bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal folic acid and vitamin B12 imbalance alter neuronal morphology and synaptic density in the mouse neocortex
Authors: Tat Lyvin , Cannizzaro Noemi , Schaaf Zachary , Racherla Shailaja , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Green Ralph , Zarbalis Konstantinos S.
Published: November 2023

Previous reports have provided evidence that insufficient or excessive maternal folic acid (FA) intake during pregnancy can alter neurodevelopment of the offspring by modulating prenatal neurogenesis. Furthermore, our earlier work in a mouse model confirmed long-term structural changes at the cellular level of either deficient or excessive FA supply by comparably reducing dendritic arborization of cortical projection neurons. Here, we report that excessive amounts of FA decrease arborization of deep layer projection neurons, but not upper layer neurons and that reduced complexity of deep layer neurons is not observed when folic acid is replaced by folinic acid, a stable reduced form of folate. In addition, deficiency of B12, a vitamin that critically regulates folate metabolism, causes even more marked decreases in neuronal arborization in both deep and upper layer neurons and particularly in combination with FA excess. Furthermore, both FA excess and B12 deficiency affect synaptic density and morphology. Our findings point to neurodevelopmental risks associated with insufficient amounts of prenatal B12, particularly in association with high levels of FA intake, suggesting that the neurodevelopmental program is sensitive to an imbalance in the status of these interacting micronutrients.
Covalent drugs based on small molecules and peptides for disease theranostics
Authors: Zhang Ying-Jin , Liang Jian-Xiao , Xu Yin-Sheng , Liu Yi-Xuan , Cui Yingying , Qiao Zeng-Ying , Wang Hao
Published: November 2023

This review summarizes the design, screening and application of covalent drugs and expects to provide a new reference for cancer treatment.
Macrophage-hitchhiked arsenic/AB bionic preparations for liver cancer
Authors: Li Ce , Zhang Ji Ping , Yuan Yi Chao , Zhao Yong Qin , Zheng Hang Sheng , Zhu Zhi Hong
Published: November 2023

Arsenic/AB could be effectively delivered to deep tumor by using the tumor-homing tendency of macrophages in vivo. And it could induce TAM differentiation into an anti-tumor M1 phenotype by inhibiting the secretion of CSF1 and IL-6.
Physical removal of PAXHs from highly contaminated soil by density differentiation: studying the effectiveness on the molecular level
Authors: Luo Ruoji , Schrader Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Separation of a large amount of PAH contamination from soil by density differentiation.
Effect of the food matrix on the (poly)phenol stability of different plant-based meat products and their main ingredients after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Lucas-González Raquel , Díez-Riquelme Vicente , Viuda-Martos Manuel , Pérez-Álvarez José Ángel , Sánchez-Zapata Elena , Fernández-López Juana
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of the food matrix on the bioaccessibility of free and bound (poly)phenols in different plant-based foods.
Nanoengineered parallelogram-NiFe2O4/rGO nanocomposite-based biosensing interface for highly efficient electrochemical detection of neurodegenerative disorders via dopamine monitoring
Authors: Verma Rahul , Singh Kshitij RB , Verma Ranjana , Singh Jay
Published: November 2023

A low-temperature hydrothermal method for synthesis of unique parallelogram morphology based NiFe2O4 and NiFe2O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for fabricating biosensors for dopamine monitoring.
Tailoring intra-molecular coupling in BDT-based copolymers to enhance their performance in fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Tegegne Newayemedhin A. , Negash Asfaw , Yilma Desalegn , Gebremariam Kidan G. , Genene Zewdneh , Mammo Wendimagegn , Goosen Neill J.
Published: November 2023

By systematically adding acceptors and π-spacers, the structure of a BDT-based copolymer could be tailored to improve their performance in non-fullerene based organic solar cells. A planar geometry increases the complementarity of the copolymer with ITIC, resulting in an efficiency of more than 8%.
Low-power and high-speed HfLaO-based FE-TFTs for artificial synapse and reconfigurable logic applications
Authors: Liu Yongkai , Wang Tianyu , Xu Kangli , Li Zhenhai , Yu Jiajie , Meng Jialin , Zhu Hao , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David Wei , Chen Lin
Published: November 2023

Fe-TFTs have fast operating speed (14 ns) and low power consumption (93.1 aJ). Basic synaptic functionality can be achieved by applying either gate or source pulses. Fe-TFTs demonstrates digits recognition and reconfigurable Boolean logic operations.
Squeezed Darcy–Forchheimer Casson nanofluid flow between horizontal plates under the effect of inclined magnetic field
Authors: Memon M. Asif , Sagheer Dur-e-Shehwar , Al-Malki Mushrifah A. S. , Khan Muhammad Sabeel , Hussain Shafqat , Rehman Haseeb ur , Fenta Amsalu
Published: November 2023

