bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade-offs between ecological impact and economic efficiency of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fresh fruit bunches production in Indonesia
Authors: Suratin Aloysius , Karuniasa Mahawan
Published: December 2018

Balancing efficiency and sustainability of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) production remains a critical issue facing by oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) producing countries like Indonesia. To address those issue, we analyze trade-offs of those 2 variables in plantation managed by smallholders and compare the result to the one of the companies. The trade-offs are estimated by dividing the GHG emission to the partial factor productivity (PFP) of FFB production based on data from previous LCA assessment. Our study revealed that current practices implementing by smallholders are economically less efficient and ecologically unsustainable comparing from the FFB production practices implementing by companies. For smallholders, the trade-offs of ecological impact and economic efficiency reached 0.86 kg CO2-eq/kg FFB or 2.6 times from the trade-offs of FFB production by companies (0.33 kg CO2-eq/kg FFB). Several changes in nutrient management such as adjusting the fertilizers rate at smallholders in Sumatera, improving the OER from 0.20 to 0.22 for smallholders and from 0.21 to 0.22 for companies, and applying biochar technology are the most promising practices to minimize the trade-off up to 81%.
ASEAN tuna ecolabelling (ATEL): the challenge and opportunity of the first seafood regional ecolabelling in the world
Authors: Notohamijoyo Andre , Huseini Martani , Fauzi Syafril
Published: December 2018

Tuna (Thunnus sp) is the highest economic value and the most popular fish in the world. Exploitation of tuna fisheries was feared to threaten environment and social welfare for the people of the countries related to that resources. Many international organizations encourage countries involved in tuna trade to follow certain fisheries ecolabel standards. Nonetheless, driven ecolabel schemes do not yet reflect optimal sustainable tuna management. Tuna is a highly migratory species across the sea region of various countries. The effective management of tuna requires cross-country cooperation, but the certification system is not regional yet especially in Southeast Asia which has highest tuna production in the world. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has begun consolidation to start the regional system of ecolabel which named ASEAN Tuna Ecolabelling (ATEL). In the ASEAN Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam, 12-13 October 2018, ATEL has agreed as a scheme of tuna ecolabelling in South East Asia region. The approval at the Ministerial level make ATEL the first regional seafood ecolabel scheme in the world. It needs more research for the implementation of ATEL in the future both in terms of challenges and opportunities.
Life cycle assessment and eco-efficiency Indicator for ulos weaving using loom machine in Toba Samosir Regency of North Sumatra
Authors: Siagian Yuli Yanthi , Sinaga Rizal , Sinaga Christoper , Manik Yosef
Published: December 2018

Toba Samosir Regency is one of the centers of ulos weaving in North Sumatera. Most of the weaving processes are carried out traditionally by small-size enterprises. However, it is identified that there are 8 ulos weaving industries that utilize loom machine. To date, no holistic environmental impact assessment has yet been conducted on weaving industry in Toba Samosir. This study aims to assess potential environmental impact caused by weaving industry in Toba Samosir. The scope of this study covers gate-to-gate stages in ulos production, consisting mangiran, washing, dipping, drying, dying, boiling, sun-drying, weaving, and manirat. The functional unit of this study is 182 kg of ulos, representing one batch of production. The assessments are conducted by two approaches; these are Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-efficiency Index measurement. The LCA modeling and computation of environmental impacts are aided by openLCA software. From LCA, it is revealed that the potential environmental impacts associated with ulos weaving are Eutrophication Potential (5.28E+01 kg PO4 eq - 8.41E+01 kg PO4 eq), Climate Change Potential (7.17E+02 kg CO2 eq - 5.74E+02 kg CO2 eq), and Photochemical Oxidation Potential (3.40E+00 kg CFC-11 eq - 4.68E+01 kg CFC-11 eq). The major stressors causing these impacts are using firewood. The calculation result of Eco-Efficiency Index (EEI) for weaving industry in Toba Samosir Regency falls between 0,1 and 0,4, which indicates the product is affordable but not sustainable..
Harmony of urban microcommunal-based domestic waste management
Authors: Geritno Bramanto , Soemardi Tresna P
Published: December 2018

This paper examines utilizing compost from household organic waste on green space in a scale of micro-community, Rukun Tetangga. Harmony of urban microcommunal-based domestic solid waste management is designed through its social psycology variables are encouraging degree of cultural harmony in the microcommunal of domestic waste management, degree of physical harmony in the microcommunal of domestic waste management, degree of phsycological harmony in the microcommunal of domestic waste management. Since its implementation in urban, Sub-District Suka Asih, Tangerang City, Banten will impact reduction of illegal disposal of domestic waste into canal, reduction of CO2(eq) emission, and reduction of landfill area. The research uses quantitative analysis by questionnaire with Likert scale method to elaborate individual attitude and social system. Uses quantitative analysis by using CBA to measure total cost-benefit impacts arising, and LCA to measure of CO2(eq) emission as pollutant impacts, and arithmetic models for modeling the impacts of land use. These findings contribute to the literature by emphasizing how individual attitudes, environmental problems, and settlements play an important role in the success of a harmonious solid waste management system.
Communication between mothers and children about environmental issues (a study about the role of mothers to educate their children on keeping a clean environment)
Authors: Kirana Chandra
Published: December 2018

