bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glaucoma-TrEl: A web-based interactive database to build evidence-based hypotheses on the role of trace elements in glaucoma
Authors: Choudhari Jyoti Kant , Eberhardt Martin , Chatterjee Tanushree , Hohberger Bettina , Vera Julio
Published: November 2022

Objective

Glaucoma is a chronic neurological disease that is associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), causes gradual damage to retinal ganglion cells, and often culminates in vision loss. Recent research suggests that glaucoma is a complex multifactorial disease in which multiple interlinked genes and pathways play a role during onset and development. Also, differential availability of trace elements seems to play a role in glaucoma pathophysiology, although their mechanism of action is unknown. The aim of this work is to disseminate a web-based repository on interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes linked to glaucoma pathophysiology.

Results

In this study, we present Glaucoma-TrEl, a web database containing information about interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes that are linked to glaucoma. In the database, we include interactions between 437 unique genes and eight trace elements. Our analysis found a large number of interactions between trace elements and protein-coding genes mutated or linked to the pathophysiology of glaucoma. We associated genes interacting with multiple trace elements to pathways known to play a role in glaucoma. The web-based platform provides an easy-to-use and interactive tool, which serves as an information hub facilitating future research work on trace elements in glaucoma.
Do regulatory tools instigate measures to prevent work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors? A process evaluation of a Labour inspection authority trial in the Norwegian home-care services
Authors: Johannessen Håkon A. , Knardahl Stein , Emberland Jan S. , Skare Øivind , Finnanger Garshol Bjørnar
Published: November 2022

Objective

There is a research gap regarding the way managers and employee representatives respond to Labour Authority interventions targeting work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors. The present study aimed to determine if (I) labour inspections and (II) guidance-through-workshops led by inspectors were perceived by the target audience as equally useful and educational; and to determine if utility and enhanced knowledge were associated with the implementation of measures to prevent work-related risk factors. Finally, it aimed to determine if the managers in the intervention groups to a greater extent than the controls reported implementing such measures.

Results

Managers and employee representatives in both intervention groups reported a high level of perceived utility as well as a high level of enhanced knowledge. Both utility (p < 0.05) and enhanced knowledge (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the implementation of, or plans to soon implement, measures to improve working conditions. When compared to controls, implemented measures, or plans to implement measures, were reported significantly more frequently by managers in the inspection group (p < 0.05).

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03855163 Registered on February 26, 2019.
Strategic sectors and the diffusion of the effect of a shock in Mexico for 2008 and 2012
Authors: Alatriste-Contreras Martha G. , Lugo Igor
Published: November 2022

We combine input–output analysis with a diffusion measure and complex network measures of centrality to propose a method to identify strategic or key sectors in an economy. We then apply our method to the case of Mexico for the years 2008 and 2012. Results for Mexico show that the ranking sectors according to the diffusion measure allows identifying strategic sectors with desirable properties such as high centrality and a high correlation to the aggregate effect of a shock. Furthermore, these sectors also have a good performance according to macroeconomic variables, such as exports and value-added. The disaggregation of the aggregate effect of a shock, together with our results on diffusion, suggests that one should focus on sectors with good diffusion to design policy recommendations.
Heat stress in pigs and broilers: role of gut dysbiosis in the impairment of the gut-liver axis and restoration of these effects by probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics
Authors: Ringseis Robert , Eder Klaus
Published: November 2022

Heat stress is one of the most challenging stressors for animal production due to high economic losses resulting from impaired animal’s productivity, health and welfare. Despite the fact that all farm animal species are susceptible to heat stress, birds and pigs are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to either lacking or non-functional sweat glands. Convincing evidence in the literature exists that gut dysbiosis, a term used to describe a perturbation of commensal gut microbiota, develops in broilers and pigs under heat stress. Owing to the protective role of commensal bacteria for the gut barrier, gut dysbiosis causes a disruption of the gut barrier leading to endotoxemia, which contributes to the typical characteristics of heat stressed broilers and growing and growing-finishing pigs, such as reduced feed intake, decreased growth and reduced lean carcass weight. A substantial number of studies have shown that feeding of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics is an efficacious strategy to protect broilers from heat stress-induced gut barrier disruption through altering the gut microbiota and promoting all decisive structural, biochemical, and immunological elements of the intestinal barrier. In most of the available studies in heat stressed broilers, the alterations of gut microbiota and improvements of gut barrier function induced by feeding of either probiotics, prebiotics or synbiotics were accompanied by an improved productivity, health and/or welfare when compared to non-supplemented broilers exposed to heat stress. These findings indicate that the restoration of gut homeostasis and function is a key target for dietary interventions aiming to provide at least partial protection of broilers from the detrimental impact of heat stress conditions. Despite the fact that the number of studies dealing with the same feeding strategy in heat stressed pigs is limited, the available few studies suggest that feeding of probiotics might also be a suitable approach to enhance productivity, health and welfare in pigs kept under heat stress conditions.
Analysis of the risk of theft from vehicle crime in Kyoto, Japan using environmental indicators of streetscapes
Authors: Adachi Hiroki M. , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: November 2022

