bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test antagonism of several Trichoderma species in suppressing the growth of Alternaria sp. in vitro
Authors: Susanna S , Sayuthi M. , Salsabila L. , Basri
Published: February 2024

Alternaria sp. is a pathogenic fungus that causes purple blotch disease in onion plants. Losses from this disease lead to a decrease in yield by more than 70% and seed damage to 100%. For this reason, a study was conducted to test the antagonistic ability of several Trichoderma species in suppressing the growth of Alternaria sp. in-vitro as an alternative to plant disease control that is safer and more environmentally friendly. Alternaria sp. isolate. derived from onion plants located in Bale Atu, Bukit District, Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh Province. The Trichoderma species used are T. asperellum, T. harzianum, T. virens, and Trichoderma sp. Antagonism testing was carried out using a dual culture method in a 9 cm diameter petri dish. The results showed that, T. asperellum, T. harzianum, T. virens, and Trichoderma sp. able to suppress the growth of Alternaria sp. on observation of 5 HSI. The antagonistic mechanism that occurs is competition against space, nutrition, antibiosis and mycoparasites. The best percentage of resistance occurred in the treatment of T. virens, which was 77.78%. next followed by the inhibitory power of Trichoderma sp. by 72.39%, T. harzianum by 64.80%, and T. asperellum by 60.77%.
Sustainable urban farming development in banda aceh city
Authors: Marjani C W , Febriana F , Mujiburrahmad  , Indra I , Marsudi E , Zikria V
Published: February 2024

Urban farming which is known as a strategy to utilize urban areas for agriculture has turned into a trend among urbanites who prioritize a healthy lifestyle. It aims to utilize limited land in urban areas to produce food using modern techniques. This study aims to analyze the level of competence and farmers motivation of urban farming who utilize their land and identify challenges and obstacles in development of urban farming in Banda Aceh City. The types of data used are primary and secondary data. The data collection method was conducted using a questionnaire then the data will be processed and analyzed using descriptive analysis. Based on the results of the study it was known that the level of competence of urban farming farmers in Banda Aceh City reached an average score of 81.6%, which is in the high category, the high level of intrinsic motivation of farmers reached 84.7%. Extrinsic motivation of farmers is in the medium category, with a percentage value of 73%. Despite urban farming in Banda Aceh City encountering various challenges and obstacles, the farmers remain strong and persistent in overcoming all the difficulties that arise during the development process.
The impact of biological asset disclosures and economic sustainability on firm value: Evidence from agricultural companies in Indonesia
Authors: Ika S R , Farida F N , Asih S N , Okfitasari A , Widagdo A K
Published: February 2024

This research aims to investigate whether biological asset reporting and the economic sustainability of the firm affect its value. In accordance with the Indonesian Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 69 (PSAK 69), corporations are required to disclose their methods of recognizing and valuing the fair market value of assets pertaining to living things such as plants or animals. Hence, whether biological asset disclosure impacts investors’ decisions to value the firm is the focus of the study. The study also examines if PSAK 69 increased agricultural corporations’ biological asset disclosure. The comparison test shows that PSAK 69 increased the disclosure. The Altman Z-rating probability of bankruptcy is a proxy for economic sustainability. Utilizing 56 listed agricultural firms from 2017 to 2020 as a sample, the regression analysis reveals that biological asset disclosure does not influence firm value. Instead, economic sustainability and other financial indicators such as profitability and the level of debt affect the value of the firm. The results imply that the agricultural corporation’s reputation in the eyes of shareholders is dependent upon its economic sustainability instead of the dissemination of information on its biological assets. The research provides insight into the non-value relevance of biological asset reporting in the context of Indonesia.
Kinetics of bacterial cellulose formation in soybean-boiled wastewater medium during fermentation utilizing real-time image processing
Authors: Astuti E N J , Nugroho D A , Ahmadi T P , Pamungkas A P
Published: February 2024

