bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Feminine or Masculine Crisis? Gender Stereotypes and Leadership During a Pandemic
Authors: Kantorowicz-Reznichenko Elena , Dabrowska Justyna , Kantorowicz Jaroslaw
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges for leaders, requiring behavior change and public self-compliance. Stereotypically feminine qualities, such as compassion and a good approach to people, may have helped achieve these goals, rendering the pandemic a “feminine crisis.” The special nature of this crisis, along with media attention on female-led countries successfully managing the pandemic, raises the question of whether female leaders would be perceived as more competent in handling such a crisis. In an experimental study conducted on a representative sample in Poland, we assessed whether female prime minister candidates or candidates with feminine traits had an advantage when their competence in managing a large-scale pandemic was evaluated. Surprisingly, we found that, contrary to national security and economic crises (where male or masculine candidates tend to be advantaged), women or feminine candidates were not perceived as having an advantage in managing a COVID-19 type crisis. Furthermore, conservative participants seemed to perceive male candidates as more competent, even in the pandemic context. Although the differences were small in magnitude, they suggest that even in a potentially “feminine crisis,” women do not fare better than men, while men still fare better in stereotypically male crises.
Prognostic value of biomarkers of ischaemia in patients with peripheral arterial disease following endovascular revascularisation
Authors: Dobrilovič Nika , Gerbec Nuša , Pelicon Kevin , Petek Klemen , Blinc Aleš , Boc Vinko , Jug Borut , Mijovski Mojca Božič , Osredkar Joško , Kejžar Nataša , Boc Anja
Published: January 2025

Summary: Background: Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of detectable high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) in predicting all-cause death or non-fatal ischaemic events in patients with PAD after endovascular revascularisation of the lower limbs. Patients and methods: Patients who underwent successful endovascular revascularisation for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) or disabling intermittent claudication (IC) were prospectively included. Pre-procedural levels of hs-cTnI and IMA were measured, and patients were followed for one year for the occurrence of the composite outcome of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, new-onset angina, non-fatal ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or progression of PAD. Outcomes were evaluated using survival analyses. Results: A total of 487 patients concluded the study, of whom 175 (35.9%) experienced the composite outcome. When considering only the clinical presentation of PAD and biomarker values, in patients with CLTI, hs-cTnI above the limit of detection (LoD) conferred an increased risk of the composite outcome compared to hs-cTnI below the LoD (p=0.004), while for IMA we found no significant difference. Outcomes of patients with CLTI and hs-cTnI or IMA below the LoD did not differ from those of patients with IC (p=0.07 and p=0.462, respectively). When adjusting for clinical characteristics and common cardiovascular risk factors in multivariate Cox survival analysis, neither biomarker improved prognostic performance, however IMA emerged as an independent predictor of the composite outcome in patients with CLTI. Conclusions: In patients with PAD who underwent successful endovascular procedure, neither IMA nor hs-cTnI improved risk stratification beyond clinical determinants. However, detection of IMA was an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events or death in patients with CLTI.
Dual pathway inhibition in patients with peripheral artery disease in Germany
Authors: Herold Joerg , Dagkonakis Nikolaos , Sebastian Debus E. , Rauch-Kröhnert Ursula , Zeymer Uwe , Bauersachs Rupert M.
Published: January 2025

Summary: Background: Dual-pathway inhibition (DPI) with aspirin and rivaroxaban exhibited a net clinical benefit for patients with cardiovascular disease in the randomized COMPASS trial. The non-observational, international XATOA registry showed that the COMPASS results can be reproduced in clinical practice in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Here we report patient characteristics and clinical outcomes for the subgroup of German PAD patients of the XATOA registry and compare them to COMPASS PAD patients. Patients and methods: XATOA was an international prospective registry of patients receiving DPI with a mean follow-up period of 15 months. The subgroup of German patients with PAD in XATOA comprised 1,819 patients, of which 925 patients (50.9%) had only PAD and 894 patients (49.1%) had both CAD and PAD. Patient characteristics such as prior medical history and prior medications as well as clinical outcomes such as incidences of major adverse limb events (MALE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding events were assessed. Results: DPI was well-tolerated in clinical practice. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes especially for patients with only PAD differed from characteristics and outcomes of the overall German XATOA population as well as the PAD subgroup of COMPASS. Patients with only PAD were markedly less supplied with lipid-lowering agents and betablockers. Incidences of MALE were high in German PAD patients of XATOA (9.0%) and markedly higher than in the PAD subgroup of COMPASS (1.2%). Incidences of MACE and major bleeding events were lower in German PAD patients of XATOA (MACE: 2.9%, major bleeding: 1.4%) than in PAD patients of COMPASS (MACE: 5.1%, major bleeding: 3.1%). Conclusions: DPI with rivaroxaban and aspirin is well-tolerated by PAD patients in German clinical practice. PAD patients in Germany exhibit different characteristics and show a different clinical outcome profile than PAD patients in COMPASS.
A New Capillary and Adsorption‒Force Model Predicting Hydraulic Conductivity of Soil During Freeze‒thaw Processes
Authors: Qiao Shufeng , Ma Rui , Wang Yunquan , Sun Ziyong , French Helen Kristine , Wang Yanxin
Published: January 2025

