bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic characterization of some Pisifera Sh alleles in oil palm
Authors: Cahyadiati M , Anwar Y , Forster B P , Caligari P D S
Published: March 2024

Oil palm is mainly recognized as having three fruit types characterized by different shell thicknesses controlled by alleles at the SHELL locus (Sh). The alleles of Sh exhibit co-dominant monogenic inheritance, i.e., Dura (Sh/Sh) is thick-shelled, Pisifera (sh/sh) is shell-less, and Tenera (Sh/sh) has thin-shelled fruits. Pisifera palms are usually female-sterile. However, several Sh alleles are now known that confer a range of fruit and palm phenotypes. Verdant has germplasm with various Pisifera allelic constitutions: from homozygous combinations of AVROS (A/A), Nigeria (1/1), La Mé (3/3), Ghana (8/8), and heterozygous combinations (A/1, A/3, A/8, 1/3 and 1/8). Some heterozygous combinations of these Pisifera alleles are associated with fruit development and potential female fertility. Variation in morphology, fruit, and fertility is described for the allelic combinations of Sh giving the Pisifera phenotype. Fertile Pisiferas are potentially helpful for breeding and selection within the Pisifera germplasm. These phenotypes also provide information about different palm characters for the various Pisifera allelic combinations that may be useful when selecting parental lines for Pisifera breeding and commercial seed production.
Isolation, molecular characterization, and virulence assays of entomopathogenic fungi of Oryctes rhinoceros larvae from Asahan origin
Authors: Yusup C A , Eris D D
Published: March 2024

Palm oil is the most important plantation commodity in Indonesia. One factor that can suppress oil palm productivity in the field is due to pest attacks, one of which is the attack of the Rhinoceros beetle called Oryctes rhinoceros. This study aims to isolate entomopathogenic fungi found in Oryctes rhinoceros larvae at oil palm plantations in Tanjung Alam Village, Asahan, North Sumatra. The results showed that the fungus isolates had conidia that were greenish and could cause mummification which varied for 7-24 days. The results of molecular identification by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) using ITS1-ITS4 primers showed that the isolates of the entomopathogenic fungi were Metarhizium majus and Metarhizium anisopliae species with DNA bands measuring around 500 base pairs (bp).
Morphological Characteristics and Identification of Algae Species on Oil Palm Leaves in an Oil Palm Estate in Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Widariyanto R , Astari S , Sugandi A
Published: March 2024

Algae infection on oil palm leaves has been observed fairly widespread in many oil palm estates in various regions in Indonesia, including Riau, Belitung, and Palembang. Based on field census, algae can be found on young to old palms and were generally more common on the lower (older) fronds. Algae infection appeared as opaque reddish-orange spots atop the leaf surface. Since algae cover the leaf surface, it may cause a decrease in the photosynthesis activities of the affected leaves. Identification of algae species is needed to know the biological properties for effective control measures. A study was carried out to identify the species of algae on oil palm leaves from an estate in Riau Region, Indonesia. According to morphological characteristics such as color, shape, and cell dimension, the algae was classified as green algae (Chlorophyta: Trentepohliales) and was identified as Phycopeltis arundinaceae.
Intensification model of smallholder oil palm plantation to achieving sustainability and prosperity, Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: Suharyanti Nanik Ambar , Mizuno Kosuke , Nurfalah Lisa
Published: March 2024

Intensification of smallholder oil palm plantations is still a challenge that needs to be achieved in line with ISPO’s target for smallholders in 2025. The current problem is that not all smallholders have implemented Best Management Practices (BMP), resulting in low productivity and poor performance toward sustainability targets. During the previous several years, Indonesia could achieve self-sufficiency in rice through a rice intensification program from the 1960s to the 1980s. This success is expected to be an example for Indonesia to achieve ISPO in all Indonesian oil palm plantations, especially for smallholders. This paper aims to analyze the effect of fertilization, oil palm age, harvest period, and institutions on the productivity of smallholder oil palm plantations to achieve sustainability targets. The analysis was carried out agronomically using multivariate regression, socially using t-test, and economically using NPV and IRR. According to the study, the harvest period has a stronger influence than fertilization, and institutions do not significantly affect productivity. The results of the NPV and IRR analysis, smallholder oil palm plantations are classified as profitable, with an NPV of USD 161,724 and with an IRR value of 12%.
Effects of EFB mulch application during extreme drought conditions (2014-2015) on FFB yield of oil palms planted on lateritic soil in Belitung Island, Indonesia
Authors: Rupama Rama , Sugandi Arif
Published: March 2024

