bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on CV. Rena Soap Nut Detergent as Future Organic Detergent in Indonesia
Authors: Fatimah S , Arifan F , Herdiyanto A A , Rezky M , Ramadhani C
Published: April 2020

Soap nut (especially Sapindus rarak De Candole, can also be S. mukorossi) or also known as rerek, lamuran or lerak is a plant that is known for traditional detergent. Batik is usually recommended to be washed soap nut because it is considered as the most suitable washing agent to maintain its quality (batik color). Soap nut seeds contain saponins, a toxic alkaloid, these saponins produce foam and function as a washing agent, and can also be used as a cleaner for various kitchen utensils, floors, and even bathe and clean pets. This research aims to compare the quality of CV Rena batik soap nut detergent with batik soap nut produced by other industries. In this experiment include color analysis, odor analysis, pH analysis, density analysis and viscosity analysis of tested batik soap nut detergent. The results of the five sensory organoleptic tests found that CV detergents were compared with three competitor manufacturers batik soap nut detergent (detergent A, detergent B and detergent C) has a homogeneous shape, distinctive color and distinctive odor. While for the pH test the CV Renault detergent results were pH = 3.2, detergent A pH = 3.8, detergent B pH = 5.9 and finally detergent C pH = 4.2. For the density test, the detergent density of CV Rena = 1.0386 gr/ml, detergent A = 1.0255 gr/ml, detergent B = 1.0554 gr/ml and detergent C = 1, 0068 gr/ml. And for the viscosity test, the result of CV Renas detergent = 1.61 cp, detergent A = 1.45 cp, detergent B = 5.86 cp and detergent C = 1.15 cp. The trial results obtained in organoleptic tests such as color, odor and shape are in accordance with the Liquid Detergent Quality Requirements SNI 06-4075-1996, while the pH and density are not in accordance with the existing quality standards. Suggestions for this research are to use more soap nut extracts so that the density produced will be thicker and in accordance with the existing SNI and use natural ingredients which have not too acidic properties to conform to the established SNI.
Coal Ash Waste Utilization for Environmentally Friendly Road Pavement Materials
Authors: Susanto I , Irawan R R , Ronny Y , Gunawan G
Published: April 2020

Indonesia is boosting electricity supply, where coal fired power plants are most widely used. Burning coal activity will produce Fly Ash Bottom Ash (FABA) that categorized as Hazardous and Toxic Substances. The production of FABA are 6.598.493 tons (2019) and will increase along with the 35, 000MW program. The research purpose is to study the utilization of FABA from PLTU Labuan Angin as road pavement material that not only fulfill required specifications, but has better performance and environmentally safe. The experimental method was chosen by laboratory testing. Criteria for utilization of FABA as road pavement material, must be carried out with the use of material that capable to binding FABA so that it doesn’t disintegrate Test results showed that FA is type F with CaO levels <10% and LoI 4.27%. Characteristics testing also showed results such as specific gravity of FA 2.64 and BA 2.56, absorption 3.24%, sand equivalent 95.35%. Utilization for base layers with a composition of 75% BA, 25% FA, and 9% PCC produce γd 1.71%, Wopt 5.84%, and UCS 33.05kg/cm2. This utilization is the most effective, because it absorbs more volumes, binding cement, and compaction with heavy equipment can also prevent FABA from released so it is environmentally safe.
Analytical Research Focus Areas of Disaster: Case Study SCOPUS 2014-2018
Authors: Fauzy A , Muhajir M , Kurniawan M H S , Ghiffary G G
Published: April 2020

Higher education is one of the most critical educational stages in a country. Most experts in various fields become proficient through higher education. Therefore, higher education providers or colleges should improve their education quality continuously. One of the ways to improve their quality is by college excellence mapping. This paper uses data retrieved from Scopus for the observation period from 2014 to 2018. Furthermore, to identify the most productive and influential institutes and higher education. As a center of education, as well as the research center, one that can be used as a mapping base is scientific publication. In this study, the excellence that is want to be seen refers to RPJPN 2005-2025 and RPJMN 2015- 2019 and mapping based on the journal in SCOPUS 2014-2018, which is focused on Disaster. Results from this study concluded that 94.2 % (211) of 224 universities published journals indexed Scopus on range 1-42 journal publications within 5 years.
Strategy of Change Construction Method to Increase Productivity and Reduce Waste in the Private University Buildings
Authors: Azhar M , Hermawan F , Wibowo M A
Published: April 2020

