bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobicity of tetraethyl-orthosilicate-derived silica coating at various concentrations
Authors: Zainuri Mochamad , Dini Putri W , Bintoro A.S
Published: July 2021

Research on hydrophobic coating material with variations in the concentration of 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 % particles silicate to painting binder were successfully synthesized by the sol-gel method and with the basic ingredients Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS). Hydrophobic coatings based on Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) are characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Water Contact Angle (WCA) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS). The results showed that Tetraethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) silica particles had an amorphous structure with a smooth circular morphology and a particle diameter of 1μm. The effect of variations in the concentration of silica on the glass substrate of hydrophobic coating is the higher the concentration silica tends to be the decrease value of hydrophobicity and transmittance The highest value of hydropobicity occurs at a concentration of 1 % with a contact angle of 80o and transparency of 80%, This is best compared to higher silica concentrations for both hydropobicity and transparency parameters.
Comparative study of two different reflectors, zincalume steel and aluminum foil tape in the application of solar cookers
Authors: Nurul Amalia Silviyanti S , Santoso
Published: July 2021

The amount of energy resources from fossil fuels continue to decrease, these lead to high demand for renewable energy. One of the biggest energy resources in our nature is solar power. A solar cooker is a device that uses solar power to cook a meal. The performance and temperature of solar cookers depend on the material we use in the device. One of the most important components in solar cooking is reflector because solar cookers use a mirrored reflector to collect and transfer sun rays into the cooking pot to increase the temperature inside the pot. This paper compares two different materials as a reflector in solar cookers. The first reflector is aluminum foil tape, these materials are very cheap, light, easy to use so it could be applied in many designs. The Second reflector used was zincalume steel, it has the highest reflector among other thin steel available in the market. The design of panel reflector from aluminum foil tape was 4 rectangular and the design of zincalume steel reflector similar to cone. The performance of two different reflectors has been analyzed in Solar cookers used to boil 500ml water for 120 minutes. Water temperature from the first and the second reflector showed a similar result. It showed that reflector made from aluminum foil tape and zincalume steel has similar reflectivity.
Effect of Natural Dye Extracting Solvents on the Performance of Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells
Authors: Nasyori A , Noor F A
Published: July 2021

Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted immense attention in photovoltaics research and development due to the low cost of fabrication, sustainability and use of abundant natural resources. Natural dyes were adapted to DSSCs as a sensitiser but unfortunately proved to have poor efficiency. Herein, we manufactured two organic dyes from yellow and red gambier fruits and treated both dyes with methanol and isopropyl alcohol. The photoanode and photocathode were prepared from TiO2, sensitiser and indium thin dioxide (ITO); and carbon and indium thin dioxide, respectively. An electrolyte was made by mixing potassium iodide and iodine. The doctor blade method was used to add the semiconductor to the surface of the conducting ITO. UV–Vis and FTIR spectroscopic measurements have been performed to determine the absorbance and functional groups in the gambier extracts. From the analysis of UV–Vis and FTIR spectra, and photovoltaic measurements made under solar irradiation, we found that the gambier extracts are dominated by tannin and flavonoids and that dyes using isopropyl alcohol as the solvent have higher efficiency than using methanol, respectively. This indicates that the gambier extracts and solvents might influence the performance of DSSCs.
Low-Cost Germicidal UV LED as Candidate Light Source for Portable and Field Spectrometer
Authors: Sakti S P , Anggraeni D , Putro T
Published: July 2021

Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diode (UV LED) is becoming popular, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. UV LED has a specific wavelength with relatively narrow bandwidth, especially the one that has a shorter wavelength. On the other hand, UV LED has advantages in its low power consumption, compact size, and longer lifetime. This work shows that a wider bandwidth can be elicited by combining multiple UV LED sources. We have measured several low-cost UV LED, which is used as a germicidal lamp using a portable spectrometer that can detect a wavelength from 200 nm to 850 nm. The combined UV LED spectrum light ranges from 254 nm UVC to 400 nm UVA. The light spectrum produced by the LED shows a form of the Gaussian distribution model. Some LEDs have a peak wavelength at UVC around 270nm, and LEDs have a peak wavelength around 400nm at UVA. We can conclude that the low-cost UV LED can be used as a light source for portable or field spectrometers for specific wavelength.
Thingview Free: Application of Smart Greenhouse for Chilli Plant on Android
Authors: Fatimah I , Indarto B , Anggoro D , Arfianto B
Published: July 2021

Monitoring and controlling of the greenhouse climate are carried out so that the climate in the greenhouse is in accordance with the growth requirements of the chili plants in it. Automation is carried out using a humidifier, plant watering can, space heater, and fan. Microclimates that are controlled include soil humidity, temperature, and humidity. The actuator is connected to the SHT11 sensor and soil moisture sensor. The sensor is connected to the Arduino Uno so that it can give commands to the actuator. Then the ESP-01 wifi module is connected to the Arduino Uno so that the sensor reading data will be sent to the Thingspeak database to be monitored. The results of this study are humidity and temperature data before and after automation. The data after automation shows the values that match the growing requirements of chilies, namely air temperature of 20°C to 30°C, humidity of 60% to 80% and soil moisture> 50%. Monitoring of microclimate conditions in the greenhouse can be done through the Thingview Free application on android which is limited to 8 graphs in real time. Microclimate control using several actuators in the greenhouse shows that the greenhouse automation system is already running according to the microclimate conditions required by chili plants.
Earthquake detection and location for Earthquake Early Warning Using Deep Learning
Authors: Anggraini S. , Wijaya S. K. , Daryono
Published: July 2021

Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) is a warning system that provides information about the estimated S wave arrival time, which can cause significant and destructive seismic energy using the information carried by the P wave. Technological advances in analyzing data supported by big data, the interconnection between networks, and high-performance computing systems in the era of the 4.0 industrial revolution have posed challenges to process and analyze earthquake early warning using modern seismological techniques. Early identification of earthquake events is the key to time efficiency to accelerate the dissemination of information. Here, we implement deep learning for early detection and classification of the earthquake P wave and noise signals using raw historical data from 3 component BMKG single station (2014 -2020) in the subduction zone of West Sumatra. The feature selection of the waveform is only selected for earthquakes distance in the cluster close to the station centroid. Statistically, the results of training and testing show good and convergent performance. This result is a preliminary study of deep learning, which is targeted at the classification of earthquakes p wave and noise signals and its association to estimate early earthquake location using 3 component record channels.
Multi-soliton states of spherically symmetric quartic submodels in five dimensional Skyrme Model
Authors: Fadhilla Emir Syahreza , Gunara Bobby Eka , Atmaja Ardian Nata
Published: July 2021

We investigate spherically symmetric quartic submodels of five dimensional Skyrme model. By introducing a slightly modified ansatz which allows the topological charge B ≥ 1, we obtain a multi-solitonic solution. This multi-soliton state converges to the well-known B = 1 case satisfying the BPS limit which shows that the corresponding Bogomolny equation exists. The solutions are ”topologically degenerate” since there are multiple solutions with the same topological charge but different energies, with the exception on the prime topological charge which gives only a single value of energy. There is also a possible repulsive effect because the multi-soliton state energy is higher than the sum of the unit-soliton energy.
A readout system for microwave kinetic inductance detectors using software defined radios
Authors: Shafiee M. , Fedorov D. , Grossan B. , Kizheppatt V. , Smoot G.F.
Published: July 2021

Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) are typically readout using custom high-speed electronics and firmware, a challenging and time-intensive undertaking. We have developed a readout system for these devices using a software defined radio (SDR), a software implementation of radiofrequency signal processing. The SDR allows use of pre-existing software libraries and minimizes specialized firmware coding, a significant reduction in effort. We customized our SDR to readout mm and optical band MKIDs with resonant frequencies of 1.8-2 GHz and 2-2.2 GHz respectively. We used this readout system to measure the sensitivity of our MKIDs devices to visible light. We show that SDRs are a good candidate for small pixel count MKIDs readout systems, and make recommendations for readout systems for larger Pixel count arrays.
Wavelength-shifting performance of polyethylene naphthalate films in a liquid argon environment
Authors: Abraham Y. , Asaadi J. , Basque V. , Castiglioni W. , Dorrill R. , Febbraro M. , Hackett B. , Kelsey J. , Littlejohn B.R. , Parmaksiz I. , Rooks M. , Szelc A.M.
Published: July 2021

Liquid argon is commonly used as a detector medium for neutrino physics and dark matter experiments in part due to its copious scintillation light production in response to its excitation and ionization by charged particle interactions.
As argon scintillation appears in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) regime and is difficult to detect, wavelength-shifting materials are typically used to convert VUV light to visible wavelengths more easily detectable by conventional means.
In this work, we examine the wavelength-shifting and optical properties of poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN), a recently proposed alternative to tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB), the most widely-used wavelength-shifter in argon-based experiments.
In a custom cryostat system with well-demonstrated geometric and response stability, we use 128 nm argon scintillation light to examine various PEN-including reflective samples' light-producing capabilities, and study the stability of PEN when immersed in liquid argon.
The best-performing PEN-including test reflector was found to produce 34% as much visible light as a TPB-including reference sample, with widely varying levels of light production between different PEN-including test reflectors.
Plausible origins for these variations, including differences in optical properties and molecular orientation, are then identified using additional measurements.
Unlike TPB-coated samples, PEN-coated samples did not produce long-timescale light collection increases associated with solvation or suspension of wavelength-shifting material in bulk liquid argon.
Do new bike lanes impact air pollution exposure for cyclists?—a case study from Berlin
Authors: Schmitz Seán , Caseiro Alexandre , Kerschbaumer Andreas , von Schneidemesser Erika
Published: July 2021