For the last two decade, many studies about environmental issues show that interpersonal communication plays an important role. Interpersonal communication is very useful and strategic to involve people to take part on this issue, particularly on how people deal with waste management (how to keep a clean environment). By using interpersonal communication approach at the micro level, this can lead us to identify and understand more about the whole elements of communication process (communicator, receiver, message, medium (channel), and effect) when we need to deal with the environmental issues. Based on what I observed about the communicator’s role in this paper, I argue that mothers have significant role to educate their children to keep a clean environment. This paper aims to explain the role of mothers on how they educate the children to keep a clean environment. This study use in-depth interview to 5 mothers who have children in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok. The data will be analyzed by thematic analysis. The findings indicate, to educate the children about keeping a clean environment, mothers needs to communicate interpersonally by using some examples, personal experiences, personal values, and certain media to discuss about this issue to their children.
Women’s role model in Banyuwangi in preparing brilliant generations: in the economic perspective
Authors: Ningtyias Farida Wahyu , Kurrohman Taufik , Andriana
Published: December 2018

This study aims to reveal the role of women, especially mothers, in supporting the 1000 HPK program in an economic perspective in Banyuwangi (tribe of “Osing”). The women are required to survive in conditions of economic limitations, on the other hand, they are expected to meet the nutritional needs of mothers and babies. This study uses a qualitative method with research samples of mothers in Banyuwangi sub-district. Data retrieval is done by in-depth interviews with pregnant, lactating mothers, and mothers who have children under five. The results of this study found a local savings model coordinated by “posyandu” cadre groups to help solve financial problems in the society. This savings model is called "arisan". Furthermore, financial needs from the early pregnancy to childbirth and toddlers are quite high. This is because they have to do some traditional rituals, of course, it requires a fee, during pregnancy to toddler. The “arisan” is one of the solutions made by women to solve financial problems in relation to nutrient intake which indirectly impacts the bright generation.
Status disclosure for adolescents with HIV
Authors: Annisah Annisah , Imelda Johanna Debora , Sugianto Mona
Published: December 2018

The number of Adolescents with HIV in Indonesia in these last 4 years continuously increases. This condition brings new prospect that children who are born with HIV have better life expectancy with its following complexities. One of the biggest challenges is the issue of disclosure status. This study employs action research approach to reveal better alternative patterns of disclosure for revealing HIV status of adolescents. The results of the study show that the disclosure status will be successful if the adolescents and primary caregivers have a high level of readiness both on cognitive, affective, psychomotor, existential-spiritual, and social aspects. When the combination of these is not less than 8, the disclosure process can be predicted to succeed. If it is less than that, it would be better off to prepare all those eight aspects. Authors argue disclosure status is not only determined by who does that, rather adolescents and caregiver must be parallel prepared and ready to disclose. Therefore, it is important to assess readiness before the disclosure status process is carried out.
Narrative of politics in the era of social media: a multimodal analysis of president Joko Widodo’s video blog
Authors: Surdiasis Fransiskus , Eriyanto Eriyanto
Published: December 2018

This research aims to investigate the use of social media in constructing political narrative by examining the video blogs (vlogs) of Indonesian President, Jokowi, on Youtube as a case study. How does President Jokowi use his vlogs to construct political narratives about his personal life and presidency? What kind of semiotic resources deployed in his vlogs? This research uses the method of Systemic Functional Multimodal Discourse Analysis and concludes that President Jokowi has used his vlogs to build his political narrative with the underlying themes of progress and reformation, stating that his presidency will lead Indonesia to a better situation. The political narrative championed in his vlogs strengthens his political legitimacy as a leader who is humble, modest, and close to the people. In building his political narrative, President Jokowi has used a variety of semiotic resources, including participants, process or kinesics action, locative circumstance, visual collocation, speech, and text. This research confirms the change of political communication in content dimension and shows the importance of applying multimodal analysis in understanding contemporary political communication. This research recommends politicians to use vlogs as a platform to build their political narratives in this new political environment.
Symbolic violence and the effort to silencing women in their positions as leaders (critics of the women leaders’ habitus in advertising agencies)
Authors: Angeliqa Fitria , Sarwono Billy K.
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study perceives how the advertising agencies assign women to the position of the company leader as a patriarchal effort (as "the right hand" of the capitalists) to “muted” women in "comfortable" place. This research applies Pierre Bourdieu's Habitus-Field-Capital theory and its implications in the form of symbolic violence. This descriptive research applies constructivism paradigm. Obtained by conducting in-depth interviews with women leaders of advertising agencies, the data are examined using hermeneutic phenomenology. As a result, it becomes more and more difficult for female CEOs in advertising agencies--as a part of the media text producer--to recognize the acts of that violence. They rather duplicate and mimicking the symbolic violence in the texts they produce. Involving women in the agencies does not necessarily yield to the gender-perspective texts as the automatic reflection of their thoughts, habits, and acts. It occurs because each social field is always full of subjective-contestation discourse which potentially generates dominating behaviors among the actors.
Issues in developing communication strategies for implementing child-friendly city policies
Authors: Soeharnis Ranny Surya Maharani , Laksmono Bambang Shergi
Published: December 2018