In the effort of productivity management of floor plate formwork method and minimising waste in building projects, the contractor must know the level of productivity of conventional floor plate formwork method and panel floor formwork method. Aim of this research is to explore the strategy of increasing productivity by three objectives: (1) measuring productivity of the implementing floor plate formwork among two methods, (2) analysing the productivity ratio based on first objective through productivity factors 5M (Method, Material, Machine, Man Power and Money) on building projects, (3) analysing waste in the comparison between 2 methods. The research method used was a case study of a university building project in Yogyakarta. Strategy to answer the research objectives, this research was occupied productivity analysis through these two methods. The results showed that productivity of the floor panel formwork method is higher that is 595.84 m2/day and labour productivity is 36.67 m2/person per day, compared to productivity of conventional formwork method is smaller that is 385.13 m2per day, and labour productivity is 27.03 m2/person per day, and panel floor plate formwork can minimize waste in lean construction assessment board assessment
Using Geographically Weighted – Binary Logistic Regression to Analyze Land Cover Change Phenomenon (Case Study: Northern West Java Development Region)
Authors: Muzdalifah Q R , Deliar A , Virtriana R , Naufal A , Ajie I S
Published: April 2020

Land is one of the important resources that can be used to supply the needs of human life. Uncontrolled land utilization will cause land cover change phenomenon. Land cover change phenomenon can be analyzed by using a model. To get an accurate result, the selection of models in the analysis of land cover change must be based on the characteristics of land cover change phenomenon itself. Land cover change is a binary phenomenon and strongly related to the local characteristics of a region. A model that can be used in the analysis of binary phenomena is Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) model. However, the application of BLR model has a disadvantage. BLR model is one of the global models which assumes that the analyzed phenomenon has homogeneous characteristics for the entire study area. This does not correspond to the characteristic of land cover change phenomenon. Therefore, we need another local model that is able to show local characteristic variations of land cover change. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model is one of the local spatial regression techniques that can be used to analyze phenomena that have spatially heterogeneous characteristics. The application of GWR model for binary phenomena (dependent variable) such as land cover change is called Geographically Weighted – Binary Logistic Regression (GW-BLR) model. This research aims to analyze land cover change phenomenon in the Northern West Java development region using GW-BLR and compares the result to BLR model. The results of this research indicate that the analysis of land cover change in the Northern West Java development region using GW-BLR model has a higher level of accuracy compared to BLR model. The modeling results of land cover change using GW-BLR model has an overall accuracy value of 91.10% and using BLR model has an overall accuracy value of 84.09%. Therefore, it can be concluded that land cover change phenomenon in Northern West Java development region can be analyzed more accurately by considering its local spatial characteristics through using the GW-BLR model.
The Impact of Disaster Awareness towards Household Disaster Preparedness among Families on the Coast of Banten, Sumur District, Indonesia
Authors: Suryaratri R D , Akbar Z , Ariyani M , Purwalatia A T , Wahyuni L D
Published: April 2020

Located in the Ring of Fire, Indonesia has become a country with tectonic and volcanic activity with considerable intensity. One of the impacts of these activities is in the form of a tsunami. In December 2018, a tsunami occurred in Pandeglang, Ujung Kulon, Banten Province with the most victims being in the Sumur District. This research was conducted to determine the level of community awareness and household disaster preparedness in facing disasters. This research is a quantitative study using questionnaires containing statement items to be filled out by respondents. Disaster Preparedness scale form LIPI-UNESCO/ISDR which consists of five aspects and Disaster Awareness scale from Bhat which consists of three aspects were used in this research. There were 166 participants involved in this study. The study suggests that disaster awareness contribute to household disaster preparedness significantly. Meaning that families with high level disaster awareness are more prepared in response to disaster.
Developing Security Climate in Educational Organizations in the Cyber Era
Authors: Dewi E K , Himam F , Sobirin A
Published: April 2020

The rapid development of information technology opens the barriers between regions and countries. These developments urge globalization. In educational organizations the involvement of information and communication technology in the world of education is a necessity to improve quality and competitiveness. On the other hand the development of information technology also provides threats including the desire of the parties to take a number of valuable information that is transacted on the internet. This study aims to overcome the problem of information security preventively by developing climate security in information technology-based educational organizations. This study uses a qualitative approach with a grounded theory method. Case organizations are faculty X and faculty Y at university Z. Data collection using interviews. Subjects interviewed were heads of academic fields, heads of information technology units, information technology officers. The results of the study are found manifestation of climate security. In case organizations that develop climate security, caution, accountability, ethical compliance and integrity are found. With these behaviors employees and leaders show an atmosphere of safety at work in the form of an atmosphere of mutual remembrance, compliance not to commit fraud, modeling to work safely, strictness of rules and sanctions, and leadership that prioritizes information safety.
Vulnerability of the East Coast of Balikpapan City in East Kalimantan (Lamaru Beach - Klandasan Beach)
Authors: Camila T R , Saraswati R
Published: April 2020

Balikpapan City located in the east coast of Kalimantan Island. The city of Balikpapan is directly adjacent to the Makassar Strait. The problem faced by Balikpapan City is the function of the land, namely the reclamation of the construction of shopping centre which results in changing the shape of the coast so that it has the potential to experience abrasion. In the city of Balikpapan for the past 6 years there has been an abrasion of 40 meters which has resulted in a decrease in Regional Original Income (PAD). Research on the vulnerability of the east coast of Balikpapan City to changes in coastline in 2005 and 2018 was focused on the calculation of social vulnerability and changes in coastline analyzed using crosstab. This study divides the area based on the shape of the beach, namely fine sand beaches, coarse sand beaches, and thick beaches. Based on the results of the analysis there are three levels of vulnerability, namely low, medium, and high. Areas with a high level of vulnerability are found in the rough sand segment. The level of vulnerability is along the fine sand beach segment and the low level of vulnerability is along the shore coast segment.
Multi Effect of Rain Harvesting in the Floating Village of Malahing on the Coast Bontang Developed by the CSR of PKT
Authors: Ekowati S D , Hadi S P
Published: April 2020

