bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of tannin based colorimetric indicator and its application on fish packaging
Authors: Erfiza N M , Purba N R , Ahda K , Sulaiman I , Rohaya S , Razi F
Published: December 2021

This study aims to determine characteristics of the gel-type colorimetric indicator at various pH and under different storage conditions, then determine the indicator characteristic in the packaging of fish fillets during storage. The gel-type color indicator was synthesized with a concentration of 1%, 3%, and 5% gambir powder. The FT-IR spectra of the color indicator showed the presence of tannin functional groups, namely C=C aromatic rings, C-C phenolic, and C-H groups, respectively at wavenumbers 1517-1519, 1440-1475, and 752-761 1/cm. Moreover, the coefficient value of the Red-Green-Blue (RGB) of the indicator was changed over pH and did not appear to be consistent. Based on the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, the concentration of gambir powder and duration of color indicator storage, respectively, had a significant effect (P <0.05) on the value of the RGB coefficient. The color indicator exposed to sunlight had a smaller RGB coefficient value than the RGB coefficient value of the indicator stored at room temperature and 5-7°C. The application of color indicators with a 1% Gambir powder concentration in fish fillet storage has been tested for 5 days at a temperature of 5-7°C. They showed that the RGB coefficient value of the indicator was proportional to changes in the pH value of fish fillets but not in line with changes in Total Volatile Based Nitrogen (TVBN) of fish fillets.
Update on waste reduction performance by waste-to-energy incineration pilot plant PLTSa Bantargebang operations
Authors: Kristyawan I P A , Wiharja  , Shoiful A , Hendrayanto P A , Santoso A D
Published: December 2021

Many big cities in Indonesia are facing the problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal. PLTSa Merah Putih, a waste-to-energy incineration pilot plant, was built as an alternative solution to reduce waste. This study aims to evaluate the performance of PLTSa Merah Putih Bantargebang in reducing volume of waste. During the first semester of 2021, the pilot plant has been running for 174 days and a total of 5647.1 ton of waste was burned generating around 1000 ton of ash. Based on the feeding waste and generated ash, the pilot plant can reduce over 79% of waste, even with high moisture content. The furnace and grate temperature can be maintained at 800°C and 1000°C, respectively, to minimize harmful gases generation. This study showed that the waste reduction of PLTSa was comparable with the performance of other waste-to-energy pilot plants, which is in the range of 70-90%.
Identification of agricultural land use change based on machine learning for regional food security analysis in the mountainous region of Kulon Progo regency
Authors: Sholikah L N , Nisa Z K , Pratama B F , Pradipta A G , Ngadisih  , Susanto S , Prihanantya A S , Tirtalistyani R , Arif S S
Published: December 2021

After New Yogyakarta International Airport (NYIA) opening, Kulon Progo continues to develop, one of which is The Bedah Menoreh route project which passes through the mountainous region. The development encourages agricultural land conversion, which impacts food security in Kulon Progo, especially in the mountainous region. This study aims to identify the conversion of agricultural land in the mountainous region of Kulon Progo Regency in 2005 – 2020 and analyze its impact on regional food security. The method used is a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on Landsat Imagery using Machine Learning through Google Earth Engine (GEE) to identify land-use change and mathematical calculations in analyzing regional food security. The result of the supervised classification is a land cover map of the mountainous region of Kulon Progo Regency, which shows that every year the area of rice fields, in general, continues to decrease until 2020 the total area is 2,102.79 ha with a rate of agricultural land conversion -114.87 ha/year. It causes regional food security to be in a food-insecure condition, even though the availability of rice fields can be used for food self-sufficiency for up to 53 years. Other factors such as climate, rice seeds, soil, and water quality, in this case, are quite influential in rice production, not only productivity and agricultural land area.
Impact of environmental temperature to the content of protein on fresh, cold and frozen meat
Authors: Iskandar C D , Zainuddin
Published: December 2021

This study aims to determine the amount of protein content in Aceh cattle beef in the quadriceps muscle (chuck) and to find out the best storage between cold and frozen to protein levels of beef. This study used 10 samples of Aceh cattle beef parts of the quadriceps (chuck) which were divided into 3 treatment groups, group I meat was treated in fresh condition, Group II meat was treated in cold at 8 °C and Group III meat will be treated in frozen at -19 °C. Protein content in meat was analysed by the Independent Samples Test. The results showed that the amount of Aceh beef protein in the quadriceps (chuck) in fresh; 15, 47%, cold 10, 20% and frozen; 9, 97. It was concluded that storing meat in cold and frozen ways is affect the protein content. Frozen meat storage is better to keep protein content than Cold meat storage.
Evaluation of soil fertility: a case study in Aceh Besar district
Authors: Mechram S , Rahadi B , Kusuma Z , Soemarno
Published: December 2021

