bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigments extraction from monascus-fermented durian seed
Authors: Srianta I , Ristiarini S , Nugerahani I
Published: March 2020

Durian seed has been studied as a new substrate for Monascus solid state fermentation. Monascuspurpureus produce yellow, orange and red pigments during the fermentation. The purposes of this research were to study the pigment extraction from the Monascus-fermented durian seed (MFDS) by using ethanol and water at various ratios and to analyze the pigment composition of the extracted pigment. The extraction was conducted in a 250 mL Erlenmeyer with 1 g of powdered MFDS and 50 mL of solvent at various ethanol:water ratios (10:0; 9:1; 8:2; 7:3; 6:4 and 5:5), in a shaking waterbath at different temperature (30°C and 60°C), 100 rpm agitation for 2 hours. The extracts were subjected to pigment content analysis by using a spectrophotometer and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Extract with the highest pigment content was then subjected to pigment compounds detection by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that extraction at 30°C was more effective than that at 60°C. The lower the ethanol:water ratio until 7:3, the higher the pigment content extracted. However, the lower the ratio tends to lower pigment content. Interestingly, the lower ethanol:water ratio, more viscous extract resulted. The TLC analysis showed that the extracts contained various pigments. Consistent with those results of TLC, various pigment compounds detected by LC-MS.
Physico-chemical and antimicrobial properties of caseinchitosan edible films as food quality and food safety
Authors: Apriliyani M W , Purwadi  , Manab A , Ahmad B M , Uula L M
Published: March 2020

Edible films can be useful in extending product shelf life and the surrounding environment to enhance the quality of food products protecting from physical, chemical, biological deterioration. Casein and chitosan are natural materials for producing edible films. These films are also able to incorporate as barriers to water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide and as carrier substances to inhibit pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Observations were conducted to the formulations of the casein and chitosan solution ratio 1:1; 1:2; 1:3 and 1:4 (ml:ml) in order to determine one that yields the best solution. The objectives of this study was to characterize physicochemical (water vapor permeability, water activity, and film solubility) and antimicrobial properties of casein-chitosan (Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella sp.). The effect of the casein-chitosan on edible films was monitored. The best solution on casein:chitosan ratio = 1:4 (ml:ml). The greatest water vapor permeability with 0.1140 g.mm/m2.h.kPa, film solubility with 32.809% and water activity with 0.709. Antimicrobial activity of edible films casein-chitosan against Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Salmonella sp. and Lactobacillus bulgaricus was ratio solution dependent.
Powder production of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra): effect of processing methods on the antioxidant activities and physico-chemical characteristics
Authors: Ansharullah  , Tamrin  , Patadjai A B , Asranuddin
Published: March 2020

Sea cucumber is a fishery commodity in Southeast Sulawesi that has high economic value and has long been used as traditional natural medicine. One of the active ingredients contained in sea cucumbers is antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to characterize the antioxidant activity of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra), which were processed into powder with various processing methods. The processing methods used were smoking, steaming and microwaving. The powder were then measured its antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Other characteristics tested were their chemical content and morphological properties with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the sea cucumber powder production with the microwaving method produced a powder that had stronger antioxidant properties compared to smoking and steaming methods. The sea cucumber powder produced with microwave method had a higher protein content, and its morphological appearance indicated more physical damage. The method of sea cucumber powder preparation with microwave appeared to be likely more efficient in time and would have a better nutritional value.
The effect of ozonation on dissolved oxygen and microbiological content in refill drinking water
Authors: Sofia D R
Published: March 2020

One indicator of safe drinking water is its microbiological content of 0 colonies/100 ml. Ozonation is one method for killing microbes contained in drinking water. Disinfection in refillable drinking water that uses ozone needs to be studied, considering that the drinking water put into used gallons is washed again and can be drunk directly by consumers. It should be suspected that the drinking water used from drinking refill water contains bacteria, a dangerous virus. So the purpose of this study is to find out the microbiological content in refill drinking water with variable storage time for refill drinking water. The research method used is an observational research method. The parameters observed were temperature, pH, total microbes and dissolved oxygen content where the dissolved oxygen content indirectly indicates the reaction process of ozonation and bacterial activity contained in refill drinking water. The results showed that at pH showed a decrease from day to day, things this is caused by chemical reactions and microbiological activities. TPC shows that the smallest TPC value is 1 colony/100 ml on the second day, this is due to the ozone reaction in the water here H2O2 and (OH *) are very strong oxidizers which work optimally on the second day and then increase to 13 colonies/100 ml on day 5. The result of DO examination was an increase in DO on the second day to 8.2 mg/l which afterward finally decreased again the following day, this was due to an ozone reaction and bacterial activity in the water, therefore it was recommended that storage of drinking water after ozonation be stored for 2 days, and need renewal in the cleaning and disinfection of gallons to be used.
Effect of α-amylase digestion in fermented Nagara bean grits for gelatinization profile and in vitro starch digestibility
Authors: Susi  , Agustina L , Gendrosari S
Published: March 2020

