bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeology of the small island: a case study of Pisang island, West Coast Regency, Lampung province
Authors: Sinaga S M , Hendrayana H , Laksono G J
Published: March 2024

Pisang Island has an area of 1.5 km2. The issue on small islands pertains to the quality and quantity of water. This is related to an increasing population and growing water demand. This research aims to address the sustainability of water resources. Therefore, a hydrogeological concept is required to assess and predict potential water resources to maintain the quality and quantity of water. The methodology used in this research includes geological mapping, measurement of rock resistivity, hydrometeorological analysis, and water quality testing. The research indicates that the lithologies of Pisang Island calcareous gravelly sand, calcareous sandstone, and porous limestone. The aquifer system on Pisang Island is unconfined. The aquifer was spread throughout the island with varying thicknesses. The lithology of calcareous gravelly sand is found in the island’s northern part, with a thickness ranging from 15 to 90 m. Calcareous sandstone is located in fold slopes of 3 to 5 m thickness. Porous limestone is distributed across the island, with a 30–170 m thickness. Pisang Island has an annual rainfall of 3,101.93 mm/year, evapotranspiration of 2,017.91 mm/year, and infiltration of 511.23 mm/year. The groundwater flow pattern moves from high elevations in hilly areas to low elevations in coastal areas.
Determination of priority areas for the development of groundwater utilization in Pangandaran Regency
Authors: Addina A I , Abduracchman F , Yugamaris G
Published: March 2024

This research has the goal of determining priority areas in the Pangandaran Regency, which are the main priority in developing groundwater utilization. This research uses the Groundwater Potential Index (GPI) method, which is modified to suit the research area, and adds aspects of groundwater utilization parameters to find priority areas for developing groundwater utilization. In determining groundwater development priority areas, data from remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are needed, which are processed using the GPI and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. This study uses eight parameters, including fracture (F), lithology (L), drainage (D), topography (T), rainfall (R), water utilization, land use, and population. The results of the analysis show that in areas with moderate levels of drought, there is still the possibility of groundwater potential, and it can be developed according to the level of water utilization. It was also found that the relationship between areas with very high groundwater potential and groundwater utilization will have the highest priority value in developing groundwater utilization. The estimated areas are divided into five zones: very high is 21.92 km2; high is 161.83 km2; medium is 407.87 km2; low is 502.45 km2; and very low is 7.07 km2.
Land use change analysis and the impact on the streamflow of the Keureuto River
Authors: Alief M R , Khairullah Y , Fadhliani
Published: March 2024

The increasing of population is proportional to the natural resource’s exploitation. Over the past few decades, the activity has converted the natural land into agricultural and plantation fields, urbanized areas, and other types of use. In some watershed systems, land use conversion has reduced the system’s capability both in sustaining water resources and in preventing extreme runoff. Such is the case of the 302 km2 Krueng Keureuto Watershed which supports the water supply for the North Aceh District, both for irrigation and municipal use. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the land use change in the system and its impact on the streamflow. The land use is classified based on the Landsat satellite images of the year 2015 and 2021, using the Supervised Classification tool in ArcGIS. The impact is investigated using a Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS). The outlet is defined based on the Automatic Water Level Recording (AWLR) station downstream of the Keureuto River. A significant reduction of the forest is estimated at 27.67% in seven years. In contrast, the land use types such as urbanized areas, agricultural fields, and shrubs are increasing to 6.34%; 4.75%; and 5.75%, respectively. Based on the model simulation it is confirmed that the changes in land use have altered the river flow regime.
Study of the influence of raw water infrastructure performance on drinking water
Authors: Sudiarti S U , Andawayanti U , Siswoyo H
Published: March 2024

Water utilities are assessed on financial, customer service, operational, and HR performance, according to Government Regulation 122/2015. Environmental, operational, and physical factors impact cooling system performance. Local governments and water utilities assess water supply efficiency using distribution networks. In West Nusa Tenggara, researchers explored Lombok and Sumbawa. Water is abundant in Lombok but insufficient in Sumbawa. Despite the continual requirement for drinking water, this study concentrates on these two criteria since regional climates fluctuate. The former has superior local government water supplies, which affect Lombok and Sumbawa citizens’ health. This research outlines a single drinking water system’s two most important performance criteria. Researchers employ fuzzy c-means clustering, statistical regressive analysis, and questionnaire combinations for indeterminate parameters. The survey concluded that a water distribution authority has a good performance value if its intake and distribution network works effectively and the negative balance decreases. PDAM control will be less effective and the body less healthy if one portion fails, especially if fluctuations of water discharge. This research may result from an integrated drinking water collection and distribution performance model. The study found that water treatment plant performance, especially water discharge, increases water usage.
Planning For Kucica Residential Drainage System in South Tangerang City Using SWMM Modelling
Authors: Cahyono C , Wjaya D , Juliastuti
Published: March 2024