Oil palm is a perennial crop whose vegetative growth and yield production are affected by many factors, including climate. The climate could limit the potential yield of oil palm. Extreme drought occurred in 2014-2015, resulting in a drop in FFB yield in almost every region, particularly in the Belitung region. The observation of the effect of EFB application on FFB yield during extreme drought conditions in 2015 was conducted in the EFB and Fertilizer trial plot. The study was conducted in 2004 planting, planted on lateritic clay soil (Lithic Hapludult/Tampin Series) in Belitung Island, Indonesia. The design of the trial was a split-plot factorial trial design with the main plot was EFB mulching with three rates, E1=0 ton/ha, E2=30 ton/ha, and E3=60 ton; the subplot was N and K fertilizer, three rates of N (N1=0 kg of Urea/palm, N2=2 kg of Urea/palm, and N3=4 kg of Urea/palm) and two rates of K (K1=0 kg of MOP/palm and K2=4.5 kg of MOP/palm). Application of pressed EFB mulching on lateritic soils increases cumulative FFB yield significantly by 13-19% higher after 6 years of continuous application. Pressed EFB mulch has a significant effect after 3 years of constant application. There was an interaction between EFB mulching and N treatments, which implied that the presence of both treatments had significantly shown better results. Coincidentally, as the trial period went through a severe drought period, EFB mulch could sustain the FFB yield after the drought and reduce the effect of severe drought significantly between 25-44% (30 ton/ha) and 35-58% (60 ton/ha) higher than without EFB mulch within 2-3 years after the drought.
Reactions of Drought-Affected Oil Palm Variety Seedlings during the Nursery Phase: Bud and Root Responses
Authors: Pangaribuan I F , Rahmawati N , Akoeb E N , Yenni Y , Sujadi  , Pangaribuan Yusran
Published: March 2024

Drought has a major impact on oil palm on vegetative growth and productivity. Hence, the cultivation of drought-tolerant and efficient water use oil palm planting material becomes imperative to address this issue. FTSW method can show the soil and plant moisture condition based on the transpired water by crops. This study was structured using a Randomized Block Design, incorporating two factors - three levels of FTSW (Fraction of Transpirable Soil Water) and three different oil palm varieties. Its primary objective was to assess the plant’s reaction to drought-induced stress. The results showed that drought affected plant performance in terms of the number of leafs, root volume, and wet and dry weights of buds and roots. DxP Simalungun variety showed better performance than DxP PPKS 540 and DxP Langkat under drought stress conditions.
Profiling of rhizobacteria to alleviate drought stress in oil palm using ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis
Authors: Baskara G , Gofar N , Harun U , Widada J , Hardini P A , Wandri R , Asmono D
Published: March 2024

During the drought stress period, oil palms experienced increasing ACC substance synthesis converted to ethylene. It decreases root growth and plant tolerance to drought stress. Ethylene production can be controlled by transforming ACC into α-ketobutyrate and ammonia via ACC deaminase (ACCd). This enzyme is produced by bacteria in the plant rooting system when the plant experiences drought stress. This study aimed to characterize ACCd bacteria diversity from selected oil palm progenies with difference responses to drought stress using ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA). The method used was by isolating bacteria from oil palm root surface using the Dworkin-Foster media enriched with ACC. Bacteria were then isolated, identified molecularly based on 16S rRNA genes, and profiling their population from selected oil palm progenies. The study results show that nine isolates managed to be isolated and characterized based on their morphology. Molecular identification based on their gene bank and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ACCd bacteria community were divided into three major groups, i.e., Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. Genus Pantoea, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Kocuria, and Bacillus were identified and could be utilized as bioagents to overcome the drought stress on oil palm crops. Based on the composition of the PCR-RISA fragments, showed that the oil palm rhizosphere of progeny P8 had a higher functional genetic diversity than progeny P1 and P13. Analysis of the similarity pattern of the ACC deaminase producing bacterial community divided 2 large clusters with a similar pattern of up to 69 %.
Physiological Performance of Oil Palm Inflorescences (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) After Drought Stress on 3 Different Soil Types in Central Kalimantan
Authors: Prasetyo D W , Kurniawan L , Andriani M , Putra G I S , Nugraha E P , Firlana
Published: March 2024

Oil palm is a plantation crop that requires an amount of rainfall ranging from 1,750–2,500 mm/year as a condition for good growth. Long dry conditions will have an impact on decreasing productivity. Water deficit can cause growth stagnation and if it occurs continuously can cause irreversible physiological changes in plants, resulting in death. This study aims to study the relationship between water deficit events and the flowering physiology of oil palm plants in 3 soil types in Central Kalimantan. This study is explorative in nature with a quantitative descriptive research method using 3 types of soil: mineral, peat, sand; and 2 plant ages: Young (=7 years) and Prime (> 7 years) and each observation plot consisted of 10 trees selected systematically 5 x 5. The results showed that the occurrence of water deficit had different effects on several phases of FFB formation in phase of sex differentiation & leaf initiated on mineral soil, phase of sex differentiation & female inflorescence on peat and phase of sex differentiation, female inflorescence & inflorescence abortion on sandy soil in the Young plant category. The Prime category occurs in the ripeness, anthesis & inflorescence abortion phases on mineral soils, the anthesis & inflorescence abortion phases on peat and the inflorescence abortion & female inflorescence phases on sandy soils. Apart from the stages of FFB formation, the incidence of water deficit also affects the position of the appearance of bud inflorescences, female & male inflorescences anthesis, male inflorescences receptive & male inflorescences post anthesis, black fruit and red fruit in each soil type and plant category.
Effect of humic acid on oil palm seed germination
Authors: Arisandy P , Aziz M A , Wahyuni S , Fadila H , Siregar V M R , Priyono  , Luktyansyah I M , Sulastri  , Siswanto
Published: March 2024