The residents of the floating village of Malahing, Bontang, East Kalimantan, earn their living as fish catching fishermen and seaweed farming. Residents even experience a clean water crisis, every month they require a budget IDR 300, 000 until IDR 400, 000 to buy clean water at Tanjung Laut by ketinting. The PKT programmed rain harvesting for Malahing residents to supply clean water. The method used was field observations and surveys as well as simple calculations using the program of Office Excel. The PKT carried out gutter procurement for every resident’s house, provided three plastic drums of 200 litres to collect rainwater, provided filters to filter rain water, train the residents to care for and repair the filters. As a result, the residents get clean water to meet their daily basic, grow vegetables for family needs and do greening in their yard and water them. They can also water communal latrines so that defecation is not carried out at sea. Malahing residents can save IDR. 356, 000 until IDR 456.000 per month, help save fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions so they become healthier, prosperous and environmentally friendly.
Aqueous Synthetic Polymer Spraying Application for Mulching of Surface Soil for Revegetation of Critically Degraded Ex-Borrow Pit Area
Authors: Agusta H , Handoyo G C , Sari E , Aulia H
Published: April 2020

Very low soil fertility status due to borrow pit exploitation was exposed at lower soil horizon layers. Soil among the sites was classified as critical soil type. The soil layer was at C-horizon, so that was classified as not “soil” in the agricultural term, but it was more grouped as still unweathered parent mater for processing in the soil formation. Suffering on surface vegetation biodiversity was found and revegetation action was an alternative method to restore the degraded soil. Legume cover crops were selected for ameliorating pioneer plants to improve soil and vegetation biodiversity step by step towards the effective regreening of environmental health and safety. An aqueous synthetic polymer was applied to spray the soil surface after planting the legume cover crops, whereas, after the water evaporation of the solution, a degradable thin film at the soil surface was left as a mulch for controlling the water evaporation from the soil surface for a long time for a few months. The mulch kept the soil moisture higher for the growth of the legume cover crops. Field application was succeeded in 2010-2011 at an ex-borrow pit area in Jambi. Additional topsoil, fertilizer, compost, and lime were mixed as supporting growth media. Mucuna bracteata was planted before the application of the aqueous synthetic polymers spraying. Aqueous synthetic polymer spraying application for mulching of surface soil was able to reclaim the critically degraded ex-borrow pit area for the start step, whereas the vegetation covering rate of the site increased from initially less than 1% to more than 90% after 10 months application.
Physicochemical properties of purple sweet potato flour fortified with legumes
Authors: Ambarsari I , Anomsari S D , Setyaningrum S C B
Published: April 2020

The popularity of purple sweet potato continues to increase annually. Natural sweetness, attractive color, and high antioxidant were alleged as the main allurement of its products. Nevertheless, there are some lacks on the nutritional properties of purple sweet potatoes, such as low in protein and lipid. This shortcoming could lead to a serious malnutrition problem if there is no nutritional complement from another source. In this condition, fortification could serve as a strategy that addressed to improve the nutritional value of sweet potato products. As a source of protein and bioactive compounds, legumes are potential to be a carrier on the fortification process. This study was aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of sweet potato flour fortified with legumes. A completely randomized design with four fortification treatment was used, i.e. soybean, mungbean, cowpea, and without fortification as a control treatment. The results showed that among other legumes, soybean is the most effective carrier on fortification of sweet potato flours. Purple sweet potato flours that were fortified with 10% soybean have the highest nutritional properties, specifically protein (8.65%), lipid (3.02%), and amylose (32.09%). Legume fortification would also reduce the carbohydrate fraction and generated darker colors in the sweet potato flours.
Mocaf characteristic test of different varieties of cassava in Gunung Kidul
Authors: Dewi S S , Hastutik S T , Setiawan C K
Published: April 2020

Cassava is one of the many crops developed in the Gunung Kidul to be used as food. There are many of varieties planted and characteristic are unknown of various cassava varieties, requires the need for research on the characteristics of nutrient content and physical properties, especially for Mocaf production. This research was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with single factor and consisting of 5 treatments, Kirik, Gambyong, Jawa, Gatotkaca, and Bamban varieties. Every treatment was repeated 3 times and every varieties was 9 months of harverst age. Observed variables include moisture content, protein, ash, starch, fiber, fat, carbohydrate, HCN, white color, organoleptic, and viscosity. The result showed that kind varieties of fresh cassava possess nutrient content and different physical properties. Bamban variety is the best quality for making Mocaf which is has the white color (91,53), HCN content of 18,10 ppm, starch content of 77,84 %, protein content of 1,11 %, and dietary fiber content of 9,04 %, but not yet meet the standards of SNI on HCN variables and the amount of starch.
Soil toxic elements evaluation and implementation of apple rejuvenation technology on dry land in Batu, East Java
Authors: Fanshuri B A , Wiratno T A , Banaty O , Sutopo
Published: April 2020

