bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) and morphology of Penja fish (Sicyopterus spp.) in Budong-Budong River, West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: ASTUTI IDA , FADJAR MOHAMAD , NURDIANI RAHMI , SULISTIYATI TITIK DWI
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Astuti I, Fadjar M, Nurdiani R, Sulistiyani TD. 2022. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) and morphology of Penja fish (Sicyopterus spp.) in Budong-Budong River, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4724-4729. Penja fish (local name) is a fish that is often found in West Sulawesi. Penja fish belong to the Goobidae family, which has a habit of migrating from the sea to the river. Penja fish species have not been widely published or in the Gen bank. The objective of this study was to analyze the Penja fish species found in the Budong-Budong river, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. The method used was a measurement of fish morphology and analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) using a species barcode (~700). Samples were taken from the catch of fishermen at the mouth of the Budong-Budong river. The result of morphological measurements obtained an average total length of 25-38 mm, standard length 22-35 mm, head length 2-5 mm, tail length 3-5 mm, pelvic fins 0.5-2 mm, pectoral fins 1-3 mm, dorsal fins 1-3 mm and anal fin 0.1-1 and body width 3-6 mm. Electrophoretic analysis on Penja fish samples showed that the DNA between P1 and P2 samples was not much different and has very small genetic variation in 696 bp fragment length. The analysis on the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) showed the identity percentage reached 99.85%. The Penja fish identified in the Budong-Budong river is of the family Gobiidae, genus Sicyopterus with the species name Sicyopterus pugnans, which is classified as post larva.
Propolis extract as a green bacterial corrosion inhibitor on three types of metals
Authors: WATINIASIH NI LUH , BUDIARSA I NYOMAN , ANTARA I NYOMAN GDE , WIRADANA PUTU ANGGA
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Watiniasih NL, Budiarsa IN, Antara ING, Wiradana PA. 2022. Propolis extract as a green bacterial corrosion inhibitor on three types of metals. Biodiversitas 23: 4852-4860. Corrosion causes severe damage to various types of metals, which is a serious problem in the infrastructure sector. Several studies have been conducted to find more efficient natural inhibitors. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of antioxidants from propolis extract in inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause corrosion on various metals. The ethanol extract was carried out to obtain the bioactive contained in the propolis extract, then analyzed its antioxidant activity with DPPH and characterized using GC-MS. Various concentration of propolis extract were tested on NA+1% Fe medium to determine its resistance to corrosion-causing bacteria. Propolis extract was tested on several types of metals in inhibiting the corrosion rate. The results showed that the tested propolis extract had strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 82.496 ppm. The characterization of the metabolite profile showed that the propolis extract was dominated by chemical components that act as antioxidants and antibacterial agents. In the future, the results of this study can be used as a practical guide for the application of bioactive compounds through a biocontrol approach to the growth of corrosion-causing bacteria.
Regeneration failure and seedling growth of Dipterocarpus gracilis, a vulnerable dipterocarp in a tropical monsoon forest in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: ROMADINI NESTY PRATIWI , INDRIOKO SAPTO , WIDIYATNO WIDIYATNO , FARIDAH ENY
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Romadini NP, Indrioko S, Widiyatno, Faridah E. 2022. Regeneration failure and seedling growth of Dipterocarpus gracilis, a vulnerable dipterocarp in a tropical monsoon forest in Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4928-4939. Dipterocarpus gracilis Blume is a vulnerable native dipterocarp species on Java Island, Indonesia. Yet, limited understanding regarding its regeneration capacity in its natural habitat is available to support a sustainable population. The research aimed to investigate the survival and growth of D. gracilis seedlings across canopy openness (CO) in Kecubung Ulolanang Nature Reserve, Central Java, Indonesia. After 10 months of observation, the highest survival rate was found in CO >20%-25% (44%), and the lowest survival rate was observed in CO <15%-20% (20%). The highest relative growth rate of height (RGR H) and the relative growth rate of diameter (RGR D) were found in CO >20%-25% (1.03 ± 0.03 cm and 1.87 ± 0.03 mm). CO <15% showed the lowest RGR H and RGR D (0.6 ± 0.02 cm and 1.39 ± 0.02 mm). The RGR H and D showed a significant CO >20%-25% increase compared with other canopy classes. Pearson’s correlation between RGR D and CO was 0.466 (p >0.05). Our observation indicated that dry months were a critical period for seedling survival. This study showed poor regeneration capacity of D. gracilis, implying that failure in a seedling establishment over time would alter the tree demographics of D. gracilis.
Variability of secondary metabolites from leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana obtained from different locations in Sumbawa, Indonesia
Authors: NAIRFANA IHLANA , NIKMATULLAH ALUH , SARJAN MUHAMMAD , TANDEANG ADNAN
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Nairfana I, Nikmatullah A, Sarjan M, Tandeang A. 2022. Variability of secondary metabolites from leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana obtained from different locations in Sumbawa, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4948-4958. Bidara (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) is an evergreen shrub that grows in many parts of the world, and is an important plant in arid and semi-arid regions for the environment, food, and health. The plant has been used traditionally as medicine, and more recently, growing scientific evidence demonstrated the active compounds of bidara leaves. However, little is known about the plant's secondary metabolite profiles in different environments. This research aimed to characterize the secondary metabolites profile of bidara leaf obtained from the different habitats of semi-arid Sumbawa Island, Indonesia, and to evaluate their relationship based on cluster analysis of the secondary metabolite diversity. The leaf samples were collected from bidara plants obtained in 3 districts on Sumbawa Island: West Sumbawa (SB), Sumbawa (KS), and Dompu (DP) Districts, each from different ecosystems: lowland coastal/savanna, lowland near residential areas, and mid-highland areas of residential or forest-edge. The leaf samples were extracted by maceration with multilevel extraction using solvents with decreased polarity (h-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol 70%, methanol, and distilled water, respectively), followed by phytochemical screening for the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, and phenolic. The results showed variation in the phytochemical components of bidara leaves obtained from a different environment, with secondary metabolites of DP leaves being more diverse than KS and other SB. All samples contained polar alkaloids and flavonoids, while the DP1 samples also contained non-polar flavonoids. The SB1 and DP samples also contained saponin. Interestingly, phenolic was only detected in the polar extracts of DP1 leaves. Cluster analysis based on the secondary metabolites profile distinguished the SB1 and DP1 bidara from others. Further study is required to understand if the variation is resulted from bidara adaptation to a different environment or also due to genetic variation of the bidara in Sumbawa Island.