Planning an efficient drainage facility in residential areas is necessary to drain run-off water on the surface. To minimize the potential for inundation that can cause flooding. This research aims to design an efficient drainage system in one of the residential areas in BSD and to analyze the ability of drainage channels using the EPA SWMM 5.1 application for a 10-year return period. The results of this study for secondary channels with a maximum discharge plan of 0.101 m3/s can use a U-Ditch with dimensions of 30 cm × 40 cm, while primary channels with a maximum discharge plan of 0.288 m3/s can use a U-Ditch with dimensions of 40 cm × 60 cm. In this analysis only taking into account rainwater run-off from household sewage is not taken into account. In the main channel, using retention pond only can reduce around 12% of maximum discharge, so the alternative of flood prevention for this residential area can be implemented by using bio pore holes, which reduce 27.85% of maximum discharge. From these analyses, it can be concluded that the drainage system design can already accommodate the flood discharge, and adding retention pond does not affect decreasing flood discharge on the main channel too much.
Effect of material quality on cemented sand and gravel (CSG) dam slope design of Cibeet
Authors: Pribadi H , Juwono P T
Published: March 2024

The construction of the Cibeet Dam is crucial to mitigate downstream flooding in the Citarum River. Initially planned as an embankment dam with a 1:3.50 upstream slope, a 1:30 downstream slope, and a height of 47 meters, challenges arose due to foundation and earthquake considerations. The excessive requirement of embankment material at the dam site, which was insufficiently available, prompted the exploration of a more resource-efficient alternative. Consequently, a slimmer type of dam, specifically a Cemented Sand and Gravel (CSG) dam, was deemed necessary. The CSG dam, designed with minimal cement (80 kg/m3) and a mixture of sand and gravel (105.5 kg/m3), boasts a more upright slope, reducing material demand. This research examines the impact of material quality on the CSG dam slope. The finite element method assesses the dam’s stability using dynamic seismic forces. To achieve a stable dam slope design with existing materials, an extensive analysis was conducted on various slopes upstream and downstream, ranging from 1:0.70 to 1:1.20. The results indicate that a slope of 1:1.10 with a cement compound of 105.5 kg/m3 offers optimal stability. Implementing the CSG Dam effectively minimizes material requirements, mitigating the need for excessive exploration of material supplies.
Local wisdom-based flood early warning system: a case study on Glintung Water Street (GWS) Malang City
Authors: Sedyowati L , Yuniarti S , Sufiyanto  , Pratama F
Published: March 2024

A flood early warning system as part of flood risk management must be applied in a flood-prone area. This study aims to develop and examine a flood early warning system using an information and communication technology (ICT) appropriate to the local wisdom values of the Glintung Water Street (GWS) community, Malang City. This study used a descriptive qualitative research method. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, and documentation/literature studies. The flood early warning system was developed using the SMS system. The warning information sent by the system consists of alert-1 for a water level of 0 cm - 20 cm, alert-2 for a water level of 20 cm - 30 cm, and alert-3 for a water level of 30 cm - 50 cm and probe sensors for electronic devices that play an important role in this system consisting of probe sensors as water level detectors, the GSM/GPRS SIM900 module, as the sending medium to the cellphone and Arduino which functions as the control system. Based on the research results, the design of a flood early warning system using the Probe Sensor combined with Arduino and the SMS Program is appropriate for the study area concerning the local wisdom values already embedded in the community.
Diversity induction with gamma-ray irradiation on Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common natural orchid generation M1V0
Authors: Hartati S , Samanhudi  , Sukaya  , Aji T A
Published: March 2024

Phalaenopsis is a popular genus in the Orchidaceae family. Phalaenopsis amboinensis orchid is an endangered natural orchid, so it needs to be preserved. Conservation of natural orchid Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common way is by increasing genetic diversity. This research aims to determine the characteristics and morphological diversity of Phalaenopsis amboinensis natural orchid irradiated gamma-ray results and without gamma-ray irradiation; this research was conducted in two places: the implementation of gamma-ray irradiation at the PAIR-BATAN Laboratory and in Matesih, Karanganyar with an average height of 450 m above sea level. The research was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023. The study used a simple design of one factor, the doses of gamma-ray irradiation with 5 levels: 0 Gy (R0), 7.5 Gy (R1), 15 Gy (R2), 22.5 Gy (R3), 30 Gy (R4). Each treatment contained five accessions. So, there are 25 experimental units. Observational data were analyzed descriptively by comparing observational data from Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common Generation M1V0 orchids irradiated with control plants. The results showed diversity in the morphology of the Phalaenopsis amboinensis var. Common orchid Generation M1V0 results from gamma-ray irradiation based on qualitative morphology with phenotypic observations, showing two orchid leaf shapes: oblanceolate and elliptic. There are accessions with fasciated root conditions.
Normative juridical analysis of strict liability in environmental cases
Authors: Purwanto E , Susanto  , Wiyono B
Published: March 2024