Humic acid is an extract from organic materials that can enhance root development to accelerate the absorption of nutrients and water, thereby increasing plant growth. This study aims to determine the role of humic acid to increase the initial growth of oil palm seedlings. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments to test the optimum doses of humic acid, namely 0% (control), 0.5% (P1), 1% (P2), and 1.5% (P3). Each treatment used 22 oil palm seeds. Seedlings were soaked in humic acid according to treatment for one hour, then grown for seven days. Observations were made every day until the 7th day on the parameters of hair length, radicle length, and number of lateral roots. Data analysis used the analysis of variance test (ANOVA) with the Tukey HSD follow-up test (p>95%). Humic acid treatment at a dose of 1% showed significant results in increasing the number of lateral roots by 110% compared to the control. Humic acid can be an alternative growth regulator to induce the growth of oil palm roots.
Effectiveness of emulan LVA as adjuvant herbicide for weed eradication volunteer oil palm seedling (VOPS) in oil palm plantations
Authors: Khoiri I , Widjanarko M
Published: March 2024

One of the important and detrimental Plant Pest Organisms (PPO) that appear in the oil palm area is weeds. VOPS is a weed that is difficult to control using the herbicide spray method. Tests were carried out on 56 herbicide formulations for VOPS eradication, based on the test results, formulations using IPA-Glyphosate (various trademarks) + LVA Emulan could completely kill VOPS of various sizes. The concentration that is effective in completely killing VOPS is IPA-Glyphosate 15 ml/L + Emulan LVA 2 ml/L. Eradication of VOPS needs 8 weeks after application (WAA). The process of VOPS death is characterized by drying and rotting of the young leaves or shoots of the lance leaves and followed by drying of all the palm fronds and when split crosswise the apical shoots (growing points) look brownish yellow and have a foul odor.
Synthesis of lipids with sn-2 palmitic acid and sn-1,3 oleic acid from hard palm stearin and oleic acid
Authors: Hasibuan Hasrul Abdi
Published: March 2024

Human milk fat substitute (HMFS) is a fat that contains 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-glycerol (OPO) as the main triacylglycerol. Hard palm stearin (HPS) is a palm oil fraction containing high palmitic acid (PA), which can be used as a raw material in OPO synthesis. The challenge in OPO synthesis using HPS is to maintain sn-2 PA and increase sn-1,3 oleic acid (OA). This research was conducted to synthesize OPO through enzymatic acidolysis of the HPS-solid fraction and OA (1:6, mole ratio) using Lipozyme TL IM 10% of the substrate weight at 60 °C for 2 – 24 h. The results showed that acidolysis caused increased partial acylglycerol, decreased TAG, and decreased sn-2 PA while increased sn-2 OA and sn-1,3 OA. The presence of acyl migration caused the incorporation of OA using Lipozyme TL IM at the sn-1,3 positions after 2 h was not significantly different. The product obtained at 2 h contained TAG with 74% sn-2 PA and 17% sn-2 OA, 78% sn-1,3 PA, and 11% sn-1,3 OA.
Economic and environmental analysis of spent bleaching earth reactivation
Authors: Handoko O T , Hasanudin U , Suroso E , Dermiyati D , Yuwono S D , Ginting S B , Sugiharto R , Indraningtyas L , Amelia J R , Iryani D A
Published: March 2024

One of the stages in edible oil refining is bleaching, which aims to reduce pigments, gums and metals. Bleaching produces large amounts of spent bleaching earth (SBE) solid waste. SBE is usually treated in traditional processing such as landfill, incineration, compost or using the services of third-party. This paper investigated the best scheme for reactivation of SBE based on economic and environmental aspects. The basis of economic and environmental analysis used reactivated SBE with the best treatment, i.e. extraction of residual oil using n-hexane, thermal activation at 600°C for 60 minutes, acid activation using HCl 10% with impregnation BaCl2 5% (RBE-Ba) and without impregnation (RBE). BET analysis results of RBE-Ba and RBE were obtained with a pore surface area of 160 and 150 m2/gr, a total pore of 0.209 and 0.11 cc/gr, and a total pore size of 2.62 and 6.14 nm. The reactivation schemes being compared were build a new plant (NP) in an existing factory and build a new factory (NF). The most profitable scheme is RBE NP, with ROI is 20.97 % and PBP is 3.23 years. RBE NP is more economical because there is no need to buy new land, buildings, transportation, and low cost for chemicals and labour. NPV of RBE NP is USD 446,633.71, IRR is 15%, and B/C ratio is 53.31%. Based on environmental aspect, it can reduces air pollution resulting from SBE transportation, the risk of water and air contamination, and RBE will reduce the mining of bentonites to prevent environmental damage.
RISS execution by an independent smallholder association
Authors: Asad Ata , Nursaiyidah Yusof , Nazifah Rosland , Vasagi Ramachandran , Amanina Rashid Nur , Aziral Ali Zafiq , Izzah Khairina , Aiman Hashim , Saiful Azahar
Published: March 2024

