bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanobody-based CAR-T cells for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Safarzadeh Kozani Pouya , Naseri Abdolhossein , Mirarefin Seyed Mohamad Javad , Salem Faeze , Nikbakht Mojtaba , Evazi Bakhshi Sahar , Safarzadeh Kozani Pooria
Published: April 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is the result of combining genetic engineering-based cancer immunotherapy with adoptive cell therapy (ACT). CAR-T therapy has been successful in treating various types of hematological cancers. CARs are receptors made of an extracellular domain, a membrane-spanning domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain of CARs harbors an antigen-targeting domain responsible for recognizing and binding cell surface-expressed target antigens. Conventionally, the single-chain fragment variable (scFv) of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) is used as the antigen-targeting domain of CARs. However, of late, researchers have exploited nanobodies for this aim based on numerous rationales including the small size of nanobodies, their stability, specificity, and high affinity, and their easy and feasible development process. Many findings have confirmed that nanobody-based CAR-Ts can be as functional as scFv-based CAR-Ts in preclinical and clinical settings. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of scFvs and nanobodies in regards to their application as the targeting domain of CARs. Ultimately, we discuss various CAR target antigens which have been targeted using nanobody-based CAR-T cells for the treatment of different types of malignancies.
Impaired signaling for neuromuscular synaptic maintenance is a feature of Motor Neuron Disease
Authors: Ding Qiao , Kesavan Kaamini , Lee Kah Meng , Wimberger Elyse , Robertson Thomas , Gill Melinder , Power Dominique , Chang Jeryn , Fard Atefeh T. , Mar Jessica C. , Henderson Robert D. , Heggie Susan , McCombe Pamela A. , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Colditz Michael J. , Hilliard Massimo A. , Ng Dominic C. H. , Steyn Frederik J. , Phillips William D. , Wolvetang Ernst J. , Ngo Shyuan T. , Noakes Peter G.
Published: April 2022

A central event in the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease (MND) is the loss of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), yet the mechanisms that lead to this event in MND remain to be fully elucidated. Maintenance of the NMJ relies upon neural agrin (n-agrin) which, when released from the nerve terminal, activates the postsynaptic Muscle Specific Kinase (MuSK) signaling complex to stabilize clusters of acetylcholine receptors. Here, we report that muscle from MND patients has an increased proportion of slow fibers and muscle fibers with smaller diameter. Muscle cells cultured from MND biopsies failed to form large clusters of acetylcholine receptors in response to either non-MND human motor axons or n-agrin. Furthermore, levels of expression of MuSK, and MuSK-complex components: LRP4, Caveolin-3, and Dok7 differed between muscle cells cultured from MND patients compared to those from non-MND controls. To our knowledge, this is the first time a fault in the n-agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling pathway has been identified in muscle from MND patients. Our results highlight the n-agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target to prolong muscle function in MND.
Lung perfusion during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a model of hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Mendes Pedro Vitale , Park Marcelo , de Azevedo Luciano Cesar Pontes , Morais Caio Cesar Araujo , Amato Marcelo Brito Passos , Costa Eduardo Leite Vieira
Published: April 2022

Background

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides blood oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal in acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, during ECMO support, the native lungs still play an important role in gas exchange, functioning as a second oxygenator in series with ECMO. The hypoxic vasoconstriction mechanism diverts regional blood flow within the lungs away from regions with low oxygen levels, optimizing ventilation/perfusion matching. ECMO support has the potential to reduce this adaptive pulmonary response and worsen the ventilation/perfusion mismatch by raising venous oxygen partial pressure. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ECMO on regional pulmonary perfusion and pulmonary hemodynamics during unilateral ventilation and posterior lung collapse.

Methods

Five Agroceres pigs were instrumented, monitored and submitted to ECMO. We used the Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) to evaluate lung ventilation and perfusion in all protocol steps. Effects of ECMO support on pulmonary hemodynamics and perfusion involving two different scenarios of ventilation/perfusion mismatch: (1) right-lung selective intubation inducing collapse of the normal left lung and (2) dorsal lung collapse after repeated lung lavage. Data including hemodynamics, respiratory, lung perfusion/ventilation, and laboratory data over time were analyzed with a mixed generalized model using the subjects as a random factor.

Results

The initiation of ECMO support provided a significant reduction in Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAPm) in both situations of ventilation/perfusion mismatch. However, distribution of lung perfusion did not change with the use of ECMO support.

Conclusions

We found that the use of ECMO support with consequent increase in venous oxygen pressure induced a significant drop in PAPm with no detectable effect on regional lung perfusion in different scenarios of ventilation/perfusion mismatch.
A qualitative evaluation of participants experiences of living with back pain, lumbar fusion surgery, and post-operative rehabilitation
Authors: Greenwood James , Hurley Michael , McGregor Alison , McCourt Orla , Jones Fiona
Published: April 2022

Background

The use of lumbar fusion surgery is increasing in developed economies. High levels of patient dissatisfaction are reported post-operatively. To address this need, we developed a theoretically informed rehabilitation programme for use following lumbar fusion surgery (the REFS programme). We conducted a mixed methods randomised controlled feasibility study (REFS v ‘usual care’). The numerical and feasibility outcomes are reported separately. The current qualitative study was ‘nested’ within the main feasibility study to explore participants’ experiences before and after lumbar fusion surgery including the impact of rehabilitation content. This facilitated a deeper understanding of potential mechanisms of action, for theoretical and programme refinement.

