bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemanfaatan Limbah Gula untuk Pembuatan Bioethanol yang dipengaruhi oleh Komposisi Khamir pada Proses Fermentasi
Authors: Abrina Anggraini Sinar Perbawani , Yuniningsih Susy
Published: September 2020

The increasing needs of people who are not balanced with fuel supplies at the national and world level are bringing about the impact of the energy crisis. The reliance only on renewable energy makes people have to look for alternative energy sources. Bioethanol is a type of fuel that can replace fuel. The bioethanol process is fermented from biomass material with the help of microorganisms. This study aims to know the performance of yeast composition in the fermentation process against ethanol quality. The ingredients used are molasses with a sugar content of 54% as much as 8 L. Molasses is mixed with NPK, Urea, and the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. Khamir's composition varies by 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 grams. To test ethanol levels on each variable by measuring the difference in water density and ethanol using a pycnometer. This study's result is the highest ethanol quality obtained at a sugar concentration of 12 grams (0.2%), at 5.6%. The lowest ethanol quality is obtained at a sugar concentration of 32 grams (0.4%) i.e., 3.29%, while in yeast composition 8, 16, 20, 24, 28 grams of ethanol quality continued to decrease consecutively to 3.6%, 5.4%, 5.3%, 5.2%, and 5.1%.
Ensuring the personal security of prisoners in places of deprivation of liberty: some of the regulatory issues
Authors: Sizov Dmitriy
Published: September 2020

In this article the author considers ensuring the personal security of a convicted person who is in prison as a necessary condition for full, comprehensive observance and enforcement of human and civil rights and freedoms. The author analyzes the concept of “personal security of convicts”, as well as examines the legal framework governing this activity. At present, issues of ensuring the personal safety of prisoners in places of deprivation of liberty are becoming increasingly relevant, since crime in institutions of the penal system is one of the most dangerous criminogenic factors. Currently, in places of isolation there is a risk of committing illegal acts on the part of the convicts themselves, as well as on the part of other persons who visit such institutions for various reasons. The author concludes that convicts’ security in correctional institutions is a multidimensional activity and contains many factors. Security in correctional institutions is provided by the employees with mandatory interaction with other law enforcement and government agencies. In order for the state, represented by institutions and bodies of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, to perform its direct duty to ensure the safety of convicts, it is necessary: constant and enhanced supervision of these persons; strict observance by convicts of the established rules in correctional institutions, the procedure for applying incentives and penalties to them; conducting educational activities; transferring convicts to a safe place, etc. All these measures are aimed exclusively at ensuring human and civil rights and freedoms in places of detention, which in turn is an additional factor that has a positive impact on the development of the state and society.
Regulation and organization of convicts’ work in places of deprivation of liberty: some challenges
Authors: Shamshilova Elena
Published: September 2020

The article is devoted to the process of convicts attracting to work as a means of their correction. The main goals of convicts’ employment are outlined, as well as the problems of regulatory control of this process. The data of the Prosecutor’s office on compliance with the law in correctional institutions in the sphere of attracting convicts to work are analyzed. The study of legislation in the field of convicts’ employment revealed fragmentary regulation of this process, which is explained by the consolidation of norms on attracting this category of persons to work in both the Penal and Labor Codes of the Russian Federation. Taking into account the fact that the basis for regulating issues in the sphere of execution of punishments is the Penal Code of the Russian Federation. The author concludes that it is necessary to make changes to the Penal legislation of Russia in the part concerning the organization of convicts attracting to work, as well as by adding rules on their dismissal. In addition, such problems in the sphere of employment of convicts as the lack of jobs, which entails a high level of non-working convicts, and the organization of remuneration that does not correspond to the stated in the labor legislation, were considered. Possible ways to solve these problems are suggested.
Intra- and interspecific associations in two predatory reef fishes at a shallow seamount
Authors: Gandra M , Afonso P , Fontes J
Published: September 2020

The spatial dynamics of marine populations are shaped by habitat availability, environmental variability and individual interactions, particularly when multiple species share limited habitat such as patchy offshore reefs. The yellowmouth barracuda Sphyraena viridensis and the almaco jack Seriola rivoliana are the 2 most abundant bentho-pelagic reef predators in the Azores archipelago (central North Atlantic). They aggregate at shallow offshore seamounts, and largely share diet preferences, but very little is known about how habitat and resources are shared by these predators intra- and inter-specifically. Here we use long-term (over 3 yr) passive acoustic telemetry to investigate the patterns of activity, space use and associative behaviour at an isolated, small shallow seamount. By quantifying fine-scale spatiotemporal overlaps and performing null model randomization tests, we found evidence of non-random associations, mostly between conspecifics of both species, as well as shifts in diel and seasonal patterns of space occupancy. Both species were detected more often during spring, and appear to be more active during daytime, suggesting the absence of fine-scale temporal habitat partitioning. Additionally, we found evidence of size-dependent spatial behaviour in almaco jack, with similarly sized individuals co-occurring more often and larger specimens being more infrequently detected. This study quantitatively assesses individual associations using solely presence-absence data collected through passive acoustic telemetry, showing the potential of this approach in a broader application to a significant number of past and ongoing studies, even if many were not originally designed to study this important aspect of fish ecology.
Environmental gradients and host availability affecting the symbiosis between Pteroclava krempfi and alcyonaceans in the Saudi Arabian central Red Sea
Authors: Seveso D , Maggioni D , Arrigoni R , Montalbetti E , Berumen ML , Galli P , Montano S
Published: September 2020

