bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) and Its Ligand (PD-L1) in Breast Cancers and Its Association with Clinicopathological Parameters
Authors: Mehan Anoushika , Anthony Michael Leonard , Paul Pranoy , Syed Anjum , Chowdhury Nilotpal , Rao Shalinee , Hussain Nuzhat , Ravi Bina
Published: November 2021

Introduction Cancer immunotherapy targeting the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) axis has revolutionized cancer therapy. PD-L1 also serves as a predictive marker for such therapy. To assess the potential of such therapy in any cancer, the positivity of PD-1 and PD-L1 in such cancers needs to be assessed. However, such studies for breast cancer are lacking in South Asia. We aimed to estimate the positivity of PD-L1 and PD-1 receptors in breast cancer and its various clinicopathological groups in our patient population.

Materials and Methods We studied the immunoexpression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in 103 histologically proven invasive carcinoma breast cases from October 2018 to April 2019. The percent positivity of PD-1 and PD-L1 with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated for all the cases as well as groups defined by stage, grade, molecular subtype, hormone receptor status, Ki-67, and age.

Results PD-1 positivity was seen in 72 (69.9%) cases (95% CI: 60.1–78.6). PD-L1 immunoexpression was seen in 61 (59.2%) cases (95% CI: 49.1–68.8) in immune cells and in 39 (37.9%) cases (95% CI: 28.5–50.0) in tumor cells. No significant association was found between PD-1, PD-L1 and age, overall clinical stage, grade, size, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and Ki-67. Moderate-to-high PD-1 and PD-L1 immunopositivity was seen in all subtypes of breast cancer.

Conclusion PD-1 and PD-L1 is expressed in all subgroups of breast carcinoma. Patients in all such groups are amenable to immunotherapy, provided they are found suitable otherwise.
Data-driven yaw misalignment correction for utility-scale wind turbines
Authors: Gao Linyue , Hong Jiarong
Published: November 2021

In recent years, wind turbine yaw misalignment that tends to degrade the turbine power production and impact the blade fatigue loads raises more attention along with the rapid development of large-scale wind turbines. The state-of-the-art correction methods require additional instruments such as laser imaging detection and ranging to provide the ground truths and are not suitable for long-term operation and large-scale implementation due to the high costs. In the present study, we propose a framework that enables the effective and efficient detection and correction of static and dynamic yaw errors by using only turbine supervisory control and data acquisition data, suitable for a low-cost regular inspection for large-scale wind farms in onshore, coastal, and offshore sites. This framework includes a short-period data collection of the turbine operating under multiple static yaw errors, a data mining correction for the static yaw error, and ultra-short-term dynamic yaw error forecasts with machine learning algorithms. Three regression algorithms, i.e., linear, support vector machine, and random forest, and a hybrid model based on the average prediction of the three, have been tested for dynamic yaw error prediction and compared using the field measurement data from a 2.5 MW turbine. For the data collected in the present study, the hybrid method shows the best performance and can reduce the total yaw error by up to 85% (on average of 71%) compared to the cases without static and dynamic yaw error corrections. In addition, we have tested the transferability of the proposed method in the application of detecting other static and dynamic yaw errors.
Tunable enhanced spatial shifts of reflective beam on the surface of a twisted bilayer of hBN
Authors: Li Yu-Bo , Song Hao-Yuan , Zhang Yu-Qi , Wang Xiang-Guang , Fu Shu-Fang , Wang Xuan-Zhang
Published: November 2021

We investigated Goos–Hänchen (GH) and Imbert–Fedorov (IF) shifts of a reflective beam on a twisted bilayer of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), where a left circularly polarized beam was incident on the surface. Our results demonstrate that the twist angle between the two optical axes plays an important role in obtaining large shifts with a high reflectivity. The GH shift with 10λ
0 is achieved, while the reflectivity is near 100% by tuning the twist angle. The maximum of the IF shift is found in the certain condition satisfied by the reflective coefficients, and the shift strongly depends on the twist angle between the optical axes of the two slabs. The spatial shifts obtained directly from the GH and IF shift definitions were provided, which indicate that the theoretical results from the stationary phase method are believable. These results may open up a new way for developing the nano-optical devices.
Designing high k dielectric films with LiPON–Al2O3 hybrid structure by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Feng Ze , Wang Yitong , Hao Jilong , Jing Meiyi , Lu Feng , Wang Weihua , Cheng Yahui , Wang Shengkai , Liu Hui , Dong Hong
Published: November 2021