Treatment of α-amylase digestion in wet grits nagara bean after spontaneous fermentation was assessed to determine changes in rehydration ability, gelatinization profile and in vitro starch digestibility of the flour produced. This was important for further processed products that required easy hydration in cold water and high starch digestibility. The research was carried out by hydrolysis of α-amylase with 60 IU enzyme activity as much as 0.1% on wet grits nagara beans from spontaneous fermentation which had been soaked in NaHSO3 and Ca(OH)2 for 1 hour. Moreover, α-amylase digestion was carried out at 37°C for 30, 60 and 90 minutes. The results showed that the amylose content of nagara bean flour from the pre-treatment soaking using Ca(OH)2 was relatively higher than the pre-treatment of NaHSO3, and there was a tendency for amylase digestion up to 90 minutes could reduce amylose and starch content. In vitro starch digestibility of flour by amylase digestion of wet grits nagara bean for 60 minutes with pre-treatment soaked in Ca(OH)2 were 88.79% db, peak viscosity and final viscosity of 2416 cP and 2419 cP respectively.
Critical issue mapping of Indonesian natural rubber industry based on innovation system perspectives
Authors: Kurnia D , Marimin  , Haris U , Sudradjat
Published: March 2020

The added value of Indonesian natural rubber industry is the lowest among other main natural producing countries, Malaysia and Thailand. It is necessary to overcome this problem especially based on innovation system perspectives. The objectives of this study are to map the problems of the natural rubber industry and developing alternative solutions to these problems. This study use systems approach, namely Soft System Methodology (SSM) and Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing (SAST), which aim is to get a complete picture (rich picture) of the problems in Indonesian rubber industry and to identify the strategic issues that become the industry priorities through sectoral innovation system approach. Based on the mapping of strategic issues, it shows that almost all indicators were in a certain planning region. Such as policy issues (general/parent policies, financing policies, price policies, tax policies for R&D and Innovation, education and training policies), Institutional Issues (formation of financial institutions and institutional arrangements), Human Resources, Industrial issues (Development of downstream industries), technology (technology development as needed), as well as financial and market problems. This implied that there were many strategic and urgent problems that must be addressed in the development of the downstream industry and the innovation system of Indonesia’s natural rubber industry. It is important to highlight the interaction between innovators, intermediaries and innovation users. In addition to the interaction within the system, interactions outside the systems are also needed, such as foreign research institutions, etc. Government and financial institution support, strengthening the innovation institution and the existence of a legal direction and protection (such as the system innovation law/act) are the key factors in enhancing the innovation-based industry and increasing the industry competitiveness.
Standard level determination of pungency in Sambal Terasi (case of study: Warung Makan Betawi micro small medium enterprises)
Authors: Ahmad A , Kastaman R , Mardawati E
Published: March 2020

Sambal Terasi is a hot sauce that uses good chili as main ingredients and added terasi (fermented shrimp or fish) as an additional spice. The primary taste of Sambal Terasi is spicy. It occurs because of capsaicin contained in chili. Today, the problem of many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Indonesia is they have not quantified the standard level of pungency in Sambal Terasi based on the scientific method, but it relied on human subjectivity. This research aims to quantify the Scoville Scale of the pungency of Sambal Terasi at various levels in Warung Makan Betawi MSME. The research methods were descriptive research method on the composition of Sambal Terasi and quantitation of capsaicin concentration (g/g) using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, then converted into Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The results have shown that standardized composition, ingredients and procedures are important to equalize the pungency of each production of Sambal Terasi. Scoville Scale and classifications for each level of Sambal Terasi were as follows: level 1 has 1065 SHU as non-pungent; level 2 has 2262 SHU as mildly pungent; level 3 has 3619 SHU as moderately pungent; level 4 has 3957 SHU as pungent; level 5 has 5215 SHU as highly pungent.
Innovative social business model development for organic rice commodity entrepreneur using business model canvas (BMC) (Case study: Gapoktan Simpatik, local farmers group entrepreneur in Cisayong, Tasikmalaya)
Authors: Purnomo D , Bunyamin A , Ihsani F , Nawawi M
Published: March 2020