Plant growth requires nutrients and their functions in plants cannot be replaced by other elements so that if there are not enough nutrients in the soil, plants cannot grow normally. The nutrient content in the soil and the ability of the soil to provide nutrients for plant growth is different. So that the type of fertilizer and the amount of fertilizer given to each type of soil will be different and it depends on the type of plant being cultivated. To determine the requirements of fertilizers and the types of fertilizers required for each type of soil, need some research about the evaluation study of soil fertility. The research was conducted in Aceh Besar with located between 5¼ 2 ‘-5¼ 8’ N and 95¼ 80 ‘-95¼ 88’E. Assessment of soil fertility status based on the criteria of several soil chemical properties, CEC (cation exchange capacity), alkaline saturation, C-Organic, P2O5 (HCL, 25%) mg / 100g, and K2O (HCL, 25%) mg / 100g. The analysis results obtained from 11 sample points show that Aceh Besar has soil fertility status from medium to low.
Testing coffee roasting machine with electric heater as energy source
Authors: Syafriandi  , Fachruddin F , Lubis A , Maulina H , Nazura P
Published: December 2021

The roasting process is the process of frying something without using oil. The roasting processes raw materials into cooked or ready-to-eat ingredients. The purpose of the roasting is to get a certain taste using heat transfer methods either without media or using sand. When the roasting process occurs, the coffee beans undergo physical changes, one of which is the water content due to heat transfer from the roasting medium to the material. During the roasting process, evaporation of water content occurs and the coffee beans will experience a decrease in mass. Coffee bean roasting machines with stove heat sources from gas fuel are currently being developed. The use of gas fuel is sometimes difficult to regulate a constant temperature because it depends on the valve setting to exit the gas flow on the stove. On the other hand if incomplete combustion occurs it will affect the flavour of the roasted coffee beans. The purpose of this study was to test a coffee roasting machine with an electric element heat source. Roasting machine testing with a time of 50 minutes produces an average temperature of 196.64 °C with a final moisture content of 3.61%.
The perception level on the impact of integrated livestock-fish production systems towards the environmental pollution
Authors: Adibrata S , Bahtera N I , Astuti R P , Arkan F
Published: December 2021

The integrated farming activities have become more popular in the last decade. It expects to increase productivity by optimizing the land and minimizing environmental pollution. The study aims to understand the perception level of society towards the environmental pollution of the integrated livestock-fish production system on raising catfish and laying duck (Clarias spandAnas platyrhynchos). The study was conducted in Desa Balunijuk, Bangka. The questionnaire was used for the data collection technique through a face-to-face interview by following the health protocol of Covid-19. Two stages of data collection were applied: before and after treatment of Probio_Fm. Qualitative descriptive was employed to analyze the data. The respondents were the society who lived nearby the location of the study. A mixture of probiotics was employed on the feed and the catfish pond. The study found that the perception was significantly different between before and after treatment of Probio_Fm particularly on the negative environmental effects such as odor pollutants due to unmanaged animal waste. It occurred at the very beginning of the study during the wet season before the probiotic treatment. Interestingly, during the dry season, the probiotic treatment was regularly applied. The odor pollutant impact decreased even not having a bad odor at all. The waste both absorbed in the sand and was streamed through the drain pipeline. However, most of the respondents were not disturbed due to the odor pollutant surrounding the integrated livestock-fish production system. It articulated that the probiotic treatment worked effectively in unraveling the bacteria so that the pollutant level decreased drastically. The study recommended various solutions to the problems: the draining pipeline should be repaired, the animal feed should use probiotics to achieve optimal use of nutrition, consistent and effective feeding should be applied, and the cleanliness of the duck house should be properly maintained. The monitoring and evaluation of the environmental impact towards the integrated livestock-fish production system should involve relevant stakeholders such as a village government, the management, and society as a whole so that the healthy and environment-friendly integrated fisheries activity can be achieved.
Fabrication Of Lithium-Carbon Composite Material From Pepper Peel Waste As Battery Electrodes
Authors: Jumnahdi M , Kurniawan W B , Mahardika R G , Ipi  , Saputra M E
Published: December 2021

The manufacture of battery cathode electrodes made of LiFeO4 and activated carbon from pepper peel has been successfully carried out. The electrodes were made using the soli state reaction method with the addition of adhesives in the form of PVdf and NMP. The resulting homogeneous mixture is then placed in a mold and dried in an oven at 90° to dry to form sheets. The dried electrode sheets were then characterized using FTIR and tested for conductivity values using EIS. The FTIR results showed that there was no change in the functional group with the addition of carbon mass. Meanwhile, the results of the conductivity test showed that the optimum conductivity value occurred in the sample with the addition of 10% carbon mass is 7.42 × 10-4 S/cm.
The Potential of Renewable Energy Generations at Barrang Caddi Island
Authors: Kitta I , Manjang S , Rachmaniar I , Riskawati  , Pebakirang C Y R , Hardiansyah
Published: December 2021

