bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNFα and IFNγ cooperate for efficient pro- to anti-inflammatory transition of macrophages during muscle regeneration
Authors: Babaeijandaghi Farshad , Paiero Adrianna , Long Reece , Tung Lin Wei , Smith Shannon Percival , Cheng Ryan , Smandych Joshua , Kajabadi Nasim , Chang Chih-Kai , Ghassemi Amirhossein , Kennedy William D. M. , Soliman Hesham , Schutz Peter W. , Rossi Fabio M. V.
Published: October 2022

IFNγ is traditionally known as a proinflammatory cytokine with diverse roles in antimicrobial and antitumor immunity. Yet, findings regarding its sources and functions during the regeneration process following a sterile injury are conflicting. Here, we show that natural killer (NK) cells are the main source of IFNγ in regenerating muscle. Beyond this cell population, IFNγ production is limited to a small population of T cells. We further show that NK cells do not play a major role in muscle regeneration following an acute injury or in dystrophic mice. Surprisingly, the absence of IFNγ per se also has no effect on muscle regeneration following an acute injury. However, the role of IFNγ is partially unmasked when TNFα is also neutralized, suggesting a compensatory mechanism. Using transgenic mice, we showed that conditional inhibition of IFNGR1 signaling in muscle stem cells or fibro-adipogenic progenitors does not play a major role in muscle regeneration. In contrast to common belief, we found that IFNγ is not present in the early inflammatory phase of the regeneration process but rather peaks when macrophages are acquiring an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Further transcriptomic analysis suggests that IFNγ cooperates with TNFα to regulate the transition of macrophages from pro- to anti-inflammatory states. The absence of the cooperative effect of these cytokines on macrophages, however, does not result in significant regeneration impairment likely due to the presence of other compensatory mechanisms. Our findings support the arising view of IFNγ as a pleiotropic inflammatory regulator rather than an inducer of the inflammatory response.
Imagining and designing the future of education: a critical review of Allan Collins’ What’s Worth Teaching: Rethinking Curriculum in the Age of Technology (Imaginando y diseñando el futuro de la educación: una revisión crítica del libro de Allan Collins ¿Qué Merece la Pena Enseñar? Repensar el Currículum en la Era de la Tecnología)
Authors: Kolodner Janet , Morales Melita
Published: October 2022

Thoughtful pedagogues have long taken approaches to school reform that foreground an emphasis on learning that will matter in the lives of the students while taking into account the varying special interests and capabilities of learners. Some of these approaches prioritize the social and emotional needs of children, rethinking school discipline and the whole child, while others focus on curriculum units that target global problems and a strengthening of twenty-first-century skills. Allan Collins, in his book What’s Worth Teaching: Rethinking Curriculum in the Age of Technology, speaks to many of the issues that need to be addressed to make education more engaging and focused on what will be important for our youth to thrive as adults. In this Prospectives piece, we take a step towards continuing that conversation. We summarize Collins’ suggestions and reframe them in the context of the inequalities present in our school systems and societies. We propose important aspects of school culture that, we believe, will be essential if we are to support youth in identifying and working with others to create societal change. After an overview of Collins’ organizing framework, we point out what we believe must be addressed to allow successful design of educational systems that will help all youth develop their potential and sense of place and purpose in wider society.
Formation of ultracold singlet ground state 39K87Rb molecules via Feshbach-optimized photoassociation
Authors: Yu Zong-Han , Si Bo-Wen , Sun Zhi-Xin , Lyu Bing-Kuan , Cong Shu-Lin
Published: October 2022

We investigate theoretically the formation of ultracold 39K87Rb molecules on the lowest vibrational level of singlet ground electronic X
1Σ+ state via the Feshbach-optimized photoassociation. The probability density of colliding atomic pair at the short-range interatomic separation is significantly enhanced near Feshbach resonances. Due to the limitation of transition selection rule, the direct transition between singlet and triplet electronic states is forbidden. The electronic spin–orbit couplings between excited electronic states are used to transfer the population from the triplet electronic state to the singlet electronic state. By using the magnetic field and four laser pulses, the colliding 39K and 87Rb atoms near a magnetically induced Feshbach resonance are converted into the 39K87Rb molecule. The final population on the lowest vibrational level of the X
1Σ+ state reaches 0.02126.
Study of bound and resonant states of NS molecule in the R-matrix approach
Authors: Iacob Felix , Meltzer Thomas , Mezei János Zsolt , Schneider Ioan F , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: October 2022

