bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separating the impacts of heat stress events from rising mean temperatures on winter wheat yield of China
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhang Dongzheng , Zhang Huxin , Asseng Senthold , Yin Tingwei , Qiu Xiaolei , Ye Zi , Liu Leilei , Tang Liang , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan
Published: November 2021

Warming due to climate change has profound impacts on regional crop yields, and this includes impacts from rising mean growing season temperature and heat stress events. Adapting to these two impacts could be substantially different, and the overall contribution of these two factors on the effects of climate warming and crop yield is not known. This study used the improved WheatGrow model, which can reproduce the effects of temperature change and heat stress, along with detailed information from 19 location-specific cultivars and local agronomic management practices at 129 research stations across the main wheat-producing region of China, to quantify the regional impacts of temperature increase and heat stress separately on wheat in China. Historical climate, plus two future low-warming scenarios (1.5 °C/2.0 °C warming above pre-industrial) and one future high-warming scenario (RCP8.5), were applied using the crop model, without considering elevated CO2 effects. The results showed that heat stress and its yield impact were more severe in the cooler northern sub-regions than the warmer southern sub-regions with historical and future warming scenarios. Heat stress was estimated to reduce wheat yield in most of northern sub-regions by 2.0%–4.0% (up to 29% in extreme years) under the historical climate. Climate warming is projected to increase heat stress events in frequency and extent, especially in northern sub-regions. Surprisingly, higher warming did not result in more yield-impacting heat stress compared to low-warming, due to advanced phenology with mean warming and finally avoiding heat stress events during grain filling in summer. Most negative impacts of climate warming are attributed to increasing mean growing-season temperature, while changes in heat stress are projected to reduce wheat yields by an additional 1.0%–1.5% in northern sub-regions. Adapting to climate change in China must consider the different regional and temperature impacts to be effective.
Simulation of the movement of hedge cutter links in the Simulink application of the Matlab package
Authors: Bukhtoyarov L D , Drapalyuk M V , Pridvorova A V
Published: November 2021

Simulation modeling allows researching a mechanism consisting of many links interacting with each other according to complex laws. In order not to write a model for each node of the investigated mechanism, it is advisable to use ready-made blocks of the Simulink application. To simplify the process of creating blocks responsible for the links of the mechanism, we used the Solidworks computer-aided design system. 3d models of each link were designed, kinematic connections between them were established. Thus, the mass characteristics of the links, their geometric parameters, moments of inertia and kinematic pairs were obtained. After exporting the model from the computer-aided design system to Simulink of the Matlab package, a basic block diagram was obtained which was supplemented with disturbing input signals, virtual oscilloscopes for characterizing, mechanical transmission units, etc. Based on the obtained coordinates of the frame links and the rotor knives, dependencies were constructed to determine the kinematics of their movement in three planes, which made it possible to clearly demonstrate the top and rear view of the mechanism under study in the considered time interval. The developed simulation model can be upgraded to study the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism.
Invasion Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Heteroptera: Coreidae) in the conditions of Voronezh (Russia)
Authors: Kornev I , Aksenenko E , Kharchenko N
Published: November 2021

The article presents new data on the distribution and acclimatization of an alien species of the American coniferous bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910) from the European part of Russia. This bug was discovered in the autumn of 2019 on the territory of the city of Voronezh in the Arboretum of the Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies. Currently, L. occidentalis spreads on the territory of Russia only in an urban environment, where it finds optimal environmental conditions (suitable temperature, humidity and shelter for winter locations). Surveys of a number of park and forest park zones, squares and separately growing coniferous trees conducted in 2019-2020 in Voronezh did not reveal the presence of this species. At the moment, in the conditions of the Voronezh region, the center of the spread of this bug is located only in the Arboretum of the Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies. In 2020, an increase in the number of the identified group of L. occidentalis was recorded. Further spread of the bug is predicted on the territory of Voronezh. At the moment, no danger to conifers in the European part of Russia from L. occidentalis has been identified and is not yet expected, but constant monitoring of the detected group is required.
Protective afforestation in agroforestry landscapes of the Middle Don basin
Authors: Mikhina E A , Taniykevich V V , Mikhin V I
Published: November 2021

The use of forest reclamation facilities to transform the landscapes of the Middle Don basin of the European part of Russia is an important aspect in improving the natural conditions of agricultural territories. In the Central Black Earth Region, they occupy an area of 600000 hectares and form the ecological framework of forest agrarian landscapes. The purpose of our research is to establish the optimal conditions for the growth and reforestation efficiency of protective plantations in different conditions. Modern methods and approaches were used for forestry and land reclamation assessment of forest belts. In artificial linear plantings, the biometric indicators of growth and safety in fast-growing species are most pronounced at the initial density of creation and 3334 pcs/ha. The best companions for joint cultivation of English oak are Norway maple and yellow acacia. In the conditions of typical chernozem, the highest values for the growth of rocks are noted. In winter, protective plantations accumulate snow water reserves of 435-430 m3/ha, which makes it possible to form an additional yield of grain crops by 320-430 kg/ha in the strip zones.
Assessment of the ecological and biological features of the development of shrub introduced species in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region
Authors: Moiseeva E V , Kramareva T N
Published: November 2021

