bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainabilty status and index of Aceh palm oil in central production of West Region Nagan Raya District
Authors: Nasution A , Fajri  , Karim A , Romano
Published: July 2021

Nagan Raya District as the center of oil palm production in the Western Region of Aceh with an area of 100,547 Ha of oil palm plantations has the power to support Aceh’s economy. Sustainability analysis of Multi Dimensional Scaling using the Rap-Insus Palm Oil technique shows that oil palm plantations in Nagan Raya Regency have a fairly sustainable status. Supporting the sustainability of the economic and environmental dimensions has a fairly sustainable status, but the social and security dimensions are less sustainable. The highest sensitive leverage attributes from the economic dimension was the income of oil palm growers, the social dimension wase coaching in the communities around the plantation companies, the environmental dimension was forest fires, and the security dimension was facilitation of former GAM combatants to become oil palm growers. However, the lowest sensitive leverage attribute of the economic dimension was other economic growth due to oil palm, the social dimension was the K3 program in plantation companies, the environmental dimension was land suitability for oil palm plants, and the security dimension was oil palm in suppressing cannabis cultivation.
Characteristics of frozen yogurt made with a variety of local bananas/plaintains
Authors: Tuhumury H C D , Moniharapon E , Egbert N V
Published: July 2021

Frozen yogurt is a fermented frozen dairy dessert that blends the physical qualities of ice cream with the sensory and nutritional benefits of fermented milk items. Because of its low fat content, frozen yogurt may be considered a healthier alternative to ice cream. Some fruity ingredients have been added in the formulation of yogurt to gain more acceptance. There ia s vast local fruit diversity in Indonesia, especially in Maluku that can be used to impart fruity flavor to frozen yogurt. The purpose of this research was to determine the chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of various types of local bananas/plaintains., i.e “Tongka langit”. “Raja”, Ambon kuning”, and “40 hari” in the production of frozen yogurt and determine the best local banana types in frozen yogurt production. Results showed that The incorporation of “Ambon kuning” banana in the formulation resulted in frozen yogurt with better characteristics than other bananas/plaintains, with pH, protein, vitamin C, and total sugar of 5.65, 2.82%, 41 mg/100 mL, and 45.85%, respectively. In terms of taste, texture, overall likeness, and color, frozen yogurt made from “Ambon kuning” banana was considered suitable and liked on most hedonic categories, with the exception of aroma, which was neither liked nor disliked.
The effectiveness of herbal fermentation into drinking water on the performance of kampung chickens
Authors: Lubis F N L , Palupi R , Solihin L , Syafiqurrahman M W
Published: July 2021

Herbs are one of the natural ingredients that can be used in replacing the role of antibiotics as feed additives that can improve the performance of native chickens. This study aims to determine how long the fermented herbs remain effective in improving the performance of native chickens. The variables observed were feed consumption, body weight gain, and FCR. The research design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments in this study consisted of A0 = control (without herbal supplementation), A1 = herbal supplementation used for 1 week, A2 = herbal supplementation used for 2 weeks, A3 = herbal supplementation used for 3 weeks, A4 = herbal supplementation used for 2 weeks. used for 4 weeks. The quantitative data were analyzed with variance and if they were significantly different, it would be followed by multiple distance tests with a level of 5%. The results showed that the effectiveness of fermented herbs used in different timescales showed no significant difference (P> 0.05) on feed consumption, body weight gain, and native chicken Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). The conclusion of this study is the use of fermented herbs in drinking water with different time ranges still shows the results of feed consumption and high body weight gain and can reduce FCR. This is due to the fermentation process in herbs which causes the active content of herbs to be well preserved and their quality does not decrease even though they are used for different periods.
The conservation of endemic and endangered tree species Kalapia celebica Kosterm with Mycorrhizal bio-fertilizer technology in post-gold mining areas
Authors: Arif A , Husna  , Tuheteru F D , Adiansyah A
Published: July 2021

This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi of arbuscular (AMF) on the growth of Kalappia celebica Kosterm at 4 months aged after planting in gold mining land of PT. Panca LogamMakmur, Bombana, Southeast Sulawesi. This study was designed using block randomized design (BRD) consisted of 5 treatments, i.e. control, Constrictum etunicatum, Septoglomus constrictum, Glomus claroideum Schenk & Smith, Glomus coronatum Giovann, and mixed AMF (G. claroideum, G. coronatum). Each treatment had three replications. The results showed that AMF colonization significantly increased the growth of K. celebica plants. G. coronatum and C. etunicatum significantly increased the height, diameter, and leaf area and leaves dry weight of K. celebica. AMF can be used for the conservation of extinct tree species in gold mining lands.
Species diversity and estimation of carbon stock in abandoned shrimp pond of mangrove ecosystem in East Kalimantan
Authors: Diana R , Matius P , Syahrinudin  , Karyati  , Hendra M , Melsitiara R
Published: July 2021