The demand for organic rice products tends to increase 20 percent annually. This has become a very promising market opportunity for business actors or farmer groups. One of the farmer groups in Tasikmalaya District that produces organic rice is Gapoktan Simpatik. The market of Gapoktan Simpatik product includes local and international markets, but the demand quantity of local market is lower than the international market. Breakthrough efforts to increase local market demand need to be done by increasing the number of sales, expanding markets, maintaining business sustainability and providing social impact to the wider community. The development of organic rice products is carried out using the Design Thinking approach which is followed by a validation process, repeated evaluations and modifications for each development. Business model design research using seven stages: 1) Planning Stage, 2) Vision Design, 3) Profound Understanding, 4) Idea, 5) Prototype, 6) Validation and 7) Scale Up. The final business model was then developed into a Social Business Model. To ensure the process is successful, the evaluation is done twice so that a social business model that has been improved appears. The results of this research show that the design carried out with the stages of Design Thinking shows that the business being run is getting better. This is indicated by the criteria for increasing sales of organic rice products, the ability of innovation in derivative products produced, and increasing the capacity of the community in terms of both economic and intellectual aspects.
Comparison of Curcuma domestica and Curcuma xanthorrhiza oleoresins extracted using maceration, Soxhlet, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)
Authors: Nurhadi B , Saputra R A , Setiawati T A , Husein S N , Faressi F R , Utari C D , Sukri N , Kayaputri I L , Setiasih I S
Published: March 2020

This research aimed to use conventional and modern extraction methods for extraction of C. domestica and C. xanthorrhiza oleoresins. For this purpose, maceration, Soxhlet, and Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) were implemented to extract oleoresins. All the extraction method used acetone as a solvent with the ratio of ground spices to solvent was 1:5 (w/w). The results showed that the Soxhlet extraction method gave the highest oleoresin yield of C. domestica (18.89 ± 0.68%) and C. xanthorrhiza (14.70 ± 0.62%). Maceration method gave the highest curcumin yield of 49.52 ± 0.63% and 15.82 ± 0.27% for C. domestica and C. xanthorrhiza oleoresins, respectively. Meanwhile, the oleoresin obtained from the UAE method gave the lowest residual solvent on both C. domestica (16.00 ± 4.67%) and C. xanthorrhiza (15.66 ± 3.33%) oleoresins. C. xanthorrhiza oleoresin obtained from maceration tends to show the best colour, while the best colour of C. domestica oleoresin obtained from UAE. Propylene glycol had the best solubility for C. domestica oleoresin, while C. xanthorrhiza oleoresin was soluble in all solvents.
Effect of heating temperature and time on the formation of 11S globulin nanofibril from Bogor nut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc.) for food ingredients
Authors: Sarastani D , Fardiaz D , Suhartono M T , Lioe H N , Purwanti N
Published: March 2020

Bogor beans (Bambara groundnuts) are thought to originate from Bambara, Timbuktu, Mali, West Africa. Introduced to Indonesia in the 20th century, and the name of the Bogor nut was given because it was widely sold in the city of Bogor. This research aims to study the formation of nanofibrils from 11S globulins to increase the benefits of Bogor nut as a food ingredient. Temperature treatment (65, 75, 85 °C) and heating time (6.12, 18, 24, 30 hours) at a concentration of 1% (w/w) protein solution, at pH 2, was applied to observe nanofibril formation. The formation of nanofibril was observed by measuring the viscosity of protein solutions before and after heating with a rheometer. A transmission electron microscope observed the morphology of nanofibrils formed at various heating times. The results showed that 11S globulin nanofibril formation was achieved at 85 °C heating temperatures. The morphology of 11S globulin nanofibrils from a 1% protein solution (w/w) with a heating temperature of 85 °C, is visible and significant in number after 24 hours of heating. The increase in the viscosity of the nanofibril solution from the protein solution indicates that the nanofibril from Bogor nut 11S globulin has potential as a food thickener.
SpiceUp-Geodata for sustainable pepper farming: case pepper field at Bangka Belitung, Lampung, West Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Nanda M Z , Syarifudin A , Handayani I , Vionita Y , Nugraha H
Published: March 2020

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the potential agricultural commodities in Indonesia. In the past, Indonesia was the leading producer and exporter of black and white pepper in the world. However, in recent years, Indonesia has lost its leading position to Vietnam due to instability of price, climate change and pepper farmer’s lack of knowledge on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), resulting in low productivity, plant diseases, and difficulties with water supply. In order to tackle those problems, eight public and private organizations (Verstegen, ICCO, N&S, AKVO, VanderSat, IPB, Balittro and PT. CAN) formed a multinational partnership project named SpiceUp funded by NSO. SpiceUp aims to implement a financially sustainable information service based on geodata and precision agriculture that supports 100, 000 Indonesia pepper farmers to increase their production, income, food security and reduce the inputs of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. As an initial phase, baseline surveys were conducted in four targeted areas to collect data about household characteristics, inputs and income of farmers and better understand farming practices. The baseline findings show that there is an urgent need for farmers to get access to: 1. Fertilizer advice; 2. Pest and disease advice; 3. Good Agricultural Practice; 4. Water management advice; 5. Sustainability tracing system. In conclusion, increasing farmers’ knowledge of pepper culture that corresponds with GAP and inviting farmers to be able to start using information technology and satellite data in their cultivation systems will be solutions in facing current challenges because the services offered depend on the real problems.
Functional food in Indonesia: An analysis of legal and institutional framework
Authors: Gustina A , Putera P B , Kusuma P T W W , Hastanto W Y , Kurniawati W
Published: March 2020