The bacterial cellulose (BC) fermentation is affected by environmental growth conditions such as pH, temperature, and turbidity. During the fermentation, a real-time image processing method was applied to observe the BC growth by using soybean-boiled wastewater and coconut water as a mixture. Cellulose will be produced and discharged into the medium throughout the fermentation process to form BC sheets, which will gradually become visible. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between the growth parameters of BC and to analyze the formation of BC kinetically, using the Gompertz model on medium without additional nitrogen source and medium with additional nitrogen sources during the fermentation process. The strongest correlation result was found between time and thickness of BC formed without an additional nitrogen source, and with sodium glutamate as the nitrogen source. The Gompertz model equation was suitable for predicting the kinetics of BC formation time and thickness based on the available data. Both mediums exhibited three clusters that represented the adaptation stage, the exponential stage, and the stationary stage during the fermentation process. The addition of a nitrogen source to the medium resulted in thicker BC sheets compared to the medium without this addition.
Improvement of sensory characteristics of Barangan banana (Musa acuminata Linn.) slices as a stirred yogurt topping
Authors: Yunita D , Muzaifa M , Fauziah M E , Kayyisah K , Mugampoza E
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to improve the sensory characteristics of bananas (Musa acuminata Linn.) slices as a stirred yogurt topping. Ascorbic acid was used in three different concentrations (C; 1%, 2%, and 3%) at three different soaking times (T; 4 mins, 5 mins, and 6 mins). Samples without soaking in ascorbic acid were used as a control. The sliced bananas were analyzed for color (brightness, L*; redness, a*; and yellowness, b*) and hedonic test (taste, aroma, and color) of 30 semi-trained panelists. The most preferred sample was then analyzed by descriptive test (taste, aroma, and color). The results showed that panelists mostly liked the slices banana soaked in 2% of ascorbic acid for 4 minutes. It had a strong sour taste, yogurt aroma, and brownish yellow color. The color values of the preferred sample of L*, a*, and b* were 98.1, -13.9, and +47.3 respectively. On the other hand, the control sample had sour taste, banana aroma, and blackish yellow color. The color values of the control sample of L*, a*, and b* were 94.2, -10.03, and 37.9 respectively. These results indicate that ascorbic acid could increase the appearance of Barangan banana as a stirred yogurt topping.
Ornamental plant potential of Asteraceae from the Gayo Highlands, Bener Meriah Regency
Authors: Puspa V R , Zumaidar  , Nurdin  , Fitmawati
Published: February 2024

Asteraceae have many species and beautiful flowers that became an attraction for cultivation and were used as ornamental or cut flowers. Asteraceae grow fertile in the high plains, as seen from the diversity of livable species and their phenetic flowers. The purpose of this research was inventory of the Asteraceae ornamental plants of the Gayo’s Highland. Analysis with explorative survey methods was conducted at eight districts in Bener Meriah Regency by conducting direct observations at the location of the statement’s object. The study found 19 species of Asteraceae belonging to 14 genera, includingDahlia, Tagetes, Cosmos, Zinnia, Chrysanthemum, Helianthus, Coreopsis, Tithonia, Melapodium, Tanacetum, Symphyotrichum, Callistephus, Centratherum, andGerbera. The most commonly found genus isDahlia, with three species with different color varieties, followed byTateges, Cosmos, andTithonia, with two species. This suggests thatDahliais a favorite species and a potential plant to be chosen as an ornamental plant in the planning of the development of the Asteraceae flower garden as well as a cut flower and increasing its economic value.
The role of indigenous people to the viability of traditional forest management: A case study from Imbo Putui Customary Forest
Authors: Chahyana I , Hutomo P , Hernawan E , Titisari PW
Published: February 2024

Local communities play a significant role in the sustainable customary forest management. This research aims to determine local community participation in customary forest management important to know how participation of the local. Data was conducted using a survey method using a quantitative approach. Data was acquired by distributing questionnaires and conducting interviews with respondents, who were indigenous people Kenegerian Petapahan. Determination of the number of samples using the Slovin formula. The formula for frequency analysis is utilized to analyze questionnaire data. The analysis reveals that the Kenegerian Petapahan indigenous people have a 60.04% participation rate in the administration of the Imbo Putui customary forest. Utilization achieved 69.23% (good), followed by monitoring and evaluation 64.23% (good), planning 51.85% (fairly good), and 49.33% (fairly good) for implementation. Therefore, it may be inferred that the integration of bioresource consumption by indigenous groups necessitates the augmentation of their involvement in the governance of said bioresources. Furthermore, the effective management of the Imbo Putui customary forest requires the collaboration and involvement of multiple stakeholders. This study holds significance as a valuable resource for decision-makers in shaping policies related to forest management, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation initiatives that involve indigenous or local groups.
Analysis of Spatial distribution of Peatland Depth in Keub Village
Authors: Farida A , Wahyudi N , Basri H , Muslih A M , Arabia T , Rasyid U H A , Arlita T
Published: February 2024

Peat is an ecosystem that is formed due to biomass production that exceeds the decomposition process. The area of peat land in Aceh Province reaches 338,164 ha. Improper use of peatlands results in peatland degradation so that the thickness and depth of the peat soil decreases. This research aims to determine the map of changes in the distribution of peat depth classes and determine changes in the peat ecosystem classification map in Keub Village by comparing the peat depth map published by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 2019 with interpolation results using the inverse distance weight method. The results of this research showed that there was a change in the peat depth class and the area of distribution of the peat depth class between the peat depth class map published by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the interpolation results in Keub Village. Based on a comparison of the KLHK peat depth map with the interpolated map, it was also found that there was a change in the area of protected functional areas in the form of an increase in the number of areas.
Livelihood vulnerability of post-disaster rehabilitation in Banda Aceh and its neighbouring gampongs
Authors: Zikri I , Takahashi M , Salsabila M , Hamid A H , Ginting L N , Sofyan
Published: February 2024