Understanding the change in soil hydraulic conductivity with temperature is key to predicting groundwater flow and solute transport in cold regions. The most commonly used models for hydraulic conductivity during freeze‒thaw cycles only consider the flow of capillary water in the soil and neglect water flowing along thin films around the particle surface. This paper proposed a new hydraulic conductivity model of frozen soil via the Clausius–Clapeyron equation based on an unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity model over the entire moisture range using an analogy between freeze‒thaw and dry‒wet processes in soils. The new model used a single equation to describe the conductivity behaviors resulting from both capillary and adsorption forces, thus accounting for the effect of both capillary water and thin liquid film around soil. By comparison with other existing models, the results demonstrated that the new model is applicable to various types of soils and that the predicted hydraulic conductivity is in the highest agreement with the observed data, while reducing the root mean square error by 38.9% compared to the van Genuchten–Mualem model. Finally, our new model was validated with thermal–hydrological benchmark problem and laboratory experiment result. The benchmark results indicated that the advective heat transfer was more significant, and the phase change was completed earlier when considering both capillary and adsorption forces than when only considering capillary forces. Furthermore, the coupled flow–heat model with the new hydraulic conductivity expression replicated well the results from a laboratory column experiment.
Transforming undergraduate dental education: the impact of artificial intelligence
Authors: Harte Molly , Carey Barbara , Feng Qingmei Joy , Alqarni Ali , Albuquerque Rui
Published: January 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving area, having had a transformative effect within some areas of medicine and dentistry. In dentistry, AI systems are contributing to clinical decision-making, diagnostics and treatment planning. Ongoing advances in AI technology will lead to further expansion of its existing applications and more widespread use within the field of dentistry. The predicted transformation of current practice within dentistry brought about by AI necessitates the education of undergraduate dental students on the topic of AI. AI will act as a complementary tool to clinical expertise and skill, rather than a replacement. AI education frameworks should integrate with existing traditional dental education. It is important that dental students develop a sound understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding AI, ensuring its safe and responsible use. This article aims to consider the status of current undergraduate dental education and the possible impact of AI, examining both the challenges and opportunities, and the practicalities, of incorporating AI into existing undergraduate dental curricula. Understanding and envisioning the future landscape shaped by AI will allow for development of a future dental workforce who are skilled, confident and responsible AI users.
Tenascin-C promotes bone regeneration via inflammatory macrophages
Authors: Ren Qian , Xing Wenhui , Jiang Bo , Feng Heng , Hu Xuye , Suo Jinlong , Wang Lijun , Zou Weiguo
Published: January 2025

During the early stage of tissue injury, macrophages play important roles in the activation of stem cells for further regeneration. However, the regulation of macrophages during bone regeneration remains unclear. Here, the extracellular matrix (ECM) tenascin-C (TNC) is found to express in the periosteum and recruit inflammatory macrophages. TNC-deficiency in the periosteum delays bone repair. Transplantation of macrophages derived from injured periosteum is able to rescue the decreased skeletal stem cells and impaired bone regeneration caused by TNC deficiency. The cell communication analysis identifies ITGA7 as a TNC receptor contributing to the recruitment of inflammatory macrophages. TNC expression declines in aged mice and the exogenous delivery of TNC significantly promotes bone regeneration after aging through the recruitment of macrophages. Taken together, this study reveals the regulation of macrophage recruitment and its function in the activation of skeletal stem cells after bone injury, providing a strategy to accelerate bone regeneration by TNC delivery.
Small-molecule-induced ERBB4 activation to treat heart failure
Authors: Cools Julie M. T. , Goovaerts Bo K. , Feyen Eline , Van den Bogaert Siel , Fu Yile , Civati Céline , Van fraeyenhove Jens , Tubeeckx Michiel R. L. , Ott Jasper , Nguyen Long , Wülfers Eike M. , Van Berlo Benji , De Vries Antoine A. F. , Vandersickel Nele , Pijnappels Daniël A. , Audenaert Dominique , Roderick H. Llewelyn , De Winter Hans , De Keulenaer Gilles W. , Segers Vincent F. M.
Published: January 2025

Heart failure is a common and deadly disease requiring new treatments. The neuregulin-1/ERBB4 pathway offers cardioprotective benefits, but using recombinant neuregulin-1 as therapy has limitations due to the need for intravenous delivery and lack of receptor specificity. We hypothesize that small-molecule activation of ERBB4 could protect against heart damage and fibrosis. To test this, we conduct a screening of 10,240 compounds and identify eight structurally similar ones (EF-1 to EF-8) that induce ERBB4 dimerization, with EF-1 being the most effective. EF-1 reduces cell death and hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes and decreases collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts in an ERBB4-dependent manner. In wild-type mice, EF-1 inhibits angiotensin-II-induced fibrosis in males and females and reduces heart damage caused by doxorubicin and myocardial infarction in females, but not in Erbb4-null mice. This study shows that small-molecule ERBB4 activation is feasible and may lead to a novel class of drugs for treating heart failure.
Seasonal changes of mélange thickness coincide with Greenland calving dynamics
Authors: Meng Yue , Lai Ching-Yao , Culberg Riley , Shahin Michael G. , Stearns Leigh A. , Burton Justin C. , Nissanka Kavinda
Published: January 2025

