bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Land Suitability for Cornbased on Land Characteristics in Block A5 Right of Dadahup Swamp Irrigation Area Kapuas Regency
Authors: Wahyuni A , Sujono J , Istiarto
Published: October 2023

The development of the Dadahup Swamp irrigation area, as one of the food estate program locations, focuses on agriculture for rice cultivation. Besides rice, corn is also included as a food staple. Corn can be used as an alternative crop for farmers in case of rice crop failure during the dry season. Therefore, it is necessary to identify land characteristics for corn cultivation. In this study, land suitability analysis for corn used the FAO method based on eleven characteristic land parameters, including temperature, water availability, oxygen availability, root media, peat thickness, cation-exchange capacity, base saturation, pH H2O, soil organic carbon, toxicity and sulfidic hazard displayed on a map using QGIS. The results showed that seven parameters were very suitable for land use for corn, including water availability, oxygen availability, root media, peat thickness, cation-exchange capacity, pH H2O, soil organic carbon, and toxicity. Besides that, two parameters were marginally suitable for corn cultivation:temperature and base saturation. However, two parameters wereunsuitable for corn cultivation: water availability and sulfidic hazard. It was caused by rainfall with an average rainfall of 2245 mm/year and the depth of pyrite was found lower than 75 cm from the topsoil.The recommendations to make the land suitable for corn cultivation are good drainage system planning, leaching acid sulphate soil, liming and organic fertilizer application. The impact of this study is that it can be useful in designing corn cultivation so that it contributes to the food estate program.
Analysis of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and pH of Coal Mine Acidic Water in Aceh Province
Authors: Kiswanto  , Wintah
Published: October 2023

One of the coal mining corporations is in charge of environmental management, which includes managing water resources One of the coal mining corporations is in charge of environmental management, which includes managing water resources. The management of coal mine water that has the potential to become polluted water can be processed into fresh water in a sustainable manner. This indicates that acidic water from coal mines is still handled as waste that must be addressed once more. According Ministry of Health Regulation No. 416 1990 on Water Quality Requirements and Monitoring (Indonesian Government Regulation Ministry of Health related to water quality requirements and water quality monitoring), the purpose of this study is to evaluate the viability of coal mine acidic water quality in comparison to Fe (iron), Mn (manganese) ions, and pH parameters as fresh water. According to the findings of this study into acid mine drainage, the pH of the water in nine study areas in Pucok Reudeup Village, a former coal mining region, is low. The findings of this study on acid mine drainage demonstrate that the pH of the water at nine research sites in Pucok Reudeup a village near a disused coal mine. In nine research locations in Pucok Reudeup Village, a former coal mining area, the pH of the water did not exceed the established freshwater quality requirements (pH water below 6.5 - 9), according to the findings of this acid mine drainage study. Fe parameters that fulfilled the quality requirements were only present at five research sites. High iron concentrations result from Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ ions that cannot obtain oxygen from the environment as well as from the stripping of soil and rocks that are predominately composed of iron minerals, necessitating further management such as aeration. All study sites' Mn (manganese) parameters continue to fall short of the quality requirements outlined in No. Minister of Health Regulation 416 of 1990 Requirements on water quality No. Minister of Health Regulation 416 of 1990 Requirements on water quality and monitoring, that is, always exceeding the quality standard by 0.5 mg/L, except for stations 4, 5 and 6 There are 3 locations of Mn (manganese). In general, it can be concluded that the Fe and pH parameters of the study area still do not meet the freshwater quality standards. While Mn partially meets freshwater quality standards atstations (4, 5 and 6). Stations 1, 2, 3, 7, 9 are always higher than fresh water quality standards. The problem of acid mine drainage requires environmentally friendly water treatment.
Improved Crop Management on Open-Pollinated Maize (OPV) in The High Upland of Central Java Indonesia
Authors: Samijan S , Jauhari S , Minarsih S
Published: October 2023

In the highlands of Central Java, maize remains a staple food, but low yields are common due to limited use of local varieties and cultivation techniques. To address this, a study was conducted in Bojong District, Central Java, focusing on intensified maize cultivation through improved varieties, spacing, and fertilization. On-farm experiments were carried out, comparing different treatments with recommended practices. Sukmaraga maize showed the highest yields when following suggested spacing and fertilization, outperforming local yellow and white varieties significantly. The study revealed that intensification using high-yielding varieties and proper techniques could increase maize yields by 108-172% for different varieties. For local yellow and white maize, the yield increase was about 134% and 113%, respectively. Overall, adopting high-yielding varieties and improved techniques resulted in a remarkable average yield increase of 135% compared to traditional farmer practices. This research highlights the potential to enhance maize productivity in the Central Java highlands and improve food security in the region.
Macronutrient Profile of Analog Rice Based on Cornstarch, Modified Cassava Flour, and Suweg Flour
Authors: Zulfa F , Rochmah A N , Saputri F D , Suleman D P , Anandito R B K
Published: October 2023