The mangrove forest ecosystem plays an absorbent and carbon sink to reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere, including in degraded mangrove areas. This research was conducted precisely on abandoned shrimp ponds in mangrove areas in the Mahakam Delta. Four different locations are locating on Sepatin ponds, ponds, ponds, and ponds Bayur headland. The purpose of this study was to estimate the above-ground carbon stock in abandoned shrimp ponds. Carbon stock measurement methods create a 125 m transect and quadrant divided into six plots at each location. These measurements were conducted on living vegetation and dead wood from felling vegetation. Measurement of above-ground biomass was done by measuring the tree diameter at breast height (1.3 m) on each tree diameter> 5 cm in radius quadrant plot 7 m. Vegetation has a diameter <5 cm categorized in seedling criteria and measured 30 cm from the ground within the quadrant plot radius of 2 m. The vegetation diversity experienced a succession calculated using the diversity index by calculating the dominance index, diversity index, and similarity index of vegetation. While the calculation of above-ground biomass accumulation using allometric equations according to the species. The results showed that vegetation analysis in the fourth study sites obtained a high dominance index value at each location. The study is inversely proportional to the value of diversity and similarity index. The highest total carbon stock at Tanjung Nipah location was 11.599 Mg C. Ha -1, followed by Sepatin 6.248 Mg C. Ha -1, Benati Dalam 3.579 Mg C. Ha -1, and lowest carbon stock at Bayur location 1.460 Mg C. Ha -1.
Estimation of heritability in three months old sengon (Falcataria moluccana) seedlings at a progeny testing in Kediri, East Jawa, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar UJ , Nugroho A , Shabrina H , Istikorini Y , Rahmawati R , Amin Y , Haneda NF
Published: July 2021

Heritability values were estimated for three months old seedlings height and diameter of Sengon (Falcataria moluccana) grown in a progeny testing in Kediri, East Jawa, Indonesia. Totally 10.000 seedlings from 100 families were planted, consisting of 50 families from resistant mother trees to boktor pest (Xystrocera festiva) and gall rust disease (Uromycladium falcatariae) and other 50 families from susceptible ones. The progeny testing applied split-plot block design with four blocks, 100 families as sub-plot and resistance to pest and disease as main-plot, while observingnine seedlings as replications. Parameters observed were seedlings height and diameter. ANOVA showed that all treatments had significant and highly significant effects on all parameters. Interactions between block and families also interaction between block and resistance were highly significant. However, the heritability values of height and diameter were both low. These low heritability values at seedling stage were expected as Sengon woods are usually harvested at the age of 5 years. However, the highly significant effects of families on both growth parameters indicated that genetics have high contribution to the seedlings performances in the field.
Initiating Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus Ruppell, 1835) as watching species object in Banda Islands marine ecotourism
Authors: Oktaviani D , Suharti S R , Edrus I N , Hermana I S , Pelupessy J M S , Nugroho D
Published: July 2021

Banda islands is a small island geographically located in the Banda Sea, Maluku Province, the eastern part of Indonesia. Livelihoods consist of agriculture, plantation, animal husbandry, and fishery activities. The number of fisher households is 1576 with 3278 fishers. From 2239 units of fishing gear, 75% of them are intended to utilize tuna and tuna-like fishes as their daily livelihood. Coral reef fisheries relatively limited numbers, so that reef fish exploitation is somewhat low pressure. Therefore, the area has a high fish diversity index and likely to be a diving tourism object. An area of 2500 Ha of Marine Protected Area (MPA) Banda Sea was established in 1977. Napoleon wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus Ruppell, 1835, one of the biggest coral fish had been classified by The IUCN Red List as endangered species is somewhat easy to find in this area. From our observation, the species are commonly found in shallow coral reef waters. The estimated density was 7.13 individuals per hectare with a size between 10 - 90 cm total length. The descriptive analysis was applied by utilizing several observations in 2018 through diving operator surveys, interviews, and digital literature reviews. This study aimed to estimate the potential benefit of initiating watching tourism as the prospect of sustainable socio-economic services. Therefore, it expects to be a new economic alternative livelihood for Banda small island coastal community. With the combination of existing MPA and Napoleon wrasse presence, this study would strongly contribute to the MPA economy and ecology values and its surroundingswaters under SDG’s 14 to maximize the conservation area benefits.
Destination images of ecotourism in Maluku: A marketing perspective
Authors: Asnawi A
Published: July 2021