Ichthyofauna diversity in Pematang Matik Coastal Waters, Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuningsih Hesti , Sinaga Shinta Mianta Sari , Hartanto Adrian
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Wahyuningsih H, Sinaga SMS, Hartanto A. 2022. Ichthyofauna diversity in Pematang Matik Coastal Waters, Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra. Biodiversitas 23: 4992-5000. Pematang Matik Coastal waters are coastal areas that have a major role in the life of various fish species. Research on fish diversity in coastal waters is very important in order to gain a better understanding on the fish diversity in coastal areas such as North Sumatra, including Indonesia. The objective of this study was to initiate an inventory of fish species, their abundance and assessment of its biodiversity based on Shannon's diversity index (H'), and evenness index (E) in Pematang Matik coastal waters. The research was conducted from September to October 2021 at four stations with different human activities by the coastal community. Fish samples were taken using fishing nets that were installed for 12 hr with two replications. In this study, 21 species of fish from 19 families were identified. The highest abundance of fish was obtained from the Mugilidae family, namely Crenimugil crenilabis and Liza macrolepis. The fish diversity index obtained was 2.19-2.95, while the uniformity index obtained was 0.719-0.968. The values ??of H' and E at Station 4 (absent from any human interferences) have higher values ??than the other three stations. The diversity, as expressed in H' value in four research stations, indicates that the coastline has a high diversity of fish species.
Effect of Aspergillus niger extract on production of coumarins in cell suspension cultures of Angelica archangelica
Authors: NADIR DHUHA S.
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Nadir DS. 2022. Effect of Aspergillus niger extract on production of coumarins in cell suspension cultures of Angelica archangelica. Biodiversitas 23: 5132-5138. Aspergillus niger is one of the most significant microbes employed in biotechnology and has been used for many years to make citric acid and extracellular enzymes. It is also utilized for waste treatment and biotransformation. In the last 20 years, A. niger has become a crucial transformational host to overexpress food enzymes. Different concentrations of A. niger extract were used to investigate their effects on the production of coumarin, both in the liquid medium and the cells, of batch cultures of Angelica archangelica L. Liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with 2.0 mg.L-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) combined with 0.5 mg.L-1 Kinetin (Kin), was used as growth medium for batch cultures of A. archangelica incubated for different incubation periods (7, 14 and 21 days). The results showed that 3.053 mg.g-1 was the highest coumarin concentration, obtained from the nutritional medium drawn from cultures treated with 2.0 mL.L-1 of A. niger after 21 days of incubation. However, 2.055 mg.g-1 was the maximum coumarin concentration reached in the harvested cells after 21 days of incubation when the cultures were treated with 2.0 mL.L-1 of A. niger extract. This study was aimed at performing extraction, identification, and estimation of coumarins from cell suspension cultures of A. archangelica and also investigating the effects of A. niger extract, at different concentrations, for various incubation periods on the production of coumarins. The concluded that A. niger extract affected coumarin accumulation, both in the medium and cells, from the cultures of A. archangelica. A dose of 2.0 mL.L-1 of A. niger extract as a biotic elicitor was found to have the best elicitor concentration, and that 21 days of incubation was the optimum period for the elicitor concentration to produce the highest coumarin content in batch cultures. Therefore, these results may contribute to increasing coumarin production by using different fungal extracts as biotic elicitors in cell suspension cultures.
Papeja, herbal potions during breastfeeding in Madura (Indonesia): The use, perceived effectiveness, and documentation of the plants used
Authors: MUSLICHAH SITI , AZRIANINGSIH RODIYATI , INDRIYANI SERAFINAH , ARUMINGTYAS ESTRI LARAS
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Muslichahah S, Azrianingsih R, Indriyani S, Arumingtyas EL. 2022. Papeja, herbal potions during breastfeeding in Madura (Indonesia): The use, perceived effectiveness, and documentation of the plants used. Biodiversitas 23: 5139-5148. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding as the normal infant feeding method. However, many women often face challenges in breastfeeding their infants. One of the challenges may be a real or perceived insufficient milk supply. Poor breast milk production is the common cause of breastfeeding failure in preterm babies. In Indonesia, Madurese women use Papeja (herbal medicines) as a herbal potion to enhance breast milk production. Hence, this study aims to identify the pattern of use, perceived effectiveness, and galactagogues plant component of Papeja taken by mothers during breastfeeding in the Sub-districts of Guluk-Guluk and Pasongsongan, Sumenep District. The data were collected through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Sixty women who had agreed to be interviewed, 18 years or older, breastfeeding or breastfeeding in the past 24 months, and two traditional midwifery in the study area were interviewed. We used simple descriptive statistics to summarize the data on demographic, respondent attitudes, and galactagogues plants. Most participants (n = 48) perceived that the herbal galactagogues effectively promoted breastfeeding adequacy. We identified 46 plants from 27 families to have been used in Papeja. Some of the plants used by the mothers have been recorded as having benefits for enhancing milk supply, some have not had that information, but most have not yet been chemically tested. Thus, it is important to validate the plants scientifically for possible galactagogues properties, which can be harnessed for future use. Since we recorded those plants as ethnomedicinal and therapeutic plants, phytochemical and pharmacological investigations are recommended because this could lead to developing new medicine to address poor milk production among mothers.
Morphological characters variation of Indonesian accession Echinacea purpurea in response to gamma-ray irradiation
Authors: Cahyaningsih Agustina Putri , Etikawati‬ ‪Nita , Yunus Ahmad