In the course of research, the authors analyzed the results of the introduction of shrub plants of different taxonomic groups in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region. Most of the representatives of the collections under consideration (a collection of deciduous shrubs, a collection of ornamental shrubs, a collection of coniferous shrubs) showed significant adaptive capabilities in the conditions of the region under consideration. Recommendations on the possibility of using introduced shrubs in green urban construction are given, and species and forms that are not suitable for this purpose are identified. The authors have developed a methodology for assessing the results of introduction tests of shrub plants using the example of the Central Black Earth Region, which can be used in other regions of the Russian Federation and countries of the world to conduct similar tests. This technique is quite simple, but it allows you to create a complete picture of the adaptive capabilities of introduced species, since is based on basic indicators of plant vitality (drought resistance, winter hardiness, average annual growth, observation of flowering and seed production).
Systematization and mathematical modeling of classification features of forest rakes
Authors: Platonov A , Zimarin S
Published: November 2021

With proper maintenance of many territories a technological operation of collecting and raking up chopped residues of undesirable tree and shrub vegetation is often performed. At the same time, despite the variety of mechanization tools used, their classification is currently difficult. The purpose of the research was to develop a classification of technical means for collecting and raking chopped residues with the justification of their name and rational definition. Based on the analysis of more than 500 models the authors of the research recommended to designate the considered technical means as “Forest Rake” and a corresponding definition has been formulated. The authors of the carried out the classification of forest rakes, a system of equations has been developed that describes the position of the boundaries of the characteristic zones of the distribution of the working width of the forest rake, the boundary values of a number of parameters are shown, the criteria for the density of the teeth and the specific width of the rake are proposed, the values of these criteria are given. The results of the work can be used by manufacturing enterprises engaged in the maintenance and operation of transport infrastructure facilities.
Chipboards as raw material of furniture
Authors: Razinkov E M , Savinkov M A , Litvinova Yu A
Published: November 2021

The problem of using wood materials in residential premises is closely related to the issues of forestry. This is due to the fact that the wood subsequently processed into materials and products emits a gas harmful to humans - formaldehyde. In Russia, there are strict requirements for the permissible level of formaldehyde in the air (0.01 mg/m3) both in residential premises and in the atmosphere. The environmentally friendly wood emits formaldehyde. The emission of formaldehyde may exceed the permissible level up to 10 times when obtaining chipboards using urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins. Such an excess of the permissible level of formaldehyde is especially characteristic for chipboards. Moreover, a much larger amount of formaldehyde is emitted from urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins during their hot curing than it is in the liquid resin in its free form. Therefore, much attention in this work is paid to the curing process of urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins in relation to the manufacturing conditions of chipboards. The study of this process was based on the models related to the manufacturing conditions of chipboards using the microscopy method. It was found that some formaldehyde is preserved in vapor-gas bubbles and eventually moves out the chipboards.
Ecological and physiological modelling of mixed stand dynamics
Authors: Lisitsyn V I , Matveev N N , Saushkin V V
Published: November 2021

Modelling the dynamics of forest ecosystems is an urgent task, as the volume of publications in the Russian and world press demonstrates. In the proposed work, a new ecological and physiological model of a mixed forest stand has considered. Basically, it proceeds from the ecological and physiological model of a single-breed forest stand, that had obtained from the analysis of the behavior of an open thermodynamic system, which is a forest ecosystem. Four differential equations are required to describe a two-species stand, with the mutual influence of species being expressed both in interspecific competition for a resource and in mutual ‘support’ in the growth of the trees. The model of mixed stand with two species contains 10 independent parameters that have a clear physical meaning. Six parameters relate to the dynamics of each species, and four ones take into account the interactions of the species during growth. The verification of the model is presented by calculating the biomass dynamics for full two-stage aspen-spruce stands of European part (middle taiga ecoregion) of the first appraisal area. The presented model of the dynamics of forest ecosystems can be used in practical forestry, especially in the transition from an extensive method of forestry to an intensive one.
Ecological and economic management tools in forestry
Authors: Bezrukova T L , Larionov V G , Kuksova I V
Published: November 2021