The tourism industry has developed very rapidly in the last decade. Various types of tourism grow according to the wishes and preferences of tourists. The current kind of tourist segmentation is very diverse, so it makes multiple destinations with specific markets. One of them is ecotourism. Ecotourism develops and combines three aspects of tourism: natural sustainability, community empowerment, and increasing environmental awareness. This research discusses ecotourism from a different perspective, that is, marketing. Ecotourism is seen as a product that must be marketed by promoting marketing concepts. So far, we rarely encounter organizing tourist events in enhancing the image of ecotourism destinations because they conflict with natural sustainability. Several marketing concepts are needed to strengthen the economic aspect, including social media marketing and tourism events. The purpose of the whole idea is aimed at improving the image of the destination. This research uses quantitative analysis with Partial Least Square analysis tools. Respondents in this study amounted to 100 tourists. R-Square 0.45 shows that social media marketing and tourist events are also important and can build a destination image of an ecotourism destination.
Composition, density and spatial distribution of zooplankton on wet season (June-August) in Inner Ambon Bay
Authors: Latumeten J , Pello F S , Latumeten V D V
Published: July 2021

Inner Ambon Bay is part of Ambon Bay, it is semi closed area and is a small pelagic fish fishing ground, especially anchovy. The anchovy is zooplankton predator therefore existence of anchovy is affected by abundance of zooplankton. The aim of the research are to know composition, density and spatial distribution of the zooplankton during wet season (June to August). Data of zooplankton composition were obtained from sampling by using plankton net at 10 observation stations, meanwhile, data of densities were collected using scientific hydroacoustic system, BioSonic DTX, on six parallel transect lines and one cross-parallel transect line. Geostatistical analyses technique was used to describe horizontal distributions of zooplankton and vertical distributions were plot in the graphs. The result shows that zooplankton community dominated by Copepod and meroplankton. Highest density was found on August (9393/m2 ), while lowest density was on June (903 ind./m2 ). Vertical distribution of zooplankton shows that highest density was found near surface and decrease to deeper water coloumn. On the horizontal distribution, lower densities (0 – 400 ind./m2 ) occupy wider space, they evenly distributed in western, middle (north to south) and east, on the contrary, higher densities (3000- 5000 ind./m2 ) occupy smaller space i.e in the south-west, south and east to north-east of Inner Ambon Bay
Aggregation and feeding behaviour of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Kwatisore Waters within the Cenderawasih Bay National Park, Papua
Authors: Maruanaya Y , Retraubun A S W , Tuhumury S F , Abrahamz J
Published: July 2021

Research on whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) was conducted from April to June 2020 in Kwatisore waters within the Cenderawasih Bay National Park. This study aims to assess the aggregation and feeding behavior of whale sharks in the boat lift net area anchored in Kwatisore waters. The results showed that whale shark aggregation, especially the number of individual whale sharks that rose to the surface of the waters took place every day and was highly dependent on the availability of anchovy (Stolephorus sp.) as a catch of the life boat. The whale sharks that rose to the surface occurred in the morning, afternoon and evening with a total of 82 occurrences in 4 units of boat lift net. The results of the chi-square statistical test showed that there was no significant relationship between the month of observation with the presence or emergence of whale sharks to the water surface in the morning, afternoon and evening. The whale sharks range in length from 4 to 7 m and are predominantly male. The eating behavior of whale sharks while close to the boat lift net area ranges from 4 to 30 hours each day by forming a unique pattern, namely the queue pattern. The behaviors of consuming food in the boat lift net area are in a vertical position and sucking anchovies provided by the fishermen.
Habitat characteristcs and density of spotted seahorse Hippocampus kuda at waters of Ternate Island and surroundings, Maluku Utara, Indonesia
Authors: Dody S , Manuputty G D , Limmon G V
Published: July 2021

Seahorses are acknowledged as commodity due to the ornamental and the medical functions. The data of seahorses, particularly in Maluku Utara, has been undetermined yet. The study explores the habitat characteristcs and density of spotted seahorses Hippocampus kuda at waters of Ternate Island and surroundings. The study was held on January and December 2017 that located at waters of Ternate Island and surroundings. Purposive sampling method was implemented to determine the site of stations. The data were collected by applying the method of sampling quadrate (size of 10m x 10m). The characteristics of habitat of seahorse and the density of seahorse were described. The result illuminated that the seahorses were merely discovered at Station 1 and 2 (at south of Ternate Island). The highest density was found on April for the juveniles (3.3 ind/100 m2), as the broodstocks were on October (2.8 ind/100 m2). The presence of juveniles was noted high at Station 1 (75.81%) and none was found at Station 2. The broodstocks’ occurence was extremely high at Station 2 (male 46.77% and female 53.33%), whereas they were presented 24.20% at the Station 1 (male 14.52% and female 9.68%). The water quality at the site the seahorses were occured were temperature 29.1-29.2°C, transparency 1.5-1.7 m, salinity 25.3-25.5 ppt, pH 7.7-7.8, and DO 5.0-5.3 mg/l. The values were lower than the water quality at the site the seahorses were not found.
Sustainability of capture fisheries management in small islands region (Case study in Regency of Sitaro Island, North Sulawesi)
Authors: Bawole D , Apituley Y M T N
Published: July 2021