Indonesia has functional food regulation in 2005 through the Regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Number HK 00.05.52.0685 concerning Provisions on Basic Functional Food Control. However, there is a shift in the term to “Claims on Processed Food Labels” or later known as “Claimed Foods” in accordance with the Regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency Number 13 of 2016. The dynamics of policy changes are reviewed through qualitative methods with a content analysis approach. The results of the study indicate that the development of science and technology, as well as international consensus through the annual session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission has an effect on regulation in Indonesia, and has been adjusted to Nutrition and Health Claims (CAC/GL 23–1997), Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims, Adopted in 1997. Revised in 2004. Amended in 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Annex adopted 2009. In addition, it also required 1) Guidelines for the Development of Functional Food and its claims directed at nutritional functions, improving function or decrease in disease risk in the framework of promotive and preventive efforts after the fulfillment of balanced nutrition, and 2) regulations related to functional food, especially the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). It would be more beneficial if SNI for functional food was arranged in general, not for each product or for every benefit. SNI that can be compiled are SNI terms and definitions (term and definition), SNI for functional food guidelines and SNI code of practice for functional food claims.
The role of pulsed electric field (PEF) with thermocontrol modification as an elicitor to increase bioactive compound in local soybean
Authors: Maligan J M , Fitria M W , Putri W D R
Published: March 2020

Soybean is an agricultural commodity, being third in harvest amount after paddy and corn. The processing of soybean using heat causes the bioactive compounds to decrease. There is another way to increase the bioactive compounds in soybeans. Elicitation is a method that functions to increase biosynthesis of secondary metabolite formation in plants by using elicitor. This research used Factorial Randomized Block Design method with 2 factors which were temperature (25 °C, 35 °C and 45 °C) and pulsed field (3 kV, 5 kV and 7 kV). Electrical voltage test result from device obtained input voltage 0.76 V resulted 3 kV, 1.04 V resulted 5 kV, 1.4 V resulted 7 kV. Research results on soybean extract obtained total phenol as much as 2.76 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid 0.31 mg QE/g, tannin content 0.18 mg/g, IC50 as much as 626.95 ppm. Whereas for the results of extraction of soybeans in the best treatment was obtained at the pulsed field of 3 kV and temperature of 25 °C. Total phenol result was 2.92 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid 0.37 mg QE/g, tannin content 0.19 mg/g, antioxidant activitiy IC50 128.84 mg/L. The voltage and temperature treatment is given gave a significant difference in effect (p < 0.05) and interaction on all parameters. The best treatment in this study was obtained at a value of 3 kV and a temperature of 25 ºC with characteristics of total phenol of 2.92 mg GAE/g, flavonoids of 0.37 mg QE/g, tannin of 0.19 mg TAE/g and antioxidant activity IC50 of 128.84 ppm. In the results of this study, there was no elicitation process because there were no research steps that showed that the elicitation process could occur.
Effect of particle size on sensory attributes of sapodilla tea (Manilkara zapota) using E-tongue
Authors: Rahimah S , Arbaia R , Andoyo R , Lembong E , Setiawati T A
Published: March 2020

Tea is the second most consumed beverage after water, due to its distinctive aroma and the benefit as an antioxidant. This study aims to determine the sensory attributes of sapodilla tea using e-tongue. The method was an experimental descriptive by using three variations of slicing size and drying temperature of 70°C in a food dehydrator for 21 hours. The results showed that the sourness, bitterness, astringent, umami, and after-taste of sapodilla tea gave the value of 0.04 to 0.63 mmol. The moisture content of the drying results with three slicing size variations (3 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm) were 3.63%, 4.47%, and 6.36%. Powder yield of brown tea powder with three slicing size variation (3 mm, 5 mm, and 8 mm) was 20.35%, 21.79%, and 22.4%.
Social capital in encouraging the food security enhancement for fishermen families
Authors: Febrianti T
Published: March 2020

One of the indicators in society poverty assessment is the realization of the families’ food security which consists of (1) the food availability for families, (2) food accessibility for families, and (3) food consumption for families. The high dependence of fishermen on the marine resources leads to income vulnerability. In such condition, social capital is often considered as a lifeline in providing food for the fishermen, both in quantity and quality. This study, which was conducted in Cipatujah and Cikalong Sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java Province, involved 50 samples of fishermen from each of those sub-districts. The study aims at examining the differences of the social capital as well as testing the effect of the social capital in the two sub-districts on the food security of fishermen families. To test whether there is a difference between the social capital of the fishermen in Cipatujah and Cikalong, the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test is used for cases of large samples (n_1, n_1≥10), while simple regression is employed to identify the effect of social capital. The result of the study shows that there are differences in the social capital in each sub-district and there is an effect of the social capital on family food security in both Cipatujah and Cikalong Sub-districts.
Is there one intelligence or many?
Authors: Deary Ian J.
Published: March 2020