Iceberg calving is a major contributor to Greenland’s ice mass loss. Ice mélange, tightly packed sea ice and icebergs, has been hypothesized to buttress the calving fronts. However, quantifying the mélange buttressing force from field observations remains a challenge. Here we show that such quantification can be achieved with a single field measurement: thickness of mélange at the glacier terminus. We develop a three-dimensional discrete element model of mélange along with a simple analytical model to quantify the mélange buttressing using mélange thickness data from ArcticDEM over 32 Greenland glacier termini. We observed a strong seasonality in mélange thickness: thin mélange (averaged thickness $$3{4}_{-15}^{+17}$$
3

4

−
15

+
17

m) in summertime when terminus retreats, and thick mélange (averaged thickness $$11{9}_{-37}^{+31}$$
11

9

−
37

+
31

m) in wintertime when terminus advances. The observed seasonal changes of mélange thickness strongly coincide with observed Greenland calving dynamics and the modeled buttressing effects.
Sitravatinib in combination with nivolumab plus ipilimumab in patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a phase 1 trial
Authors: Msaouel Pavlos , Yu Kai , Yuan Ying , Chen Jianfeng , Yan Xinmiao , Karki Menuka , Duan Fei , Sheth Rahul A. , Rao Priya , Sircar Kanishka , Shah Amishi Y. , Zurita Amado J. , Genovese Giannicola , Li Min , Yeh Chih-Chen , Dang Minghao , Han Guangchun , Chu Yanshuo , Hallin Max , Olson Peter , Yang Rui , Slavin Daniela , Der-Torossian Hirak , Chin Curtis D. , Tannir Nizar M. , Wang Linghua , Gao Jianjun
Published: January 2025

We conducted a phase I trial to determine the optimal dose of triplet therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sitravatinib plus nivolumab plus ipilimumab in 22 previously untreated patients with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 1-year survival probability, and sitravatinib pharmacokinetics. Sitravatinib dose of 35 mg daily plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg and ipilimumab 1 mg/kg resulted in high frequency of immune-related adverse events. Subsequent dose reduction of ipilimumab to 0.7 mg/kg allowed safe escalation of sitravatinib up to 100 mg daily. Overall, the triplet combination achieved ORR 45.5%, DCR 86.4%, median PFS 14.5 months, and 1-year survival 80.8%. Median OS and DOR were not reached. Sitravatinib exposure increased dose-dependently. Single-cell RNA-seq of longitudinally collected tumor biopsies from 12 patients identified a tumor cell-specific epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like program associated with treatment resistance and poor outcomes. Treatment resistance was characterized by a transition from cytotoxic to exhausted T cell state and enrichment for M2-like myeloid cells. The observed hypothesis-generating changes in gene expression dynamics and cellular states may help inform future strategies to optimize immunotherapy efficacy. Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT04518046
COVID-19’s gendered effect on subjective wellbeing in MENA countries
Authors: Barsoum Ghada , Majbouri Mahdi
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of great intensity that exposed many existing inequities in facing this global threat. Building on Galtung’s conceptualization of positive peace as the absence of structural violence and institutionalized inequality, we study the gendered effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on reported subjective wellbeing (SWB) in four countries in the Middle East. Data from mobile phone panel surveys, with a total sample of 12,614 observations collected during this critical juncture, show that women consistently reported a lower level of SWB than men in all four countries. Women experienced higher increases in unemployment rates than men in all four countries, despite their already higher rates prior to the pandemic. Controlling for individual characteristics and geographic-time fixed effects, the main factor associated with lower SWB was the decline in household income, reflecting the intersectionality of poverty and gender. In addition, the reported increase in the time spent on housework negatively affected women’s SWB, particularly in urban areas. The pandemic has further accentuated gender inequality in all four countries and exposed the inherent structural violence experienced by women in these contexts.
Hypothalamic atrophy in primary lateral sclerosis, assessed by convolutional neural network-based automatic segmentation
Authors: Kassubek Jan , Roselli Francesco , Witzel Simon , Dorst Johannes , Ludolph Albert C. , Rasche Volker , Vernikouskaya Ina , Müller Hans-Peter
Published: January 2025