A large amount of ultra-low-power consumption electronic devices are urgently needed in the new era of the internet of things, which demand relatively low frequency response. Here, atomic layer deposition has been utilized to fabricate the ion polarization dielectric of the LiPON–Al2O3 hybrid structure. The LiPON thin film is periodically stacked in the Al2O3 matrix. This hybrid structure presents a frequency-dependent dielectric constant, of which k is significantly higher than the aluminum oxide matrix from 1 kHz to 200 kHz in frequency. The increased dielectric constant is attributed to the lithium ions shifting locally upon the applied electrical field, which shows an additional polarization to the Al2O3 matrix. This work provides a new strategy with promising potential to engineers for the dielectric constant of the gate oxide and sheds light on the application of electrolyte/dielectric hybrid structure in a variety of devices from capacitors to transistors.
Applications and functions of rare-earth ions in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cang Limin , Qian Zongyao , Wang Jinpei , Chen Libao , Wan Zhigang , Yang Ke , Zhang Hui , Chen Yonghua
Published: November 2021

The emerging perovskite solar cells have been recognized as one of the most promising new-generation photovoltaic technologies owing to their potential of high efficiency and low production cost. However, the current perovskite solar cells suffer from some obstacles such as non-radiative charge recombination, mismatched absorption, light induced degradation for the further improvement of the power conversion efficiency and operational stability towards practical application. The rare-earth elements have been recently employed to effectively overcome these drawbacks according to their unique photophysical properties. Herein, the recent progress of the application of rare-earth ions and their functions in perovskite solar cells were systematically reviewed. As it was revealed that the rare-earth ions can be coupled with both charge transport metal oxides and photosensitive perovskites to regulate the thin film formation, and the rare-earth ions are embedded either substitutionally into the crystal lattices to adjust the optoelectronic properties and phase structure, or interstitially at grain boundaries and surface for effective defect passivation. In addition, the reversible oxidation and reduction potential of rare-earth ions can prevent the reduction and oxidation of the targeted materials. Moreover, owing to the presence of numerous energetic transition orbits, the rare-earth elements can convert low-energy infrared photons or high-energy ultraviolet photons into perovskite responsive visible light, to extend spectral response range and avoid high-energy light damage. Therefore, the incorporation of rare-earth elements into the perovskite solar cells have demonstrated promising potentials to simultaneously boost the device efficiency and stability.
An extended improved global structure model for influential node identification in complex networks
Authors: Zhu Jing-Cheng , Wang Lun-Wen
Published: November 2021

Accurate identification of influential nodes facilitates the control of rumor propagation and interrupts the spread of computer viruses. Many classical approaches have been proposed by researchers regarding different aspects. To explore the impact of location information in depth, this paper proposes an improved global structure model to characterize the influence of nodes. The method considers both the node’s self-information and the role of the location information of neighboring nodes. First, degree centrality of each node is calculated, and then degree value of each node is used to represent self-influence, and degree values of the neighbor layer nodes are divided by the power of the path length, which is path attenuation used to represent global influence. Finally, an extended improved global structure model that considers the nearest neighbor information after combining self-influence and global influence is proposed to identify influential nodes. In this paper, the propagation process of a real network is obtained by simulation with the SIR model, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified from two aspects of discrimination and accuracy. The experimental results show that the proposed method is more accurate in identifying influential nodes than other comparative methods with multiple networks.
Conservation of forest genetic resources through the example of native Quercus species from the “Košutnjak” park forest in Serbia
Authors: Šijačic-Nikolic M , Nonić M , Perović M , Kerkez Janković I , Milovanović J
Published: November 2021

Given the importance of urban park forests and protected natural areas in the urban environment, the implementation of the concept of genetic conservation is one of the main ways to save and improve this category of natural resources. Forests such as Košutnjak can be considered a refuge for flora and fauna and by establishing conservation programs for certain species, the entire ecosystem would be better protected. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate a systematic approach to in situ conservation of forest genetic resources in urban areas through the example of four native oak species: pedunculate oak, sessile oak, Hungarian oak and downy oak in the protected natural area “Košutnjak” in the capital of Serbia – Belgrade, to develop replicable conservation guidelines for urban park forests. The methodological framework for the development of guidelines for genetic conservation, presented in this paper, is a replicable model whose basic principles can be applied in other cases of urban park forests.
Utilization of wastewater pollution in plant growth biostimulants
Authors: Bryndina L , Korchagina A
Published: November 2021

The Voronezh Region is a highly developed agro-industrial complex that exerts a burden on the environment. The article deals with the disposal of wastewater pollution with the production of technological products. The aim of the study was to create a biostimulator of plant growth from the waste water of a meat processing plant by enzymatic hydrolysis with the addition of 5% of a consortium of microorganisms from the intestines of pigs and to study its properties on the seeds of Scots pine. The resulting hydrolysates have a high biological value with a complete amino acid composition. The biostimulator contains 92.52% amino acids. Identification of growth stimulation of seed sowing qualities was determined in the laboratory. The results of the experiment show that in the control sample, the seeds were soaked with distilled water, the germination energy was 71.3%, and the laboratory germination rate was 82%. When studying the prototype impregnated with a biostimulator, the germination indicators were: germination energy 85.3%, germination 93.3%. The resulting amino acid biostimulator increased the shelf life of seeds by 11.3%. The biostimulator helped to increase the quality class of seeds, which allows to reduce the seeding rate per unit area during sowing and reduce costs.
Optimized method for RNA extraction from leaves of forest tree species
Authors: Grodetskaya T , Fedorova O , Evlakov P
Published: November 2021