This article explores the properties of heat and mass transport for MHD Casson nanofluid flow between two horizontal plates by considering the Darcy–Forchheimer medium.
An Fe3O4 supported O-phenylenediamine based tetraaza Schiff base-Cu(ii) complex as a novel nanomagnetic catalytic system for synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles
Authors: Tahseen alhayo Rehab , Jassim Ghufran Sh. , Naji Hasanain Amer , Shather A. H. , Naser Israa Habeeb , Khaleel Luay Ali , Almashhadani Haider Abdulkareem
Published: November 2023

An Fe3O4 supported tetraaza Schiff base-Cu(ii) complex was developed by a novel, cheap, environment-friendly approach and utilized as a green Lewis acid catalyst in the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives.
Controlled plasmon-induced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting in Al/PVP composite nanofibers
Authors: Ünlü Bekir Asilcan , Akkoyun Serife , Karatay Ahmet , Ates Aytunc , Elmali Ayhan
Published: November 2023

Increased nonlinear absorption due to redshifted SPR bands.
Proportional scaling molecular dynamics simulations of the wetting experiments of water droplets on ink-patterned printing paper
Authors: Wang Xiao , Chen Lijun , Zhang Chunlai , Zhang Xiping , Wu Yintao , Wang Bo
Published: November 2023

With a scaling down factor of 200 000, a proportional scaling molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is used to explore the wetting contact angle. All deviations of the MD modeling contact angles are less than 1°.
Formation of pyramidal structures through mixing gold and platinum atoms: the AuxPty2+ clusters with x + y = 10
Authors: Nguyen-Ha Bao-Ngan , Phan Dang Cam-Tu , Van Duong Long , Pham-Ho My Phuong , Nguyen Minh Tho , Tam Nguyen Minh
Published: November 2023

The geometric and electronic structures of a small series of mixed gold and platinum AuxPty2+ clusters, with x + y = 10, were investigated using quantum chemical methods.
Enhancing drilling mud performance through CMITS-modified formulations: rheological insights and performance optimization
Authors: Ali Imtiaz , Ahmad Maqsood , Ridha Syahrir , Iferobia Cajetan Chimezie , Lashari Najeebullah
Published: November 2023

In deep well drilling, the addition of functionalized additives into mud systems becomes imperative due to the adverse impact of elevated borehole temperatures and salts on conventional additives, causing them to compromise their intrinsic functionalities.
A PEDOT:PSS/MXene-based actuator with self-powered sensing function by incorporating a photo-thermoelectric generator
Authors: Qian Yongqiang , Zhou Peidi , Wang Yi , Zheng Ying , Luo Zhiling , Chen Luzhuo
Published: November 2023

A light-driven actuator with self-powered sensing function is proposed, incorporating a photo-thermoelectric generator into the actuator based on PEDOT:PSS/MXene composites.
The evolution of an assignment: how a Writing-to-Learn assignment's design shapes organic chemistry students’ elaborations on reaction mechanisms
Authors: Zaimi Ina , Dood Amber J. , Shultz Ginger V.
Published: November 2023

Asking students to explain why phenomena occur at a molecular level is vital to increasing their understanding of chemistry concepts. One way to elicit students’ mechanistic reasoning and guide construction of knowledge is through Writing-to-Learn (WTL), which is a promising approach for students in organic chemistry courses. In the design of WTL assignments, rhetorical aspects provide an authentic context by designating a role, genre, and audience for students. This context can support students’ learning, but, if the rhetorical aspects misalign with the learning objectives of the assignment, they can hinder students’ ability to achieve these objectives. In this project, we designed a WTL assignment about a base-free Wittig reaction, which we implemented in an organic chemistry laboratory course. Here, we explore how changes in the rhetorical aspects of this assignment can influence the way students explain two different comparisons of reaction mechanisms. We consider how students use explicit and implicit properties and how the use of these features compares within the context of the reaction. Results indicate that, when the rhetorical aspects align with the learning objectives of the assignment, students provide more productive elaborations that use both explicit and implicit properties. This is supported by both the analysis of students’ writing and students’ feedback about the assignments.
Covalent inorganic complexes enabled zinc blende to wurtzite phase changes in CdSe nanoplatelets
Authors: Kong Xinke , Ru Lin , Ge Junjun , Deng Yalei , Zhang Pan-ke , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: November 2023

The pathway of covalent inorganic complex (CIC)-mediated phase transition from ZB CdSe NPLs to WZ CdSe NPLs.
Empowering young learners to explore blockchain with user‐friendly tools: a method using Google Blockly and NFTs
Authors: Tsai Yun‐Cheng , Huang Jiun‐Yu , Chiou Da‐Ru
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel architecture utilizing blockchain technology to enhance educational systems. A method is proposed that empowers non‐fungible tokens by updating their metadata through an API layer, making blockchain technology more accessible to K‐12 students. Leveraging Google Blockly, a visual programming language, the aim is to engage students in computational thinking and foster their understanding of blockchain concepts. The approach promotes student engagement, facilitates the comprehension of digital ownership and value, and develops essential skills for the digital age. Through the method, the contribution is in the advancing of blockchain in education. The demo video can be seen using the following link, https://youtu.be/ZPVKgWtSb6U.
EN‐DADA: Node task assignment algorithm for energy harvesting wireless multimedia sensor networks
Authors: Han Chong , Ding Leilei , Guo Jian , Sun Lijuan
Published: November 2023