The bound and resonance states along with corresponding autoionization widths for nitrogen sulphide (NS) molecule are determined using electron NS+ cation scattering calculations. The calculations are performed for 2Σ+, 2Π and 2Δ total symmetries using the ab initio R-matrix method for both bound and continuum states. Calculations are performed on a grid of 106 points for internuclear separations between 1.32 and 3 Å. The resonance states yield dissociative potential curves which, when considered together with their widths, provide input for models of different electron-cation collision processes including dissociative recombination (DR), and rotational and vibrational excitation. Curves and couplings which will lead directly to DR are identified.
Parametric investigation on laser interaction with polyimide for graphene synthesis towards flexible devices
Authors: Singh Arpit Kumar , Shiby Sooraj , Sahu Anshu , Pachori Piyush , Tanwar Manushree , Kumar Rajesh , Palani I A
Published: October 2022

Graphene, is one of the prominent materials in device fabrication due to its high conductive and high flexural strength for electrodes/device applications. The latest technique for graphene synthesis i.e. carbonization of polyimide by laser patterning has received much attention because of its capability to create various functional materials and flexible devices. The requirement of graphene demands larger volume production where laser-induced graphene (LIG) by consideration of pulse overlap could prove to be the solution if a recipe is prepared through appropriate optimization. The present study focused on the CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 µm) interaction with polyimide by generating raster pattern with varying pulse overlap in linear direction. The raster pattern is fabricated at different laser energies and pulse overlap with a constant 30% line overlap between two consecutive lines, in the lateral direction, for synthesizing LIG at relatively low laser power. Various combinations of laser fluences (46 J cm−2, 56 J cm−2, 66 J cm−2) and pulse spot overlap (60%, 70%, and 80%) were used for the polyimide carbonization. Both experimental and numerical simulation (using ComsolTM) results present an insight that optimal control of laser pulse overlap shows significant effect on crystallinity and electrical resistivity of synthesized graphene. The macroscopic quality of the raster pattern is investigated through the optical microscope. Detailed Raman spectro-microscopic analysis is carried out to study the defect to graphenization ratio and its impact on the properties of graphene synthesized. Through Raman analysis, the average in-plane crystallite length of graphene synthesis was observed from 27.732 ± 4–37.132 ± 6 nm. At last, a resistive type strain sensor was fabricated to check the stability of LIG and its reliability for repetitive loading conditions. The pulse overlap photo-thermal model, and its finite element analysis implementation presents better understanding towards optimizing the promising technique towards synthesizing LIG.
Adaptive window rotated second-order synchroextracting transform and its application in fault diagnosis of wind turbine gearbox
Authors: Huang Tao , Yi Cancan , Hao Zhiqiang , Tan Xiaoyao , Deng Dongwei
Published: October 2022

Time frequency (TF) analysis (TFA) based on vibration signals is a vital method for the health monitoring of wind turbine gearboxes. Based on classical synchrosqueezing transform and short-time Fourier transform (STFT), synchroextracting transform (SET) abstractly retains primary TF energy around the interested frequency components by reassigning the TF transformation coefficient. However, as the fixed window of these traditional TFA methods, they have poor matching effects on multi-component signals with fast-varying frequencies. To address this problem, this paper first optimizes the width of the short-term window based on STFT, and then proposes adaptive short-time Fourier transform (ASTFT). That is, the direction of the window function in the STFT is changed by automatically matching a series of rotation operators. Then, based on ASTFT and SET, the second-order partial derivatives of time and frequency are used to modify the formula of instantaneous frequency estimation. Therefore, adaptive window rotated second-order synchroextracting transform (AWRSSET) is put forward to obtain and sharpen TF representations of multi-component vibration signals of wind turbines in this paper. In order to accurately diagnose faults in wind turbines, this paper extracts the rotation speed curve from the TF plane, which is generated through AWRSSET, and then makes subsequent order-frequency analyses without a tachometer. AWRSSET can be applied to diagnosing faulty wind turbine gearboxes and gears with broken teeth under time-varying speed, both of which testify to the advantages of this method.
Hybrid, dual visible and near-infrared fluorescence emission of (6,5) single-walled carbon nanotubes modified with fluorescein through aryl diazonium salt chemistry
Authors: Tomczyk Mateusz Michał , Minoshima Masafumi , Kikuchi Kazuya , Blacha-Grzechnik Agata , Starosolski Zbigniew , Bhavane Rohan , Zalewski Mariusz , Kuźnik Nikodem
Published: October 2022