Methods

A purposive sample (n = 10 ‘usual care’, n = 10 REFS) was identified from the main feasibility study cohort. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted post-operatively (median 8 months, range 5–11). Interview data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed thematically.

Results

Three themes were constructed: the breadth and severity of impact associated with a chronic lumbar disorder was summarised in theme 1, ‘Ever-decreasing circles; living with a chronic lumbar disorder’. Theme 2, ‘What have I done? Reflections on recovery from lumbar fusion surgery’, illustrated participants post-operative helplessness, which was associated with worsening mental health, problematic use of opioids, fear related to the instillation of metalware, and the important mitigating effect of informal social support. Theme 3 ‘Rehabilitation experiences’ identified critical rehabilitation programme content including exercise, a shared rehabilitation experience, the opportunity for vicarious learning, and professional expertise.

Conclusions

To enhance patient benefit future REFS programme iterations should consider reinforcement of the identified valued programme content. Additional content should be considered to mitigate post-operative fear, which frequently aligned with the instillation of metalware into the spine. Participant’s perceptions regarding the necessity of lumbar fusion surgery has potential implications for the surgical consent process.

Trial registration

Study registration; ISRCTN60891364, date registered 10/7/2014.
Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement in drug-induced sedation endoscopy — a systematic approach
Authors: Zainali-Gill Kasra , Bertelsen Jannik Buus , von Buchwald Christian , Ovesen Therese , Kiaer Eva Kierkegaard
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of systematic observer training in drug-induced sedation endoscopy (DISE) interpretation.

Methods

Fifty DISE videos were randomly selected from a group of 200 videos of cohort of patients with OSA and/or snoring. The videos were assessed blindly and independently using a modified VOTE classification by an expert observer and by two novice observers starting their training. A systematic approach was initiated. Clusters of 10 videos were scored individually by each observer and then re-evaluated as the expert observer clarified the decision-making in plenum. Kappa coefficient (κ) was calculated as a measure of agreement.

Results

The intra-observer variation for the total agreement and kappa values for the expert observer ranged between moderate to substantial agreement in VOTE classification, whereas the novices varied between “less than chance agreement” to “moderate agreement.” The inter-observer variation showed increased agreement and kappa values from day 1 to day 2 for both novice observers except at the velum level for observer C. The total agreement and kappa values for each site also improved compared to results of day 1, except at velum for observer C. The velum site seemed to be more difficult to evaluate. The learning curve varied during the study course for each site of the upper airways.

Conclusion

This study shows that systematic intensive training is feasible, although expert level is not acquired after 100 evaluations. The learning curve for the expert observer showed “moderate to substantial agreement” but differed between the trainees.

Level of evidence

2
Exploring causal relationships in proteomic profiles in Cytoscape using the CausalPath App
Authors: Saha Pritam , Babur Özgun , Sander Chris , Luna Augustin
Published: April 2022

Introduction: CausalPath compares experimentally measured changes in molecular profiles against curated biological pathways and infers causality between changes in measured features from profiling experiments (e.g., RNA-seq or proteomics from total or phospho-protein levels).

Methods: We developed the CausalPath Cytoscape App, an app (i.e., plugin) for visualizing results from the CausalPath method within the Cytoscape Java-based desktop network analysis and visualization platform.

Use Cases:  Users are given instruction that represents use cases in multiple cancer research areas through the visualization of CausalPath analysis results generated from data by the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.

Discussion: The CausalPath Cytoscape App visualizes the set of known interactions that are supported by molecular profiling data via the CausalPath method. This integration of CausalPath and Cytoscape benefits users interested in performing secondary analyses (e.g., module detection) on the sub-networks that result from CausalPath analysis by utilizing the many analytical features available in the Cytoscape software ecosystem.
HIV index partner testing services in urban Lusaka: a retrospective review of medical records
Authors: Katamba Cibangu
Published: April 2022

Background: As the proportions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who do not know their HIV infection status decrease, reaching the remaining few who are asymptomatic and not in contact with the health care system becomes a critical challenge. Therefore, reaching the first 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets will require effective and efficient HIV testing approaches. The number of PLHIV who know their HIV status and who receive antiretroviral therapy could increase by the expansion of index testing services.

Methods: This project was a retrospective study looking at medical records of HIV positive clients who were elicited for index testing between October and December 2019. It was conducted in three high volume health facilities in Matero Urban sub-district 3 in Lusaka, Zambia.

Results: The HIV test outcomes for index contacts were as follows: 452 index contacts (53.5%) tested HIV negative, 113 index contacts (13.4%) tested HIV positive, 108 index contacts (12.8%) were known HIV positive, and 172 index contacts (20.4%) were not yet tested for HIV. Of the 113 contacts who tested HIV positive, 90 index contacts started anti-retroviral therapy within 7 days (79.6%).