Today, a directional wireless multimedia sensor network is a popular environment for solving the task assignment problem. Achieving long‐term frontal monitoring of moving objects is a crucial challenge for scholars in this field. Utilizing directional sensors equipped with energy harvesting is an effective technique to enhance network performance. In this way, the energy of nodes is no longer limited to batteries and can result in better frontal monitoring. In this method, each sensor categorizes tasks based on its own energy, allowing the determination of task execution nodes through bidding. The present study proposes a distributed algorithm for directional task assignment, EN‐DADA, based on energy harvesting. The task was first classified to determine the candidate node set that could execute the task, and then the task assignment was determined according to the monitoring income of each node in the candidate node set. The comparative analysis confirmed that the proposed method had advantages in terms of task revenue and network lifetime when using the same energy harvesting model.
Single‐image deraining algorithm based on multi‐stage recurrent network
Authors: Li Chen , Li Xueting , Guo Yecai , Li Jia
Published: November 2023

The damage caused by the rain streak attached to the rainy image to the background seriously affects the analysis of image information and subsequent research. Aiming at the problem that the current single image rain removal methods cannot extract the deep rain streak features, a single image deraining algorithm based on multi‐stage recurrent network is proposed, which is committed to separating the rain streak layer and the background layer. The network consists of three stages, each stage is mainly composed of upper and lower scale dilation blocks, the upper scale dilation block includes multi‐scale dilated convolution and scale fusion, the lower scale dilation block is set the same, and the stages are connected using improved gated recurrent units to facilitate parameter sharing between them. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the comparative algorithm in both quantitative indicators and qualitative analysis on synthetic and real datasets, and the restored image retains more detailed information.
Fast emulation of cosmological density fields based on dimensionality reduction and supervised machine learning
Authors: Conceição Miguel , Krone-Martins Alberto , da Silva Antonio , Moliné Ángeles
Published: November 2023

N-body simulation is the most powerful method for studying the nonlinear evolution of large-scale structures. However, these simulations require a great deal of computational resources, making their direct adoption unfeasible in scenarios that require broad explorations of parameter spaces. In this work we show that it is possible to perform fast dark matter density field emulations with competitive accuracy using simple machine learning approaches. We built an emulator based on dimensionality reduction and machine learning regression combining simple principal component analysis and supervised learning methods. For the estimations with a single free parameter we trained on the dark matter density parameter, Ωm, while for emulations with two free parameters we trained on a range of Ωmand redshift. The method first adopts a projection of a grid of simulations on a given basis. Then, a machine learning regression is trained on this projected grid. Finally, new density cubes for different cosmological parameters can be estimated without relying directly on newN-body simulations by predicting and de-projecting the basis coefficients. We show that the proposed emulator can generate density cubes at nonlinear cosmological scales with density distributions within a few percent compared to the correspondingN-body simulations. The method enables gains of three orders of magnitude in CPU run times compared to performing a fullN-body simulation while reproducing the power spectrum and bispectrum within ∼1% and ∼3%, respectively, for the single free parameter emulation and ∼5% and ∼15% for two free parameters. This can significantly accelerate the generation of density cubes for a wide variety of cosmological models, opening doors to previously unfeasible applications, for example parameter and model inferences at full survey scales, such as the ESA/NASAEuclidmission.
APOE-ε4 genes may accelerate the activation of the latent form of HSV-1 which would lead to a faster progression of AD
Authors: Tang Yanan
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the impact of APOE alleles and latent Herpes Simplex Type 1 virus (HSV-1) activation on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression using the 5xFAD mouse model. APOE ε4 is recognized as a substantial genetic risk factor for sporadic AD, while HSV-1 has been linked to AD pathogenesis through inflammation and plaque formation. The experimental approach involves the introduction of human neurons carrying latent HSV-1 into 5xFAD mice harboring various APOE alleles (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4), along with stress induction and pharmacological interventions. The study aims to elucidate the combined impact of these variables on AD progression and the formation of Aβ plaques. Our anticipated results suggest that APOE ε4 may accelerate AD development, especially in conjunction with HSV-1 activation, while APOE ε2 may exert a mitigating influence. These findings have the potential to advance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underpinning AD and provide insights into potential therapeutic approaches. Further exploration of these interactions could offer critical insights into the pursuit of effective AD treatments.
Research progress on the mechanism of anti-aging evaluation system for Lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Liu Haoran , Peng Jiahui , Zhao Ruiting
Published: November 2023