The Center for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS) was established to improve the livelihoods of Independent Smallholders (ISH) of oil palm ensuring ethical and responsible production of oil palm with commitments to no deforestation, no new plantation on peatlands, and no exploitation (NDPE) in the supply chain. The CSS has a two-pronged approach i.e., improving livelihoods through yield intensification while sourcing responsibly ensuring ethical and sustainable oil palm production and ensuring sustainability through certification and compliance while empowering communities through farmer associations to safeguard their interests. The RSPO independent Smallholder Standard (RISS) was adopted by RSPO members on 6 November 2019. As part of its strategy, CSS helped facilitate RISS certification for the very first batch of Independent Smallholders through an ISH association, PERTANIAGA, in August 2021 who received full premium as of September 2022. Today, with 306 ISHs certified, this paper outlines the certification journey of these ISH. CSS aims to have 640 ISH certified through 2023 while diffusing its impact on a larger community through sustainable and good agricultural practices (GAP).
Contribution of independent smallholder RSPO certification to village-level SDGs achievements
Authors: Pramudya E P , Satwiko A A , Astipranatari C , Wibowo L R , Sarwendah M A K , Sujarwoko  , Kurniadi R , Iswardhani A O , Rafik R , de Soysa S
Published: March 2024

As the world’s largest palm oil producer, Indonesia has promoted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to assess the impacts of palm oil development. However, various literatures have only covered the conceptual discussion and potential contributions of palm oil development to SDGs, leaving the use of SDGs as an assessment tool underexplored. This research discusses how RSPO’s independent smallholder certification can contribute to SDGs’ achievements at the village level. By interviewing 88 respondents from 34 RSPO-certified smallholder organizations (as members of Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil Smallholder Forum / Fortasbi), RSPO certification shows significant impacts on the SDGs except SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goal). This finding indicates that RSPO can lead to SDGs fulfillment in different ways, either directly as the impacts at the group level simultaneously contribute to village-level SDGs achievements (for SDGs 4, 9, and 10) or indirectly as there are impacts at the group level that do not necessarily affect village-level SDGs achievements (for SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16) and do not cause any impact (SDG 7). This result also reflects the collaboration challenges among stakeholders, especially at the village level.
Assessing the implications of implementing European Union countries’ anti-deforestation regulations on Indonesia’s palm oil industry
Authors: Setiyanto Adi
Published: March 2024

The European Union Parliament recently issued an anti-deforestation (deforestation-free regulation) policy for several agricultural and livestock commodities, expected to be implemented in 2023. Palm oil considers one of the commodities driving deforestation. Indonesia is the largest supplier of palm oil and its products to European Union countries, so it is not free from the influence of the enactment of this law. This paper discusses the possible effects of implementing these regulations and their implications for the Indonesian palm oil industry and the European Union countries. For Indonesia, this regulation will have affected changing the governance of the palm oil industry for export purposes. Traceability requirements can affect for supply chain separability and the exclusion of smallholders. However, it can also provide the possibility of increasing the position of smallholders in the global market. For the European Union, regulation will impact decreasing supply and incompatibility of the palm oil processing industry and traders in their countries. Indonesia can continue to exist by pursuing several strategies to strengthen export markets outside the European Union countries and deepen the structure of the domestic palm oil industry.
Printing GelMA bioinks: a strategy for building in vitro model to study nanoparticle-based minocycline release and cellular protection under oxidative stress
Authors: Fu Zhouquan , Hai Nan , Zhong Yinghui , Sun Wei
Published: March 2024

Owing to its thermoresponsive and photocrosslinking characteristics, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based biomaterials have gained widespread usage as a novel and promising bioink for three-dimensional bioprinting and diverse biomedical applications. However, the flow behaviors of GelMA during the sol-gel transition, which are dependent on time and temperature, present significant challenges in printing thick scaffolds while maintaining high printability and cell viability. Moreover, the tunable properties and photocrosslinking capabilities of GelMA underscore its potential for localized drug delivery applications. Previous research has demonstrated the successful incorporation of minocycline (MH) into GelMA scaffolds for therapeutic applications. However, achieving a prolonged and sustained release of concentrated MH remains a challenge, primarily due to its small molecular size. The primary aim of this study is to investigate an optimal extrusion printing method for GelMA bioink in extrusion bioprinting, emphasizing its flow behaviors that are influenced by time and temperature. Additionally, this research seeks to explore the potential of GelMA bioink as a carrier for the sustained release of MH, specifically targeting cellular protection against oxidative stress. The material properties of GelMA were assessed and further optimization of the printing process was conducted considering both printability and cell survival. To achieve sustained drug release within GelMA, the study employed a mechanism using metal ion mediation to facilitate the interaction between MH, dextran sulfate (DS), and magnesium, leading to the formation of nanoparticle complexes (MH-DS). Furthermore, a GelMA-based in vitro model was developed in order to investigate the cellular protective properties of MH against oxidative stress. The experimental results revealed that the printability and cell viability of GelMA are significantly influenced by the printing duration, nozzle temperature, and GelMA concentrations. Optimal printing conditions were identified based on a thorough assessment of both printability and cell viability. Scaffolds printed under these optimal conditions exhibited exceptional printability and sustained high cell viability. Notably, it was found that lower GelMA concentrations reduced the initial burst release of MH from the MH-dextran sulfate (MH-DS) complexes, thus favoring more controlled, sustained release profiles. Additionally, MH released under these conditions significantly enhanced fibroblast viability in an in vitro model simulating oxidative stress.
Dynamic, IPSC-derived hepatic tissue tri-culture system for the evaluation of liver physiology in vitro
Authors: Scheidecker Benedikt , Poulain Stéphane , Sugimoto Masahiro , Kido Taketomo , Kawanishi Takumi , Miyajima Atsushi , Kim Soo Hyeon , Arakawa Hiroshi , Kato Yukio , Nishikawa Masaki , Danoy Mathieu , Sakai Yasuyuki , Leclerc Eric
Published: March 2024