The aryl diazonium salt chemistry offers enhancement of near-infrared (NIR) emission of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), although, the attachment of functional molecules which could bring hybrid properties through the process is underdeveloped. In this work, we utilize aryl diazonium salt of fluorescein to create sp
3 defects on (6,5) SWCNTs. We study the influence of pH on the grafting process identifying that pH 5–6 is necessary for a successful reaction. The fluorescein-modified (6,5) SWCNTs (F-(6,5) SWCNTs) exhibit red-shifted E
11* emission in the NIR region attributed to luminescent sp
3 defects, but also visible (Vis) fluorescence at 515 nm from surface-attached fluorescein molecules. The fluorescence in both Vis and NIR regions of F-(6,5) SWCNTs exhibit strong pH-dependency associated with the dissociation of fluorescein molecules with an indication of photoinduced-electron transfer quenching the Vis emission of fluorescein dianion. The F-(6,5) SWCNTs could potentially be used for dual-channel medical imaging as indicated by our preliminary experiments. We hope that our research will encourage new, bold modifications of SWCNTs with functional molecules introducing new, unique hybrid properties.
Universal and dynamic ridge filter for pencil beam scanning particle therapy: a novel concept for ultra-fast treatment delivery
Authors: Maradia Vivek , Colizzi Isabella , Meer David , Weber Damien Charles , Lomax Antony John , Actis Oxana , Psoroulas Serena
Published: October 2022

Objective. In pencil beam scanning particle therapy, a short treatment delivery time is paramount for the efficient treatment of moving targets with motion mitigation techniques (such as breath-hold, rescanning, and gating). Energy and spot position change time are limiting factors in reducing treatment time. In this study, we designed a universal and dynamic energy modulator (ridge filter, RF) to broaden the Bragg peak, to reduce the number of energies and spots required to cover the target volume, thus lowering the treatment time. Approach. Our RF unit comprises two identical RFs placed just before the isocenter. Both RFs move relative to each other, changing the Bragg peak’s characteristics dynamically. We simulated different Bragg peak shapes with the RF in Monte Carlo simulation code (TOPAS) and validated them experimentally. We then delivered single-field plans with 1 Gy/fraction to different geometrical targets in water, to measure the dose delivery time using the RF and compare it with the clinical settings. Main results. Aligning the RFs in different positions produces different broadening in the Bragg peak; we achieved a maximum broadening of 2.5 cm. With RF we reduced the number of energies in a field by more than 60%, and the dose delivery time by 50%, for all geometrical targets investigated, without compromising the dose distribution transverse and distal fall-off. Significance. Our novel universal and dynamic RF allows for the adaptation of the Bragg peak broadening for a spot and/or energy layer based on the requirement of dose shaping in the target volume. It significantly reduces the number of energy layers and spots to cover the target volume, and thus the treatment time. This RF design is ideal for ultra-fast treatment delivery within a single breath-hold (5–10 s), efficient delivery of motion mitigation techniques, and small animal irradiation with ultra-high dose rates (FLASH).
Pulsar glitches: observations and physical interpretation
Authors: Antonopoulou Danai , Haskell Brynmor , Espinoza Cristóbal M
Published: October 2022