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is the general name of a class of bacteria that can ferment sugars to produce acid and gas. Lactobacillus has rich species diversity and geographical distribution, including at least 18 genera and more than 200 species. It is widely used in food, animal husbandry, medicine, and other fields. In recent years, due to LAB’s excellent antioxidant and anti-aging properties, the research and development of corresponding functional products have become hot spots in various fields. Focusing on the excellent characteristics of antioxidation and anti-aging of LAB, this paper summarizes the evaluation system and analysis of effective active substances that can be used for screening anti-aging in order to provide the theoretical basis for screening functional LAB.
Temporal effects of tDCS on motor learning behavior
Authors: Ouyang Christina Ting
Published: November 2023

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve motor learning. However, the effects of tDCS on the performance of a motor learning task, the choice reaction time task, remain elusive. Here, we examined the effects of tDCS on the learning and memory of a 4-choice visual-motor reaction time task (4-ChRT). Participants were randomly assigned to three tDCS groups: before (tDCSbefore), during (tDCSduring), or after (tDCSafter) motor practice, and two control groups, with (CONmp) and without (CON) motor practice. We studied the reaction time and error rate of the 4-ChRT task before (Pre), during, and 24 h (Post) after the motor practice and tDCS. We found that motor practice can improve motor learning and tDCS during motor practice can most effectively reduce reaction time and error rate. These results will shed light on future study of using non-invasive brain stimulation to improve motor function in patients with motor disorders.
Dietary Compound Diosmetin Chemosensitizes Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Suppressing HMGB1-mediated Autophagy
Authors: Wang Neng
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small cluster of highly tumorigenic cell subsets with self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential. Accumulating studies have shown that CSCs lead to chemotherapy resistance and recurrence of breast cancer, which is the main reason for the failure of chemotherapy in breast cancer. Autophagy is one of the key mechanisms to protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic stimulation and other stresses, which contributes to the ultimate survival of CSCs in refractory or recurrent tumors. This study was carried out in terms of multiple strategies such as flow cytometry, stem-like detection, zebrafish tumor xenograft model construction, autophagy lentivirus construction, and western blotting analysis to prove that a natural flavonoid compound diosmetin safely and effectively promoted the tumor-killing effect of chemotherapeutic drug for breast cancer. The involved mechanism was closely related to its ability to reduce HMGB1 expression and subsequently block the autophagy pathway of breast CSCs. This study will provide new ideas and tools for the development of breast cancer drug resistance mechanism and targeted drugs.
Effects of Mangifera indica leaves improves blood lipids profile and biochemical indices in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidaemia rats
Authors: Liu Lijia , Li Siwei , Liang Lingling , Mao Yan
Published: November 2023

Dyslipidemia a chronic, metabolic syndrome characterized by elevated lipid profiles together with lipid peroxidation in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Functional ingredients such as high phenolic content and potent antioxidant activity obtained from agricultural waste by-products or waste are of great interest. However, the hypolipidemic effects of the waste mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves (MLE) have not been investigated. Here, the specific lipid-lowering and potential hepatoprotective mechanisms by which the gavage administration of MLE affects lipid metabolism and liver steatosis in rats fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) were evaluated. In rats treated with high level of MLE, a persistent suppressive effect on liver weight and body weight gain was discovered after 28-day intervention. Furthermore, body lipid index and reduced inflammatory reaction and liver function parameters in HFD control rats were markedly ameliorated by supplementation with high doses of MLE. In addition, histological and histomorphometric analyses here demonstrated that fat accumulation changed in HFD supplemented hyperlipidaemia rats, but normalized in MLE treatment groups. Further real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were carried out to determine the mRNA and protein abundance of PPARα receptors and CYP7A1 in liver tissues of rats. These results indicate that MLE supplement have the promising lipid lowering effects in HFD-induced hyperlipidaemia rats based on positive ameliorations in the serum lipid profile and liver function parameters.
Composition and Diversity of Tree Species with DBH of 5 cm and above at Pulau Banding, Gerik, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Awang Afrina , Zulkeflee Nur Hafizah , Nek Adek Nik Badrul , Hamzah Zulhazman , Eh Rak Aweng , Abdul Karim Muhammad Firdaus , Amaludin Nazahatul Anis
Published: November 2023

A total of 92 individual trees with DBH of 5 cm and above comprising 21 families, 28 genera and 35 species were measured, identified and recorded. This study aimed to enumerate the tree species composition and estimate the diversity index of trees with DBH of 5 cm and above at Pulau Banding, Perak. An ecological plot size of 70 m x 70 m or 0.49 ha was established and divided into three subplots. The data collection was collected to determine the number of species, number of individuals and DBH within the plots. The Shannon Diversity Index was estimated at H’ = 2.98 (H’max = 3.53) while the Simpson’s Index (D) was 0.10 and Species Evenness (E) was 0.85. Murraya paniculata (Rutaceae) was the most important species with an IV i (Important Value Index) of 24.7%, while Dipterocarpaceae was the dominant family for the study area with an IV i of 45.36%. The total aboveground biomass of all trees with a DBH of 5 cm and above in a 0.49 ha plot in Pulau Banding was estimated at 66.2 t/ha. Hence this study is providing preliminary data on tree species composition at Pulau Banding, Perak for conserving the remaining valued timber trees that are still in the regeneration phase.
Climate Change and its Economic Impact on Sustainable Agricultural Production in Malaysia: An aggregate Analysis
Authors: Sulaiman Chindo , Azahar Abas Muhamad , Hassin Nor Hizami , Abdul Samad Nur Syafiqah
Published: November 2023