‘Is there one intelligence or many?’ considers what is measured in intelligence tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IV, and asks whether these different skills are related to each other, or whether they are distinct. Mental abilities, as measured in mental tests, tend to collect together in pools with common associations. So can we talk about a general intelligence? From the various datasets available, we can say with confidence that some people are generally cleverer than others, and also that there is more to human mental ability than just being generally clever. In the 1990s, American psychologist John Carroll produced a three-stratum model of mental abilities to describe a hierarchy of intelligence differences.
Does intelligence matter in the school and the workplace?
Authors: Deary Ian J.
Published: March 2020

Do intelligence test scores have some predictive power? Can they predict who will do well in achieving more and better educational qualifications, and after school, can they predict who will perform well in the workplace? ‘Does intelligence matter in the school and the workplace?’ looks at the use of the Cognitive Abilities Test in United Kingdom schools and its correlation with GCSE results five years later. The correlation is high: people’s intelligence differences at age 11 are a powerful predictor of their differences in educational outcomes at age 16. In the workplace, the use of general intelligence/psychometric testing in selecting people for work is worthwhile. Intelligence predicts occupational and educational successes.
1. Foundations
Authors: Ledwidge Frank
Published: March 2020

For decades air power has been the primary tool used by major powers to coerce recalcitrant opponents. Aircraft have fundamentally changed the conduct of war on land and at sea at the tactical level. The principles of deployment have changed little over the last century; only the technology has altered. ‘Foundations’ describes the four roles of air power: control of the air; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; attack; and mobility. Without a significant degree of control of the air, the other three elements are impossible to achieve. It also explains that military air operations exist within a number of physical and conceptual dimensions. First and foremost is logistics.
Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Mulholland Marc
Published: March 2020

Northern Ireland: A
Very Short Introduction explores the pivotal moments in Northern Irish history: the rise of republicanism in the 1800s, Home Rule and the civil rights movement, the growth of Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA, and the DUP, before bringing the story up to date, drawing on newly available memoirs by paramilitary militants to offer previously unexplored perspectives, as well as recent work on Northern Irish gender relations. This VSI also includes a new chapter on the state of affairs in 21st-century Northern Ireland, considering the question of Irish unity in the light of both Brexit and the approaching anniversary of the 1921 partition, and drawing new lessons for the future.
Introduction
Authors: Mulholland Marc
Published: March 2020

Northern Ireland is a case study of civil conflict and peace building. For Catholics, the conflict was essentially about nationality, for Protestants, it was essentially about religion. The Northern Ireland conflict was not simply a matter of two communities facing off, but rather a dispute about how the issues at conflict were to be defined and managed. The British government was a crucial active agent, one which saw itself as above the fray but in so doing was deluded about its own interests, prejudices, and motivations. This new edition incorporates the first two decades of the 21st century, including the Brexit crisis, which has flung Northern Ireland to the forefront of UK-wide political calculations.
4. The political parties
Authors: Mulholland Marc
Published: March 2020

During the violent years of the Troubles, those political parties that disavowed the lethal violence of paramilitaries—both nationalist and unionist—were generally referred to as ‘the constitutional parties’. In reality, all political actors in Northern Ireland found themselves in a situation where they tried to turn violence to their political advantage. ‘The political parties’ first outlines the different strategies of the ‘moderate’ Ulster Unionist Party and the ‘ultra’ Democratic Unionist Party before considering how nationalism came together to dominate the Catholic electorate in the shape of the Social Democratic and Labour Party. It then discusses the political processes that led to the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985 and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Solar photovoltaics
Authors: Jelley Nick
Published: March 2020

‘Solar photovoltaics’ considers developments in solar technology and their potential contribution to global energy generation. Since the invention of silicon solar cells, it has taken some sixty years for their efficiency to increase to over 20 per cent, and for their cost to fall by several hundred times, to the point where the electricity generated by silicon photovoltaic cells can now be cost competitive with that generated by fossil fuels. It has required considerable development and mass production to achieve this, as the processing of silicon to form a solar cell is complex. Silicon cells now account for about 95 per cent of all solar cells; under development are higher efficiency silicon-perovskite tandem cells. In operation, solar photovoltaic power produces no pollutants, no greenhouse gases, and is a safe way of generating electricity. There are no moving parts, which reduces maintenance, and in Europe, it takes only between one and two and a half years, dependent on location, to generate the same amount of energy as was used in making the solar panels. New generators are increasingly photovoltaic, and distributed generation in residential systems is improving access to electricity across the globe. With massive investment, solar photovoltaics could provide about 40 per cent of the world’s energy demand by 2050.
The transition to renewables
Authors: Jelley Nick
Published: March 2020