The reconstruction regime provides the foundation for the progress and sustainability of development in disaster-affected areas. The process and results of the intervention have relations and implications for change, resilience, and vulnerability of people’s livelihoods. This study aims to assess the dynamics of change, livelihood aspects, and social vulnerability of communities in Banda Aceh and surrounding gampongs. This study used a household approach as the unit of analysis. The survey was conducted on 1000 households in 50 gampongs using proportional random sampling. Data analysis employs a descriptive approach. The main findings of this study show changes in livelihood structure, especially in the trade and services sector. The condition of people’s livelihood assets is relatively moderate, and human capital and financial capital have a weak score compared to others. The level of social vulnerability of the community is low, where the economic aspect is an important indicator that contributes to vulnerability.
Reliability Analysis of a Four-legged Jacket Offshore Platform: A Case Study
Authors: Hastuti  , Prastianto RW , rosyid D M , Syalsabila F , Syarifudin M R
Published: February 2024

Offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation requires reliable infrastructure. One crucial issue to consider is the reliability of the structure. Structural designs generally use deterministic or fixed values in their calculations. However, the factors involved in the design process may be random variables, such as environmental loads, materials, dimensions, and operational conditions, which may vary. Therefore, when calculating the reliability of a structure, these random variables must be treated with the science of statistics and probability. This research uses probabilistic and statistical methods via the Monte Carlo method to analyze the reliability of offshore jacket structures. The jacket platform is destined for the four-legged Java Sea around Gresik, Indonesia. The research results show that the Jacket platform has a high level of reliability for operating loads of K = 0.9883 and extreme loads of K = 0.9963 based on reliability analysis using the Monte Carlo Simulation method. Although the reliability figure does not exceed 1, this can be taken as a sign that the Jacket platform is declared safe in the analyzed situations. This reliability analysis ensures that the jacket platform is reliable and safe in dealing with the various environmental conditions and loads encountered during its operational life.
Modelling a sorghum logistics as a substitution of wheat to encourage food diversification program and enhance the productivity of local crops
Authors: Hadi F. , Devintasari D. V. , Suryoatmojo A.
Published: February 2024

the current diet trend in Indonesia suggests noodles made from wheat as the alternative to rice. This condition leads Indonesia to import the wheat as much as 11.5 million tonnes per year. In fact, Indonesia has become the world’s second largest wheat importer and ranks among East Asia’s largest staple food importers, mainly for wheat. The distribution of wheat commodity is being hampered due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, both of whom are major wheat suppliers in global market. As a solution, President of Indonesia, declaring a means to utilise other crops or implementing food diversification by using sorghum. Sorghum is a grain that able to thrive in tropical and dry areas, such as Indonesia and is possible to substitute that of some wheat. This final project aims to plan door to door sorghum logistic model whenever used as a substitution of wheat in a dry noodle factory located in Sidoarjo Regency by acquiring the lowest cost and a scheduling of sorghum deliveries to fulfil daily demand of the factory itself. The method applied to model the logistic planning is Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) to determine which scenario giving the most minimum cost. The result of the analysis performed showing that the operational pattern chosen is port to port with voyage charter option obtained a freight cost of Rp17.549.076.988 or a unit cost of Rp558.571 /ton. The scheduling model shows that scenario of warehouse renting in every field is chosen and by doing the sensitivity analysis giving the total cost of Rp11.566.026.812 which includes trucking cost, warehouse cost, and stacking cost. The result shows the overall cost of the sorghum logistic model is Rp29.115.103.800 or equal to Rp926.708 /ton. Furthermore, the partial substitution of sorghum flour for wheat flour results in an 9,81% rise in production costs
The impact on downstream policy implementation for mineral export products in Indonesia: marine transportation point of view
Authors: Lazuardi S D , Hadi F , Devintasari D V , Wuryaningrum P , Riduwan M , Noarista O S , Alifia S F
Published: February 2024

Indonesia is a country with abundant natural resources, particularly for metal mineral mining. In 2020, Indonesia is recorded to have approximately 1.2 billion tons of bauxite ore reserves, which made Indonesia the 6th largest owner of bauxite reserves in the world. Apart from bauxite, around 52% or 72 million tonnes of world nickel reserves are also located in Indonesia. However, most of the bauxite and nickel mining production have been exported in the form of ore or concentrate, which has a much lower selling value compared to the processed products. Therefore, the Indonesian government imposed a ban on the export of unprocessed minerals through Law Number 3 of 2020. The export ban is intended for mineral mining products, especially bauxite and nickel, to be processed first into semi-finished goods or finished goods, to provide added value in terms of foreign exchange for Indonesia. This study aims to determine the impact on the implementation of the downstream program, especially for nickel mineral product from marine transportation point of view. The method used in this study is optimizing non-linear programming to determine the type and number of fleets needed to transport nickel from the mine site to the smelter and its processed products from the smelter to the importing country by considering the minimum unit transport costs. The output of this research is the configuration of the sea transport fleet required for the implementation of the mineral product downstream program as well as the potential added value of transporting those processed products into the Indonesia‘s balance of payment.
Formulation and selection of blue economy operational business strategy using Montecarlo Simulation and Multi Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Siswanto N , Rayhan M , Rosdaniah SI
Published: February 2024