Cities in the 21st century are dynamically changing in response to environmental and societal pressures, not least among which are climate change and air pollution. In some of these metropoles, such as Berlin, a transformation of mobility systems has already begun. Along a mid-sized street in Berlin, a measurement campaign was conducted in 2020 to accompany the construction of a bike lane and the implementation of a community space along one of the side-streets. Using the new technology of low-cost sensors, higher resolution measurements of local air quality were enabled. Stationary and mobile measurements were taken using EarthSense Zephyr sensor systems before and after the construction of the bike lane and during the timeframe when the community space was in place. It was found that the implementation of the bike lane led to a reduction in NO2 exposure for cyclists. During periods when the community space was in place, a reduction in NO2 concentrations was also measured. This study highlights not only the utility of low-cost sensors for the measurement of urban air quality, but also their value in a science-policy context. Measuring local air quality changes in response to traffic interventions will enhance understanding of the associated health benefits, especially in connection with measures promoting more sustainable modes of active travel. More research of this nature is needed to gain a clear understanding of the impacts of traffic interventions on local air quality for better protection of human health.
Thermodynamically consistent semi-compressible fluids: a variational perspective
Authors: Eldred Christopher , Gay-Balmaz François
Published: July 2021

This paper presents (Lagrangian) variational formulations for single and multicomponent semi-compressible fluids with both reversible (entropy-conserving) and irreversible (entropy-generating) processes. Semi-compressible fluids are useful in describing low-Mach dynamics, since they are soundproof. These models find wide use in many areas of fluid dynamics, including both geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics. Specifically, the Boussinesq, anelastic and pseudoincompressible equations are developed through a unified treatment valid for arbitrary Riemannian manifolds, thermodynamic potentials and geopotentials. By design, these formulations obey the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics, ensuring their thermodynamic consistency. This general approach extends and unifies existing work, and helps clarify the thermodynamics of semi-compressible fluids. To further this goal, evolution equations are presented for a wide range of thermodynamic variables: entropy density s, specific entropy η, buoyancy b, temperature T, potential temperature θ and a generic entropic variable χ; along with a general definition of buoyancy valid for all three semicompressible models and arbitrary geopotentials. Finally, the elliptic equation for the pressure perturbation (the Lagrange multiplier that enforces semi-compressibility) is developed for all three equation sets in the case of reversible dynamics, and for the Boussinesq/anelastic equations in the case of irreversible dynamics; and some discussion is given of the difficulty in formulating it for the pseudoincompressible equations with irreversible dynamics.
The potential study of marine aquaculture location in Eastern Bintan Island
Authors: Pramana R , Putra R D , Suprapto B Y , Nawawi Z
Published: July 2021

Bintan is one of Indonesia’s islands, consisting of nearly 2408 small islands and directly adjacent to Singapore and Malaysia. The strategic geographic location and many small islands and supported by 95% of the sea area give Bintan Island an advantage in developing the marine aquaculture sector. This study aims to apply remote sensing analysis to collect comprehensive information on the strategic Marine Aquaculture Zone (MAZ) in the eastern part of Bintan Island. The data used in this study were the concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) from MODIS level-3 with a resolution of 4 km from January to December 2019. The pre-processing data analysis on SST and Chl-a concentrations was used SeaDas software to ensure the results of the data projections in the form of the World Geodetic System 84 (WGS84) format. The data processing stage uses ER Mapper software to project the SST distribution and Chl-a concentration into a contour. Post-processing data analysis was used ArcGIS software to determine the results of crossing the SST contour and Chl-a combination to obtain the optimal potential location for the Marine Aquaculture Zone (MAZ). Image data processing shows the lowest potential marine aquaculture location was in Bintan Island in West Season with 202 MAZ. The highest potential location for marine aquaculture on Bintan Island in North Season with 584 MAZ. The results showed the potential location for marine aquaculture locations in Bintan Island was widely distributed, and most of the locations far from the coastline of eastern Bintan Island. This study indicates that the east part of Bintan Island has the potential to be implemented for marine aquaculture areas to develop sustainable marine aquaculture production.
Antioxidant of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of Padina sp with DPPH method
Authors: Akbar A , Soekamto N H , Firdaus  , Bahrun
Published: July 2021

Padinasp. is seaweed which has high abundance in Indonesian waters, but the utilization of bioactive compounds is not yet optimal. This research intends to test the antioxidant activity of the secondary metabolites ofPadina sp. in South Sulawesi waters. The extraction process uses a multilevel maceration method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol solvents, then followed by concentrating/drying the sample using the evaporation method. The extract obtained was then tested for phytochemistry, determined the levels of flavonoids and phenolics, and tested for antioxidant activity using DPPH method. The results of this research indicate that the extracts of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol fromPadina sp. contains flavonoids and phenolics with levels 103.0435; 124.5109; 111.7391 mg QE/g sample and 1.1504; 7.1289; 3.6325 mg GAE/g sample, respectively. n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts ofPadina sp. has antioxidant activity with IC50 values 117.3622; 115.7171; 116.8350 ppm, respectively. The IC50 value of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts ofPadina sp.is in the medium category for antioxidant activity.
Agro-ecological system and its significance to social security in small-island communities of the Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Soselisa H L
Published: July 2021