Apple is subtropical plant that well adapted in several regions in Indonesia. One of them is Batu city in East Java province. Nowadays, Batu city has a problem due to decreasing of apple area land, more than 16 % in the last decade. There are many factors, two of them are plant age and soil condition. Therefore, it was required a research to evaluate soil chemistry and implement apple rejuvenation technology on dry land. This research was conducted from May to December 2015 at five apple areas; Bumiaji, Tulungrejo, Sumbergondo, Punten and Bulukerto. A survey method was done to address first purpose. Soil sample was taken by purposive sampling method and was analyzed in laboratory to measure soil characteristics. Laboratory analysis showed soil metal content very low and under critical value. However, soil pH and organic matter content were not under ideal condition, strong to medium acid and 30 % of area were low organic content (< 2%). Second studied was implementation apple rejuvenation technologies on dry land; high quality seed, simple drip irrigation and soil amelioration.
Rapid and non-destructive prediction of total soluble solids of guava fruits at various storage periods using handheld near-infrared instrument
Authors: Kusumiyati  , Hadiwijaya Y , Putri I E , Mubarok S , Hamdani J S
Published: April 2020

Guava fruit is one of the most popular horticulture products because it has various health benefits. Once fruit is harvested, the fruit is still carrying out the respiration process during storage which results in changes in physical and chemical properties. One of chemical properties that is concerned by consumers is the total soluble solids, which explain the rough sugar content. The study examined the use of handheld near-infrared instruments to predict the total soluble solids of guava fruit at various storage periods rapidly and non-destructively. The research method used in this study was multivariate data analysis. Spectra pre-treatments were applied to correct the spectra and increase the accuracy of prediction. Calibration model was done by partial least squares regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR). The results showed that the use of handheld near-infrared instrument was able to predict the total soluble solids of guava fruit with high accuracy. The best calibration model was produced by PLSR calibration method integrated with orthogonal signal correction (OSC) spectra pre-processing technique.
Potential pest of high amylopectin and rich anthocyanin corn varieties
Authors: Nurkomar I , Setiawan A N , Khomeri F , Genesiska
Published: April 2020

As part of plant breeding activities, the resistance of cultivated plants to pest attacks is one of the characteristics that must be prioritized. This research was conducted to study the type of pest and their damage intensity as the first step in the breeding program of waxy corn and black corn. The study was carried out through field survey activity on a weekly observation starting from plants aged 1 to 12 weeks old after planting. The type of pest found was identified and the damage intensity was calculated. The type of pests found consisted of grasshoppers, thrips, stem borer, earworm, and rat as well. There was no difference in population size and damage intensity of all pests in two corn varieties. The population size and damage intensity of all pests were affected by the age of corn plant because each pest was attacked at different times either when the plants were in the vegetative or generative phase or both. Generally, the damage intensity of pest is still in the mild to moderate category. A monitoring activity needs to be conducted in the subsequent activity to obtain information on the development of these potential pest species and their populations size.
Use of ICT in agricultural extension services, Gedarif State, Sudan
Authors: Rahman A M A , Bashir H E E
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the use of ICT in agricultural extension services in Gedarif State, Sudan. A field survey was used to collect data from 94 extension officers in the State in 2016/2017 growing season using the full count method. The collected data were statistically analyzed and interpreted using percentage, frequency distribution and chi-square test. The descriptive statistics showed that the majority of the respondents 72.3% used the ICT in their extension services given to farmers and the majority of them 93.6% reported that there are many constraints facing the use of ICT in agricultural extension services in the State. Chi-square test revealed that there was no significant association between ICT and constraints facing the use of them in the delivery of agriculture extension services to the targeted audience in the State. Thus, the authors recommend that the extension officers and farmers should be trained in the use of ICT and the constraints facing the use of ICT in the agricultural extension services in the State should be solved in collaboration with all partner organizations.
Application of geographic information system for mapping of Hevea brasiliensis and Aquilaria malaccensis land suitability at Simpang Kuta Buluh
Authors: Rahmawaty  , Rauf A , Batubara R , Frastika S
Published: April 2020

