bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antifouling Coating performance With Commercial and Lemon Natural Biocide on Composite Fiberglass Surface
Authors: Saat Asmalina Mohamed , Sabri Muhammad Irfan , Johor Hanisah , Zainal Azaim Fatin Zawani , Lokman Mohd Iqbal
Published: June 2019

Marine growth is a common problem for a near coastal marine vessel including composite fiberglass boat. Natural antifouling coating for composite fiberglass hulls towards efficient, cleanliness, sustainability and greener oceans are crucial especially in near coastal area. Antifouling performance of commercial and natural lemon biocide were analyzed by referring to ASTM 3623 – 78a for 30 days in seawater. Both commercial and natural biocide coating shows no marine growth occur within 30days of immersion due to good interaction between biocide and gelcoat. Natural biocide with 6% concentration observed similar performance as 4% commercial biocide, thus it shows lemon has a great potential of lemon as new natural biocide in marine antifouling paint.
Taiwan Brownfield Redevelopment & Ecological Restoration Indicator Analysis
Authors: Feng S J , Chao N C , Chen Y J
Published: June 2019

Adjustments in global industrial structure accompanied with urbanization, lead in result of derelict sites and lands initiated as manufacturing and production industrial. In which underlies not only creation waste in resource and energy, contaminated soil, damaged ecosystem, urban landscape changed, but also inhibits urban persistent development. Under the extensive aegis of environmental protection, people are highly attentive on brownfield impacts from surrounded life sphere; In Taiwan spatial reutilizing planning approaches are the mainly impetus for brownfield redevelopment programs, having very little or no incorporation on ecological methodology rehabilitation into the program. In this paper, we will elaborate the possibilities of sustainable development for brownfield redevelopment utilizing ecological restoration methodology in 1. preserving the industrial asset, in the meantime restored the ecological urban environment, 2. Initiate a structure framework suitable for brownfield’s (industrial sites) ecosystem redevelopment evaluation indicator to maximize the value of brownfield in spatial & urban planning.
An Environmental Improvement Strategy for an Urban Green Farm Garden: A Case Study of Dongguang Green Garden Road, Taichung City
Authors: Lin Meng-Li , Yang Rui-Xing
Published: June 2019

Amid rapid urban growth, the inhabitants of Taiwan’s ‘concrete jungles’ have tended to neglect the protection of natural resources, and to engage in activities that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. The urban heat island effect also remains a serious problem, only partially addressed by urban green spaces created or protected via intergovernmental urban planning. Nevertheless, Taiwan’s cities still contain many small areas of wasteland – both the sites of demolished buildings, and former green spaces that have been allowed to die off. If transformed into urban gardens and/or farms, this waste ground could meet the public’s need for additional green spaces and experiences, and help to gradually improve their quality of life. Plans and mechanisms to that effect have existed since 1990, and Taipei City was the first place in Taiwan where farmers provided land for urban dwellers to cultivate. However, due to insufficient governmental support, the operation and management of such initiatives has been largely ineffectual, and thus their development has not been sustainable. Therefore, this paper uses Dongguang Green Garden Road in Taichung as a case study of this sustainable-development bottleneck, with the wider aim of increasing the quantity and quality of urban agricultural gardens in Taiwan and beyond.
Land Use Evolution and Simulation Prediction of Pyongyang Municipality in North Korea from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Qinchen , Zhang Pingyu , Wang Dongyan
Published: June 2019

Using Global Land30 standard product as data source, combined with CA-Markov model to quantitatively study the land use evolution of Pyongyang municipality in North Korea from 2000 to 2010 and simulate the land use situation of the region in 2020, the research found: (1) From 2000 to 2010, the area of forest land and bare land in Pyongyang was greatly reduced, and the cultivated land, grassland, water body and artificial surface increased to varying degrees, and the expansion of cultivated land area was the most significant. (2) In the first decade of 21st Century, the comprehensive utilization of land use in Pyongyang increased, the information entropy declined weakly, and the land use system remained in a stable and orderly state. (3) In 2020, cultivated land in Pyongyang is still the main type of land use, but the area will be significantly reduced, and the artificial surface will continue to expand, becoming the main land area for area transfer. (4) The land use change in Pyongyang is mainly driven by the three aspects of consumer demand, economic benefits and government decision-making. With the development of society, the influence of economic interests will become more and more prominent.
House-scale Renewable Energy System Sizing in Liverpool
Authors: Suhendri  , Handayani Tri Pratiwi
Published: June 2019

Renewable energy technology such as solar thermal, PV, and wind have been developed to be building integrated. This exercise is aimed to sizing those three renewable energy systems for a typical house in the UK, specifically Liverpool. The methodologies used in this exercise are load evaluation, resource assessment, and finally sizing the systems. The results from all of sizing calculation show that there will be 6 evacuated tube collectors with 6m2 area, 14 PV modules with 20.7 m2 area, and 1 wind turbine with 2.5 rotor diameter. The renewable energy systems for electricity sized are predicted to cover 78.47% of the electricity load with PV contribution as many as 54.5% and the rest 24% is covered by wind turbine.
Hydrogen production possibility using Mongolian renewable energy
Authors: Dorjgotov A , Ulziidelger B , Yunseong J , Chan K Oh , Sung J Ok , Yong-Gun S
Published: June 2019