The importance of this article is related to the development of new policies for the management of the forestry business. The emergence of new business practices requires a revision of existing business management systems or the acquisition of new unique management skills. This article highlights the key ecological and economic management tools in forestry, identified as a result of the study of the works of domestic and foreign authors, as well as the provisions of regulatory legal acts. The developed environmental and financial forestry management tools make it possible to consider both industries and economic entities for the impact on the environment, aimed at the prospects for the creation of a certain entity. Upon completion of this work, important environmental and economic management tools were adopted that will contribute to the formation of a management idea for forestry. When modeling the ecological and economic management of forestry, a rational option for regulating the instruments was chosen, which would bring the system to the desired state. It was concluded that it is necessary to maximize the coefficients regulating the instruments of environmental and economic management of forestry. It is also necessary to improve the environmental audit and insurance, the legislative mechanism, the introduction of trade rights in certain territories.
Mechanical resistance of Quercus robur L. at the environmental boundary of the species distribution in the steppe
Authors: Kharchenko N N , Kalaev V N , Kornienko V O
Published: November 2021

The paper studies the mechanical resistance of old-age pedunculate oak trees which grow at the environmental boundary of the species distribution in the steppe. The trees of the studied species growing in the south of the East European Plain (Donetsk Ridge) can be about 200 years old and still be viable (good condition) and have a high mechanical resistance (critical mass (mcr)=105 kg, and flexural stiffness=9.8·107 N·m2) even under unfavourable environmental conditions. A strong dependence of the morphometric parameter of the ratio was established between the tree trunk diameter and its height on the parameters of the trunk bending stiffness, its critical mass, and the relative resistance to bending. The obtained results of statistical analysis can be used to monitor oak forests and scattered trees of Quercus robur L. in order to single out plants with low mechanical resistance with the help of the d/l parameter which serves as a morphometric marker of the tree resistance.
Silver nanoparticles for enhancing the efficiency of micropropagation of gray poplar (Populus × canescens Aiton. Sm.)
Authors: Vasyukova I , Gusev A , Zakharova O , Baranchikov P , Yevtushenko N
Published: November 2021

The main purpose of the work was to determine the prospects for the use of silver nanoparticles in woody plants tissue culture and to identify possible limitations. The paper presents the results of experiments on the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to increase the efficiency ofin vitrotissue culture of woody plant cultures using the example of gray poplar (Populus×canescens Aiton. Sm.) at various stages of microclonal reproduction. It has been shown that sequential treatment with 7.5 g/L NaOCl for 30 min and 0.3 g/L AgNPs for 5 min allows obtaining 100% phytopathogen-free explants, increasing their viability. Modification of the nutrient medium with AgNPs at concentrations of 1.5…3 μg/L during multiplication and rooting reduces the phytopathogen infestation, and also stimulates the formation of the root system and accelerates the growth of the vegetative part of the shoots. In addition, the combination of photosynthetic and enzymatic activity suggests a rather high potential for stress resistance of experimental microclones in comparison with control ones.
Economic-mathematical model of obtaining commodity products of the green construction department of the Krasnoyarsk city
Authors: Haydenok N , Chumakov V , Yakovenko N
Published: November 2021

The article deals with the possibility of obtaining marketable products from plant raw materials obtained as a result of urban landscaping and gardening in Krasnoyarsk. The aim of this scientific research is to create an effective system of recycling environmentally friendly organic waste, and thus to reduce the negative impact on the environment and ensure environmental safety. The material of the research is organic waste from pruning of trees, bushes and lawn mowing, as well as means of production for their processing. A linear programming method was used in the work. Solving the posed optimization problem according to the chosen criteria and established systems of restrictions, we will receive either the maximum income, or the minimum costs, or the maximum productivity. It is realistic to formulate the optimization problem seasonally. Economic effect is achieved by reducing the cost of landfill disposal and obtaining a profit from the sale of commercial products made from green organic waste. The project is planned to be implemented on the basis of Krasnoyarsk municipal enterprise “Green Building Department”. The prospect of this research is to reduce the amount of waste by maximising recycling and incorporating it into the economy.
Simulation of loading dynamics and hydrodynamics of drives of forest machine working bodies
Authors: Yu Yudina N , Yudin R V , Maksimenkov A I
Published: November 2021

The need to take into account the dynamic processes that occur when performing technological operations using the working bodies of forest machines with a hydraulic drive is due to the fact that its absence leads to a distortion of the obtained results, since the kinematic schemes do not take into account the influence of hydraulic fluid in the elements of the hydraulic system. In this regard, it became necessary to develop models that take into account the dynamics of working body loading and the hydrodynamics of its drives. It is recommended to consider the influence of the process dynamics by introducing dynamic factors. The resulting mathematical model allows you to determine the actual values of the hydraulic cylinder, taking into account the errors associated with fluid leakage. As a result of the study, it was possible to connect the pressure change in the hydraulic cylinder, the movement of the pistons in the hydraulic cylinder and the rotor of the hydraulic motor, as well as the appearance of inertial forces. The connecting component is the balance of fluid and hydraulic system volumes.
Improving the quality of the band saw cut
Authors: Ivanovskiy V
Published: November 2021