Availability of hepatic tissue for the investigation of metabolic processes is severely limited. While primary hepatocytes or animal models are widely used in pharmacological applications, a change in methodology towards more sustainable and ethical assays is highly desirable. Stem cell derived hepatic cells are generally regarded as a viable alternative for the above model systems, if current limitations in functionality and maturation can be overcome. By combining microfluidic organ-on-a-chip technology with individually differentiated, multicellular hepatic tissue fractions, we aim to improve overall functionality of hepatocyte-like cells, as well as evaluate cellular composition and interactions with non-parenchymal cell populations towards the formation of mature liver tissue. Utilizing a multi-omic approach, we show the improved maturation profiles of hepatocyte-like cells maintained in a dynamic microenvironment compared to standard tissue culture setups without continuous perfusion. In order to evaluate the resulting tissue, we employ single cell sequencing to distinguish formed subpopulations and spatial localization. While cellular input was strictly defined based on established differentiation protocols of parenchyma, endothelial and stellate cell fractions, resulting hepatic tissue was shown to comprise a complex mixture of epithelial and non-parenchymal fractions with specific local enrichment of phenotypes along the microchannel. Following this approach, we show the importance of passive, paracrine developmental processes in tissue formation. Using such complex tissue models is a crucial first step to develop stem cell-derived in vitro systems that can compare functionally with currently used pharmacological and toxicological applications.
Sheet-based extrusion bioprinting: a new multi-material paradigm providing mid-extrusion micropatterning control for microvascular applications
Authors: Hooper Ryan , Cummings Caleb , Beck Anna , Vazquez-Armendariz Javier , Rodriguez Ciro , Dean David
Published: March 2024

As bioprinting advances into clinical relevance with patient-specific tissue and organ constructs, it must be capable of multi-material fabrication at high resolutions to accurately mimick the complex tissue structures found in the body. One of the most fundamental structures to regenerative medicine is microvasculature. Its continuous hierarchical branching vessel networks bridge surgically manipulatable arteries (∼1–6 mm) to capillary beds (∼10 µm). Microvascular perfusion must be established quickly for autologous, allogeneic, or tissue engineered grafts to survive implantation and heal in place. However, traditional syringe-based bioprinting techniques have struggled to produce perfusable constructs with hierarchical branching at the resolution of the arterioles (∼100-10 µm) found in microvascular tissues. This study introduces the novel CEVIC bioprinting device (i.e. Continuously Extruded Variable Internal Channeling), a multi-material technology that breaks the current extrusion-based bioprinting paradigm of pushing cell-laden hydrogels through a nozzle as filaments, instead, in the version explored here, extruding thin, wide cell-laden hydrogel sheets. The CEVIC device adapts the chaotic printing approach to control the width and number of microchannels within the construct as it is extruded (i.e. on-the-fly). Utilizing novel flow valve designs, this strategy can produce continuous gradients varying geometry and materials across the construct and hierarchical branching channels with average widths ranging from 621.5 ± 42.92% µm to 11.67 ± 14.99% µm, respectively, encompassing the resolution range of microvascular vessels. These constructs can also include fugitive/sacrificial ink that vacates to leave demonstrably perfusable channels. In a proof-of-concept experiment, a co-culture of two microvascular cell types, endothelial cells and pericytes, sustained over 90% viability throughout 1 week in microchannels within CEVIC-produced gelatin methacryloyl-sodium alginate hydrogel constructs. These results justify further exploration of generating CEVIC-bioprinted microvasculature, such as pre-culturing and implantation studies.
Enhanced high-temperature tribological performance of fluorinated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:F) coatings in sliding applications
Authors: Bhowmick Sukanta , Shirzadian Shayan , Alpas Ahmet T
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the dry sliding behaviour of fluorinated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:F) coatings against uncoated 52100 steel at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 300 °C. The ta-C:F coatings demonstrated significant reductions in both the coefficient of friction(COF) during the running-in stage and at steady state, particularly within the temperature range of 25 °C to 200 °C, surpassing the performance of well-established a-C:H coatings. SEM analyses revealed the formation of transfer layers on the contact surface of 52100 steel when tested against ta-C:F coatings at temperatures up to 200 °C, while none were detected at temperatures ≥250 °C. Raman spectroscopy indicated a transition from sp3 to sp2 carbon structures in the carbonaceous transfer layers with increasing temperature, and XPS scans confirmed an increase in fluorine (F) concentration within these layers, correlating with reduced COF. The comparative analysis at 120 °C emphasized the intrinsic advantages of ta-C:F coatings in high-temperature applications, demonstrating a nearly 50% lower COF (0.08) when compared to traditional boundary-lubricated steel-to-steel sliding contacts. These findings have significant implications for enhancing the efficiency and durability of various mechanical systems, particularly in industries like automotive and manufacturing.
Optimization of the mechanical and vibrational damping properties of a hybrid rubber particle and glass fibre railway sleeper composite
Authors: Mbatha Abednigo Jabu , Alugongo A A , Nkomo N Z
Published: March 2024