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Cahyaningsih AP, Etikawati N, Yunus A. 2022. Morphological characters variation of Indonesian accession Echinacea purpurea in response to gamma-ray irradiation. Biodiversitas 23: 5351-5359. Indonesia was one of the countries that introduced E. purpurea as a medicinal plant. Accessions of E. purpurea that have been successfully cultivated in Indonesia have narrow genetic diversity, lack accession variation, and have almost uniform tillers. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different doses of gamma-ray irradiation on morphological characteristics of E. purpurea accession B2P2TOOT. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design with three replications, and six doses of gamma-ray irradiation (0, 15 Gy, 20 Gy, 25 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy) were used. The qualitative morphological data were presented descriptively; quantitative data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by a DMRT test at a 5% level with SPSS 16.0 application. The Dice similarity algorithm analyzed the similarity index, group analysis, and dendrogram construction using the UPGMA method with the NTSYS 2.02 application. Gamma-ray irradiation treatment increased the survival rate of E. purpurea plants grown in tropical lowlands. A dose of 15-60 Gy gamma irradiation did not affect the qualitative morphology of E. purpurea roots, stems, and leaves. Irradiation at doses of 40 Gy and 60 Gy resulted in flowers with more variation in color, overall flower shape, and arrangement of ray floret. Gamma irradiation significantly affected plant height, leaf length, leaf area, flower angle, and the first day of flowering. The 40 and 60 Gy doses resulted in longer leaves with wider leaf surfaces. The dendrogram revealed that E. purpurea irradiation resulted in two main groups, with doses of 40 and 60 Gy forming their groups and increasing morphological variation by 30% compared to controls.
Species, nutritional value, and elemental content of Stenochlaena distributed in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: CHUSNUL CHOTIMAH HASTIN ERNAWATI NUR , MULIANSYAH MULIANSYAH , WIDYAWATI WAHYU , PITRAMA PITRAMA , SUPARTO HAIRU
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Chotimah HENC, Muliansyah, Widyawati W, Pitrama, Suparto H. 2022. Species, nutritional value, and elemental content of Stenochlaena distributed in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5367-5372. Stenochlaena J. Smith is belonging to the family of Blechnaceae, consisting of only seven species and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In Central Kalimantan Indonesia, Stenochlaena is also widely distributed and abundant in this province. The paper will deliver the diversity of species, and chemical composition value of Stenochlaena in Central Kalimantan. The method used was a survey conducted in the tree district of Central Kalimantan namely Barito Selatan, Kapuas, and Palangka Raya. The key to species determination used was a paper published by Chamber (2013). Chemical composition was measured by proximate analysis while elemental content was established by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. This is the first report on the proximate and element components of some Stenochlaena species, other than Stenochlaena palustris. The results showed that there were four species of Stenochlaena found in Central Kalimantan, namely Stenochlaena palustris, Stenochlaena tenuifolia, Stenochlaena milnei and Stenochlaena cumingi. Stenochlaena palustris had the greatest moisture and proteins while S. cumingii had the highest content of ash. The biggest content of lipids was owned by S. milnei meanwhile S. tenuifolia had the most content of fiber. Stenochlaena palustris also had the highest N, P, K, Mg meantime, the highest Ca and Fe were in S. cumingii and S. milnei, respectively.
Coelomocyte activity and pathogenicity description of nypa palm worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde) after injection with Aeromonas sp. NrBF9 isolated from fecal pellets of nypa palm worm
Authors: Yanti Ari Hepi , Kurniatuhadi ‪Rikhsan , Setyawati Tri Rima , Ramadani R
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Yanti AH, Kurniatuhadi R, Setyawati TR, Ramadani R. 2022. Coelomocyte activity and pathogenicity description of nypa palm worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde) after injection with Aeromonas sp. NrBF9 isolated from fecal pellets of nypa palm worm. Biodiversitas 23: 5439-5445. Coelomocytes in the Annelida group play a role in the immune system by recognizing and destroying foreign objects that enter the body. A study of the character and type of nypa palm worm coelomocytes (Polychaetes) can provide an overview of nypa palm worm resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. Thus researchers can determine the resistance of worms during cultivation based on developmental stages. This study aimed to determine the total and differential coelomocytes of nypa palm worms induced by Aeromonas sp. NrBF9, and to describe the pathogenicity of Aeromonas sp. NrBF9 against palm worms. Observation of the total number of coelomocytes, differential coelomocytes, and character of coelomocytes was carried out after injecting pathogenic bacteria directly into the body of the nypa palm worm. The bacterial test suspension was divided into three treatments, namely P1 (2.7×107 cells/mL of Aeromonas sp. NrBF9), P2 (3.2×105 cells/mL of Aeromonas sp. NrBF9), and P3 (3.4 × 103 cells/mL of Aeromonas sp. NrBF9). Non-induced worms were used as controls. The treated worms were then incubated for 72 hours. The total number of coelomocytes was calculated using the cubicle count method, whereas differential coelomocytes using the smear method. The pathogenicity of the nypa palm worms was described descriptively by determining the morphology of the nypa palm worms after 72 hours of bacterial injection. The results showed an increase in the total number of coelomocytes of nypa palm worms in all injection treatments with Aeromonas sp. NrBF9. The highest total coelomocyte count was obtained in treatment P1(10-3) of 70.58 x 103 cells/mm3. The number of differential coelomocytes also increased, especially in type II and IV-amoebocyte cells. The description of disease resistance and symptoms of nypa palm worms after being induced by Aeromonas sp. NrBF9 in the form of sores and discoloration of the internodes near the injection site became white and healed on the third day. The description of the type and character of coelomocytes and the resistance of nypa palm worms to pathogens are expected to be the basis for understanding worm cultivation activities in the future.
Diversity and activity of amylase-producing bacteria isolated from mangrove soil in Thailand
Authors: KLINFOONG RATIMA , THUMMAKASORN CHANUNLAYA , UNGWIWATKUL SUNISA , BOONTANOM PARIMA , CHANTARASIRI AIYA
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Klinfoong R, Thummakasorn C, Ungwiwatkul S, Boontanom P, Chantarasiri A. 2022. Diversity and activity of amylase-producing bacteria isolated from mangrove soil in Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 5519-5531. Mangrove forests are a potential ecosystem for the isolation of various economic enzymes derived from mangrove-associated bacteria. The knowledge of amylase-producing bacteria isolated from mangrove forests in the Southeast Asian region has been scarce. This study aimed to investigate the isolation, genetic identification, and activity characterization of amylase-producing bacteria from mangrove soils in Thailand. The amylase-producing bacteria isolated from mangrove soils in the present were genetically belong to the genera Bacillus, Desulfurella, Peribacillus, Priestia, and Pseudomonas. Several amylase-producing bacteria such as Bacillus proteolyticus, Desulfurella, Pseudomonas entomophila, and Pseudomonas putida found in this study have hardly ever been reported. The Bacillus paralicheniformis strain DNP0507 was the most active amylolytic bacterium with 2.395 ± 0.133 U/mg of amylase activity. The optimum temperature and pH for amylolytic activity were determined to be 50°C at a pH of 7.0 with a thermal stability range of 20-60°C at a neutral pH of 7.0-8.0. The enzyme activity was significantly enhanced by Cu2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ and was inhibited considerably by a chelating agent EDTA. Finally, the most active amylolytic B. paralicheniformis strain DNP0507 could be applied in baking industries, food industries, and starchy waste valorization.
Analysing the multiple dimensions of predictive policing’s techno-social harms
Authors: Wood Mark A. , Warren Ian
Published: November 2022