Local communities in central Maluku have constructed their agro-ecology, from settlement to forest, with particular plants and patterns. This terrestrial ecosystem has been gone along with a production of certain social institutions based on the understanding of their environment and resource use. This paper shows how the local agro-ecological system has been an effective strategy for ecological adaptation and environmental management of small island environment. The system of agro-ecology illustrates a significant temporal and spatial distribution of various forms of land use, reflecting the interconnectedness of natural resource management and local social security. Varied cultural rules and practices on system of agro-ecology demonstrate the role of different units that support local ecology as well as social security of kin-groups. The paper also shows how recent agricultural, socio-economic and cultural changes have shaped the adaptation and strategies, and how present trends of the ethno-ecological zones affect human-environment relations and community relations and livelihoods which in turn also affect local social security.
A new C & I for sustainable forest management
Authors: Supratman  , Alam S , Sahide M A K , Sabar A , Makkarennu  , Hasannudin D A L
Published: July 2021

According to the biophysical area, the government has set the land use of forest areas to be managed for specific management purposes. The implication is that the Criteria and Indicators (C&I) of sustainable forest management are arranged fractionally, based on the forest area’s function. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the application of C&I for sustainable forest management in conservation forests in the upstream area of the Jeneberang watershed in Gowa Regency. Field observations, interviews, focus group discussions, workshops, and documentation study conducted to collect primary and secondary data. The analysis conducted by the research were (1) Socio-Economic, (2) Landscape Change, (3) Activity-Based Management and (4) Policy Analysis. The results found the application of C&I of sustainable forest management based on forest function is ineffective because the forest area is an inseparable landscape unit, so the management unit should not be separated. Therefore, forest areas’ land use should be reconstructed based on the function of forest area (fractional) to “landscape-based watershed landscape”. C & I in measuring sustainable forest management performance should also be hierarchically structured interconnected input, outputs, outcomes, and impact indicators.
The study of forest land use on land characteristics and soil hydrological characteristics in the Wanggu Watershed, Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Alwi L O , Marwah S , Astriwana
Published: July 2021

The preservation of natural resources such as forest, land, water and air is needed to ensure their ecosystem availability. The existence of forests as a water regulator is the main element of human life and other living organisms. The research objectives were to examine and determine the role of forest land use on forest land characteristics and soil hydrological characteristics in the Wanggu watershed. This study used a survey method and then conducted intensive observations. Forest soil observations were carried out by making a soil profile. Soil infiltration and permeability parameters were carried out through an infiltrometer and a permeameter, erosion and ETol using erosion prediction. The data used were primary data and secondary data. The results showed that: 1) the use of protection forest, production forest and agroforestry improves forest land characteristics, soil fauna and soil hydrological characteristics and soil erosion, 2) protection forest produces field capacitance, soil infiltration capacity and soil permeability higher than production forest and agroforestry with runoff, runoff coefficient and erosion < tolerable soil erosion, followed by production forest and agroforestry and 3) protection forest, production forest and agroforestry.
Small island watershed morphometric and hydrological characteristics in Ambon Region, Maluku Province
Authors: Latuamury B , Marasabessy H , Talaohu M , Imlabla W
Published: July 2021

With a relatively limited catchment area, the small island has special hydrological conditions. The hydro-morphometric approach of a watershed is essential for tracking and analyzing seasonal changes in small island watersheds’ hydrological characteristics. It is crucial to incorporate the hydrological elements of small islands, both geographically, ecologically, socio-culturally, and economically. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the morphometric and hydrological characteristics of small island watersheds in the Ambon Region, Maluku province. A geographic information system and the BFI + 3.0 digital recursive filtering method (RDF) are used in the research method. The findings showed that drainage density, bifurcation ratio, and bifurcation ratio significantly impacted water systems for watersheds, flood vulnerability, and river beds storage. Good drainage (Dd greater than 1–5) is included in drainage density. With very high flood levels and short recession periods, a riverbank ratio of less than 1 suggests rare watershed circumstances. This condition appears to have an increased vulnerability to flooding, marked by high runoff but low penetration and permeability. The bifurcation ratio shows that showing high peak discharge (Qp) and increasing times and rapid recession times, the watershed form appears to be rounded.
A new distribution record of the catshark Atelomycterus erdmanni (Scyliorhinidae: Carcharhiniformes) in Halmahera Sea, Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Jutan Y , Retraubun A S W
Published: July 2021

The Halmahera Sea is one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse areas with 1,271 species of fishes, including endemic and endangered ones. The genus Atelomycterus (catshark) belongs to the Scyliorhinidae family, and is found in six different locations in the world. We obtained a shark specimen in July 2017 from the limit of the Kao Bay in the shallow waters of Bobale Island, North Halmahera Regency. We analyzed the DNA of this specimen to confirm the species of the sample according to its DNA sequences. The results were then compared to the database in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The results showed that the specimen’s DNA sequences have a 99% similarity with the DNA sequences of Atelomycterus erdmanni. This finding adds a new distribution record for this catshark in the Halmahera Sea, Maluku Province, Eastern Indonesia.
Insect diversity in vegetable crops of Waemital Village, West Seram, Indonesia
Authors: Hasinu J V , Rumthe R Y , Leatemia J A
Published: July 2021