Extraction of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from woody plants is a difficult task due to the peculiarities of plant material rich in polysaccharides and starch. The available techniques are often ineffective, since they result in the absence/reduced quality/reduced amount of RNA in the final preparation. The method we have optimized is based on the use of cethyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), purification by phenol-chloroform extraction, use of lithium chloride and ammonium acetate. The method showed high efficiency for the extraction of RNA from the leaves of birch and poplar samples, in vitro and mature plants, in comparison with previously used methods (extraction using NucleoSpin® RNA Plant (Macherey-Nagel, Germany) columns, Su (2009) method, standard guanidine thiocyanate method). Electropherograms of RNA preparations showed its high integrity and concentration (up to 85 ng/μl), significantly higher purity of the preparation (up to 2.7 times). Purification of the preparation in the process of extraction can significantly reduce the yield of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The optimized method is highly reproducible and can be used for further research, complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis, qualitative and quantitative PCR analysis. The method allows obtaining high-quality RNA from other objects of agricultural and forest plants.
Solving the problem of optimizing the cutting of wood whips with curvature
Authors: Gudkov A
Published: November 2021

Stem wood, obtained from the cuttings of care in low-forest areas is of low quality. Such wood has a number of vices, one of which is simple curvature, which has impact on the voluminous and commercial output of round timber. Reducing this influence can be achieved through high-quality bucking. Therefore, the purpose of the work presented is to increase the volume and commercial output of round timber harvested in low-forest areas. The developed technique using computers allows to solve the tasks of modeling the shape of wood whips and logs using multi-critical optimization and bucking whips having curvature. The use of the proposed technique allows for results adequate to the real production conditions, as evidenced by the methods of decision-making used. Scientific research and theoretical developments, taking into account the formed database, allowed to search for the optimal scheme of cutting when bucking round timber, performed according to the algorithm based on the busting of acceptable variants using modern theory of graphs and matrixes. As a result, the developed program will reduce the time for data formation, guarantee the accuracy of the results, the program easily adapts to natural and production conditions and will expand the possibilities for Computer-aided design.
State and prospects of forest protection from illegal logging in the Ural Federal District
Authors: Pryadilina N , Zinovyeva I
Published: November 2021

Illegal logging and trade in primary timber is a significant threat to the integrity of the forest system of the Ural region. It causes enormous damage to economy and society. The purpose of the work is to describe the state of the problem of illegal logging, identify the main factors causing widespread illegal logging and illegal timber turnover in the district, and make separate recommendations to suppress illegal activities of unscrupulous forest users. The analysis, comparison, and synthesis of the data were conducted on the basis of official Departmental reporting provided by the Forestry Department of the Ural Federal District. The issue of illegal logging is systemic and sustainable. Recognition of not only economic, but also the social and environmental significance of the problem, coordination of interdepartmental interaction, improvement of the system of state forest control and supervision, combating corruption schemes, creation of the institution of public environmental inspectors and their active work with the support of regional and federal authorities and the response of the timber industry enterprises can turn the situation.
Economic assessment of the carbon sequestration potential of plantation forests
Authors: Ivanova A
Published: November 2021

The goals set by Russia for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change Mitigation, taking into account the absorptive capacity of forests, have become an additional incentive for the creation of carbon-saving forest plantations, while the formation of a voluntary carbon market has made it possible to receive income from the sale of carbon from such climate forest projects. However, in the absence of experience in the implementation of such projects in Russia and the long-term return on investment in them, associated with the specifics of forestry and the existing risks of obtaining the final result, it has become an unattractive activity. This problem can be solved by creating carbon-depositing forest plantations using fast-growing seedlings of planting material obtained by innovative biotechnological methods. The study determined the costs of creating 1 hectare of carbon-depositing forest plantations, forecasting the possible additional income from 1 hectare per year from forest plantations for the implementation of net primary production. It is concluded that even with conservative net primary production and low carbon prices, the use of planting material obtained by in vitro clonal micropropagation when creating carbon-depositing forest plantations will reduce the payback period of climate forestry projects to 5 years.
Model of a digital device for assessing the state of xylem in tree trunks
Authors: Kamalova N S , Evsikova N Yu , Krutskikh Yu V
Published: November 2021