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disease (MND) which mainly affects upper motor neurons. Within the MND spectrum, PLS is much more slowly progressive than amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS). `Classical` ALS is characterized by catabolism and abnormal energy metabolism preceding onset of motor symptoms, and previous studies indicated that the disease progression of ALS involves hypothalamic atrophy. Very limited weight loss is observed in patients with PLS, which raises the question of whether there are also less hypothalamic alterations. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the hypothalamic volume in a group of PLS patients and to compare it with ALS and controls. Recently, we have introduced automatic hypothalamic quantification method based on the use of convolutional neural network (CNN) to reduce human variability and enhance analysis robustness. This CNN of U-Net architecture was applied for automatic segmentation of the hypothalamus and intracranial volume (ICV) to allow adjustments of the hypothalamic volume between subjects with different head sizes respectively. Automatic segmentation and volumetric analysis were performed in high resolution T1 weighted MRI volumes (acquired on a 1.5 T MRI scanner) of 46 PLS patients in comparison to 107 healthy controls and 411 `classical` ALS patients, respectively. Significant hypothalamic volume reduction was observed in PLS (818 ± 73 mm3) when compared to controls (852 ± 77 mm3); significant hypothalamic volume reduction was also confirmed in ALS (823 ± 84 mm3), in support of previous studies. No significant differences were found in normalized hypothalamic volumes between ALS patients and PLS patients at the group level. This unbiased CNN-based hypothalamus volume quantification study demonstrated similarly reduced hypothalamus volume in PLS and ALS patients, despite the clinical phenotypic differences.
A unifying principle for global greenness patterns and trends
Authors: Cai Wenjia , Zhu Ziqi , Harrison Sandy P. , Ryu Youngryel , Wang Han , Zhou Boya , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: January 2025

Vegetation cover regulates the exchanges of energy, water and carbon between land and atmosphere. Remotely-sensed fractional absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (fAPAR), a land-surface greenness measure, depends on carbon allocation to foliage while also controlling photon flux for photosynthesis. Here we use an equation with just two globally fitted parameters to describe annual maximum fAPAR as the smaller of a water-limited value transpiring a constant fraction of annual precipitation, and an energy-limited value maximizing annual plant growth. This minimalist description reproduces global greenness patterns and temporal trends in remote-sensing data, comparable to the best-performing dynamic global vegetation models. Widely observed greening is attributed principally to the influence of rising carbon dioxide on the light- and water-use efficiencies of photosynthesis; limited browning regions are attributed to drying. This research provides one key component of ecosystem function as a step towards more robust foundations for new-generation land ecosystem models.
A novel method for estrous cycle staging using supervised object detection
Authors: Babaev Benjamin , Goyal Saachi , Arora Tushar , Autry Anita , Ross Rachel A.
Published: January 2025

The estrous cycle regulates reproductive events and hormone changes in female mammals and is analogous to the menstrual cycle in humans. Monitoring this cycle is necessary as it serves as a biomarker for overall health and is crucial for interpreting study results. The estrous cycle comprises four stages influenced by fluctuating levels of hormones, mainly estradiol and progesterone. Tracking the cycle traditionally relies on vaginal cytology, which categorizes stages based on three epithelial cell concentrations. However, this method has limitations, including time-consuming training and variability among researchers. This study assesses the feasibility and reliability of two previous image classification models as well as introducing an alternative method of machine learning to address the challenges posed by manual vaginal cytology and image classification. An object detection-based machine learning model, Object Detection Estrous Staging (ODES), was employed to identify cell types throughout the estrous cycle in mice. A dataset of 730 vaginal cytology images with four different stains was used, with 335 images for training, 45 for validation, and 350 for testing. A novel, accurate set of rules for classification was derived by analyzing training images. ODES achieved an average accuracy of 80% in classifying cycle stages, comparable to human accuracy (66%) and previous image classification models (41–79%). The efficiency of ODES, processing 100 test images in just 2.67 minutes, makes it a valuable tool for large-scale neuropsychiatric studies involving female rodents and also encourages the integration of this variable into neurological and psychiatric research. These results demonstrate that ODES offers a fast, reliable, and accessible method for estrous cycle monitoring, potentially improving how researchers approach sex-based variables in neuropsychiatric studies.
Boric Acid as Supramolecular Graphite
Authors: Das Susobhan , Yadava Khushboo , Reddy Chilla Malla , Saha Subhankar
Published: January 2025

The study demonstrates how the distribution of intermolecular interactions of varying strengths along different directions in the anisotropic layer structure of triclinic boric acid leads to extensive mechanical shearing that...
Environmental applications of metal–organic framework-based three-dimensional macrostructures: a review
Authors: Chen Cheng , Shen Liguo , Wang Boya , Lu Xinchun , Raza Saleem , Xu Jiujing , Li Bisheng , Lin Hongjun , Chen Banglin
Published: January 2025

The latest advancements in MOF-based three-dimensional macrostructures, encompassing fascinating characteristics, preparation strategies, characterization methods, and environmental applications, are examined.
Sorption of arsenate on cerium oxide: a simulated infrared and Raman spectroscopic identification
Authors: Ta Khoa Minh , Wisdom Deyontae O. , Gillie Lisa J. , Cooke David J. , Zhu Runliang , Gonçalves Mário A. , Parker Stephen C. , Molinari Marco
Published: January 2025