The Indonesian Supreme Court rejected the cassation and imposed a fine of IDR 199 billion on PT. Rambang Agro Jaya (RAJ), a subsidiary of Malaysia’s Kulim Berhad, for a 500-hectare forest and land fire case in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra. This study aims to conduct a normative juridical analysis of the courts’ decision, holding PT. Rambang Agro Jaya was strictly liable for the environmental damage caused by the fire. The research reveals: (1) Central Jakarta District Court Decision No. 445/Pdt.G/2019/PN Jkt.Pst establishes strict liability and orders the Defendant to pay material losses totaling IDR 137.57 billion. (2) Jakarta High Court Decision No. 398/PDT/2021/PT DKI upholds the Central Jakarta District Court’s decision, reinforcing strict liability and increasing the total compensation to IDR 199.57 billion. (3) Supreme Court Decision No. 2196 K/PDT/2022 rejects PT. Rambang Agro Jaya’s cassation confirmed the Defendant’s unlawful actions and strict liability and imposed a material loss compensation of IDR 199.57 billion. The rulings signify a progressive step in enforcing environmental responsibility, with the substantial fine signaling a strict stance against ecological violations. The Supreme Court’s consistent rejection of cassation strengthens legal certainty and establishes a robust legal precedent for similar future cases, and underscores the significance of corporate accountability in promoting environmental sustainability.
Less optimized blue economy sectors in Joko Widodo era
Authors: Wiryawan R D , Murakabhi E C , Djarwono L F
Published: March 2024

According to the United Nations (UN), the Blue Economy is defined as an economy with several economic sectors and policies that exploit the ocean resources sustainably. This development concept is the continuation of the green economy that was conceived in 2012 by the UN. In Indonesia, the blue economy development concept became an alternative to the green economy in the governance of Joko Widodo era, considering that the green economy was considered detrimental because of its high cost and its exploitative way. The United Nation has defined many sectors that are key subjects in the blue economy. Indonesia has implemented the blue economy through six sectors and the most dominant sectors are marine capture fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing. The intention of this paper is to discover the unimplemented sectors in the Indonesian blue economy as previously programmed by the UN and to analyse its consideration. This paper uses a descriptive qualitative method to understand and analyse the real, complex social phenomena and presents them through the detailed narratives.
Estimation of carrying capacity and price discrimination using carrying capacity analysis and willingness to pay for sustainable tourism (case of Bukit Kehi, East Java, Indonesia)
Authors: Vibriyanto N , Utomo SJ , Azizah N
Published: March 2024

Bukit Kehi is one of the natural tourism in East Java. One of the factors that can influence tourists' decisions to travel is the natural scenery and comfort of tourist attractions which can be obtained by maintaining the condition of the tourist environment. Given that the number of visits during the peak season is more than the low season, it can affect the condition of the natural tourism environment which is prone to damage and can reduce the comfort of tourists, therefore the purpose of this study is to estimate the carrying capacity and price discrimination on natural tourism. This research was conducted by carrying capacity analysis and Willingness to Pay (WTP). The data used are primary data derived from interviews with tourists, tourism managers and secondary data from related documents or literature. The results showed that Bukit Kehi has a carrying capacity for recreational activities of 371 people / day or 11,130 people / month or 134,515 people / year. The ticket price that should be applied during peak season is IDR 8,000. Based on these findings, Bukit Kehi tourist attraction is still under carrying capacity and can increase the number of tourist visits to the maximum limit of the carrying capacity of the tourism destination.
Assessing regional food security: A spatial analysis of food carrying capacity in Baki Subdistrict, Sukoharjo Regency – Indonesia
Authors: Khabibur Rahman MS , Rohsulina Pranichayudha , Hidayat Agung
Published: March 2024

In Indonesia, addressing food security is challenged by a rapidly growing population, leading to increased consumption and diminished agricultural land availability due to ongoing land conversion. This study focuses on assessing the food carrying capacity in the Baki Sub-District as a critical component of regional food security. From a geographical perspective, the research employs spatial analysis to evaluate the food carrying capacity in the Baki Sub-District. Data collection involved the utilization of mathematical formulas, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the food carrying capacity. Spatial analysis was facilitated through a Geographic Information System (GIS). The findings reveal that a significant portion of the Baki Sub-District maintains a high food carrying capacity, particularly in the southern regions. However, areas proximate to Surakarta City, impacted by regional development, experience a reduction in food carrying capacity due to the conversion of agricultural land to residential use. This study contributes valuable insights into the spatial dynamics of food carrying capacity in the Baki Sub-District, providing essential information for regional food security planning.
Exploring Waste Processing Technology in Animal Husbandry Practices among Millennial Farmers in Sleman District
Authors: Wahyuni T , Setyono P , Handoko C T
Published: March 2024