The interpretation of pulsar rotational glitches, the sudden increase in spin frequency of neutron stars, is a half-century-old challenge. The common view is that glitches are driven by the dynamics of the stellar interior, and connect in particular to the interactions between a large-scale neutron superfluid and the other stellar components. This thesis is corroborated by observational data of glitches and the post-glitch response seen in pulsars’ rotation, which often involves very long timescales, from months to years. As such, glitch observables combined with consistent models incorporating the rich physics of neutron stars—from the lattice structure of their crust to the equation of state for matter beyond nuclear densities—can be very powerful at placing limits on, and reduce uncertainties of, the internal properties. This review summarises glitch observations, current data, and recent analyses, and connects them to the underlying mechanisms and microphysical parameters in the context of the most advanced theoretical glitch models to date.
New physics searches at kaon and hyperon factories
Authors: Goudzovski Evgueni , Redigolo Diego , Tobioka Kohsaku , Zupan Jure , Alonso-Álvarez Gonzalo , Alves Daniele S M , Bansal Saurabh , Bauer Martin , Brod Joachim , Chobanova Veronika , D’Ambrosio Giancarlo , Datta Alakabha , Dery Avital , Dettori Francesco , Dobrescu Bogdan A , Döbrich Babette , Egana-Ugrinovic Daniel , Elor Gilly , Escudero Miguel , Fabbrichesi Marco , Fornal Bartosz , Fox Patrick J , Gabrielli Emidio , Geng Li-Sheng , Gligorov Vladimir V , Gorbahn Martin , Gori Stefania , Grinstein Benjamín , Grossman Yuval , Guadagnoli Diego , Homiller Samuel , Hostert Matheus , Kelly Kevin J , Kitahara Teppei , Knapen Simon , Krnjaic Gordan , Kupsc Andrzej , Kvedaraitė Sandra , Lanfranchi Gaia , Marfatia Danny , Camalich Jorge Martin , Santos Diego Martínez , Massri Karim , Meade Patrick , Moulson Matthew , Nanjo Hajime , Neubert Matthias , Pospelov Maxim , Renner Sophie , Schacht Stefan , Schnubel Marvin , Shi Rui-Xiang , Shuve Brian , Spadaro Tommaso , Soreq Yotam , Stamou Emmanuel , Sumensari Olcyr , Tammaro Michele , Terol-Calvo Jorge , Thamm Andrea , Tung Yu-Chen , Wang Dayong , Yamamoto Kei , Ziegler Robert
Published: October 2022

Rare meson decays are among the most sensitive probes of both heavy and light new physics. Among them, new physics searches using kaons benefit from their small total decay widths and the availability of very large datasets. On the other hand, useful complementary information is provided by hyperon decay measurements. We summarize the relevant phenomenological models and the status of the searches in a comprehensive list of kaon and hyperon decay channels. We identify new search strategies for under-explored signatures, and demonstrate that the improved sensitivities from current and next-generation experiments could lead to a qualitative leap in the exploration of light dark sectors.
Corrigendum: Roles of the transition amplitude phases in photoelectron asymmetry of single strong attosecond pulse (2022 New J. Phys.
24 093019)
Authors: Liu MingQing , Khan Shahab Ullah , Wang Xin-Qiang , Yan Pei-Guang , Jiang Wei-Chao
Published: October 2022

In this corrigendum, we point out that the photon energy 16.3 eV is written as 13.6 eV by mistake in some statements in the article 2022 New J. Phys.
24 093019.
Effective-dimension theory of critical phenomena above upper critical dimensions
Authors: Zeng Shaolong , Ping Szeto Sue , Zhong Fan
Published: October 2022

Phase transitions and critical phenomena are among the most intriguing phenomena in nature and the renormalization-group theory for them is one of the greatest achievements of theoretical physics. However, the predictions of the theory above an upper critical dimension d

c
seriously disagree with reality. In addition to its fundamental significance, the problem is also of practical importance because both complex classical systems with long-range spatial or temporal interactions and quantum phase transitions with long-range interactions can substantially lower d

c
. The extant scenarios built on a dangerous irrelevant variable (DIV) to resolve the problem introduce two sets of critical exponents and even two sets of scaling laws whose origin is obscure. Here, we consider the DIV from a different perspective and clearly unveil the origin of the two sets of exponents and hence the intrinsic inconsistency in those scenarios. We then develop an effective-dimension theory in which critical fluctuations and system volume are fixed at an effective dimension by the DIV. This enables us to account for all the extant results consistently. A novel asymptotic finite-size scaling behavior for a correlation function together with a new anomalous dimension and its associated scaling law is also predicted. We also apply the theory to quantum phase transitions.
Effects of laser scanning overlap rate on microstructure and properties of laser surface remelting stainless steel
Authors: Chen Yuanlong , Li Xiang , Liu Jinyang , Zhang Yichi , Chen Xuehui
Published: October 2022