This study reveals important dimensions related to successful means communication in the implementation of the Child-Friendly City (CFC) Policies in Indonesia. The study was conducted in Kabupaten Bogor, West Java. It finds that communication strategy is the critical in disseminating the CFC policy. Thus, the development of the communication strategy for the CFC policy needed to involve the elements of communication as a whole. Furthermore, the communication strategy for the CFC policy required cooperation between local governments and children’s groups. This research fills the gaps not yet addressed in the previous studies and shows communication strategy is an influential strategy for the successful implementation and development of the CFC policy. Our findings contribute to the development of the communication strategy for a sustainable CFC policy that communication aspect is very important in designing a policy.
Sinking of vessel as the country’s efforts in keeping the utilization of sustainable fish resources
Authors: Rahmi Amelia , Ariadno Melda Kamil
Published: December 2018

Indonesia as a country with considerable fisheries potential has an attraction for the activity of catching fish. Exploitation as well as the demand for fish in the world against the increasing Indonesia country characterized by the presence of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing. Therefore, the Government of Indonesia started to renew the regulation of fisheries to Act No. 45 of the year 2009 about Fisheries. One of the sound section is Indonesia's efforts to maintain sustainable fish resources. This particular action is attempting to keep the utilization of sustainable fish resources. In addition, as the participating countries of the 1982 UNCLOS, Indonesia refers to the rules of international law in creating a policy. Article 73 gives the obligation for the State to exercise sovereign that it is necessary to avoid excessive exploitation occurred in the zone. Sovereign right in question is a legal form of enforcement action the scuttling of the vessel.
Ein kurzes Essay über die Spiritualität von Placebo aus (evolutionär) psychiatrischer Sicht
Authors: Bonnet Udo
Published: December 2018

Anders als Spiritualität ist der Placebo-Effekt bestens operationalisiert. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird versucht, eine phänomenologische Verwandtschaft zwischen der therapeutischen Wirksamkeit von Spiritualität und Placebo zu finden. Ähnliche Kontexteinflüsse sowie die mögliche gemeinsame Nutzung einer phylogenetisch gut konservierten protektiven Route über das mesolimbisch dopaminerge Belohnungssystem werden herausgestellt. Die klinische Wirksamkeit beider Phänomene scheint ubiquitär zu sein, wobei die Effektivität des Placebo-Effektes wissenschaftlich viel valider abgesichert ist als dieses bezüglich eines „Spiritualität-Effektes“ aktuell methodologisch möglich wäre. Die Vorhersagbarkeit für beide Effekte ist unsicher und beide sind Janus-köpfig (z. B. Placebo vs. Nocebo-Effekt). Aktuell wird sowohl für Placebo als auch für spiritualitäts-orientierte Verfahren versucht, deren klinische Wirksamkeit durch Modulation der therapeutischen Rahmenbedingungen und Gesprächsinhalte zu maximieren. Die Diskussion endet mit der reflexiven Frage, ob der Placebo-Effekt im Wesentlichen Züge von „Spiritualität-light“ besitzen könnte.
Higher Serum Uric Acid is a Risk Factor of Reduced Muscle Mass in Men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tanaka Ken-ichiro , Kanazawa Ippei , Notsu Masakazu , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: December 2018

Objective Sarcopenia has been recognized as a diabetic complication, and hyperuricemia is often accompanied by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unknown whether serum uric acid (UA) levels are associated with reduced muscle mass in T2DM.

Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association of serum UA with muscle mass in 401 subjects with T2DM (209 men and 192 postmenopausal women). The relative skeletal muscle mass index (RSMI) was evaluated using whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Results Multiple regression analyses adjusted for body weight, age, serum creatinine, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and duration of T2DM showed that serum UA was negatively associated with RSMI in all subjects and men with T2DM (β=−0.13, p=0.001 and β=−0.17, p=0.003, respectively). Moreover, logistic regression analyses adjusted for these confounding factors showed that a higher serum UA level was significantly associated with low RSMI in men with T2DM [odds ratio (OR)=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–3.45 per SD increase, p=0.023]. In addition, higher serum UA levels were significantly associated with low RSMI after additional adjustment for age, duration of T2DM, HbA1c level, serum creatinine level, and sex in all subjects with T2DM [OR=1.80, 95% CI=1.20–2.72 per SD increase, p=0.005].

Conclusions The present study showed for the first time that higher serum UA is an independent risk factor of reduced muscle mass in men with T2DM.
Sulfoxonium Ylide Derived Metal Carbenoids in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Vaitla Janakiram , Bayer Annette
Published: December 2018

As pioneered by Corey and Chaykovsky, sulfoxonium ylides have had widespread application in organic synthesis for more than a half century. In most of the reactions, sulfoxonium ylides were used to react with electrophiles. Under suitable reaction conditions these ylides can generate metal carbenoids and react with nucleophiles. By combining the typical reactivity of sulfoxonium ylides with transition-metal catalysis, a growing number of investigations have expanded their application in organic synthesis. This review provides an update on the preparation of sulfoxonium ylides and their applications in carbenoid transfer reactions.