Interspecific associations are common in coral reefs, but those involving hydrozoans and octocorals have not been widely investigated. The hydroid Pteroclava krempfi (Hydrozoa, Cladocorynidae) lives in association with different soft coral taxa (Alcyonacea), showing a widespread distribution. However, very little information is available on the ecology of these relationships. Here, we tested for differences in the taxon-specific prevalence and habitat preference of the symbiosis and determined ecological traits of the P. krempfi-host associations in central Red Sea reefs. P. krempfi was found associated with the alcyonacean genera Lobophytum, Rhytisma, Sarcophyton and Sinularia, updating its host range and geographic distribution. The symbiosis prevalence was high in the area and especially at inshore sites compared to midshore and offshore sites. Rhytisma was the most common host, while the association with Lobophytum showed the lowest taxon-specific prevalence. P. krempfi did not show a clear preference for a specific alcyonacean size, and an increase in host size automatically led to an increase in the surface occupied by hydrozoans, although they rarely colonized more than 50% of the upper surface of the host. The spatial distribution of the hydroids on the host surface appeared related to the host genus and size as well as to the coverage of the hydroids. Despite the nature of this symbiosis requiring further investigation, P. krempfi did not seem to play a role in affecting the bleaching susceptibilities of the host colonies. The study shows that the Red Sea coral reef symbioses are more widespread than previously known and therefore deserve more attention.
Comparison of the Relative Telomere Length Measured in Leukocytes and Eleven Different Human Tissues
Authors: DLOUHA D. , MALUSKOVA J. , KRALOVA LESNA I. , LANSKA V. , HUBACEK J. A.
Published: September 2020

The relative length of telomeres measured in peripheral blood leukocytes is a commonly used system marker for biological aging and can also be used as a biomarker of cardiovascular aging. However, to what extent the telomere length in peripheral leukocytes reflects telomere length in different organ tissues is still unclear. Therefore, we have measured relative telomere length (rTL) in twelve different human tissues (peripheral blood leukocytes, liver, kidney, heart, spleen, brain, skin, triceps, tongue mucosa, intercostal skeletal muscle, subcutaneous fat, and abdominal fat) from twelve cadavers (age range of 29 week of gestation to 88 years old). The highest rTL variability was observed in peripheral leukocytes, and the lowest variability was found in brain. We found a significant linear correlation between leukocyte rTL and both intercostal muscle (R=0.68, P<0.02) and liver rTL (R=0.60, P<0.05) only. High rTL variability was observed between different organs from one individual. Furthermore, we have shown that even slight DNA degradation (modeled by sonication of genomic DNA) leads to false rTL shortening. We conclude that the rTL in peripheral leukocytes is not strongly correlated with the rTL in different organs.
Tobacco Dependence, the Most Important Cardiovascular Risk Factor: Treatment in the Czech Republic
Authors: KRÁLÍKOVÁ E. , KMEŤOVÁ A. , ŠTĚPÁNKOVÁ L. , ZVOLSKÁ K. , FELBROVÁ V. , KULOVANÁ S. , BORTLÍČEK Z. , BLAHA M. , FRASER K.
Published: September 2020

Smoking is the most important cardiovascular (CV) risk factor. Stopping smoking halves the CV risk. Every clinician should provide a brief intervention with smokers. Intensive treatment should be available to those who need it. There are 37 Centers for Tobacco Dependence in the Czech Republic, which offer treatment including a psychobehavioral intervention and pharmacotherapy (varenicline, nicotine, bupropion). Czech physicians, pharmacists and nurses are regularly educated about smoking cessation. We describe the results of intensive treatment offered by our centers. Treatment includes screening (1 h), an intervention (2 h), and follow-up visits during the next 12 months. Among 3532 patients, 34.3 % had CO-validated abstinence at 12-months (including 489 patients who attended the screening visit + only the 12-month follow up visit). Among patients who underwent the intervention, the abstinence rate was 38.2 %. The majority of patients who underwent the intervention (N=2470) used some form of pharmacotherapy. After one year, the abstinence rate was 43.4 %, compared to 15.9 % (N=573) without pharmacotherapy. Only 28 % of patients came on the recommendation of a physician. Despite the decrease in CV risk following smoking cessation and the effectiveness of treatment, centers are underutilized.
SOSIALISASI ZERO WASTE LIFESTYLE DI LINGKUNGAN FAKULTAS EKOMONI & BISNIS UNIVERSITAS DIAN NUSWANTORO
Authors: Hadisaputro Dian Festiana , Hernawati Retno Indah
Published: September 2020