To study the effect of laser scanning overlap rate (LSOR) on the microstructure and properties of 304 stainless steel remelted layer (RL), nanosecond pulsed laser was used to remelt the surface of 304 stainless steel. The micro-morphology, hardness, roughness, adhesion force and corrosion resistance of RL are studied by changing the LSOR. The experimental results show that a layer of oxides mainly composed of Cr, Fe and Mn is formed on the surface of 304 stainless steel and the phase transition from α-Fe to γ-Fe after laser irradiation. Laser surface remelting (LSR) hardens the substrate surface with a hardness of 185 HV and the maximum hardness after remelting is 248.9HV. With the increase of LSOR, the surface roughness gradually increased, the adhesion force first increased and then decreased and the maximum adhesion is 26.1N. The LSOR at the turning point is 80% and the phase distribution of the RL is more uniform at this time. The maximum self-corrosion potential of the RL is −0.283V, which is positively shifted by 0.268V compared to the substrate self-corrosion potential. LSR is a promising technique to improve the surface microstructure and properties of 304 stainless steel.
First principle study of structural, electronic, magnetic, optical and thermal properties of chalcogenides XFeSe2 (X = Li, Na and K) half metallic compounds
Authors: Azam A , Muhammad Nawaz , Murtaza G , Jafar Naveed , Alshahrani Thamraa , Amin Mohammed A , Morsi Manal , Somaily H H , Mahmood Q
Published: October 2022

Half-metallic ferromagnets (HMF) are one of the most essential materials for spintronics and other energy applications. The electronic, magnetic, optical and transport properties of hexagonal XFeSe2 (X = Li, Na and K) compounds have been investigated by Wien2K code. The Heisenberg classical model is used to determine spin polarization. The ferromagnetism is calculated by the negative exchange energy Δ

x

(pd), exchange constants, and quantum exchange of electrons in strong p-d hybridization. The integer values of total magnetic moment (M
T) 5.0000 μ
B, 4.9995 μ
B, and 5.0000 μ
B per unit formula for LiFeSe2, NaFeSe2 and KFeSe2, respectively, have confirmed the HMF. Optical properties are revealed in terms of absorption of light energy in visible to ultraviolet regions, refractive index, reflectivity spectrum and optical conductivity. Lastly, BoltzTraP code was used to explore the influence of electrical and thermal conductivities of electrons spin, potential gradient effect and figure of merit (ZT). Results reveal that the studied compounds are potential candidates for spintronic devices and energy applications.
Comprehensive study of singular points in a PT-symmetric Thue-Morse multilayer
Authors: Mohammadpour Ali , Barvestani Jamal , Vala Ali Soltani
Published: October 2022

Parity-time symmetric optical systems have a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian with a purely real spectrum. These systems have been extensively explored owing to their ability to generate exotic photon transport phenomena. In this work, we report the spectral singularity of the one-dimensional aperiodic odd-generation Thue-Morse photonic lattice with parity time symmetry. We showed that this multilayer in addition to obvious unidirectional and bidirectional transparencies, displays interesting and singular properties including absorption, lasing and coherent perfect absorption-lasing singularities. Based on the transfer matrix and scattering matrix (S matrix) methods, the behavior of these singular points and reflectionless and invisibility properties of the structure is analyzed with respect to the thickness of the passive film sandwiched between active layers due to phase shift changes, frequency and incident angle of light. The available values of the structural parameters are investigated to obtain extraordinary transmission and reflection phenomena. These optical systems may possess the potential in the design of novel lasing and coherent perfect absorption optical devices with adjustable applications.
The effective Higgs potential and vacuum decay in Starobinsky inflation
Authors: Mantziris Andreas , Markkanen Tommi , Rajantie Arttu
Published: October 2022

Based on the current experimental data, the Standard Model predicts that the current vacuum state of the Universe is metastable, leading to a non-zero rate of vacuum decay through nucleation of bubbles of true vacuum. Our existence implies that there cannot have been any such bubble nucleation events anywhere in our whole past lightcone. We consider a minimal scenario of the Standard Model together with Starobinsky inflation, using three-loop renormalization group improved Higgs effective potential with one-loop curvature corrections. We show that the survival of the vacuum state through inflation places a lower bound ξ ≳ 0.1 on the non-minimal Higgs curvature coupling, the last unknown parameter of the Standard Model. This bound is significantly stronger than in single field inflation models with no Higgs-inflaton coupling. It is also sensitive to the details of the dynamics at the end of inflation, and therefore it can be improved with a more detailed study of that period.
Improved contact angle measurement in multiphase lattice Boltzmann
Authors: Zhong Xing-Guo , Liu Yang-Sha , Yao Yi-Chen , He Bing , Wen Bing-Hai
Published: October 2022