Makassar is the capital city of South Sulawesi Province in Indonesia, is a city that has dozens of small inhabited islands. This geographical condition causes the distribution of electrification for islands in Makassar City to be uneven and forces the government to supply diesel power plant (Diesel-PP) to these islands as the main source of electrical energy for their electricity needs. One of them is Barrang Caddi Island. This island is not electrified by State Electricity Enterprise or PLN Makassar City. The Makassar City Government has fulfilled the electricity needs on Barrang Caddi Island in the form of Diesel-PP. However, the operation of the diesel generator set is only limited to 8 hours at night which is managed independently by the island community. For this reason, the hope of fulfilling electricity for 24 hours (day and night) on Barrang Caddi Island is by utilizing the island’s new and renewable energy (NRE) potential. One source of NRE is energy from the sun. This paper shows the potential of renewable energy, especially solar energy on Barrang Caddi Island to meet the electrical energy of the island’s people.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of chitosan membrane from shrimp shell waste
Authors: Aldila H , Swandi M K , Dalimunthe D Y
Published: December 2021

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of chitosan membrane was investigated. Chitosan membrane have been successfully by simple method from chitosan extracted from shrimp shell waste. Extraction of chitosan was carried out in four steps: demineralization, deproteinization, decolorization and deacetylation of chitin. The effect of deacetylation temperature on deacetylation process was studied. The results shown that the increase of deacetylation temperature from 30°C to 90°C causes the increase of chitosan deacetylation degree (DD). The increase of deacetylation temperature cause the increment of OH- attack to the amino group thus realizing the effective deacetylation of chitin. The highest chitosan DD was up to 77.99% is achieved under the deacetylation temperature from 90°C and the occurrence of deacetylation structurally demonstrated by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and the XRD characterization. The antimicrobial test results used S. epidermidis and P. acne of chitosan membrane at various deacetylation temperature conditions indicated that no bacterial activity for all variants.
Chlorophyll a concentration of Phytoplankton in Estuary Mangrove Kurau, Bangka Tengah, Indonesia
Authors: Utami E , Mahardika R G , Anggraeni  , Rosalina D.
Published: December 2021

Chlorophyll a is bound within microalgae and other phytoplankton found in surface seawater. Chlorophyll is an important biochemical component in the molecular apparatus of microalgae that is responsible for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process whereby phytoplankton use sunlight energy and dissolved nutrients to convert inorganic carbon to organic compounds and releasing oxygen. The objective of this research was to analyze chlorophyll a concentration of phytoplankton in estuary mangrove area in Kurau, Bangka Tengah, Indonesia. The research was carried out in estuary area that is mangrove Kurau, Bangka Tengah, Indonesia. Chlorophyll a concentration was determine using spectrophotometer methode. The chlorophyll a concentration and sea water parameters were recorded for all stations. The area was devided into four research sites. Based on the data, chlorophyll a concentrations were between 0.00587 mg/L – 0.00117 mg/L. It was considered low rate chlorophyll a concentration since lack of light penetration in the research area.
Risk analysis and solution of using graphene: Material, synthesis, and application (Mini review)
Authors: Destiarti L , Kartini I , Riyanto  , Roto  , Mudasir
Published: December 2021

Graphene is a nanomaterial with unique physical and chemical properties. The two-dimensional hexagonal sp2 structure in the honeycomb lattice has high thermal conductivity, high electricity, mechanical strength, and large surface area. The nano properties are significantly different from the bulk material. The review of the material, synthesis and application aspects of graphene gave rise to risk analysis in each field of study. Graphene material does not yet have adequate information regarding the risk of danger. Because graphene is nano-sized, this material can enter the human body through inhalation, ocular, cutaneous and oral. Graphene synthesis involves using chemicals that will produce hazardous products and reduce agents with high toxicity. The risk becomes more and more when the challenges of mass production of graphene are faced. Graphene can be applied as sensors, nanoelectronics, and biomedical applications. In this biomedical application, graphene has direct contact with humans and can increase reactive oxygen species in the body. The recommendation to overcome the risk is to use personal protective equipment and handle graphene material properly. The toxic materials involve in the synthesis step can be replaced with other environmentally friendly materials. Antidotes substances can reduce the toxicity of graphene materials so that the risks graphene in its application can be overcome.
Forecasting travel patterns during COVID-19 period using Community Mobility Report Case study: Bangka Belitung Province
Authors: Safitri R , Amelia R
Published: December 2021