With the advent of spatial analysis, the importance of analyzing crime patterns based on location has become more apparent. Previous studies have advanced our understanding of the factors associated with crime concentration in street networks. However, it has recently become possible to assess the factors associated with crime at even finer spatial scales of streetscapes, such as the existence of greenery or walls, owing to the availability of streetscape image data and progress in machine learning-based image analysis. Such place-scale environments can be both crime-producing and crime-preventing, depending on the composition of the streetscape environment. In this study, we attempted to assess the risk of crime occurrence through place-scale indicators using streetscape images and their interaction terms through binomial logistic regression modeling of the place-scale crime risk of theft from vehicles in the central part of Kyoto City, Japan. The results suggest that the effects of specific streetscape components on the risk of crime occurrence are certainly dependent on other components. For example, the association of the crime occurrence risk with the occupancy rate of vegetation in a streetscape image is positive when there are few buildings and walls, and vice versa. The findings of this study show the importance of considering the complex composition of visible streetscape components in assessing the place-scale risk of crime occurrence.
Individual differences in naturally occurring affect predict conceptual breadth: evidence for the importance of arousal by valence interactions
Authors: Chung Andrew , Busseri Michael A. , Arnell Karen M.
Published: November 2022

Several studies have investigated the effect of induced mood state on conceptual breadth (breadth and flexibility of thought). Early studies concluded that inducing a positive mood state broadened cognition, while inducing a negative mood state narrowed cognition. However, recent reports have suggested that valence and arousal can each influence conceptual breadth. Individual differences in affective dispositions may bias perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors and, in turn, may be biased by them. Here, we examine whether individual differences in valence and arousal dimensions of self-reported, naturally occurring affect relate to conceptual breadth (using the Remote Associates Test, the Object Categorization Task, and the Alternative Uses Task), with no mood manipulations or cues. The three conceptual breadth tasks loaded onto a latent conceptual breadth factor that was predicted significantly by the interaction of valence and arousal. For participants low in arousal, greater positive affect was associated with greater conceptual breadth. For participants high in arousal, greater positive affect was associated with reduced conceptual breadth. In contrast to most existing theories of conceptual breadth that highlight the importance of valence or arousal alone, the present results suggest that the interaction between arousal and valence is key to predicting individual differences in conceptual breadth. We posit that positive mood states predict greater conceptual breadth in the presence of low versus high arousal due to a relaxation of cognitive control under low arousal.
The impact of location tax incentives on the growth of rural economy: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Amankwaah Eric , Mensah Nicholas , Baidoo Nana Okyir
Published: November 2022

Over the last two decades, location tax incentives programs serving as a motivating force have been progressively well known as activities to draw in and/or hold foreign direct investments (FDIs) in economically blighted areas. The study examined the impact of location tax incentives on the growth of the rural economy of Ghana from the period of 1994 to 2018. The data were sourced from Ghana Investment Promotion, UNCTAD, and the World Tax Database. Using ARDL Cointegration and Error Correction Models were estimated to examine the static and dynamic long-run effects as well as the short-run dynamics of the system and the speed of adjustment to the long-run equilibrium. However, FDI is skewed towards the Greater Accra region, Ashanti region, Central region, and Eastern and Western regions notwithstanding the location tax incentives the government has been given since the 1990s. The study shows that there is a positive and statistically significant effect of tax incentives on employment creation and rural development in the long run. It revealed that trade openness and market size have a significant effect on employment creation and rural development. It emerged that there is no correlation between location tax incentives and the regional distribution of FDI in Ghana. It has become a well-established fact that adequate tax holidays are beneficial to businesses and encourage them to make investment decisions. It is therefore recommended that a more extensive mindfulness crusade through workshops, courses, and advertisements is necessary to empower the investors about the accessible business opportunities.
High intelligence is not associated with a greater propensity for mental health disorders
Authors: Williams Camille Michèle , Peyre Hugo , Labouret Ghislaine , Fassaya Judicael , Guzmán García Adoración , Gauvrit Nicolas , Ramus Franck
Published: November 2022

Background

Studies reporting that highly intelligent individuals have more mental health disorders often have sampling bias, no or inadequate control groups, or insufficient sample size. We addressed these caveats by examining the difference in the prevalence of mental health disorders between individuals with high and average general intelligence (g-factor) in the UK Biobank.

Methods

Participants with g-factor scores standardized relative to the same-age UK population, were divided into two groups: a high g-factor group (g-factor 2 SD above the UK mean; N = 16,137) and an average g-factor group (g-factor within 2 SD of the UK mean; N = 236,273). Using self-report questionnaires and medical diagnoses, we examined group differences in the prevalence of 32 phenotypes, including mental health disorders, trauma, allergies, and other traits.