There is widespread popular support for using renewable energy, particularly solar and wind energy, which provide electricity without giving rise to any carbon dioxide emissions. Harnessing these for electricity depends on the cost and efficiency of the technology, which is constantly improving, thus reducing costs per peak kilowatt, and per kWh. Utilizing solar and wind-generated electricity in a stand-alone system requires corresponding battery or other storage capacity. The possibility of large-scale use of hydrogen in the future as a transport fuel increases the potential for both renewables and base-load electricity supply.
Energy use prediction with information theory and machine learning technique
Authors: Tong YW , Yang WY , Zhan DL
Published: June 2019

Appliances energy consumption plays an increasingly important role in the overall building electric energy consumption and its temporal trending. However, predicting appliances energy consumption is complicated by lack of causal understanding of the appliances energy use as well as too many potential predictors that might be relevant to the appliances energy use. In this study, we apply information theory and advance machine learning neural network technique to first rank the importance of potential drivers that dominate appliances energy consumption and secondly model the temporal evolution of appliances energy consumption with a restricted set of environmental predictors. Our results showed that temperature and humidity were the two most important environmental drivers in the house appliances energy consumption modeling. Furthermore, using those environmental drivers, the machine learning model was able to accurately capture the temporal dynamics of appliances energy consumption.
The Impact of Economic Growth, Energy Consumption And Demographic Dynamics On Carbon Emissions: A Cross Country Analysis In 133 Nations
Authors: Trang P T T , Hanh N T X , Thanh B P P
Published: June 2019

The growth of economic has been a determinant factor increasing the volume of greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 emissions. To provide appropriate measures to control CO2emission, it is necessary to address how such factors as population and economic growth impact the emission of carbon dioxide in any developing country. However, the answer to what are the key factors or whether these factors have jointly impacted on CO2 emissions has been debated so far. This paper chooses five main factors, including economic growth, population growth, energy consumption, age structure and urbanization as independent variables for multiple regression model to analyse the relationship between these variables to CO2 emission variable in 133 countries. The result shows that all these factors jointly impacted on CO2emissions energy use and demographic factors should be controlled due to the highest contribution to the level of CO2. The research findings are expected to shed a light on those countries policy making in coping with climate change.
A Review on Energy Performance in Malaysian Universities Through Building Information Modelling (BIM) Adaptation
Authors: Latif A F , Ahmad N A , Abdullah M R , Ismail A , Ghani A A A
Published: June 2019

Public universities in Malaysia are challenged with the issue of energy wastage due to improper energy audit on the energy performance. The wastage of energy occured due to the lack of awareness between students and staff, and limited particular guidelines for the management to improve the situation. Effort need to be made in retrofitting the buildings, to make it more energy self – sufficient, that leads to energy saving and improve the building’s energy performance. The aim of this research is to improve the energy performance in an existing university building with the adaptation of Building Information Modelling (BIM). This paper will review on the energy performance process based on actual condition of an existing university building with the adoption of BIM based on previous researchers. It will identified the potential strength and weakness of applying BIM through energy performance process. The outcome of this paper will be used to integrate BIM in retrofitting the existing university building in order to improve energy performance. Furtheremore, it will help the facilities management in university to gain more accurate energy usage during the maintenance work.
Biomass energy from agriculture in China: Potential and evolutionary trend
Authors: Zang Liangzhen , Zhang Caihong
Published: June 2019

This paper aims to quantify the biomass energy potential from agriculture, analyze composition and explore evolutionary trend based on the data of 31 Chinese provinces from 1993 to 2016. The results show that: (1) China’s biomass energy potential from agriculture increased from 139.42 million metric tons of coal equivalent (Mtce) in 1993 to 196.51 Mtce in 2016, with an average annual growth of 1.57% during the 24-yr period; (2) In terms of resource composition, biomass energy potential from agriculture mainly derived from the straws of rice, wheat and maize that were as high as 60.97% in all different kinds of biomass energy; (3) In terms of evolutionary trend, the biomass energy potential from agriculture displayed an increasing trend, but disparities among the provinces began widening gradually.
Evaluating the Sustainability Impact of Greening, Water Management, Ventilation and Interior Lighting on Car Parking in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Shu-Hui , Yu-Chen Chien , Yi-Chien Lee
Published: June 2019

Amid increasing rates of car ownership, serious issues around parking have emerged in Taiwan in recent years. However, most debates on the construction of urban parking infrastructure have focused on assessments of its economic benefits, rather than on a more comprehensive decision-making framework that takes energy use and other sustainability issues into account. Accordingly, this paper is a first step toward creating such a framework from a green-architectural perspective.
Synthesis and physicochemical properties of epoxidized oleic acid-based palm oil
Authors: Jalil Mohd Jumain , Md Zaini Mohd Saufi , Mohd Yamin Aliff Farhan , Azmi Intan Suhada , Chang Siu Hua , Morad Norhashimah , Hadi Abdul
Published: June 2019