Insects are found in almost all ecosystems. The more diverse the ecosystem, the more various species of insects will be. This study aims to determine the diversity of insect in vegetable crops. Field research was carried out in a vegetable plantation owned by farmers in Waemital village, Kairatu District, Western Seram Indonesia. Observations were made by survey methods in which insects was caught using swing insect net, pitfall trap and hand picking. Insect caught was preserved in plastic bottles contain 70% alcohol. Insects collected were identified at the Insect Collection Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture Pattimura University. Diversity (H’) and dominance (D) indices were analyzed using formula of Shannon-Wiener and Simpson, respectively. Totally, there were 2894 individuals of insect captured during the study which belong to 6 orders, 10 families and 11 species. Order Hemiptera with four species has the highest number of individuals, which is 2167 individuals or 74.88% of the total individuals collected. Most families was collected at chili field while the least was caught at tomato plantation. Based on diversity index (H’) and dominance index (D), insect community at vegetable fields in Waemital Village, Western Seram has moderate diversity with low dominance.
The effect of soaking in salt and atung (Parinarium glaberium, Hassk) on the quality of dried salted tongkol (Auxis thazard).
Authors: Pattipeilohy F , Moniharapon T , Sormin R B D , Moniharapon D L
Published: July 2021

The study on the effect of soaking in salt and atung (Parinarium glaberimum, Hassk) has been conducted to investigate the quality of dried salted frigate tuna (Auxis thazard). There were 4 treatments of soaking in salt and atung applied in this study and a single soaking treatment in 25% salt concentration as control. Qualities parameter tested consists of objective tests i.e. the yield, water content, protein content, salt content, peroxide number, and TPC (Total Plate Count), and subjective tests consist of: appearance, smell, taste, and texture. The result of the research showed the yield of dried salted frigate tuna obtained through gradual soaking in salt and atung was ranged from 44.66% – 45.35%, while the yield obtained through single soaking salt treatment was 50.20%. Quality of dried salted frigate tuna objectively obtained through gradual soaking in salt and atung for water content, protein content, salt content, peroxide number and TPC (Total Plate Count), were 30.29 – 32.53%, 59.82 – 63.16%, 3.62 – 5.28%, 0,00 – 0,12 mg.eq./g, and 2.17 – 2.95 (Log X) or 1.48 – 8.91 × 102 CFU respectively, while for single soaking in salt 25% were 36.13%, 55.92%, 7.87, 0.27 mg eq./g and 2.21 (Log X) or 1.62 x 102 CFU respectively. Quality of dried salted frigate tuna subjectively obtained through gradual soaking in salt and atung for appearance, smells, taste and texture were 7.1–7.9, 7.0–7.7, 7,0– 7.9, and 7.0 – 7.7 respectively, while single soaking in salt were 7.2, 6.8, 6.9 and 7.0 respectively.
The influence of “api-api” (Avicennia marina) leaves extract on the quality of fresh mackerel scad (Decapterus russelli) during storage
Authors: Sormin R B D , Leiwakabessy J , Putra W H
Published: July 2021

“Api-api” trees (Avicennia marina) is known as mangrove that classified as family Avicenniaceae. Based on the previous study, ‘“api-api”’ (Avicennia marine) leaves obtained bioactive molecules which is function as anti-parasite, anti-fungi, anti-oxidant, and antibacterial, due to its steroid, terpenoid, saponin, flavonoid, alkaloid and tannin compounds. The work was aimed to study the influence of “api-api” (Avicennia marina) leaves extract on the quality of fresh mackerel scad (Decapterus russelli) during storage. Research method applied 2 treatment namely A soaked time of mackerel scad (Decapterus russelli) in “api-api” leaves extract and B storage time. Soaked time consist of 5 minutes (A1), 10 minutes (A2) and 15 minutes (A3), while storage time consist of : 0 hour (B1), 3 hours (B2), 6 hours (B3), 9 hours (B4) and 12 hours (B5). Parameters observed as indicator of fresh mackerel scad quality were pH, Total Volatile Bases (TVB), Total Plate Count (TPC) and Organoleptic. The result showed the treatments A immersed period and B storage time significantly influenced the pH, TVB and TPC value of the fresh mackerel scad (Decapterus russelli) during storage, but not influenced the organoleptic value. The best treatment applied was immersed period 5 minutes in methanol extract (A1) indicated by the lowest TVB and TPC value.
Determination of glass transition temperature and application for fabrication of polyphosphazene with high performance
Authors: Wu Shaojun , Xue Xiang
Published: July 2021