Hevea brasiliensis and Aquilaria malaccensis were planted by the community because of its high economic value. The suitabilty land of Hevea brasiliensis and Aquilaria malaccensis in North Sumatra Province are important, especially in the agroforestry land that are often planted by the community. This study aimed to map the suitability of the land for Hevea brasiliensis and Aquilaria malaccensis in Simpang Kuta Buluh village, Sei Bingai Sub District, Langkat District, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The survey method was conducted to collect soil samples in the field. Land suitability classification (LSC) for Hevea brasiliensis and Aquilaria malaccensis was evaluated based on the matching method. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to map the land suitability. The results showed that the actual land suitability classes for Hevea brasiliensis in Simpang Kuta Buluh Village were moderately suitable (S2) (52,91%) and marginal suitable (S3) (47,09 %). The actual land suitability classes for Aquilaria malaccensis in Simpang Kuta Buluh Village also the same with Hevea brasiliensis, namely: S2 and S3. The limiting factors for Hevea brasiliensis namely: temperature (tc) and root zone medium (rc). The limiting factors for Aquilaria malaccensis namely: root zone medium (rc).
Benzyl amino purine enhances multiplication of Vanda tricolor protocorm like bodies
Authors: Rineksane I A , Saputra E W , Samidjo G S , Astuti A
Published: April 2020

Vanda tricolor orchids are endemic to the slopes of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The exploitation of Vanda tricolor out of its natural habitat by the community for collection or selling it outside the area has reduced the orchid population. Therefore, efforts should be carried out to improve technology to reproduce and regenerate Vanda tricolor orchids. The objective of this study was to determine the best type and concentration of cytokinin for the multiplication of Vanda tricolor Protocorm Like Bodies (PLBs). The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with single factor consisting of 7 treatments namely medium without cytokinin, BAP 0.5 mgL−1, BAP 1 mgL−1, TDZ 0.5 mgL−1, TDZ 1 mgL−1, Kinetin 0.5 mgL−1 and Kinetin 1 mgL−1. Parameters observed in this study were percentage of viable and abnormal explant, PLBs diameter, growth time of shoots and roots, number of explant sprouting and shoots. The data were analyzed by using The Analysis of Variance and further tested using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at α 0.05. The results showed that BAP 0.5 mg / L was the best cytokinin for multiplication of Vanda tricolor PLBs as shown by the parameters the diameters of PLBs (1.83 mm) and the number of shoots (2.6 shoots).
Utilization of rose flower extract as antioxidant rich-drink
Authors: Saati E A , Ramadhan A H , Lutfi M , Wahyudi V A , Manshur H A
Published: April 2020

Rose flower extract containing high levels of anthocyanin pigment has the potential to be further processed into healthy functional drinks. The addition of natural flavor to the production process is expected to improve the sensory and functional aspects of this rose extract-based drink. The research was aimed to study the effect of natural flavor addition at various concentration on pH, total dissolved solids, color intensity, sensory quality, total anthocyanin levels, and antioxidant activity of rose extract-based drink. Rose filtrate was obtained by maceration method using water solvent. The added natural flavors were mint leaves, ginger and lemon juice, with concentration levels of 1.5% (b/v), 3% and 4% (v/v). Antioxidant activity and anthocyanin levels were determined using the DPPH and pH difference methods, respectively. Sensory quality was determined using hedonic rating test with test parameters of taste and flavour. The results showed that different types and concentrations of natural flavors significantly affected the pH, redness and yellowish level of rose extract-based drink. The addition of natural flavors significantly enhanced its antioxidant activity. While the concentration of natural flavor only affected its total dissolved solids. The increase in total anthocyanin content of rose juice extract due to the addition of mint leaves is 46.48%, ginger is 34.50% and lemon is 16.70%. Based on the results, the best treatment was shown by rose extract-based drink with the addition of 3% of mint leaves given the antioxidant activity of 84.44%, brightness (L) of 35.30, redness (a +) of 8.00, yellowness (b +) of 4.60, pH value of 3.45, total dissolved solids of 21.17 ° Brix, total anthocyanin level of 12.14 mg/L, taste score of 3.20 (quite tasty) and flavor score of 3.27 (quite like).
Influences of soil creatures toward aboveground Arthropods in environmentally friendly rice field
Authors: Trisnawati D W , Yasuda H
Published: April 2020

Environmentally friendly farming is the most encouraging approach to beat the negative impacts of conventional farming on the ecosystem. To determine the effect of different histories of environmentally friendly rice fields on the interaction between soil creatures and biodiversity of aboveground arthropods, the researchers conducted studies in 5 and 20 years old of environmentally friendly rice fields. The investigation was conducted to find out the impacts of soil creatures on the number of aboveground arthropods by estimating the activity of soil creatures, nutrient contents, and abundance of arthropods. The research was hypothesized that long histories of living matters in the environmentally friendly rice field are supposed to rise soil microbial denitrification and N immobilization, adequately increment the plant N contents and arthropods abundance. The results showed that 20 years of environmentally friendly rice fields improved the abundance of soil creatures, biomass of soil microbial C and N, soil nutrition, and these effects indirectly improved the abundance of aboveground arthropods. This investigation recommends that environmentally friendly rice fields improve the interactions among soil creatures and the aboveground ecological community accordingly may accomplish supportability of the rice field framework.
Effect of alginate based edible coating enriched with vanilla essential oil on shelf-life of fresh-cut red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
Authors: Utama N A , Setiawan C K , Fajri I
Published: April 2020