The Cirebon Government has provided guidelines for the establishment of mangrove ecotourism aimed at reducing the level of mangrove damage in Cirebon, which has reached 75%. One of the newly established mangrove ecotourism sites in January 2023 is the “Kasih Sayang Mangrove Ecotourism Area.” This tourism destination focuses solely on the natural beauty of the mangrove ecosystem, generating revenue from entrance tickets and parking fees. Therefore, a business operational strategy is needed to increase income and the number of visitors. The strategy design is based on the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) Matrix, External Factor Evaluation (EFE) Matrix, Internal-External (IE) Matrix, and the General Strategy of Blue Economy, resulting in three alternative strategies: Mangrove Planting Scheme for Tourists, Paddling Attractions for Tourists, and Utilization of Mangrove Trees as Souvenirs. The selected alternative strategy, using the Monte Carlo Simulation and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach, is the Paddling Attractions for Tourists, with an average Net Present Value of Rp 92,210,01, an investment of Rp 544,298,000, an additional 5 local workers, and an estimated 14,598 kg of waste.
Impact of preparation methods on the performance of Cu/Ni/Zr catalysts for methanol decomposition
Authors: Chen Yexin , Jiang Yankun , Zhang Beidong , Lu Yixin , Wang Beichen
Published: February 2024

Utilizing waste heat from engine exhausts to decompose methanol into a hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) mixture, subsequently reintroduced into the engine, offers a significant potential to enhance engine efficiency and reduce emissions. The efficacy of the catalyst is crucial, as it directly influences the composition of the decomposition gases, thereby impacting energy conservation and emissions reduction. This study investigates the impact of various preparation methods for the self-developed Cu/Ni/Zr catalyst for methanol hydrogenation decomposition. These techniques include the co-precipitation method, co-impregnation method, and citrate complexation method, evaluated within a temperature spectrum of 220 °C–320 °C. Employing analytical methods such as x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA-DSC), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Temperature-Programmed Reduction (TPR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, the study elucidates the mechanism of methanol decomposition catalyzed by Cu/Ni/Zr. The findings indicate that the catalyst’s activity, in terms of decomposition rate and hydrogen content, ranks in descending order from the co-impregnation method, followed by the citrate complexation method, to the co-precipitation method.
Composition-driven Mott transition within SrTi 1−x
V x
O3
Authors: James A D N , Aichhorn M , Laverock J
Published: February 2024

The last few decades has seen the rapid growth of interest in the bulk perovskite-type transition metal oxides SrVO3 and SrTiO3. The electronic configuration of these perovskites differs by one electron associated to the transition metal species which gives rise to the drastically different electronic properties. Therefore, it is natural to look into how the electronic structure transitions between these bulk structures by using doping. Measurements of the substitutional doped SrTi

1
−
x

V

x

O3 shows an metal–insulator transition (MIT) as a function of doping. By using supercell density functional theory with dynamical mean field theory (DFT+DMFT), we show that the MIT is indeed the result of the combination of local electron correlation effects (Mott physics) within the

t

2
g

orbitals and the atomic site configuration of the transition metals which may indicate dependence on site disorder. SrTi

1
−
x

V

x

O3 may be an ideal candidate for benchmarking cutting-edge Mott–Anderson models of real systems. We show that applying an effective external perturbation on SrTi

1
−
x

V

x

O3 can switch the system between the insulating and metallic phase, meaning this is a bulk system with the potential use in Mott electronic devices.
Numerical analysis of flow and combustion of Coal-Ammonia blend in coal-fired furnace
Authors: Rekhraj Simranjeet Kaur , Hasini Hasril
Published: February 2024

Co-firing ammonia (NH3) in coal-fired power plants presents an attractive method to expedite the global decarbonization process. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in reconciling the need for higher temperatures within the furnace with the imperative of maintaining low nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which limits the widespread use of NH3 as a fuel. In this article, the flow and combustion of coal-NH3 blends in a 3 × 700 MW tangentially-fired utility coal boiler furnace are investigated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The impact of NH3 blending ratios is examined through numerically simulated combustion involving five co-firing ratios (CRs) of NH3, including 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%. Various combustion properties are assessed, including the furnace’s temperature profile, flow distribution, species emissions, pollutant formation, and heat generation. To validate the approach, single coal and coal blend simulations performed depicted reasonable agreement in predicting furnace flame temperatures. The predicted flue gas temperature exhibited a decrease with an increase in NH3 CR, leading to a reduction in the furnace’s heat generation. Regarding flow characteristics, there was a notable increase in velocity as the concentration of NH3 was raised. The elevated NH3 content correlated with an observed rise in oxygen (O2) residue in the rear pass, coupled with a decrease in both carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations. Pollutant formation, assessed in terms of nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions, revealed an increase in concentration with the rise in NH3 CR. Indeed, these findings suggest a promising strategy for adopting NH3 as a viable alternative to coal, representing an effective carbon-neutral fuel for the future.
Whole value at risk for flood damage estimates through spatial data analysis
Authors: Martyn Nicholas Q J , Karney Bryan W , Posen I Daniel
Published: February 2024

Effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) for flooding requires a comprehensive estimate of the whole value at risk (WVAR) to inform appropriate and proportionate mitigation expenditure. Conventional flood risk estimation methods focus on the direct effects of inundation on community value and generally ignore collateral effects on assets and populations outside the flooded area. Consequently, conventional methods tend to underestimate the cost of flooding, leading to an underestimate of the return on DRR investment. Using spatial data analysis in an urban case study for Toronto, Canada, we identify and capture the collateral value at risk (ColVaR) to estimate the WVAR more comprehensively. In our case study, ColVaR (mean estimate) amounts to 70% of direct losses (ColVar = $344 M; direct losses = $475 M CAD), ranging from 20%–150% (ColVar $100–$740 M) when spanning the 90% confidence intervals of our Monte Carlo simulations. Thus, we demonstrate that if the collateral value at risk is ignored, WVAR can be significantly underestimated, potentially leading to reduced disaster risk reduction resource allocations and thereby adding risk exposure for communities. We present an accessible, seven-step process using existing spatial analysis tools and techniques that infrastructure stakeholders and planners can use to estimate ColVaR and better formulate DRR measures for their communities.
A Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly and Annotation for the Clouded Apollo Butterfly (Parnassius mnemosyne): A Species of Global Conservation Concern
Authors: Höglund Jacob , Dias Guilherme , Olsen Remi-André , Soares André , Bunikis Ignas , Talla Venkat , Backström Niclas
Published: February 2024

The clouded apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) is a palearctic butterfly distributed over a large part of western Eurasia, but population declines and fragmentation have been observed in many parts of the range. The development of genomic tools can help to shed light on the genetic consequences of the decline and to make informed decisions about direct conservation actions. Here, we present a high-contiguity, chromosome-level genome assembly of a female clouded apollo butterfly and provide detailed annotations of genes and transposable elements. We find that the large genome (1.5 Gb) of the clouded apollo is extraordinarily repeat rich (73%). Despite that, the combination of sequencing techniques allowed us to assemble all chromosomes (nc = 29) to a high degree of completeness. The annotation resulted in a relatively high number of protein-coding genes (22,854) compared with other Lepidoptera, of which a large proportion (21,635) could be assigned functions based on homology with other species. A comparative analysis indicates that overall genome structure has been largely conserved, both within the genus and compared with the ancestral lepidopteran karyotype. The high-quality genome assembly and detailed annotation presented here will constitute an important tool for forthcoming efforts aimed at understanding the genetic consequences of fragmentation and decline, as well as for assessments of genetic diversity, population structure, inbreeding, and genetic load in the clouded apollo butterfly.
(Dis)honorably discharged: identifying policy gaps in military–civilian reintegration
Authors: Reid Tavis , Sims Kaitlyn M
Published: February 2024

Despite the substantial transition assistance available for honorably separating servicemembers, 75% of US veterans report difficulties with the transition to civilian life. For the 16% of veterans who separate with less-than-honorable discharges, these difficulties are compounded by the lack of structural support from the US military. Social stigma, limited transition programming, and loss of benefits create a perfect storm of barriers for these discharged servicemembers. These barriers compound with post-service mental and physical health challenges to contribute to cycles of misconduct that can result in criminal incarceration. Further, because most of these veterans lack health benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs due to their discharge status, this population is substantially understudied from a public health perspective. However, actionable policy paths forward and federal policy change offer opportunity to soften the landing for these veterans and meet their legitimate needs for care.
Intelligent optimization of axial-flow pump using physics-considering machine learning
Authors: Kan Kan , Zhou Jie , Feng Jiangang , Xu Hui , Zheng Yuan , Chen Huixiang , Chen Jinbo
Published: February 2024

To address the significant energy waste generated by axial flow pumps, this paper proposes an intelligent optimization method based on physics-considering machine learning. First, a highly parameterized geometric design theory is constructed using six featured variables to achieve a complete three-dimensional modeling of the blade geometry. Four hundred preliminary cases are studied using the computational fluid dynamics method with various combinations of these featured variables to obtain a preliminary solution. The best preliminary design has an efficiency of 83.33%, and a head of 5.495 m. To further improve this performance, this paper also presents a high-precision prediction model for the energy performance of axial flow pump based on back-propagation neural network and the encoding layers of random sampling and local feature aggregator network created. Afterwards, a multi-population genetic algorithm is used to quickly find the optimal solution within the prediction mode range. The algorithm achieved a highest efficiency of 86.373% and was validated by numerical simulation with a value of 86.057% and a prediction error of 0.316%. Compared with the preliminary solution, the efficiency of the optimized axial flow pump is increased by 1.615%, with a wider high-efficiency range and an optimal operating point closer to the design conditions. Overall, this intelligent optimization method has the potential to significantly reduce the design time of axial pumps and increase their performance.
‘It’s not like you’re delivering Amazon packages’: A qualitative study and thematic analysis exploring older victims’ perspectives on how the police responded to their crime report
Authors: West Georgia , Satchell Jessica , Ford Paul , Serfaty Marc
Published: February 2024