Integrated sustainable agricultural systems prioritize the return of all generated byproducts to nature, aiming to prevent degradation of vital resources like land and water while minimizing environmental impact. This study delves into the adoption of waste processing technology within the domain of animal husbandry farming among millennial farmers in Sleman district. Utilizing qualitative and literature study methods, the research unveils the current practices of millennial farmers in the area regarding waste management in various animal husbandry categories. The findings indicate a proactive approach among millennial farmers, showcasing the implementation of technology in processing waste from different animal husbandry segments. In the case of large animal husbandry, waste is harnessed for both biogas production and organic fertilizer. Small animal husbandry operations exhibit a practice of repurposing waste into valuable organic fertilizer. Similarly, poultry farming operations in the region demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by converting waste into organic fertilizer. This research sheds light on the positive strides made by millennial farmers in Sleman district towards integrating innovative waste processing technologies into their animal husbandry practices, contributing to both environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability. This conclusion underscores the diversity in the strategies employed for the implementation of animal husbandry waste processing technology, with various approaches taken depending on the type of animal husbandry owned by millennial farmers.
Study of the removal of nitrate and dissolved iron pollutants from industrial wastewater to become raw water using nanofiltration
Authors: Slamet A , Firdaus A A F , Yuniarto A , Mussa R O , Said N I
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, industrial nanofiltration membrane technology is widely used, particularly when it comes to recovering and recycling water for preservation. This research is related to the processing of wastewater from one of the industrial areas in Indonesia into raw water using nanofiltration on a pilot scale. This research aims to identify the removal of nitrate and dissolved iron from industrial area wastewater through flow recirculation in nanofiltration and identify the effect of variations in wastewater concentration and variations in product recovery. The wastewater being treated is wastewater from an industrial area owned by PT. Jababeka Infrastruktur is composed of a ratio of 100% WWTP effluent, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4 between WWTP influent and effluent ratio. This study’s membrane module employs a two-stage membrane system and a spiral wound with model specifications NF2-4040. Recirculation is used in the reactor to process the material and provide cross flow. The results of the study stated that variations in concentration made a significant difference to the removal of nitrate and dissolved iron (p value < 0.05), but variations in product recovery the opposite response. The processed water meets the raw water quality standards for nitrate parameters, but not for dissolved iron parameters at processed water concentrations of 7:3 and 6:4.
Preparation and antimicrobial activity of solid soap from kefir cheese wastewater
Authors: Estikomah S A , Kurniawan  , Hanifa Dea , Wiranita R T , Husna A
Published: March 2024

All Soap made from chemicals causes side effects on the skin. making soap with natural ingredients kefir cheese wastewater whey) is safe for the skin and has antibacterial properties. The research aim was to produce solid soap-made kefir cheese wastewater, with determined physicochemical characteristics, and better antibacterial activity. The materials used in this research are cheese wastewater (whey). This research was making a kefir formula with the main ingredient of a varied concentration of whey added with turmeric. The solid soap kefir cheese whey contains olive oil, palm oil, VCO, sodium hydroxide, and variations of kefir whey. The characteristic test was conducted by determining free alkali, water content, pH, and foam height. The well diffusion method was applied to test the antibacterial activity. The results show that all formulas of solid soap from kefir cheese wastewater indicated that the quality test kefir whey meets the requirements established by SNI 3532: 2016 and ASTM-D 2002. Soap kefir whey cheese with variant dyes Curcuma Longa potential alternative to the cosmetic industry in anti-acne soap production.
Assessment of fracturing and blockiness of the Pshenychne gabbro deposit massif
Authors: Iskov Sergii , Korobiichuk Valentyn , Leonets Iryna , Levytskyi Volodymyr , Shlapak Volodymyr
Published: March 2024

Proper development of the deposit and the choice and use of effective technologies for block stone extraction are impossible without evaluating the structural indicators of the massif. It consists in studying the propagation of cracks in the array, orientation of the main crack systems, studying the anisotropic properties of stone, and predicting the yield of commercial stone blocks in the deposit. This allows both to increase the efficiency of block extraction and to reduce the loss of stone during its extraction, which increases the economic performance of field development. The assessment of fracturing and blockiness of the Pshenychne gabbro deposit was carried out based on the results of studying the core documentation of 11 exploration wells and the documentation of a pilot production quarry. Rose diagrams, pie charts, and fracturing plans were constructed in isolines, and crack systems common in the field were identified.
Comprehensive approach to the accounting and restoration of land resources disturbed as a result of military actions in Ukraine
Authors: Trehub Mykola , Trehub Yuliia , Dzhyha Vladyslava
Published: March 2024

The article proposes a comprehensive approach to the accounting and restoration of disturbed lands as a result of military operations in Ukraine, which requires careful analysis, planning and implementation of various measures aimed at restoring land resources and ensuring the sustainable development of land uses. The proposed approach requires joint efforts of the state, society, domestic enterprises and international partners.
Fault distance measurement method for wind power transmission lines based on improved NSGA II
Authors: Qi Entie , Zhang Qi , Liu Gang , Zhang Zimeng , Wang Minzhen , Song Zhijie , Zhong Caiming
Published: March 2024