Start The research aimed to find out the best concentration from various vanilla essential oil concentration as an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of microbial decomposition and maintain shelf-life of fresh-cut red Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). The experiment was designed with Completely Randomized Design using four treatments as follows: 1) vanilla essential oil 0%, 2) vanilla essential oil 0.1% 3) vanilla essential oil 0.3% and 4) vanilla essential oil 0.6%. The result indicated that vanilla essential oil 0,6% was able to inhibit fresh-cut red Pitaya’s fungal decomposition. The concentration of vanilla essential oil 0,6% could maintain physical quality (weight loss and firmness), chemical (titratable acidity and total soluble solids content) and sensory analysis on fresh-cut Red Pitaya. Edible coating alginate and vanilla essential oil were able to maintain the quality of fresh-cut red Pitaya up to 9 days.
Excess nitrate induces nodule greening and reduces transcript and protein expression levels of soybean leghaemoglobins
Authors: Du Mengke , Gao Zhi , Li Xinxin , Liao Hong
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Efficient biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) requires leghaemoglobin (Lb) to modulate oxygen pressure in nodules. Excess N supply severely inhibits BNF through effects on Lb during nodulation. As yet, a systematic identification and characterization of Lb-encoding genes in soybean has not been reported.

Methods

The effects of N on BNF were studied in soybean plants inoculated with rhizobia and exposed to excess or low N availability in hydroponic cultures. To identify soybean Lb proteins, BLAST searches were performed on the Phytozome website. Bioinformatic analysis of identified GmLbs was then carried out to investigate gene structure, protein homology and phylogenetic relationships. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR was employed to analyse the expression patterns of soybean Lb genes in various tissues and in response to high N availability.

Key Results

Excess N significantly accelerated nodule senescence and the production of green Lb in nodules. In total, seven haemoglobin (Hb) genes were identified from the soybean genome, with these Hb genes readily split into two distinct clades containing predominantly symbiosis-associated or non-symbiotic Hb members. Expression analysis revealed that all of the symbiosis-associated Lbs except GmLb5 were specifically expressed in nodules, while the non-symbiotic GmHbs, GmHb1 and GmHb2, were predominantly expressed in leaves and roots, respectively. Among identified GmLbs, GmLb1–4 are the major Lb genes acting in soybean nodulation, and each one is also significantly suppressed by exposure to excess N.

Conclusions

Taken together, the results show that excess N inhibits BNF by reducing nodule formation, Lb concentration and nitrogenase activity. The characteristics of the entire Hb family were analysed, and we found that GmLb1–4 are closely associated with nodule development and N2 fixation. This works forms the basis for further investigations of the role of Lbs in soybean nodulation.
The role of selection in the evolution of blindness in cave fish
Authors: Wilkens Horst
Published: April 2020

The forces driving regression of biologically functionless traits remain disputed. There is ongoing debate regarding whether selection, as opposed to disuse and neutral mutations, is involved in this process. Cave species are of particular relevance for study in this regard because in continuous darkness all traits that depend on information from light, such as eyes, dark pigmentation and certain behaviours, abruptly lose their function. Recently, strong selection driving reduction has again been proposed, which relied on modelling analyses based on assumptions such as immigration of surface alleles into the cave forms or no fitness difference existing between Astyanax surface and cave fish. The validity of these assumptions, often applied to reject neutral processes in functionless traits, is questioned in this review. Morphological variation in a trait resulting from genetic variability is typical of biologically functionless traits and is particularly notable in phylogenetically young cave species. It is the most evident indicator of loss of selection, which normally enforces uniformity to guarantee optimal functionality. Phenotypic and genotypic variability in Astyanax cave fish eyes does not derive from genetic introgression by the surface form, but from regressive mutations not being eliminated by selection. This matches well with the principles of Kimura’s neutral theory of molecular evolution.
Live Facial Recognition: Trust and Legitimacy as Predictors of Public Support for Police Use of New Technology
Authors: Bradford Ben , Yesberg Julia A , Jackson Jonathan , Dawson Paul
Published: April 2020

Facial recognition technology is just one of a suite of new digital tools police and other security providers around the world are adopting in an effort to function more safely and efficiently. This paper reports results from a major new London-based study exploring public responses to Live Facial Recognition (LFR): a technology that enables police to carry out real-time automated identity checks in public spaces. We find that public trust and legitimacy are important factors predicting the acceptance or rejection of LFR. Crucially, trust and, particularly, legitimacy seem to serve to alleviate privacy concerns about police use of this technology. In an era where police use of new technologies is only likely to increase, especially as the Covid-19 global pandemic develops, these findings have important implications for police–public relations and how the ‘public voice’ is fed into debates.
The Spectacle of Helen in Euripides’Helenand Marlowe’sDoctor Faustus
Authors: Dixon Dustin W. , Garrison John S.
Published: April 2020

This essay traces a line of thought through post-Homeric receptions of Helen, taking as its primary case studies Euripides’ Helen and Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Both plays feature Helen as a figure for articulating the phenomenological challenges that audiences face when viewing mimetic art on the stage. This essay argues that these profoundly metatheatrical plays use scenes of characters’ seeing the distinctive beauty of Helen to compare the power of theatrical spectacle to witnessing the supernatural.
Exercise stress echocardiography of the pulmonary circulation and right ventricular-arterial coupling in healthy adolescents
Authors: Forton Kevin , Motoji Yoshiki , Caravita Sergio , Faoro Vitalie , Naeije Robert
Published: April 2020

Aims 

To explore the effects of age and sex in adolescents vs. young or middle-aged adults on pulmonary vascular function and right ventricular-arterial (RV-PA) coupling as assessed by exercise stress echocardiography.