1 Introduction

2 Preparation of Sulfoxonium Ylides

3 Investigation for Carbenoid Formation from Sulfoxonium Ylide

4 X–H (X = N, O, S, C) Functionalization Reactions

5 Polymerizaton of Carbenoids Generated from Sulfoxonium Ylides

6 Conclusion and Perspective
1,8,10-Substituted Anthracenes – Hexafunctional Frameworks via Head-to-Tail Photodimerisation
Authors: Mitzel Norbert , Niermeier Philipp , Lamm Jan-Hendrik , Peters Jan-Hendrik , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg
Published: December 2018

Several 1,8,10-functionalised anthracene derivatives and a couple of 1,8,9-functionalised anthracene analogous, bearing alkynyl substituents at positions 1 and 8 were synthesised and their photochemistry investigated in UV irradiation experiments. Almost all compounds could be converted into their 9,10:10′,9′-head-to-tail photodimers completely excluding the formation of the corresponding head-to-head isomers. Working under non-inert conditions led to formation of endoperoxides in some cases. Furthermore, a non-classical [4π+2π] photodimer was obtained from 1,8,10-tris[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]anthracene with one of the alkynyl substituents involved in the photoreaction. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of all classical and non-classical photodimers were compared with those of the endoperoxides identifying characteristic shifts for the atoms at positions 9 and 10. Moreover, solid-state structures were determined for one or more of each representative.
Apgar Scoring System in Brazil's Live Births Records: Differences between Home and Hospital Births
Authors: Bessa Jordana de Faria , Bonatto Naieli
Published: December 2018

Objective To promote informed choice for women and to compare home and hospital births in relation to the Apgar score.

Methods Mother's profile and Apgar score of naturally born infants (without forceps assistance) in Brazil between 2011 and 2015, in both settings—hospital or home—were collected from live birth records provided by the Informatics Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS, in the Portuguese acronym). For the analysis, were included only data from low-risk deliveries, including gestational time between 37 and 41 weeks, singleton pregnancy, at least four visits of prenatal care, infants weighing between 2,500 g, and 4,000 g, mother age between 20-40 years old, and absence of congenital anomalies.

Results Home birth infants presented significantly higher risk of 0-5 Apgar scores, both in 1 minute (6.4% versus 3%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, confidence interval [CI] IC 2–2.4) and in 5 minutes (4.8% versus 0.4%, OR = 11.5, CI 10.5–12.7). Another finding is related to recovery estimates when from an initially bad 1-minute Apgar (< 6) to a subsequently better 5-minute Apgar (> 6). In this scenario, home infants had poorer recovery, Apgar score was persistently < 6 throughout the fifth minute in most cases (71% versus 10.7%, OR 20.4, CI 17–24.6).

Conclusion The results show worse Apgar scores for babies born at home, compared with those born at the hospital setting. This is a pioneer and preliminary study that brings attention concerning differences in Apgar score related to home versus hospital place of birth in Brazil.
Restoration of Elbow Flexion in Traumatic Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy in Adults: Outcome with Intraplexus Distal Nerve Transfers in 78 Patients
Authors: Siqueira Mario , Martins Roberto , Faglioni Junior Wilson , Foroni Luciano , Heise Carlos
Published: December 2018

Objective To present the functional outcomes of distal nerve transfer techniques for restoration of elbow flexion after upper brachial plexus injury.

Method The files of 78 adult patients with C5, C6, ± C7 lesions were reviewed. The attempt to restore elbow flexion was made by intraplexus distal nerve transfers using a fascicle of the ulnar nerve (group A, n = 43), or a fascicle of the median nerve (group B, n = 16) or a combination of both (group C, n = 19). The result of the treatment was defined based on the British Medical Research Council grading system: muscle strength < M3 was considered a poor result.

Results The global incidence of good/excellent results with these nerve transfers was 80.7%, and for different surgical techniques (groups A, B, C), it was 86%, 56.2% and 100% respectively. Patients submitted to ulnar nerve transfer or double transfer (ulnar + median fascicles transfer) had a better outcome than those submitted to median nerve transfer alone (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the outcome of ulnar transfer and double transfer.

Conclusion In cases of traumatic injury of the upper brachial plexus, good and excelent results in the restoration of elbow flexion can be obtained using distal nerve transfers.
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Shahid Asim , Agarwal Rajkumar
Published: December 2018

The occurrence of psychogenic seizures in a proportion of children with epilepsy has been well described. The diagnosis of simultaneous existence of nonepileptic and epileptic seizures is often challenging as the clinical features of these conditions may overlap. However, they differ significantly in terms of the underlying pathophysiology as well as management strategies. Timely recognition can prevent harmful treatments and potentially improve patient outcome. In this article, we focus on the epidemiology, clinical features as well as management of psychogenic seizures in children with epilepsy.
Epigenetik der Adipositas: Ergebnisse aus Mausstudien
Authors: Saussenthaler S. , Schürmann A.
Published: December 2018