Isu lingkungan hidup yang berupa sampah plastik menimbulkan masalah yang sangat kompleks. Kalimat bijak mengajarkan “Menghindari suatu penyakit lebih baik dari pada Mengobati” hal ini bisa diterapkan dalam gaya hidup Zero Waste, mencegah atau preventif yaitu menahan diri untuk tidak menggunakan bahan-bahan plastik sekali pakai, karena bahan-bahan plastik ini sangat lama terurai. Disini kita akan menerapkan gaya hidup Zero Waste pada lingkungan institusi kampus Universitas Dian Nuswantoro di Fakultas Ekonomi & Bisnis, dari kegiatan pameran atau event – event tertentu yang dilakukan kelas mahasiswa kewirausahaan lanjutan dalam membuat dan menjual produknya pada acara tersebut. Target luaran yang dihasilkan adalah adanya peningkatan perubahan prilaku yang dilakukan mahasiswa dalam menjaga lingkungan dengan mengurangi penggunaan sampah plastik dan menggunakan bahan - bahan yang ramah lingkungan. Hasil lain sosialisasi tersebut bertujuan untuk memberikan kesadaran mahasiswa berprilaku  untuk bisa lebih ramah dalam menjaga lingkungan sekitar kita. Kata Kunci : Sampah palstik, Zero Waste life Style
Pelatihan Excel (Pengelolaan Administrasi) Bagi Guru Sekolah Dasar Pada Korwilcam Kecamatan Ambarawa
Authors: Setiawan Aries , Widjajanto Budi
Published: September 2020

Pengelolaan administrasi pada sekolah dasar menggunakan proses komputer akan mempermudah dari sisi pengarsipan, perhitungan serta penyediaan laporan. Tidak akan butuh waktu lama dalam menyediakan berkas yang sedang dicari. Hal ini juga berpengaruh terhadap layanan terhadap siswa dan orang tua siswa. Sejauh ini pemanfaatan komputer pada sekolah dasar hanya sebatas pada aktivitas pengetikan. Perlu pengembangan pada potensi guru-guru sekolah dasar di wilayah ini terutama dalam pengelolaan administrasi sekolah. Untuk itu perlu diberikan pembekalan mengenai pengelolaan administrasi dengan memanfaatkan Microsoft Excel. Pelatihan Excel (Pengelolaan Administrasi) Bagi Guru Sekolah Dasar Pada Korwilcam Kecamatan Ambarawa mampu memberikan khasanah baru bagi guru-guru sekolah dasar dalam mengelola administrasi. Perhitungan yang otomatis mampu mengefektifkan kinerja guru dalam merekap administrasi keuangan, selain itu mampu mengefisienkan waktu pembuatan. Pembuatan laporan dan rangkuman perhitungan dapat mudah didapatkan dengan melakukan operasi pivot untuk selanjutnya dapat dijadikan referensi pengambilan keputusan
Pembelajaran Computational Thinking untuk Siswa SMA Institut Indonesia Semarang
Authors: Hidayat Erwin Yudi , Affandy Affandy , Pertiwi Ayu
Published: September 2020

Pembelajaran mengenai teknologi informasi telah banyak dilakukan di pendidikan menengah atas untuk mempersiapkan peserta didik menghadapi perkembangan teknologi informasi. Penerapan teknologi informasi di berbagai bidang sesungguhnya memerlukan kemampuan berpikir komputasional yang menjadi populer dalam beberapa tahun terakhir ini menjadi kemampuan yang mendasar yang seyogyanya dimiliki oleh setiap insan dalam era digital ini. Kemampuan berpikir komputasional adalah proses berpikir dalam melakukan formulasi persoalan dan solusinya sehingga solusi dapat dinyatakan dalam suatu bentuk yang dapat dikerjakan secara efektif oleh manusia atau mesin. Berpikir komputasional adalah kemampuan dasar yang diperlukan setiap orang, bukan hanya ilmuwan komputer. Selain kemampuan membaca, menulis, dan aritmatika, kita juga perlu menambahkan kemampuan berpikir komputasional kepada seorang anak untuk mengasah kemampuan analisisnya.
PELATIHAN DESAIN PRODUK DAN IKLAN DIGITAL UNTUK KARANG TARUNA KELURAHAN GAJAHMUNGKUR
Authors: Hidayat Muhammad Noor , Umami Zahrotul , Bashori Muhammad Hasan
Published: September 2020

Product design become more important thing for traditional snack producers, especially jajan pasar, which is the term for traditional snack in the Semarang and Central Java Region. The design of packaging and digital advertising is also a supporting tool in marketing of jajan pasar. The development of creativity and product packaging innovation is the key to achieving success for the business being run. Product packaging is a way for consumers to judge a product both in the terms of benefits, aesthetics and quality of the product. The unique product design is an added value in marketing of jajan pasar through digital advertising. Jajan pasar are the potency of Gajahmungkur, but this potential is not supported by packaging design and digital advertising in expanding marketing. Seeing this problem, the communication science lecturer cooperated with Karang Taruna Gajahmungkur to create a public service program about the importance of digital advertising supported by a unique packaging design to increase the marketing of jajan pasar in the Gajahmungkur. Public service activities regarding packaging design and digital advertising are expected to be able to help the people of Gajahmungkur in marketing jajan pasar product so that they can improve the prosperity of Gajahmungkur communities
Pemberian Sosialisasi dan Bantuan Pencegahan Covid-19 bagi Warga Malangan Kota Yogyakarta Berdasarkan Analisis Tingkat Pengetahuan
Authors: Bekti Rokhana Dwi , Suryowati Kris , Suseno Hadi Prasetyo
Published: September 2020