Results

High and average g-factor groups differed across 15/32 phenotypes and did not depend on sex and/or age. Individuals with high g-factors had less general anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% CI [0.64;0.74]) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; OR = 0.67, 95 %CI [0.61;0.74]), were less neurotic (β = −0.12, 95% CI [−0.15;−0.10]), less socially isolated (OR = 0.85, 95% CI [0.80;0.90]), and were less likely to have experienced childhood stressors and abuse, adulthood stressors, or catastrophic trauma (OR = 0.69–0.90). However, they generally had more allergies (e.g., eczema; OR = 1.13–1.33).

Conclusions

The present study provides robust evidence that highly intelligent individuals do not have more mental health disorders than the average population. High intelligence even appears as a protective factor for general anxiety and PTSD.
Directionality between driven-dissipative resonators
Authors: Downing C. A. , Sturges T. J.
Published: November 2022

The notion of nonreciprocity, in essence when going forwards is different from going backwards, emerges in all branches of physics from cosmology to electromagnetism. Intriguingly, the breakdown of reciprocity is typically associated with extraordinary phenomena, which may be readily capitalized on in the design of (for example) nontrivial electromagnetic devices when Lorentz reciprocity is broken. However, in order to enable the exploitation of nonreciprocal-like effects in the next generation of quantum technologies, basic quantum optical theories are required. Here we present a versatile model describing a pair of driven-dissipative quantum resonators, where the relative phase difference between the coherent and incoherent couplings induces an asymmetry. The interplay between the diverse dissipative landscape —which encompasses both intrinsic losses and dissipative couplings— and the coherent interactions leads to some remarkable consequences including highly directional (or even one-way) energy transport. Our work proffers the tantalizing prospect of observing dissipation-induced quantum directionality in areas like photonics or cavity magnonics (spin waves), which may aid the design of unconventional nanoscopic devices.
Ferroelectric and antiferroelectric distortions coupling of nitride perovskite LaWN3 under epitaxial strain using first-principles calculations
Authors: Wang Xiangjian , Zhu Linguang , Geng Wenping , Lou Xiaojie
Published: November 2022

LaWN3, a novel nitride perovskite, have been synthesized and its piezoelectric properties have been investigated (Talley K. R. et al., Science, 374 (2021) 1488). However, the understanding of its ferroelectric properties under the external strain is still lacking. Here, the misfit-strain–dependent coupling between antiferrodistortions (AFD) and ferroelectric (FE) distortions has been studied by using a first-principle approach. It can be observed that AFD and FE distortions can work cooperatively with each other as the compressive strain increases, and the coupling energy between them is found to work in different ways under various strains. Our results show that the coupling tends to stabilize the ground structure when the compressive strain is smaller than −1.9%, it works oppositely when the compressive strain becomes larger than 1.9%. Our results can provide us with more hints about the influence of the epitaxial strains on the intrinsic coupling behavior in the perovskite ferroelectric compounds, which is very important for us to design and fabricate new kinds of functional materials.
Patient Safety Indicator 04 Does Not Consistently Identify Failure to Rescue in the Neurosurgical Population
Authors: Azad Tej D. , Rodriguez Emily , Raj Divyaansh , Xia Yuanxuan , Materi Joshua , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Suarez Jose I. , Tamargo Rafael J. , Brem Henry , Haut Elliott R. , Bettegowda Chetan
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Improving neurosurgical quality metrics necessitates the analysis of patient safety indicator (PSI) 04, a measure of failure to rescue (FTR).

OBJECTIVE:

To demonstrate that PSI 04 is not an appropriate measure for capturing FTR within neurosurgery.

METHODS:

We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients from January 1, 2017 to June 1, 2021, who sustained a PSI 04-attributed complication (pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, sepsis, shock/cardiac arrest, or gastrointestinal hemorrhage/acute ulcer), underwent a neurosurgical procedure, had inpatient mortality, and were identified using patient safety indicator 04 (PSI 04) tracking algorithm. The primary outcome was whether the attributed PSI 04 designation was the primary driver of mortality.

RESULTS:

We identified 67 patients who met the PSI 04 criteria (median age, 61 years; female sex, 43.4%). Nearly 20% of patients met the PSI complication criteria before admission. Patients who underwent emergent bedside procedures were more likely to present with a poor Glasgow Coma Scale (P = .016), more likely to be intubated before admission (P = .016), and less likely to have mortality due to a PSI 04-related complication (P = .002). PSI 04-related complications were identified as the cause of death in only 43.2% of cases. Procedures occurring in the interventional radiology suite (odds ratio, 23.2; 95% CI, 3.5-229.3; P = .003) or the operating room (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.25-39.5; P = .03) were more likely to have mortality because of a PSI 04-related complication compared with bedside procedures.