This paper outlines and applies a framework for analysing how technologies can contribute to social harms at individual, institutional, and societal levels. This framework – which we term the technology-harm relations approach – synthesises the insights of postphenomenology and critical realism to detail how harms can emerge from direct human-technology relations (first-order harm relations), as well as the results of the results of human-technology relations (second-order harm relations). To apply this framework, we explore how, through first- and second-order harm relations, predictive policing algorithms might magnify harm through conventional law enforcement activity. We explain how first- and second-order harm relations are by-products of a system that currently generates harm through false ideals of objective, neutral, and non-discretionary enforcement, and that aims to promote consistency while at the same time eroding accountability for decisions utilising automated processes.
biblioteques públiques a Catalunya (2020-2021)
Authors: Morlans Giné Gemma , Sánchez Contreras Maria del Mar
Published: November 2022

En aquest capítol es descriuen i s’analitzen els esdeveniments i les accions més rellevants duts a terme en l’àmbit de les biblioteques públiques de Catalunya durant el bienni 2020-2021.

Sens dubte, el bienni ha estat marcat per la pandèmia de la COVID-19 i hem vist com les biblioteques han hagut de fer front al tancament dels equipaments i a adaptar els serveis i activitats a la nova situació. Després d’estabilitzar el sistema, es van impulsar diverses accions per pal·liar la manca d’obertura física, especialment en format virtual, però també per a persones amb risc de vulnerabilitat. Amb la reobertura, a poc a poc, els serveis es van recuperant, camí d’assolir els nivells anteriors a la pandèmia. Tot i la situació, l’activitat professional en jornades, congressos i esdeveniments no ha desaparegut i s’ha adaptat a formats virtuals o híbrids.