Wabah Covid-19 yang telah melanda sangat perlu dipahami oleh penduduk di Indonesia, khususnya bagi warga di RT 37/ RW 13 Malangan, Kelurahan Giwangan, Kecamatan Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, DIY. Berdasarkan hasil analisis, dapat diketahui bahwa sebagian besar warga telah memahami gejala dan pencegahan Covid-19. Sebagian besar warga telah melakukan langkah-langkah pencegahan, namun tidak sedikit pula yang belum melakukannya. Oleh karena itu, tim melakukan kegiatan pengabdian dengan melakukan sosialisasi pengetahuan dan pecegahan, serta pemberian bantuan pencegahan. Kegiatan ini dilakukan selama seminggu di April 2020. Warga telah mendapatkan manfaat dari kegiatan ini mengingat mereka juga belum memiliki peralatan pencegahan penularan yang lengkap.
KONSEP INFORMATIKA DAN COMPUTATIONAL THINKING DI DALAM KURIKULUM SEKOLAH DASAR, MENENGAH, DAN ATAS
Authors: Pertiwi Ayu , Pertiwi Ayu
Published: September 2020

Informatics or computer science is an important subject for school education today. Informatics can be presented as a scientific discipline to understand technology in a way that is more deeply behind computer programs. With the introduction of informatics to schools is to prepare young people to become creators of information technology not just users of information technology. To achieve this, informatics concepts need to be introduced from basic education, high school, and high school. On the other hand, we need to help people solve problems by using technology and developing computational thinking in various fields. This paper presents the role of Indonesia specifically through universities in Indonesia in introducing computational thinking through Bebras Computational Thinking.
MODEL ORGANISASI SEKRETARIAT DEWAN DALAM MENDUKUNG OPTIMALISASI FUNGSI DEWAN PERWAKILAN RAKYAT DAERAH (DPRD) DI PROVINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: Tarigan Meliasta Hapri , Ginting Arwanto Harimas
Published: September 2020

This study aims to offer a model of the organization of the secretariat of the council (setwan) at the provincial and district / city level capable of supporting the duties and functions of the DPRD in carrying out its duties. The organizational model is the result of a review of the existing organizational model combined with various literature reviews and adjustments to the facts that occur in the field. This study uses a qualitative method by collecting data from key informants and ordinary informants who were selected purposively and using interview, observation and questionnaire techniques. Data analysis with 2 (two) stages, triangulation, comparison of norms in force before explaining the results and findings. The results showed that the current organizational model has not been able to support the DPRD's main task in producing legal products in the form of regional regulations which are the initiative of the DPRD itself. The model offered from the research results will be able to improve the duties and functions of the DPRD in the future.
UPAYA PEMERINTAH DESA DALAM MENANGGAPI DAMPAK COVID-19 DI DESA SUKAJAYA KECAMATAN SUMEDANG SELATAN KABUPATEN SUMEDANG
Authors: Hidayati Atikah Nur
Published: September 2020

The aim of this research is to identify the Village Government’s efforts in responding to impacts of Covid-19 in Sukajaya Village, Sub-district of South Sumedang, Sumedang Regency. This research is a descriptive qualitative research based on in-depth interviews method with the parties involved in it. The efforts of the Village Government which are in line with the directions of the central and regional policies need to be responded well by the society, because if the society do not give any good respond to any kind of Village Government’s policies in order to handle the impact of Covid-19, it will not show any good result. The Village Government also need to respond any suggestion, criticism from society as well to syncronize the policies and its aims in order to achieve policies effectivity as expected by various parties.
FENOMENA PENGAWASAN PEMILIHAN KEPALA DAERAH DI KALIMANTAN TENGAH MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Sandi Jhon Retei Alfri , . Suprayitno
Published: September 2020

This study is to provide an overview related to the supervision of local elections in Central Kalimantan during the co-19 pandemic. The method used is the study of literature studies. The author examines the phenomena related to election supervision in Central Kalimantan based on existing phenomena and from various literary sources to support the author in presenting the results of the study in question. One indicator of the implementation of post-conflict local elections that is transparent, professional and responsible is related to the extent to which supervision is carried out properly despite the current non-natural disaster covid-19. Related to this, several things were delivered, namely: 1.) The Need for Regional Executive-Legislative Relations in Good COVID-19 Budget Policy, 2). Bawaslu As a supervisor must exist and continue to innovate in supervision during the pandemic, 3). The Covid-19 disaster should not be used as a campaign event.
MENELAAH RENCANA TATA RUANG KAWASAN PERKOTAAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF PEMERINTAHAN MEGAPOLITAN JABODETABEK-PUNJUR
Authors: Rizal Jose
Published: September 2020

The concept of developing a megapolitan area that includes Jakarta as a core city with buffer zones Depok, Bogor Raya, Tangerang Raya and Bekasi Raya has long been conceived by Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin. This plan is to align the development of Jakarta which is predicted to be crowded and congested. At the end of the leadership of Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso (2007), the idea will be neatly packaged and broader socialized. Unfortunately, many oppose it because the surrounding satellite cities feel used for the benefit of Jakarta. Now, after 13 years have passed, the synchronization of the Jabodetabek-Punjur development must be done more seriously and directed. So that all local communities get a fair and equitable benefit.
SEJARAH PEMBANGUNAN BENTENG LIWU BURANGASI KECAMATAN LAPANDEWA KABUPATEN BUTON SELATAN PADA ABAD XVII
Authors: Rista Rista , M Aswati
Published: September 2020