CONCLUSION:

In total, 65.7% of patients were inappropriately flagged as meeting PSI 04 criteria. PSI 04 currently identifies patients with complications unrelated to operating room procedures. Improvement in patient safety within neurosurgery necessitates the development of a subspecialty specific measure to capture FTR.
Illuminati: a form of gene expression plasticity in Drosophila neural stem cells
Authors: Goupil Alix , Heinen Jan Peter , Salame Riham , Rossi Fabrizio , Reina Jose , Pennetier Carole , Simon Anthony , Skorski Patricia , Louzao Anxela , Bardin Allison J. , Basto Renata , Gonzalez Cayetano
Published: November 2022

While testing for genome instability in Drosophila as reported by unscheduled upregulation of UAS-GFP in cells that co-express GAL80 and GAL4, we noticed that, as expected, background levels were low in most developing tissues. However, GFP-positive clones were frequent in the larval brain. Most of these clones originated from central brain neural stem cells. Using imaging-based approaches and genome sequencing, we show that these unscheduled clones do not result from chromosome loss or mutations in GAL80. We have named this phenomenon ‘Illuminati’. Illuminati is strongly enhanced in brat tumors and is also sensitive to environmental conditions such as food content and temperature. Illuminati is suppressed by Su(var)2-10, but it is not significantly affected by several modifiers of position effect variegation or Gal4::UAS variegation. We conclude that Illuminati identifies a previously unknown type of functional instability that may have important implications in development and disease.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of early sea star development
Authors: Foster Stephany , Oulhen Nathalie , Fresques Tara , Zaki Hossam , Wessel Gary
Published: November 2022

Echinoderms represent a broad phylum with many tractable features to test evolutionary changes and constraints. Here, we present a single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of early development in the sea star Patiria miniata, to complement the recent analysis of two sea urchin species. We identified 20 cell states across six developmental stages from 8 hpf to mid-gastrula stage, using the analysis of 25,703 cells. The clusters were assigned cell states based on known marker gene expression and by in situ RNA hybridization. We found that early (morula, 8-14 hpf) and late (blastula-to-mid-gastrula) cell states are transcriptionally distinct. Cells surrounding the blastopore undergo rapid cell state changes that include endomesoderm diversification. Of particular import to understanding germ cell specification is that we never see Nodal pathway members within Nanos/Vasa-positive cells in the region known to give rise to the primordial germ cells (PGCs). The results from this work contrast the results of PGC specification in the sea urchin, and the dataset presented here enables deeper comparative studies in tractable developmental models for testing a variety of developmental mechanisms.
Longitudinal in vivo imaging of adult Danionella cerebrum using standard confocal microscopy
Authors: Lam Pui-Ying
Published: November 2022

Danionella cerebrum is a new vertebrate model that offers an exciting opportunity to visualize dynamic biological processes in intact adult animals. Key advantages of this model include its small size, life-long optical transparency, genetic amenability and short generation time. Establishing a reliable method for longitudinal in vivo imaging of adult D. cerebrum while maintaining viability will allow in-depth image-based studies of various processes involved in development, disease onset and progression, wound healing, and aging in an intact live animal. Here, a method for both prolonged and longitudinal confocal live imaging of adult D. cerebrum using custom-designed and 3D-printed imaging chambers is described. Two transgenic D. cerebrum lines were created to test the imaging system, i.e. Tg(mpeg1:dendra2) and Tg(kdrl:mCherry-caax). The first line was used to visualize macrophages and microglia, and the second for spatial registration. By using this approach, differences in immune cell morphology and behavior during homeostasis as well as in response to a stab wound or two-photon-induced brain injury were observed in intact adult fish over the course of several days.
RAS Mutation Status Should Not Be Used to Predict Outcome from Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases
Authors: Bhullar Dilraj , O’Dwyer Sarah , Wilson Malcolm , Saunders Mark P. , Kochhar Rohit , Barriuso Jorge , Aziz Omer
Published: November 2022

Background

Genetic biomarkers guide systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) in metastatic colorectal cancer. It has been suggested they have a role in selecting patients with colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRPM) for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This study aims to quantify the effect of mutation status on overall survival (OS), adjusting for confounders such as pre-operative systemic anticancer treatment (SACT).

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for CRPM at a national peritoneal tumour centre (2004–2017) was performed. Demographics, treatment history and operative data were extracted. Known biomarker gene mutation status was noted including: KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA and MMR. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier curves were used to determine overall survival.