Vor dem Hintergrund der steigenden Prävalenz von Adipositas und den damit einhergehenden Begleiterkrankungen (Nicht-alkoholische Fettleber, Typ-2-Diabetes u.a.) wird es immer wichtiger, neue Präventions- und Behandlungsmöglichkeiten aufzuzeigen, die eine personalisierte Therapie ermöglichen. Die Entdeckung von Veränderungen in bestimmten Signalwegen, die durch Adipositas ausgelöst werden, verbessern nicht nur unsere Kenntnisse über die Pathophysiologie, sie können zudem auf neue pharmakologische Behandlungsstrategien hinweisen. Seit mehreren Jahren befasst sich die Forschung auch damit, die Beteiligung epigenetischer Mechanismen bei der Entstehung der Adipositas zu klären. Experimentelle Studien an Mäusen führten zu der Erkenntnis, dass der Ernährungszustand der Eltern epigenetisch vererbt wird und so die Prävalenz der Nachkommen an Übergewicht und Insulinresistenz zu erkranken beeinflusst. Des Weiteren wurden interindividuelle Varianzen der DNA-Methylierung identifiziert, die das Risiko an Übergewicht und einer Fettleber zu leiden erhöhten. Diese Erkenntnisse können einerseits genutzt werden, um epigenetische Biomarker zu identifizieren, welche das individuelle Risiko besser bewerten können, anderseits um pharmakologische Therapien personalisierter einzusetzen.
High magnetoelectric coupling in Si-integrated AlN/NiMnIn thin film double layers at room temperature
Authors: Pawar Shuvam , Kumar Anuj , Singh Kirandeep , Kaur Davinder
Published: December 2018

The current study explores the presence of strong magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in a sputtered deposited NiMnIn/aluminum nitride (AlN) heterostructure on an Si substrate. The X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm the formation of a pure AlN wurtzite phase in the ME heterostructure. The magnetization vs temperature measurement shows the presence of the martensite transformation region of the NiMnIn/AlN heterostructure. The magnetic measurements exhibit the room temperature ferromagnetic nature of the NiMnIn/AlN heterostructure. The NiMnIn/AlN ME heterostructure was found to have a high ME coupling coefficient of ∼99.2 V/cm Oe at Hdc = 300 Oe. The induced ME coupling coefficient shows a linear dependency on Hac up to 8 Oe.
A compact device for the deterministic generation of medium-sized bubbles
Authors: Ostmann S. , Schwarze R.
Published: December 2018

The subject of the actual work is an experimental apparatus for the temporal reproducible production of gas bubbles within a condensed phase. The bubbles are produced by using a piston-cylinder system by means of gas displacement. The excitation of the piston is realized by an electromagnetic coil, which is operated by microprocessor controlled output stages. The existing modules are capable of producing variable-sized bubbles of 2 mm < deq < 4 mm with frequencies of up to 70 Hz.
Entropic constraints on the steady-state fitness of competing self-replicators
Authors: Leddy Owen , Lu Zhiyue , Dinner Aaron R.
Published: December 2018

Recent developments in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics suggest that the history of entropy production in a system determines the relative likelihood of competing processes. This presents the possibility of interpreting and predicting the self-organization of complex active systems, but existing theories rely on quantities that are challenging to obtain. Here, we address this issue for a general class of Markovian systems in which two types of self-replicating molecular assemblies (self-replicators) compete for a pool of limiting resource molecules within a nonequilibrium steady state. We derive exact relations that show that the relative fitness of these species depends on a path function, ψ, which is a sum of the entropy production and a relative-entropy term. In the limit of infinite path length, ψ reduces to the entropy production. We demonstrate use of the theory by numerically studying two models inspired by biological systems, including a simplified model of a competition between strains of the yeast prion Sup35 in the presence of driven disaggregation by the ATPase Hsp104.
Improvement of energy forecasting model to safeguard energy security in India
Authors: Sadhu Moumita , Goswami Utpal , Das Niladri , Sadhu Pradip Kumar , Goswami Anik
Published: December 2018

India is one of the countries that are developing at a very fast rate. To meet the need for this rapid growth, there is a huge need of energy. India is still predominantly an agricultural based economy. To meet this huge energy need, generation of power is needed at an exorbitant rate. The power generation of India is majorly dependent on coal. India imports coal from other countries which results in an increase in the per unit cost of energy produced. Thermal power plants also have a major disadvantage of producing greenhouse gases and polluting the environment. This has resulted in an increased stress in renewable energy generation. To ensure energy security, there is a need for finding out the right mix of energy produced by various energy sources. A model is being developed to create a long term energy plan considering the Indian economy to ensure energy security.
Effect of composition, annealing temperature, and high pressure torsion on structure and hardness of Ti–V and Ti–V–Al alloys
Authors: Gornakova Alena S. , Straumal Alexandr B. , Khodos Igor I. , Gnesin Ivan B. , Mazilkin Andrey A. , Afonikova Natalia S. , Straumal Boris B.
Published: December 2018