The location of Buton at strategic cruise made its position vulnerable to external threats in the sultanate period. As the protective measure, the sultanate built the Liwu Burangasi Fortress in the XVII century. Therefore, this study focused to describe the history of the Liwu Burangasi Fortress. The problems in this study were: (1) how was the constraction background of the Liwu Burangasi Fortress, (2) how was the position of Liwu Burangasi Fortress in the defense structure of the Buton Sultanate, (3) What was the function of the Liwu Burangasi Fortress in the Buton Sultanate period. This study used historical method developed by Kuntowijiyo, namely (a) Topic Selection, which was done through emotional closeness and intellectual closeness, (b) Collection of sources, which was done through document studies, library research, interviews and observations, (c) Source verification, which was carried out through external criticism and internal criticism, (d) Source interpretation, which was carried out through analysis and synthesis, (e) historiography. The results of this study showed that (1) the history of the development of the Liwu Bungungasi Fortress was closely related to defense and security strategies. (2) The position of Liwu Burangasi Fortress in the structure of the Buton Sultanate wa as part of the community defense system that existed at the time of the Buton Sultanate. The Liwu Burangasi Fort with the Keraton Fortress could be seen in the structure of government, the political field, the economic field, the socio-cultural field, the field of defense and security, and the legal field. (3) The function of  Liwu Burangasi Fortress during the Buton Sultanate had a dual function and role, namely as a defense and protection for native people and as a place of community settlement.

Keyword: Development, Sultanate, Fortress, Defense, Protection
The association of ABCC5 and ABCC11 polymorphisms with the pharmacokinetics of 5-FU in advanced gastric cancer patients
Authors: PALA KARA Zeliha , OZTAS Ezgi , OZTURK Dilek , AKYEL Yasemin , TURNA Zeynep , OKYAR Alper , ÖZHAN Gül
Published: September 2020

Objective: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat cancer, but 5-FU and its forms are characterized by wide inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability. ABCC5 and ABCC11 are members of the ABC transporter superfamily and play a role in the efflux of antineoplastic drugs like 5-FU.

Methods: The influence of two SNPs in ABCC5 (rs562, T>C) and ABCC11 (rs17822931, G>A) was evaluated based on the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of 5-FU in HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer patients treated with cisplatin and 5-FU (n=18). The genetic variants and plasma 5-FU concentrations were detected by RT-PCR and HPLC, respectively.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between 5-FU AUC0-96 h values and ABCC5 (rs562; T>C), 21.04 ±3.46 vs 16.65 μg.h/mL, p=0,261) and ABCC11 (rs17822931; G>A), 17.04 ±4.39 vs 54 ±3.79 mg.h/L, p=0,564) variants. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between the variants and the most frequently observed side effects of diarrhea and mucositis.

Conclusion: We recommend investigating the noted SNPs more precisely in a larger study population with more comprehensive evaluation.
Resurspersonal i skolan – vad visar forskningen?
Authors: Lindqvist Henrik , Östergren Rickard , Holme Lotta
Published: September 2020

I skolan ökar användningen av resurspersonal för elever i behov av särskilt stöd. ”Resurserna” innefattar främst elevassistenter, lärarassistenter och fritidshemspersonal, men även andra personalkategorier. Det gemensamma för personalgruppen är att den generellt sett har liten eller ingen utbildning för att möta elever i svårigheter. Trots det är det vanligt att resurspersonal, särskilt elevassistenter, anställs för att arbeta med elever i behov av särskilt stöd, men arbetsuppgifterna är sällan tydligt formulerade.
Biochar Impacts on Acidic Soil from Camellia Oleifera Plantation: A Short-Term Soil Incubation Study
Authors: Song Qianqian , He Yifan , Wu Yuefeng , Chen Shipin , Zhang Taoxiang , Chen Hui
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, biochar is increasingly used widely as an important soil amendment to enhance soil nutrients availability. Therefore, we investigated the effect of C.oleifera shell biochar (CSB) on C.oleifera plantation soils to provide evidence that C. oleifera shell as a raw material in biochar has great potential to be a soil amendment. For this, a short-term incubation experiment was conducted in controlled conditions to evaluate the effects of CSB application on two soil chemical properties, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity. We compared two acidic soils, mixed with CSB of three pyrolysis temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C), and two application rates (3% and 5% (w/w)), incubated for 180 days. The results showed that the soil pH, total P (TP), and available P (AP) significantly increased under 5CSB700 in two soils, and indicated CSB application rate and pyrolysis temperature had a significant impact on soil pH, TP, and AP (p < 0.05). CSB application also significantly increased the total inorganic P in two soils and presented a significantly positive correlation with soil pH, TP, and AP under redundancy analysis. The results suggested that CSB application has a variable effect on soil enzymatic activity, microbial biomass C (MBC), and microbial biomass P (MBP) on average, while it increased the soil microbial biomass N (MBN) in both soils. We concluded that CSB could be a soil amendment to increase soil nutrients of C.oleifera plantation soils. Before the application of biochar to C.oleifera plantation forest soils, long-term studies are required to assess the effects of biochar under field conditions and its promoting effect on the growth of C. oleifera.
Variable Guide Vane Scheduling Method Based on the Kinematic Model and Dual Schedule Curves
Authors: Kim Sun , Ki Taeseok
Published: September 2020