Analog rice is a food diversification product made from raw materials of various flours as an alternative to paddy rice which is produced from tubers and cereals which have a chemical content similar to rice. Cornstarch, modified cassava flour (Manihot esculenta), and suweg flour were chosen as the ingredients of analog rice due to the macronutrient content of carbohydrates, protein, fat which expect might improve the nutritional content of the analog rice. The aim of this study was to determine the macronutrient levels of analog rice of cornstarch, mocaf, and suweg flour. Research stages: the production of analog rice using formula cornflour:mocaf 1:1 and the addition of suweg flour of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Then the ingridients was mixed with water and stirring. Preconditioning processed were done by steaming for 5 minutes at 90 oC. Therefore the formula were shaping manually in order to produce rice grains. The analog rice were drying in a cabinet dryer for 5 hours at 60°C. The chemical analysis, among starch content, amylose content, amylopectin content, protein content and lipid content using AOAC 2003.06-2006. The results of the this study showed that the analog rice based on cornstarch, mocaf, and the addition of suweg flour had starch content range from 82.06 to 84.06%, amylose content ranged from 26.91 to 28.53, amylopectin content ranged from 54.37 to 56.12%, protein content ranged from 0. .46 to 1.25%, and lipid content ranged from 0.02 to 0.43%. The result concluding that the higher addition of suweg flour on rice analog might increase the starch, amylopectine, protein and fat content while decrease the amylose content. Therefore, cornstarch, modified cassava flour and suweg flour are potentially used as analog rice raw materials.
Sago Rice as an Environmentally Sustainable Food
Authors: Puspantari W , Cahyana P T , Saepudin A , Budiyanto  , Kurniasari I , Kusumasmarawati A D , Henanto H , Untoro M
Published: October 2023

Sago rice is artificial rice made from sago starch and others flour by extrusion process. This study aims to recommend the sustainability of sago rice as a staple food to deal with climate change by utilizing technology to explore and innovate the sago palm. Sago rice has the potential for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Regarding social sustainability, sago rice can be processed from a mixture of sago starch and several other local flours, including brown rice flour, corn flour, red bean flour, and black rice flour, producing healthy food that tastes similar to rice and is acceptable to consumers. The four formulations of sago rice have gelatinization properties and textures that are similar to rice and are acceptable to consumers. The starch gelatinization properties were, namely, peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, setback, and final viscosity, 1384–3234 cP, 684–1380 cP, 1071–2704 cP, and 371–850 cP, respectively. The texture of sago rice with hardness ranged from 3759.665–5003.699 g/f, and the stickiness ranged from 773.527–1038.35 g/f. Based on the social aspect, sago rice can be used for staple food reserves other than rice, healthy food, and supporting sustainable development.
Physicochemical Properties of ‘Cisalak’ Robusta Coffee With Hot Air Based Roasting Method
Authors: Yulianti L E , Putri D P , Azizah I F , Witman S , Karim M A , Rahayuningtyas A
Published: October 2023

The roasting technique is considered one of the coffee processing stages that can continue to be developed for sustainable innovation, both in the process and in the equipment. It is an important factor that determines the coffee’s quality. This study aimed to assess the impact of the roasting method using a hot air roaster on the physicochemical properties of Cisalak robusta coffee. The method for roasting green coffee beans was conducted under six conditions based on the speed and level of roasting: slow-light, slow-medium, slow-dark, fast-light, fast-medium, and fast-dark. The bulk density, hardness of coffee beans, water content and lightness of coffee powder decreased as the roasting level increased, whereas the ash content, pH level and caffeine content increased. The slow roasting speed produced a coffee with a lower water content and hardness, whereas the ash content, L values and pH level was higher than fast roasting method. Based on the results, robusta coffee which was roasted using various methods in this study had a range 0.309-0.357 g/ml of bulk density, 5932.99-7164.87 gf of hardness, 34.44-39.98 of lightness, 0.8073-1.5556 % of water content, 4.8010-5.3643 % of ash content, 5.62-6.23 of pH level and 0.96-1.36% of caffeine content.
Techno-Economic Analysis of The Ciplukan (Physalis Angulata Linn) Functional Drink Industry
Authors: Luthfiyanti R , Sari D D P , Yustiningsih N , Manalu L P , Subandrio  , Purwanto W , Triyono A , Rahman T , Iwansyah AC , Andriansyah R C E , Rahman N , Herminiati A , Rahman N , Anggraheni Y G D , Henanto H , Adinegoro H
Published: October 2023