In the locomotive industry, the railway structural material is frequently subjected to harsh loads and vibration, and the current durability and vibration-resilience capabilities of the sleepers are insufficient. The aim of this paper is to fabricate a railway sleeper composites with enhanced mechanical and vibrational properties. A full factorial experimental design was followed in the composite fabrication with the rubber particles and fibreglass volume fraction ratio varied between 5 and 20% and 5 to 8% respectively. Modelling and optimisation of the mix design was then carried out using numerical modelling techniques. ANOVA tests were carried out to show the model’s accuracy in predicting tensile strength, compression strength, flexural strength, and vibrational damping, as shown by R2 values of 60.69%, 86.60%, 60.05% and 81.41%, respectively. However, the model was not reliable for the composite hardness which had an R2 value of 37.87%. The optimisation model developed in the study indicated that rubber particles of size of 150 μm at volume fraction of 7.48% and fibreglass volume fraction of 8% gave the optimum mechanical and vibrational properties.
The feasibility of K XRF bone lead measurements in mice assessed using 3D-printed phantoms
Authors: Bider R C , Sheehan B , Bock N , McNeill F E
Published: March 2024

This article describes the development of a system for in vivo measurements of lead body burden in mice using 109Cd K x-ray fluorescence (XRF). This K XRF system could facilitate early-stage studies on interventions that ameliorate or reverse organ tissue damage from lead poisoning by reducing animal numbers through a cross-sectional study approach. A novel mouse phantom was developed based on a mouse atlas and 3D-printed using PLA plastic with plaster of Paris ’bone’ inserts. PLA plastic was found to be a good surrogate for soft tissue in XRF measurements and the phantoms were found to be good models of mice. As expected, lead detection limits varied with mouse size, mouse orientation, and mouse position with respect to the source and detector. The work suggests that detection limits of 10 to 20 μg Pb per g bone mineral may be possible for a 2 to 3 hour XRF measurement in a single animal, an adequate limit for some pre-clinical studies. The 109Cd K XRF mouse measurement system was also modeled using the Monte Carlo code MCNP. The combination of experiment and modeling found that contrary to expectation, accurate measurements of lead levels in mice required calibration using mouse-specific calibration standards due to the coherent scatter peak normalization failing when small animals are measured. MCNP modeling determined that this was because the coherent scatter signal from soft tissue, which until now has been assumed negligible, becomes significant when compared to the coherent scatter signal in bone in small animals. This may have implications for some human measurements. This work suggests that 109Cd K x-ray fluorescence measurements of lead body burden are precise enough to make the system feasible for small animals if appropriately calibrated. Further work to validate the technology’s measurement accuracy and performance in vivo will be required.
Entanglement gets its ‘temperature’ taken
Authors: Boerkamp Martijn
Published: March 2024

Quantum simulator visualizes large-scale entanglement in materials thanks to a 50-year-old quantum field theorem, as Martijn Boerkamp reports.
US Peregrine mission ends in failure
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: March 2024

A US company’s Moon mission has failed after its fuel tank ruptured and began to leak propellent shortly after launch.
Seeking big impact from big science
Authors: McEntee Joe
Published: March 2024

Mike Witherell, director of the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, tells Joe McEntee why effective stewardship is essential for long-term research success.
Why we need to talk quantum
Authors: Meinsma Aletta , Cramer Julia
Published: March 2024

Aletta Meinsma and Julia Cramer argue that physicists must take responsibility for communicating a balanced view on quantum technologies.
Green physics power
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: March 2024

James McKenzie examines the key messages of a new report on the green economy from the Institute of Physics, which puts the work of physicists front and centre in dealing with climate change.
The nuclear reactor just for students
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: March 2024

Robert P Crease travels to Reed College in the US, which is unique for having the only nuclear reactor in the US run by undergraduate students.
How to survive a physics PhD
Authors: Mehta Pruthvi
Published: March 2024