The total number of 845 contacts were elicited from 604 index clients, giving a low elicitation ratio of 1:1.4. There was not much difference between gender for elicited contacts (423 men and 422 women). A total number of 565 index contacts were eligible for HIV test. 113 of them tested HIV positive, representing a positivity yield of 20%. Pearson Chi-Square test value was 6.376 and the p value was 0.012. This result is statistically significant since p value (0.481) is smaller than the designated alpha level (0.05).

Conclusions: HIV programs need to explore and address barriers to HIV partner testing services to avoid over-testing and maximize HIV case identification (thus, improving HIV testing positivity yield).
CUDA Implementation For Eye Location On Infrared Images
Authors: Valcan Sorin , Gaianu Mihail
Published: April 2022

Parallel programming using GPUs is a modern solution to reduce computation time for large tasks. This is done by dividing algorithms in smaller parts which can be executed simultaneously. CUDA has many practical applications especially in video processing, medical imaging and machine learning. This paper presents how parallel implementations can speedup a ground truth data generation algorithm for eye location on infrared driver recordings which is executed on a database with more than 2 million frames. Computation time is much shorter compared to a sequential CPU implementation which makes it feasible to run it multiple times if updates are required and even use it in real time applications.
Information Retrieval and Data Analytics in Internet of Things : Current Perspective, Applications and Challenges
Authors: Lavingia Kruti Rajesh , Mehta Rachana
Published: April 2022

The Internet of Things has emerged as an evolving paradigm and has developed its presence in a variety of domains around us. The emergence of IoT has also emphasized the need to cater to challenges such as interoperability, smart IoT components adoption, authentication and authorization, networking, information retrieval, and several other issues. The ubiquitous nature and interconnection between various devices supported by machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, and blockchain lead to a generation of large amounts of data. In order to find useful information from such data is a tedious task and involves high computation. The domain of Information Retrieval helps us to identify and manage environmental factors of data collected through sensors. The data gathered may be heterogeneous and from different sources. This demands the need for better retrieval efficiency, accuracy, and systematic models for gathering and managing the sensed data. Designing such a model with security and privacy is a major concern. The acquired knowledge from those models will be helpful for data analytics, performance-boosting, decision making, and managing the resources efficiently. A detailed study of the importance of Information Retrieval and Data Analytics in the Internet of Things is presented in this paper.
Modern Aspects of Supply Chain Cooperation: the Impact of Complex Supplier Service on Increasing the Perfect Order Share
Authors: Abramova E.
Published: April 2022

The article presents the results of the study of the indicator of the completed order, shows its impact on the development of cooperation between suppliers and consumers in supply chains. The analysis conducted by the author on three groups of enterprises (production, trade, freight forwarding) confirmed the relationship of the completed order with the level of development of the supplier's integrated service. In this regard, on the basis of a series of expert surveys, an approach to determining the proportion of the completed order taking into account this parameter is proposed, types of integrated service based on joint planning, coordination of operational logistics procedures, customer motivation, resource integration are considered. Based on the results of the study, conclusions were drawn about the impact of these types of complex service on the dynamics of the indicator of perfect order in relations between companies with different categories of suppliers.
Business Space: Concept, Features, Impact on the Activities of Companies
Authors: Vladimirova I. , Polevaya E.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the article is to determine the conceptual apparatus associated with the business environment of the company, to analyze various terms characterizing it, to characterize the structure of the business space, to consider the features of the business environment in modern conditions. In the course of the study, the blurring of the boundaries of organizations was emphasized, it was noted that in the conditions of widespread use of various forms of intercompany integration, the rigid opposition of the internal and external environment of the company is incorrect. During the study of the structure of the business space, its multi-level nature, the mutual influence of factors was revealed. It is proposed to consider the macro-, meso- and micro-levels of the business space. The impact of the business space on the company's activities and, in turn, the influence of companies on its formation is investigated. Macro-level factors have an impact on the meso-level, and that in turn has an impact on the micro-level of the business environment. If it is practically impossible to influence or control the macroenvironment of a company, then the micro-level factors of the business space may directly depend on the company's activities. Companies are able to actively influence their environment in order to form the most convenient business space for themselves.
How to Get out of the Labyrinth of Time? Lessons Drawn from Callender
Authors: Gołosz Jerzy
Published: April 2022

Callender [2017] claims that contemporary science demonstrates that there is no objective present and no objective flow of time, especially since all sensed events come from the past, our various senses need different amounts of time to react, and there are enough asymmetries in the physical world to explain our experience of time. This paper holds that, although Callender’s arguments for the subjectivity of the flow of time are unconvincing, the scientific discoveries and arguments he indicates can still be applied to improve theories of the objective flow of time. The paper develops precisely such a theory, one which introduces multiple individual proper presents for all of the objects that make up our world.
Sociedade do medo e dimensões do poder: políticas de segurança pública para o empoderamento cidadão
Authors: Faria Josiane Petry , Godinho Tassiane Lidia
Published: April 2022