Cerium oxide is an optimal sorbent. Arsenate adsorbs in stable 4-fold and 5-fold coordination, which need inclusion in fitting EXAFS spectra. Such sorption has characteristic simulated Raman and Infrared spectra.
Photo-induced enhancement of hydrogenation activity for ruthenium nanoparticles immobilized on carbon dots
Authors: Campalani Carlotta , Durai Manisha , Leitner Walter , Bordet Alexis
Published: January 2025

Under light irradiation, CDs act as electron reservoirs for Ru NPs, thereby enhancing their hydrogenation activity.
A ladder-type organic molecule with pseudocapacitive properties enabling superior electrochemical desalination
Authors: Cui Yujie , Tao Yueheng , Yang Jun , Wang Houxiang , Zhang Peipei , Li Guangxing , Shi Minjie , Ang Edison Huixiang
Published: January 2025

A pseudo-capacitive organic material with multiple active sites and rigid skeleton structure is proposed, which can be applied in electrochemical desalination system with efficient, fast and durable electroadsorption performance.
Bis-3-chloropiperidines: a novel motif for anthelmintic drug design
Authors: Kirchner Michael , Marner Michael , Kramer Tim , Mühlemeyer Felix , Eichberg Johanna , Oberpaul Markus , Haeberlein Simone , Göttlich Richard
Published: January 2025

We report the in vitro screening of bis-3-chloropiperidine derivatives against the free-living Caenorhabditis elegans and the parasitic Schistosoma mansoni. 56% of compounds active against C. elegans were also active against S. mansoni.
Tuning surface hydrophilicity of a BiVO4 photoanode through interface engineering for efficient PEC water splitting
Authors: Yu Shuangwei , Su Chunrong , Xiao Zhehui , Kuang Yi , Gong Xue , He Xiong , Liu Jinghua , Jin Qianqian , Sun Zijun
Published: January 2025

Herein, a facile solvothermal strategy was employed to enhance the surface hydrophilicity of organic–inorganic hybrid photoanodes for improving the PEC water splitting performance.
Agonistic Behaviors of The Anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris Living with Their Host Anemones
Authors: Lempereur Antoine , Nguyen Hai-Thanh Thi
Published: January 2025

Agonistic behaviours, defined as an individual’s aggressive behavior towards a conspecific, facilitate a social ranking throughout the animal kingdom, particularly within anemonefish group. In this study, we investigated the agonistic behaviors of the specialist anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris living with different host anemones. Juvenile fish were exposed to their natural and unnatural host anemones in laboratory, and their agonistic behaviors were assessed through the occurrence of bites, the occurrence of chases, and the time spent in chilling behavior. The fish exhibited a higher frequency of bites and spent more time in chilling behavior (p<0.01) when residing within their natural anemone host, Stichodactyla gigantea. In contrast, when living within S. haddoni, where survival was less assured, fish exhibited more chases (p<0.05), which were less likely to injure conspecifics. The fish also engaged more in biting behavior (p<0.001) once establishing symbiosis within the natural host S. gigantea. These results suggest that biting is important to the establishment of the social hierarchy, while the chasing behavior is crucial for maintaining the hierarchy across time, which is important for reproduction potential. These findings imply that by adjusting their agonistic behavior, coral reef fish could make a trade-off between survival and reproduction in unfavorable environmental conditions.
Heavy metal content (Cd and Cu) in the flesh and gills of ponyfish (Leiognathus Equulus) in Cilincing coastal waters, Jakarta bay
Authors: Tinur Awwali Aliza , Sulistiono  , Hariyadi Sigid , Riani Etty , Sinaga Jessica
Published: January 2025

Cilincing coastal waters, as one of the coastal waters of Jakarta Bay, apart from being a fishing ground for local fishermen, is also a location for various community activities, including residential, industrial, transportation, shipping and tourism. One of the fish resources in the region is ponyfish (Leiognathus equulus). These various community activities can produce waste which has an impact on the fish. This study aims to analyze the heavy metal content in the flesh and gills of ponyfish exposed to heavy metals caught in Cilincing coastal waters, Jakarta Bay. Sampling was carried out for 6 months (February - July 2023). Analysis of heavy metal content in flesh and gills was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The content of the heavy metal Cd in flesh and gills exceeds quality standards. In the fish samples, inflammatory cell infiltration was found (in the fish flesh) and there was edema, lamella fusion, basal cell hyperplasia and secondary cell hyperplasia (in the fish gills). Based on calculations, the safe limit for consumption of ponyfish caught in Cilincing waters should be no more than 1.858 kg of flesh/week for adults and 0.558 kg of flesh/week for children.
Bibliometric analysis: Environmental DNA (eDNA) methods in marine biodiversity research in the world and Indonesia
Authors: Banjarsari Alda Awayan , Subhan Beginer , Zamani Neviaty P. , Cahyani Ni Kadek Dita , Arafat Dondy , Ayu Inna Puspa , Lestari Dea Fauzia
Published: January 2025