En aquests dos anys també hi ha hagut canvis tècnics en processos com ara catalogació i canvis de programari, i s’ha materialitzat la interfície de petició de documents en préstec interbibliotecari de totes les biblioteques del Sistema de Lectura Pública de Catalunya.

En definitiva, l’objectiu del capítol és mostrar una visió de conjunt de l’activitat de les biblioteques públiques catalanes per reflectir el moment actual i veure les tendències de futur.
Automatic rock classification of LIBS combined with 1DCNN based on an improved Bayesian optimization
Authors: Song Guangdong , Zhu Shengen , Zhang Wenhao , Hu Binxin , Zhu Feng , Zhang Hua , Sun Tong , Grattan Kenneth TV
Published: November 2022

To achieve automated rock classification and improve classification accuracy, this work discusses an investigation of the combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and the use of one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1DCNNs). As a result, in this paper, an improved Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm has been proposed where the algorithm has been applied to automatic rock classification, using LIBS and 1DCNN to improve the efficiency of rock structure analysis being carried out. Compared to other algorithms, the improved BO method discussed here allows for a reduction of the modeling time by about 65% and can achieve 99.33% and 99.00% for the validation and test sets of 1DCNN.
Random quasi-phase-matching for pulse characterization from the near to the long wavelength infrared
Authors: Davis Brandin , Saule Tobias , Trallero-Herrero Carlos A.
Published: November 2022

Experiments requiring ultrafast laser pulses require a full characterization of the electric field to glean meaning from the experimental data. Such characterization typically requires a separate parametric optical process. As the central wavelength range of new sources continues to increase so too does the need for nonlinear crystals suited for characterizing these wavelengths. Here we report on the use of poly-crystalline zinc selenide as a universal nonlinear crystal in the frequency resolved optical gating characterization technique from the near to long-wavelength infrared. Due to its property of random quasi-phase-matching it’s capable of phase matching second-harmonic and sum-frequency generation of ultra-broadband pulses in the near and long wavelength infrared, while being crystal orientation independent. With the majority of ultra-fast laser sources being in this span of wavelengths, this work demonstrates a greatly simplified approach towards ultra-fast pulse characterization spanning from the near to the long-wavelength infrared. To our knowledge there is no single optical technique capable of such flexible capabilities.
Rapid nanometer-precision autocorrelator
Authors: Morland Imogen , Zhu Feng , Dalgarno Paul , Leach Jonathan
Published: November 2022

The precise measurement of a target depth has applications in biophysics and nanophysics, and non-linear optical methods are sensitive to intensity changes on very small length scales. By exploiting the high sensitivity of an autocorrelator’s dependency on path length, we propose a technique that achieves ≈30 nm depth precision for each pixel in 30 seconds. Our method images up-converted pulses from a non-linear crystal using a sCMOS (scientific Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) camera and converts the intensity recorded by each pixel to a delay. By utilising statistical estimation theory and using the data from a set of 32×32 pixels, the standard error (SE) of the detected delay falls below 1 nm after 30 seconds of measurement. Numerical simulations show that this result is extremely close to what can be achieved with a shot-noise-limited source and is consistent with the precision that can be achieved with a sCMOS camera.
Extended depth of field of a diffraction limited imaging system using a spatial light modulator based intensity compensated polarization coded aperture
Authors: Tiwari Vipin , Bisht Nandan s.
Published: November 2022