ResumoEste artigo objetiva analisar, criticamente, a problemática da vulnerabilidade das políticas de segurança pública, bem como a verticalização das políticas públicas criminais. Para a consecução da pesquisa, partiu-se de uma análise a partir do método dedutivo, e, a técnica de pesquisa é a bibliográfica. das temáticas da criminalização da pobreza, e da expansão do poder punitivo, da verticalização das políticas criminais, e do desempoderamento cidadão e, por fim, da revisão das políticas públicas e do modelo de desenvolvimento para o empoderamento cidadão. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que diante da situação expressa pela cultura do medo na sociedade contemporânea, deve-se elaborar um estudo detalhado acerca do panorama para que novas formas de políticas de segurança pública possam ser projetadas, não se restringindo ao processo repressivo trazido pelas políticas criminalizadoras de segurança, criadas e implementadas na sociedade, que se materializou em um clima aparentemente de segurança pública, mas que, no entanto, representam a sustentação da dominação e do poder de classes, repreendendo cidadãos desfavorecidos e reafirmando-se em expressões fenomenais de combate ao crime.Palavras-chave: Dimensões do poder; empoderamento pessoal; políticas criminalizadoras desegurança; sociedade do medo. AbstractThis article aims to critically analyze the vulnerability of public security policies, as well as the verticalization of criminal public policies. In order to carry out the research, an analysis was made based on the deductive method, and the research technique is bibliographic the themes of the criminalization of poverty, and the expansion of punitive power, the verticalization of criminal policies, and citizen disempowerment and, finally, the review of public policies and the development model for citizen empowerment. The results of this research demonstrate that in view of the situation expressed by the culture of fear in contemporary society, a detailed study about the panorama must be elaborated so that new forms of public security policies can be designed, not being restricted to the repressive process brought about by the policies criminalizing security, created and implemented in society, which materialized in an apparently public security climate, but which nevertheless represent the support of class domination and power, rebuking disadvantaged citizens and reaffirming themselves in phenomenal expressions of combat to crime.Keywords: Personal empowerment; Criminalizing security policies; Dimensions of power; Societyof fear.
Inteligência artificial para a redução do tempo de análise dos recursos extraordinários: o impacto do projeto Victor no Supremo Tribunal Federal
Authors: Prado Dilson Alves , Andrade Mariana Dionísio de
Published: April 2022