Results

One hundred ninety-five patients were included. Median follow-up time was 34.7 months (range 5.4–184.9 months) and median OS was 38.7 months (95% CI 32.4–44.9 months). Biomarker status was as follows: KRAS (n = 114), NRAS (n = 85), BRAF (n = 44), PIK3CA (n = 15) and MMR (n = 21). Mutation rates were 45.6%, 3.5%, 13.6%, 13.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Seventy-four per cent underwent complete cytoreduction (CC = 0), 81% received SACT pre-CRS/HIPEC and 65% post-CRS/HIPEC. RAS (p = 0.21) or BRAF (p = 0.109) mutation status did not predict OS. Nodal involvement, extramural vascular invasion, Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) score, CC score, SACT post-HIPEC and NRAS mutation were significant negative predictors of OS in univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed CC-score > 1 (HR: 7.599, 95% CI 3.402–16.974, p < 0.0001) as a negative predictor of OS. RAS mutation status did not affect outcome (HR: 1.682, 95% CI 0.995–2.843, p = 0.052).

Conclusions

RAS mutation status should not in isolation be used to select patients for CRS/HIPEC.
Formation of a Tight Complex between Amphidinol 3 and Sterols in Lipid Bilayers Revealed by Short-Range Energy Transfer
Authors: Hieda Manami , Tsujimura Koya , Kinoshita Masanao , Matsumori Nobuaki
Published: November 2022

The exploration of molecular recognition in lipid bilayers is still extremely difficult. In this report, we leveraged short-range energy transfer (ET) that enabled detection of close contacts within 1 nm distance, and applied it to the interaction of natural products with sterols in lipid bilayers. Amphidinol 3 (AM3), a polyhydroxy–polyene metabolite from a marine dinoflagellate, possesses potent antifungal activity by forming membrane pores in a sterol-dependent manner. Although AM3 was shown to interact directly with membrane sterols, the mode of interaction is yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we found that AM3 and cholestatrienol (CTL), a fluorescent sterol, can be an ET pair because the emission spectrum of the former overlaps with the excitation of the latter. We further confirmed that CTL exerts the sterol-dependent pore formation of AM3 as in the case of cholesterol. Then, titration using intermolecular ET in bilayers revealed that AM3 and CTL form a 1:1 complex with a dissociation constant of 1.4 × 10−5 M. The distance between the AM3 polyene and CTL triene was estimated to be less than 1 nm. Based on this information, we proposed a tight binding model between AM3 and the sterol in lipid bilayers.
Stage 1 Registered Report: Refinement of tickling protocols to improve positive animal welfare in laboratory rats
Authors: Bombail Vincent , Brown Sarah M. , Martin Jessica E. , Meddle Simone L. , Mendl Michael , Robinson Emma S.J. , Hammond Tayla J. , Nielsen Birte L. , LaFollette Megan R. , Vinuela-Fernandez Ignacio , Tivey Emma K.L. , Lawrence Alistair B.
Published: November 2022

Rat tickling is a heterospecific interaction for experimenters to mimic the interactions of rat play, where they produce 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USV), symptoms of positive affect; tickling can improve laboratory rat welfare. The standard rat tickling protocol involves gently pinning the rat in a supine position. However, individual response to this protocol varies. This suggests there is a risk that some rats may perceive tickling as only a neutral experience, while others as a positive one, depending on how tickling is performed. Based on our research experiences of the standard tickling protocol we have developed a playful handling (PH) protocol, with reduced emphasis on pinning, intended to mimic more closely the dynamic nature of play.

We will test whether our PH protocol gives rise to more uniform increases in positive affect across individuals relative to protocols involving pinning. We will compare the response of juvenile male and female Wistar rats as: Control (hand remains still against the side of the test arena), P0 (PH with no pinning), P1 (PH with one pin), P4 (PH with four pins). P1 and P4 consist of a background of PH, with treatments involving administration of an increasing dosage of pinning per PH session.

We hypothesise that rats exposed to handling protocols that maximise playful interactions (where pinning number per session decreases) will show an overall increase in total 50 kHz USV as an indicator of positive affect, with less variability. We will explore whether behavioural and physiological changes associated with alterations in PH experience are less variable.

We propose that maximising the numbers of rats experiencing tickling as a positive experience will reduce the variation in response variables affected by tickling and increase the repeatability of research where tickling is applied either as a social enrichment or as a treatment.
The Integrated ESP Curriculum Construction: A Case Study in the Chinese Tertiary Context
Authors: Huang Ping
Published: November 2022

The course design has been paid attention to by both teachers and administrators. However, for a long time, some problems, such as the fragmented course design, and the repeated teaching contents, have existed in the college English curriculum for non- English majors from undergraduates, graduates and Ph. D students in the mainland China. Based on the ESP “learning-centred” approach, this study intends to construct an integrated curriculum system to help solve these problems through three main features of the integrated curriculum system: systematicness, hierarchy and openness. To investigate the feasibility of the course system, the combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods were used through questionnaire, text analysis and interview. The results show that, 1. This curriculum system can avoid the repetition of the course content. The fragmented curriculum design and the needs from the nation, society and students can be met through the systematicness, hierarchy and openness. 2. This system can facilitate teachers’ teaching reform and research interest because they have more choices to adapt the materials from students’ disciplines besides textbooks. This curriculum system is hoped to provide a possible way to meet the nation, society and students’ needs in the Chinese tertiary context.
The Effect of Nozzle Body Volume on Pressure Dynamics in a PWM Sprayer System
Authors: Pokharel Prashanta , Sama Michael Patrick
Published: November 2022

Highlights

The variability in damping ratio between different sized nozzle tips was reduced with an increase in nozzle body volume, indicating that the previous works using pressure-sensing manifolds in PWM systems may have underestimated the nozzle pressure fluctuations.