The functional beverage has high prospects because it has the function to increase endurance and immunity. The ciplukan plant (Physalis angulata Linn) is a type of local wisdom typical of Indonesia and is easy to be cultivated. Ciplukan has the potential as a blood sugar-lowering for people with Type II DM (Diabetes Mellitus) sufferers because it has a high content of antioxidants and flavonoids. The ciplukan plant is also a typical Indonesian plant that has not been used optimally. Through the process of it into a functional drink, it will have added value and can increase people's income. Thereby supporting sustainable development in agriculture (SDGs). This study aims to analyze the technical-economic feasibility aspects of the ciplukan beverage industry and the selection of industrial locations. Descriptive methods were used to create an overview of situations and events. Location selection decisions using the BAYES method. The investment feasibility criteria used were Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate Return (IRR), Net Benefit and Cost Ratio (Net B/C), and Pay Back Period (PBP). The results show that the NPV value with an interest rate of 18% was Rp. 947,215,168, IRR of 22.19 % was greater than the prevailing interest rate of 18 %, and Net B/C was 1.36 greater than one. The PBP obtained was 3.94 years. Break Event Point (BEP) product sales can reach 12,853 bottles per year. The selected location was West Bandung Regency with the highest total decision value of 4.15. Based on the financial analysis and economic feasibility, it can be concluded ciplukan functional beverage industry has prospects and is feasible to run.
Excessive Copper Levels in Cooked Sausages: A Case Study of Local Market Products
Authors: Fedoseeva N , Tetdoev V , Sarsembenova O , Sepiashvili E , Gribkova V
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to assess the presence of heavy metals, specifically lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, and zinc in locally sourced sausage products, both cooked and semi-smoked. A total of 30 samples were selected from local markets and subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry for precise metal quantification. Our results indicated that the concentration of zinc (18.36 mg/kg), mercury (0.01 mg/kg), lead (0.24 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.02 mg/kg) in cooked sausage products adhered to the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) guidelines as stated by the TR TS 021/2011 “Hygienic requirements for safety and food value of food products”. However, the copper content in cooked sausages was found to be above the MAC at an average of 1.44 mg/kg, suggesting potential food safety concerns. Semi-smoked sausages, on the other hand, had no recorded heavy metal concentrations exceeding the MAC. The findings of this study are significant, underscoring the need for robust and rigorous monitoring of food products for heavy metals, especially copper, to ensure public health and safety.
Agricultural Practice Assessment to Accelerate Organic Rice Farming Adoption: A Case Study in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Sujianto  , Ermiati  , Sudjarmoko Bedy
Published: October 2023

Rice is a crucial carbohydrate source for the world population’s food and global food security. The Indonesian government has tried to increase domestic production through the green revolution policy. The government has initiated concerns about enhancing rice quality through organic rice production. Organic rice has been emerging as an alternative to sustainable farming. Unfortunately, the acreage ratio to conventional farming is still relatively low, and productivity declined during the conversion period.This research aimed to explore deeply the agricultural practices between organic and conventional farming for fostering the adoption. That is why it is essential to be assessed comprehensively. This research focused on the organic rice farming production center in Subang and Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province. The total respondents were 203, consisting of 100 organic and 103 conventional smallholder farmers, respectively. Agricultural practice data of organic and conventional rice farming systemswere compared descriptively. Statistical analysis used Chi-square and t-test to test the significance of agricultural practices differences between the organic and conventional characteristics. The finding shows that organic rice farming had certain agricultural practices, such as farmers’ preferences to use variety, seedling, transplanting time, watering system, pest control, and fertilization approach. Organic farmers use a premium price-oriented variety, aromatic and red-rice types. Organic rice farmers produced their self-owned seed production. While in the cultivation technique, organic rice farming is considered to have more transplanting days, adopting alternate wetting and drying (AWD), using wide spacing at a minimum of 20x20 cm, and using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system.
Indigenous Peat Cellulolytic Bacteria and Its Potential as A Liberica Coffee Growth Promoter
Authors: Sasmita K D , Hafif B , Wibowo N A , Harni R , Busyra
Published: October 2023

Among the main microbes in peat are cellulolytic bacteria. The research aimed to select peat cellulolytic bacteria and identified its potential as a plant growth promoter bacteria (PGPB). The cellulolytic bacteria were isolated by serial dilutions and cellulase activity by the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) method, species types recognized by the sequencing method and P solubilization and phytohormones productions by Pikovskaya, and the high-performance liquid chromatography method, respectively. Research results found the 1st identified peat cellulolytic bacteria, Comamonas testosteroni, dissolved fixed P, 1.908 μg PO43-/mL.day and released phytohormones of indole acetic acid (IAA) 0.385 mg/kg, gibberellin (Ga.3) 2.989 mg/kg, zeatin 0.348 mg/kg, and kinetin 0.115 mg/kg. The 2nd identified bacteria, Delftia lacustris, dissolved fixed P from 1.107 μg PO43-/mL.day to 1.329 μg PO43-/mL.day and produced IAA from 0.775 to 1.161 mg/kg, Ga.3 from 2.551 to 4.429 mg/kg, and zeatin from 0.228 to 1.127 mg/kg and no kinetin. Adding both cellulolytic bacterial colonies on peat improved Liberica coffee seedling growth significantly.
Village Seed Production Groups Supported by Network and Capacity Building in Disseminating Modern Varieties in Indonesia
Authors: Wardana I Putu , Widiarta I Nyoman , Ramadhan Rizky Prayogo , Patriyawaty Nia Romania , Subekti Nuning Argo , Sasmita Priatna , Sunandar Nandang , Harnowo Didik , Bahtiar
Published: October 2023