Resumo“Robôs” seriam capazes de reduzir o tempo de tramitação processual nas Cortes brasileiras? O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar o impacto do Projeto VICTOR na redução do tempo de análise da Repercussão Geral nos Recursos Extraordinários. O estudo aborda a aplicação da Inteligência artificial, a partir de softwares que usam Machine Learning e Natural Language Processing, A abordagem é qualitativa, e a pesquisa é bibliográfica e descritiva, apoiando-se em dados secundários disponibilizados pelo Relatório Justiça em Números e Supremo Tribunal Federal. É possível concluir que o software VICTOR possibilitou uma considerável economia de tempo na identificação de Repercussão Geral dos Recursos Extraordinários, influindo na redução numérica da classe recursal no STF, além de constituir valoroso estímulo ao uso de ferramentas de inteligência artificial para outros tribunais, e mecanismo útil para a construção de um banco de dados capaz de reunir informações sobre os assuntos qualificados, principais litigantes, temas mais incidentes, mapeamento de informações e cumprimento da eficácia objetiva.Palavras-chave: Projeto VICTOR; Supremo Tribunal Federal; Redução do tempo de análise dos Recursos Extraordinários. AbstractWould “robots” be capable of reducing the time taken to suit analysis in the Brazilian Courts? This article aims to identify the impact of the VICTOR Project in decreasing the analysis time of general repercussions on writ of error’s appeal. The study addresses the application of Artificial Intelligence, using software that uses Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. The approach is qualitative, and the research is bibliographic and descriptive, based on secondary data provided by the Justice in Numbers Report and the Federal Supreme Court. It is possible to conclude that the VICTOR software enabled considerable time savings in the identification of the general repercussion on writ of error’s appeal, influencing the numerical reduction of the appeal class in the Federal Supreme Court, besides constituting a valuable stimulus to the use of artificial intelligence tools for other courts and useful mechanism for the construction of a database capable of gathering information on qualified subjects, main litigants, most incident issues, mapping information and fulfilling objective effectiveness.Keywords: VICTOR Project; Federal Court of Justice; Analysis time of writ of error’s appeal decrease.
Ecological role and potential extinction of Amorphophallus variabilis in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: WAHIDAH BAIQ FARHATUL , AFIATI NORMA , JUMARI JUMARI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Wahidah BF, Afiati N, Jumari. 2022. Ecological role and potential extinction of Amorphophallus variabilis in Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1765-1773. Amorphophallus variabilis Blume is a member of the genus Amorphophallus which is known as a wild plant that lives in forests, including Central Java, Indonesia. This plant has a high diversity but its existence is neglected and is rarely used by the community. This study aims to introduce A. variabilis through the inherent biological characteristics of the species, local the community’s knowledge, ecological functions and the threat of extinction. Data on biological characteristics covering morphological characters were obtained from field observations, while data on anatomy were obtained by making semi-permanent preparations using a modified Ruzin method. Data on community’s knowledge were obtained by conducting semi-structural interviews. The results showed that its morphological and ecological characters were very similar to other members of Amorphophallus, but with a very wide variety of patterns on the petiole. The anatomical structure of the leaf blade has a dorsiventral type consisting of several layers, namely a thin cuticle layer, flat upper epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, vascular tissue and lower epidermis. The tissue that composes the petiole consists of the epidermis, hypodermis, collenchyma supporting tissue, vascular bundles and secretory cells, while the tuber consists of periderm, cortex, vascular bundles, and pith tissue. This species has almost the same potential as Amorphophallus mueleri Blume which was previously known to have economic and medicinal values. However, the community’s knowledge about the A. variabialis is still poor, resulting in neglect of this species that possibly causes its extinction and may have an impact on the ecological balance.
Interspecific and intraspecific cross-compatibility of Durio kutejensis and hybrid Durio zibethinus x kutejensis
Authors: Rudarmono Rudarmono , ARDIARINI NOER RAHMI , WALUYO BUDI , ASHARI SUMERU
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Rudarmono, Ardiarini NR, Waluyo B, Ashari S. 2022. Interspecific and Intraspecific cross-compatibility of Durio kutejensis and hybrid Durio zibethinus x kutejensis. Biodiversitas 23: 1837-1843. Lai (Durio kutejensis) and Mandong (Durio zibethinus x kutejensis) fruits that have advantages and high consumer preference values. Fruit productivity and development of Lai and Mandong plant varieties are still not optimal. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of incompatibility of interspecific and intraspecific crosses between Lai (D. kutejensis) and Mandong (D. zibethinus x kutejensis hybrid) plants. Artificial crosses were made utilizing flower samples from Mahakam, Kutai, and Batuah types of Lai plants, as well as Mandong varieties of Mandong, employing a scheme of 20 crossings that included a combination of these varieties (12 treatments), as well as each variety from the same flower and tree (8 treatments). The intensity level and incompatibility classification were determined according to Wang's (1963) method, which was based on the number of fruits formed from artificial crosses, and the pollen incompatibility intensity level (IIL) was determined according to the ratio of flowers that produced fruit from the cross to the total number of flowers crossed. The results showed that overall crosses of the same flower (selfing) from three varieties of Lai and one variety of Mandong were incompatible. Lai Mahakam x Lai Batuah crosses yielded 14.28 % harvested fruit, Lai Mahakam x Lai Mahakam crosses yielded 18.75 % harvested fruit, Lai Kutai x Lai Kutai crossings yielded 14.81 % harvested fruit, while a cross of Durian Mandong x Lai Batuah yielded 16.67 % harvested fruit. It shows partially compatible. The complete compatibility value showed the number of harvested fruit ranged from 23.44 to 46.77%, with the most significant being obtained from a Lai Mahakam x Durian Mandong cross. The Mahakam, Kutai, Batuah, and Mandong varieties are compatible with all pollen sources.
Assessing the economic feasibility of cattle farm agritourism at ex-coal mine lands through the partnership program
Authors: MUKARROM FAISOL , GRAVITIANI EVI , PRANOTO PRANOTO , KARSIDI RAVIK
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Mukarrom F, Gravitiani E, Pranoto P, Karsidi R. 2022. Assessing the economic feasibility of cattle farm agritourism at ex-coal mine lands through the partnership program. Biodiversitas 23: 1843-1851. Extensive coal mining activities have various negative impacts on environment as well as on local communities living adjacent to the mining areas. Reclamation followed by revegetation using forage crops could significantly improve the value of the land. The forage crops produced from the reclaimed land can be integrated with developing cattle farm agritourism to obtain a win-win solution of environmental recovery by enhancing the socio-economic livelihood of local communities. Hence, this study aims to analyze the economic feasibility of developing cattle beef agritourism at ex-coal mine lands in South Sumatra, Indonesia, and assess its potential in increasing the effectiveness of partnership program funding. The analysis of feasibility criteria revealed a Net Present Value (NPV) of 129,152,169,746 IDR, meaning that the project is feasible to be implemented since the NPV is greater than 1. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.22, which is more than 1, implying that it is feasible to be run. The Payback Period (PP) was 3.5 years which is far shorter than the estimated investment period of 15 years. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was 35.6% which is much greater than the assumed annual interest rate of 8%. The farmers’ plasma system analysis showed that the cattle farm agritourism could increase the amount of fund distribution, collectibility rate, and also farmer’s income.
Bubulcus ibis (cattle egret) conservation with awig-awig (customary law) in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Sudaryanto FX , HARDINI JUNITA , KALIH LALU ACHMAD TAN TILAR WANGSAJATI SUKMARING , SUANA I WAYAN