The urgency to identify biodiversity and other research has made eDNA methods more popular in recent years. This article aims to provide an overview of the eDNA methods for marine biodiversity research. We used bibliometrics to analyze marine biodiversity research using eDNA methods articles in the last twenty years from 2006 to 2024 in the Scopus database. Data processing using VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. We found that 697 articles from 2006 to 2024 were published worldwide, while Indonesia had published 22 articles and started using eDNA methods from 2019. Cross-sector and cross-country research collaboration are needed as a solution for research and management challenges and to increase competence. With the right support, eDNA can be an important tool as a solution to global environmental challenges and protect Indonesia's valuable marine biodiversity.
Performance ratio of the PLTS system for blue swimming crab handling on the boat in field testing and PVsyst software simulation
Authors: Kuncoro Ari , Agus Setiawan Ahmad , Natsir Moh , Sasmita Suparman , Wisnugroho Susilo , Setiyobudi Nanang , Zarochman  , Hufiadi  , Suryo Sukoraharjo Sri , Wassahua Zainal , Muji Permana Sofiyan , Nurbaya Sari Rodiah , Catur Nugroho Kuncoro , Arif Nugraha Bambang
Published: January 2025

On the northern coast of Java, some fishermen catch the blue swimming crab (BSC) for more than one day, which risks damaging the BSC; therefore, the fishermen will perform the initial steps of steaming and cold storage on the boat. As an alternative initial process, fishermen can use electrical devices for BSC processing by converting solar energy into electrical energy using a solar power plant (PLTS). We have designed an off-grid PLTS for the initial processing of BSC and lighting. This research aims to determine the performance ratio (PR) of the off-grid PLTS for the initial processing of the BSC compared to simulations using PVsyst software. The method used was qualitative, testing the off-grid PLTS on a boat in Rembang and comparing the PR with the simulation results from the PVsyst software. The off-grid PLTS system exhibited a PR of 0.379, whereas the simulation result was 0.710. The economic analysis indicated that the off-grid PLTS system cost for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by the PLTS system is IDR 19,497,90. The testing results of the off-grid PLTS system showed low PR, but we hope fishermen can use this system for the initial handling of BSC on the boats.
Effect of Alkali Pretreatment on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Gracilaria sp.
Authors: Daniel Manurung Josua , Uju  , Santoso Joko , Sudiyani Yanni , Maryana Roni , Chasanah Ekowati
Published: January 2025

Pretreatment of seaweed biomass for bioethanol production. This study aimed to determine the effect of biomass pretreatment with 5% NaOH alkali on enzymatic hydrolysis in the bioethanol production process using Gracilaria sp. as raw material. Pretreatment with 5% NaOH alkali was carried out with different time variations, namely 60, 90, and 120 minutes at a temperature of 50oC. After pretreatment, the enzymatic hydrolysis process was carried out using cellulase enzymes on a shaker incubator at a temperature of 50oC, 150 rpm for 72 hours, then the fermentation process for 72 hours using Saccharomices cerevisiae mold. The results showed that 5% NaOH alkali pretreatment could improve the quality of Gracilaria sp. biomass. The lignin content produced was 10.43 ± 0.15%.
Impact of Madden-Julian Oscillation on the Diurnal Rainfall Cycle in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ayoub Afiqah Bahirah , Liew Juneng , Tangang Fredolin , Jamaluddin Ahmad Fairudz
Published: January 2025

The study investigated the influence of the early phases of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) on the diurnal rainfall cycle in Peninsular Malaysia (PM). The most significant variations in precipitation occurred late evening Malaysia Standard Time. The remote impacts of MJO on PM resulted in changes to the diurnal rainfall patterns during the early MJO phases when the primary MJO convection centre remains over the Indian Ocean. These conditions created a conducive environment for local convection over PM due to the weakening of the southwest monsoon winds. Along the west coast of PM, intensified sea breeze led to anomalous moisture transport fuelling the local convection. In contrast, the eastern coast experienced drier weather due to opposing sea breeze and monsoonal wind patterns, diminishing moisture transport towards the northeastern coastal region.
Evaluation of 2015 Vegetation Fire Activity Distribution in Peninsular Malaysia using Integrated Satellite and Land Activity Data
Authors: Teoh Hwai Leng , Ooi Maggie Chel Gee , Talib Latif Mohd , Lin Neng-Huei , Mohd Nadzir Mohd Shahrul , Badulrudin Mohd Fahmi
Published: January 2025

The decline in air quality is a significant global issue, with agricultural practices and biomass burning being a few of the factors contributing to harmful pollutants. In 2015, Malaysia faced severe air quality deterioration due to forest fires and agricultural burning, worsened by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions. Vegetation fires, particularly forest fires, emit pollutants and cause temperature fluctuations, significantly impacting air quality. Although satellites like NOAA’s GOES16 and NASA’s MODIS are used for fire detection, data coverage and capture frequencies create uncertainties. This study examines local vegetation burning data from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), MODIS hotspots from the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), and MODIS Burned Area Monthly L3 Global 500m (MCD64A1). The analysis focuses on the spatial distribution and trends of vegetation burning in Peninsular Malaysia’s forests and agricultural lands in 2015. It also compares fire detection data from BOMBA and MODIS to identify discrepancies between the local and remote sensing datasets. The research aims to enhance understanding of vegetation fire activities in Peninsular Malaysia, offering insights for more effective fire management and mitigation strategies.
Bacteria Assemble: Investigating Soil Bacterial Diversity and Interactions in a Sarawakian Oil Palm Plantation for Climate-Resilient Soil Management
Authors: Zahidah Ayob , Nor Azizah Kusai , Han Ming Gan , Wan Nurul‘Ain Wan Mohd Nor , Hasimah Mos , Vijaya Subramaniam , Meilina Ong Abdullah
Published: January 2025