Pressure sensors installed at the nozzle body and the manifolds tested exhibited a different damping ratio, suggesting a slight change in sensor location might yield different measurements of transient pressure characteristics.

A minimally invasive instrumented pressure sensor at the nozzle body is needed to accurately measure nozzle pressure dynamics.

Abstract. Nozzle pressure measurements in agricultural sprayers are commonly conducted by adding a manifold between the nozzle body and nozzle tip. The additional component substantially increases the internal volume of the nozzle body, which affects nozzle pressure dynamics. This research focused on the effect of nozzle body volume on pressure dynamics when operating a spray nozzle under pulse-width-modulation control. A nozzle body and two manifolds of different volumes were instrumented with embedded pressure sensors. In a static test environment, pressure data were collected at 345 kPa nominal pressure at 50% duty cycle with a variety of nozzle orifice sizes. A second-order transfer function was used to model a portion of the dynamic pressure data. The damping ratio generally decreased as the volume of the nozzle body increased due to the addition of a manifold. The variability in damping ratio with respect to nozzle orifice size was reduced when adding a manifold. The lower damping ratios when a manifold was present generally resulted in more overshoot and slower settling time. Results also showed a slightly higher damping ratio at the nozzle body than at the manifold when either manifold was added. The differences in nozzle pressure dynamics with and without the addition of a pressure sensing manifold suggest that previous studies using instrumented nozzle bodies under PWM control may have underestimated the amplitude of pressure oscillations and the time to reach equilibrium. Keywords: Agricultural Sprayers, Measurement Accuracy, Nozzle Body Volume, Pressure Dynamics, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
Chromatography analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba Asso of Boussaâda, Algeria
Authors: KADRI MOUNIRA , YAHIA ABDELOUAHAB , GOUBI SANA , MEKHEDMI NOUR ELHOUDA , SELMANE MEHDI , CHEMSA AHMED ELKHALIFA
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Kadri M, Yahia A, Goubi S, Mekhedmi NE, Selmane M, Chemsa AE. 2022. Chromatography analysis, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oil of Artemisia herba-alba Asso of Boussaâda, Algeria. Biodiversitas 23: 4424-4431. Artemisia herba-alba Asso (Asteraceae family) is widespread in the semi-arid and arid steppes of North Africa. This plant is used for traditional treatment. The present study aims to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of A. herba-alba essential oil found in southwest Algeria (Boussaâda region). Artemisia herba-alba essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation method, and its chemical composition was identified by using GC/MS analysis. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the extracted essential oil was determined using the DPPH assay. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was determined by the agar disc diffusion method. The essential oil extracted from the aboveground portions by hydrodistillation was analyzed by GC/MS. 38 components were identified, making up 69.37% of the oil, the most important of which is thujone (9.875%), camphor (3.762%), cis-p-menthadien-1-of (3.572%), and isoborneol (2.334%). The observed IC50 values of the DPPH assay were 7.31 ± 0.088 mg/mL. On the other hand, this oil was active against all strains tested, this activity varied from 12.77 ± 0.510 mm on Listeria innocua CIP 74915. These results demonstrate that the plant tested could be a potential source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.
Bioactivity and metabolite profile of papaya (Carica papaya) seed extract
Authors: ALFARABI MUHAMMAD , SIAGIAN FORMAN ERWIN , CING JAP MAI , SURYOWATI TRINI , TURHADI TURHADI , SUYONO MICHELTHELIA SULIJAYA , FEBRIYANTI MONICA SYEFI , NAIBAHO FITRI BORU
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Alfarabi M, Siagian FE, Cing JM, Suryowati T, Turhadi, Suyono MS, Febriyamti MS, Naibaho FB. 2022. Bioactivity and metabolite profile of papaya (Carica papaya) seed extract. Biodiversitas 23: 4589-4600. Papaya (Carica papaya) seeds are part of the papaya plant which is a source of organic waste. However, there are many scientific studies thatstate the metabolites found in papaya seeds have various benefits in medical aspects. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to examine the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of California and Bangkok type papaya seeds which are two local papaya types and widely consumed by the people of Indonesia. These papaya seeds'metabolite profiling was also conducted in this study therefore the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic mechanisms can be estimated. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method is used to investigate the antioxidant activity while 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) isused to investigate the cytotoxic effect of extract. Metabolites contained in papaya seeds were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-QTOF (LC-MS/MS-QTOF). The results showed that California and Bangkok papaya seed extracts had antioxidant activity with IC50being 24.4 ppm and 22.2 ppm, respectively. Both extracts were also able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells (MCF-7) and did not render any toxic effects on non-cancer cells at low concentrations. The metabolites contained in the two extracts were alkaloid, phenol hydrocarbon, flavonoid, fatty acid, and terpenoid groups. This study showed that papaya seeds have the potential to be further developed in medical field, especially as natural antioxidants and natural cancer-preventing ingredients.
Interspecific associations of mangrove species and their preferences for edaphic factors and water quality
Authors: MARPAUNG BOY A. , BUDIADI BUDIADI , PERTIWININGRUM AMBAR , LESTARI LINA D. , NURJANTO HANDOJO H. , WIDIYATNO WIDIYATNO
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Marpaung BA, Budiadi, Pertiwiningrum A, Lestari LD, Nurjanto HH, Widiyatno. 2022. Interspecific associations of mangrove species and their preferences for edaphic factors and water quality. Biodiversitas 23: 4626-4635. Scientists from different regions have reported failures of mangrove restorations that were predicted due to the unsuitability of the species for the habitats. Habitat preferences should become an important consideration for mangrove restoration and management. This study aimed to find interspecific associations between species and examine the edaphic factors and water quality suitable for mangroves. Eight research stations (and 24 sample plots) were established purposively based on the vegetation structure and salinity levels in successful mangrove restorations in East Lampung in 2020. In each plot, vegetal data and sediment and water samples were taken. The species domination was analyzed using the important value index (IVI), and interspecific associations were determined using a 2x2 contingency table. The edaphic factors and water quality were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) to find factors that had significant correlations among others. The effects of the edaphic factors and water quality on species regeneration were analyzed using multiple linear regression by backward