‘The transition to renewables’ discusses the need for a large-scale transition to renewable energy. This transition is now urgent. We need to respond to the recent International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the impacts of 1.5 oC of global warming. This rise in temperature must be the limit to significantly reduce the dangers from extreme weather events and the probability of irreversible damage occurring. For this to be met, emissions must be net-zero by 2050. The transition to predominantly renewable electricity generation, aided by ever improving costs and the increasing role of digital technology, is happening, but not quickly enough. Reducing the consumption and demand for energy are now vitally important, as they will result in a decrease of the rate required for decarbonizing the power supply. Above all, we need to stop burning fossil fuels as quickly as possible, and we need a carbon price. But our reliance on fossil fuels will make the transition to renewables a huge task that governments, states, cities, and individuals must all take on with urgency.
Racism: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Rattansi Ali
Published: March 2020

Racism: A Very Short Introduction explores the history of racial ideas and a wide range of racisms—biological, cultural, colourblind, and structural—and illuminates issues that have been the subject of recent debates. Is Islamophobia a form of racism? Is there a new antisemitism? Why has whiteness become an important source of debate? What is intersectionality? What is unconscious or implicit bias, and what is its importance in understanding racial discrimination? This VSI tackles these questions, and also shows why racism is an ongoing problem. Finally, it explains why there has been a resurgence of national populist and far-right movements and explores their implications for the future of racism.
7. The rise of right-wing national populism and the future of racism
Authors: Rattansi Ali
Published: March 2020

The rising numbers of refugees reaching European shores and America’s southern border to escape civil war and poverty has created fertile soil for ‘nativist’ backlashes. This trend, along with increasing ‘Islamophobia’, has led to a mushrooming of support for right-wing radical parties and the creation of new ones. ‘The rise of right-wing national populism and the future of racism’ considers the concept of populism and surveys current right-wing populism in Europe. It concludes that there is every possibility that the present normalization of xenophobia, ‘nativism’, populist nationalism, and racism in white-dominated societies will combine with authoritarianism to form a ‘new normal’, which will entrench and extend the reach of racism even further.
The Art of Tattoos
Authors: Sizer Laura
Published: March 2020

In this paper I make the case that at least some tattoos are artworks. I go on to propose a definition of tattoo art that distinguishes it from other uses of tattooing, and from other forms of visual art. I argue that tattoo art is an art form that creates artworks in living skin, and that the living body is an essential component of and contributor to the artwork. This gives rise to several other distinctive features of tattoo art, in particular that it reconfigures in interesting ways the relationships between artist, artworks, and viewers. Like street art, tattoo art by its nature resists inclusion in and valuation through art institutions such as galleries and museums.
The Uterine Plexiform Lesions Revisited
Authors: Karpathiou Georgia , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Clemenson Alix , Chauleur Celine , Peoc’h Michel
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Uterine lesions with plexiform morphology are uncommon lesions with debated histogenesis. Despite being an incidental and usually benign finding (plexiform tumorlet), some cases can pose diagnostic problems. Their paucity in the recent literature adds to these difficulties and often causes ambiguities. The objective of this study is to systematically review published cases to highlight the historical aspects of their recognition, reappraising their morphology, histogenesis, and differential diagnosis.

Methods

English literature is reviewed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and 32 reports are analyzed.

Results

Most cases are reported in the fourth to sixth decades. In most cases (66.7%), plexiform lesions are incidental findings while 33.3% of cases have been the chief pathology. Size varies from 0.5 to 195 mm. Plexiform foci were solitary in 78.2% cases and multiple in 21.8%. In 67.8% of cases, the lesions are reported as myometrial, while 32.2% are arising from endometrial stroma. Immunohistochemistry shows smooth muscle and no sex cord marker expression. They are usually benign lesions, but worrisome features include plexiform morphology in disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis, intravenous leiomyomatosis, and diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis.

Conclusions

Plexiform lesions represent a diverse pathology varying from epithelioid leiomyomas to epithelioid smooth muscle metaplasia of endometrial type of stroma.
Identifying the tissues-of-origin of circulating cell-free DNAs is a promising way in noninvasive diagnostics
Authors: Peng Xiaoqing , Li Hong-Dong , Wu Fang-Xiang , Wang Jianxin
Published: March 2020