Strategic food crops production such as rice, maize and soybean are determined by harvested areas multiplied by productivity, while productivity is affected by availability of highquality seed of modern varieties which is adaptive to both biotic and abiotic stress. This study aims to construct a nationwide network and capacity building in supporting village seed production groups (VSPGs) for disseminating modern varieties to increase productivity. VSPGs constructed based on community seed system in corresponding to the national seed system and supported by breeder seed management unit network between national research institutes and assessment institute of agricultural technology. The seed production was implemented by a VSPGs on farmer field school with field laboratory 3-4 ha to introduce new modern varieties and quality seed production at once. The seeds of the available varieties in-situ 44 adopted 19 of the 133 varieties for rice, while the maize seeds available 8 were adopted 5 out of 86 varieties, and for soybean seeds there were 14 and adopted 7 of the 17 varieties released in the last 12 years. Acceleration in-situ seed provision can be pursued through integrated seed supply network, capacity building and market access to speed up and adoption of modern varieties.
Staple Food Pricing and Food Security in Ogan Ilir Regency: AHP-Based Recommendations
Authors: Putri N E , Yamin M
Published: October 2023

This study examines food security in the Ogan Ilir Regency by assessing the affordability and accessibility of staple foods based on regional price levels. Using the Participation Rural Appraisal (PRA) method for qualitative data analysis, the study further employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine priority areas for policy intervention. AHP results underscore the significance of stabilizing food supply and leveraging local resources for food availability. In terms of affordability, the pivotal roles of enhancing purchasing power and stabilizing staple food prices are highlighted. As for staple food pricing, aligning production with market demands and optimizing the food trade system chain emerge as key considerations. The study culminates in policy recommendations, suggesting strategies like boosting production capacity, increasing food reserves and imports, and ensuring a stable food supply. It also emphasizes the importance of tailoring interventions to address specific challenges faced by vulnerable rural households in Ogan Ilir. This research offers actionable insights for local government programs aimed at ameliorating food insecurity in the region.
Forecast Based Financing for Precision Agriculture in Indonesia
Authors: Kilmanun Juliana Carolina , Prahardini Paulina Evy Retnaning , Anita Sofia , Sutoto Agung , Prabowo Jonathan , Saptana  , Wahyono Eko , Putri Rumanintya Lisaria
Published: October 2023

As a developing nation, Indonesia’s economy relies heavily on agriculture. Despite being the largest food producer in Southeast Asia, the Indonesian government is primarily concerned with ensuring domestic food security. Consequently, the Indonesian government is actively working to enhance agricultural infrastructure and capabilities. However, this objective faces various emerging challenges, such as the uncertainties and risks associated with extreme weather events and climate fluctuations. To address these challenges, the Government of Indonesia is exploring an innovative approach known as Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA). This CSA concept not only aims to enhance agricultural facilities but also provides support to farmers through prediction-based financing, incorporating index-based insurance and predictive indices, particularly in relation to weather events associated with the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This research endeavors to introduce the concept of forecast-based financing, which combines index-based insurance and predictive indices to safeguard Indonesia’s agricultural activities. In essence, index-based insurance offers a distinct and valuable alternative to conventional insurance products, especially in Indonesia, where administrative capacity is limited, credit options are scarce, and relief efforts for past disasters have experienced delays. Index-based insurance has the potential to significantly bolster community resilience.
Agritourism Development: Designing an Effective Model for Sustainable Growth
Authors: Yusuf Eddy S , Wulandari Suci
Published: October 2023

The emergence of agritourism th has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, agritourism development faces various obstacles, most notably the absence of standard frameworks and models to guide their development. In addition, agritourism will be related to product characteristics and agricultural production systems that have a high risk, so it requires a specific model. This research introduces a systematic approach to agritourism development by constructing an effective model that aims to achieve sustainable growth in rural areas. To achieve this, the PRISMA method for literature study was used. It is an evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews. There are several issues in agritourism development, including agribusiness management, impact management, institutional and support facilities, as well as risk mitigation, are also encountered. This study emphasizes the importance of model design in agritourism development, taking into account: dimensions of sustainability, involved actors, and support system. Strategies for sustainable agritourism development involve value addition through product and service diversification, sustainable marketing development, network and partnership development, environmental conservation, and empowerment of the local community. The findings of this study make a valuable contribution to the existing literature on agro-tourism development by offering a systematic approach and an effective model for promoting sustainable growth.
Rising Water, Rising Voices: Empowering Communities Through The Flood Emergency Response Plan
Authors: Mahiddin Nor Aida , Umar Roslan , Rajan Navaneetharaj
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive Flood Emergency Response Plan designed to enhance flood preparedness and response capabilities in a specific town while promoting sustainable practices and minimizing environmental impact. Through tailored environmental education campaigns, comparative analysis, and workshops, the plan aims to communicate flood risks, climate change, and mitigation strategies. Additionally, it focuses on strengthening emergency response by formulating a comprehensive plan informed by best practices, establishing effective communication channels, and training a proficient response team. The initiative extends further to support affected communities with swift aid relief, safety kits, and volunteer-driven restoration efforts. By integrating these strategies, the plan aspires to create a resilient community capable of effectively responding to floods, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable action.
Distribution of Heavy Metals in Soil of the Temporary Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in the City of Botosani, Romania
Authors: Ilie Mihaela , Ghita Gina , Tudor Georgeta , Ivanov Alexandru , Zamfir Camelia , Maria Cristina , Luminarioiu Lucian , Grigore Gheorghe , Petrache Ionut , Popescu Raul Andrei , Zakarya Irnis Azura
Published: October 2023