Contact angle is an essential parameter to characterize substrate wettability. The measurement of contact angle in experiment and simulation is a complex and time-consuming task. In this paper, an improved method of measuring contact angle in multiphase lattice Boltzmann simulations is proposed, which can accurately obtain the real-time contact angle at a low temperature and larger density ratio. The three-phase contact point is determined by an extrapolation, and its position is not affected by the local deformation of flow field in the three-phase contact region. A series of simulations confirms that the present method has high accuracy and gird-independence. The contact angle keeps an excellent linear relationship with the chemical potential of the surface, so that it is very convenient to specify the wettability of a surface. The real-time contact angle measurement enables us to obtain the dynamic contact angle hysteresis on chemically heterogeneous surface, while the mechanical analyses can be effectively implemented at the moving contact line.
Time-frequency analysis of brain activity in response to directional and non-directional visual stimuli: an event related spectral perturbations (ERSP) study
Authors: Vecchio Fabrizio , Nucci Lorenzo , Pappalettera Chiara , Miraglia Francesca , Iacoviello Daniela , Rossini Paolo Maria
Published: October 2022

Objective. A large part of the cerebral cortex is dedicated to the processing of visual stimuli and there is still much to understand about such processing modalities and hierarchies. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the differences between directional visual stimuli (DS) and non-directional visual stimuli (n-DS) processing by time-frequency analysis of brain electroencephalographic activity during a visuo-motor task. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were divided into four regions of interest (ROIs) (frontal, central, parietal, occipital). Approach. The analysis of the visual stimuli processing was based on the combination of electroencephalographic recordings and time-frequency analysis. Event related spectral perturbations (ERSPs) were computed with spectrum analysis that allow to obtain the average time course of relative changes induced by the stimulus presentation in spontaneous EEG amplitude spectrum. Main results. Visual stimuli processing enhanced the same pattern of spectral modulation in all investigated ROIs with differences in amplitudes and timing. Additionally, statistically significant differences in occipital ROI between the DS and n-DS visual stimuli processing in theta, alpha and beta bands were found. Significance. These evidences suggest that ERSPs could be a useful tool to investigate the encoding of visual information in different brain regions. Because of their simplicity and their capability in the representation of brain activity, the ERSPs might be used as biomarkers of functional recovery for example in the rehabilitation of visual dysfunction and motor impairment following a stroke, as well as diagnostic tool of anomalies in brain functions in neurological diseases tailored to personalized treatments in clinical environment.
Linking the Antarctic sea ice extent changes during 1979–2020 to seasonal modes of Antarctic sea ice variability
Authors: Yu Lejiang , Zhong Shiyuan , Vihma Timo , Sui Cuijuan , Sun Bo
Published: October 2022

The Antarctic sea ice extent slowly expanded through the four-decade-long satellite era until 2014 when the expansion came to a halt, followed by a rapid contraction in the next couple of years. This sudden unexpected trend reversal has sparked considerable research interest and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain it; however, much remains to be explored. In this study, we show that the long-term increasing trend in the Antarctic sea ice extent and its recent reversal can be largely explained by the first, second and fourth empirical orthogonal function mode of sea ice variability in austral summer, autumn and spring, respectively. We illustrate that the sea ice variability represented by the three modes is mostly consistent with what is expected from the anomalous atmospheric circulations associated with planetary wavetrains that are triggered by anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) and convective activities over the Southern Indian and Pacific Oceans. More specifically, the results suggest a teleconnection between the increasing periods in the Antarctic sea ice extent in the past four decades and the positive SST anomalies over the southeastern Indian Ocean and the western tropical Pacific Ocean. The opposite occurs over the decreasing period. Accordingly, the same mechanisms, in different phases, have been associated with the periods of increasing and decreasing Antarctic sea ice extent.
An Analysis of Soluble and Insoluble Fiber Content of Various Modified Corn Flours Using Fermentation Followed by Pregelatinization – Systematic Literature
Authors: Sukainah Andi , Ratna R , Putra Reski Praja , Fadilah Ratnawaty
Published: October 2022