Reducing the aperture size is a conventional technique to obtain extended depth of field (DOF) of an imaging sytem, but it is obscured by depleting illumination. Polarization coded apertures (PCAs) can be employed to circumvent this critical artifact. We experimentally demonstrate intensity compensated polarization encrypted apertures, which are designed using the polarization modulation characteristics of LC-SLM. PCAs are not limited by the aperture size and hence far-field point spread function (PSF) can be more conveniently recorded using these PCAs. We experimentally show that DOF of a diffraction limited lens and axial intensity of binary Fresnel zone plate (BFZP) is enhanced using PCAs with nominal intensity loss.
Sleep prevents catastrophic forgetting in spiking neural networks by forming a joint synaptic weight representation
Authors: Golden Ryan , Delanois Jean Erik , Sanda Pavel , Bazhenov Maxim
Published: November 2022

Artificial neural networks overwrite previously learned tasks when trained sequentially, a phenomenon known as catastrophic forgetting. In contrast, the brain learns continuously, and typically learns best when new training is interleaved with periods of sleep for memory consolidation. Here we used spiking network to study mechanisms behind catastrophic forgetting and the role of sleep in preventing it. The network could be trained to learn a complex foraging task but exhibited catastrophic forgetting when trained sequentially on different tasks. In synaptic weight space, new task training moved the synaptic weight configuration away from the manifold representing old task leading to forgetting. Interleaving new task training with periods of off-line reactivation, mimicking biological sleep, mitigated catastrophic forgetting by constraining the network synaptic weight state to the previously learned manifold, while allowing the weight configuration to converge towards the intersection of the manifolds representing old and new tasks. The study reveals a possible strategy of synaptic weights dynamics the brain applies during sleep to prevent forgetting and optimize learning.
County-level societal predictors of COVID-19 cases and deaths changed through time in the United States: A longitudinal ecological study
Authors: Bergmann Philip J. , Ahlgren Nathan A. , Torres Stone Rosalie A.
Published: November 2022

People of different racial/ethnic backgrounds, demographics, health, and socioeconomic characteristics have experienced disproportionate rates of infection and death due to COVID-19. This study tests if and how county-level rates of infection and death have changed in relation to societal county characteristics through time as the pandemic progressed. This longitudinal study sampled monthly county-level COVID-19 case and death data per 100,000 residents from April 2020 to March 2022, and studied the relationships of these variables with racial/ethnic, demographic, health, and socioeconomic characteristics for 3125 or 97.0% of U.S. counties, accounting for 96.4% of the U.S. population. The association of all county-level characteristics with COVID-19 case and death rates changed significantly through time, and showed different patterns. For example, counties with higher population proportions of Black, Native American, foreign-born non-citizen, elderly residents, households in poverty, or higher income inequality suffered disproportionately higher COVID-19 case and death rates at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by reversed, attenuated or fluctuating patterns, depending on the variable. Patterns for counties with higher White versus Black population proportions showed somewhat inverse patterns. Counties with higher female population proportions initially had lower case rates but higher death rates, and case and death rates become more coupled and fluctuated later in the pandemic. Counties with higher population densities had fluctuating case and death rates, with peaks coinciding with new variants of COVID-19. Counties with a greater proportion of university-educated residents had lower case and death rates throughout the pandemic, although the strength of this relationship fluctuated through time. This research clearly shows that how different segments of society are affected by a pandemic changes through time. Therefore, targeted policies and interventions that change as a pandemic unfolds are necessary to mitigate its disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations, particularly during the first six months of a pandemic.
Impairment in quantitative microvascular function in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy as demonstrated using cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Slivnick Jeremy A. , Zareba Karolina M. , Truong Vien T. , Liu Ellen , Barnes Alexis , Mazur Wojciech , Binkley Philip
Published: November 2022

Background

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is present in various cardiovascular diseases and portends worse outcomes. We assessed the prevalence of MVD in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) as compared to subjects with preserved ejection fraction (EF) using stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients with NICM and 58 subjects with preserved left ventricular (LV) EF who underwent stress CMR between 2011–2016. MVD was defined visually as presence of a subendocardial perfusion defect and semiquantitatively by myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI<1.51). MPRI was compared between groups using univariate analysis and multivariable linear regression.

Results

In total, 41 patients with NICM (mean age 51 ± 14, 59% male) and 58 subjects with preserved LVEF (mean age 51 ± 13, 31% male) were identified. In the NICM group, MVD was present in 23 (56%) and 11 (27%) by semiquantitative and visual evaluation respectively. Compared to those with preserved LVEF, NICM patients had lower rest slope (3.9 vs 4.9, p = 0.05) and stress perfusion slope (8.8 vs 11.7, p<0.001), and MPRI (1.41 vs 1.74, p = 0.02). MPRI remained associated with NICM after controlling for age, gender, hypertension, ethnicity, diabetes, and late gadolinium enhancement (log MPR, β coefficient = -0.19, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