For the development of systems for predicting the state of forests and trees, adequate models of the influence of temperature and humidity environment fluctuations on the kinetics of the wood microstructure are needed. Formalized modeling should be based on monitoring data obtained with controlled accuracy in real time. The aim of the work was to substantiate the layout of a device for measuring the potential difference in tree trunks to study their state. For the first time in the article, the recorder layout with the operating principle based on the phenomenon of thermally stimulated polarization of wood has substantiated. In addition, a formalized model has presented for processing the monitoring data of the studied potential difference in the framework of classical thermodynamics, which makes it possible to determine the parameters of the kinetics of the microstructure of wood in tree trunks at fluctuations of external factors. As a result of the research carried out, a model of a digital device for assessing the state of wood of tree trunks was developed. The proposed device for recording the response of the trunk wood on the fluctuations of external factors practically does not violate the unique microstructure of the biocomposite and has a controlled accuracy in real time.
Formation of the timber industry competitiveness
Authors: Tretyakova L , Nebesnaya A , Azarova N
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the methodological and instrumental study of the process of forming the competitiveness of the timber industry. The authors substantiated the structural and logical scheme of the competitive development of the logging industry, which includes the directions for generating competitive advantages in the process of industry development. Within the framework of the program-targeted approach, the main directions of the system of measures for the formation of the competitive development of the logging industry were formulated in the form of a draft Program for the Development of the Competitiveness of the Timber Industry, considering the time periods of the Strategy for the Development of the Forestry Complex of the Russian Federation until 2030. The authors have proposed the Passport of the Program for the Development of the Competitiveness of the Timber Industry, which includes a set of Subprograms within the framework of the legal and regulatory framework that regulates the use and reproduction of forests. The tactical goals are clarified, tasks are solved within each subprogram; target objectively controlled indicators of the Program are proposed.
The impact of copper oxide and silver nanoparticles on woody plants obtained by in vitro method
Authors: Fedorova O , Grodetskaya T , Evtushenko N , Evlakov P , Gusev A , Zakharova O
Published: November 2021

The article substantiates the necessity of studying behaviour of copper oxide and silver nanoparticles on forest cultures (downy birch 29-58 (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) and poplar ‘Pyramidal-osokoreviy Kamyshinsky’ (Poplus pyramidalis Roz. x Poplus nigra L.) in in vitro as well as in ‘soil-plant-microbiota’ to ensure stability of forest cultures in forest regeneration. The impact of nanoparticles on shoot regeneration and propagation processes was evaluated by introducing nanoparticles into Woody Plant medium. Differences in the influence of nanoparticles on the life processes of plants depending on their concentration and the stage of clonal micropropagation have been established. The results are demonstrated by a 15-25% reduction in the frequency of infection of poplar and birch explants as well as by an increase in their regenerating potential at the stage of introduction in tissue culture. When the nanoparticle solution is used in the soil substrate, a decrease in the number of diseased plants and an increase in their survival rate of 30% can be observed. The inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles on some ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms has been established. These results can be used in the application of CuO and Ag nanoparticles in the biotechnology of clonal micropropagation of forest crops.
Improving the efficiency of manipulator-type machines with an improved hydraulic drive
Authors: Chetverikova I , Popikov P , Glushkov S
Published: November 2021

The article considers the possibility of increasing the efficiency of manipulator-type machines when harvesting wood by increasing the productivity, energy efficiency and reliability of the hydraulic equipment used. A combined method of transporting timber from logging sites by road and water transport using equipment with an improved hydraulic drive of the manipulator is proposed. The issue has not been worked through before. Using the example of the Northwestern Federal District, the author considers the development of forest areas located in the upper reaches of small and medium rivers. For the first time, original hydromechanical dampers and energy-saving devices are used in hydraulic drives of manipulators of forest machines to reduce dynamic loads and energy consumption for loading and unloading timber. This increases the efficiency of the use of manipulator-type machines, creating mobility, reducing equipment costs, the time spent waiting for unloading on sites for further rafting or shipment. The development of forest areas in a combined way will reduce capital investments for the construction of transport routes at the border of waterways by at least 3 times. All this will reduce the cost of harvesting in general and eliminate the use of additional loaders.
Stock of standing dead trees in boreal forests of Central Siberia
Authors: Mukhortova L V , Krivobokov L V , Schepaschenko D G , Knorre A A , Sobachkin D S
Published: November 2021