A fault distance measurement method that is suitable for long-distance wind power transmission lines is proposed by this paper. By combining the voltage and current at both ends of the line during normal operation, a dynamic line parameter correction method based on improved NSGA II is proposed to ensure measurement errors caused by parameter changes are avoided. Based on the construction of the fault distance measurement function, a global optimization method that is based on adaptive golden section search is proposed, where only the power frequency measurement data at both ends of the bus is required and synchronization is not required for the measurement of fault distance. A large number of experimental results demonstrate that the method this paper proposes is highly adaptable, with a relative distance measurement error of less than 0.2 km, and high accuracy is maintained in distance measurement even with certain degrees of noise interference.
Optimal trajectory tracking of tractor-trailer wheeled platforms taken into account wheel dynamics
Authors: Nazemizadeh Mostafa , Kolahi Pouya Mallahi , Gandomkar Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Tractor-trailer wheeled platforms are recognized as articulated robotic systems which consist of a frontrunner active mobile platform (known as tractor) that pulls one or more passive platforms (known as trailers). Regarding to their novel features such as maximum load carrying capacity and minimum energy consumption, this category of mobile platforms is widely employed for conveying purposes and transportation. The presented article deals with path tracking optimization of the tractor-trailer platform using the indirect method of the optimal control. First, nonlinear motion relations of the modular platform are obtained considering kinematic constraints and inertia characteristics of the wheels. Then, the obtained dynamic equations are considered as constraints of the optimal problem, and as a result an appropriate objective criterion is determined for the optimal trajectory tracking. In the following, a proper solution for the optimal problem is developed and accordingly some simulations are presented. In view of the wheels dynamics, the obtained results reveal competency and applicability of the proposed procedure for the optimal tracking of the tractor-trailer wheeled mobile platforms.
Targeted learning with an undersmoothed LASSO propensity score model for large-scale covariate adjustment in health-care database studies
Authors: Wyss Richard , van der Laan Mark , Gruber Susan , Shi Xu , Lee Hana , Dutcher Sarah K , Nelson Jennifer C , Toh Sengwee , Russo Massimiliano , Wang Shirley V , Desai Rishi J , Lin Kueiyu Joshua
Published: March 2024

Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression is widely used for large-scale propensity score (PS) estimation in health-care database studies. In these settings, previous work has shown that undersmoothing (overfitting) LASSO PS models can improve confounding control, but it can also cause problems of nonoverlap in covariate distributions. It remains unclear how to select the degree of undersmoothing when fitting large-scale LASSO PS models to improve confounding control while avoiding issues that can result from reduced covariate overlap. Here, we used simulations to evaluate the performance of using collaborative-controlled targeted learning to data-adaptively select the degree of undersmoothing when fitting large-scale PS models within both singly and doubly robust frameworks to reduce bias in causal estimators. Simulations showed that collaborative learning can data-adaptively select the degree of undersmoothing to reduce bias in estimated treatment effects. Results further showed that when fitting undersmoothed LASSO PS models, the use of cross-fitting was important for avoiding nonoverlap in covariate distributions and reducing bias in causal estimates.
A model-based hierarchical Bayesian approach to Sholl analysis
Authors: VonKaenel Erik , Feidler Alexis , Lowery Rebecca , Andersh Katherine , Love Tanzy , Majewska Ania , McCall Matthew N
Published: March 2024

Motivation

Due to the link between microglial morphology and function, morphological changes in microglia are frequently used to identify pathological immune responses in the central nervous system. In the absence of pathology, microglia are responsible for maintaining homeostasis, and their morphology can be indicative of how the healthy brain behaves in the presence of external stimuli and genetic differences. Despite recent interest in high throughput methods for morphological analysis, Sholl analysis is still widely used for quantifying microglia morphology via imaging data. Often, the raw data are naturally hierarchical, minimally including many cells per image and many images per animal. However, existing methods for performing downstream inference on Sholl data rely on truncating this hierarchy so rudimentary statistical testing procedures can be used.

Results

To fill this longstanding gap, we introduce a parametric hierarchical Bayesian model-based approach for analyzing Sholl data, so that inference can be performed without aggressive reduction of otherwise very rich data. We apply our model to real data and perform simulation studies comparing the proposed method with a popular alternative.

Availability and implementation

Software to reproduce the results presented in this article is available at: https://github.com/vonkaenelerik/hierarchical_sholl. An R package implementing the proposed models is available at: https://github.com/vonkaenelerik/ShollBayes.
Is Work–Family Enrichment Important to Social Workers’ Life Meaning? A Serial Mediation Model of Self-Efficacy and Work Engagement
Authors: Jiang Chaoxin , Jiang Shan
Published: March 2024