The variable guide vanes (VGV) of gas turbine engines are commonly utilized to expand operating range and to improve efficiency of the compressor. Guiding air flow using the VGVs in the compressor prevents aerodynamic instability by making proper incidence angle to the blades. In this study, we dealt with rig-type three-stages VGVs for developed engine tests. The three link mechanism of VGVs are linked to each other with two hydraulic actuators, and inevitably, induced hysteresis exists between vane rotations and actuators strokes, due to links with non-fully constrained degree of freedoms for easy installation and instrumentation, as well. Therefore, the adjustment of each VGVs link mechanism is required to satisfy vane angle demands. To adjust coupled three-stages VGVs link mechanism, an analytical VGV-link kinematic model was derived, and effects of two adjusting parameters (lengths of bell cranks and vertical links) were discovered. Lastly, we obtained two vane angle schedule curves from the experiments according to link moving directions, and applied them to the engine controller to minimize hysteresis of the variable inlet guide vane (VIGV). The proposed VGV adjusting and controlling method can be simply applied to the pre-designed or pre-manufactured VGVs system without mechanical compensation or additional cost.
A Closer Look at the Role of the Cyprus Low on Dust Events in the Negev Desert
Authors: Kalkstein Adam J. , Rudich Yinon , Raveh-Rubin Shira , Kloog Itai , Novack Victor
Published: September 2020

The Negev Desert in Israel is susceptible to frequent atmospheric events of high dust loading which have been linked with negative human health outcomes, including cardiovascular and respiratory distress. Previous research suggests that the highest levels of dust over the region occur during an atmospheric pattern with a cyclone situated over the eastern Mediterranean. This Cyprus Low can bring unsettled weather and strong westerly winds over the Negev. However, while the overall pattern associated with dust events in the Negev Desert is generally well-understood, it remains unclear why days with seemingly similar weather patterns result in different levels of atmospheric dust. Thus, the goal of this study is to better differentiate the atmospheric patterns during dust events over the Negev. Using PM10 data collected in Be’er Sheva, Israel, from 2000 to 2015 in concert with 72-h HYSPLIT back trajectories at three different height levels (surface, 200 m, 500 m), we examine the source region, trajectory groups using a K-Means clustering procedure, and overall synoptic pattern during dust events. Further, we use sea-level pressure data across the region to determine how cyclone strength and location impact dust events in Be’er Sheva. We find that the highest levels of atmospheric dust in the Negev are associated with the Cyprus Low pattern, and air traversing Libya seems to play an especially important role, likely due to the country’s arid surface cover. Cyclone strength is also a critical factor, as lower sea-level pressure results in more severe dust events. A better understanding of the atmospheric features associated with dust events over the Negev Desert will hopefully aid in forecasting these occurrences across the region.
Differentiating Snow and Glacier Melt Contribution to Runoff in the Gilgit River Basin via Degree-Day Modelling Approach
Authors: Latif Yasir , Ma Yaoming , Ma Weiqiang , Muhammad Sher , Adnan Muhammad , Yaseen Muhammad , Fealy Rowan
Published: September 2020

In contrast to widespread glacier retreat evidenced globally, glaciers in the Karakoram region have exhibited positive mass balances and general glacier stability over the past decade. Snow and glacier meltwater from the Karakoram and the western Himalayas, which supplies the Indus River Basin, provide an essential source of water to more than 215 million people, either directly, as potable water, or indirectly, through hydroelectric generation and irrigation for crops. This study focuses on water resources in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) which combines the ranges of the Hindukush, Karakoram and Himalaya (HKH). Specifically, we focus on the Gilgit River Basin (GRB) to inform more sustainable water use policy at the sub-basin scale. We employ two degree-day approaches, the Spatial Processes in Hydrology (SPHY) and Snowmelt Runoff Model (SRM), to simulate runoff in the GRB during 2001–2012. The performance of SRM was poor during July and August, the period when glacier melt contribution typically dominates runoff. Consequently, SPHY outperformed SRM, likely attributable to SPHY’s ability to discriminate between glacier, snow, and rainfall contributions to runoff during the ablation period. The average simulated runoff revealed the prevalent snowmelt contribution as 62%, followed by the glacier melt 28% and rainfall 10% in GRB. We also assessed the potential impact of climate change on future water resources, based on two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). We estimate that summer flows are projected to increase by between 5.6% and 19.8% due to increased temperatures of between 0.7 and 2.6 °C over the period 2039–2070. If realized, increased summer flows in the region could prove beneficial for a range of sectors, but only over the short to medium term and if not associated with extreme events. Long-term projections indicate declining water resources in the region in terms of snow and glacier melt.
Development of a Wide-Range Non-Dispersive Infrared Analyzer for the Continuous Measurement of CO2 in Indoor Environments
Authors: Dinh Trieu-Vuong , Lee Joo-Yeon , Ahn Ji-Won , Kim Jo-Chun
Published: September 2020