In this study, the potential of soil contamination with heavy metals was evaluated, respectively Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, in the area of the temporary municipal solid waste landfill located in the city of Botosani, Romania. The presence of heavy metals in the investigated area decreased in the sequence (mg/kg): Mn (860) > Zn (93.6) > Ni (48.9) > Cu (30.2) > Pb (20.1) > Cd (0.76), registering a slight increase in the southern part of the deposit as a result of the direction of rainwater flow. The concentrations of heavy metals in the soil in the vicinity of the temporary municipal waste landfill were similar to background levels for agricultural soils in Romania. The quantification of heavy metals in the soil did not show exceedances of the reference concentrations and no environmental pollution with heavy metals was identified.
Effects of different biomass on the properties of Pleurotus Djamor eco-friendly foam
Authors: Majib Nur Mawaddah , Ting Sam Sung , Yaacob Noorulnajwa Diyana , Rohaizad Nor Munirah , Beng Lee Boon
Published: October 2023

Plastic waste and polyurethane foam are major sources of pollution that threatens environments’ biodiversity. The objective of the study is to create an eco-friendly foam from Pleorotus djamor mycelium, rice husk and sugarcane bagasse. The mushroom industry’s overabundance of materials, like oyster mushrooms and biomass, has provided an alternative method to make foam that could be beneficial for the environment. The biomass, consisting of rice husk and sugarcane bagasse, both of which are necessary for the production of foam, was evaluated as a substrate. Pleurotus djamor was inoculated on both substrates and test was done on both produced foams. Mechanical tests showed that rice husk foam had higher hardness and less springy than sugarcane bagasse foam. The morphology of both foams was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the results show that sugarcane bagasse foam is denser than rice husk foam.
Granular activated carbon optimization for enhanced environmental disaster resilience and malathion removal from agricultural effluent
Authors: Wan Jusoh Hajjar Hartini , Juahir Hafizan , Mohd Nasir Nurfarahana , Kurniawan Setyo Budi , Jusoh Ahmad , Mahiddin Nor Aida
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to address the critical problem of malathion pesticide contamination in agricultural runoff and its adverse impact on the environment. It specifically focused on utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC), derived from both coal (CBAC) and peat (PBAC), as a promising solution for effective malathion removal. This study focused on the substantial influence of particle size and GAC dosage on the removal efficiency of malathion. It was determined that optimal conditions, resulting in an impressive 90% removal efficiency, were achieved when the initial malathion concentration of 7 μg L-1was reduced to approximately 1.14 μg L-1and 1.5 μg L-1for CBAC with particle sizes of 0.063 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively. In contrast, PBAC exhibited a removal efficiency of 2.87 μg L-1under similar conditions. The study further employed the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms models to analyze the adsorption behavior of malathion on GAC. The equilibrium data closely aligned with both models, and the maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be an impressive 248.1 mg g-1. These findings highlight the significant potential of GAC, whether coal or peat-based, as a highly effective absorbent material for mitigating malathion contamination in agricultural runoff. This research contributes to enhancing environmental disaster resilience by offering a viable method for optimizing GAC use, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of pesticide contamination on the environment.
Performance of Zero Cement Concrete Synthesized from Fly Ash: A Critical Review
Authors: Hassoon Maher M. , Aied Qissab Musab
Published: October 2023

Since the invention of the reinforced concrete (RC) technique, RC buildings have comprised the majority of extant building systems. The shift from traditional materials to green or low/zero carbon designed materials that are energy efficient, such as fly ash (FA), is recognized as one of the desirable approaches to reduceCO2emissions and the climate change crisis. This review aims to summarize the performance of fly ash based Zero Cement Concrete (FA−ZCC) according to the main parameters: Fly ash types (ASTMFAClassFand ClassC), precursor activator, molarity (Sodium Hydroxide concentration), modulus ratio (SiO2/Na2O), mixture design, mixing approach, compressive strength (f’c), modulus of elasticity (MOE), splitting tensile (ft), curing time, and curing technique. The findings of this critical review show that the compressive strength of FA-ZCC ClassCis higher in comparison with Class FFA−ZCC. Ambient curing forZCCmade fromFAClass C was more suitable compared with ClassF, which needed high-temperature curing. Increasing molarity up to 14 led to better ZCC regardless the type ofFA. Modulus of elasticity and tensile strength ofFA−ZCCwas found to be similar to or lesser than those for normal cement concrete. Besides, standard approaches should be provided to enhance the mixture design technique, mixing procedure approach, mechanical properties ofZCCsynthesized byFA.
Computational Fluid Dynamics-based Simulation and Design of a Horizontal Tidal Turbine System
Authors: Mohamad Azim Mohd Azmi , Ahmad Zaki Annuar
Published: October 2023