A significant part of carbon assimilated by forest is deposited in tree trunks. Growth and development of tree stands is accompanied by accumulation of standing dead trees (snags) due to natural tree mortality and as a result of the impact of exogenous factors. Carbon accumulated in these dead trunks is excluded from the fast turnover due to low rate of wood decomposition, so that snags can be considered as a pool of organic carbon with a slow rate of its return to the atmosphere. We estimated stock of snags on 54 sample plots, which represent the main types of forest ecosystems in the northern and middle taiga of Central Siberia. In the middle taiga, stock of snags varied from up to 7 m3 ha-1 in Siberian spruce forests to 20-42 m3 ha-1 in Scots pine forests. Larch forests in the northern taiga had the similar stock of snags as larch forests in the middle taiga despite significantly higher growing stock in the later. Snags contributed from 4 to 19% to the total stock of woody biomass in studied forests. This study indicated the significance of snags and can be used to estimate carbon budget of forest ecosystems of the region.
Decoding of forest belts using satellite images
Authors: Koshelev A V , Tkachenko N A , Shatrovskaya M O
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the results of decoding the current condition of protective forest plantations of the Volgograd region and their digital inventory mapping on the basis of remote sensing methods and GIS technologies. We have applied a three-level analysis of the system of forest belts located within an administrative district, a farmstead, and a single forest belt. The laboratory visual interpretation of space images has allowed us to analyze the horizontal projection of the forest belts canopy and crowns, their placement in the canopy, as well as pattern and structure. We have also deciphered the signs of the prevailing patterns of tree species mixing. As a result of the research, we have created digital cartographic models of forest belts, compiled digital standards of elm stands in a given age period, assesse taxation and reclamation features of the current state of plantations. The results obtained can be used to monitor the state of plantings and create a local agroforestry GIS.
Radial growth of Scots pine and Norway spruce stands as an indicator of soil and environmental conditions
Authors: Aparin B , Babikov B , Zolotukhin D , Mingareeva E
Published: November 2021

The study presents an analysis of radial growth of Scots pine and Norway spruce trees growing on drained soils formed on varved clays at the sample sites of the Lisino Experimental Forestry (Lisino). Based on dendrochronological studies in Lisino, it has been found that the radial growth of Scots pine and Norway spruce is a sensitive indicator of changes in the soil water regime, climate, and phytocenotic relationships. On the basis of the character of tree-ring width growth, the growth charts allowed distinguishing zones with close to average growth values, as well as with increased and decreased values of radial growth. The cyclical pattern of tree ring width is well expressed in the successive change of zones. The availability of dendrochronological research materials with precise spatial and temporal reference makes it possible to organize monitoring of radial growth of trees as an indicator of changes in climate and habitat conditions.
Carbon stock in litter of middle taiga forest ecosystems of Central Siberia
Authors: Sergeeva O , Mukhortova L , Krivobokov L
Published: November 2021

Litter plays an important role in the carbon cycle of forest ecosystems incorporating significant amount of carbon as a result of annual partial die-off of the biomass and releasing it during complex multistage processes of organic matter decomposition. The balance of these processes in the forests of permafrost zone significantly shifts towards the accumulation of dead organic matter. That makes the assessment of litter stock in these ecosystems particularly relevant, especially in relation to the predicted consequences of climate change in the study region. On the territory of middle taiga of Central Siberia, 14 sampling plots were established in the various landforms (slopes of different exposition, lowlands and uplands). The carbon stock in litter of the main forest types of the studied area varied from 0.47 to 4.46 kgC/m2. Also, the paper considers composition of litter accumulated in these ecosystems, including the ratio between fresh litterfall, fermented and humified plant residues, and dead roots. Our results demonstrated that fermented plant residues prevailed in the litter composition in most types of studied forest ecosystems due to specificity of hydrothermal regime and quality of litterfall. The results obtained might be applied to refine the carbon budget of Siberian forests.
MODIS-derived fire spatial and temporal distribution during haze season in Southeast Asia using empirical orthogonal function
Authors: Khoir Aulia Nisa’ul , Ooi Maggie Chel Gee , Liew Juneng , Suradi  , Kurniawan Andang , Ni’amillah Azka
Published: November 2021

One of the efforts to control the forest and land fire disasters which affect on the biomass burning haze is fire hotspots monitoring. Biomass burning haze in Southeast Asia (SEA) has become a recurring annual issue. This study aims to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of fire hotspots along SEA, so that it can serve as guidance for efforts to control them. The hotspot data used is derived from NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) MODIS sensors which is collected from 2001-2020. Spatial analysis of the re-gridded data shows the highest burning activities over SEA occurred in Feb-Apr, with >2000 fire events in the Indo-China area and >1000 fire events in Sumatra and Borneo. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) was performed on monthly total hotspot data for 228 months for determining dominant patterns spatially and temporally. Based on the EOF analysis results, the three major modes have achieved a total variance of 71 %. The first mode (EOF1) explains 65 % of the total variance. The second (EOF2) and third (EOF3) modes account for 3.60 % and 2.97 % of the total variance respectively. The first and the third principal component identified high loadings over the Indo-China and Sumatra-Borneo regions respectively. Whereas the second principal component separates the fire areas into China and Indo-China region. Inter-annual pattern is dominant in the EOF1, while the inter-seasonal pattern is dominant in EOF2 and EOF3. ENSO, IOD, and MJO are factors that influence the pattern of the determined principal components. The result of this study provides general understanding on how the fire events varied over the past two decades in SEA.
Review of potential astronomical optical observatory sites in the Philippines
Authors: Dela Cruz Ruby Ann B , Tucio Princess
Published: November 2021