High dependence on fishery resources in the small islands region in the Regency of Sitaro Islands is mostly caused by unemployment and unsupportive conditions of agricultural land. The pressure on fish resources and aquatic environment in that area becomes higher due to some fishing gears that could only be operated in that region, as well as the existence of local wisdom that limits fishing areas. This condition requires comprehensive management for sustainable fisheries activities. Conducted in the villages of Buhias, Matole, Pahepa, and Tapile, which are located in the small islands, Regency of Sitaro Island, this study aimed to determine the sustainability status of fisheries management based on dimensions of biophysical -technology, market, social, economic, institutional, ethical and infrastructure by using Rapfish Analysis. Sensitive attributes that affect the sustainability of fishery management on the dimension of biophysical - technology: fishing area border; market dimension: changing fish prices among seasons, dimension of socio-economic: the amount of income outside fisheries, dimension of institutional: role of women in the group, dimension of ethical: illegal fishing and dimension of infrastructure: transportation. Therefore, those attributes should get more attention in the sustainability of fishery management in the area of the small island.
Development strategy of the community perception, behavior, and participation for the management of mangrove ecosystem in Kotania Bay, Maluku
Authors: Nanlohy H , Ruban A
Published: July 2021

Mangrove ecosystems are very important to be managed sustainably because they also affect the economic growth of an area. The pressure on the mangrove ecosystems due to utilization by coastal communities affects mangrove sustainability. The community needs to be directed and involved in the preservation of mangrove ecosystems. This paper aims to formulate strategies for developing perception, behavior, and participation of coastal community for mangrove ecosystem management in Kotania Bay. Data collection was carried out through a survey method involving stakeholder participation and through field observation. Data analysis through the A’WOT approach. The results showed that the development of community perception, behavior, and participation for mangrove ecosystem management in Kotania Bay must be regulated on a regional regulation basis. Utilization of mangrove ecosystems in a proper way accompanied by reforestation must be done to preserve mangrove ecosystems.
Fatigue property of cerium oxide modified vulcanised natural rubber under uniaxial loading
Authors: Duan Wuwei , Wang Yanping , Liu Yazhou , Zhang Zhe , Pan Zheng , Qiao Yu
Published: July 2021

Cerium oxide (CeO2) modified natural rubber (NR) exhibits good mechanical properties, such as high abrasion resistance, high tear strength and good thermal aging and creep resistance. Rubber components are often subjected to long-term cyclic loading in service. Therefore, fatigue performance needs to be considered for their application. In the investigations, tensile properties and fatigue properties of CeO2 modified vulcanised NR under uniaxial loading were investigated. The fatigue tests were carried out under constant cyclic strain range at room temperature. Results showed that the CeO2 modified NR demonstrated higher elastic modulus and larger elongation than that of unmodified rubber, which were related to the enhanced interaction and bonding force of rubber chains by CeO2 additive. Moreover, a remarkably enhanced fatigue life could be achieved in the CeO2 modified NR. The internal friction and impact in the rubber matrix was relieved by CeO2 additive, which can reduce the hysteresis loss during cyclic loading, resulting in improved fatigue resistance in CeO2 modified vulcanised NR.
Characteristics and mechanism of light-induced resistance effect in ZnO thin film/SiO2/Si heterojunction
Authors: Zhou X Y , Yin B S
Published: July 2021

The polycrystalline ZnO thin films have been deposited on p-Si(100) substrate with a native SiO2 layer by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The photoinduced position sensitivity of the ZnO thin film/SiO2/Si heterojunction has been investigated. The resistance relative change ratio of ZnO/SiO2/Si was about 1041% at 1.0 bias voltage when the different positions of the heterojunction surface were illuminated by a He-Ne laser with 5 mW power and 50 μm diameter spot. A gradient distribution of light-generated electrons in the sample varied with the location of the light spot. The reason was that the distribution of carrier density is different between the illuminated and unilluminated location.
Effects of Ag/Ta co-implanted TiN coating on medical titanium alloy on biological and antibacterial properties
Authors: Song Xiduo , Zhao Mengli , Li Dejun
Published: July 2021

In this work, co-implantation of silver and tantalum on TiN coated Ti-6Al-4V surface was carried out by an omnidirectional ion implantation system. The effects of Ag/Ta co-implantation on its biological properties and antibacterial activity were studied. The elemental content was determined by XPS, the biocompatibility was determined by Fibroblast-like cells (L929) and the antimicrobial activity was determined by Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results indicated that Ag/Ta-TiN coating exhibited the good biocompatibility and excellent antibacterial properties, which means that Ag/Ta co-implantation can improve the biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of Ti-6Al-4V.
Effect of chemical copolymerization and mixed chain extenders on mechanical properties of HTPB polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zheng Jian , Zhang Xiao , Du Yongqiang , Li Ke , Yu Guibo , Jia Yunfei , Liu Yahao
Published: July 2021