The pandemic of COVID-19 has caused many changes and one of the changes is in people’s travel patterns. Travel patterns have potentially related to environmental factors. The patterns in an urban environment can affect the liveability increase and the planning in urban areas. The change of travel pattern data is necessary for transportation planners and policymakers in providing safe transportation during the pandemic. Therefore, forecasting travel patterns is particularly essential to plan a better environment to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study tries to forecast travel patterns during the COVID-19 period in Province of Bangka Belitung using the Community Mobility Report provided by Google. In this study, a time series model is necessary to predict future mobility. The model used in this research is exponential smoothing. The results find that the prediction of travel patterns for each trip destination experiences a fluctuating trend. The prediction for going to retail and recreation, grocery stores and pharmacies, parks, and transit stations tends to increase. Otherwise, the prediction of travel patterns for going to workplaces and residential decreases. Furthermore, the results of this study are feasible to plan a better environment to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Vector error correction model to analyze energy uses, environmental quality and economic growth during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fahria I , Sulistiana I
Published: December 2021

Time series data commonly show are interconnected behaviour and non-stationer interrelated variables, so a model that able to obtain a good forecasting result from a non-stationary multivariate variables time series data are needed. Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is one of multivariate time series model which is a vector form of Vector Autoregressive Boundary (VAR) for non-stationary time series data and has a cointegration relationship. The purpose of this study is to identify the VECM model in analyzing the relationship between energy use, environmental quality (CO2), and economic growth (GDP) during the Covid-19 pandemic that plagued Indonesia. The results of this study explained energy uses and and environmental quality (CO2) and economic growth (GDP) are interrelated and have a long-term cointegration relationship due to the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Techno-economic analysis of recombinant Endo-β-1,4-Glucanase production from Escherichia coli Eg-RK2 culture using oil palm empty fruit bunch
Authors: Amraini S Z , Surya E A , Limoes S , Setyahadi S , Abd-Aziz S , Gozan M
Published: December 2021

A techno-economic analysis of recombinant cellulase production from E. coli Eg-RK2 was conducted to support the fulfilling of Indonesia’s energy roadmap for ethanol production. The plant utilizes OPEFB as a primary substrate in cellulase production, with an expected lifetime of 12 years. The plant is assumed to be built in Indonesia and it will fulfill 1% of the total market demand. The effect of different pretreatment processes (alkaline, steam explosion, and sequential acid-alkaline) on the profitability parameter was also studied. A simulation using SuperPro Designer was used to calculate the mass and energy balance based on the kinetic parameters of E. coli EgRK2. A technology evaluation showed that alkaline pretreatment provides the highest yield with no known inhibitors formed. The steam explosion pretreatment offers the lowest rate of lignin and hemicellulose removal, and it is understood to form known fermentation inhibitors. The NPVs of the alkaline, steam explosion and sequential acid-alkaline pretreatments are USD 32,121,000, USD -36,841,000, and USD 384,000, respectively, which means the alkaline pretreatment is economically very feasible for the production of cellulase.
The potential for land erosion due to primary tin mining in Bangka Island
Authors: Hambali R , Wahyuni S
Published: December 2021

In the context of primary tin mining by PT. Timah on the Bangka Island, an analysis of environmental impacts is needed concerning various related aspects. One of the potential impacts that need to be considered is erosion due to open land for mining activities. Rain and mining water triggers the process of erosion on open land with particular soil and topographic characteristics. This paper presents an analysis of the potential for erosion due to primary tin mining at five mining locations in Bangka Island. The soil erosion rate can be analyzed using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and GIS. The environmental data used to predict the erosion rate include soil type, soil texture and structure, land cover, rainfall, slope, and soil management techniques. In this study, rainfall erosivity is taking into account based on average monthly rainfall from 2010-2019. The results showed that the erosion rates at the primary mining sites are relatively low, ranging from 4.72 to 683.47 tons/ha/year. The results showed that the erosion rate is more influenced by the topography (slope factor). Besides, the considerable land-use change will also contribute significantly to the amount of soil erosion.
The Potential of Conversion of Sea Wave Energy to Electric Energy: The Performance of Central Sulawesi West Sea using Oscillating Water Column Technology
Authors: Rahman Y A , Setiyawan
Published: December 2021

With seas area of 70% larger than land, Indonesia encourages the potential for marine energy as an alternative to renewable energy. One of the technologies developed to utilize ocean energy is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC). The OWC method can convert ocean wave energy by using an oscillation column directing wave energy through the OWC door opening to generate electricity. This study aims to determine the magnitude of the waves utilized in West Central Sulawesi’s seas region include Alindau beach, Marana beach, and Kaliburu beach. Based on wave forecasting using wind data for five years, the maximum wave height for five years is 0.20 m. Estimated power from the calculation results obtained a rate significant with an efficiency level of 11.97%. Alindau is a potential location to develop wave energy.
Identification of groundwater potential zones in the Southern Mountains, Yogyakarta Special Region
Authors: Hasibuan H , Rafsanjani A H , Putra D P E , Surjono S S
Published: December 2021