Epoxidized oleic acid is often regarded as a high value oleochemical due to the wide range of industrial applications including cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical products. Epoxidized oleic acid also extensively chosen by industry due to its advantages on the good performance as intermediate chemicals and can be obtained from renewable sources. Synthesis and physicochemical properties of oleic acid palm oil was analyzed for further reaction of epoxidation. In this study, the epoxidation of oleic acid was investigated with performic acid generated in situ from hydrogen peroxide in H2O2 (30%) with formic acid. The characterization of oleic acid through iodine value, viscosity, acid value, saponification number and refractive index were 130, 146. 190.0, 206.1 and 1.47 respectively. On the other hand, the characterization of epoxidized oleic acid were 109.8, 156, 192.6, 219.9 and 1.38 of the same analysis. The chemical structures of the products were confirmed by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectral analysis.
Biological Aspect Analysis of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta Cuvier, 1816) Caught by Purse Seine in Probolinggo Waters, Madura Strait, East Java
Authors: Bintoro Gatut , Jauhari Alfan , Lelono Tri Djoko , Rudianto  , Wardani Hayu Fitria
Published: June 2019

Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) is one of pelagic fish caught in Probolinggo waters using purse seine. This research was conducted from January until May, 2017 at Paiton Fishing Port, Probolinggo. The purpose of this research was to identify biological aspects of Indian mackerel namely sex ratio, gonad maturity level (GML), gonado somatic index (GSI), length-weight relationship, length at first mature (Lm), length at first capture (Lc), and growth parameters such as L∞, K, and t0. The research was using direct method survey. Fish samples were taken directly from fishing vessels landed their catch in Paiton Fishing Port, Probolinggo. Result showed that sex ratio female and male was 1 : 1.19 with proportion of female and male 44.63% and 54.38% respectively. Gonad maturity level (GML) was dominated by immature fish (91.3%). Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) ranged from 0.0079 to 0.679. The formula of length and weight relationship was W=0.0007275.L3.15 with the growth type of positive allometric. Length at first mature (Lm) of male and female was 22.9 cm and 22.5 cm respectively. In addition, Length at first capture (Lc) of Indian mackerel was 17.02 cm. Growth parameters of fish were L∞ = 23.40 cm, K = 1.03 per year, and t0 = -0.165 year. Based on GML and Lc values, it can be concluded that the Indian mackerel resource in Probolinggo waters was mostly caught before mature.
Indigenous Soybean-Alternatives from Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta
Authors: Palupi Eny , Anwar Faisal , Tanziha Ikeu , Gunawan Made Alit , Khomsan Ali
Published: June 2019

More than a third of protein intake of Indonesian is fulfilled from soyfood. Unfortunately, soybean is mainly obtained through importation; it is the second largest import agri-food commodity (after wheat) in Indonesia. Almost 70% of soybeans consumed by Indonesian is imported from other countries. This study aimed to explore potential soybean-alternatives from Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta – Middle Java, Indonesia. Gunung Kidul, with its karst region domination, harsh climate condition and strong indigenous culture, kept many potential indigenous soybean-alternatives. Qualitative data were gathered by using Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interview with 24 key persons from Pucung- and Mertelu-villages, Gunung Kidul Regency. This in-depth study identified eight indigenous soybeans alternatives which then enable to be processed into three soyfood alternatives, those are:Tempe Benguk, Tempe Mlanding, and Tempe Klenthang. There were 10 traditional techniques in processing these commodities. A quantitative review using Hedges’d effect method had also been performed to compare the nutritional quality of those identified soybean alternatives. This analysis revealed that only five of those alternatives that has been scientifically published but still under-utilized.Mucuna pruriensandCanavalia gladiatahave comparable crude protein (d+, ±Vd: -2.05, ±1.01) and calcium content (2.02, ±1.01), respectively, if set the soybean as comparison. There were five main negligence reasons of these alternatives,i.e., complicated handing, potential poisonous, rarely found, less preferred, and less economic value. Fermentation seems to be the best traditional processing approach in utilizing these soybean alternatives. Advance processing technique seems promising for increasing the value of these alternatives.
The effect of Phragmites australis and Eichhornia crassipes in the removal of high total phosphorus concentrations from water
Authors: Salamah L N , Perwira I Y , Kurniawan Andi
Published: June 2019