In this study, three kinds of polyurethane materials based on HTPB were prepared by copolymerization of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and hydroxyl-terminated polyethylene glycol-tetrahydrofuran copolyether (HTPE) and adding mixed chain extender, polyether polyols HEP-330N and 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide (HEDS). The effects of copolymerization and mixed chain extender on the mechanical properties of polyurethane were studied by static tensile test, dynamic mechanical property analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Among them, compared with pure HTPB, the tensile strength and elongation at break of polyurethanes obtained by copolymerization, the polyurethanes obtained by adding mixed chain extender, and the polyurethanes obtained by both of these two methods were significantly improved, and the storage modulus and loss modulus were also improved. In addition, the glass transition temperature of polyurethane remained basically unchanged, which was in the range of -79°C to -75°C. It was much lower than the room temperature, which would make it more widely used. This effective method will provide an opportunity for the synthesis of various high-performance composites.
Effect of water- and acid-pickling of aquaticplant biochar on the adsorption of Cd
Authors: Tan Wenbing
Published: July 2021

To reveal the influencing factors and mechanism of adsorption of heavy metal Cd by biochar, different elution solvents (water and dilute acid solution) were used in this paper to elute the residual ash substances after pyrolysis of biochar, then the pH was regulated to investigate the adsorption effect of biochar on Cd in different treatment conditions. The precipitation experiments of Cd by biochar soaking and washing filtrate showed that the precipitation of root, stem and leaf of Acorus calamus L. contributed a great deal to the heavy metal removal system, which accounting for 81%, 77% and 98%, respectively, and the adsorption effect of biochar of roots, stems and leaves of Acorus calamus L. on Cd was slightly increased after washing. The adsorption experiment of biochar pickling on heavy metals showed that the adsorption effect of biochar on heavy metals Cd decreased greatly after pickling, which may be due to the removal of most of the minerals on the surface of biochar after pickling and the decrease of pH value of biochar. This work can provide insights into the use of biochar to control Cd.
Effect of softening in near-surface region on wear transition of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at elevated temperatures
Authors: Du D H , Yu Z J , Tao F J , An J
Published: July 2021

Dry sliding wear testing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was performed at temperatures of 20, 100 and 200°C to investigate it’s wear transition mechanism. Each wear rate-applied load curve demonstrated a mild wear stage and a severe wear stage. Morphology and composition of worn surface were analyzed using SEM and EDS techniques. When wear transformed from the mild wear stage to severe wear stage, sever plastic deformation wear mechanism played a dominant role. The analysis of subsurface microstructures revealed that a fine grain microstructure zone was formed beneath the surface after mild to severe wear transition, correspondingly a soften effect was detected in the fine grain microstructure zone by microhardness measurement. Therefore, it is considered that the softening in the near surface is the main reason for mild to severe wear transition.
Hunting for biosignatures on Mars
Authors: Ramkissoon Nisha K , Burchell Mark J , Fawdon Peter , Preston Louisa
Published: July 2021

Nisha Ramkissoon, Mark Burchell, Peter Fawdon and Louisa Preston report from an RAS Specialist Discussion Meeting on finding and identifying evidence for life on Mars
A yeast-based screening system identified bakkenolide B contained in Petasites japonicus as an inhibitor of interleukin-2 production in a human T cell line
Authors: Uesugi Shota , Hakozaki Mayuka , Kanno Yuko , Takahashi Honoka , Kudo Yui , Kimura Ken-ichi , Yamada Hidetoshi , Yano Akira
Published: July 2021

Ca2+ signaling is related to various diseases such as allergies, diabetes, and cancer. We explored Ca2+ signaling inhibitors in natural resources using a yeast-based screening method and found bakkenolide B from the flower buds of edible wild plant, Petasites japonicus, using the YNS17 strain (zds1Δ erg3Δ pdr1/3Δ). Bakkenolide B exhibited growth-restoring activity against the YNS17 strain and induced Li+ sensitivity of wild-type yeast cells, suggesting that it inhibits the calcineurin pathway. Additionally, bakkenolide B inhibited interleukin-2 production at gene and protein levels in Jurkat cells, a human T cell line, but not the in vitro phosphatase activity of human recombinant calcineurin, an upstream regulator of interleukin-2 production. Furthermore, bakkenolide A showed weak activity in YNS17 and Jurkat cells compared with bakkenolide B. These findings revealed new biological effects and the structure–activity relationships of bakkenolides contained in P. japonicus as inhibitors of interleukin-2 production in human T cells.
Incipient speciation and its impact on taxonomic decision: a case study using a sky island sister-species pair of stag beetles (Lucanidae: Lucanus)
Authors: Chou Ming-Hsun , Tseng Wei-Zhe , Sang Yao-De , Morgan Brett , De Vivo Mattia , Kuan Yi-Hsiu , Wang Liang-Jong , Chen Wei-Yun , Huang Jen-Pan
Published: July 2021