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands with many geographical features such as mountain ranges, seas, and plains. The country has fairly developed cities that are now experiencing various kinds of pollution at different levels and intensities. Highly developed urban areas are brightly lit and are currently experiencing worsening light pollution. Despite this, the two biggest telescopes in the country are still installed in two observatories right in the country’s capital city where light pollution is at its worst. This paper aims to identify several locations away from light pollution in the islands of Luzon, the biggest island in the Philippines, and the island of Palawan, where optical astronomical observatories may be built. The locations are chosen by studying the comparative light pollution scales in the various locations. The topography of the place and meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation are likewise studied and considered as factors. Included in these factors is the fact that both the islands of Luzon and Palawan experience several typhoons every year, while earthquakes occur anywhere in the archipelago. For this reason, the observatories to be built must be designed to withstand Category 5 typhoons and strong magnitude 7 to 8 earthquakes. The results of the study identify the places on the island of Palawan and in northern Luzon which are good dark sites for the establishment of optical astronomy observatories. These locations can be declared as protected and developed as dark-sky sites dedicated to the study of Astronomy.
A statistical analysis of the relationship between Pc4 and Pc5 ULF waves, solar winds and geomagnetic storms for predicting earthquake precursor signatures in low latitude regions
Authors: Syed Zafar S N A , Umar Roslan , Sabri N H , Jusoh M H , Yoshikawa A , Abe S , Uozumi T
Published: November 2021

Short-term earthquake forecasting is impossible due to the seismometer’s limited sensitivity in detecting the generation of micro-fractures prior to an earthquake. Therefore, there is a strong desire for a non-seismological approach, and one of the most established methods is geomagnetic disturbance observation. Previous research shows that disturbances in the ground geomagnetic field serves as a potential precursor for earthquake studies. It was discovered that electromagnetic waves (EM) in the Ultra-Low Frequency (ULF) range are a promising tool for studying the seismomagnetic effect of earthquake precursors. This study used a multiple regression approach to analyse the preliminary study on the relationship between Pc4 (6.7-22 mHz) and Pc5 (1.7-6.7 mHz) ULF magnetic pulsations, solar wind parameters and geomagnetic indices for predicting earthquake precursor signatures in low latitude regions. The ground geomagnetic field was collected from Davao station (7.00° N, 125.40° E), in the Philippines, which experiences nearby earthquake events (Magnitude <5.0, depth <100 km and epicentre distance from magnetometer station <100 km). The Pc5 ULF waves show the highest variance with four solar wind parameters, namely SWS, SWP, IMF-Bz, SIE and geomagnetic indices (SYM/H) prior to an earthquake event based on the regression model value of R2= 0.1510. Furthermore, the IMF-Bz, SWS, SWP, SWE, and SYM/H were found to be significantly correlated with Pc5 ULF geomagnetic pulsation. This Pc5 ULF magnetic pulsation behaviour in solar winds and geomagnetic storms establishes the possibility of using Pc5 to predict earthquakes.
Submerging paddy cultivation area due to coastal flooding in Kuala Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Sah Samera Samsuddin , Maulud Khairul Nizam Abdul , Rahim Nurul A’idah Abd , Karim Othman A. , Sharil Suraya
Published: November 2021

Kuala Kedah is a coastal area where the majority of the community are paddy farmers and fishermen. Almost the entire coastal area is used as a paddy cultivation area. However, this area faces the threat of seawater intrusion into land due to climate change driven sea-level rise. The rising seawater has affected the surrounding area, not only in terms of crop yields but also property and livelihood to the locals. Therefore, this study is designed to detect and analyze the progress of seawater on land at the Kuala Kedah coastal area using a hydrodynamic approach. Mike 21 software was used to simulate the hydrodynamic effects on 2 segments (NA and SA) in this study area by considering two conditions namely Condition 1 (K1) and Condition 2 (K2) which are respectively with and without coastal protection structure. However, this structure was only built along the 2.5 km shoreline in the NA segment and not in the SA segment. The findings show that the coastal protection structure in K2 is effective in reducing 50 % of the impact of sea level rise in year 2100 at NA segment, while only 10 % at SA segment. Therefore, the construction of these structures permanently should be given consideration by local authorities in planning future development to ensure lowland areas are protected from coastal floods.
Effect of freeze-dried biofloc as A Dietary Supplement on Water Quality and Growth Performance of red Tilapia (Hybrid)
Authors: Binalshikh-Abubkr Tarq , Hanafiah Marlia Mohd
Published: November 2021