In order to evaluate the accumulation of high phosphorus and the distribution on macrophytes part, the experiment was conducted by arranged vegetated and unvegetated treatment in a greenhouse experiment. Reactor containing 5L of phosphorus solution (50 or 500 mg/L), 4 kg of sediment and plants (Phragmites australis or Eichhornia crassipes) were prepared. The studied concentrations tried to stimulate an accumulation of Total Phosphorus (TP) in plants. Water were sampled every 5 days during 30 days of experiments while sediment and plant samples (roots, submerged leaves and aerial leaves) were collected at the beginning and at end of this study. Relative growth rate (RGR) of plants was determined considering initial and final plant height. As results, more than 60% of TP was removed by P. australis and E. crassipes from the water. Both P. australis and E. crassipes has great capability to accumulated TP in their tissues, submerged part of leaves accumulated highest TP than other part, due to directly contact with water. RGR was positive suggested both plant able to tolerance TP in high concentration. P. australis was accumulated higher TP than E. crassipes. Therefore P. australis is suitable for phytoremediation practice, being capable to tolerate high TP concentration.
Correlation between Age and Community Hygiene at Jodipan Tourism Village and Blue Arema Village, Malang, East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sueb  , Suhadi  , Suwarni  , Diartika E.I.A. , Shofiyah A. , Putri D.R. , Rizky N. , Zahroh V.RA. , Widowati K.A.
Published: June 2019

Malang City has quite new tourist destinations, namely Jodipan Tourism Village and Blue Arema Village. The two tourist destinations were originally slums area which were built in accordance with the regional structuring program of Malang City Goverment. The existence of the village provided a number of changes for the community, that need to be studied is the hygiene of the community in the two villages. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between age and community hygiene at Jodipan Tourism Village and Blue Arema Village. The research method used was quantitative descriptive by giving questionnaires to 23 people at Jodipan Tourism Village and also 25 people at Blue Arema Village. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation if the data were normal or Spearman correlation if the data were not normal. The results showed that age and community hygiene at Jodipan Tourism Village were not normally distributed with p = 0.403 > α = 0.05, which means there was no correlation between age and community hygiene at Jodipan Tourism Village. While the data of age and community hygiene in Blue Arema Village were normally distributed with p = 0.840 > α = 0.05, which means there was no correlation between age and community hygiene in Blue Arema Village. Thus, it can be concluded that there was no correlation between age and community hygiene in Jodipan Tourism Village and Blue Arema Village.
Data Acquisition of 2D Geophysical Resistivity Methods with Dipole-Dipole Configuration for Identification the Subsurface Brick Stone Sites of Kadipaten Terung Sidoarjo
Authors: Widodo A , Syaifuddin F , Vinca  , Warnana D D , Rochman J P G N , Ariyanti N , Lestari W
Published: June 2019

The discovery of the “J” letter-shaped brick structure (also called the Terung Temple) in Terung Wetan Village in 2012 is thought to be a heritage of the Majapahit Kingdom era. However, there is no further research to figure out the distribution of structures in the area. Geophysical surveys with 2D resistivity geoelectric methods-dipole-dipole configuration were carried out in the Site of Kadipaten Terung, Terung Wetan Village, Krian, Sidoarjo Regency to map the distribution of existing subsurface structures. Judging from the location of the Terung Temple, line 1 with the north-south direction on the west side with a length of 62 meters had a resistivity anomaly value of 13.2-60 Ωm at a depth of 1-3.67 m; line 2 with the southwest-northeast direction on the northwest side with a length of 46.5 meters had a resistivity anomaly value of 13.8-75 Ωm at a depth of 1-2.75 meters; line 3 with the northwest-southeast direction on the southwest side with a length of 46.5 meters had a resistivity anomaly value of 12.7 - 75 µm at a depth of 1-2.75 meters; line 4 with the east-west direction on the south side had a resistivity anomaly value of 15-75 Ωm; and line 5 with north-south direction on the east side with a length of 62 meters had a resistivity anomaly value of 15.7-100 Ωm. These anomalies are indicated as subsurface brick structures scattered throughout the research trajectories and it had been the continuity of the Terung Temple into the west and south.
Simultaneous Determination Of BUN-Creatinine as Kidney Function Biomarkers in Blood using a Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices
Authors: Mahdiasanti I W , Sabarudin Akhmad , Sulistyarti Hermin
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we describe a Microfluidic Paper-based Analytical Devices (μPADs) for the simultaneous quantification of two important biomarkers of kidney function in blood. This paper provides a simple, disposable, portable, and inexpensive colorimetric method for the quantification of Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCRE). BUN detection is based on the Berthelot reaction, in which urea is converted to ammonium by the use of urease, ammonium ion which then reacts with a mixture of salicylate, sodium nitroprusside, and hypochlorite to yield a blue-green chromophore. sCRE detection is based on the Jaffe reaction, in which sCRE under alkaline conditions react with picrate ions forming an orange complex. The intensity of the color formed is proportional to the BUN & sCRE concentration in the sample. Various experimental parameters were optimized to achieve the best performance of the μPADs. There were no significant differences between the results obtained using the μPADs and a comparative method.
The Effect of Quenching Media on Hardness and Carbon Content in Carburized Steel
Authors: Istiroyah  , Septi D W , Suhana
Published: June 2019