Prior research has predominantly centred on the negative conflicts of the interplay between work and family obligations, with limited attention paid to the concept of work–family enrichment, particularly within the context of social work. Furthermore, little is known about the underlying mechanisms through which work–family enrichment influences social workers’ life meaning. To address these gaps, this study endeavours to scrutinise the serial mediation pathway involving self-efficacy and work engagement in elucidating the relationship between work–family enrichment and life meaning. A sample of 1,023 social workers (mean age = 36.24) is methodically selected through a multistage cluster random sampling approach in Hangzhou City, China. The empirical results provide evidence supporting a serial mediation path from self-efficacy with work engagement is posited to operate between work–family enrichment and life meaning. These findings hold both theoretical and practical significance, offering insights relevant to social workers, supervisors and their organisations.
Effects of accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation in modulating brain of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lin Hua , Liang Junhua , Wang Qianqian , Shao Yuxuan , Song Penghui , Li Siran , Bai Yang
Published: March 2024

Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is emerging as a noninvasive therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent advances highlighted a new accelerated iTBS (aiTBS) protocol, consisting of multiple sessions per day and higher overall pulse doses, in brain modulation. To examine the possibility of applying the aiTBS in treating AD patients, we enrolled 45 patients in AD at early clinical stages, and they were randomly assigned to either receive real or sham aiTBS. Neuropsychological scores were evaluated before and after treatment. Moreover, we detected cortical excitability and oscillatory activity changes in AD, by the single-pulse TMS in combination with EEG (TMS-EEG). Real stimulation showed markedly better performances in the group average of Auditory Verbal Learning Test scores compared to baseline. TMS-EEG revealed that aiTBS has reinforced this memory-related cortical mechanism by increasing cortical excitability and beta oscillatory activity underlying TMS target. We also found an enhancement of local natural frequency after aiTBS treatment. The novel findings implicated that high-dose aiTBS targeting left DLPFC is rapid-acting, safe, and tolerable in AD patients. Furthermore, TMS-related increase of specific neural oscillation elucidates the mechanisms of the AD cognitive impairment ameliorated by aiTBS.
Effect of GABAa-receptors on neuronal discharge and ion activity in focal seizures
Authors: Li Xin , Qu Zhongjie , Li Zipeng , Su Rui , Yin Bowen , Yin Liyong
Published: March 2024

Focal seizures are a type of epileptic event that has plagued the medical community for a long time, and the existing drug treatment is mainly based on the modulation of ${GABA}_a$-receptors to affect GABAergic signaling to achieve the therapeutic purpose. The majority of research currently focuses on the impact of ${GABA}_a$-receptors on neuronal firing, failing to analyze the molecular and ionic mechanisms involved. Specifically, the research on deeper-level mechanisms on how ${GABA}_a$-receptors affect neuronal firing by altering ion activity has not been addressed. This research aimed to study the effects of different ${GABA}_a$-receptor structures on ion activity in focal seizures model by adjusting parameters of the ${GABA}_a$-receptors: the rise time constant (${tau}_1$) and decay time constant (${tau}_2$). The research indicates that as the values of ${tau}_1$ and ${tau}_2$ of the ${GABA}_a$-receptor change, the ion concentration will vary based on the change of the ${GABA}_a$-receptor potential. To a certain extent, the duration of epileptic activity will also be affected to a certain extent. In conclusion, the alteration of ${GABA}_a$-receptor structure will affect the inhibitory effect of interneurons on pyramidal neurons, and different parameters of the ${GABA}_a$-receptor will directly impact the therapeutic effect.
Sex differences in fetal brain functional network topology
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Yujin , Jia Fenglin , Zhang Hongding , Luo Lekai , Liao Yi , Ouyang Minglei , Yi Xiaoxue , Zhu Ruixi , Bai Wanjing , Ning Gang , Li Xuesheng , Qu Haibo
Published: March 2024

The fetal period is a critical stage in brain development, and understanding the characteristics of the fetal brain is crucial. Although some studies have explored aspects of fetal brain functional networks, few have specifically focused on sex differences in brain network characteristics. We adopted the graph theory method to calculate brain network functional connectivity and topology properties (including global and nodal properties), and further compared the differences in these parameters between male and female fetuses. We found that male fetuses showed an increased clustering coefficient and local efficiency than female fetuses, but no significant group differences concerning other graph parameters and the functional connectivity matrix. Our study suggests the existence of sex-related distinctions in the topological properties of the brain network at the fetal stage of development and demonstrates an increase in brain network separation in male fetuses compared with female fetuses.
Group membership modulates empathic neural responses to pain in deaf individuals
Authors: Wu Xiangci , Jia Huibin , Zhao Kaibin , Guo Mengshan , Lv Xueqi , Ma Yimin , Wang Enguo
Published: March 2024