Southern Mountains, Yogyakarta Special Region is a zone that extends from the south-eastern part of Yogyakarta Special Region to the east along the southern coast of East Java. From the hydrogeological map, it is known that the area is an area of scarce groundwater. This study aims to determine the potential for groundwater in these areas. The identification of groundwater potential is carried out using the Groundwater Potentiality Index (GPI) method by referring to 5 determining parameters: lineaments, lithology, drainage, topography, and rainfall. Lineament, drainage, and topography data were obtained from the Indonesia Geospatial Portal and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) belonging to the Indonesian Geospatial Information Agency. The lithological data is obtained from data from the Geological Survey Centre, Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy, and Mineral Resources in the form of Geological Maps of Remote Sensing Image Interpretation Results. Rainfall data were obtained from reports from the Serayu Opak River Basin Office and the Public Works, Housing, and Energy Department of Mineral Resources Yogyakarta Special Region. The evaluation of parameters reveals that even in the scarce groundwater zones, estimation of area with possible of groundwater can be classified into five classes of groundwater potential index, namely: very low (<56.25), low (56.25-90), medium (90-123.75), high (123.75-157.5), and very high (> 157.5). In the next step of research the validation may be conducted on a high and very high GPI value whether their are really is associated with the presence of springs and wells. If it is correlated, future exploration of groundwater in this area will be focused and successful.
Coral reef condition at the Putri Island, Bangka Regency
Authors: Akhrianti I , Syari I A , Gustomi A
Published: December 2021

Putri Island is one of the unique islands which is located in the Bangka Regency. Putri Island has biodiversity ecosystem except for mangrove ecosytems. This study aims to analyze the extent of coral reefs in the shallow waters of Putri Island, and analyze the condition of coral reefs (percentage of cover, life form and coral mortality index). The research was conducted in April – September 2021 at Putri Island with using Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method. The research station divided in to 4 stations where was determined by purposive sampling The results show a map of the distribution of coral reefs in the Putri Island, Bangka Regency. Result show that condition of coral reefs at the research location is a good condition.
Solubility of metals content bangka tin tailings sand using inorganic acids
Authors: Adisyahputra  , Sari F I P , Mahardika R G , Afriza G
Published: December 2021

Research entitled Solubility of Metals Content Bangka Tin Tailings Sand Using Inorganic Acids The sample used was tailings sand from tin mining on Bangka Island which was destroyed using several variations of inorganic acids alone, H2SO4, HNO3 and HCl and mixed with H2SO4-HCl, H2SO4-HNO3, HNO3-HCl and H2SO4-HNO3-HCl. Metal content characterization was analyzed using XRF. From the results of the analysis, it was found that the average heavy metals and rare earth metals were more in HNO3 while for a mixture of acids, namely the use of H2SO4-HNO3.
Distance to coastline modulates morphology and population structure in a coastal amphibian
Authors: Lorrain-Soligon Léa , Robin Frédéric , Lelong Vincent , Jankovic Marko , Barbraud Christophe , Brischoux François
Published: December 2021

Salinization due to sea-level rise and marine submersions is expected to strongly impact coastal ecosystems. Exposure to salinity can negatively impact biodiversity especially in coastal wetlands. To understand comprehensively the consequences of environmental salinization on coastal biodiversity, it is essential to document how coastal species currently respond to exposure to salinity. In this study, we investigated how variations of environmental salinity relative to the distance to the ocean influence population structure (age ratio and sex ratio), and individual hydro-mineral balance (osmolality) and morphology (size, mass, condition) in the western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) in two populations from the French Atlantic coast. We show that distance to coastline strongly influences exposure to salt on a small spatial scale. Some variables (e.g., abundances, osmolality, morphology) responded similarly in both sites and may be related to salt deposition due to landward sea-spray. Interestingly, other variables (sex ratio and age ratio) displayed site-specific responses and appeared to be linked to the salinity of breeding sites. Distance to the shoreline appears to be a critical population structuring factor in this coastal salt-tolerant species. Future studies should investigate how distance to shoreline—and thus environmental salinity—can ultimately affect individual performances and fitness.
A Dynamic Theory of Moral Distress in Child Welfare Workers
Authors: Stahlschmidt Mary Jo , He Amy S , Lizano Erica L
Published: December 2021

Child welfare (CW) professionals who provide direct services to families, referred to as ‘caseworkers’ in the USA, often have to act in ways that are inconsistent with their professional values, leading to feelings of guilt, anxiety and self-blame, referred to as moral distress. The conceptual basis for moral distress primarily comes from the nursing literature, leaving a theoretical gap in how CW workers experience moral distress. Hence, this study used qualitative system dynamics modelling to develop a dynamic theory of moral distress amongst US CW caseworkers (N = 25 focus groups, 192 participants). Results, presented in a qualitative system dynamics model, reveal that participants held strong values pertaining to CW casework and that moral distress was common. Participants described discrepancies between the services they wanted to provide and the services they were actually providing, and the distressing feelings that resulted. Study findings also highlight coping strategies and ‘breaking points’ related to moral distress. Overall, this study’s dynamic theory provides a framework that illustrates the stock (accumulation) and flow (release) of moral distress specific to CW caseworkers and sheds light on the psychological distress and conflict experienced in this profession. Implications for social work education and CW organizational change are discussed.
Mice lacking the cAMP effector protein POPDC1 show enhanced hippocampal synaptic plasticity
Authors: Shetty Mahesh Shivarama , Ris Laurence , Schindler Roland F R , Mizuno Keiko , Fedele Laura , Giese Karl Peter , Brand Thomas , Abel Ted
Published: December 2021