The influence of quenching media after carburizing process was investigated and analysed. Austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L was used as specimen. The carburizing process was carried out at 900°C for 7 hours followed by quenching process. Water, SAE 40 oil, and air were used as the quenching media. Arc Spectrometry was used for analysis of carbon content at surface specimen. The result shows that carbon content increased from 0.031at% (untreated specimen) up to 0.627 at%, 0.117 at%, and 0.106 at% (carburized specimen with water, oil, and air quenching). The significant increase in carbon content lead to increasing hardness of specimens from 101 Hv (untreatment) to over 364 Hv, 277 Hv, and 269 Hv (carburized specimen with water, oil, and air quenching). Microstructure of carburized specimen was investigated by optical microscopy.
Estimation and validation of total digestible nutrient values of forage and concentrate feedstuffs
Authors: Jayanegara Anuraga , Ridla Muhammad , Nahrowi  , Laconi E B
Published: June 2019

Total digestible nutrient (TDN) values represent utilisable energy contents of feedstuffs, and these are extremely important values in order to provide adequate energy supply for livestock. This study aimed to estimate and validate TDN values of forage and concentrate feedstuffs from their nutrient contents. Nutrient composition data were obtained from BR CORTE database, comprised of 86 forage and 36 concentrate feedstuffs. The data included contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP) and TDN. A correlation analysis was conducted among the nutrient composition parameters for forage and concentrate. Data were then randomly divided into two parts, the first part (two-third of data) was used to estimate TDN whereas the second part (one-third) was used to validate the estimated TDN. Estimation of TDN was performed by employing a multiple linear regression method and it was validated by plotting between observed and estimated TDN. Results revealed that TDN in forage was negatively correlated with NDF (P<0.001) and lignin (P<0.05), but positively correlated with NFC and EE contents (both at P<0.001). Such pattern was similarly obtained with that in concentrate. Prediction equations of TDN in forage and concentrate were TDN = 0.479 NDF + 0.704 NFC + 1.594 EE + 0.714 CP and TDN = 0.323 NDF + 0.883 NFC + 1.829 EE + 0.885 CP, respectively. Values of estimated and observed TDN both in forage and concentrate were closely similar. It is concluded that TDN can be accurately estimated from nutrient composition data.
1. What is synaesthesia?
Authors: Simner Julia
Published: June 2019

Synaesthesia manifests in many different ways, and this poses a challenge in setting out a definition. ‘What is synaesthesia?’ explains that the triggers (inducers) and the resulting unusual associated sensations (concurrents) can be all manner of sensations, or even intangible concepts of personality, meaning, space, and time. It describes several different types of synaesthesia, including sound–colour, lexical–gustatory, visual–auditory, sequence–space, grapheme–colour, and sequence–personality synaesthesia. The number of people with synaesthesia make up around 4.4% of the population and it appears to affect men and women in equal numbers. Despite being a rare condition, synaesthesia provides intriguing information about how the mind interprets reality and how information is organised by the brain.
3. Synaesthesia and the arts
Authors: Simner Julia
Published: June 2019

‘Synaesthesia and the arts’ considers the link between synaesthesia, art, and creativity, discussing some key questions: is there an intrinsic beauty in the artwork created by synaesthetes that could make it inherently attractive to all people? Are synaesthetes able to tap into aesthetic beauty in some kind of privileged way? Are synaesthetes more creative than the average person, and do they engage more often in artistic pursuits? It discusses the diagnostic test for synaesthesia and why it is that some people incorrectly claim to have synaesthesia and why others do not report it. Having synaesthesia does bring a creative streak to the personality, and synaesthetes are significantly more likely to follow artistic careers than the average person.
1. Why extinctions happen
Authors: Wignall Paul B.
Published: June 2019

‘Why extinctions happen’ looks at what we currently know about causes and styles of extinction today and in the past. This knowledge lies at the heart of our understanding about the way the Earth’s environment works and what happens at times of extremes. The importance of the species–area relationship is discussed and it is shown that species with large and widely dispersed populations are at risk of extinction as well as those with small and narrowly dispersed populations. Extinction today is being demonstrably caused by human activities, such as habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive species, and over-exploitation of natural resources. Future climate change is an additional potential cause of extinction.
1. Introduction
Authors: Wood Bernard
Published: June 2019

All living organisms are situated on a Tree of Life that began around three billion years ago. The Introduction explains that this VSI focuses on the last stage of the human evolutionary journey, the stage between the most recent common ancestor shared by chimpanzees/bonobos and modern humans (around six to eight million years ago) and present-day modern humans. The three objectives of this VSI are to try and explain how palaeoanthropologists go about the task of improving our understanding of human evolutionary history; to convey a sense of what we think we know about human evolutionary history; and to show where the major gaps in our knowledge are.
The changing world of drought resistance. A commentary on: ‘Embolism resistance in stems of herbaceous Brassicaceae and Asteraceae is linked to differences in woodiness and precipitation’
Authors: Brodribb Timothy
Published: June 2019

This article comments on:

Larissa Chacon Dória, Cynthia Meijs, Diego Sotto Podadera, Marcelino del Arco, Erik Smets, Sylvain Delzon and Frederic Lens. 2018. Embolism resistance in stems of herbaceous Brassicaceae and Asteraceae is linked to differences in woodiness and precipitation. Annals of Botany 124(1): 1–14.
Idarucizumab to revert the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in traumatic acute subdural haematoma: a case report of first use in Latin America
Authors: Izaguirre Ávila Raúl , Bahena López José Eduardo , Cortina de la Rosa Evelyn , Hernández Márquez Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2019

Background 

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are an attractive alternative over vitamin K antagonists. They have several advantages in primary and secondary prevention of thromboembolisms due to atrial fibrillation, as well as in prevention and treatment of thromboembolic venous disease. They have fast onset action, do not need laboratory controls in patients with normal renal function, and they have practically no interference with the patient’s diet or medications. The strongest objection to their use was the lack of reversal agents that could be used in case of life-threatening haemorrhage or the need for emergency surgery. Dabigatran was the first DOAC to have its own specific reversal agent: idarucizumab, a monoclonal antibody.