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an indicator of indoor air quality. Ventilation based on the use of a CO2 indicator helps to prevent people from acquiring many diseases, especially respiratory viral infections. Therefore, the monitoring of CO2 is a pivotal issue in the control of indoor air quality. A nondispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzer with a wide range of measurements (i.e., ppmv to percentage levels) was developed for measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) in an indoor environment. The effects of optical pathlength and interfering gases were investigated. The pathlengths of the analyzer were varied at 4.8, 8, 10.4 and 16 m, and the interference gases were CO; NO2; SO2; H2O; BTEX (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-/p-xylene) and formaldehyde. The lower detection limit, selectivity and sensitivity were determined to evaluate the performance of the analyzer. It was found that different pathlengths should be used to produce linear calibration curves for CO2 from ppmv to percentage levels. As a result, a wide-range NDIR analyzer, coupled with flexible pathlengths from 4.8 to 10.4 m, was developed. In terms of interference, only H2O should be taken into account due to its high concentration in indoor air. CO should be considered in some special locations at the ppmv level. The measurement errors for ppmv and the percentage levels were 0.4 and 0.9%, respectively.
Can Brain Health Be Supported by Vitamin D-Based Supplements? A Critical Review
Authors: Farghali Mahitab , Ruga Sara , Morsanuto Vera , Uberti Francesca
Published: September 2020

This review presents recent knowledge on the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D and their usefulness as oral supplementation when combined with other molecules, such as curcumin. A critical look at the effectiveness of vitamin D in this field is also provided. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in neuroprotection and in the cognitive decline associated with aging, where vitamin D’s levels are related to the levels of several neurotrophic factors. An important role of vitamin D has also been observed in the mechanism of neuroinflammation, which is the basis of several aging conditions, including cognitive decline and neurodegeration; furthermore, the neuroprotective effect of vitamin D in the cognitive decline of aging has recently been reported. For this reason, many food supplements created for humans contain vitamin D alone or combined with other molecules with antioxidant properties. However, recent studies also explored negative consequences of the use at a high dosage of vitamin D. Vitamin D in tissues or brain cells can also modulate calbindin-D28K, parvalbumin, and calretinin, and is involved in immune function, thanks also to the combination with curcumin. Curcumin acts as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage. In particular, curcumin is a potent immune-regulatory agent and its administration has been reported to attenuate cognitive impairments. These effects could be exploited in the future to control the mechanisms that lead to the brain decay typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Effect of Blindness on Spatial Asymmetries
Authors: Rinaldi Luca , Ciricugno Andrea , Merabet Lotfi B. , Vecchi Tomaso , Cattaneo Zaira
Published: September 2020

The human cerebral cortex is asymmetrically organized with hemispheric lateralization pervading nearly all neural systems of the brain. Whether the lack of normal visual development affects hemispheric specialization subserving the deployment of visuospatial attention asymmetries is controversial. In principle, indeed, the lack of early visual experience may affect the lateralization of spatial functions, and the blind may rely on a different sensory input compared to the sighted. In this review article, we thus present a current state-of-the-art synthesis of empirical evidence concerning the effects of visual deprivation on the lateralization of various spatial processes (i.e., including line bisection, mirror symmetry, and localization tasks). Overall, the evidence reviewed indicates that spatial processes are supported by a right hemispheric network in the blind, hence, analogously to the sighted. Such a right-hemisphere dominance, however, seems more accentuated in the blind as compared to the sighted as indexed by the greater leftward bias shown in different spatial tasks. This is possibly the result of the more pronounced involvement of the right parietal cortex during spatial tasks in blind individuals compared to the sighted, as well as of the additional recruitment of the right occipital cortex, which would reflect the cross-modal plastic phenomena that largely characterize the blind brain.
High-Temperature Tribological Performance of Hard Multilayer TiN-AlTiN/nACo-CrN/AlCrN-AlCrO-AlTiCrN Coating Deposited on WC-Co Substrate
Authors: Alamgir Asad , Yashin Maxim , Bogatov Andrei , Viljus Mart , Traksmaa Rainer , Sondor Jozef , Lümkemann Andreas , Sergejev Fjodor , Podgursky Vitali
Published: September 2020

Mechanical and tribological properties of the hard-multilayer TiN-AlTiN/nACo-CrN/AlCrN-AlCrO-AlTiCrN coating deposited on WC-Co substrate were investigated. The sliding tests were carried out using ball-on-disc tribometer at room (25 °C) and high temperatures (600 and 800 °C) with Al2O3 balls as counterpart. Nano-scratch tests were performed at room temperature with a sphero-conical diamond indenter. The surface morphology and chemical composition were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and in-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD). The phase transition from fcc-(Al,Cr)2O3 into α-(Al,Cr)2O3 was observed at about 800 °C. The results of the tribological tests depends on the temperature, the lowest apparent and real wear volumes were observed on the coating after the test at 800 °C along with the smallest coefficient of friction (COF). The plastic deformation of the coating was confirmed in sliding and nano-scratch tests. The nano-scratch tests revealed the dependence of COF value on the temperature of the sliding tests.
Investigation of Barkhausen Noise Emission in Steel Wires Subjected to Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Krkoška Lukáš , Moravčík Martin , Zgútová Katarína , Neslušan Miroslav , Uhričík Milan , Bahleda František , Pitoňák Martin
Published: September 2020