Investigating bacterial diversity in the soil of oil palm plantations is crucial for developing effective soil management strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, thereby addressing climate change challenges. In this study, we analysed soil bacterial communities within an oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysia. To capture the full spectrum of microbial diversity, samples were collected across three distinct soil depths and various managements zones within the plantation. We employed Illumina amplicon sequencing targeting the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene, which revealed a diverse array of soil bacteria, primarily from the phyla Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Proteobacteria. Notably, families such as RAAP2_2 and Isosphaeraceae were identified as key biomarkers predominantly inhabiting deeper soil layers (30-45 cm), while UBA7541, Streptosporangiaceae, and Sporichthyaceae were more prevalent in the surface layer (0-15 cm). Microbial correlation network analysis revealed a complex network of robust and significant interactions among 11 bacterial families, suggesting their involvement in plant material degradation and carbon cycling. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) revealed that pH, moisture content, and bulk density were significant factors that influence the microbial community structure. At the phylum level, Acidobacteriota showed a close association with pH, while Proteobacteria was associated with higher moisture content. Interestingly, we discovered that the soil was not as homogeneous as initially thought. Microenvironmental variability was evident, with specific groupings based on subplot sampled. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors shaping microbial communities in oil palm plantation soils, thus opening avenues for further exploration of the complex mechanisms driving ecosystem processes in this unique Malaysian soil environment.
Critical Review on the Implementation of Transit Oriented Development in Malaysia by Comparison with Other Countries
Authors: Rahaman Lutfi A. , Naharudin Nabilah , Salleh Siti Aekbal
Published: January 2025

This paper review assesses the implementation of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Malaysia by comparing it with practices in other countries. The study aims to evaluate the principles of TOD and identify similarities and differences across different regions. Using a systematic literature analysis approach, the methodology involves examining manuals, journals, and government documents related to TOD policies. By employing VOSviewer software for network analysis of scientific publications, the research explores the structure of TOD principles. Key findings emphasize the importance of mixed-use development, high density, connectivity, liveability, resilience, green and low carbon principles, and resource optimization in fostering sustainable communities because some transit station in Malaysia can be improve its current infrastructure to meet TOD principles requirement. The conclusions drawn underscore the global significance of TOD practices and suggest avenues for Malaysia to enhance its urban planning policies by learning from international experiences. This study hopes to contribute valuable insights to the field of sustainable urban planning and offers implications for future research and policy development in TOD implementation.
Material screening for the development of a photovoltaic module using biodegradable materials from renewable raw materials
Authors: Pander Matthias , Koepge Ringo , Jaeckel Bengt , Mordvinkin Anton
Published: January 2025

The development of photovoltaic (PV) modules made of bio-degradable materials from renewable resources offers numerous advantages. It reduces the ecological footprint of the photovoltaic industry and promotes its sustainability. The use of these materials reduces the use of non-renewable resources and minimizes the environmental impact during the full life cycle of the PV module. One limitation of PV modules made from renewable raw materials is their typical limited durability compared to conventional PV modules. Due to their natural properties, biodegradable materials may not offer the same longevity and resistance to environmental influences as conventional materials. This can lead to a shortened lifespan of the modules and affect their long-term performance. The aim of this work is to present a screening of possible material candidates that may be suitable for achieving at least partially substitution of components of standard crystalline PV module with recycled, bio-based or bio-degradable materials. The focus lies on encapsulation, backsheet and module frame as replacement for aluminum. It is shown how these materials behave under the standard requirements of the PV industry, which materials are generally suitable and which mechanisms could prove to be showstoppers. The selected wood-based material as substitute for aluminum showed resistance in aging tests, but the dependence of the properties on the moisture content must be considered. In the design process differences to aluminum regarding fracture behavior must be considered with appropriate design safety factors. From 6 initial variants for mini-module manufacturing only two were identified for further investigation. Material weaknesses were identified in long-term IEC 61215-2 Damp Heat (DH) tests and the sequential test Sequence B of IEC 61730-2. The variant of EVA with bio-degradable additive and bio-based backsheet and polyamid based backsheet were identified as suitable for further testing. The tested bio-degradable materials were identified as not suitable because the temperature and humidity involved in the standard tests lead, even after short testing intervales, to severe material degradation. As result, the materials could no longer fulfill its protective function for the cells.
A Look at the BOS-10 and H-1500 Oxygenators
Authors: Walton Howard G. , Sugden Ernest H. , White Judith A.
Published: January 2025

Having experienced difficulty, from time to time, in obtaining certain oxygenators from manufacturers for various reasons, we were prompted to investigate the convenience and possibility of using two oxygenators on a routine basis. An evaluation of the Bentley Spiraflo BOS-10 and Harvey H-1500 oxygenators was undertaken to determine the ease of use and compare the performance of each in the areas of blood gases, flows, and heat transfer. The BOS-10 oxygenator and the H-1500 oxygenator were each used for fifty perfusions on patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass for the correction of cardiac/coronary disease.