Empathy deficiencies are prevalent among deaf individuals. It has yet to be determined whether they exhibit an ingroup bias in empathic responses. This study employed explicit and implicit empathy tasks (i.e. attention-to-pain-cue [A-P] task and attention-to-nonpain-cue [A-N] task) to explore the temporal dynamics of neural activities when deaf individuals were processing painful/nonpainful stimuli from both ingroup models (deaf people) and outgroup models (hearing people), which aims to not only assist deaf individuals in gaining a deeper understanding of their intergroup empathy traits but also to aid in the advancement of inclusive education. In the A-P task, we found that (i) ingroup priming accelerated the response speed to painful/nonpainful pictures; (ii) the N2 amplitude of painful pictures was significantly more negative than that of nonpainful pictures in outgroup priming trials, whereas the N2 amplitude difference between painful and nonpainful pictures was not significant in ingroup priming trials. For N1 amplitude of the A-N task, we have similar findings. However, this pattern was reversed for P3/late positive component amplitude of the A-P task. These results suggest that the deaf individuals had difficulty in judging whether hearing individuals were in pain. However, their group identification and affective responses could shape the relatively early stage of pain empathy.
Evaluation of Factors Contributing to Diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease in the Face of Increasing Trend in Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Tayyab Saeed , Ashraf Bilal , Zahid Kanza , Abbas Sameen , Sana Anosh , Khan Abdul Rauf , Ijaz Faiqa , Riaz Faisal
Published: March 2024

Background

Crohn’s disease (CD) is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the digestive tract. Diagnosing CD involves assessing clinical symptoms, radiological and endoscopic findings, and histopathological evidence. Although previously considered a disease in developed countries, CD is increasing in developing nations, but challenges exist in diagnosing CD promptly. This study aims to report diagnostic parameters for early and correct CD diagnosis in Pakistan.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis from June 2016 to August 2023 of 22 CD patients was done, by data from medical records, questionnaires completed at diagnosis, and telephonic interviews. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed, and patients were categorized using the Montreal classification.

Results

CD was diagnosed in 22 patients, with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio with a mean age of 33 years (range 15–55 years). Symptoms at presentation included abdominal pain (95.5%), watery diarrhea (86.4%), fever (31.8%), rectal bleeding (54.5%), and weight loss (81.8%) with 68% having symptoms for over 12 months before diagnosis. Disease characteristics were diverse, with various patterns of involvement and histopathological findings.

Conclusions

In resource-limited countries like Pakistan, the timely diagnosis of CD presents a significant healthcare challenge. Therefore, it is necessary to tackle these complex problems by enhancing diagnostic capabilities, raising medical awareness, and improving access to healthcare resources.
Development and external validation of a dynamic risk score for early prediction of cardiogenic shock in cardiac intensive care units using machine learning
Authors: Hu Yuxuan , Lui Albert , Goldstein Mark , Sudarshan Mukund , Tinsay Andrea , Tsui Cindy , Maidman Samuel D , Medamana John , Jethani Neil , Puli Aahlad , Nguy Vuthy , Aphinyanaphongs Yindalon , Kiefer Nicholas , Smilowitz Nathaniel R , Horowitz James , Ahuja Tania , Fishman Glenn I , Hochman Judith , Katz Stuart , Bernard Samuel , Ranganath Rajesh
Published: March 2024

Aims

Myocardial infarction and heart failure are major cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of people in the USA with morbidity and mortality being highest among patients who develop cardiogenic shock. Early recognition of cardiogenic shock allows prompt implementation of treatment measures. Our objective is to develop a new dynamic risk score, called CShock, to improve early detection of cardiogenic shock in the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods and results

We developed and externally validated a deep learning-based risk stratification tool, called CShock, for patients admitted into the cardiac ICU with acute decompensated heart failure and/or myocardial infarction to predict the onset of cardiogenic shock. We prepared a cardiac ICU dataset using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-III database by annotating with physician-adjudicated outcomes. This dataset which consisted of 1500 patients with 204 having cardiogenic/mixed shock was then used to train CShock. The features used to train the model for CShock included patient demographics, cardiac ICU admission diagnoses, routinely measured laboratory values and vital signs, and relevant features manually extracted from echocardiogram and left heart catheterization reports. We externally validated the risk model on the New York University (NYU) Langone Health cardiac ICU database which was also annotated with physician-adjudicated outcomes. The external validation cohort consisted of 131 patients with 25 patients experiencing cardiogenic/mixed shock. CShock achieved an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.821 (95% CI 0.792–0.850). CShock was externally validated in the more contemporary NYU cohort and achieved an AUROC of 0.800 (95% CI 0.717–0.884), demonstrating its generalizability in other cardiac ICUs. Having an elevated heart rate is most predictive of cardiogenic shock development based on Shapley values. The other top 10 predictors are having an admission diagnosis of myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation, having an admission diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure, Braden Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, blood urea nitrogen, systolic blood pressure, serum chloride, serum sodium, and arterial blood pH.