This article is devoted to the study of the dynamic characteristics of the band sawing process to improve their efficiency. The object of study is: band saw, softwood. A screening experiment was carried out when sawing with band saws to identify key influencing factors on the quality of the treated surface (roughness) and sawing force (sawing power). Rational values of key influencing factors were determined. The effectiveness of the sawing regimes with band saws was evaluated. In the course of laboratory tests of the new saw, it was found that the moisture content of the wood has the maximum effect on the quality of the sawing walls. According to the degree of influence of factors, the roughness of the cut depends on the moisture content of the wood, the feed per tooth, the type of cutting relative to the wood grain and the height of the cut. As a result of a multivariate experiment, two regression equations were obtained for the assumed roughness of the cut and the cutting power. The estimation of the significance of the coefficients in the given interval of variation of the influencing factors is carried out.
Analysis of low requirement justification of the current standard for the strength of wood particle boards
Authors: Razinkov E M , Ishchenko T L
Published: November 2021

Currently, wood particle boards made of crushed shavings are widely used in the production of cabinet furniture, despite their shortcomings. The volume of particle board production in Russia is constantly growing. The main disadvantages of the boards include their toxicity associated with the release of gas (formaldehyde) harmful to humans above the permissible level (PL = 0.01 mg/m3 of air), low strength properties (especially bending strength) and limited areas of application of the boards. If we trace the dynamics of the technical requirements for these properties of boards according to the standards, then the question arises - what is the reason for the decrease in the requirements for the strength of boards in bending and, in this regard, the limitation of the application areas of particle board? A regular decrease in the requirements in the newly introduced State Standards has been constantly occurring since 1977, but this is especially noticeable in the current 10632-2014 State Standard. This article focuses on the possible objective and subjective reasons for the low requirements of the current standard for the strength of wood particle board.
Influence of anthropogenic impact of vehicles on roadside forest plantations
Authors: Korablev R A , Belokurov V P , Belokurov S V
Published: November 2021

The article presents studies of the growth and development of forest stands along highways as a result of man-made impacts from road transport emissions. The obtained mathematical model describing the dynamics of the growth of the biomass of stands of various bonities of roadside stands during the period of light saturation is presented. In this regard, the obtained mathematical model describing the dynamics of the growth of the biomass of stands of various bonitets of roadside forest stands during the period of light saturation is presented. The use of the bonus in research to characterize the growth rate of forest roadside plantings depending on the distance to highways and the density of traffic flows on them allows us to characterize the amount of toxic pollutants entering forests. This allows us to assess the process of expanding the environmentally unfavorable zone along the highway. The article presents the possibility of calculating the concentration of pollutants, based on the model of turbulent diffusion, reduced, after some assumption, to the model of Gaussian distribution in atmospheric air. The dependence on the calculation of the intensity of emissions of pollutants, taking into account the composition of the traffic flow, is given.
Generating a three-dimensional measuring scene for the forest sector as based on modern geodetic technologies
Authors: Begliarov N , Mitrofanov E , Kiseleva V
Published: November 2021

Modern geodetic technologies of gathering three-dimensional spatial data incorporate terrestrial laser scanning and aerial photo survey from unmanned aerial vehicles. The combination of these technologies and joint result of survey provide the data of 3D point model and accurate information on trunks and crowns of individual trees. The paper examines the experiment with the application of method of formation of 3D measuring scene in the form of dense cloud of points combining the results of terrestrial laser scanning and materials of photogrammetric processing of UAV-provided data. The method eliminates basic shortcomings of each technology, enhances their advantages, and opens the way to the compilation of more representative 3D measuring scenes. A specific advantage of the method is the outcropping of detailed information on the form, size and condition of individual tree crowns. This option finds a practical application in landscape evaluation and design, remote measuring of trunk parameters excluding the felling of model trees for the compilation of regional timber account tables. The closest perspectives of method development are related to increasing the accuracy of combined survey by specifying flight missions and working with the light regime under forest canopy.
One-year monitoring of aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban areas of Malaysia
Authors: Hawari N S S L , Latif M T , Othman M , Hanif N M , Hamid H H A , Mustaffa N I H , Mohtar A A A
Published: November 2021