Achieving a doctoral degree, the highest academic qualification available, is a huge feat that can be a long and difficult journey. Having recently completed her own PhD in physics, Pruthvi Mehta shares her five top tips for surviving your doctoral studies.
Do environmental target constraints promote corporate pollution reduction?
Authors: Li Zhaoyang , Kong Lingqian , Xu Kai
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the environment quality, in 2007 the Chinese government implemented a policy document on environmental target constraints called the ‘Letter of Responsibility’. Based on this impact, we collect the environmental target constraints (ETC) data of 276 cities in China, and use the Differences-in-Differences (DID) method to evaluate the impact of local government ETC on enterprise pollution. The results show that ETC can significantly curb the pollution emission level of enterprises. This effect varies significantly between enterprises of different regions, scales, ownerships, and total factor productivities (TFPs). ETC can promote enterprise emission reduction by inducing green innovation, improving corporate tax burden and financing constraints, and promoting enterprise exit. Economic growth target constraints will weaken the inhibitory effect of ETC on corporate pollution. This paper provides important empirical evidence for deepening China’s official environmental assessment system and environmental governance.
Toxic air pollution and concentrated social deprivation are associated with low birthweight and preterm Birth in Louisiana
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Authors: Terrell Kimberly A , St Julien Gianna N , Wallace Maeve E
Published: March 2024

Previous studies indicate that pollution exposure can increase risks of adverse birth outcomes, but Black communities are underrepresented in this research, and the potential moderating role of neighborhood context has not been explored. These issues are especially relevant in Louisiana, which has a high proportion of Black residents, an entrenched history of structural racism, the most pounds of toxic industrial emissions annually, and among the nation’s highest rates of low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and infant mortality. We investigated whether air pollution and social polarization by race and income (measured via the index of concentration at the extremes [ICE]) were associated with LBW and PTB among Louisiana census tracts (n = 1101) using spatial lag models. Data sources included 2011–2020 birth records, U.S. Census Bureau 2017 demographic data, and 2017 respiratory hazard (RH) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both RH and ICE were associated with LBW (z = 4.4, P < 0.0001; z = −27.0, P < 0.0001) and PTB (z = 2.3, P = 0.019; z = −16.7, P < 0.0001), with no interaction. Severely polluted tracts had 36% higher and 25% higher risks of LBW and PTB, respectively, versus unpolluted tracts. On average, 2166 low birthweight and 3583 preterm births annually were attributable to pollution exposure. Tracts with concentrated social deprivation (i.e. low ICE scores) had 53% higher and 34% higher risks of LBW and PTB, respectively, versus intermediate or mixed tracts. On average, 1171 low birthweight and 1739 preterm births annually were attributable to concentrated deprivation. Our ecological study found that a majority of adverse birth outcomes in Louisiana (i.e. 67% of LBW and PTB combined) are linked to air pollution exposure or disadvantage resulting from social polarization. These findings can inform research, policy, and advocacy to improve health equity in marginalized communities.
Recent advances in multimodal sensing integration and decoupling strategies for tactile perception
Authors: Kong Huijun , Li Weiyan , Song Zhongqian , Niu Li
Published: March 2024

Human skin perceives external environmental stimulus by the synergies between the subcutaneous tactile corpuscles. Soft electronics with multiple sensing capabilities by mimicking the function of human skin are of significance in health monitoring and artificial sensation. The last decade has witnessed unprecedented development and convergence between multimodal tactile sensing devices and soft bioelectronics. Despite these advances, traditional flexible electronics achieve multimodal tactile sensing for pressure, strain, temperature, and humidity by integrating monomodal sensing devices together. This strategy results in high energy consumption, limited integration, and complex manufacturing process. Various multimodal sensors and crosstalk-free sensing mechanisms have been proposed to bridge the gap between natural sensory system and artificial perceptual system. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of tactile sensing mechanism, integration design principles, signal-decoupling strategies, and current applications for multimodal tactile perception. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and present the future perspectives to promote the development of multimodal tactile perception.
Model-aided climate adaptation for future maize in the US
Authors: Hsiao Jennifer , Kim Soo-Hyung , Timlin Dennis J , Mueller Nathaniel D , Swann Abigail L S
Published: March 2024

Over the next three decades rising population and changing dietary preferences are expected to increase food demand by 25%–75%. At the same time climate is also changing—with potentially drastic impacts on food production. Breeding new crop characteristics and adjusting management practices are critical avenues to mitigate yield loss and sustain yield stability under a changing climate. In this study, we use a mechanistic crop model (MAIZSIM) to identify high-performing trait and management combinations that maximize yield and yield stability for different agroclimate regions in the US under present and future climate conditions. We show that morphological traits such as total leaf area and phenological traits such as grain-filling start time and duration are key properties that impact yield and yield stability; different combinations of these properties can lead to multiple high-performing strategies under present-day climate conditions. We also demonstrate that high performance under present day climate does not guarantee high performance under future climate. Weakened trade-offs between canopy leaf area and reproductive start time under a warmer future climate led to shifts in high-performing strategies, allowing strategies with higher total leaf area and later grain-filling start time to better buffer yield loss and out-compete strategies with a smaller canopy leaf area and earlier reproduction. These results demonstrate that focused effort is needed to breed plant varieties to buffer yield loss under future climate conditions as these varieties may not currently exist, and showcase how information from process-based models can complement breeding efforts and targeted management to increase agriculture resilience.
EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression
Authors: Brennan Bill , Belser Alex
Published: March 2024

EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression: A New Approach for the Whole Person is a comprehensive guidebook for clinicians that presents a novel therapeutic framework for administering psychedelic medicines. The EMBARK model was developed in response to the growing interest in psychedelic medicines for treating mental health disorders, particularly depression, and the identified gaps in existing models of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). The conventional history of PAT research has been criticized for missing critical histories of harm and the stories of marginalized groups, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, ethical, and inclusive framework. Previous PAT models have been found to lack attentiveness to the body, focus on the therapist-participant relationship, counseling for spiritual experiences, and ethical considerations. They also suffered from underdeveloped therapeutic frames and a reliance on single evidence-based, non-psychedelic PAT approaches. The EMBARK model addresses these shortcomings by offering a transdiagnostic and trans-drug approach adaptable to various indications and psychedelic medicines. It is built upon four Cornerstones of Care: Trauma-Informed Care, Culturally Competent Care, Ethically Rigorous Care, and Collective Care, reflecting a foundational belief that efficacious treatment is ethical treatment. The EMBARK acronym points to six Clinical Domains that commonly emerge in psychedelic experiences: Existential-Spiritual, Mindfulness, Body Aware, Affective-Cognitive, Relational, and Keeping Momentum. For the treatment of depression, twelve mechanisms of therapeutic change are outlined. It also provides a comprehensive guide to the clinical considerations and treatment factors, including therapist credentials, skills, therapeutic presence, personal growth, experiential training, and personal commitment to receiving supervision, peer consultation, and support as a provider. The EMBARK approach incorporates evidence-based treatment techniques and points to an emerging evidence-base for the approach from ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). EMBARK psychedelic therapy is intended to be open-sourced to the clinical community for development and adaptation to other psychedelic medicines (e.g., DMT, LSD, MDMA, ketamine) other contexts (e.g. group therapy, conjoint/couples therapy), diverse populations (e.g., LGBTQIA+ participants) and to inform the development of psychedelic practitioner trainings.
An Overview of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Authors: Brennan Bill , Belser Alex
Published: March 2024

Chapter 1 introduces the concept of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) and the EMBARK psychedelic therapy model, a new approach to PAT and psychological support. The chapter serves as an orientation to the book, outlining its structure and intended audiences. It discusses the growing interest in psychedelic medicines for treating mental health disorders, particularly depression. The authors provide a conventional history of PAT research and criticize this history for missing critical histories of harm and the stories of marginalized groups. The EMBARK model is introduced, offering a transdiagnostic and trans-drug approach adaptable to various indications and psychedelic medicines. The authors review common PAT elements, including the preparation, medicine, and integration phases of treatment; therapist dyads; set and setting; and the importance of providing a therapeutic container. The chapter also characterizes the emerging evidence base for EMBARK, mentioning ongoing randomized clinical trials piloting the EMBARK model and the free EMBARK Open Access training program.
Considerations Prior to Meeting With a Participant
Authors: Brennan Bill , Belser Alex
Published: March 2024

Chapter 4 provides a comprehensive guide to the considerations and treatment factors that should be attended to prior to initiating psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT). It discusses the importance of therapists’ credentials, competencies, skills, personal growth, experiential training, personal psychedelic experiences, and personal commitment to receiving supervision, peer supervision, and support as a provider. It discusses the importance of cultivating a therapeutic presence using two illustrative EMBARK acronyms: CUSHION and FRAZZLE. The chapter also discusses the need for thorough screening for medical and psychiatric conditions, contraindications with other medications, and overall suitability. It includes a section on the consideration and controversies regarding the use of touch in psychedelic therapy, exploring both historical and current perspectives. An “enhanced consent” and “double consent” process is recommended. The chapter also addresses the setup of the physical space, the creation of appropriate music playlists, attendance to cultural factors, working in dyads, and considerations when involving other providers and the participant’s family members.
Bringing It Home and Carrying It Forward
Authors: Brennan Bill , Belser Alex
Published: March 2024

Chapter 8 concludes the book with a reflection on the intense and meaningful journey of providing psychedelic-assisted therapy. It acknowledges the book’s aim to provide a comprehensive guide to practicing psychedelic therapy, rooted in the best available evidence and ethical considerations. The chapter points to future opportunities in the field, including a shift from a treatment-focused approach to a more integrated conceptualization and treatment process. It raises important questions about the best use of psychedelics in mental health care, suggesting that they may be more suited to promoting overall well-being than simply reducing symptoms. It also discusses the important but overlooked role of community support and explores the question of what collective changes would best support the integration of psychedelic therapy into our culture’s approach to healing. Future directions for EMBARK in psychedelic therapy research and practice are outlined. The chapter concludes by honoring the reader’s interest in psychedelic therapy.