elimination to develop a model of habitat preferences for mangroves. Based on the results, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora sp. were the dominant species in all the zones. Still, the lack of interspecific association ( ) showed that both species had different preferences for the habitat. We found four principal components (PCs) of edaphic factors—i.e., the environmental (soil and surface) temperature, dusty clay and Ca, inorganic nitrogen (NH4-N and NO3-N), and Mg—and two PCs of water quality, i.e., nontoxic pollutants (total suspended solids and turbidity) and anthropogenic factors (NO2-N and PO4-P), as predictors for multiple linear regression. The seedlings of A. marina had no specific preferences for edaphic factors but significantly preferred nontoxic pollutants (R2 = 0.619), while the seedlings of Rhizophora spp. significantly preferred a specific environmental temperature, dusty clay and Ca, and inorganic nitrogen (R2 = 0.768), and nontoxic pollutants (R2 = 0.755). Combining A. marina and Rhizophora spp. in mangrove restorations should be avoided. Therefore, spatial planting patterns or sequential planting based on the succession stages of the habitat could be established.
Mapping of mangrove forest and carbon stock estimation of east coast Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: HIDAYAH ZAINUL , RACHMAN HERLAMBANG AULIA , AS-SYAKUR ABD. RAHMAN
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Hidayah Z, Rachman HA, As-Syakur AR. 2022. Mapping of mangrove forest and carbon stock estimation of east coast Surabaya, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4826-4837. The mangrove forests on Surabaya's east coast are an important protected area, providing habitat for a variety of marine organisms and water birds. This area is also vital for carbon storage and sequestration. The purpose of this research is to determine the changes in mangrove areas over the last 20 years and to calculate the amount of carbon stored in these mangrove forests. Changes in the area of mangrove forests and Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) were determined using Landsat-7 in 2000 and Landsat-8 in 2020. The vegetative carbon stock of mangrove stands was calculated using allometric measurements. The study results reveal that the mangrove forest area has increased significantly from 257.13 ha in 2000 to 753.48 ha in 2020. The results of regression models also show that NDVI has a significant influence on aboveground biomass (AGB), as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.7 (F test, df = 28, p-value < 0.05). The estimated aboveground and belowground carbon stock is 46.35 ± 13.65 ton C ha-1 and 13.65 ± 6.74 ton C ha-1 respectively. Accordingly, it is observed that the mangrove forest of East Coast Surabaya can sequester at least a total of 192.72 tons CO2 ha-1 in above and belowground biomass.
Ethnobotanical study of wild medicinal plants in Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District, Indonesia
Authors: NAVIA ZIDNI ILMAN , ADNAN ADNAN , HARMAWAN TISNA , SUWARDI ADI BEJO
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Navia ZI, Adnan, Harmawan T, Suwardi AB. 2022. Ethnobotanical study of wild medicinal plants in Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4959-4970. The Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District has high biodiversity including medicinal plants which have been utilized by the community as traditional medicine. However, their knowledge of ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants is threatened due to the lack of written records and the rapid socio-cultural changes as a consequence of economic development. Therefore, this study aims to study wild medicinal plants and traditional knowledge in the Serbajadi protected forest, East Aceh District, Indonesia. This study used a combination of data collection methods, namely field surveys, plant collections, and community interviews. The snowball sampling technique was used to select 320 interviewees. The results showed that local people use 88 different wild medicinal plant species from 78 genera and 46 families to treat 32 different diseases. The most common ailments to cure are fever, cough, and diarrhea. Ageratum conyzoides is the most known medicinal plant species with a relative frequency citation index of 0.97, while Acorus calamus is the most commonly used medicinal plant in the local community with a use value index of 0.99. Furthermore, locals identified leaves (75%) as the most commonly used plant part and decoction (55%) as the most common method of administering traditional medicine. The elders know more about medicinal plants than the younger generation, indicating that traditional knowledge is eroding as generations pass. In order to ensure the sustainability of medicinal plants and the preservation of traditional knowledge in the future, the initiative to preserve medicinal plants must be increased, particularly among the younger generation.
Antibiotic sensitivity profile of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cow's milk in Probolinggo, Indonesia
Authors: WIDODO AGUS , LAMID MIRNI , EFFENDI MUSTOFA HELMI , KHAILRULLAH ASWIN RAFIF , RIWU KATTY HENDRIANA PRISCILIA , YUSTINASARI LITA RAKHMA , KURNIAWAN SHENDY CANADYA , ANSORI‬ ARIF NUR MUHAMMAD , SILAEN OTTO SAHA MARTUA , DAMEANTI FIDI NUR AINI EKA PUJI
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Widodo A, Lamid M, Effendi MH, Khairullah AR, Riwu KHP, Yustinasari LR, Kurniawan SC, Ansori ANM, Silaen OSM, Dameanti FNAEP. 2022. Antibiotic sensitivity profile of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli isolated from dairy cow's milk in Probolinggo, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4971-4976. The presence of resistant bacteria in animal products such as milk can be a new threat because it is directly related to the human food chain. Resistant Escherichia coli has been widely studied and detected in farms in developing countries. The aim of present study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of E. coli bacteria from dairy cows taken during the milking process from several dairy farms in Probolinggo district, Indonesia. A total of 150 milk samples were obtained from farms and E. coli was isolated and identified on Eosin methylene blue (EMB) media and biochemical test, such as Triple Sugar Iron Agar (TSIA) and indole test, methyl red test, Voges-Proskauer test, and citrate test (IMViC) were also performed. The antibiotic sensitivity profile was screened using the Kirby-Bauer test and results were interpreted according to the CLSI standard. The results showed that 124/150 (82.67%) E. coli bacteria exhibited highest percentage of antibiotic resistance to tetracycline (13.71%), streptomycin (9.68%), trimethoprim (8.87%), chloramphenicol (0.87%), and aztreonam (1.61%). A total of 9/124 (7.26%) E. coli isolates were detected as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 1/9 (0.81%) E. coli isolate was suspected as extended spectrum ?-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria which was resistant to aztreonam antibiotic. Thus, the threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli can come from milk which can affect public health.
Provenance variation in seed storability of jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba) and their response to seed invigoration by priming and gamma irradiation treatments
Authors: SUDRAJAT DEDE J. , RUSTAM EVAYUSVITA , WIDYANI NURIN
Published: November 2022