VOCs have been one of the important limiting factors of O3 photochemical production in the urban tropical region. This study aims to determine the variation and composition of aromatic VOCs as well as their contribution to the O3 formation. The hourly data of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) and ozone (O3) were retrieved from January until December 2019 at three continuous air quality monitoring stations (S1, S2 and S3) operated by the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE). Aromatic VOCs is detected by using an online gas chromatography analyser (GC 5000BTX). The annual average ΣBTEX concentrations ranged from 14.53 ± 12.43 μg m-3 to 25.04 ± 24.04 μg m-3 during the observation period, with toluene as the most dominant species with an average concentration of 10.65 ± 12.12 μg m-3. The O3 formation potential (OFP) was calculated and the results indicated that toluene is the highest contributor of O3-forming potential, followed by m, p-xylene, o-xylene, ethylbenzene and benzene with the value of 127.8 μg m-3 (40.90 %), 103.0 μg m-3 (32.97 %), 48.66 μg m-3 (15.58 %), 26.17 μg m-3 (8.38 %) and 6.74 μg m-3 (2.15 %), respectively. Since the study of VOCs in Malaysia is quite limited, a more comprehensive study is currently underway to integrate the research on variation of VOCs in ambient air and its impact on the environment and human health.
Numerical simulation of hydraulic optimization for regulating tank in pumping station
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming , Shi Sha , Si Jing , Fitri Arniza , Pratiwi Dian , Agustina Adelia
Published: November 2021

Based on the governing equations of steady incompressible fluid, renormalization group (RNG) turbulence model and SIMPLEC algorithm are used to calculate the steady flow field of regulating tank in the pumping station with six different geometries operating under same condition. The impacts of the layout schemes of guide walls for the flow field of the regulating tank are analyzed. The numerical results are verified by physical model experiment and good agreement is found. The results show that: 1) serious flow separation of side wall will occur in the regulating tank when the interval of diversion wall is 10 L; 2) the flow velocity in the regulating tank will be too low when the diversion wall spacing is 16 L; 3) the improvement of the flow pattern of the regulating tank is not obvious; and the project cost is increased when the excavation depth of the regulating tank is increased by 1 m; 4) the bottom velocity reached the non-silting velocity and the head loss of the regulating tank reducing nearly 1.2 m by using arrangement form of wide 21 L and narrow 10L of the guide walls, which provides a certain guarantee for the safe operation of the pumping station. The regulation tank layout scheme proposed in the paper can be applied to engineering practice.
Numerical study on percolation and dam slope’s stability of impermeable wall composed by clay and concrete for earth-rock dam
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming , Tan Linlu , Si Jing , Shi Sha , Yu Kai , Fitri Arniza
Published: November 2021

In order to study the percolation and dam slope’s stability of an impermeable wall composed by clay and concrete for earth-rock dam, the steady seepage field of a reservoir in Jiangxi is numerically simulated by using finite element method based on the basic principles of saturated and unsaturated seepage under different ratios of clay to concrete. The results of the flow field of steady seepage are carried out and the dam slope’s stability is analyzed. We found relatively minor impacts of concrete proportion on the discharge of seepage per unit width and the dam slope’s stability. In this study, the impermeability performance of the impermeable wall is concerned. The results showed that impermeable effect of the impermeable wall has not obviously changed if the concrete proportion is below 0.43. When the proportion of concrete exceeds 0.43, the anti-seepage effect of the impermeable wall begins to change significantly. Besides, when the proportion of concrete reaches 1.0, the reduction of water level at front and behind impermeable wall, the discharge of seepage per unit width, and the safety factor of the Bishop method are all infinitely close to the value of the best anti-seepage performance and the most stable state of the dam slope.
Evaluation of urban water security based on DPSIR model
Authors: Shi Sha , Tao Xueting , Chen Xiaona , Chen Hao , Fitri Arniza , Yang Xiaojia
Published: November 2021

Assessment of urban water security is an important scientific basis for the sustainable utilization of urban water resources. This study established an evaluation model for urban water security based on DPSIR model, entropy method and comprehensive index method. The model was applied to Gong Qingcheng City (GQCC) in Jiangxi Province, China. An indicator system is developed based on four aspects including social development, water resources status, water pollution and water resources management, as well as summing up predecessors’ experience. This study analysed per capita domestic water consumption; ratio of ecological water compensation; percentage of water conservancy and public infrastructure investment; and water consumption per ten thousand yuan of industrial output value; where ratio of urban sewage treatment are the main effects on urban water security. The results of single index evaluation show that the change of stress subsystem was most dramatic from 2013 to 2017, while others were relatively stable. This indicates that positive interventions were urgently needed to relieve pressure of the stress subsystem. The results of comprehensive index evaluation show that water security at GQCC was in a critical state. In this paper, the causal relationship between social development and water security was clarified while the main factors and other factors affecting urban water security was identified. Finally, a reference for the formulation of urban development planning based on water resources demand was provided.
Future impacts of climate change on sediment influx rate in hydropower reservoir using SWAT
Authors: Abdul Razad A Z , Shamsuddini S H , Setu A , Mohd Sidek L
Published: November 2021