Steel rope wires represent the main bearing components of bridges whose long-term operation depends on loading conditions, corrosion attack, and/or pre-stressing. Corrosion attack especially can remarkably reduce the effective cross-sectional area, which in turn over-stresses the wires and redistributes stress to the neighboring wires. The premature collapse of many bridges is very often caused by wire rupture as a result of their poor corrosion protection. For these reasons, various processes—such as galvanizing, phosphating, etc.—have been applied to steel wires to increase their resistance against corrosion. However, these processes can alter the microstructure, especially in the near-surface regions. The Barkhausen noise technique has been already reported as a suitable technique for investigating corrosion extent and true pre-stress in the steel rope wires. This study reports that non-homogeneity of the surface state of wires undergoing different surface treatment makes it more difficult to assess the true stress state and increase the uncertainty of Barkhausen noise measurement. Barkhausen noise signals are correlated with metallographic and SEM observations as well as microhardness measurements. The non-homogeneity of the surface state of wires is also investigated by the use of chemical mapping and linear chemical analyses.
Phragmites australis Associates with Belowground Fungal Communities Characterized by High Diversity and Pathogen Abundance
Authors: Schroeder Carolyn S. , Halbrook Susannah , Birnbaum Christina , Waryszak Paweł , Wilber William , Farrer Emily C.
Published: September 2020

Microbial symbionts are gaining attention as crucial drivers of invasive species spread and dominance. To date, much research has quantified the net effects of plant–microbe interactions on the relative success of native and invasive species. However, little is known about how the structure (composition and diversity) of microbial symbionts can differ among native and invasive species, or vary across the invasive landscape. Here, we explore the structure of endosphere and soil fungal communities associated with a monoculture-forming widespread invader, Phragmites australis, and co-occurring native species. Using field survey data from marshes in coastal Louisiana, we tested three hypotheses: (1) Phragmites australis root and soil fungal communities differ from that of co-occurring natives, (2) Phragmites australis monocultures harbor distinct fungal communities at the expanding edge compared to the monodominant center, and (3) proximity to the P. australis invading front alters native root endosphere and soil fungal community structure. We found that P. australis cultivates root and soil fungal communities with higher richness, diversity, and pathogen abundances compared to native species. While P. australis was found to have higher endosphere pathogen abundances at its expanding edge compared to the monodominant center, we found no evidence of compositional changes or pathogen spillover in native species in close proximity to the invasion front. This work suggests that field measurements of fungal endosphere communities in native and invasive plants are useful to help understand (or rule out) mechanisms of invasion.
Smart Energy Management System of Environmentally Friendly Microgrid Based on Grasshopper Optimization Technique
Authors: Gad Yehia , Diab Hatem , Abdelsalam Mahmoud , Galal Yasser
Published: September 2020

A microgrid is a group of distributed energy resources and interconnected loads that may be operated either in isolated mode or connected mode with the main utility within electrical boundaries. Microgrids may consist of different types of renewable energy resources such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, micro turbines, and storage units. It is highly recommended to manage the dependency on these resources by implementing an energy management unit to optimize the energy exchange so that the minimum cost is achieved. In this paper, an energy management system based on the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) is proposed to determine the optimal power generated by the distributed generators in the microgrid which is required to minimize the total generation cost. The proposed unit is applied to a microgrid that consists of five generating units feeding residential, commercial, and industrial loads, and results are compared to other available research in literature to validate the proposed algorithm.
Improving Fungal Decay Resistance of Less Durable Sapwood by Impregnation with Scots Pine Knotwood and Black Locust Heartwood Hydrophilic Extractives with Antifungal or Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Vek Viljem , Balzano Angela , Poljanšek Ida , Humar Miha , Oven Primož
Published: September 2020

Research Highlights: The antifungal assay confirmed that knotwood extractives of Scots pine inhibit the growth of wood decay fungi. Heartwood extracts of black locust were found to be much stronger free radical scavengers than the extracts of Scots pine. The extracts were deposited in the lumina and on the wall surface of cells in the impregnated sapwood. Impregnation of the sapwood blocks with Scots pine and black locust extracts reduced the fungal decay of wood. Objectives: Hydrophilic extracts of Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood were chemically analyzed, tested for antifungal and antioxidant properties and used for impregnation of beech and Scots pine sapwood. Materials and Methods: Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood were extracted, and obtained hydrophilic extractives were chemically analyzed. Extracts were analyzed for antifungal properties with the in vitro well-diffusion method. The free radical scavenging activity of wood extracts was measured colorimetrically. The retention of the extracts in the impregnated sapwood blocks was evaluated with microscopy and gravimetry. A decay test was performed with the mini block test. Results: Almost half of both Scots pine knotwood and black locust heartwood hydrophilic extracts obtained were described by phenolic compounds. The extracts were deposited in the lumina of cells and on the cell wall surface. Extractives of Scots pine knotwood had good inhibitory properties against white- and brown-rot fungi. On the other hand, extractives of black locust heartwood were found to be good radical scavengers, better than knotwood extractives of Scots pine. The extracts of Scots pine knotwood and black locust reduced the fungal decay of the tested sapwood blocks. Conclusions: The results of this research show that the less-valued knotwood of Scots pine and heartwood of black locust are a potential source of antifungal and antioxidant agents for bio-based wood preservatives.