Methods and results 

Forty healthy adolescents aged 12–15 years were compared with 40 young adults aged 17–22 years and 40 middle-aged adults aged 30–50 years. Sex distribution was equal in the three groups. All the subjects underwent an exercise stress echocardiography. A pulmonary vascular distensibility coefficient α was determined from multipoint pulmonary vascular pressure–flow relationships. RV-PA coupling was assessed by the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) ratio, who has been previously validated by invasive study. While cardiac index and mean PAP were not different, adolescents compared to young and middle-aged adults, respectively had higher pulmonary vascular distensibility coefficients α (1.60 ± 0.31%/mmHg vs. 1.39 ± 0.29%/mmHg vs. 1.20 ± 0.35%/mmHg, P < 0.00001). Adolescents and young adults compared to middle-aged adults, respectively had higher TAPSE/PASP ratios at rest (1.24 ± 0.18 mm/mmHg and 1.22 ± 0.17 mm/mmHg vs. 1.07 ± 0.18 mm/mmHg, P < 0.008) and during exercise (0.86 ± 0.24, 0.80 ± 0.15 and 0.72 ± 0.15 mm/mmHg, P < 0.04). The TAPSE/PASP ratio decreased with exercise. There were no sex differences in α or TAPSE/PASP.

Conclusion 

Compared to adults, adolescents present with a sex-independent more distensible pulmonary circulation. Resting and exercise RV-PA coupling is decreased in middle-aged adults.
Indirect comparison of the efficacy and safety of alirocumab and evolocumab: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Guedeney Paul , Sorrentino Sabato , Giustino Gennaro , Chapelle Celine , Laporte Silvy , Claessen Bimmer E , Ollier Edouard , Camaj Anton , Kalkman Deborah N , Vogel Birgit , De Rosa Salvatore , Indolfi Ciro , Lattuca Benoit , Zeitouni Michel , Kerneis Mathieu , Silvain Johanne , Collet Jean-Philippe , Mehran Roxana , Montalescot Gilles
Published: April 2020

Aims

Although alirocumab and evolocumab have both been associated with improved outcomes in patients with dyslipidaemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, data on their respective performances are scarce. This study aimed at providing an indirect comparison of the efficacy and safety of alirocumab vs. evolocumab.

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing alirocumab or evolocumab to placebo with consistent background lipid-lowering therapy up to November 2018. We estimated the relative risk (RR) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using fixed-effect model in a frequentist pairwise and network meta-analytic approach. A total of 30 trials, enrolling 59 026 patients were included. Eligibility criteria varied significantly across trials evaluating alirocumab and evolocumab. Compared with evolocumab, alirocumab was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause death (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.97) but not in cardiovascular death (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.65–1.05). This study did not find any significant differences in myocardial infarction (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.99–1.34), stroke (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.71–1.28), or coronary revascularization (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99–1.29) between the two agents. Alirocumab was associated with a 27% increased risk of injection site reaction compared to evolocumab; however, no significant differences were found in terms of treatment discontinuations, systemic allergic reaction, neurocognitive events, ophthalmologic events, or new-onset of or worsening of pre-existing diabetes.

Conclusion

Alirocumab and evolocumab share a similar safety profile except for injection site reaction. No significant differences were observed across the efficacy endpoints, except for all-cause death, which may be related to the heterogeneity of the studied populations treated with the two drugs.
Leadless pacemaker implantation quality: importance of the operator’s experience
Authors: Haeberlin Andreas , Kozhuharov Nikola , Knecht Sven , Tanner Hildegard , Schaer Beat , Noti Fabian , Osswald Stefan , Servatius Helge , Baldinger Samuel , Seiler Jens , Lam Anna , Mosher Luke , Sticherling Christian , Roten Laurent , Kühne Michael , Reichlin Tobias
Published: April 2020

Aims

Leadless cardiac pacemaker (PM) implantation differs from conventional PM implantation. While the procedure has been considered safe, recent real-world data raised concerns about the learning curve of new operators and their implantation quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of the first operator’s experience on leadless PM implantation quality and procedural efficiency.