The severe plastic deformation strongly changes the microstructure and properties of titanium-based alloys. The structure and microhardness of four binary and ternary titanium-based alloys (Ti–4 wt. % V, Ti–4 wt. % V–6 wt. % Al, Ti–4 wt. % V–3 wt. % Al, and Ti–5 wt. % V–6 wt. % Al) have been studied after preliminary annealing and following high pressure torsion (HPT). After HPT, the Ti–4 wt. % V alloy contains much less (ωTi) phase than Ti–4 wt. % Fe and Ti–4 wt. % Co alloys. The addition of aluminum to the binary Ti–V alloys completely suppresses the formation of the high-pressure (ωTi)-phase. HPT leads to the partial decomposition of the annealed (αTi) solid solution and “purification” of α-phase similar to that in the Ti–Fe alloys. After HPT of the studied ternary alloys, the (βTi)-phase completely disappears and nanoparticles of Ti2Fe form instead. This fact explains why the addition of aluminum leads to the increase of microhardness of alloys after annealing between 600 °C and 950 °C and after HPT-treatment. The increase of the temperature of the preliminary annealing also increases the hardness of all alloys after HPT-treatment.
Analysis of net-zero energy housing society in Gwadar Pakistan to mitigate the load shedding problem
Authors: Zubair Muhammad
Published: December 2018

Pakistan has power shortages and the buildings in Pakistan consume 54% of generated electric power, while the country is at the 7th place in the list of countries most affected by extreme weather events. Pakistan not only has to produce more power but also must employ renewable energy resources to achieve the task to have a sustainable future. The government of Pakistan has already forsaken the task to produce power at a national level and has sublet this job to independent power producers. The prime investments of Pakistani people are in the real estate business with private real estate giants operating in the country. In this research, a net-zero energy housing society (NZEHS) has been analyzed in the future economic hub, the city of Gwadar at the Arabian Sea. Abundant renewable resources are available at Gwadar city with a global horizontal irradiance of 5.19 kWh/m2 day and an average wind speed of 5.19 m/s. A combination of photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines has been selected with installed capacities of 32.2 MW and 25.5 MW, respectively, to generate energies of 55.9 GWh and 49.0 GWh annually for an electrical load of 101.3 GWh. The net present cost of the system is 149 Million US$ with a Levelized cost of energy of 7.91 CUS$/kWh. The capital cost for this project is 92.4 Million US$. In this NZEHS, each customer must pay 0.0132 MUS$ to get free electricity for 25 years with a simple payback of 4.78 years and a discounted payback period of 5.79 years. This sustainable society will reduce the energy demands from residential loads to provide power for smaller industries to improve economics and reduce unemployment in Pakistan.
Energy barrier and domain wall thermal reversal in magnetic elliptic cylinders
Authors: Belanovsky A. D. , Dmitriev N. Y. , Mikhailov A. P. , Kuteifan M. , Lomakin V. , Khvalkovskiy A. V.
Published: December 2018

The energy barriers are studied for an in-plane magnetized elliptic magnetoresistive random access memory cell using the nudged elastic band method with finite-element micromagnetics. Our calculations show that the transition between coherent magnetization rotation and domain wall mediated thermal reversal appears at an ellipse aspect ratio greater than 2 for widths 60-90 nm. This crossover point is almost independent of the value of the partial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and has only a negligibly weak dependence of the width and thickness of the cell and only weakly depends on the exchange stiffness for reasonable in-plane Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory parameters. We developed an analytical model for the thermal barrier, which agrees with the numerical results.
Definition of design guidelines, construction, and performance of an ultra-stable scanning tunneling microscope for spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Battisti Irene , Verdoes Gijsbert , van Oosten Kees , Bastiaans Koen M. , Allan Milan P.
Published: December 2018

Spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy is a powerful technique to study quantum materials, with the ability to provide information about the local electronic structure with subatomic resolution. However, as most spectroscopic measurements are conducted without feedback to the tip, it is extremely sensitive to vibrations coming from the environment. This requires the use of laboratories with low-vibration facilities combined with a very rigid microscope construction. In this article, we report on the design and fabrication of an ultra-stable scanning tunneling microscope (STM) for spectroscopic-imaging measurements that operates in ultra-high vacuum and at low temperatures (4 K). We start from existing designs with sapphire as the main material and improve the stiffness further by performing finite element analysis calculations for the main components of the microscope to guide design choices on the geometry of the parts. With this strategy, we construct a STM head with measured lowest resonant frequencies above f0 = 13 kHz for the coarse approach mechanism, a value three times higher than what has been previously reported and in good agreement with the calculations. This allows us to achieve an average vibration level of ∼6 fm/Hz, without a dedicated low-vibration lab. We demonstrate the microscope’s performance with topographic and spectroscopic measurements on the correlated metal Sr2RhO4, showing the quasiparticle interference pattern in real and reciprocal space with high signal-to-noise ratio.
Integrating absorber with non-planar plasmonic structure for k-vector matching absorption enhancement
Authors: Shen Yang , Zhang Jieqiu , Wang Wenjie , Pang Yongqiang , Wang Jiafu , Ma Hua , Qu Shaobo
Published: December 2018