MVD—as assessed using CMR—is highly prevalent in NICM as compared to subjects with preserved LVEF even after controlling for covariates. Semiquantitative is able to detect a greater number of incidences of MVD compared to visual methods alone. Further studies are needed to determine whether treatment of MVD is beneficial in NICM.
Human pericytes degrade diverse α-synuclein aggregates
Authors: Dieriks Birger Victor , Highet Blake , Alik Ania , Bellande Tracy , Stevenson Taylor J. , Low Victoria , Park Thomas I-H , Correia Jason , Schweder Patrick , Faull Richard L. M. , Melki Ronald , Curtis Maurice A. , Dragunow Mike
Published: November 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. Central to disease progression is the gradual spread of pathological α-syn. α-syn aggregation is closely linked to progressive neuron loss. As such, clearance of α-syn aggregates may slow the progression of PD and lead to less severe symptoms. Evidence is increasing that non-neuronal cells play a role in PD and other synucleinopathies such as Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy. Our previous work has shown that pericytes—vascular mural cells that regulate the blood-brain barrier—contain α-syn aggregates in human PD brains. Here, we demonstrate that pericytes efficiently internalise fibrillar α-syn irrespective of being in a monoculture or mixed neuronal cell culture. Pericytes cleave fibrillar α-syn aggregates (Fibrils, Ribbons, fibrils65, fibrils91 and fibrils110), with cleaved α-syn remaining present for up to 21 days. The number of α-syn aggregates/cell and average aggregate size depends on the type of strain, but differences disappear within 5 five hours of treatment. Our results highlight the role brain vasculature may play in reducing α-syn aggregate burden in PD.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of headache among medical students of Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bhattarai Ayush Mohan , Gurung Shekhar , Pathak Bishnu Deep , Karki Saurab , Adhikari Ayush , Tandon Om Prakash , Poudel Sabin , Yadav Deepak , Pant Chiranjibi , Dhakal Bishal
Published: November 2022

Background

Headache is a common neurological disorder, with a global prevalence of around 50%. It may affect people of any age, gender, education, socioeconomic status and occupation. Tension headache, migraine headache and cluster headache are commonly encountered headache types. The prevalence of headache problems is higher among medical students. This could potentially affect their academic performance and quality of life. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of headaches and their clinical characteristics among students of a medical college.

Materials and methods

An online, single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Nepal. Stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was adopted depending upon the academic years of students. For data collection, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used. The data entry and analysis were done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS), version-23. The prevalence of headache and its subtypes were calculated. All the clinical characteristics associated with headaches were also studied.

Results

The prevalence of headache disorder was 65 (26.86%), with tension headache (69.23%) being the commonest one. It was highest among fourth-year students (37.84%) followed by first-year students (33.33%). Anxiety/stress (75.40%) was the most common precipitating factor. This problem stopped most of the students (63.09%) from doing daily activities. More than half of them (53.85%) practised self-medication in case of non-resolution of pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were frequently used.

Conclusion

Headache was fairly prevalent among medical students. Anxiety/stress in medical life has led to headaches in the majority of students. The headache disturbed their daily activities and promoted self-medication practice. So, this problem should be properly looked into and addressed in time by the concerned authority.
Implications of nasal delivery of bromelain on its pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and pharmacodynamic profile—A preclinical study
Authors: Sharma Manu , Gupta Namita , Pandey Easha
Published: November 2022

Asthma is a polygenic chronic inflammatory respiratory disease devastating the quality of life and state economies. Therefore, utilization of natural products as a therapeutic approach has attained wider consideration for development of novel drugs for asthma management. Bromelain, a mixture of natural bioactive cysteine proteases abundantly found in pineapple stem, has allured attention for its pharmacological activities. However, poor stability in gastric milieu, high dose and immunogenicity associated with prolonged use hinders its oral use. Therefore, need exists to explore alternative route of bromelain administration to achieve its plausible benefits. The present study investigated the preclinical prospects of nasal administration of bromelain on systemic bioavailability, tissue distribution and it’s in vivo anti-histaminic, bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic activity in animal models. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed 1.43-fold higher relative bioavailability with faster absorption of bromelain on nasal administration at one-fourth oral dose. The enhanced cellular uptake and localization of bromelain in tissues of lung was observed significantly. Furthermore, faster onset and enhanced antihistaminic, bronchodilator and anti-asthmatic activity on bromelain’s nasal administration signified faster absorption and higher in vivo stability of bromelain. Nasal administration significantly achieved decrease in level of oxidative and immunological markers along with restoration of antioxidant enzymes at considerably one-fourth dose administered orally. These findings distinctly manifested that nasal administration could be a substantial and effective route for bromelain delivery with enduring competency in asthma management.
Dissociative experiences among Lebanese university students: Association with mental health issues, the economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut port explosion
Authors: Mhanna Mariam , El Zouki Christian-Joseph , Chahine Abdallah , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: November 2022

Background

Dissociative experiences are psychological manifestations characterized by a loss of connection and continuity between thoughts, emotions, environment, behavior, and identity. Lebanon has been facing indescribable events in the last few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion, a crushing economic crisis with the highest inflation rate the country has known in over three decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between dissociative experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms from the economic crisis, the Beirut blast, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other mental health issues in a sample of Lebanese university students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 419 active university students (18–35 years) from all over Lebanon (May and August 2021). The respondents received the online soft copy of a survey by a snowball sampling technique through social media and messaging apps. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES-II), the PTSD Checklist Specific Version (PCL-S), the Financial Wellbeing Scale, the Beirut Distress Scale, the Lebanese Anxiety Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

The two-factor model of the DES fitted best according to CFI, RMSEA and χ2/df values, but modestly according to TLI. The two factors were absorption and amnesia/depersonalization. Higher stress (Beta = 0.95) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.29) and from the economic crisis (Beta = 0.23) were significantly associated with more absorption. A personal history of depression (Beta = 6.03), higher stress (Beta = 0.36) and more PTSD from the Beirut blast (Beta = 0.27) and from the COVID-19 pandemic (Beta = 0.16) were significantly associated with more amnesia/depersonalization.