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Sudaryanto FX, Hardini J, Kalih LATTWS, Suana IWS. 2022. Bubulcus ibis (cattle egret) conservation with awig-awig (customary law) in Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1904-1910. The study on the conservation of Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Petulu Village, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, was conducted to determine the population dynamics and behavior of B. ibis the vegetation used, the conservation efforts by the community, and the benefits to ecotourism. The population of B. ibis in August 2019 was 625 ± 12 birds, 7053 ± 15 birds in February 2020, and 465 ± 17 birds in July 2020. In Petulu Village, B. ibis breeds from December 2019 to February 2020. The most commonly used tree for nesting was Ficus subcordata Bl. Based on in-depth interviews, 100% of the inhabitants of Petulu Village were willing and carried out the conservation of B. ibis with awig-awig. The tourists who come to Petulu are 100% amazed by the use of awig-awig (traditional law) as the B. ibis conservation method.
Short Communication: Assessing the relationship of Sumatran elephant’s movement (Elephas maximus sumatranus) with vegetation intensity in Kotaagung Utara, Lampung Province, Indonesia using NDVI method
Authors: BAKRI SAMSUL , MONIK DELLA TIARA , SETIAWAN AGUS , WINARNO GUNARDI DJOKO
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Bakri S, Monik DT, Setiawan A, Winarno GD. 2022. Short Communication: Assessing the relationship of Sumatran elephant’s movement (Elephas maximus sumatranus) with vegetation intensity in Kotaagung Utara, Lampung Province, Indonesia using NDVI method. Biodiversitas 23: 1920-1928. The Indonesian Elephant Conservation Forum stated that the population of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) had decreased dramatically up to 70% in the last 20-30 years due to illegal hunting, land conversion, and encroachment, so the availability of elephant food in the wild is gradually inadequate. With the decline of the elephant population in Indonesia, several parties such as the government, NGO, and the public are beginning to monitor the Sumatran elephant. The monitoring is carried out by observing and studying the movements of elephants using a GPS Collar. The research aims to find out the consistency of elephant movement and its relationship to the availability of feed as indicated by the intensity of vegetation in KPH Kotaagung Utara, Lampung Province, Indonesia. This research used GIS technology (Correlation Citra Landsat 8 OLI and BIG Demnas Data), elephant movement data using GPS Collar in 2020, and land use data by BPKH Lampung. The results showed that the monthly movement pattern of elephants in 2020 was consistently monitored. From January-July, elephants are in the North area, while in August-December are in the South. The intensity of elephant movement in the Mixed Shrub Dryland Agriculture area is higher than in the other areas, at 107 points or about 90% of all the areas in KPH Kotaagung Utara. Meanwhile, in the Dryland and Shrub Agriculture areas, there are 6 points each, or about 5% of all the areas. The vegetation classification in KPH Kotaagung Utara is dense with an NDVI value range of 0.63-0.85. Furthermore, the regression results prove that NDVI and the monthly season affect the movement of elephants with a p-value of <0.001.
Commercial marine fish species from Weh Island, Indonesia: Checklist, distribution pattern and conservation status
Authors: Zulfahmi Ilham , Apriansyah Mauriza , Batubara Agung Setia , Kautsari Neri , Sumon Kizar Ahmed , Rahman Mohammad Mahmudur , Nur Firman M
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Zulfahmi I, Apriansyah M, Batubara AS, Kautsari N, Sumon KA, Rahman MM, Nur FM. 2022. Commercial marine fish species from Weh Island, Indonesia: Checklist, distribution pattern and conservation status. Biodiversitas 23: 1977-1989. In this study, we first report a systematic checklist of commercial marine fish species from Weh Island, Indonesia, including notes on their distribution pattern, conservation status, and commercial value. Fish sampling was conducted at three major fish markets in Weh Island, and these specifically were Cangkoan Fish Market, Kuta Timu Fish Market, and Balohan Fish Market. A total of 50 fish species belonging to 8 orders and 24 families were documented. Carangidae (12%, 6 species) was the predominant family, followed by the Scaridae (10%, 5 species) and other families (78%, 22 families, 39 species). Based on the IUCN red list, commercial marine fish species in Weh Island were dominated by the "Least Concern" category (78%, 39 species), followed by the "Not Evaluated" (14%, 7 species), the "Near Threatened" (4%, 2 species), and the "Data Deficient" (4%, 2 species). The market price of the fish ranged from 0.34 USD/kg to 6.19 USD/kg, with three fish families included in the high commercial value, namely the Clupeidae, Carcharhinidae, and Serranidae.
Documentation of the traditional Gayo food in Lokop Village, East Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: RAMAIDANI RAMAIDANI , NAVIA ZIDNI ILMAN
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Ramaidani, Navia ZI. 2022. Documentation of the traditional Gayo food in Lokop Village, East Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2017-2024. The Gayo Tribe community in Lokop Village, Serbajadi Sub-district, East Aceh, Indonesia, has known the traditional use of plants to meet food needs for a long time. However, this knowledge has not been widely documented. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study to document the typical food of the Gayo Tribe in Lokop Village, Serbajadi Sub-district, East Aceh, Indonesia. This study was conducted using the Snowball sampling method and semi-structured interviews involving 37 respondents. A total of 14 types of traditional Gayo food were documented, namely Cecah bajik, Cecah kekulit, Cecah ries, Jurung pengat, Masam jing, Apam, Berteh, Brahrum, Gutal, Lepat, Pulut berkerabu, Pulut manis, Pulut semplah, and Tumpi. In contrast, 52 plant species belonging to 46 genera and 31 families were used in traditional Gayo food. The most widely used family was Zingiberaceae with 5 species, the most widely used growth form was herb at 39%, and the most widely used plant parts were leaves and fruit, with 21% each. The frequency of using plants as the food was 100% for the species of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. and Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott. The Gayo Tribe uses plants in their traditional food to contribute to economic value, health maintenance, and conservation efforts.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Distichochlamys citrea M.F. Newman in Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
Authors: CHEN TRAN VAN , TUAN NGUYEN DUC , TRIET NGUYEN THANH , AN NGUYEN HOANG , NGUYEN PHAN THI THAO , HAI NGUYEN THI THANH , NHI NGUYEN THANH TO , CO NGUYEN QUANG , NHI HO THI HOANG , HUONG HOANG VIET , PHUONG TRUONG THI BICH , NHUNG NGUYEN THI AI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Chen TV, Tuan ND, Triet NT, An NH, Nguyen PTT, Hai NTT, Nhi NTT, Co NQ, Nhi HTH, Huong HV, Phuong TTB, Nhung NTA. 2022. Morphological and molecular characterization of Distichochlamys citrea M.F. Newman in Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam. Biodiversitas 23: 2066-2079. Distichochlamys citrea (Black Ginger or gung den) is a medicinal plant endemic to Vietnam. However, this species is not easily identified due to the lack of a detailed description. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize morphological and molecular aspects of D. citrea from Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam. Six representative plants were selected for the following analyses. Macromorphological features were observed and compared with previous studies. The rhizomes, roots, petioles, and leaves were then histologically analyzed using iodine green-carmine staining. The ground rhizomes and leaves were also microscopically examined for powder characteristics. Finally, the D. citrea DNA barcode was amplified by Internal Transcribe Spacer (ITS) primers. Macromorphologically, D. citrea differs from other Distichochlamys species. Black Ginger, particularly, has elongated rhizomes (with scars from the shoots of previous years), green leaves, spread inflorescences, and yellow labellum (with deep slits). Additionally, D. citrea’s micromorphological structures (epidermis, exodermis, hypodermis, cortex, endodermis, and root pith) are similar to the genus Zingiber. However, the absence of calcium oxalate and silica crystals in the root is unique and can be used to distinguish this plant from other Zingiberaceae members. The sequenced amplicons (96.54% similar to Genbank's D. citrea ITS) demonstrated the ITS marker’s ability to identify Black Ginger.
Food traditions and biodiversity conservation of the Javanese Community in Gunungkidul Karst, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia
Authors: SULISTIYOWATI EKA , SETIADI SETIADI , HARYONO EKO
Published: April 2022