Sustainable agricultural production in Malaysia is under climate change’s threat. Several climate-driven factors such as heat waves, irregular and excessive rainfall patterns, storms, and floods are the current worries of many farmers in the country and these factors put together put their livelihood in jeopardy. Future predictions indicated a significant further variability in climatic patterns with irregular rainfall. This study aims to investigate the economic impact of climate change on agricultural production in Malaysia by aggregating all agricultural productions over the 1990 – 2021 period. A time series econometric method called autoregressive and distributed lag (ARDL) method was utilised to achieve the study’s objective. The result of the study revealed that climate change has statistically significant negative impact on agricultural production in Malaysia. This implies that food production through agricultural production in the country is being adversely affected by climate change. As such, climate change mitigating strategies are strongly recommended with strict implementation to ensure sustainable agricultural production. Other recommendations include the practice of agroforestry, planting of climate resilient plants, crop rotation, and the use of soil smart technology. These actions will assist in minimising the adverse effect of climate change on agricultural production and indirectly boost food production.
Balancing the scales: Achieving food security and environmental sustainability in Malaysia through integrated approaches and collaborative governance
Authors: Abdullah Kasim Siti Nur Syahira , Abas Muhamad Azahar , Chindo Sulaiman
Published: November 2023

Food security and environmental sustainability are significant challenges in Malaysia. Malaysia intends to improve food security by expanding domestic food production and increasing access to nutritious food. However, the country also acknowledges the importance of environmental sustainability in protecting its various ecosystems and natural resources. The imbalance between food security and environmental sustainability faced environmental deterioration, water scarcity and pollution, biodiversity loss, greenhouse gas emissions, land use disputes, and food waste. This study explores the issues and challenges of balancing the need for food security and environmental sustainability. An in-depth interview was conducted with saturated data collection, compromising insights from five (5) respondents who are government officers related to food security and environmental sustainability. This study found that Malaysia has implemented several policies, integrated techniques, and collaborative solutions to promote sustainable agricultural systems and environmental preservation. These findings are crucial to balance the scales between food security and environmental sustainability.
Impact of the Tourism Sector on the Socio-Economy of Indigenous People on The Islands Around Semporna
Authors: Yusoh Mohamad Pirdaus , Kumalah Mohd Jirey , Abdul Latip Normah , Hussin Rosazman , Zakaria Zulayti , Jamru Lindah Roziani , Hanafi Nurhazliyana , Samsul Syafiqah Syuhada , Pingking Andreas
Published: November 2023

The natural beauty of the islands is the main attraction of the tourism sector in Semporna, Sabah. The development of this tourism industry is seen to have a positive impact on the overall development in the Semporna District. However, whether this tourism development has a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the indigenous people in the surrounding islands of Semporna is the primary focus of this pilot study. The objective of this study is to identify the impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of the indigenous communities in the surrounding islands of Semporna. The study adopts a quantitative approach involving 60 respondents, with 20 respondents in each study location. The study locations include three islands around Semporna: Larapan Island, Omadal Island, and Mabul Island. The results of the study found that the respondents strongly agreed that the arrival of tourists in Semporna increased the income of the island's residents and provided job opportunities for the local population, with a minimum mean value of 4.6 for both aspects. In the social aspect, the majority of community members were highly responsive and believed that tourism empowered women's involvement (mean=4.4) and strengthened cooperation among community members (mean=4.6). In conclusion, the development of tourism in Semporna has a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the indigenous communities in the surrounding islands. However, various initiatives need to be strengthened to ensure that this positive impact benefits a larger number of indigenous people and helps alleviate poverty issues among the indigenous communities, particularly on the islands.
Effect of diagenetic events on limestone reservoir quality: Case study of Parigi formation, Northwest Java basin
Authors: Hafiz Surya Darma , Hamdani Ahmad Helman , Muljana Budi , Jambak Moeh Ali
Published: November 2023