Climate change causes more frequent and intense rainfall events, leading to severe erosion in the catchment and sediment transferred into rivers and reservoirs. This study focus on long term sediment load in major rivers in Cameron Highlands and prediction of annual sediment inflow into Ringlet Reservoir from 2000 to 2030. Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used as the simulation tool, utilising future gridded rainfall 2017 to 2030 under CCSM and future land use 2030. Future annual rainfall is minimum at 1551 mm (in 2030) and maximum at 3150 mm (in 2029). The future projected annual sediment load into Ringlet Reservoir from 2017 to 2030 is averaged at 354,013 m3/year, ranging from 216,981 to 461,886 m3/year. Comparing between the historical period of 2000 to 2016 and future projection (2017–2030), annual sediment load shows an increase of 12 %. To combat the increase sediment yield, catchment management such as erosion control plan, drainage and runoff control must be developed to minimise sediment yield and subsequent effect of high sediment load transport via rivers and drainage network.
Effectiveness of a groundsill structure in reducing scouring problem at Cimadur River, Banten Province
Authors: Fitri Arniza , Yao Li , Pratiwi Dian , Phelia Arlina , Susarman  , Dewantoro Fajar , Safitri Destiana , Maulud Khairul Nizam Abdul
Published: November 2021

Groundsill is a transverse threshold structure that can be built on water body as one alternative in reducing the upstream water velocity and therefore could maintain the upstream sedimentation rates. Due to scouring problems faced in the Cimadur River, Banten Province, a groundsill structure has been constructed at one location in Cimadur River which is near to the Bantar Karang bridge structure. The scouring problem is worried to damage the abutment of the bridge structure. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the groundsill structure in reducing the scouring problem in Cimadur River, Banten Province. The effectiveness is determined by comparing the riverbed elevation around the Bantar Karang bridge structure, before and after 5 months construction of the groundsill structure. The results showed that the presence of the groundsill structure has increased the riverbed elevation especially around the abutment of the Bantar Karang bridge (approximately 25 cm in average after 5 months installation of the groundsill structure). It is therefore can slowly reduce the local scouring problem around Bantar Karang bridge. Besides, the results also showed that there is small reduction of riverbed elevation at the downstream area of the groundsill structure approximately about 10 cm in average. It can be concluded that the groundsill structure is quite effective in reducing the local scouring problem in Cimadur River, especially upstream area of their structure around Bantar Karang bridge.
Performance of fire hotspot detection system with sensor based on angle width and voltage difference monitoring for forest security
Authors: Suryaningsih N , Prasetyowati A , Busalim F
Published: November 2021

Fires that occur naturally in the forest can cause uncontrolled fires due to the rapid spread of heat. This research is focused on the observation land in the Puncak Besar area of Pacet in Pengalengan District, Indonesia, where the area of land burned is approximately 100 hectares. The early warning system that was built in this study uses a range widening method. This method consists of 1 sector that functions to detect heat and initial gas that occurs in the remote area. The initial area of the hotspot is usually not detected by the forest operator. After testing the sensor performance on this device, the fire sensor can detect hotspots with an average range of 440 cm. The width of the detection angle using a shield can reach a range of - 45° to 45° and the wide angle of detection of a fire without a shield can reach a range of -90° to 90°. While the communication system on this device uses the GPRS/GSM module to send data to the Android application as a monitoring system. By using this early forest fire detection system, forest operators can monitor the starting point of a fire in remote areas around the forest and minimize the spread of fire points as one solution to overcome the wider spread of forest fires.
Polyurethane modified screen – printed electrode for the electrochemical detection of histamine in fish
Authors: Munir M A , Heng L Y , Badri K H
Published: November 2021

Histamine needs to be determined because of its toxicity. Histamine is commonly determined using chromatography, where not only that the instrument is expensive, the process is very tedious and require an expert. A sensor was developed using palm-based polyurethane as an electro-sensor substrate. Palm-based polyurethane (PU) was produced via condensation polymerization between palm kernel oil-based monoester polyol (PKOp) and 4,4’- diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). PU offers high porosity and capability to attach onto screen–printed electrode (SPE) sturdily without being disintegrated. PU–SPE adsorbed histamine onto its pores, before being oxidized. The oxidation process was detected using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Histamine was oxidized electrochemically at +0.31 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 1 mol·L-1, pH 7.5). Differential pulse voltemmetric approach were used in order to get a satisfactory response, thus the histamine concentration was made in the range from 1 × 10-4to 1 mmol·L-1. A good sensitivity of 0.1 mmol·L-1was attained with 3.07 % during intraday and 9.55 % during interday. The detection and quantification limits of histamine acquired at 0.17 mmol·L-1and 0.53 mmol·L-1, respectively. A wide variety of interfering compounds were also examined in order to establish their effect, if any, on the determination of histamine at the PU modified electrode. The sensor showed an excellent anti – interference property towards the other amines. The developed chemical sensor using PU – SPE has a good potential to determine histamine level in mackerel(Rastrelliger Brachysoma)owing to its simplicity and reproducibility.
Hydrogen production via methane dry reforming process over CoAl and CoMgAl-Hydrotalcite derived catalysts
Authors: Abdelsadek Z , Chaudhari P , Holgado J P , Bali F , Halliche D , Cherifi O , Gonzalez-Cortes S , Masset P J
Published: November 2021