Methods and results

We performed a bicentric analysis of all Micra TPS™ implantations in two large tertiary referral hospitals. We assessed both leadless PM implantation quality based on the absence of complications (requiring intervention or prolonged hospitalization), good electrical performance (pacing threshold ≤ 1.5 V/0.24 ms, R-wave amplitude > 5 mV), and acceptable fluoroscopy duration (<10 min) as well as procedural efficiency in relation to the operator’s experience. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for implantation quality and procedural efficiency. Leadless PM implantation was successful in 106/111 cases (95.5%). Three patients (2.7%) experienced acute complications (one cardiac tamponade, one femoral bleeding, one posture-related PM exit block). Multivariate analysis showed that implantation quality of more experienced first operators was higher [odds ratio 1.09 (95% confidence interval 1.00–1.19), P = 0.05]. Procedural efficiency increased with operator experience as evidenced by an inverse correlation of procedure time, time to the first deployment, fluoroscopy time, and the number of procedures performed (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The operator’s learning curve is a critical factor for leadless PM implantation quality and procedural efficiency.
The effect of temperature on sulfur and oxygen isotope fractionation by sulfate reducing bacteria (Desulfococcus multivorans)
Authors: Pellerin André , Antler Gilad , Marietou Angeliki , Turchyn Alexandra V , Jørgensen Bo Barker
Published: April 2020

Temperature influences microbiological growth and catabolic rates. Between 15 and 35 °C the growth rate and cell specific sulfate reduction rate of the sulfate reducing bacterium Desulfococcus multivorans increased with temperature. Sulfur isotope fractionation during sulfate reduction decreased with increasing temperature from 27.2 ‰ at 15 °C to 18.8 ‰ at 35 °C which is consistent with a decreasing reversibility of the metabolic pathway as the catabolic rate increases. Oxygen isotope fractionation, in contrast, decreased between 15 and 25 °C and then increased again between 25 and 35 °C, suggesting increasing reversibility in the first steps of the sulfate reducing pathway at higher temperatures. This points to a decoupling in the reversibility of sulfate reduction between the steps from the uptake of sulfate into the cell to the formation of sulfite, relative to the whole pathway from sulfate to sulfide. This observation is consistent with observations of increasing sulfur isotope fractionation when sulfate reducing bacteria are living near their upper temperature limit. The oxygen isotope decoupling may be a first signal of changing physiology as the bacteria cope with higher temperatures.
Yeast Mycocins: a great potential for application in health
Authors: Nascimento Bruna L , Delabeneta Mateus F , Rosseto Lana Rubia B , Junges Daniele S B , Paris Ana Paula , Persel Cristiane , Gandra Rinaldo F
Published: April 2020

Mycocins have demonstrated inhibition of fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses, in addition to being studied as epidemiological markers and in the development of vaccines. They are defined as extracellular proteins or glycoproteins with different activities, the main mechanism of action being the inhibition of β-glucan synthesis in the cell wall of sensitive strains. Given the resistance problems created by several microorganisms to agents commonly used in clinical practice, the discovery of new substances with this purpose becomes essential. Mycocins have potential as anti-microbials because they show minimal toxicity and do not present resistance.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND OLDER ADULTS: UNDERSTANDING THEIR EXPERIENCE
Authors: Jeffery Bonnie , McIntosh Tom , Novik Nuelle
Published: April 2020

This presentation will focus on a unique undertaking where three provincial organizations in Saskatchewan, Canada implemented nine projects to address social isolation for rural and urban older adults across a geography that encompasses one-half of the province. A survey of older adults was conducted to assess their level of social isolation in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the experiences of social isolation among community dwelling older adults. Key variables of interest included: older adult access to services and supports, participation in activities, feelings of being valued by others, barriers to supports and services, and the overall isolation experienced by older adults. The responses from 1,719 urban and rural older adults indicate that 24.1% of respondents felt that they lack support, 17.2% feel less connected to family and friends, and 16.8% of respondents do not feel valued by their friends and family. Overall, almost one-quarter (23.9%) of the survey respondents score ‘high’ or ‘medium’ on a Social Isolation Index. One-third of respondents report they experience barriers to participation in activities outside the home. Several key categories of barriers were identified: health, personal, environmental, social, transportation and systemic. Respondents identified accommodation, services, practices, and activities as areas where their community could assist in participation of community activities outside of the home. Social isolation can have serious health consequences for older adults. The results of this survey highlight several key areas that older adults identify as important for reducing their feelings of isolation and enhancing their overall health and well-being.
ORGANIZATIONAL FACTORS RELATED TO RESIDENT-REPORTED QUALITY OF LIFE IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: Zúñiga Franziska , Hahn Sabine
Published: April 2020

Few studies so far take a broader perspective at staffing in nursing homes (NH) including e.g. the impact of activity staff on quality outcomes. Moreover, few assess resident-reported quality of life (QoL). Examining the relationship of organizational and resident factors with QoL, we report the results from a questionnaire survey of organizational characteristics from 51 Swiss nursing homes and of structured interviews with 863 residents. Residents rated their quality of life with a single item. A logistic regression model was applied. At the organizational level, a higher number of activity staff was significantly related to QoL, while at resident level, both the possibility to select their NH and less care dependency were significant predictors. Meaningful activities as well as autonomous decision-making concerning one’s living place seem of paramount importance for residents’ better perception of their QoL. NH staff mix needs to address the possibility to offer enjoyable activities.