This study was conducted to determine the effect of engineering on the fermentation process combined with pregelatinization in the production of modified high-fiber corn flour. Modified corn flour was produced from BISI-18 corn that had been previously ground and treated with spontaneous and controlled fermentation. The spontaneous fermentation method used control (A1), while the controlled fermentation method used single cultures of Lactobacillus fabifermentans (A2) and Aspergillus sp. (A3) as well as mixed cultures of Lactobacillus fabifermentans and Aspergillus sp. at a ratio of 1:3 (A4). Microaerophilic fermentation was carried out for 24 hours at room temperature. All the treated fermented corn flours were dried and pregelatinized at 80 °C for 15 minutes and dried using a room dryer at ± 50 °C for 48 hours. This study used a randomized block design with four treatments, each consisting of 3 groups. The observation variables included insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber, and total dietary fiber. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a significant level of 0.05. The results showed that the fermentation process affected the insoluble dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber content of modified corn flour but did not affect the total dietary fiber content. It was also found that the best modified corn flour was produced with the addition of a single culture of Aspergillus sp., containing 9.36% insoluble dietary fiber, 6.26% soluble dietary fiber, and 15.62% total dietary fiber.
Sensory Properties of Snack Noodles Made from Canistel Flour and Mocaf with Addition of Guar Gum
Authors: Retna Pertiwi Sri Rejeki , Novidahlia Noli , Aminullah Aminullah , Rohmayanti Titi , Siwi Kurniati
Published: October 2022

Canistel flour contains no gluten protein, and the key to success in making gluten-free products is the use of a combination of alternative flours and binders. The aim of this research was to analyze the sensory properties of snack noodles made from canistel flour, mocaf (modified cassava flour), and guar gum in different concentrations. The proportions of composite flour (canistel flour:mocaf) used in this research were 100%:10%, 90%:10%, and 80%:20%, and guar gum was at the concentrations of 1% and 2%. Analysis included yield, moisture content, and sensory properties such as color, surface texture, aroma, salty taste, umami taste, crispiness, and aftertaste. Results show that the proportion of composite flour significantly affected the yield, moisture content, and some sensory properties, including color, surface texture, and crispiness. The concentration of guar gum and the interaction of composite flour proportion and guar gum concentration did not significantly affect all the attributes measured. Increasing the proportion of mocaf resulted in higher yield, higher moisture content, and better sensory properties in terms of color, surface texture, and crispiness. The snack noodle made from composite flour in the proportion of 90% canistel flour to 10% mocaf with an addition of 1% guar gum was selected as the best one.
Effect of Harvest Interval on the Productivity of Three Varieties of Citronela Grass Planted on Ultisol Soil
Authors: Suryani Erma , Idris Herwita , Nurmansyah  , Nasir Nasril
Published: October 2022

Indonesia has produced various types of essential oils, one being citronella oil. This essential oil is multi-beneficial not only from its contribution to agricultural development, but is also plays a role in the development of the community’s economy. A large area of agricultural lands of ultisol soil types have not been utilized, therefore a study was conducted on the effect of harvest interval on the productivity of three varieties of citronela grass planted on ultisol soil. This study was conducted from January 2019 to January 2021, with a randomized block design in factorial using two factors. The first factor is harvest interval, with three levels consisting of P1 = a harvest interval of once in 4 months, P2 = a harvest interval of once in 3 months, and P3 = a harvest interval of once in 2 months. While the second factor is variety, with three levels consisting of V1 = Citrona 1 variety, V2 = Citrona 2 variety, and V3 = Serai wangi 1 variety, repeated three times. Each treatment consisted of 24 clumps. The parameters observed were vegetative growth, terna production, oil production, intensity of spot disease attack, and quality analysis R/C ratio. The results of the research on harvest intervals and the three types of varieties used on ultisol soil showed that the best harvest interval was of once every 3 months; while the Serai wangi 1 variety showed good results of vegetative development, had the lowest intensity spot disease attack (24.75 and 19.60%), terna production (68.76 and 59.78 ton –ha-th), and oil production (481.42 and 418.08 kg –ha-th). On another note, oil quality such as Citronella and Graniol content was not affected by harvest interval and the variety used. For the R/C Ratio in the second year of planting, it was revealed that business feasibility was at harvest intervals of once every 3 months with an R/C Ratio of (1.28) on the Serai wangi 1.
Somatic Embryogenesis of Soybean Glycine Max (L.) Merr.
Authors: Gustian  , Setiawan Ryan Budi , Syarif Auzar , Yaherwandi  , Nisaa Qudwatun , Nastiti Dea Hayu
Published: October 2022