Limestone is a sedimentary rock with high heterogeneity. This is triggered by diagenetic processes that affect the quality of limestone during its formation. The high uncertainty in limestone porosity values is also influenced by diagenetic processes. The Parigi Formation is a carbonate rock located in the Northwest Java Basin and has been proven to be a carbonate reservoir rock. Petrographic analysis was conducted to observe the appearance resulting from diagenetic processes. The studied area's limestone has two facies: clastic facies and reef facies. The limestone of clastic facies is white to greyish, consisting of skeletal fragments or shell fragments, with some places contains fragmented coral fragments. It is grain-supported, massive, poorly sorted, with fragment sizes ranging from 1mm-8mm and in some places 10cm-20cm. The reef facies of limestone are generally white to greyish colour, compact/massive, without cavities, and shows the body structure of coral/reef. The processes occurring in the Parigi Formation limestone, based on thin-section data, include cementation and neomorphism, which are commonly found in thin section LP 7 and LP 10. Cementation and neomorphism lead to a decrease in porosity in the limestone. Samples LP 1 - LP 5 show extensive dissolution, resulting in vuggy cavities/porosity. These limestone samples have high porosity values. The transformation of fossils into new crystals or recrystallization processes also reduces the limestone's porosity. Some samples also show that the cavities in the Parigi Formation limestone have been filled by calcite cements, thus closing the pores. This leads to poor quality limestone. In conclusion, the heterogeneous nature of limestone is significantly influenced by diagenetic processes. Petrographic analysis of the Parigi Formation limestone revealed the occurrence of cementation, neomorphism, dissolution, and recrystallization processes, all of which have implications for porosity and reservoir quality.
General geology and groundwater quality analysis of domestic wells around Kampung Panglima Bayu, Tanah Merah District, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Patrick Heeralena A/P Arul , Mansor Hafzan Eva , Khan Mohammad Muqtada Ali , Shah Zameer Ahmad
Published: November 2023

The current research project focuses on geological mapping and groundwater quality analysis of domestic wells in and around Kampung Panglima Bayu, in Tanah Merah district, Kelantan. The objective of this research is to produce an updated geological map of the study area at a scale of 1:25000 and to conduct groundwater quality analysis in the research region. Groundwater samples were obtained from 12 domestic wells for the analysis of physicochemical parameters. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, and total dissolved solids were measured using a multiparameter and turbidity meter on site. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to analyse major trace elements such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese, while the titration method was used to analyse bicarbonate and chloride. While spectrophotometer methods were used to analyse fluoride, sulphate, and nitrate. Based on the data analysis of the geology of Kampung Panglima Bayu, three rock units can be found: granite is the most common kind of rock detected in the research region, followed by schist and alluvium. Furthermore, the geomorphology of the study area revealed elevation differences consisting of low land to high hills. The petrographic analysis revealed principle minerals like quartz, alkali feldspar, plagioclase and biotite with the granitic rocks identified as ‘biotite granite porphyry’ due to the high amount of biotite mineral present in the thin section. In addition, the results of our analysis for groundwater quality were compared to World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoHM) standards values. It was observed that 7 of the 12 wells were contaminated because the pH values were below the normal level. Turbidity was high in wells 4, 5, and 11, and sodium ion levels surpassed the standard allowable limit in well 11.
Distribution of seismicity hazard levels using PGA analysis with the PSHA method in the Ciletuh Geopark Area, Sukabumi, Indonesia
Authors: Ajeng Oktaviani Dwika , Irfan Satrio Muhammad , Revanza Deandra Ramadhan Muhammad , Jaya Syahbana Arifan , Sugianti Khori , Jauhari Agung , Supriyanto
Published: November 2023

The regional structure in Java Island, Indonesia, was influenced by the collisional activity of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates, which resulted from mélange rocks outcrops in Ciletuh. Ciletuh is one of the geotourism conservation areas included in the UGG (UNESCO Global Geoparks). This area is in the path of the Cimandiri Fault and the Sunda Strait Megathrust, resulting in a unique geological diversity and a place where the oldest rocks are exposed in West Java. In addition, the potential impact of seismicity on the Ciletuh geopark area is quite significant. The potential for seismicity can be analyzed and calculated. In this study, PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration) analysis on bedrock was conducted using the PSHA (Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis) method. The data used for the PSHA method is in the form of background, fault, and megathrust provided by the National Earthquake Study Center (PuSGeN). This research shows that the PGA value in the Ciletuh Geopark area is influenced by how close it is to the location of the earthquake source. Pelabuhanratu Subdistrict has the highest PGA value based on all earthquake sources when combined.
The Prospect of Biochar by Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) in the Removal of Contaminants Emerging Concern (CECs)
Authors: Bukhari Siti Noor Balqis , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Muda Khalida , Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz
Published: November 2023

Although pharmaceuticals are detected at low levels, their continued release into the environment might result in significant long-term concentrations and lead to damaging consequences on humans, animals, and the environment. The findings have been analysed that various pharmaceutical components were found in sewage treatment plants, including naproxen sodium. Naproxen sodium has been found in various water sources, such as in groundwater and in drinking water. Utilizing OPEFB as adsorbent in wastewater treatment is a feasible alternative. This study focussed on the adsorption capacity of OPEFB biochar for naproxen removal water. The highest percentage removal (99.7%) of naproxen achieved at 100 ppm concentration with 2.5 g of OPEFB biochar. Meanwhile, the usage of 5.0g of OPEFB biochar showed the highest percentage of the removal of naproxen sodium at 100 ppm concentration after 24 hours was 99.27%. OPEFB is one of the most suitable and have the potential in removing almost all the pollutants in wastewater by undergoing the adsorption process.
Effects of Torrefaction Process on Chemical Properties of Small Diameter Acacia mangium Wood
Authors: Mat Rasat Mohd Sukhairi , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Wahab Razak , Ahmad Muhammad Iqbal , Mohamed Noor An’amt , Moktar Janshah , Jemali Noor Janatun Naim , Abdul Majid Nur Kyariatul Syafinie , Rosman Norhafizah , Ahmad Zaki Junaiza , Abdul Latif Nur Hannani
Published: November 2023