To determine the relations of performance and structure accurately, polyphosphazenes with various substitution rates of phenoxy and ethoxy were prepared by nucleophillic substitution reaction, their structures and glass transition temperature (Tg) were characterized by NMR and DSC, respectively, and theoretical Tg of polyphosphazenes containing various structural units were calculated by Fox equation. We can find that Tg of polyphosphazenes decreased with increase of ethoxy contents, which improved low temperature resistance of the polymer. According to the measured value and calculated value of Tg, as well as the deduced mathematical expression of Tailor-Gorden equation, the relationships between Tg and ethoxy contents were proposed, which demonstrated that a plot of the Tg vs. ethoxy contents yielded straight lines when polymer chain owned higher substitution rates of phenoxy or ethoxy, while Tg of polymers with more structural units of phenoxy and ethoxy would be adjusted by a parameter of ωB. Based on the proposed relation, the application of fabrication on polyaryloxyphosphazene elastomer with better mechanical properties and low temperature resistance was successfully carried out. Therefore, the proposed methods can be useful in the prediction of polymer Tg and can also be used for structure prediction of polymers to match a target Tg value by this means, which are likely to have broad applications in polymer science fields.
Viscoelastic behaviors of high-viscosity rubberized bitumen containing waste cooking oil
Authors: Xu Xiong , Wu Qiaoyun , Shen Weili , Cheng Shukai , Chen Xuyong
Published: July 2021

With the modification of crumb rubber (CR), the viscosity and elasticity of asphalt binder will be significantly enhanced. This study used waste cooking oil (WCO) to adjust the chemical fractions in the prepared CR modified asphalt binder (CRMA) for the purpose of reaching a better viscoelastic behavior. Further, the viscoelastic behavior of CRMA incorporated with 4% WCO was investigated and evaluated by constructing reliable master curves from outputs of the classical Christensen-Anderson model. The findings obtained indicated that the use of 4%WCO into CRMA binder just causes a limited decrease of the complex modulus, and in this case, the resulting binder still remains applicable to stand with the resistance to deformation from outside repeated forces; both raising temperature and incorporating WCO can be able to produce similar effects on the viscoelastic transition of CRMA binder approaching to higher frequency; once the environmental condition surpasses the viscoelastic transition temperature of CRMA binder, or WCO is added, the viscous behavior will be switched to a lower temperature; the Christensen-Anderson model is verified available and supportively recommended for viscoelastic analyses of binders.
Shade and salinity responses of two dominant coastal wetland grasses: implications for light competition at the transition zone
Authors: Jespersen Emil , Kirk Gro H , Brix Hans , Eller Franziska , Sorrell Brian K
Published: July 2021

Background

Coastal wetlands are threatened by the increased salinity that may result from sea level rise. Salinity stress alters species zonation patterns through changes in competitive outcome between species differing in salinity tolerance. This study therefore aimed to understand how salinity and light affect two dominant and competing coastal wetland grasses that differ in salt tolerance, height and photosynthetic metabolism.

Methods

The C4 species Spartina anglica and the C3 species Phragmites australis were grown at five salinity levels (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 ppt) and two light fluxes (100 % and 50 % of natural daylight) in an outdoor experimental setup for 102 d with full access to nutrients.

Key Results

Salinity reduced the biomass, height and shoot density of P. australis from 81.7 g dry weight (DW), 0.73 m and 37 shoots per pot at a salinity of 0 ppt to 16.8 gDW, 0.3 m and 14 shoots per pot at a salinity of 28 ppt. Biomass, height and shoot density of S. anglica did not respond or were only slightly reduced at the highest salinity of 28 ppt. High salinity also resulted in a higher tissue concentration of N and P in P. australis. Both species had low ability to acclimate to the lower light flux. Shade acclimation in S. anglica occurred via modest changes in specific leaf area, pigment content and biomass allocation.

Conclusions

High salinity reduced traits important for light competition and increased the nutrient concentration in P. australis leaf and root biomass, while this was overall unaffected in S. anglica. This is likely to reduce the competitive ability of P. australis over S. anglica for light because at high salinities the former cannot effectively shade the lower-growing S. anglica. Neither species effectively acclimates to shade, which could explain why S. anglica does not occur in the understorey of P. australis at low salinities.
David Carter (1953–2021)
Authors: Bode Mike
Published: July 2021

Mike Bode recalls the life of an observer of galaxies, developer of instruments and cricket enthusiast
Invaders from islands: thermal matching, potential or flexibility?
Authors: Claunch Natalie M , Goodman Colin , Reed Robert N , Guralnick Robert , Romagosa Christina M , Taylor Emily N
Published: July 2021

Native-range thermal constraints may not reflect the geographical distributions of species introduced from native island ranges in part due to rapid physiological adaptation in species introduced to new environments. Correlative ecological niche models may thus underestimate potential invasive distributions of species from islands. The northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus) is established in Florida, including populations north of its native range. Competing hypotheses may explain this distribution: Thermal Matching (distribution reflects thermal conditions of the native range), Thermal Potential (species tolerates thermal extremes absent in the native range) and/or Thermal Flexibility (thermal tolerance reflects local thermal extremes). We rejected the Thermal Matching hypothesis by comparing ecological niche models developed from native vs. native plus invasive distributions; L. carinatus exists in areas of low suitability in Florida as predicted by the native-distribution model. We then compared critical thermal limits of L. carinatus from two non-native populations to evaluate the Thermal Potential and Flexibility hypotheses: one matching native range latitudes, and another 160 km north of the native range that experiences more frequent cold weather events. Critical thermal minima in the northern population were lower than in the south, supporting the Thermal Flexibility hypothesis, whereas critical thermal maxima did not differ.
Germ cells: ENCODE’s forgotten cell type
Authors: McCarrey John R , Cheng Keren
Published: July 2021