Crime can be psychologically distressing for older victims, but their needs are poorly understood by the police. Using data from 27 in-depth semi-structured interviews with older victims who reported their crime to the Metropolitan Police Service in London (UK), we inductively explored their perceptions of how officers responded. We found that, whilst experiences and opinions varied, the actions of the police appeared to shape older victims’ psychological outcomes. Showing concern for older victims’ welfare, apologizing for oversights, and communicating case progress were helpful actions from officers. Lengthy responses, failure to acknowledge emotional harm and reduced presence of officers on the street, were considered not helpful. Our recommendations include flagging older victims to be contacted on more than one occasion post-crime, expanding routine training to encourage sensitive communication with this population, and online implementation of procedural justice training.
Amphiregulin improves ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction by modulating autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Li Nana , Xia Ni , He Junyi , Liu Meilin , Gu Muyang , Lu Yuzhi , Yang Haoyi , Hao Zhiheng , Zha Lingfeng , Wang Xuhong , Wang Weimin , Hu Desheng , Hu Jiong , Cheng Xiang
Published: February 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as sudden ischemic death of myocardial tissue. Amphiregulin (Areg) regulates cell survival and is crucial for the healing of tissues after damage. However, the functions and mechanisms of Areg after MI remain unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate Areg's impact on myocardial remodeling. Mice model of MI was constructed and Areg−/− mice were used. Expression of Areg was analyzed using western blotting, RT–qPCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. Echocardiographic analysis, Masson's trichrome, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining were used to assess cardiac function and structure. RNA sequencing was used for unbiased analysis. Apoptosis and autophagy were determined by western blotting, TUNEL staining, electron microscopy, and mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 lentivirus. Lysosomal acidity was determined by Lysotracker staining. Areg was elevated in the infarct border zone after MI. It was mostly secreted by macrophages. Areg deficiency aggravated adverse ventricular remodeling, as reflected by worsening cardiac function, a lower survival rate, increased scar size, and interstitial fibrosis. RNA sequencing analyses showed that Areg related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, V‐ATPase and lysosome pathways. Mechanistically, Areg exerts beneficial effects via increasing lysosomal acidity to promote autophagosome clearance, and activating the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, subsequently inhibiting excessive autophagosome formation and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. This study provides a novel evidence for the role of Areg in inhibiting ventricular remodeling after MI by regulating autophagy and apoptosis and identifies Areg as a potential therapeutic target in ventricular remodeling after MI.
Recent outcomes of liver transplantation for Budd-Chiari syndrome: A study of the European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR) and affiliated centers
Authors: Dongelmans Edo , Erler Nicole , Adam Rene , Nadalin Silvio , Karam Vincent , Yilmaz Sezai , Kelly Claire , Pirenne Jacques , Acarli Koray , Allison Michael , Hakeem Abdul , Dhakshinamoorthy Vijayanand , Fedaruk Dzmitry , Rummo Oleg , Kilic Murat , Nordin Arno , Fischer Lutz , Parente Alessandro , Mirza Darius , Bennet William , Tokat Yaman , Faitot Francois , Antonelli Barbara B. , Berlakovich Gabriela , Patch David , Berrevoet Frederik , Ribnikar Marija , Gerster Theophile , Savier Eric , Gruttadauria Salvatore , Ericzon Bo-Göran , Valdivieso Andrés , Cuervas-Mons Valentin , Perez Saborido Baltasar , Croner Roland S. , De Carlis Luciano , Magini Giulia , Rossi Roberta , Popescu Irinel , Razvan Laze , Schneeberger Stefan , Blokzijl Hans , Llado Laura , Gomez Bravo Miguel Angel , Duvoux Christophe , Mezjlík Vladimír , Oniscu Gabriel C. , Pearson Kelsey , Dayangac Murat , Lucidi Valerio , Detry Olivier , Rotellar Fernando , den Hoed Caroline , Polak Wojciech G. , Darwish Murad Sarwa ,   all other contributing centers (www.eltr.org) for the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association (ELITA)
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Management of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) has improved over the last decades. The main aim was to evaluate the contemporary post-liver transplant (post-LT) outcomes in Europe.

Approach and Results:

Data from all patients who underwent transplantation from 1976 to 2020 was obtained from the European Liver Transplant Registry (ELTR). Patients < 16 years, with secondary BCS or HCC were excluded. Patient survival (PS) and graft survival (GS) before and after 2000 were compared. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified predictors of PS and GS after 2000. Supplemental data was requested from all ELTR-affiliated centers and received from 44. In all, 808 patients underwent transplantation between 2000 and 2020. One-, 5- and 10-year PS was 84%, 77%, and 68%, and GS was 79%, 70%, and 62%, respectively. Both significantly improved compared to outcomes before 2000 (p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 50 months and retransplantation rate was 12%. Recipient age (aHR:1.04,95%CI:1.02–1.06) and MELD score (aHR:1.04,95%CI:1.01–1.06), especially above 30, were associated with worse PS, while male sex had better outcomes (aHR:0.63,95%CI:0.41–0.96). Donor age was associated with worse PS (aHR:1.01,95%CI:1.00–1.03) and GS (aHR:1.02,95%CI:1.01–1.03). In 353 patients (44%) with supplemental data, 33% had myeloproliferative neoplasm, 20% underwent TIPS pre-LT, and 85% used anticoagulation post-LT. Post-LT anticoagulation was associated with improved PS (aHR:0.29,95%CI:0.16–0.54) and GS (aHR:0.48,95%CI:0.29–0.81). Hepatic artery thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) occurred in 9% and 7%, while recurrent BCS was rare (3%).