Species delimitation can be difficult when the divergence between focal taxa is in the incipient stage of speciation, because conflicting results are expected among different data sets, and the species limits can differ depending on the species concept applied. We studied speciation history and investigated the impact on taxonomic decision-making when using different types of data in a Taiwanese endemic sister-species pair of stag beetles, Lucanus miwai and Lucanus yulaoensis, from sky island habitats. We showed that the two geographical taxa can be diagnosed by male mandibular shape. We found two mitochondrial co1 lineages with pairwise sequence divergence > 3%; however, L. miwai might not be monophyletic. The result of our multispecies coalescent-based species delimitation using five nuclear loci supported the evolutionary independence of the two sister species, but the calculated values of the genealogical divergence index (gdi) corresponded to the ambiguous zone of species delimitation. We also showed that post-divergence gene flow is unlikely. Our study demonstrates challenges in the delineation of incipient species, but shows the importance of understanding the speciation history and adopting integrative approaches to reconcile seemingly conflicting results before making evolutionarily relevant taxonomic decisions.
Responding to the ‘Weight of the World’: Unveiling the ‘Feeling’ Bourdieu in Social Work
Authors: Houston Stan , Swords Calvin
Published: July 2021

The world continues to lurch from crisis to crisis. Amidst environmental decline, growing disparities in wealth and social dislocation, a minority of the world’s population ironically prosper while the silent majority struggle to maintain basic standards of economic and social well-being. Social workers are compelled to respond to societal issues such as these but need theories to make sense of disparities in lived experience and life outcomes. Responding to this necessity, some social work scholars have drawn on Pierre Bourdieu’s meta-theory to explain social injustice and guide anti-oppressive practice. While this growing corpus of work is encouraging, further critical appraisal of Bourdieu’s work is required. In this article, we identify a gap in Bourdieu’s meta-theory: the relative inattention to human affect and how it connects with his formative concepts of ‘habitus’, ‘field’ and ‘capital’. This focus on human affect is salutary given its centrality in social work practice. To address this gap, we proffer some tentative thoughts about the nature of ‘affective habitus’, ‘affective fields’ and ‘affective capital’. The implications of these enriched concepts for social work are finally considered.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients show increased peripheral and intrathecal T-cell activation
Authors: Rolfes Leoni , Schulte-Mecklenbeck Andreas , Schreiber Stefanie , Vielhaber Stefan , Herty Michael , Marten Anika , Pfeuffer Steffen , Ruck Tobias , Wiendl Heinz , Gross Catharina C , Meuth Sven G , Boentert Matthias , Pawlitzki Marc
Published: July 2021

Several studies suggest a role for the peripheral immune system in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, comprehensive studies investigating the intrathecal immune system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are rare. To elucidate whether compartment-specific inflammation contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology, we here investigated intrathecal and peripheral immune profiles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and compared them with controls free of neurological disorders (controls) and patients with dementia or primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Routine CSF parameters were examined in 308 patients, including 132 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. In a subgroup of 41 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, extensive flow-cytometric immune cell profiling in peripheral blood and CSF was performed and compared with data from 26 controls, 25 dementia and 21 multiple sclerosis patients. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients presented with significantly altered proportions of monocyte subsets in peripheral blood and increased frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing the activation marker HLA-DR in peripheral blood (CD8+) and CSF (CD4+ and CD8+) compared with controls. While dementia and multiple sclerosis patients exhibited a comparable increase in intrathecal CD8+ T-cell activation, CD8+ T-cell activation in the peripheral blood in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was higher than in multiple sclerosis patients. Furthermore, intrathecal CD4+ T-cell activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis surpassed levels in dementia patients. Intrathecal T-cell activation resulted from in situ activation rather than transmigration of activated T cells from the blood. While T-cell activation did not correlate with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression, patients with rapid disease progression showed reduced intrathecal levels of immune-regulatory CD56bright natural killer cells. The integration of these parameters into a composite score facilitated the differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from patients of all other cohorts. To conclude, alterations in peripheral monocyte subsets, as well as increased peripheral and intrathecal activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells concomitant with diminished immune regulation by CD56bright natural killer cells, suggest an involvement of these immune cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology.
A penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer rapidly growing into a saccular aortic aneurysm during treatment of leukaemia: a case report
Authors: Takeuchi Shinsuke , Takayama Nobuyuki , Soejima Kyoko , Yoshino Hideaki
Published: July 2021

Background

The clinical course of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers is variable and can be complicated with intramural haematomas, dissection, pseudoaneurysms, or aortic rupture. Because it can lead to life-threatening conditions, it needs to be managed carefully.