Plasmonic structure (PS) has recently been demonstrated to provide full control of dispersion characteristics by virtue of spoof surface plasmonic polariton (SSPP). In this paper, a comprehensive scheme is proposed, which develops the non-planar PS as a covering on the absorber to enhance the k-vector matching absorption in a wider frequency band. Owing to the dispersion engineering of SSPP, our theoretical investigation shows that the PS covering based on a straight wire array can not only enhance the k-vector matching absorption of the ground absorber at low frequency, but also achieve the broadband absorption at high frequency. As a proof, two hybrid plasmonic metamaterial absorbers (PMAs) based on the combinations of PS covering and various absorbers are proposed here. Simulations and experimental measurements demonstrate that two kinds of hybrid PMAs can simultaneously achieve broadband absorption enhancement, especially for the lower-frequency absorption. Our proposed strategy succeeds in the comprehensive utilization of dispersion engineering for broadband absorption enhancement, and a wide range of applications is expected to emerge from our design concept ranging from microwave to optical frequencies.
Properties of adsorbed supercritical methane film in nanopores
Authors: Romanos Jimmy , Abou Dargham Sara , Roukos Roy , Pfeifer Peter
Published: December 2018

Adsorbed natural gas technology is an efficient technology for storing natural gas at low pressure and room temperature. This work investigates the properties of the adsorbed methane film in nanopores where methane is adsorbed by strong van der Waals forces in pores of few molecular diameter as a high-density fluid. BET surface area, porosity, and pore size distribution were measured using sub-critical nitrogen adsorption. The adsorbed film thickness, the film density, specific surface area, and methane average binding energy were extracted from a single supercritical methane adsorption isotherm using Langmuir and Ono-Kondo models. In addition, this method does not require a conversion between gravimetric excess adsorption and absolute adsorption. The adsorbed film thickness is between 4.2 and 4.4 Å and the density of the adsorbed film at maximum capacity is between 302 and 340 g/L. Specific surface areas obtained from supercritical isotherms are consistent with BET surface areas from subcritical nitrogen adsorption. The binding energies obtained from the two models are compared to the ones obtained from Clausius-Clapeyron method.
Beyond populist politics: why conventional politics needs to conjure myths of its own and why it struggles to do so
Authors: Stacey Timothy
Published: December 2018

The last ten years has seen the rise of populist forces across the globe from both the right and the left. While often read in the context of the perceived rise of, and reactions to populist and potentially violent Islam, this analysis is excessively focused on observations of the right, and ignores similarities between the populist right and the populist left. By way of an alternative, this article draws together political theology, original ethnography and observations of contemporary politics in the United Kingdom (and to a lesser extent the United States and Canada) to offer a broader lens involving: the rise of liberalism, the consequent construction of politics as technocratic management, and the neglect and resultant disillusionment of ordinary people. In particular, the paper draws on my recent research on the role of myths of solidarity in developing civic engagement. It argues that myths of solidarity have been undermined by the rise of liberalism, and that restoring such myths to the center of contemporary politics is vital to challenging the myths of division that fuel populist politics. Finally, it explores possibilities for restoring myths to the center of contemporary politics, suggesting that while avenues for such reform are emerging, politics as technocratic management remains the dominant paradigm.
Between radical orthodoxy and the turn to the empirical: a reply to Stacey
Authors: Rowlands Anna
Published: December 2018

This response to Tim Stacey's paper agrees with Stacey's assertion of the importance of narrative and myth to political culture but aims to challenge the notion that we need turn solely to the empirical and ethnographic to find resources outside of the Radically Orthodox in order to ground such an appeal.
Phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor 2 at serine 2030 is required for a complete β-adrenergic response
Authors: Potenza Duilio M. , Janicek Radoslav , Fernandez-Tenorio Miguel , Camors Emmanuel , Ramos-Mondragón Roberto , Valdivia Héctor H. , Niggli Ernst
Published: December 2018

During physical exercise or stress, the sympathetic system stimulates cardiac contractility via β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) activation, resulting in protein kinase A (PKA)–mediated phosphorylation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor RyR2. PKA-dependent “hyperphosphorylation” of the RyR2 channel has been proposed as a major impairment that contributes to progression of heart failure. However, the sites of PKA phosphorylation and their phosphorylation status in cardiac diseases are not well defined. Among the known RyR2 phosphorylation sites, serine 2030 (S2030) remains highly controversial as a site of functional impact. We examined the contribution of RyR2-S2030 to Ca2+ signaling and excitation–contraction coupling (ECC) in a transgenic mouse with an ablated RyR2-S2030 phosphorylation site (RyR2-S2030A+/+). We assessed ECC gain by using whole-cell patch–clamp recordings and confocal Ca2+ imaging during β-ARs stimulation with isoproterenol (Iso) and consistent SR Ca2+ loading and L-type Ca2+ current (ICa) triggering. Under these conditions, ECC gain is diminished in mutant compared with WT cardiomyocytes. Resting Ca2+ spark frequency (CaSpF) with Iso is also reduced by mutation of S2030. In permeabilized cells, when SR Ca2+ pump activity is kept constant (using 2D12 antibody against phospholamban), cAMP does not change CaSpF in S2030A+/+ myocytes. Using Ca2+ spark recovery analysis, we found that mutant RyR Ca2+ sensitivity is not enhanced by Iso application, contrary to WT RyRs. Furthermore, ablation of RyR2-S2030 prevents acceleration of Ca2+ waves and increases latency to the first spontaneous Ca2+ release after a train of stimulations during Iso treatment. Together, these results suggest that phosphorylation at S2030 may represent an important step in the modulation of RyR2 activity during β-adrenergic stimulation and a potential target for the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs.
Cdc42 negatively regulates endocytosis during apical membrane maintenance in live animals
Authors: Shitara Akiko , Malec Lenka , Ebrahim Seham , Chen Desu , Bleck Christopher , Hoffman Matthew P. , Weigert Roberto
Published: December 2018