While there was no statistical difference in blood flow between the two oxygenators, there was a significant difference in gas flow employed. The Bentley BOS-10 was able to adequately oxygenate at a lower total gas flow, but unable to adequately remove the CO2 at these lower gas flows. There was no statistical difference in the arterial blood pO2. The BOS-10 outperformed the H-1500 oxygenator when warming times were compared. For this reason we have discontinued the use of the H-1500 in favor of the S-100A and BOS-10S. No problems were experienced in the routine use of two different bubble oxygenators. We believe that it is advantageous for an institution performing open-heart surgery to have at least two oxygenators available to the surgical team.
Physical and numerical simulation for optimization of bottom blowing arrangement of 160-ton ladle
Authors: Li Zheng , Qiu Jiayong , Chen Yuanqing , Li Chengbin , He Fei , Zhao Kai , Lu Xinzhe , Liu Ruihan , Ju Dianchun , Zheng Chuanbo , Zhu Zhenghai
Published: January 2025

In this study, a novel 1/3-scale water model was designed for a 160-ton ladle based on the similarity principle. The model consists of 24 bottom blow holes and four measuring electrodes positioned at various directions and heights. In order to determine the optimal layout for double-nozzle bottom blowing at a global level, fully combined experiments were conducted at four radial positions of 0.55R, 0.60R, 0.65R and 0.70R and five angles of 90°, 95°, 100°, 110° and 120°. By investigating the effects of different combinations of bottom blowing position and flow rate on mixing time, several preferred schemes for the bottom blowing arrangement were pre-selected in comparison with the industrial prototype. Subsequently, numerical simulations were performed to further optimize the scheme. The Euler-Euler model and the Realizable k-ε turbulence model were employed in the numerical simulation to solve the governing differential equation of the flow field, facilitating acquisition of a three-dimensional unsteady flow field of molten steel during ladle bottom blowing. The distribution characteristics of the flow field and the ratio of dead zones in the pre-selected schemes were analyzed, ultimately leading to the determination of an optimal bottom blowing scheme. The findings demonstrate that, at a blow rate of 4.65 NL/min, the arrangement of bottom blowing positions can be successively ranked as 0.60R-100, 0.55R-110, 0.65R-100 and 0.65R-95 in increasing order of mixing time, including an industrial prototype denoted as 0.65R-95. The mixing time exhibits a gradual decrease with increasing gas flow rate, and for each inlet there exists a critical value of 4.65 NL/min that corresponds to a prototype gas flow rate of 200 NL/min. The numerical simulation results indicate that an optimal arrangement with a reduced mixing time generally exhibits a decreased proportion of dead zone. Considering both the mixing time and proportion of dead zone, the optimal arrangement for bottom blowing is determined as 0.60R-100, where “0.60R” represents the radial position and “100°” denotes the separation angle between dual inlet centers.
The retailer's information sharing decisions with manufacturer's encroachment and production learning effects
Authors: Hu Xingyu , Guan Zhenzhong , Ren Jianbiao
Published: January 2025

If the manufacturer can efficiently reduce costs and boost overall profits throughout the supply chain, he can send some incremental surplus to the retailer to motivate him to share his precise demand information. We study a two-period dual-channel supply chain where a manufacturer sells through a retailer with an advantage in demand information. The manufacturer can encroach and use production learning effects to reduce costs. Based on six scenarios under the "encroachment-dominated + production-learning effect-dominated + dual-factor" approaches, we investigated how the manufacturer's encroachment and the production-learning effect affected the retailer's decisions to share information. Some interesting results are obtained. First, a single-win, win-win, or lose-lose situation is generated for the supply chain participants by the dynamic competition mechanism under the combined effects of encroachment and the production learning effect. When more ambiguous demand information is cooperatively provided, both the retailer and manufacturer will benefit from information sharing. The win-win area increases with higher direct selling costs, whereas the win-win area decreases with increased production learning effects. Second, the retailer's information sharing benefits more from a higher level of the production learning effect when demand information is unclear, and information sharing benefits more from a lower level of the production learning effect when demand information is more accurate. In addition, in terms of profitability following information sharing, we ultimately discover that a unilateral payment contract renders the single cost reduction strategy superior to the single channel expansion strategy. The best incentive strategy to encourage retailer information sharing is to simultaneously implement cost reduction and channel expansion. Finally, we obtain some management insights that support supply chain parties in making decisions regarding the resolution of channel conflicts and the realization of information cooperation.