Advances in sequencing technologies facilitate personalized disease-risk profiling and clinical diagnosis. In recent years, some great progress has been made in noninvasive diagnoses based on cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs). It exploits the fact that dead cells release DNA fragments into the circulation, and some DNA fragments carry information that indicates their tissues-of-origin (TOOs). Based on the signals used for identifying the TOOs of cfDNAs, the existing methods can be classified into three categories: cfDNA mutation-based methods, methylation pattern-based methods and cfDNA fragmentation pattern-based methods. In cfDNA mutation-based methods, the SNP information or the detected mutations in driven genes of certain diseases are employed to identify the TOOs of cfDNAs. Methylation pattern-based methods are developed to identify the TOOs of cfDNAs based on the tissue-specific methylation patterns. In cfDNA fragmentation pattern-based methods, cfDNA fragmentation patterns, such as nucleosome positioning or preferred end coordinates of cfDNAs, are used to predict the TOOs of cfDNAs. In this paper, the strategies and challenges in each category are reviewed. Furthermore, the representative applications based on the TOOs of cfDNAs, including noninvasive prenatal testing, noninvasive cancer screening, transplantation rejection monitoring and parasitic infection detection, are also reviewed. Moreover, the challenges and future work in identifying the TOOs of cfDNAs are discussed. Our research provides a comprehensive picture of the development and challenges in identifying the TOOs of cfDNAs, which may benefit bioinformatics researchers to develop new methods to improve the identification of the TOOs of cfDNAs.
Demonising the dingo: How much wild dogma is enough?
Authors: Letnic Mike , Crowther Mathew S , Dickman Christopher R , Ritchie Euan G
Published: March 2020

The roles that top predators play in regulating the structure and function of ecosystems have long been controversial. This is particularly the case when predators pose adverse risks for human life and/or economic interests. The critique of literature on dingoes and their ecological roles in Australia provided by Allen et al. (2011) shows that top predators remain a potentially polarising issue. In opposition to Allen et al. we argue that these widespread patterns of species’ abundances, attributed to the effects of dingoes and evident at scales ranging from the foraging behaviour of individuals through to continental scale patterns of species abundances, constitute strong support for the mesopredator release hypothesis and provide evidence that dingoes benefit biodiversity conservation by inducing community wide trophic cascades. Harnessing the positive ecological effects of dingoes while at the same time minimising their impacts on agriculture is a major socio-political challenge in Australia [Current Zoology 57 (5): 668–670].

A response to Benjamin L. ALLEN et al. 2011 [Current Zoology, 57 (5): 568–583]
Mechanical ventilation variability due to tracheal compression in a patient with a mycotic descending aortic aneurysm: an inverse correlation with blood pressure
Authors: Heuts Samuel , Sprooten Roy T M , Heines Serge J H , Mees Barend M E
Published: March 2020

Mycotic aortic aneurysms carry significant morbidity and mortality. In the current report, we present a case of a patient with a mycotic descending aortic aneurysm with contained rupture causing variable compression of the trachea, influenced by a variability in blood pressure. In these patients, blood pressure management is paramount as relative hypertensive periods do not only increase the risk of rupture but can also warrant high ventilation pressures or can potentially result in airway occlusion.
Developing training for uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: a commentary
Authors: Sihoe Alan D L
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Today, thoracic surgeons have many possible pathways to advance their training in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). For uniportal VATS (uVATS) in particular, what are the training options available and does regulating training matter?

METHODS

The relevant literature pertaining to uVATS training is reviewed.

RESULTS

Current options for surgeons looking to train in uVATS range from videos on the internet, through ‘experts’ demonstrating live surgery, to symposia and hands-on wet labs being held in all regions of the world. All have merits, and the aspiring VATS surgeon can choose from a range of preceptorship and proctorship modules to suit his/her own training needs. However, issues in the formalizing training in uVATS remains unresolved. Is there an ideal pathway through uVATS training? At what point can a trainee be considered to have ‘graduated’ to become an expert in uVATS? Who indeed trains the trainer, and certifies the competence of a training centre?

CONCLUSIONS

Although a plethora of training options exist, formulation of a robust training curriculum can further bolster the status of uVATS as a sustainable surgical approach that can be delivered with consistent quality.
Linear and Nonlinear Age Trajectories of Language Use: A Laboratory Observation Study of Couples’ Conflict Conversations
Authors: Luo Minxia , Neysari Mona , Schneider Gerold , Martin Mike , Demiray Burcu
Published: March 2020

Objectives

This study investigated linear and nonlinear age effects on language use with speech samples that were representative of naturally occurring conversations.

Method

Using a corpus-based approach, we examined couples’ conflict conversations in the laboratory. The conversations, from a total of 364 community-dwelling German-speaking heterosexual couples (aged 19–82), were videotaped and transcribed. We examined usage of lower-frequency words, grammatical complexity, and utterance of filled pauses (e.g., äh [“um”]).

Results

Multilevel models showed that age effects on the usage of lower-frequency words were nonsignificant. Grammatical complexity increased until middle age (i.e., 54) and then declined. The utterance of filled pauses increased until old age (i.e., 70) and then decreased.