Local traditions manifested through foods and rituals may have contributed to the conservation of plants. In this study, we explore how the Javanese community living in the dryland Karst Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Province, uses food traditions and rituals to conserve plant diversity and, to some extent, conserve the ecosystem. The primary method was free listing interviews with 109 respondents, which was followed by in-depth interviews with 19 people of senior members of the community, local leaders (sesepuh), and customary leaders (juru kunci). The study found that there are 43 species of 19 families used by local people to produce ten culinary varieties as the local food traditions. In addition, 29 rituals involve the use of food traditions. Some rituals such as rasulan, gumregan, and life cycle rituals reflect local ecological knowledge to support biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in the area.
Food, medicinal plants, and homemade beverages, used as a response to the pandemic in Ethiopia
Authors: MEGERSA MOA , DIDA GETU , GADISSA FEKADU , SEBSIBE AYALEW , GERMAME ABIGIYA , ALEMAYEHU GETU , KEBEDE BERHANU , BEKELE DEREJE , BELACHEW SHIFERAW
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Megersa M, Dida G, Gadissa F, Sebsibe A, Germame A, Alemayehu G, Kebede B, Bekele D, Belachew S. 2022. Food, medicinal plants, and homemade beverages, used as a response to the pandemic in Ethiopia. Biodiversitas 23: 2146-2155. SARS-CoV-2, which is responsible for an infectious disease called COVID-19, significantly impacted the global community, including Ethiopia. Meanwhile, people responded to the disease in various ways using available household materials. These include food, medicinal plants, and household beverages used for preventing and curing symptoms of COVID-19. Thus, the present study was initiated to assess these foods, medicinal plants, and beverages used in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a web-based survey and phone call to collect data related to food, medicinal plants, and beverages used during COVID-19 by emphasizing medicinal plants. The questionnaire was created through Google Form and circulated through social media such as Facebook, Telegram, and Whatsapp. A total of 680 respondents took part in the survey. Relative citation frequencies (RFC) were calculated to assess popular medicinal plants used to prevent or mitigate the disease. A total of 53 medicinal plants used to prevent and cure COVID-19 distributed to 24 families were recorded. Leaves (30%) were the most frequently utilized plant part. The respondents indicated that they were using medicinal plants for COVID-19 prevention at least once a day, accounting for (41.3%). Most of them recommended using medicinal plants to prevent the disease. Relative frequency of citation (RFC) indicated that Zingiber officinale Roscoe was the most popular medicinal plant used during the pandemic. Apart from medicinal plants, foods and beverages were also frequently used during the pandemic. The majority of respondents (49.6%) mentioned that local communities were their source of information. Respondents also indicated the use of the medicinal plant has increased during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic claiming that they have the potential to prevent and cure COVID-19. However, this should not be considered a panacea since the effectiveness of these medicinal plants, foods, and beverages has not been confirmed.
Assessing the potential of tembawang, a traditional forest management in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia for ecotourism
Authors: ROSLINDA EMI , SISWOYO ADI , NANTAH NIKOMEDES
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Roslinda E, Siswoyo A, Nantah N. 2022. Assessing the potential of tembawang, a traditional forest management in Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia for ecotourism. Biodiversitas 23: 2184-2192. Tembawang is a traditional land management system practiced by the Dayak community in Kalimantan, Indonesia. It resembles a miniature tropical forest that can be developed as an ecotourism alternative.  This study aimed to assess the potential of Tembawang Kampung Lama in Sanggau District, West Kalimantan, as a natural tourist attraction. The research used a survey method and data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires to respondents, in-depth interviews, Focus Group Discussions, direct observation, and document analysis. Assessment and analysis of data followed guidelines from the government. The results showed that Tembawang Kampung Lama has a moderate potential to be developed as an ecotourism destination. The elements of tourist attractions, supporting infrastructure and availability of clean water were in a good category, while the accessibility was in the moderate category, and the socio-economic conditions and accommodation were in the bad category. The development of tembawang as a tourist attraction must be supported by improving accessibility and accommodation facilities. In addition, tour packages can be developed by integrating landscape tours consisting of rice fields, tembawang, secondary forests in the hills and cascades around the tembawang to attract more tourists to visit.
Aquatic environmental characteristic of Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Aceh Singkil Regency
Authors: Rohim Nur , Sulistiono Sulistiono , Yulianda Fredinan
Published: April 2022

Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve is a peat swamp ecosystem located in Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province. Peat swamp ecosystem has an important function in protecting and balancing water systems, carbon stocks and biodiversity conservation. However, information on the characteristics of the waters of this ecosystem is still not widely known, especially in the area of utilization that is influenced by community activities. This study aims to determine the aquatic environmental characteristics of the Singkil Swamp Wildlife Reserve utilization area covering the physical and chemical parameters of the water and the relationship among those parameters. Sampling was carried out through field observations both in-situ and ex-situ at 5 stations for 3 months (April-June 2021). Observations were made on water quality parameters namely temperature, transparency, depth, current, colour, salinity, water smell, pH, DO, TDS, TSS, conductivity, phosphate and nitrate. Analysis of the data was conducted, namely correlation analysis, PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and CA (Cluster Analysis). The water color was black and the pH was acidic, that is a characteristic of the swamp waters. The results of the measurement of water quality parameters indicate that TDS (13-44 mg/l), TSS (9-236 mg/l), total phosphate (0.01-2.14 mg/l), and nitrate (0.5-25.7 mg/l) were suitable for freshwater aquaculture to support fishery reserve. Based on the clustering of those stations, 5 observation stations were grouped into two different groups, namely cluster 1 with the number of observation stations of 2 stations (Stations 1 and 2) and cluster 2 with the number of observation stations of 3 stations (3, 4 and 5). The parameter values of total phosphate, pH, DO, and nitrate in cluster 1 tend were higher than in cluster 2.Keywords:Peat swampFreshwaterWater quality
BACK MATTER
Authors: Matter Back
Published: April 2022

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Spatially dependent optical bistability
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Morteza , Amini Sabegh Zahra , Kheradmand Reza , Mahmoudi Mohammad
Published: April 2022

The effect of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light beams on the optical bistability (OB) phenomenon has been investigated in a three-level quantum system. In a first step, we consider a

Λ

-type configuration in which the coupling field is assumed as a Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beam. It is shown that the OB strength spatially depends on the intensity profile as well as the topological charge (TC) of the light beam. In a second scheme, we apply a strong microwave field to the lower level transition and obtain an analytical expression for the OB behavior of the probe field in the presence of an LG field in the multi-photon resonance condition. We analytically obtain a generalized input–output bistability relation for the systems containing the LG beam. More complicated phase-dependent OB profiles can be obtained for higher order LG modes due to the OAM transfer and classical interference between the generated field and applied fields. The results of this paper may provide a potential application of OB in generating simultaneously reconfigurable sets of various optical logic gates in the same structure, as well as in enhancing the capacity of fast volatile bit-level optical memories.