Co0.67Al0.31 and Co0.14Mg0.54Al0.31 hydrotalcite based catalysts were prepared by a co-precipitation method at a fixed pH=11, exhibiting a suitable hydrotalcite structure to be used as a catalyst in the reaction of the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Calcination at 450 °C provides the best conditions to prepare the most adapted structure and morphology to be later used in the DRM reaction. The samples were characterised by XRD, FTIR, SEM and it was shown that they exhibit a specific surface in the 30-70 g/cm2 and a crystallite size of approximately 20 nm. The results of the TPR analysis showed clearly that CoAl-HT has better catalytic performances than CoMgAl-HT. This result can be explained by the presence of the Co0 for the catalyst CoAl-HTc-R and the total absence in the sample CoMgAl-HTc-R. The solid CoMgAl-HTc-R requires high reduction temperature compared to CoAl-HTc-R due to the strong CoO-MgO interactions.
Effect of mulch on glyphosate mobility in soil column
Authors: Mardiana-Jansar K , Mazlan Nurul Wadhihah , Maznah Zainol , Ishak MS
Published: November 2021

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that often used in controlling weed growth in oil palm plantation. Glyphosate has a high polarity and solubility in water and is quickly absorbed by soil particles. Oil palm waste such as oil palm trunks (OPTs) and empty fruit bunches (EFBs) and the use of glyphosate in agricultural land can contribute to environmental pollution. Apart from the commercial mulch that often used in nurseries, mulch from OPT and EFB can be used to absorb glyphosate to prevent weed growth. The glyphosate concentration of soil and water samples was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Two doses of glyphosate were used which are 5.5 mL/L (2255 mg a.i/L) and 11 mL/L (4510 mg a.i/L). Two water volumes are used which are 250 ml and 500 ml. Glyphosate residual concentration values was high in Serdang soil series at layer three while in Selangor soil series at layer one. The highest concentrations of glyphosate residues were 32.57 mg/L and 34.42 mg/L at Serdang and Selangor soil series respectively. Samples of soil in the mulch of EFB and OPT show low concentrations of glyphosate residue compared to commercial and non-mulching column. Results show that EFB and OPT indicate low residual concentration values at each layer in the soil column for both doses.
Development and mechanical properties of low fired bricks from drinking water sludge and fly ash
Authors: Rahman Z A , Suhaimi A S M , Idris W M R , Lihan T
Published: November 2021

Demand for water and energy supply has dramatically increased the amount of drinking water sludge (DW) and fly ash (FA) annually. These wastes should be properly managed and disposed to protect any potential contamination to surrounding ecosystem. Both by-products can be potentially recycled as raw material for brick development. This study aimed to examine the influence of fly ash content on mechanical properties of drinking water sludge brick at low firing temperature of 500°C. Different ratios of FA content were added to the DWS ranged between 0 and 45%. Brick sample was moulded in 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm dimension. Samples were air-dried prior to firing at 500°C for 3 hours in a furnace. Basic characterization of DW and FA showed pH of 5.76 and 10.1 with organic contents of 8.42% and 1.14%, respectively. Clay and silt fractions were dominant in DWS while silt more apparent than sand and clay in FA. The volume changes and water absorption of the brick samples decreased with increasing FA content. For the water absorption of the brick increased back as 40% of FA content. The density and compressive strength dropped with the increasing amount of FA. The compressive strength of brick experienced with sulphate attack also decreased with increasing FA content. The results suggested that further study are needed to improve the compressive strength of the studied bricks.
Anti-tumor efficacy of an MMAE-conjugated antibody targeting cell surface TACE/ADAM17-cleaved Amphiregulin in breast cancer
Authors: Lofgren Kristopher A , Sreekumar Sreeja , Jenkins Jr E Charles , Ernzen Kyle J , Kenny Paraic A
Published: November 2021

Background

The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) ligand, Amphiregulin (AREG), is a key proliferative effector of estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer and also plays a role in other malignancies. AREG is a single-pass transmembrane protein proteolytically processed by TACE/ADAM17 to release the soluble EGFR ligand, leaving a residual transmembrane stalk that is subsequently internalized.

Methods

Using phage display, we identified antibodies that selectively recognize the residual transmembrane stalk of cleaved AREG. Conjugation with fluorescence labels and monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) was used to study their intracellular trafficking and anti-cancer effects, respectively.