Extensive research has uncovered diverse forms of synaptic plasticity and an array of molecular signaling mechanisms that act as positive or negative regulators. Specifically, cyclic 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling pathways are crucially implicated in long-lasting synaptic plasticity. In this study, we examine the role of Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1) (or blood vessel epicardial substance (BVES)), a cAMP effector protein, in modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Unlike other cAMP effectors, such as protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange factor directly activated by cAMP, POPDC1 is membrane-bound and the sequence of the cAMP-binding cassette differs from canonical cAMP-binding domains, suggesting that POPDC1 may have an unique role in cAMP-mediated signaling. Our results show that Popdc1 is widely expressed in various brain regions including the hippocampus. Acute hippocampal slices from Popdc1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit PKA-dependent enhancement in CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) in response to weaker stimulation paradigms, which in slices from wild-type mice induce only transient LTP. Loss of POPDC1, while not affecting basal transmission or input-specificity of LTP, results in altered response during high-frequency stimulation. Popdc1 KO mice also show enhanced forskolin-induced potentiation. Overall, these findings reveal POPDC1 as a novel negative regulator of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and, together with recent evidence for its interaction with phosphodiesterases (PDEs), suggest that POPDC1 is involved in modulating activity-dependent local cAMP–PKA–PDE signaling.
Calciphylaxis after kidney transplantation: a rare but life-threatening disorder
Authors: Podestà Manuel Alfredo , Ciceri Paola , Galassi Andrea , Cozzolino Mario
Published: December 2021

Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder characterized by vascular calcification and thrombosis of the subcutaneous microcirculation, leading to painful necrotic skin lesions and bearing a dreadfully high mortality rate. This syndrome is frequently also termed uraemic calcific arteriolopathy, since most cases are observed in patients with kidney failure. However, it is increasingly clear that calciphylaxis may also affect patients with normal or only slightly impaired renal function, including kidney transplant recipients. A precise definition of the characteristics and risk factors of calciphylaxis developing after kidney transplantation has been hindered by the extreme rarity of this condition, which also hampered the development of effective therapeutic strategies. In the present issue of CKJ, Guillén and colleagues report the largest case series of calciphylaxis in kidney transplant recipients to date, outlining several features that are apparently specific to this population. In this editorial, we briefly present the epidemiology and pathogenesis of calciphylaxis in different patient populations and discuss recent findings for its therapeutic management.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Implementation for the Analysis of Urine Culture
Authors: Alouani David J , Ransom Eric M , Jani Mehul , Burnham Carey-Ann , Rhoads Daniel D , Sadri Navid
Published: December 2021

Background

Urine culture images collected using bacteriology automation are currently interpreted by technologists during routine standard-of-care workflows. Machine learning may be able to improve the harmonization of and assist with these interpretations.

Methods

A deep learning model, BacterioSight, was developed, trained, and tested on standard BD-Kiestra images of routine blood agar urine cultures from 2 different medical centers.

Results

BacterioSight displayed performance on par with standard-of-care–trained technologist interpretations. BacterioSight accuracy ranged from 97% when compared to standard-of-care (single technologist) and reached 100% when compared to a consensus reached by a group of technologists (gold standard in this study). Variability in image interpretation by trained technologists was identified and annotation “fuzziness” was quantified and found to correlate with reduced confidence in BacterioSight interpretation. Intra-testing (training and testing performed within the same institution) performed well giving Area Under the Curve (AUC) ≥0.98 for negative and positive plates, whereas, cross-testing on images (trained on one institution’s images and tested on images from another institution) showed decreased performance with AUC ≥0.90 for negative and positive plates.

Conclusions

Our study provides a roadmap on how BacterioSight or similar deep learning prototypes may be implemented to screen for microbial growth, flag difficult cases for multi-personnel review, or auto-verify a subset of cultures with high confidence. In addition, our results highlight image interpretation variability by trained technologist within an institution and globally across institutions. We propose a model in which deep learning can enhance patient care by identifying inherent sample annotation variability and improving personnel training.
Linking socio-sexual and vocal behaviour with faecal progesterone and oestrogen metabolite levels in Southern white rhinoceros females
Authors: Jenikejew Julia , Wauters Jella , Dehnhard Martin , Scheumann Marina
Published: December 2021