To investigate the effect of supplementation of dried biofloc produced by freeze-drying method on water quality and growth performance of red hybrid tilapia, two experimental diets (T0 treatment: 0 % biofloc; and T1 treatment: 4 % freeze-dried biofloc) were examined during 57 days of feeding trial. Diet T0 resulted in higher feed intake than T1 treatment (P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found between the two treatments in terms of weight gain, SGR, and FCR (P > 0.05). For water quality parameters, values of temperature, EC, TDS, ammonia and nitrate were significantly higher for T1 treatment (P < 0.05). While dissolved oxygen level was significantly lower for T1 treatment compared to T0 treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, no significant differences were found for pH and salinity (P > 0.05). However, the two treatments showed water quality parameters levels within the range of standard levels of water quality for tilapia culture. In addition, proximate composition of experimental diets showed significantly higher lipid content for T0 treatment than T1 treatment (P < 0.05). While no significant differences were found between means of treatments for organic matter, protein, fiber, ash and energy contents (P > 0.05). Based on these results, a 4 % supplementation of freeze-dried biofloc can be successively included in formulated diets for red hybrid tilapia without any effects on growth in terms of weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival, and can result in acceptable water quality levels for red hybrid tilapia.
Characterization of aquifer system using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarisation (IP) techniques
Authors: Akhtar N , Mislan M S , Syakir M I , Anees M T , Yusuff M S M
Published: November 2021

Groundwater plays a major role as an alternative freshwater resource for irrigation and industrial purposes. This study aimed to characterize the subsurface of aquifer systems in TelukIntan district, Perak, Malaysia using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) methods. The horizontal profiling (TL1 and TL2) was conducted at length of 400 m. The estimated depth is 150 m below ground level (b.g.l.). An ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter and ABEM LUND ES464 Imaging System were applied to create a resistivity pseudo-section using polar-dipole configuration. The collected geo-electrical data was interpreted using RESIST software with partial curve matching and computer iteration. ERT and IP survey profile results were validated with in-situ borehole data from borehole 2 (B2). Eleven samples of soil profile were collected at depth from 5.6 m to 61.2 m, with average percentage of sand, silt and clay are 93.77 %, 5.78 % and 0.02 %, respectively. The geology of subsurface settings is the key factor in determining the aquifer system characterized by interlayer sand-silt sequence indicating the saturation zone of aquifer underlain by shale at the bottom. Further study on hydraulics perspective is important to understand the overall capacity of the aquifer.
Microbial fuel cells constructed from the integration of anaerobic and aerobic sanitary landfill site systems
Authors: Abdul Harris N , Abdul Halim A
Published: November 2021

The world’s main source of energy now is fossil fuels but the demand for power is increasing. In addition, the burning of fossil fuels produces harmful greenhouse gases and has a significant impact on the environment. The fuel cell system in this study is based on the aerobic and anaerobic integration system are used in most waste disposal methods in Malaysia. It is a system of electrochemistry results from the oxidation of organic matter that transfers electrons to carbon graphite This research is to study the effectiveness of the method generating electricity from micro-fuel cells produced from leachate wastewater and it is also conducted to identify microbial activity using a double chamber system. The food waste obtain is divided into double chambers which is aerobic and anaerobic. Digital readings using a multimeter are performed for ten to thirteen days continuously to obtain the highest reading results for voltage and electric current. The measurement of the highest reading result on the 11th day recorded a reading as high as 146.8 mV at 2000 mV while the current reached 28 μA at 2000 μA. This study has proven that there is the production of electrical sources from the activity of organisms present in food waste using microbial fuel cell systems. The result show that food waste and cattle manure produce the highest voltage and current. This has provided an opportunity to explore alternative ways of generating electricity according to the environment and conditions of each region.
Emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from dairy cattle manure
Authors: Hanafiah M M , Ibraheem A J , Razman K K
Published: November 2021

There is an increasing interest in reducing production and emissions of greenhouse gases to combat global warming. Greenhouse gases can be produced through animal production operations. One of the major sources of greenhouse gases emitted from the animal farming is dairy cattle barns. This study measured the CH4 and CO2 emissions from dairy cattle manure decomposition trapped inside the static chambers through anaerobic digestion process by bacteria and at regular intervals by focusing on animal age and manure storage method. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography for the estimation of CH4 and CO2 emissions. Four Friesian cows were used representing two stages of cow age (3 and 10 years old) and 1 kg of fresh manure samples were collected (feces and mixture of feces with urine). It was found that CH4 and CO2 emissions produced by cattle at the age of 3 years were higher than age of 10 years. In addition, gases emitted from fresh slurry feces were higher than liquid manure for both ages (3 and 10 years). This is due to the fact that the organic matter degradation in the feces and amount of fresh slurry feces is twice the amount of fresh slurry feces used in the liquid manure, as well as the organic matter in the manure mass for the age of 3 years is higher than for the age of 10 years. The findings from this study can provide information for improving manure management practices in animal farms.
De novo FZR1loss-of-function variants cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies
Authors: Manivannan Sathiya N , Roovers Jolien , Smal Noor , Myers Candace T , Turkdogan Dilsad , Roelens Filip , Kanca Oguz , Chung Hyung-Lok , Scholz Tasja , Hermann Katharina , Bierhals Tatjana , Caglayan Hande S , Stamberger Hannah ,   MAE Working Group of EuroEPINOMICS RES Consortium, Craiu Dana , Davila Carol , Helbig Ingo , Guerrini Renzo , Lehesjoki Anna-Elina , Marini Carla , Muhle Hiltrud , Møller Rikke S , Neubauer Bernd , Pal Deb , Sterbova Katalin , Striano Pasquale , Talvik Tiina , von Spiczak Sarah , Weber Yvonne , Hoffman-Zacharska Dorota , Mefford Heather , de Jonghe Peter , Yamamoto Shinya , Weckhuysen Sarah , Bellen Hugo J
Published: November 2021