Conclusions:

LT for BCS results in excellent patient- and graft-survival. Older recipient or donor age and higher MELD are associated with poorer outcomes, while long-term anticoagulation improves both patient and graft outcomes.
Genomics of human NAFLD: Lack of data reproducibility and high interpatient variability in drug target expression as major causes of drug failures
Authors: Tang Shifang , Borlak Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

NAFLD is a major disease burden and a foremost cause of chronic liver disease. Presently, nearly 300 trials evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of > 20 drugs. Remarkably, the majority of drugs fail. To better comprehend drug failures, we investigated the reproducibility of fatty liver genomic data across 418 liver biopsies and evaluated the interpatient variability of 18 drug targets.

Approach and Results:

Apart from our own data, we retrieved NAFLD biopsy genomic data sets from public repositories and considered patient demographics. We divided the data into test and validation sets, assessed the reproducibility of differentially expressed genes and performed gene enrichment analysis. Patients were stratified by disease activity score, fibrosis grades and sex, and we investigated the regulation of 18 drug targets across 418 NAFLD biopsies of which 278 are NASH cases. We observed poor reproducibility of differentially expressed genes across 9 independent studies. On average, only 4% of differentially expressed genes are commonly regulated based on identical sex and 2% based on identical NAS disease score and fibrosis grade. Furthermore, we observed sex-specific gene regulations, and for females, we noticed induced expression of genes coding for inflammatory response, Ag presentation, and processing. Conversely, extracellular matrix receptor interactions are upregulated in males, and the data agree with clinical findings. Strikingly, and with the exception of stearoyl-CoA desaturase, most drug targets are not regulated in > 80% of patients.

Conclusions:

Lack of data reproducibility, high interpatient variability, and the absence of disease-dependent drug target regulations are likely causes of NASH drug failures in clinical trials.
Extensive splanchnic vein thrombosis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A Vascular Liver Disease Group (VALDIG) initiative
Authors: Maan Raoel , Lauw Mandy N. , China Loise , Patch David , Baiges Anna , Garcia-Pagan Juan Carlos , Hernández-Gea Virginia , Hilleret Marie-Noelle , Tjwa Eric T. , Kounis Ilias , Bureau Christophe , Giguet Baptiste , Heurgué Alexandra , Ollivier-Hourmand Isabelle , Causse Xavier , Nery Filipe , Eshraghian Ahad , Plessier Aurélie , Darwish Murad Sarwa
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims:

Since the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, several cases of vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) have been described, especially cerebral vein thrombosis. We aimed to retrospectively collect all new cases of acute onset first or recurrent splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) following a recent SARS-CoV-2 vaccination within the Vascular Liver Disease Group network.

Approach and Results:

New cases of SVT were identified from April 2021 to April 2022; follow-up was completed on December 31, 2022. Criteria to define VITT were derived from previous studies. Data from a pre-COVID cohort of patients with SVT (N=436) were used for comparison of clinical presentation, etiology, and outcome. Twenty-nine patients were identified with SVT occurring with a median of 11 days (range 2–76) after the first (48%), second (41%), or third (10%) vaccination (ChAdOx1 nCov-19 (n=12) or BNT162b2 (n=14), other (n=3) Only 2 patients(7%) fulfilled criteria for definite VITT. Twenty (69%) had SVT at multiple sites, including 4 (14%) with concomitant extra-abdominal thrombosis. Only 28% had an underlying prothrombotic condition, compared to 52% in the pre-COVID SVT cohort (p=0.01). Five patients (17%) underwent bowel resection for mesenteric ischemia, compared with 3% in pre-COVID SVT (p<0.001). Two patients died shortly after diagnosis (7%).

Conclusions:

Although definite VITT was rare, in 72% of cases, no other cause for SVT could be identified following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. These cases were different from patients with nonvaccine–related SVT, with lower incidence of prothrombotic conditions, higher rates of bowel ischemia, and poorer outcome. Although SVT after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is rare in absolute terms, these data remain relevant considering ongoing revaccination programs.
IC3D Classification of Corneal Dystrophies—Edition 3
Authors: Weiss Jayne S. , Rapuano Christopher J. , Seitz Berthold , Busin Massimo , Kivelä Tero T. , Bouheraoua Nacim , Bredrup Cecilie , Nischal Ken K. , Chawla Harshvardhan , Borderie Vincent , Kenyon Kenneth R. , Kim Eung Kweon , Møller Hans Ulrik , Munier Francis L. , Berger Tim , Lisch Walter
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The International Committee for the Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was created in 2005 to develop a new classification system integrating current information on phenotype, histopathology, and genetic analysis. This update is the third edition of the IC3D nomenclature.

