development. In larvae, IIS activity differs between the sexes, and there is evidence of sex-specific regulation of IIS ligands. Yet, we lack knowledge of how changes to IIS activity impact body size in each sex, as the majority of studies on IIS and body size use single- or mixed-sex groups of larvae and/or adult flies. The goal of our current study was to clarify the body size requirement for IIS activity in each sex. To achieve this goal, we used established genetic approaches to enhance, or inhibit, IIS activity, and quantified pupal size in males and females. Overall, genotypes that inhibited IIS activity caused a female-biased decrease in body size, whereas genotypes that augmented IIS activity caused a male-specific increase in body size. These data extend our current understanding of body size regulation by showing that most changes to IIS pathway activity have sex-biased effects, and highlights the importance of analyzing body size data according to sex.
Pharmacological activation of SERCA ameliorates dystrophic phenotypes in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice
Authors: Nogami Ken'ichiro , Maruyama Yusuke , Sakai-Takemura Fusako , Motohashi Norio , Elhussieny Ahmed , Imamura Michihiro , Miyashita Satoshi , Ogawa Megumu , Noguchi Satoru , Tamura Yuki , Kira Jun-ichi , Aoki Yoshitsugu , Takeda Shin'ichi , Miyagoe-Suzuki Yuko
Published: April 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscular weakness because of the loss of dystrophin. Extracellular Ca2+ flows into the cytoplasm through membrane tears in dystrophin-deficient myofibers, which leads to muscle contracture and necrosis. Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) takes up cytosolic Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but its activity is decreased in dystrophic muscle. Here, we show that an allosteric SERCA activator, CDN1163, ameliorates dystrophic phenotypes in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. The administration of CDN1163 prevented exercise-induced muscular damage and restored mitochondrial function. In addition, treatment with CDN1163 for 7 weeks enhanced muscular strength and reduced muscular degeneration and fibrosis in mdx mice. Our findings provide preclinical proof-of-concept evidence that pharmacological activation of SERCA could be a promising therapeutic strategy for DMD. Moreover, CDN1163 improved muscular strength surprisingly in wild-type mice, which may pave the new way for the treatment of muscular dysfunction.