More than a decade ago, the ENCODE and NIH Epigenomics Roadmap consortia organized large multilaboratory efforts to profile the epigenomes of >110 different mammalian somatic cell types. This generated valuable publicly accessible datasets that are being mined to reveal genome-wide patterns of a variety of different epigenetic parameters. This consortia approach facilitated the powerful and comprehensive multiparametric integrative analysis of the epigenomes in each cell type. However, no germ cell types were included among the cell types characterized by either of these consortia. Thus, comprehensive epigenetic profiling data are not generally available for the most evolutionarily important cells, male and female germ cells. We discuss the need for reproductive biologists to generate similar multiparametric epigenomic profiling datasets for both male and female germ cells at different developmental stages and summarize our recent effort to derive such data for mammalian spermatogonial stem cells and progenitor spermatogonia.
Raising cGMP restores proteasome function and myelination in mice with a proteotoxic neuropathy
Authors: VerPlank Jordan J S , Gawron Joseph , Silvestri Nicholas J , Feltri M Laura , Wrabetz Lawrence , Goldberg Alfred L
Published: July 2021

Agents that raise cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by activating protein kinase G increase 26S proteasome activities, protein ubiquitination and degradation of misfolded proteins. Therefore, they may be useful in treating neurodegenerative and other diseases caused by an accumulation of misfolded proteins.

Mutations in myelin protein zero (MPZ) cause the peripheral neuropathy Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1B (CMT1B). In peripheral nerves of a mouse model of CMT1B, where the mutant MPZS63del is expressed, proteasome activities are reduced, mutant MPZS63del and polyubiquitinated proteins accumulate and the unfolded protein response (p-eif2α) is induced. In HEK293 cells, raising cGMP stimulated ubiquitination and degradation of MPZS63del, but not of wild-type MPZ. Treating S63del mice with the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil—to raise cGMP—increased proteasome activity in sciatic nerves and reduced the levels of polyubiquitinated proteins, the proteasome reporter ubG76V-GFP and p-elF2α. Furthermore, sildenafil treatment reduced the number of amyelinated axons, and increased myelin thickness and nerve conduction velocity in sciatic nerves.

Thus, agents that raise cGMP, including those widely used in medicine, may be useful therapies for CMT1B and other proteotoxic diseases.
Regional hierarchies of discontent: an accessibility approach
Authors: Larsson Johan P , Öner Özge , Sielker Franziska
Published: July 2021

We argue that so-called geographies of discontent work within regional hierarchies in a spatial continuum, whereas the previous literature has mainly invoked dichotomous divides, such as core-periphery or the North-South. A place’s relation to surrounding communities and regions remains an understudied topic. We analyse the municipal distribution of electoral support for Sweden Democrats (Sverigedemokraterna, SD) in the 2014 and 2018 Swedish national general elections. We show that higher accessibility to other large municipalities within the same region, as well as being surrounded by relatively larger neighbouring regions, is associated with further support for SD. The within-region associations are only reliably identified among the urban group.
Real-World Experience With Proactive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring During Infliximab Reintroduction
Authors: Normatov Inessa , Fluxa Daniela , Wang Jingzhou D , Ollech Jacob E , Gulotta George E , Patel Shivani , Quintero Maria A , De la Torre Bety , Solis Norma , Damas Oriana M , Deshpande Amar R , Kerman David H , Abreu Maria T , Rubin David T
Published: July 2021

Background

Interruptions in infliximab therapy are associated with the development of antibodies to infliximab (ATI), infusion reactions (IRs), and loss of response. Despite these challenges, recent observational studies suggest that reinitiating infliximab after a drug holiday can be safe and effective. We assessed the utility of our protocol for restarting infliximab using early serum infliximab and ATI measurements.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients restarted on infliximab after at least a 6-month drug holiday. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: a “therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) group,” those who had serum infliximab and ATI measured 1–3 weeks after first reinduction dose, and a “non-TDM group.” Outcomes included results of TDM, occurrence of immediate IR (IIR) and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, and medication persistence at 14 weeks and 1 year.

Results

About 76 patients were included: 49 in the TDM group and 27 in the non-TDM group. Of 76, 67 (88%) patients tolerated the first reinduction dose without IR. Formation of ATI was seen in 17 of 49 (35%) patients and was associated with longer drug holidays. Most did not experience IR during the entire therapy course—in 26 of 32 (81%) without ATI and 20 of 27 (74%) in the non-TDM group. Infliximab persistence at 14 weeks and 1 year was 76% and 57% for the cohort, respectively.