Results

We report the development of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), GMF-1A3-MMAE, targeting an AREG neo-epitope revealed following ADAM17-mediated cleavage. The antibody does not interact with uncleaved AREG, providing a novel means of targeting cells with high rates of AREG shedding. Using fluorescent dye conjugation, we demonstrated that the antibody is internalized by cancer cells in a manner dependent on the presence of cell surface cleaved AREG. Antibodies conjugated with MMAE were cytotoxic in vitro and induced rapid regression of established breast tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice. We further demonstrate that these antibodies recognize the AREG neo-epitope in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue, suggesting their utility as a companion diagnostic for patient selection.

Conclusions

This ADC targeting AREG has potential utility in the treatment of breast and other tumors in which proteolytic AREG shedding is a frequent event.
Participation in Canadian Managed Alcohol Programs and Associated Probabilities of Emergency Room Presentation, Hospitalization and Death: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Jinhui , Stockwell Tim , Pauly Bernie , Wettlaufer Ashley , Chow Clifton
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Managed Alcohol Programs (MAPs) are designed to improve health and housing outcomes for unstably housed people with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The present study assesses the association of MAP participation with healthcare and mortality outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study assessed health outcomes for 205 MAP participants and 128 controls recruited from five Canadian cities in 2006–2017. Survival and negative binomial regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) of death and emergency room (ER) visits and hospital bed days (HBDs). Covariates included age, sex, AUD severity and housing stability score.

Results

In fully adjusted models, compared with times outside MAPs, participants had significantly reduced risk of mortality (HR = 0.37, P = 0.0001) and ER attendance (HR = 0.74, P = 0.0002), and fewer HBDs yearly (10.40 vs 20.08, P = 0.0184). Over the 12 years, people enrolled in a MAP at some point had significantly fewer HBDs per year than controls after MAP enrolment (12.78 vs 20.08, P = 0.0001) but not significantly different rates of death or ER presentation. MAP participants had significantly more alcohol-related but significantly fewer nonalcohol-related ER presentations than controls.

Conclusion

Attendance at a MAP was associated with reduced risk of mortality or morbidity and less hospital utilization for individuals with unstable housing and severe AUDs. MAPs are a promising approach to reduce mortality risk and time spent in hospital for people with an AUD and experiencing homelessness.
Fundamental insight into redox enzyme-based bioelectrocatalysis
Authors: Kano Kenji
Published: November 2021

Redox enzymes can work as efficient electrocatalysts. The coupling of redox enzymatic reactions with electrode reactions is called enzymatic bioelectrocatalysis, which imparts high reaction specificity to electrode reactions with nonspecific characteristics. The key factors required for bioelectrocatalysis are hydride ion/electron transfer characteristics and low specificity for either substrate in redox enzymes. Several theoretical features of steady-state responses are introduced to understand bioelectrocatalysis and to extend the performance of bioelectrocatalytic systems. Applications of the coupling concept to bioelectrochemical devices are also summarized with emphasis on the achievements recorded in the research group of the author.
Optical analysis of glutamate spread in the neuropil
Authors: Matthews E A , Sun W , McMahon S M , Doengi M , Halka L , Anders S , Müller J A , Steinlein P , Vana N S , van Dyk G , Pitsch J , Becker A J , Pfeifer A , Kavalali E T , Lamprecht A , Henneberger C , Stein V , Schoch S , Dietrich D
Published: November 2021

Fast synaptic communication uses diffusible transmitters whose spread is limited by uptake mechanisms. However, on the submicron-scale, the distance between two synapses, the extent of glutamate spread has so far remained difficult to measure. Here, we show that quantal glutamate release from individual hippocampal synapses activates extracellular iGluSnFr molecules at a distance of >1.5 μm. 2P-glutamate uncaging near spines further showed that alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-Rs and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-Rs respond to distant uncaging spots at approximately 800 and 2000 nm, respectively, when releasing the amount of glutamate contained in approximately five synaptic vesicles. The uncaging-induced remote activation of AMPA-Rs was facilitated by blocking glutamate transporters but only modestly decreased by elevating the recording temperature. When mimicking release from neighboring synapses by three simultaneous uncaging spots in the microenvironment of a spine, AMPA-R-mediated responses increased supra-additively. Interfering with extracellular glutamate diffusion through a glutamate scavenger system weakly reduced field synaptic responses but not the quantal amplitude. Together, our data suggest that the neuropil is more permissive to short-range spread of transmitter than suggested by theory, that multivesicular release could regularly coactivate nearest neighbor synapses and that on this scale glutamate buffering by transporters primarily limits the spread of transmitter and allows for cooperative glutamate signaling in extracellular microdomains.