Progesterone and oestrogen are the main gonadal steroid hormones that regulate the ovarian activity and induce the fertile oestrus period in females. The monitoring of this receptive phase is particularly decisive for captive breeding and is commonly based on the observation of female behavioural patterns that coincide with their hormonal oestrus. However, in the white rhinoceros (WR), a species that is well known for its impaired reproductive rate in captivity, the female behavioural and vocal indicators of receptivity have not been systematically investigated or linked to their hormonal states so far. In order to close this gap, we combined behavioural and acoustic recordings, conducted over an average period of 32 days, with the analysis of faecal progesterone and oestrogen metabolite concentrations (fPM and fEM) in 27 adult Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum; SWR) females from 10 European zoos. For eight of the study females, we were able to detect a receptive period indicated by their acceptance of sexual behaviour from the bulls. The comparison of behaviour and vocalization between receptive and non-receptive periods in these females demonstrated that particularly presenting and marking behaviour distinctly peaked during the receptive period, indicating the significance of olfactory signalling for female reproductive behaviour. Based on the analysis of fPM profiles, we were able to identify different reproductive states (cycling, non-cycling, pregnant) in 21 of 27 study females. In contrast, fEM profiles proved to be unsuitable for the detection of ovarian activity. For the majority (five of six females for which behavioural receptivity and endocrine cyclicity were determined), a coincidence of their receptive period and the hormonal oestrus, indicated by a nadir in fPM levels, could be detected. Conclusively, this study revealed a comprehensive behavioural repertoire that reflects the hormonal oestrus in SWR females and can therefore be reliably used for non-invasive ex situ reproduction monitoring.
Reimagining ITA training: promoting student-scholars’ agency
Authors: Sahranavard Neda , Du Qian
Published: December 2021

The practice of international teaching assistant (ITA) training across US institutions has been centred around a traditional model of native speakerism that expects ITAs to acquire the American communication paradigm through pre-made pronunciation and comprehension drills and exercises. Such practice tends to isolate the teaching of listening, speaking, and pronunciation from ITAs’ profound academic background, linguistic competence, and agency. This paper reports on an empowering ITA training curriculum that personalizes and professionalizes learning for international young scholars by promoting their accountability, responsibility, decision-making, and agency. Rather than approaching ITA training from traditional repeat-after-me pronunciation exercises and instructor-centred lectures, our approach leads to vital strides in ITAs becoming confident users of English with tools they need in their future academic endeavours. The curriculum also prepares them for academic success by creating a community of ITAs who learn through using compelling and professionally meaningful topics and materials.
Big gamma-glutamyltransferase is associated with epicardial fat volume and cardiovascular outcome in the general population
Authors: Aimo Alberto , Chiappino Sara , Paolicchi Aldo , Della Latta Daniele , Martini Nicola , Clemente Alberto , Musetti Veronica , Masotti Silvia , Panichella Giorgia , Piagneri Valeria , Storti Simona , Monteleone Angelo , Passino Claudio , Chiappino Dante , Franzini Maria , Emdin Michele
Published: December 2021

Aims

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) has been recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor, and its highest molecular weight fraction [big GGT (b-GGT)] is found in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. We explored the relationship between b-GGT, computed tomography findings, and long-term outcomes in the general population.

Methods and results

Between May 2010 and October 2011, subjects aged 45–75 years living in a Tuscan city and without known cardiac disease were screened. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death or acute coronary syndrome requiring urgent coronary revascularization. Gamma-glutamyltransferase fractions were available in 898 subjects [median age 65 years (25th–75th percentile 55–70), 46% men]. Median plasma GGT was 20 IU (15–29), and b-GGT was 2.28 (1.28–4.17). Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score values were 0 (0–60), and the volume of pro-atherogenic epicardial fat was 155 mL (114–204). In a model including age, sex, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, current or previous smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, b-GGT independently predicted epicardial fat volume (EFV) (r = 0.162, P < 0.001), but not CAC (P = 0.198). Over a 10.3-year follow-up (9.6–10.8), 27 subjects (3%) experienced the primary endpoint. We evaluated couples of variables including b-GGT and a cardiovascular risk factor, CAC or EFV. Big GGT yielded independent prognostic significance from age, LDL cholesterol, current or previous smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, but not CAC or EFV. Conversely, GGT predicted the primary endpoint even independently from CAC and EFV.