FZR1, which encodes the Cdh1 subunit of the anaphase-promoting complex, plays an important role in neurodevelopment by regulating the cell cycle and by its multiple post-mitotic functions in neurons. In this study, evaluation of 250 unrelated patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and a connection on GeneMatcher led to the identification of three de novo missense variants in FZR1.

Whole-exome sequencing in 39 patient–parent trios and subsequent targeted sequencing in an additional cohort of 211 patients was performed to identify novel genes involved in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Functional studies in Drosophila were performed using three different mutant alleles of the Drosophila homologue of FZR1 fzr.

All three individuals carrying de novo variants in FZR1 had childhood-onset generalized epilepsy, intellectual disability, mild ataxia and normal head circumference. Two individuals were diagnosed with the developmental and epileptic encephalopathy subtype myoclonic atonic epilepsy. We provide genetic-association testing using two independent statistical tests to support FZR1 association with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. Further, we provide functional evidence that the missense variants are loss-of-function alleles using Drosophila neurodevelopment assays. Using three fly mutant alleles of the Drosophila homologue fzr and overexpression studies, we show that patient variants can affect proper neurodevelopment.

With the recent report of a patient with neonatal-onset with microcephaly who also carries a de novo FZR1 missense variant, our study consolidates the relationship between FZR1 and developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and expands the associated phenotype. We conclude that heterozygous loss-of-function of FZR1 leads to developmental and epileptic encephalopathies associated with a spectrum of neonatal to childhood-onset seizure types, developmental delay and mild ataxia. Microcephaly can be present but is not an essential feature of FZR1-encephalopathy. In summary, our approach of targeted sequencing using novel gene candidates and functional testing in Drosophila will help solve undiagnosed myoclonic atonic epilepsy or developmental and epileptic encephalopathy cases.
The representation of time windows in primate auditory cortex
Authors: Dheerendra Pradeep , Baumann Simon , Joly Olivier , Balezeau Fabien , Petkov Christopher I , Thiele Alexander , Griffiths Timothy D
Published: November 2021

Whether human and nonhuman primates process the temporal dimension of sound similarly remains an open question. We examined the brain basis for the processing of acoustic time windows in rhesus macaques using stimuli simulating the spectrotemporal complexity of vocalizations. We conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging in awake macaques to identify the functional anatomy of response patterns to different time windows. We then contrasted it against the responses to identical stimuli used previously in humans. Despite a similar overall pattern, ranging from the processing of shorter time windows in core areas to longer time windows in lateral belt and parabelt areas, monkeys exhibited lower sensitivity to longer time windows than humans. This difference in neuronal sensitivity might be explained by a specialization of the human brain for processing longer time windows in speech.
Climatic niche breadths of the Atlantic Forest snakes do not increase with increasing latitude
Authors: Portillo José Thales da Motta , Barbo Fausto Erritto , Sawaya Ricardo J
Published: November 2021

The climatic niche is a central concept for understanding species distribution, with current and past climate interpreted as strong drivers of present and historical-geographical ranges. Our aim is to understand whether Atlantic Forest snakes follow the general geographical pattern of increasing species climatic niche breadths with increasing latitude. We also tested if there is a tradeoff between temperature and precipitation niche breadths of species in order to understand if species with larger breadths of one niche dimension have stronger dispersal constraints by the other due to narrower niche breadths. Niche breadths were calculated by the subtraction of maximal and minimal values of temperature and precipitation across species ranges. We implemented Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares to measure the relationship between temperature and precipitation niche breadths and latitude. We also tested phylogenetic signals by Lambda statistics to analyze the degree of phylogenetic niche conservatism to both niche dimensions. Temperature niche breadths were not related to latitude. Precipitation niche breadths decreased with increasing latitude and presented a high phylogenetic signal, that is, significant phylogenetic niche conservatism. We rejected the tradeoff hypotheses of temperature and precipitation niche breadths. Our results also indicate that precipitation should be an important ecological constraint affecting the geographical distribution of snake lineages across the South American Atlantic Forest. We then provide a general view of how phylogenetic niche conservatism could impact the patterns of latitudinal variation of climatic niches across this biodiversity hotspot.