Case summary

A 68-year-old woman, who was treated for acute myeloid leukaemia (subtype: M0-FAB) approximately 1 year before presentation, visited the hospital with complaints of a headache and lumbar pain. After hospitalization, investigations revealed miliary tuberculosis. On the same day, she developed a Stanford type A acute aortic dissection (AAD) with cardiac tamponade; during the course of the previous leukaemia treatment, a small ulcerative lesion at the distal aortic arch grew into a small saccular aortic aneurysm (SAA) that expanded rapidly and finally developed into a Stanford type A AAD. However, the relationship between the SAA and aortic dissection could not be confirmed.

Discussion

The chronological changes in the atherosclerotic lesion at the distal aortic arch could be clearly observed because computed tomography scans were repeatedly obtained until just before the onset of AAD. The rapid progression of atherosclerotic lesions in the unique context of leukaemia treatment and miliary tuberculosis was considered to be a pathological characteristic, and the mechanism underlying this process was investigated. Clinicians should be aware of the aortic complications that may progress under special circumstances, such as anthracycline use or immunodeficiency. Careful observation is mandatory for patients with aortic disease.
Integration of Recently Arrived Underage Refugees: Research Potential of the Study ReGES—Refugees in the German Educational System
Authors: Will Gisela , Homuth Christoph , von Maurice Jutta , Roßbach Hans-Günther
Published: July 2021

With the strong immigration of refugees at the end of the last decade, many minors came to Germany. Their integration into the German educational system will be one of the central tasks of German society and is important for the medium- and long-term integration of incoming young refugees in various areas of society. Data from the ReGES panel study enable analyses of the early integration process of refugees into the German educational system. The study focuses on two cohorts: 2,405 children of preschool age who are about to start school and 2,415 adolescents in lower secondary education who were followed during the transition into vocational training or upper secondary education. Each cohort was interviewed seven times over three school years from 2018 to 2020, with sampling procedures starting in 2017. This article provides an overview of the study design, contents, and research potential of ReGES. The large number of measures of individual characteristics, including objective competence test data (German language and basic cognitive skills) and information on the learning and living contexts of refugees provided by parents, teachers, and administrative staff, allow us to address many research questions.
Association of Comedication Quality With Chemotherapy-Related Adverse Drug Reactions and Survival in Older Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Li-Ju , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai , Laetsch Dana Clarissa , Chang-Claude Jenny , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: July 2021

Background

Evidence about the clinical relevance of appropriate comedication among older colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is sparse.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted with 3239 CRC patients aged 65 years and older. To assess comedication quality, we calculated the total Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) score and its subscores for medication overuse, underuse, and potentially inappropriate medication use. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards or logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the association of comedication quality with up to 5-year overall survival, CRC-specific survival, and chemotherapy-related adverse drug reactions.

Results

Overall, 3239 and 1209 participants were included in analyses on survival and adverse drug reactions, respectively. The hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for the total FORTA score ≥ 7 versus 0–1 points were 1.83 [1.40–2.40] and 1.76 [1.22–2.52] for up to 5-year overall and CRC-specific survival, respectively. Worse up to 5-year overall survival and CRC-specific survival was also evident for FORTA subscores for potentially inappropriate medication use and overuse, whereas no association was observed for underuse. Although results for the total FORTA and potentially inappropriate medication score were much stronger among patients receiving chemotherapy, no significant associations with chemotherapy-related adverse drug reactions were observed. Moreover, associations were particularly strong among men and rectal cancer patients as compared to women and colon cancer patients.

Conclusions

Poor total comedication quality was significantly associated with worse up to 5-year overall and CRC-specific survival. Randomized controlled trials are needed to test whether improved cancer comedication management in older CRC patients prolongs survival.
Cardiometabolic Risk Trajectory Among Older Americans: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Wu Qiao , Ailshire Jennifer A , Kim Jung Ki , Crimmins Eileen M
Published: July 2021

Background

Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) is a key indicator of physiological decline with age, but age-related declines in a nationally representative older US population have not been previously examined.

Methods

We examined the trajectory of CMR over 8 years of aging, from 2006/2008 to 2014/2016, among 3528 people older than age 50 in the Health and Retirement Study. We used growth curve models to examine change in total CMR as well as in individual cardiometabolic biomarkers to understand how baseline differences and rates of change vary across sociodemographic characteristics, by smoking status, and medication use.