Tidal phenomena, the rhythmic rise and fall of sea waters due to gravitational forces among celestial bodies like the Sun, Earth, and moon, offer a dependable source of renewable energy. Tidal energy, with its predictability and high energy density, is an attractive sustainable option. Tapping into this energy requires a specialized device, the tidal turbine, where the rotor plays a vital role. The rotor converts the kinetic energy of incoming tides into useful mechanical energy, evaluated through thrust, torque, and power efficiency. This study focuses on designing a horizontal tidal turbine using a three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model with ANSYS Fluent software. Input parameters are based on real-world measurements of the average current velocity of 1 m/s obtained using Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). The paper serves two purposes: validating the applied design approach and analysing crucial design factors. By confirming design compatibility and assessing factor properties, the research contributes to optimizing tidal turbine efficiency and its feasibility as a sustainable energy source.
The impact of technologies on society through NPO-social enterprise value co-creation
Authors: Álvarez-González Luis Ignacio , Barroso-Méndez María Jesús , Galera-Casquet Clementina , Valero-Amaro Víctor
Published: October 2023

The aim of this paper is to study the impact of technologies on the welfare of society through the value co-creation processes that Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) carry out with social enterprises. Based on the literature on Cross-Sector Social Interactions, the research was aimed at evaluating to what extent certain technological variables (innovation orientation, omnichannel, and ICTs) condition the fact that an NPO, a key agent of social innovation, co-creates (programmes, projects, activities or services) with a social enterprise to improve the social impact and the achievement of the organizational mission of both entities in favour of society. To this end, a research model was developed and its main hypotheses tested with data collected from a sample of Spanish 104 NPOs that collaborate, to a greater or lesser extent, with social enterprises. The study employs partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS. The article is framed within the most current lines of research on the identification of resources, in this case technological, conditioning the impact of NPOs on the welfare of society. In this sense, this research concludes that the development of a real innovative culture by NPOs and the general use of ICTs are key factors, through the full implementation of an omnichannel strategy, in driving the development of co-creation processes that have a strong transformative impact on the well-being of society.
Impact of moiré superlattice on atomic stress and thermal transport in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Ren Weijun , Lu Shuang , Yu Cuiqian , He Jia , Zhang Zhongwei , Chen Jie , Zhang Gang
Published: October 2023

Moiré superlattices and their interlayer interactions in van der Waals heterostructures have received surging attention for manipulating the properties of quantum materials. In this work, based on non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the in-plane thermal conductivity of graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) moiré superlattices decreases monotonically with the increase in the interlayer rotation angle within the small twisting range. The atomic stress amplitude exhibits the periodic distribution corresponding to a structural moiré pattern. Through the in-depth analysis at the atomic level, a competing mechanism between the magnitude and the directional change of the in-plane heat flow has been revealed, and the dominant role of directional change in determining the in-plane thermal conductivity of graphene/h-BN moiré superlattices at small rotation angle has also been confirmed. Finally, the monotonic decreasing trend of in-plane thermal conductivity at a small rotation angle is further explained by the reduced low-frequency phonon transmission and the blue shift of the transmission peak as the interlayer rotation angle increases. Our work provides the physical understanding of the moiré superlattice effect and a new approach for regulating the thermal conductivity of two-dimensional materials.
Scheduled dosage regimen by irreversible electroporation of loaded erythrocytes for cancer treatment
Authors: Peng Wencheng , Yue Yaqi , Zhang Yuting , Li Hao , Zhang Cao , Wang Peiyuan , Cao Yanbing , Liu Xiaolong , Dong Shoulong , Wu Ming , Yao Chenguo
Published: October 2023

Precise control of cargo release is essential but still a great challenge for any drug delivery system. Irreversible electroporation (IRE), utilizing short high-voltage pulsed electric fields to destabilize the biological membrane, has been recently approved as a non-thermal technique for tumor ablation without destroying the integrity of adjacent collagenous structures. Due to the electro-permeating membrane ability, IRE might also have great potential to realize the controlled drug release in response to various input IRE parameters, which were tested in a red blood cell (RBC) model in this work. According to the mathematical simulation model of a round biconcave disc-like cell based on RBC shape and dielectric characteristics, the permeability and the pore density of the RBC membrane were found to quantitatively depend on the pulse parameters. To further provide solid experimental evidence, indocyanine green (ICG) and doxorubicin (DOX) were both loaded inside RBCs (RBC@DOX&ICG) and the drug release rates were found to be tailorable by microsecond pulsed electric field (μsPEF). In addition, μsPEF could effectively modulate the tumor stroma to augment therapy efficacy by increasing micro-vessel density and permeability, softening extracellular matrix, and alleviating tumor hypoxia. Benefiting from these advantages, this IRE-responsive RBC@DOX&ICG achieved a remarkably synergistic anti-cancer effect by the combination of μsPEF and chemotherapy in the tumor-bearing mice model, with the survival time increasing above 90 days without tumor burden. Given that IRE is easily adaptable to different plasma membrane-based vehicles for delivering diverse drugs, this approach could offer a general applicability for cancer treatment.
The reconstructed cranium of
Pierolapithecus
and the evolution of the great ape face
Authors: Pugh Kelsey D. , Catalano Santiago A. , Pérez de los Ríos Miriam , Fortuny Josep , Shearer Brian M. , Vecino Gazabón Alessandra , Hammond Ashley S. , Moyà-Solà Salvador , Alba David M. , Almécija Sergio
Published: October 2023