Torrefaction refers to a thermal process that involves the processing of biomass in a torrefied to produce a "charred" product that can be utilised as a fuel or as a soil amendment. People need energy sources to meet their basic needs and live the kind of life they want. Acacia mangium was selected in order to produce biochar and determine the lignocellulosic affected by the holding temperature and residence time. The chemical properties of torrefied Acacia mangium biochar were investigated at different holding temperatures and residence times. Torrefaction were carried out at several process temperatures, ranging from 200 to 300°C, with residence time ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. According to the findings, the effects of holding temperature and residence time on the chemical properties of torrefied Acacia mangium biochar was carried out. The results show that the chemical properties decreased with an increase in both the holding temperature and residence time except for the lignin percentage content. It shows that as the holding temperature and residence time increased, the lignin content increased. The results shows that the chemical properties are decreased, except for the lignin content, which is not affected by the factors. The chemical bond in lignin content is hard for breaking down. Hence, torrefaction is accountable for the decrease of chemical properties and the breaking of chemical bonds in chemical properties.
Patterns of streets connection for sustainable urban development in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Wan Mohamad Wan Saiful Nizam , Lokman Nor Iza Syazwani , Hasan Ramly , Awang Ayub , Abdul Hamid Nor Hamizah , Yeo Lee Bak , Hassan Khalilah , Ramlee Noorliyana , Othmani Nurul Izzati , Mohamed Syahidah Amni
Published: November 2023

Street network attributes, including street connectivity, street integration, and pedestrian accessibility, are closely interrelated concepts that play an important role in achieving the sustainable approach challenges facing all large cities throughout the world. However, the lack of awareness of sustainable development in both the city center and villages in the suburban area results in a low value of street connectivity, less direct route to the destination, and discouraging pedestrians from moving. This research aims to examine street connectivity and street integration patterns that form from street connections at existing streets in Kota Bharu Kelantan. DepthmapX software was used to analyze street connectivity and integrations to identify and compare the existing street influencing people to move from one destination to another in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. The streets in the Kota Bharu, Kelantan city center area are chosen as the study site to investigate the street connectivity and integration values. Data analysis using DepthmapX software was performed after digitizing the map in AutoCAD software. Findings show that street connectivity and integration are of higher value when the streets are well connected to other streets in the main area and attraction area. The conclusions of this paper can help landscape architects and urban planners optimize the achievement of well-connected street networks that produce directness routes in short-distance destinations to develop a sustainable urban environment.
Water Quality and Heavy Metal Pollution Status in the Rupat Strait, Indonesia
Authors: Retnawaty Sri Fitria , A/L Eh Rak Aweng , Kutty Ahmad Abas , Meka Wahyu , Badrun Yeeri
Published: November 2023

Rupat strait is located in the north of Dumai, Riau, Indonesia. Rupat strait is the center of shipping, industry, farming, and urban activities. The vast activities are expected to give pressures to Rupat strait ecosystem and its water quality. This study aims to identify the status of Rupat strait water contamination via determination of the degree of heavy metal pollution in Rupat strait water. Samples was taken from 10 location across Rupat strait while the remaining 1 location is the reference location. Sampling was conducted according to SNI 6964.8:2015 in both dry and wet seasons in 2022. The respective physical and chemical parameters were also measured during sampling. Based on the measurement, significant distinction of physical and chemical parameters other than water salinity, TSS, and turbidity (p>0.05) were observed in between wet season and dry season. Rupat strait water was moderately polluted in dry season with Pij 4-8 and mildly polluted in wet season with Pj 3-5. For heavy metal contamination, Rupat strait water was mildly polluted for the whole year with PLI 0.3-0.6. This finding is expected to contribute as references for the surrounding community to maximize the socioeconomic productivity in Rupat strait.
Physical Soil Parameter and Resistivity Profile in the Vadose Zone: Preliminary Result of Groundwater Recharge Study
Authors: Reza Teuku , Widodo Lilik Eko , Iskandar Irwan , Suwarman Rusmawan , CSSSA Boy Yoseph
Published: November 2023