Discussion

Results are discussed in relation to cognitive aging research.
The sovereignty surplus
Authors: Walker Neil
Published: March 2020

This Foreword article aims to rescue the sovereignty concept from the conflicted center of irresoluble debates about the resilience and value of the state form. The idea of a “sovereignty surplus” shifts the focus of inquiry towards sovereignty as a deep frame of legal and political thought and action. It evokes how sovereigntist thinking, in tandem with the techniques of modern constitutionalism, spills over beyond its threshold modern achievement of imagining and securing the paramount authority of the state system. The sovereignty surplus manifests itself in part as a “surfeit” of sovereignty—an overabundance of new sovereignty claims emerging in new sub-state and supra-state contexts—but it also captures sovereignty’s augmented reworking in existing contexts. The sovereignty frame, then, while resilient in its general form and settled in its statist locus, is capable of and susceptible to adjustment and redeployment in the face of new internal and external pressures. It harbors an excess that allows its component elements to be fleshed out, modified, and diversified so as both to absorb and reshape shifting sources and assertions of political authority. These movements are captured by examining the contemporary interaction amongst the five “R”s: the recomposition, raising, rationing, reinforcement, and reduction of sovereignty.
Silicone models of the aortic root to plan and simulate interventions
Authors: Lezhnev Alexander A , Ryabtsev Dmitriy V , Hamanturov Dmitriy B , Barskiy Vladimir I , Yatsyk Sergeiy P
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this work was to develop technology to create ‘soft’ patient-specific models of semilunar heart valves, the aortic valve in particular, suitable for training and simulation of surgical and endovascular interventions.

METHODS

Data obtained during routine cardiac contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography were used to create 3-dimensional models of the aortic root. Three-dimensional models were used to create soft silicone models of the aortic root made by casting silicone into a negative mould printed with stereolithography. A comparison between the constructed models and the size of the aortic root was performed. We quantified how much time was needed for production of each model.

RESULTS

Four patient-specific soft models of the aortic root were produced. Data from patients of different ages and body surface areas were used as prototypes. All models had minimum size errors. During development of this technology, production time per model was reduced from 63 to 39 h.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated the feasibility of making soft patient-specific 3-dimensional aortic root models using currently available technology. These models can be used both for training physicians in a variety of open surgical and endovascular interventions and for the study of complex aortic root geometry.
Impact of ductal stenting on pulmonary artery reconstruction in patients with duct-dependent congenital heart diseases—an institutional experience
Authors: Haranal Maruti , Mood Marhisham Chee , Leong Ming Chern , Febrianti Zul , Abdul Latiff Haifa , Samion Hasri , Alwi Mazeni , Sivalingam Sivakumar
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review our institutional experience of ductal stenting (DS) on the growth of pulmonary arteries (PAs) and surgical outcomes of PA reconstruction in this subset of patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study done in neonates and infants up to 3 months of age with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation who underwent DS from January 2014 to December 2015. Post-stenting PA growth, surgical outcomes of PA reconstruction, post-surgical re-interventions, morbidity and mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 46 patients underwent successful DS, of whom 38 underwent presurgery catheterization and definite surgery. There was significant growth of PAs in these patients. Biventricular repair was done in 31 patients while 7 had univentricular palliation. Left PA augmentation was required in 13 patients, and 10 required central PA augmentation during surgery. The mean follow-up period post-surgery was 4.5 ± 1.5 years. No significant postoperative complications were seen. No early or follow-up post-surgery mortality was seen. Four patients required re-interventions in the form of left PA stenting based on the echocardiography or computed tomography evidence of significant stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

DS provides good short-term palliation and the growth of PAs. However, a significant number of stented patients require reparative procedure on PAs at the time of surgical intervention. Acquired changes in the PAs following DS may be the reason for reintervention following PA reconstruction.
Nonconforming finite element discretization for semilinear problems with trilinear nonlinearity
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Mallik Gouranga , Nataraj Neela
Published: March 2020

The Morley finite element method (FEM) is attractive for semilinear problems with the biharmonic operator as a leading term in the stream function vorticity formulation of two-dimensional Navier–Stokes problem and in the von Kármán equations. This paper establishes a best-approximation a priori error analysis and an a posteriori error analysis of discrete solutions close to an arbitrary regular solution on the continuous level to semilinear problems with a trilinear nonlinearity. The analysis avoids any smallness assumptions on the data, and so has to provide discrete stability by a perturbation analysis before the Newton–Kantorovich theorem can provide the existence of discrete solutions. An abstract framework for the stability analysis in terms of discrete operators from the medius analysis leads to new results on the nonconforming Crouzeix–Raviart FEM for second-order linear nonselfadjoint and indefinite elliptic problems with $L^\infty $ coefficients. The paper identifies six parameters and sufficient conditions for the local a priori and a posteriori error control of conforming and nonconforming discretizations of a class of semilinear elliptic problems first in an abstract framework and then in the two semilinear applications. This leads to new best-approximation error estimates and to a posteriori error estimates in terms of explicit residual-based error control for the conforming and Morley FEM.