Pierolapithecus catalaunicus
(~12 million years ago, northeastern Spain) is key to understanding the mosaic nature of hominid (great ape and human) evolution. Notably, its skeleton indicates that an orthograde (upright) body plan preceded suspensory adaptations in hominid evolution. However, there is ongoing debate about this species, partly because the sole known cranium, preserving a nearly complete face, suffers from taphonomic damage. We 1) carried out a micro computerized tomography (CT) based virtual reconstruction of the
Pierolapithecus
cranium, 2) assessed its morphological affinities using a series of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) morphometric analyses, and 3) modeled the evolution of key aspects of ape face form. The reconstruction clarifies many aspects of the facial morphology of
Pierolapithecus
. Our results indicate that it is most similar to great apes (fossil and extant) in overall face shape and size and is morphologically distinct from other Middle Miocene apes. Crown great apes can be distinguished from other taxa in several facial metrics (e.g., low midfacial prognathism, relatively tall faces) and only some of these features are found in
Pierolapithecus
, which is most consistent with a stem (basal) hominid position. The inferred morphology at all ancestral nodes within the hominoid (ape and human) tree is closer to great apes than to hylobatids (gibbons and siamangs), which are convergent with other smaller anthropoids. Our analyses support a hominid ancestor that was distinct from all extant and fossil hominids in overall facial shape and shared many features with
Pierolapithecus
. This reconstructed ancestral morphotype represents a testable hypothesis that can be reevaluated as new fossils are discovered.
Curiosity evolves as information unfolds
Authors: Hsiung Abigail , Poh Jia-Hou , Huettel Scott A. , Adcock R. Alison
Published: October 2023

When people feel curious, they often seek information to resolve their curiosity. Reaching resolution, however, does not always occur in a single step but instead may follow the accumulation of information over time. Here, we investigated changes in curiosity over a dynamic information-gathering process and how these changes related to affective and cognitive states as well as behavior. Human participants performed an Evolving Line Drawing Task, during which they reported guesses about the drawings’ identities and made choices about whether to keep watching. In Study 1, the timing of choices was predetermined and externally imposed, while in Study 2, participants had agency in the timing of guesses and choices. Using this dynamic paradigm, we found that even within a single information-gathering episode, curiosity evolved in concert with other emotional states and with confidence. In both studies, we showed that the relationship between curiosity and confidence depended on stimulus entropy (unique guesses across participants) and on guess accuracy. We demonstrated that curiosity is multifaceted and can be experienced as either positive or negative depending on the state of information gathering. Critically, even when given the choice to alleviate uncertainty immediately (i.e., view a spoiler), higher curiosity promoted continuing to engage in the information-gathering process. Collectively, we show that curiosity changes over information accumulation to drive engagement with external stimuli, rather than to shortcut the path to resolution, highlighting the value inherent in the process of discovery.
US climate policy yields water quality cobenefits in the Mississippi Basin and Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Zuidema Shan , Liu Jing , Chepeliev Maksym G. , Johnson David R. , Baldos Uris Lantz C. , Frolking Steve , Kucharik Christopher J. , Wollheim Wilfred M. , Hertel Thomas W.
Published: October 2023

We utilize a coupled economy–agroecology–hydrology modeling framework to capture the cascading impacts of climate change mitigation policy on agriculture and the resulting water quality cobenefits. We analyze a policy that assigns a range of United States government’s social cost of carbon estimates ($51, $76, and $152/ton of CO
2
-equivalents) to fossil fuel–based CO
2
emissions. This policy raises energy costs and, importantly for agriculture, boosts the price of nitrogen fertilizer production. At the highest carbon price, US carbon emissions are reduced by about 50%, and nitrogen fertilizer prices rise by about 90%, leading to an approximate 15% reduction in fertilizer applications for corn production across the Mississippi River Basin. Corn and soybean production declines by about 7%, increasing crop prices by 6%, while nitrate leaching declines by about 10%. Simulated nitrate export to the Gulf of Mexico decreases by 8%, ultimately shrinking the average midsummer area of the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic area by 3% and hypoxic volume by 4%. We also consider the additional benefits of restored wetlands to mitigate nitrogen loading to reduce hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico and find a targeted wetland restoration scenario approximately doubles the effect of a low to moderate social cost of carbon. Wetland restoration alone exhibited spillover effects that increased nitrate leaching in other parts of the basin which were mitigated with the inclusion of the carbon policy. We conclude that a national climate policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States would have important water quality cobenefits.
Defined extracellular matrix compositions support stiffness-insensitive cell spreading and adhesion signaling
Authors: Conway James R. W. , Isomursu Aleksi , Follain Gautier , Härmä Ville , Jou-Ollé Eva , Pasquier Nicolas , Välimäki Eetu P. O. , Rantala Juha K. , Ivaska Johanna
Published: October 2023