Abstract. Sudrajat DJ, Rustam E, Widyani N. 2022. Provenance variation in seed storability of jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba) and their response to seed invigoration by priming and gamma irradiation treatments. Biodiversitas 23: 5074-5084. Jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser) is a tree species native to Indonesia with a wide growth distribution and high economic potential, but the cultivation of this species is often hampered by low seed viability and vigor, especially for seeds that have undergone storage. This study aims to examine the provenance variation in seed germination and storability of N. cadamba and the effectiveness of invigoration treatments on the stored seed for 5 years. Hydro-priming, osmo-priming, hormone-priming, and gamma irradiation were tested to improve seed germination and seedling growth. The results showed that intra-population variation in seed germination and storability is quite high, ranging from 53.5%-82.8% for germination capacity and rate of germination decline ranging from 0.7%-61.6% after 5 years of storage. Pomalaa provenance had the best seed germination and storability compared to other provenances. The invigoration treatment significantly affected germination and seedling growth of all provenances. Hydro-priming with aquades for 48 hours gave the best germination capacity for Pomalla and Batuhijau provenances. For low initial germination, such as seed from Kapuas, Alas Purwo, and Kampar, the GA3 500 ppm for 48 hours and PEG -1.2 MPa for 24 hours treatments could improve seed viability and vigor. GA3 and gamma irradiation gave the best seedling growth, although other treatments, such as PEG -0.8 MPa for 24 hours, also could increase seedling height and biomass of Kampar provenance. In general, the effectiveness of the invigoration treatment depends on the initial physiological conditions, the invigoration method, and its concentration.