Results

Total CMR did not change among respondents who survived over 8 years. Despite significant differences in CMR across demographic and education groups at baseline, the pace of change with age did not differ by these characteristics. Among individual biomarkers, risk levels of diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and total cholesterol decreased over 8 years while glycosylated hemoglobin, waist circumference, and pulse pressure increased over that time. Both the statistical significance levels and the magnitudes of the reduction over time with age in diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and total cholesterol in models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, gender, smoking, and education were reduced after controlling for blood pressure and cholesterol medication.

Conclusions

The relatively constant total CMR level over 8 years occurred because some indicators improved with age while some deteriorated in this period. Medication use contributed to the improvement in blood pressure, resting heart rate, and total cholesterol.
Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Mental Health in the Older Chinese Population: The Moderating Role of Social Health Insurance
Authors: Yang Wei , Hu Bo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) has considerable effects on household living standards, but little is known regarding the relationships between CHE and people’s mental health. Using China as an example, this study examines the association between CHE and mental health and investigates whether the association differs between those with and without social health insurance (SHI).

Methods

The data came from 3 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013, and 2015, N = 13,166). We focused on older people aged 60 and older. We built panel data regression and quantile regression models to analyze the data.

Results

Incurring CHE is significantly associated with poor mental health. The association is weakened among older people receiving SHI, which indicates that SHI has a protective effect. Moreover, the association between CHE and mental health and the protective effect of SHI are stronger among those with mild or moderate mental health problems.

Discussion

Our findings provide empirical evidence that encourages the integration of psychologically informed approaches in health services. We also urge governments in low- and middle-income countries to consider more generous health financing mechanisms for older people with greater health care needs.
Contribution of faculties of pharmacy in Arab countries to pharmacy practice research: a bibliometric analysis (1990–2020)
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M
Published: July 2021

Objective

To provide an overview of pharmacy practice research by faculties of pharmacy in the Arab region using a bibliometric methodology.

Method

Relevant articles were retrieved from SciVerse Scopus. The search strategy was developed to retrieve all articles published in pharmacy practice journals and those with specific keywords such as ‘clinical pharmacy’, ‘community pharmacy’, ‘hospital pharmacy’, ‘pharmacy education’ and ‘pharmacy practice’. The country affiliation function was used to limit the results to the Arab region.

Key findings

The search strategy found 1496 articles authored by 8210 researchers and disseminated through 337 journals. Research on pharmacy practice produced by faculties of pharmacy in the Arab region (1) has experienced a steep growth over the last decade; (2) is mainly published by scholars in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates; (3) has benefited from non-Arab scholars affiliated with faculties of pharmacy in the Arab Gulf; (4) has benefited from international collaborations, specifically with researchers in the UK and Malaysia; (5) has mainly addressed seven research topics: adverse drug reactions and pharmacovigilance, medication adherence, self-medication, patient counselling, pharmacy education, perception of physicians towards pharmacists; (6) has shown a relationship between institutional funding and research output and (7) has shown the highest number of readers for topics related to polypharmacy, over-the-counter medications, self-medications, medication adherence and pharmacist intervention in disease management.

Conclusion

Pharmacy practice research in Arab countries has witnessed a steep rise in the last decade, partially due to international research collaboration.
Cross-Sectional Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load by Symptom Status in Massachusetts Congregate Living Facilities
Authors: Lennon Niall J , Bhattacharyya Roby P , Mina Michael J , Rehm Heidi L , Hung Deborah T , Smole Sandra , Woolley Ann , Lander Eric S , Gabriel Stacey B
Published: July 2021

Transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from people without symptoms confounds societal mitigation strategies. From April to June 2020, we tested nasopharyngeal swabs by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) from 15 514 staff and 16 966 residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Massachusetts. Cycle threshold (Ct) distributions were very similar between populations with (n = 739) and without (n = 2179) symptoms at the time of sampling (mean Ct, 25.7 vs 26.4; ranges 12–38). However, as local cases waned, those without symptoms shifted towards higher Ct. With such similar viral load distributions, existing testing modalities should perform comparably regardless of symptoms, contingent upon time since infection.
Multifaceted roles of centrosomes in development, health, and disease
Authors: Qi Feifei , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2021

The centrosome is a membrane-less organelle consisting of a pair of barrel-shaped centrioles and pericentriolar material and functions as the major microtubule-organizing center and signaling hub in animal cells. The past decades have witnessed the functional complexity and importance of centrosomes in various cellular processes such as cell shaping, division, and migration. In addition, centrosome abnormalities are linked to a wide range of human diseases and pathological states, such as cancer, reproductive disorder, brain disease, and ciliopathies. Herein, we discuss various functions of centrosomes in development and health, with an emphasis on their roles in germ cells, stem cells, and immune responses. We also discuss how centrosome dysfunctions are involved in diseases. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating centrosome functions may lead the way to potential therapeutic targeting of this organelle in disease treatment.