Case summary 

We report here the case of a patient undergoing treatment with dabigatran that suffered an expansive subdural haematoma secondary to a cranial injury. The condition was life-threatening and required emergency surgery. Anticoagulation was successfully reversed with idarucizumab.

Discussion 

Emergency surgery in patients in treatment with DOAC is associated with an increased risk of bleeding. With the use of a specific antidote to block the action of the anticoagulant, as in the case of idarucizumab with dabigatran, the risk of complications during and after emergency surgery is reduced. This is the first case report with which the successful use of idarucizumab in Latin America is documented.
Different Combinations of Mobility Metrics Derived From a Wearable Sensor Are Associated With Distinct Health Outcomes in Older Adults
Authors: Buchman Aron S , Dawe Robert J , Leurgans Sue E , Curran Thomas A , Truty Timothy , Yu Lei , Barnes Lisa L , Hausdorff Jeffrey M , Bennett David A
Published: June 2019

Background

Gait speed is a robust nonspecific predictor of health outcomes. We examined if combinations of gait speed and other mobility metrics are associated with specific health outcomes.

Methods

A sensor (triaxial accelerometer and gyroscope) placed on the lower back, measured mobility in the homes of 1,249 older adults (77% female; 80.0, SD = 7.72 years). Twelve gait scores were extracted from five performances, including (a) walking, (b) transition from sit to stand, (c) transition from stand to sit, (d) turning, and (e) standing posture. Using separate Cox proportional hazards models, we examined which metrics were associated with time to mortality, incident activities of daily living disability, mobility disability, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease dementia. We used a single integrated analytic framework to determine which gait scores survived to predict each outcome.

Results

During 3.6 years of follow-up, 10 of the 12 gait scores predicted one or more of the five health outcomes. In further analyses, different combinations of 2–3 gait scores survived backward elimination and were associated with the five outcomes. Sway was one of the three scores that predicted activities of daily living disability but was not included in the final models for other outcomes. Gait speed was included along with other metrics in the final models predicting mortality and activities of daily living disability but not for other outcomes.

Conclusions

When analyzing multiple mobility metrics together, different combinations of mobility metrics are related to specific adverse health outcomes. Digital technology enhances our understanding of impaired mobility and may provide mobility biomarkers that predict distinct health outcomes.
A Core Outcome Set to Evaluate Physical Activity Interventions for People Living With Dementia
Authors: Gonçalves Ana-Carolina , Samuel Dinesh , Ramsay Mary , Demain Sara , Marques Alda
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

A core outcome set (COS) to evaluate physical activity (PA) interventions for people living with dementia is needed, as the development of guidelines is currently limited by important heterogeneity in this field of research. Development of COS often includes Delphi surveys, but people living with dementia are often excluded. This study aimed to reach consensus on this COS using a modified Delphi survey to enable the participation of people living with dementia.

Research Design and Methods

Two stakeholders groups took part in a Delphi survey (Group 1: people living with dementia and family caregivers; Group 2: professionals from different backgrounds, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and researchers). Caregivers and professionals completed the survey remotely. Participants living with dementia took part face-to-face, using a card sorting strategy. The consensus process was finalized with a consensus meeting.

Results

Ninety-five participants of both groups completed the modified Delphi. Of those, 11 attended the consensus meeting. The card sorting strategy was successful at including people living with dementia. Seven outcomes reached consensus: preventing falls; doing what you can do; staying healthy and fit; walking better, being able to stand up and climb stairs; feeling brighter; enjoying the moment; and, feeling useful and having a purpose.

Discussion and Implications

Robust and innovative methodological strategies were used to reach a consensus on a COS (what to measure) to evaluate PA for people living with dementia. Future work will focus on the selection of the most appropriate tools to measure these outcomes (how to measure).
Integrating Mendelian randomization and multiple-trait colocalization to uncover cell-specific inflammatory drivers of autoimmune and atopic disease
Authors: McGowan Lucy M , Davey Smith George , Gaunt Tom R , Richardson Tom G
Published: June 2019

Immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) arise when tolerance is lost and chronic inflammation is targeted towards healthy tissues. Despite their growing prevalence, therapies to treat IMDs are lacking. Cytokines and their receptors orchestrate inflammatory responses by regulating elaborate signalling networks across multiple cell types making it challenging to pinpoint therapeutically relevant drivers of IMDs. We developed an analytical framework that integrates Mendelian randomization (MR) and multiple-trait colocalization (moloc) analyses to highlight putative cell-specific drivers of IMDs. MR evaluated causal associations between the levels of 10 circulating cytokines and 9 IMDs within human populations. Subsequently, we undertook moloc analyses to assess whether IMD trait, cytokine protein and corresponding gene expression are driven by a shared causal variant. Moreover, we leveraged gene expression data from three separate cell types (monocytes, neutrophils and T cells) to discern whether associations may be attributed to cell type-specific drivers of disease. MR analyses supported a causal role for IL-18 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (P = 1.17 × 10−4) and eczema/dermatitis (P = 2.81 × 10−3), as well as associations between IL-2rα and IL-6R with several other IMDs. Moloc strengthened evidence of a causal association for these results, as well as providing evidence of a monocyte and neutrophil-driven role for IL-18 in IBD pathogenesis. In contrast, IL-2rα and IL-6R associations were found to be T cell specific. Our analytical pipeline can help to elucidate putative molecular pathways in the pathogeneses of IMDs, which could be applied to other disease contexts.
Proactive Infliximab Drug Monitoring Is Superior to Conventional Management in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fernandes Samuel Raimundo , Bernardo Sónia , Simões Carolina , Gonçalves Ana Rita , Valente Ana , Baldaia Cilénia , Moura Santos Paula , Correia Luís Araújo , Tato Marinho Rui
Published: June 2019

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of infliximab over a 2-year period was associated with higher rates of mucosal healing and lower surgical requirements compared with a conventional cohort treated without therapeutic drug monitoring.
Future CO2-induced ocean acidification enhances resilience of a green tide alga to low-salinity stress
Authors: Gao Guang , Qu Liming , Xu Tianpeng , Burgess J Grant , Li Xinshu , Xu Juntian
Published: June 2019

To understand how Ulva species might respond to salinity stress during future ocean acidification we cultured a green tide alga Ulva linza at various salinities (control salinity, 30 PSU; medium salinity, 20 PSU; low salinity, 10 PSU) and CO2 concentrations (400 and 1000 ppmv) for over 30 days. The results showed that, under the low salinity conditions, the thalli could not complete its whole life cycle. The specific growth rate (SGR) of juvenile thalli decreased significantly with reduced salinity but increased with a rise in CO2. Compared to the control, medium salinity also decreased the SGR of adult thalli at low CO2 but did not affect it at high CO2. Similar patterns were also found in relative electron transport rate (rETR), non-photochemical quenching, saturating irradiance, and Chl b content. Although medium salinity reduced net photosynthetic rate and maximum rETR at each CO2 level, these negative effects were significantly alleviated at high CO2 levels. In addition, nitrate reductase activity was reduced by medium salinity but enhanced by high CO2. These findings indicate that future ocean acidification would enhance U. linza’s tolerance to low salinity stress and may thus facilitate the occurrence of green tides dominated by U. linza.
Boundary output feedback stabilization of transport equation with non-local term
Authors: Wang Liping , Jin Feng-Fei
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we are concerned with boundary output feedback stabilization of a transport equation with non-local term. First, a boundary state feedback controller is designed by a backstepping approach. The closed-loop system is proved to be exponentially stable by the equivalence between original and target system. Then, we design an output feedback controller based on an infinite-dimensional observer. It is shown that the result closed-loop system is also exponentially stable. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed feedback controller.
Intestinal dysbiosis mediates experimental autoimmune pancreatitis via activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Kamata Ken , Watanabe Tomohiro , Minaga Kosuke , Hara Akane , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Okamoto Ayana , Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Park Ah-Mee , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: June 2019

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a pancreatic manifestation of a newly proposed disease entity, IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), characterized by enhanced IgG4 antibody responses and involvement of multiple organs. We have previously reported that innate immune activation contributes to the development of AIP and IgG4-RD, as these diseases are characterized by the production of IFN-α and IL-33 by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that mediate chronic fibroinflammatory responses. In this study, we investigated the roles played by innate immunity against intestinal microflora in experimental AIP induced in MRL/MpJ mice by repeated administrations of 100 µg of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)]. Bowel sterilization with a broad spectrum of antibiotics inhibited pancreatic accumulation of pDCs producing IFN-α and IL-33, and thereby suppressed the development of AIP. Mice treated with 10 µg of poly (I:C) developed severe AIP equivalent to that induced by 100 µg of poly (I:C) upon co-housing with mice treated with 100 µg of poly (I:C). Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from donor mice treated with 100 µg of poly (I:C) led to the development of severe AIP in the recipient mice upon injection with 10 µg of poly (I:C). Induction of severe AIP in mice with 10 µg of poly (I:C) was associated with pancreatic accumulation of pDCs producing IFN-α and IL-33 in the co-housing and FMT experiments. These data collectively suggest that innate immune responses against intestinal microflora are involved in the development of experimental AIP, and that intestinal dysbiosis increases sensitivity to experimental AIP via activation of pDCs.
Anti-fungal activity of a novel triazole, PC1244, against emerging azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and other species of Aspergillus
Authors: Colley Thomas , Sharma Cheshta , Alanio Alexandre , Kimura Genki , Daly Leah , Nakaoki Takahiro , Nishimoto Yuki , Bretagne Stéphane , Kizawa Yasuo , Strong Pete , Rapeport Garth , Ito Kazuhiro , Meis Jacques F , Chowdhary Anuradha
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The growing emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains worldwide is a major concern for current systemic antifungal treatment. Here we report antifungal activities of a novel inhaled triazole, PC1244, against a collection of multi-azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains.