Conclusion

Significant rates of dissociative experiences and their sub-manifestations (amnesia/depersonalization and absorption) were found among Lebanese university students, with remarkable co-occurrence of a traumatic/stressful pattern, whether on an individual (history of PTSD) or a collective level (Post-traumatic manifestations from Beirut blast, COVID-19 pandemic and/or economic crisis), or whether correlated to an acute single event or to certain chronic stressors, or even to a personal history of depression. Such findings must raise the attention to serious mental and psychosocial alteration in the Lebanese national identity.
Kinematic analysis of impairments and compensatory motor behavior during prosthetic grasping in below-elbow amputees
Authors: Touillet Amélie , Gouzien Adrienne , Badin Marina , Herbe Pierrick , Martinet Noël , Jarrassé Nathanaël , Roby-Brami Agnès
Published: November 2022

After a major upper limb amputation, the use of myoelectric prosthesis as assistive devices is possible. However, these prostheses remain quite difficult to control for grasping and manipulation of daily life objects. The aim of the present observational case study is to document the kinematics of grasping in a group of 10 below-elbow amputated patients fitted with a myoelectric prosthesis in order to describe and better understand their compensatory strategies. They performed a grasping to lift task toward 3 objects (a mug, a cylinder and a cone) placed at two distances within the reaching area in front of the patients. The kinematics of the trunk and upper-limb on the non-amputated and prosthetic sides were recorded with 3 electromagnetic Polhemus sensors placed on the hand, the forearm (or the corresponding site on the prosthesis) and the ipsilateral acromion. The 3D position of the elbow joint and the shoulder and elbow angles were calculated thanks to a preliminary calibration of the sensor position. We examined first the effect of side, distance and objects with non-parametric statistics. Prosthetic grasping was characterized by severe temporo-spatial impairments consistent with previous clinical or kinematic observations. The grasping phase was prolonged and the reaching and grasping components uncoupled. The 3D hand displacement was symmetrical in average, but with some differences according to the objects. Compensatory strategies involved the trunk and the proximal part of the upper-limb, as shown by a greater 3D displacement of the elbow for close target and a greater forward displacement of the acromion, particularly for far targets. The hand orientation at the time of grasping showed marked side differences with a more frontal azimuth, and a more “thumb-up” roll. The variation of hand orientation with the object on the prosthetic side, suggested that the lack of finger and wrist mobility imposed some adaptation of hand pose relative to the object. The detailed kinematic analysis allows more insight into the mechanisms of the compensatory strategies that could be due to both increased distal or proximal kinematic constraints. A better knowledge of those compensatory strategies is important for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and the development of innovative prosthetics.
Effectiveness of formaldehyde in various soil types as a wide area decontamination approach for Bacillus anthracis spores
Authors: Richter William , Sunderman Michelle , Willenberg Zachary , Calfee Michael , Serre Shannon , Wood Joseph P.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the decontamination efficacy of liquid formaldehyde solutions for three soil types (sand, loam, and clay) against spores of Bacillus anthracis (B.a.) and Bacillus atrophaeus. Approximately 1 x 108 colony forming units were inoculated into each sample. Through a series of six bench-scale experiments, two concentrations and two volumes of liquid formaldehyde solution were then added to the soil samples and allowed to remain in contact for either 24 or 48 hours. Decontamination efficacy was assessed at either 22° or 10°C with or without lids atop the sample jars. Complete inactivation (no spores recovered from the soil samples, typically providing > 7 log reduction) of B.a. occurred in all soil types in five of the six tests, while complete inactivation of B. atrophaeus was achieved in all soil types for three of the six tests. The results demonstrated a higher probability of complete inactivation of spores for samples that were covered, samples that received the higher volume of formaldehyde, and those contaminated with B.a. Overall, the use of liquid formaldehyde solution (2.5–5%) was highly effective in inactivating entire spore populations (typically > 107 CFU) for both B.a. and B. atrophaeus in the soil matrices studied. Covering the soil after application would allow for less formaldehyde solution to be used without impacting the overall efficacy of the process. The data from this study may aid in the selection of appropriate decontamination parameters when using liquid formaldehyde for soil remediation. The data may also aid in the decision to use B. atrophaeus as a surrogate for B.a. when performing further decontamination studies using liquid formalin solutions.