Lumen establishment and maintenance are fundamental for tubular organs physiological functions. Most of the studies investigating the mechanisms regulating this process have been carried out in cell cultures or in smaller organisms, whereas little has been done in mammalian model systems in vivo. Here we used the salivary glands of live mice to examine the role of the small GTPase Cdc42 in the regulation of the homeostasis of the intercellular canaliculi, a specialized apical domain of the acinar cells, where protein and fluid secretion occur. Depletion of Cdc42 in adult mice induced a significant expansion of the apical canaliculi, whereas depletion at late embryonic stages resulted in a complete inhibition of their postnatal formation. In addition, intravital subcellular microscopy revealed that reduced levels of Cdc42 affected membrane trafficking from and toward the plasma membrane, highlighting a novel role for Cdc42 in membrane remodeling through the negative regulation of selected endocytic pathways.
Effect of Losartan and Fish Oil on Plasma IL-6 and Mobility in Older Persons. The ENRGISE Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pahor Marco , Anton Stephen D , Beavers Daniel P , Cauley Jane A , Fielding Roger A , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Lewis Kristina H , Liu Christine K , Lovato Laura C , Lu Jane , Manini Todd M , McDermott Mary M , Miller Michael E , Newman Anne B , Radziszewska Barbara , Stowe Cynthia L , Tracy Russell P , Walkup Michael P , Wu Samuel S , Ambrosius Walter T
Published: December 2018

Background

Low-grade chronic inflammation, characterized by elevations in plasma Interleukin-6 (IL-6), is an independent risk factor of impaired mobility in older persons. Angiotensin receptor blockers and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3) may reduce IL-6 and may potentially improve physical function. To assess the main effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan and ω-3 as fish oil on IL-6 and 400 m walking speed, we conducted the ENRGISE Pilot multicenter randomized clinical trial.

Methods

The ENRGISE Pilot enrolled participants between April 2016 and June 2017, who participated for 12 months. Participants were aged ≥70 years with mobility impairment, had IL-6 between 2.5 and 30 pg/mL, and were able to walk 400 m at baseline. Participants were randomized in three strata 2 × 2 factorial to: (i) losartan 50–100 mg/d or placebo (n = 43), (ii) fish oil 1,400–2,800 mg/d or placebo (n = 180), and (iii) with both (n = 66).

Results

Two hundred eighty-nine participants were randomized (mean age 78.3 years, 47.4% women, 17.0% black). There was no effect of losartan (difference of means = −0.065 ± 0.116 [SE], 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.293–0.163, p = .58) or fish oil (−0.020 ± 0.077, 95% CI: −0.171–0.132, p = .80) on the log of IL-6. Similarly, there was no effect of losartan (−0.025 ± 0.026, 95% CI: −0.076–0.026, p = .34) or fish oil (0.010 ± 0.017, 95% CI: −0.025–0.044, p = .58) on walking speed (m/s).

Conclusions

These results do not support the use of these interventions to prevent mobility loss in older adults at risk of disability with low-grade chronic inflammation.

Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02676466.
Engagement in Enriching Early-Life Activities Is Associated With Larger Hippocampal and Amygdala Volumes in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Moored Kyle D , Chan Thomas , Varma Vijay R , Chuang Yi-Fang , Parisi Jeanine M , Carlson Michelle C
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Numerous studies show benefits of mid- and late-life activity on neurocognitive health. Yet, few studies have examined how engagement in enriching activities during childhood, when the brain is most plastic, may confer long-term neurocognitive benefits that may be especially important to individuals raised in low-income settings. We examined associations between enriching early-life activities (EELAs) and hippocampal and amygdala volumes in a sample of predominantly African-American, community-dwelling older adults. We further assessed whether these associations were independent of current activity engagement.

Methods

Ninety participants from the baseline Brain Health Substudy of the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial (mean age: 67.4) completed retrospective activity inventories and an magnetic resonance imaging scan. Volumes were segmented using FreeSurfer.

Results

Each additional EELA was associated with a 2.3% (66.6 mm3) greater amygdala volume after adjusting for covariates. For men, each additional EELA was associated with a 4.1% (278.9 mm3) greater hippocampal volume. Associations were specific to these regions when compared with the thalamus, used as a control region.

Discussion

Enriching lifestyle activities during an important window of childhood brain development may be a modifiable factor that impacts lifelong brain reserve, and results highlight the importance of providing access to such activities in historically underserved populations.