Integrin-dependent adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) mediates mechanosensing and signaling in response to altered microenvironmental conditions. In order to provide tissue- and organ-specific cues, the ECM is composed of many different proteins that temper the mechanical properties and provide the necessary structural diversity. Despite most human tissues being soft, the prevailing view from predominantly in vitro studies is that increased stiffness triggers effective cell spreading and activation of mechanosensitive signaling pathways. To address the functional coupling of ECM composition and matrix rigidity on compliant substrates, we developed a matrix spot array system to screen cell phenotypes against different ECM mixtures on defined substrate stiffnesses at high resolution. We applied this system to both cancer and normal cells and surprisingly identified ECM mixtures that support stiffness-insensitive cell spreading on soft substrates. Employing the motor-clutch model to simulate cell adhesion on biochemically distinct soft substrates, with varying numbers of available ECM–integrin–cytoskeleton (clutch) connections, we identified conditions in which spreading would be supported on soft matrices. Combining simulations and experiments, we show that cell spreading on soft is supported by increased clutch engagement on specific ECM mixtures and even augmented by the partial inhibition of actomyosin contractility. Thus, “stiff-like” spreading on soft is determined by a balance of a cell’s contractile and adhesive machinery. This provides a fundamental perspective for in vitro mechanobiology studies, identifying a mechanism through which cells spread, function, and signal effectively on soft substrates.
Co-option of a conserved host glutamine transporter facilitates aphid/
Buchnera
metabolic integration
Authors: Duncan Rebecca P. , Anderson Catriona M. H. , Thwaites David T. , Luetje Charles W. , Wilson Alex C. C.
Published: October 2023

Organisms across the tree of life colonize novel environments by partnering with bacterial symbionts. These symbioses are characterized by intimate integration of host/endosymbiont biology at multiple levels, including metabolically. Metabolic integration is particularly important for sap-feeding insects and their symbionts, which supplement nutritionally unbalanced host diets. Many studies reveal parallel evolution of host/endosymbiont metabolic complementarity in amino acid biosynthesis, raising questions about how amino acid metabolism is regulated, how regulatory mechanisms evolve, and the extent to which similar mechanisms evolve in different systems. In the aphid/
Buchnera
symbiosis, the transporter ApGLNT1 (
Acyrthosiphon pisum
glutamine transporter 1) supplies glutamine, an amino donor in transamination reactions, to bacteriocytes (where
Buchnera
reside) and is competitively inhibited by
Buchnera
-supplied arginine—consistent with a role regulating amino acid metabolism given host demand for
Buchnera
-produced amino acids. We examined how ApGLNT1 evolved a regulatory role by functionally characterizing orthologs in insects with and without endosymbionts. ApGLNT1 orthologs are functionally similar, and orthology searches coupled with homology modeling revealed that GLNT1 is ancient and structurally conserved across insects. Our results indicate that the ApGLNT1 symbiotic regulatory role is derived from its ancestral role and, in aphids, is likely facilitated by loss of arginine biosynthesis through the urea cycle. Given consistent loss of host arginine biosynthesis and retention of endosymbiont arginine supply, we hypothesize that GLNT1 is a general mechanism regulating amino acid metabolism in sap-feeding insects. This work fills a gap, highlighting the broad importance of co-option of ancestral proteins to novel contexts in the evolution of host/symbiont systems.
On the roles of function and selection in evolving systems
Authors: Wong Michael L. , Cleland Carol E. , Arend Daniel , Bartlett Stuart , Cleaves H. James , Demarest Heather , Prabhu Anirudh , Lunine Jonathan I. , Hazen Robert M.
Published: October 2023

Physical laws—such as the laws of motion, gravity, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics—codify the general behavior of varied macroscopic natural systems across space and time. We propose that an additional, hitherto-unarticulated law is required to characterize familiar macroscopic phenomena of our complex, evolving universe. An important feature of the classical laws of physics is the conceptual equivalence of specific characteristics shared by an extensive, seemingly diverse body of natural phenomena. Identifying potential equivalencies among disparate phenomena—for example, falling apples and orbiting moons or hot objects and compressed springs—has been instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of our world through the articulation of laws of nature. A pervasive wonder of the natural world is the evolution of varied systems, including stars, minerals, atmospheres, and life. These evolving systems appear to be conceptually equivalent in that they display three notable attributes: 1) They form from numerous components that have the potential to adopt combinatorially vast numbers of different configurations; 2) processes exist that generate numerous different configurations; and 3) configurations are preferentially selected based on function. We identify universal concepts of selection—static persistence, dynamic persistence, and novelty generation—that underpin function and drive systems to evolve through the exchange of information between the environment and the system. Accordingly, we propose a “law of increasing functional information”: The functional information of a system will increase (i.e., the system will evolve) if many different configurations of the system undergo selection for one or more functions.