In tropical-volcanic-dominated areas, such as Java Island in Indonesia, aquifer recharge is highly impacted by rainfall intensity and soil characteristics. The first stage of recharge begins with the soil surface's response to rainwater until it percolates to the deep layer. The primary objective of this research was to study groundwater recharge processes from the soil surface to deep percolation in the volcanic deposit at the northwest flank of Mount Pangrango, West Java, Indonesia. The present study also includes the 2D geoelectrical survey results combined with the soil core drilling. A vertical undisturbed soil profile 4 to 4.5 meters deep was drilled to determine parameters such as soil water content, total porosity, permeability, organic content, and soil texture. Results from core drilling activities confirmed that resistivity values are in the range of 80 to 360 ohm.m, which is related to wet soil layers at 1 to 4 meters below the surface. It is found that the most significant difference between organic and mineral soils in terms of resistivity value is that of organic content. Depth and radius of Pinus merkusii and Melia azedarach tree according to resistivity and soil drilling result confirmed at 2.5; 4.5 meter and 0.9; 2.2 meters respectively. By profiling these factors, the behavior of water movement may be better described, allowing the net recharge rate from rainwater to the water table in the unsaturated zone to be estimated.
Relationship between common air pollutants with risk of cardio-respiratory hospitalization in urbanized areas in Kelantan
Authors: Mat Sahar Nurul Najwa , Ya’acob Siti Hajar , Hie Ling Wong , Nawawi Siti Aisyah , Awang Norrimi Rosaida
Published: November 2023

A high concentration of air pollution can lead to health problems which are the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (WHO, 2014). A study has been conducted to know the relationship between five criteria air pollutants with hospitalization related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in two cities in Kelantan. The secondary data from 2000 until 2015 analyzed in the study were obtained from DOE and MOH for the air pollutants concentration and hospitalization, respectively. This study shows that the mean concentration of all pollutants in the study area is below the RMAAQS. Significant Relative Risk (RR) values were found for cardiovascular hospitalization associated with SO2(RR = 1.537, 95% CI = 2.970, 7.956), NO2(RR = 1.212, 95% CI = 1.156, 1.272), and O3(RR = 4.873, 95% CI = 2.768, 8.578). In contrast, significant RR for respiratory hospitalization was found to be associated with SO2(RR = 1.952, 95% CI = 1.013, 3.762), NO2(RR = 2.021, 95% CI = 6.170, 6.620), O3(RR = 1.128, 95% CI = 4.427, 2.874), and PM10(RR = 1.008, 95% CI = 1.007, 1.008). The highest value of Relative Risk is O3and NO2for hospitalization related to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, respectively. In conclusion, the value of RR associated with air pollutants proves that air pollutants are associated with cardiovascular and respiratory-related hospitalization risk.
Phytochemical Screening and Chemical Analysis of Freeze-driedLawsonia inermisLeaves Extract
Authors: Mohammad Azmin Siti Nuurul Huda , Abdul Rahman Nur Farahani , Mat Nor Mohd Shukri , Abdullah Palsan Sannasi , Ch’ng Huck Ywih , Abu Bakar T. Tengku Halimatun Sa’adiah
Published: November 2023

Lawsonia inermisor Henna is proven to give a natural dye to skin and hair. However, there is still a lack of studies evaluating the properties of Henna in terms of its phytochemical composition. Thus, this study aims to extract henna leaves using the freeze-dried method before testing the phytochemicals in the extract. This study also seeks to analyze the presence of chemicals in the plant extract. The Thin Layer Chromatography, TLC method was used to test the extract's antioxidant, phenolic and polyphenol compounds. Gas Chromatography was applied to analyze the presence of chemicals in the plant extract. This study found that the extract of henna leaves contained antioxidants, phenolic, and polyphenol compounds. There are four chemicals found in the plant sample that show antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. This study proves that Henna leaves are composed of dye and other valuable compounds that could benefit the body. Hence, the application for this leave could be extended not only for dye purposes but also for others.
Experimental quantification of heat haze errors in stereo-DIC displacements: Application to thermoplastics thermoforming temperature range
Authors: Dastidar Aniket Ghosh , Ayadi Abderrahmane , Lacrampe Marie-France
Published: November 2023

Stereo digital image correlation (Stereo-DIC) is recurrent in photo-mechanics to measure kinematic fields which can be of high interest for instrumenting open-mould forming processes. Nevertheless, in the presence of pre-heating operations, as observed in the context of thermoforming processes, natural convective heat flows risk emerging and causing optical distortions in the recorded images. Consequently, this alters the precision of the measured full-fields of displacements. To address these challenges, this study proposes an experimental approach with two distinctive features. Firstly, it focuses on regenerating the heat haze effect at a laboratory scale within a partially opened vertical enclosure and without utilizing any filtering air flows. Secondly, the study quantifies the spatial and temporal variations of errors through statistical analyses of the differences between measurements obtained from quasi-static speckle translations and known imposed displacements. Experimental results indicate that the main cause of displacement errors is related to the 3D nature of the hot air turbulence caused by the natural convection phenomenon. This observation is supported by the detection of feather-shaped heat flows causing optical out-of-plane surface deviations. Furthermore, the study validates the possibility of obtaining time-dependent corrective functions for bias errors, which characterize the performance of the calibrated Stereo-DIC system in the presence of heat haze. Despite the limitation of extensive measurements required by the proposed approach, this study contributes to addressing the heat haze effect and constitutes a step towards extending the use of stereo-DIC for in-situ instrumentation of short-duration thermomechanical tests in the presence of heat haze.