Methods

MICs of PC1244 were determined for A. fumigatus carrying TR34/L98H (n = 81), TR46/Y121F/T289A (n = 24), M220 (n = 6), G54 (n = 11), TR53 (n = 1), TR463/Y121F/T289A (n = 2), G448S (n = 1), G432C (n = 1) and P216S (n = 1) resistance alleles originating from either India, the Netherlands or France. The effects of PC1244 were confirmed in an in vitro model of the human alveolus and in vivo in temporarily neutropenic, immunocompromised mice.

Results

PC1244 exhibited potent inhibition [geometric mean MIC (range), 1.0 mg/L (0.125 to >8 mg/L)] of growth of A. fumigatus strains carrying cyp51A gene mutations, showing much greater potency than voriconazole [15 mg/L (0.5 to >16 mg/L)], and an effect similar to those on other azole-susceptible Aspergillus spp. (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nomius, Aspergillus tamarii) (0.18–1 mg/L). In TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A A. fumigatus-infected in vitro human alveolus models, PC1244 achieved superior inhibition (IC50, 0.25 and 0.34 mg/L, respectively) compared with that of voriconazole (IC90, >3 mg/L and >10 mg/L, respectively). In vivo, once-daily intranasal administration of PC1244 (0.56–70 μg/mouse) to the A. fumigatus (AF91 with M220V)-infected mice reduced pulmonary fungal load and serum galactomannan more than intranasal posaconazole.

Conclusions

PC1244 has the potential to become a novel topical treatment of azole-resistant pulmonary aspergillosis.
Origins, Divergence, and Contrasting Invasion History of the Sweet Potato Weevil Pests Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae) and Euscepes batatae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Brookes Dean R , Hereward James P , Walter Gimme H , Furlong Michael J
Published: June 2019

Cylas formicarius F. and Euscepes batatae Waterhouse are the most damaging sweet potato insect pests globally. Both weevils are thought to have invaded the Pacific alongside the movement of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Convolvulaceae), with C. formicarius having originated in India and E. batatae in Central or South America. Here we compare the genetic relationships between populations of the pests, primarily in the Asia-Pacific, to understand better their contemporary population structure and their historical movement relative to that of sweet potato. Cylas formicarius has divergent mitochondrial lineages that indicate a more complex biogeographic and invasive history than is presently assumed for this insect, suggesting it was widespread across the Asia-Pacific before the arrival of sweet potato. Cylas formicarius must have originally fed on Ipomoea species other than I. batatas but the identity of these species is presently unknown. Cylas formicarius was formerly designated as three species or subspecies and the genetic data presented here suggests that these designations should be reinvestigated. Euscepes batatae has very low genetic diversity which is consistent with its historical association with sweet potato and a recent introduction to the Asia-Pacific from the Americas. The distribution of E. batatae may be narrower than that of C. formicarius in the Asia-Pacific because it has relied relatively more on human-assisted movement. Consequently, E. batatae may become more widespread in the future. Investigating the invasion history of both species will help to understand the probability and nature of future invasions.
Generalist dispersal and gene flow of an endangered keystone specialist (Dipodomys ingens)
Authors: Alexander Nathan B , Statham Mark J , Sacks Benjamin N , Bean William T
Published: June 2019

Movement ecology and dispersal capabilities inherently drive genetic structure across landscapes. Through understanding dispersal and gene flow of giant kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ingens), conservation efforts can be focused, and we can further understand how genetic structure persists in this highly endemic small mammal. Here, we genetically identify parent–offspring and sibship relationships among 239 giant kangaroo rats using 15 microsatellites in the northern part of the species range and describe the individual genetic-spatial variation using a Moran eigenvector map (MEM). We further employ two landscape genetic analyses (isolation by resistance [IBR] and least cost paths [LCPs]) and two individual-based genetic metrics (Dps and a codominant marker distance from GenAlEx) to determine landscape factors (precipitation, slope, vegetation community, and roads) that influence gene flow. We found 19 pairs of related individuals, of which 18 were less than 250 m apart, but one sibling pair was 5.52 km apart, suggesting greater dispersal capabilities than previously noted. We found hierarchal spatial genetic structure using a MEM, with 3–4 genetically similar regions and two genetically similar subregions. Finally, we found low correlative strength between landscape features and gene flow. IBR consistently outperformed LCPs, and there was evidence that regions with 250–350 mm of precipitation and slope ≤ 5° promoted connectivity. We recommend that managers focus on habitat protection rather than corridor maintenance, with the caveat that anthropogenic factors were minimally considered in this study.