Conclusion

Big GGT seemed at least as predictive as the commonly available GGT assay; therefore, the need for b-GGT rather than GGT measurement should be carefully examined.
Syntrophic propionate-oxidizing bacteria in methanogenic systems
Authors: Westerholm Maria , Calusinska Magdalena , Dolfing Jan
Published: December 2021

The mutual nutritional cooperation underpinning syntrophic propionate degradation provides a scant amount of energy for the microorganisms involved, so propionate degradation often acts as a bottleneck in methanogenic systems. Understanding the ecology, physiology and metabolic capacities of syntrophic propionate-oxidizing bacteria (SPOB) is of interest in both engineered and natural ecosystems, as it offers prospects to guide further development of technologies for biogas production and biomass-derived chemicals, and is important in forecasting contributions by biogenic methane emissions to climate change. SPOB are distributed across different phyla. They can exhibit broad metabolic capabilities in addition to syntrophy (e.g. fermentative, sulfidogenic and acetogenic metabolism) and demonstrate variations in interplay with cooperating partners, indicating nuances in their syntrophic lifestyle. In this review, we discuss distinctions in gene repertoire and organization for the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway, hydrogenases and formate dehydrogenases, and emerging facets of (formate/hydrogen/direct) electron transfer mechanisms. We also use information from cultivations, thermodynamic calculations and omic analyses as the basis for identifying environmental conditions governing propionate oxidation in various ecosystems. Overall, this review improves basic and applied understanding of SPOB and highlights knowledge gaps, hopefully encouraging future research and engineering on propionate metabolism in biotechnological processes.
Very-small-aperture 3-D infrasonic array for volcanic jet observation at Stromboli Volcano
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuya , Ichihara Mie , Lacanna Giorgio , Sánchez Claudia , Ripepe Maurizio
Published: December 2021

This study tested a very-small-aperture 3-D (VSA-3D) infrasonic array. A 3-D array is ideal for resolving the back elevation angle (BEL), which has become important in the analysis of volcanic jet noise or geological flows on steep mountain slopes. Although a VSA infrasonic array, with an aperture as small as a few tens of metres, has recently been shown to have a sufficient resolution of the backazimuth (BAZ) of incident signals, its BEL resolution is considered to be poor. We performed a four-element 3-D array experiment with a 20-m aperture and 2-m height at the summit of Stromboli Volcano. We analysed the direction of arrival (DOA) with the MUSIC algorithm as a function of frequency and conducted a cluster analysis for the estimated DOA–frequency functions of eruption signals. As a result, individual infrasonic signals were successfully related to eruptive vents. We also calculated the standard deviation (STD) of the DOAs in each cluster. Of the observed BAZ-STDs and BEL-STDs, 80 per cent were <2.0° and <4.6°, respectively. A comparison among the array geometries showed that the installation of a sensor above the ground, even at only 2 m, improved the BEL resolution, indicating that the VSA-3D array provides more detailed information about the wavefield than a planar array. The observed signals had higher BELs (−20° to 0°) than the vent direction (−30° to −25°) at 3–6 Hz, although signals above 20 Hz arrived from the vent direction. Our array verified that such DOA deviations were significant by the STD analysis and some tests with synthetic data. We infer that the DOA deviations do not indicate the source location and are caused by topographical diffraction.
Rapid Spread of an Introduced Parasitoid for Biological Control of Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in Maryland
Authors: Aker Stokes A , de Andrade Rafael B , Duan Jian J , Gruner Daniel S
Published: December 2021

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)), an invasive phloem-feeding beetle native to Asia, has devastated North American ash forests since its detection in Michigan, United States in 2002. As the emerald ash borer has continued to spread, the potential for successful long-term management hinges upon the release, establishment, and spread of introduced larval and egg parasitoids for biological control. Here, we focus on the establishment and evidence for spatial spread of introduced larval parasitoid, Spathius agrili Yang and Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazanac (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in the state of Maryland. To assess each species, we analyzed historical release and recovery data and resampled previous release sites and nonrelease sites for establishment. We found little evidence of establishment or spread for S. agrili, despite a comparatively large number of release locations, events, and individuals. By contrast, despite much lower propagule pressure and shorter history of releases, we detected multiple established populations of S. galinae at release sites and at sites up to 90 km from the nearest release point approximately 3 yr after its most current release. Our findings show that S. galinae has established and spread rapidly following field releases whereas its congener, S. agrili has not. Although it may still be too early to evaluate the level of population control and ash protection afforded by S. galinae, these findings indicate the need for continued investment in S. galinae for emerald ash borer classical biological control efforts.
Applying the Precautionary Principle to Emerging Zoonotic Disease: Lessons from China’s Response in Environmental Law
Authors: Lan Ying , Qin Tianbao
Published: December 2021

Emerging zoonotic disease (EZD) is a major threat to human health which closely relates to anthropogenic environmental change. In its response to COVID-19, China applied the precautionary principle at the interface of environmental, animal and public health. As such, scientific uncertainties can no longer justify inaction against the causes of EZDs, and closer collaboration among sectors becomes an obligation under this integrated approach to precaution. Stricter regulation is established by improving the legal systems for surveillance, risk assessment and utilisation management. However, the aspiration for precaution is restrained, given that zoonotic risk indicators are still not explicitly incorporated into environmental impact assessment. By contrast, the prohibition on bushmeat consumption is so radical that it invites reflection on the limits on precaution. Taking social–political priorities and available enforcement resources into account, it is argued that the precautionary principle is flexible enough for countries to develop cost-effective regulation that adapts to context.