Methods:

Peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to 2023 were evaluated. The new information was used to update the anatomic classification and each of the 22 standardized templates including the level of evidence for being a corneal dystrophy [from category 1 (most evidence) to category 4 (least evidence)].

Results:

Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophies now include epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy, category 1 (COL17A1 mutations, chromosome 10). Signs and symptoms are similar to Franceschetti corneal dystrophy, dystrophia Smolandiensis, and dystrophia Helsinglandica, category 4. Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy, previously reported as X-linked, has been discovered to be autosomal dominant (MCOLN1 mutations, chromosome 19). Classic lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) results from TGFBI R124C mutation. The LCD variant group has over 80 dystrophies with non-R124C TGFBI mutations, amyloid deposition, and often similar phenotypes to classic LCD. We propose a new nomenclature for specific LCD pathogenic variants by appending the mutation using 1-letter amino acid abbreviations to LCD. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophies include category 1, autosomal dominant, punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PPPCD) (PRDX3 mutations, chromosome 10). Typically asymptomatic, it can be distinguished phenotypically from pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy, category 4. We include a corneal dystrophy management table.

Conclusions:

The IC3D third edition provides a current summary of corneal dystrophy information. The article is available online at https://corneasociety.org/publications/ic3d.
Plasma Protein Biomarkers Distinguish Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children From Other Pediatric Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Yeoh Sophya , Estrada-Rivadeneyra Diego , Jackson Heather , Keren Ilana , Galassini Rachel , Cooray Samantha , Shah Priyen , Agyeman Philipp , Basmaci Romain , Carrol Enitan , Emonts Marieke , Fink Colin , Kuijpers Taco , Martinon-Torres Federico , Mommert-Tripon Marine , Paulus Stephane , Pokorn Marko , Rojo Pablo , Romani Lorenza , Schlapbach Luregn , Schweintzger Nina , Shen Ching-Fen , Tsolia Maria , Usuf Effua , van der Flier Michiel , Vermont Clementien , von Both Ulrich , Yeung Shunmay , Zavadska Dace , Coin Lachlan , Cunnington Aubrey , Herberg Jethro , Levin Michael , Kaforou Myrsini , Hamilton Shea ,   on behalf of the PERFORM, DIAMONDS and UK KD Genetic Consortia
Published: February 2024

Background:

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious hyperinflammatory complication following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The mechanisms underpinning the pathophysiology of MIS-C are poorly understood. Moreover, clinically distinguishing MIS-C from other childhood infectious and inflammatory conditions, such as Kawasaki disease or severe bacterial and viral infections, is challenging due to overlapping clinical and laboratory features. We aimed to determine a set of plasma protein biomarkers that could discriminate MIS-C from those other diseases.

Methods:

Seven candidate protein biomarkers for MIS-C were selected based on literature and from whole blood RNA sequencing data from patients with MIS-C and other diseases. Plasma concentrations of ARG1, CCL20, CD163, CORIN, CXCL9, PCSK9 and ADAMTS2 were quantified in MIS-C (n = 22), Kawasaki disease (n = 23), definite bacterial (n = 28) and viral (n = 27) disease and healthy controls (n = 8). Logistic regression models were used to determine the discriminatory ability of individual proteins and protein combinations to identify MIS-C and association with severity of illness.

Results:

Plasma levels of CD163, CXCL9 and PCSK9 were significantly elevated in MIS-C with a combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 76.6%–94.8%) for discriminating MIS-C from other childhood diseases. Lower ARG1 and CORIN plasma levels were significantly associated with severe MIS-C cases requiring inotropes, pediatric intensive care unit admission or with shock.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of a host protein biomarker signature for MIS-C and may provide new insight into its pathophysiology.
Successful Routine Cervical Cancer Screening Facilitated by Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for a Woman With Developmental Disability and a History of Trauma: Case Report
Authors: Woodruff Jameson Anne , Willett Sandra L.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are not getting routine cervical cancer screens at the recommended frequency, limiting opportunities for early detection and treatment of cervical cancer. Pelvic floor physical therapy plans of care can be used to successfully address this health care disparity.

Case Description:

This is the case of a patient who had diagnoses of developmental delay, oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit disorder, unilateral hearing loss, and a history of trauma. The patient was referred by her primary care physician after a halted first pelvic examination due to tension of the patient's pelvic floor and her overall discomfort and dissociation from the session. Clinical findings revealed pelvic floor tension. Interventions were employed over the course of 18 sessions.

Outcomes:

Sessions focused on education, positioning, relaxation, and graded vaginal dilator insertion while keeping the patient engaged to prevent dissociation. The patient showed minimal clinically important differences on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, met the short- and long-term goals including undergoing a pain-free pelvic examination, and had a significantly decreased pelvic floor resting tone.

Discussion:

For patients with I/DD, pelvic floor physical therapy can be a valuable tool to help them undergo a successful and pain-free routine cervical cancer screen. It may take longer than typical plans of care, but the outcomes justify the length of the intervention. Practices that promote self-determination are a key to success.

Informed consent was obtained and signed by the patient's medical guardian.

Video Abstract: Supplemental Digital Content available at: http://links.lww.com/JWHPT/A128