Conclusion

The novel CShock score has the potential to provide automated detection and early warning for cardiogenic shock and improve the outcomes for millions of patients who suffer from myocardial infarction and heart failure.
Stopover habitat selection drives variation in the gut microbiome composition and pathogen acquisition by migrating shorebirds
Authors: Włodarczyk Radosław , Drzewińska-Chańko Joanna , Kamiński Maciej , Meissner Włodzimierz , Rapczyński Jan , Janik-Superson Katarzyna , Krawczyk Dawid , Strapagiel Dominik , Ożarowska Agnieszka , Stępniewska Katarzyna , Minias Piotr
Published: March 2024

Long-distance host movements play a major regulatory role in shaping microbial communities of their digestive tract. Here, we studied gut microbiota composition during seasonal migration in five shorebird species (Charadrii) that use different migratory (stopover) habitats. Our analyses revealed significant interspecific variation in both composition and diversity of gut microbiome, but the effect of host identity was weak. A strong variation in gut microbiota was observed between coastal and inland (dam reservoir and river valley) stopover habitats within species. Comparisons between host age classes provided support for an increasing alpha diversity of gut microbiota during ontogeny and an age-related remodeling of microbiome composition. There was, however, no correlation between microbiome and diet composition across study species. Finally, we detected high prevalence of avian pathogens, which may cause zoonotic diseases in humans (e.g. Vibrio cholerae) and we identified stopover habitat as one of the major axes of variation in the bacterial pathogen exposure risk in shorebirds. Our study not only sheds new light on ecological processes that shape avian gut microbiota, but also has implications for our better understanding of host–pathogen interface and the role of birds in long-distance transmission of pathogens.
Prefire Drought Intensity Drives Postfire Recovery and Mortality in Pinus monticola and Pseudotsuga menziesii Saplings
Authors: Sparks Aaron M , Blanco Alexander S , Lad Lauren E , Smith Alistair M S , Adams Henry D , Tinkham Wade T
Published: March 2024

Increasing frequency of droughts and wildfire are sparking concerns that these compounded disturbance events are pushing forested ecosystems beyond recovery. An improved understanding of how compounded events affect tree physiology and mortality is needed given the reliance of fire management planning on accurate estimates of postfire tree mortality. In this study, we use a toxicological dose-response approach to quantify the impact of variable-intensity drought and fire on the physiology and mortality of Pinus monticola and Pseudotsuga menziesii saplings. We show that the dose-response relationship between fire intensity and mortality shifts toward increased vulnerability under drought, indicating higher mortality with increasing drought at any fire intensity. The trajectory we observed in postfire chlorophyll fluorescence, an indicator of photosynthetic efficiency and stress, was an effective early warning sign of impending tree death. Postfire mortality modeling shows that accurate mortality classification can be achieved using prefire physiology and morphology metrics combined with fire intensity. Variable importance measures indicate that physiological condition and fire intensity have greater influence on the classification accuracy than morphological metrics. The wide range in drought and fire responses observed between this study and others highlights the need for more research on compound disturbance effects.

Study Implications: An improved understanding of how drought and fire affect tree physiology and mortality is needed by natural resource managers looking to predict postfire tree mortality. This study advances our compound disturbance understanding by subjecting conifer saplings to variable drought and fire intensities and quantifying and modeling moderate-term recovery and mortality. The results show reduced physiological recovery and amplified mortality in saplings exposed to greater drought and fire intensity. Overall, this study highlights the importance of physiological condition when modeling tree mortality and could potentially be used to inform current postfire tree mortality models.
Local uncertainty quantification for 3-D time-domain full-waveform inversion with ensemble Kalman filters: application to a North Sea OBC data set
Authors: Hoffmann Alexandre , Brossier Romain , Métivier Ludovic , Tarayoun Alizia
Published: March 2024

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) has emerged as the state-of-the art high resolution seismic imaging technique, both in seismology for global and regional scale imaging and in the industry for exploration purposes. While gaining in popularity, FWI, at an operational level, remains a heavy computational process involving the repeated solution of large-scale 3-D wave propagation problems. For this reason it is a common practice to focus the interpretation of the results on the final estimated model. This is forgetting FWI is an ill-posed inverse problem in a high dimensional space for which the solution is intrinsically non-unique. This is the reason why being able to qualify and quantify the uncertainty attached to a model estimated by FWI is key. To this end, we propose to extend at an operational level the concepts introduced in a previous study related to the coupling between ensemble Kalman filters (EnKFs) and FWI. These concepts had been developed for 2-D frequency-domain FWI. We extend it here to the case of 3-D time-domain FWI, relying on a source subsampling strategy to assimilate progressively the data within the Kalman filter. We apply our strategy to an ocean bottom cable field data set from the North Sea to illustrate its feasibility. We explore the convergence of the filter in terms of number of elements, and extract variance and covariance information showing which part of the model are well constrained and which are not. Analysing the variance helps to gain insight on how well the final estimated model is constrained by the whole FWI workflow. The variance maps appears as the superposition of a smooth trend related to the geometrical spreading and a high resolution trend related to reflectors. Mapping lines of the covariance (or correlation matrix) to the model space helps to gain insight on the local resolution. Through a wave propagation analysis, we are also able to relate variance peaks in the model space to variance peaks in the data space. Compared to other posterior-covariance approximation scheme, our combination between EnKF and FWI is intrinsically scalable, making it a good candidate for exploiting the recent exascale high performance computing machines.