Conclusion

Infliximab can be safely and effectively restarted after a drug holiday. We suggest performing TDM with a drug-tolerant assay 1–3 weeks after the first reinduction infusion as a means to identify patients at risk for severe IIR at the second dose.
Multimarker profiling identifies protective and harmful immune processes in heart failure: findings from BIOSTAT-CHF
Authors: Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Tromp Jasper , Ouwerkerk Wouter , Ferreira João Pedro , Anker Stefan D , Cleland John G , Dickstein Kenneth , Filippatos Gerasimos , Lang Chim C , Metra Marco , Samani Nilesh J ,   The BIOSTAT-CHF Consortium, de Boer Rudolf A , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Voors Adriaan A , van der Meer Peter
Published: July 2021

Aims

The exploration of novel immunomodulatory interventions to improve outcome in heart failure (HF) is hampered by the complexity/redundancies of inflammatory pathways, which remain poorly understood. We thus aimed to investigate the associations between the activation of diverse immune processes and outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods and results

We measured 355 biomarkers in 2022 patients with worsening HF and an independent validation cohort (n = 1691) (BIOSTAT-CHF index and validation cohorts), and classified them according to their functions into biological processes based on the gene ontology classification. Principal component analyses were used to extract weighted scores per process. We investigated the association of these processes with all-cause mortality at 2-year follow-up. The contribution of each biomarker to the weighted score(s) of the processes was used to identify potential therapeutic targets. Mean age was 69 (±12.0) years and 537 (27%) patients were women. We identified 64 unique overrepresented immune-related processes representing 188 of 355 biomarkers. Of these processes, 19 were associated with all-cause mortality (10 positively and 9 negatively). Increased activation of ‘T-cell costimulation’ and ‘response to interferon-gamma/positive regulation of interferon-gamma production’ showed the most consistent positive and negative associations with all-cause mortality, respectively, after external validation. Within T-cell costimulation, inducible costimulator ligand, CD28, CD70, and tumour necrosis factor superfamily member-14 were identified as potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the divergent protective and harmful effects of different immune processes in HF and suggest novel therapeutic targets. These findings constitute a rich knowledge base for informing future studies of inflammation in HF.
Orthodontic space closure in sliding mechanics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sebastian Biju , Bhuvaraghan Aarthi , Thiruvenkatachari Badri
Published: July 2021

Background/Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the different force delivery systems for orthodontic space closure by sliding mechanics.

Search methods

Multiple sources including Cochrane Central, Ovid Medline, Embase etc. were used to identify all relevant studies.

Selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of parallel-group and split-mouth designs were included.

Participants

Orthodontic patients of any age treated with fixed orthodontic appliances and requiring space closure.

Data collection and analysis

Search result screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently and in duplicate by 2 reviewers. The included studies were grouped into parallel-arm and split-mouth studies and subgroup analysis was then performed for the type of retraction subsets; en-masse and individual canine retraction. A traditional meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis (NMA) for direct and indirect comparisons for the rate of space closure were performed.

Results

Thirteen studies, six parallel-arm and seven split-mouth were included. The traditional meta-analysis comparing Nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs and elastomeric power chain for the rate of tooth movement showed statistically significant difference favouring NiTi springs (MD: 0.24; 95% CI, 0.03–0.45; I2 0%, P = 0.02) and the comparison between NiTi springs and active ligatures also showed statistically significant result favouring NiTi springs (MD: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44–0.63; I2 0%, P ˂ 0.00001) for the rate of tooth movement. NMA for the rate of space closure showed fairly confident evidence for NiTi coil springs when compared with elastomeric chain and active ligatures. The NiTi coil spring ranked best between all methods of space closure.

Conclusions

There is moderate quality evidence in favour of NiTi coil springs for the rate of space closure when compared with active ligature and low quality of evidence favouring NiTi springs when compared with elastomeric chain. The ranking from NMA showed NiTi coil springs to be the best method for space closure with 99% chance. An urgent need for standardization of study designs and the need for development of an agreed core outcome sets and core outcome instrument measurement sets is evident.

Registration

PROSPERO CRD42020157811
Frescobaldi at the Ospedale di Santo Spirito: a portfolio career in 17th-century Rome
Authors: Barker Naomi J
Published: July 2021

During the 1620s Girolamo Frescobaldi held the post of organist at St Peter’s in Rome concurrently with that of organist at the Ospedale di Santo Spirito. Both jobs had substantial duties. In this article, the three main requirements of the organist at Santo Spirito—to play for Mass and Vespers, the Saturday litanies and in the hospital ward at meal times—provide the means both for reconstructing part of the daily schedule at Santo Spirito and for tracing Frescobaldi’s activities. The identity of Nicolò Cochi, who frequently signed for Frescobaldi’s salary at St Peter’s, is investigated; previously unpublished documents from the Ospedale archive and financial records are compared; and some conclusions reached as to how a musician such as Frescobaldi could successfully hold dual, if not multiple employments. At the same time, new information about liturgical practice at the Ospedale di Santo Spirito is presented.