One of the efforts to increase domestic production is improving superior soybean through plant breeding techniques. Improving superior soybean cannot be separated from the regeneration process. Regeneration via somatic embryo induction has the advantage of being bipolar. Types of explants, genotypes, media composition, and growth regulators play an important role in plant in vitro regeneration. This study aims to obtain a regeneration protocol for two varieties of soybeans, namely, Derap I and Devon I, through induction of somatic embryos. This research was conducted at Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, from July to November 2020. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) that was carried out separately in one experiment with 4 levels of 2,4-D, namely, 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, and 40 ppm, which were repeated 5 times. The results showed that the concentration of 2,4-D 20 ppm was the best concentration for percentage of explants that produced somatic embryos in Derap I (35%), and Devon I (95%).
Optimisation of Rice Husks’ Lignocellulose Pre-Treatment Methods and Use of Central Composite Design in Citric Acid Fermentation: A Review
Authors: Artha Samosir Grace Roma , Sariati Maria Natassija , Sitepu Ivana , Ritonga Eka Rahmadani , Samosir Audrey Mihewi , Martgrita Merry Meryam
Published: October 2022

In today’s industry, about 80% to 90% of citric acid (C6H8O7) production is carried out using submerged fermentation method and Aspergillus niger as citric acid producing microorganism. The use of fermentation method provides advantages, including the utilization of agricultural waste as substrate. Rice husks can be used as substrate in citric acid fermentation because they contain high cellulose and hemicellulose. However, agricultural waste also contains lignin which can interfere with the hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose into reducing sugars, therefore optimisation of pre-treatment process is needed to separate lignin in rice husk. In addition to the optimisation of pre-treatment process, optimisation of fermentation parameter variations to obtain maximum citric acid yield is necessary. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to desribe various pre-treatment methods that can be done to remove lignin from rice husks, and to provide information on the benefits of using the Central Composite Design method in the optimisation of various fermentation parameters.
Uniformity Test on Generation F4, Candidates for High-Yielding Composite Corn Varieties
Authors: Ekawati Fitri , Sutoyo  , Suliansya Irfan
Published: October 2022

Composite corn is a very promising alternative for farmers because it can be planted repeatedly and farmers can produce seeds for their own needs, although in general, the production of [local] corn seeds is lower than that of hybrid corn seeds. The purpose of this study was to produce a new composite corn variety that has a high yield potential and is adaptive to the agro-climatic conditions in West Sumatera. The study was conducted using the mass selection method in the F4 generation to test the uniformity. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the F4 population of composite corn candidates that were medium maturing and uniform had high criteria but still had wide diversity, and had high seed yields, which were even almost equivalent to those of some hybrid corns, although some characters of yield components still lack wide diversity. From the results of this study, it has been obtained candidate for high-yielding composite corn varieties that are adaptive to the agro-climatic conditions in West Sumatera.
Performance and Characteristics of Bio-Oil from Pyrolysis Process of Rice Husk
Authors: Novita Sri Aulia , Santosa  , Nofialdi  , Andasuryani  , Fudholi Ahmad , Putera Perdana , Hendra
Published: October 2022

This study aims to modify the pyrolysis device that produces bio-oil with methyl esters, determine the content of methyl esters with GC/MS analysis, and test the performance of biodiesel using a diesel engine. This research modified the pyrolysis tube wall by changing the thickness of the stainless-steel material to 1.5 mm to facilitate the combustion process and heat transfer and reduce the equipment weight. Meanwhile, the tube base still uses 3 mm stainless steel to prevent leakage during the process because of high temperature (300 – 400°C). Using wood and coconut shell could accelerate the incomplete combustion process and produce higher methyl ester than using a gas stove. The process using wood and coconut shell could produce 35.88% of bio-oil produced while the process using a gas stove only produces 30%. The GC/ MS analysis has discovered that the content of methyl ester and ethanol was 60.12% and 1.13%, respectively. The obtained methyl ester was separated from the tar using a rotary evaporator based on the boiling point difference. Methyl ester from this husk can turn on the diesel engine with B20-B60.
The Efficacy of Therapeutic-Diabetes Mellitus Functional Drink on Blood Glucose and Plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Hasniyati Rina , Yuniritha Eva , Fadri Rince Alfia
Published: October 2022

A long-time condition of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) will cause glucose auto-oxidation, which can increase reactive oxygen stress. Improving the balance between the composition of gut microbiota and host cells in DM patients with prebiotics and probiotics concepts is a therapy to reduce the risk of ongoing inflammation. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of the therapeutic diabetes mellitus functional beverage product from local functional food on blood glucose levels and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of type 2 DM patients. This study used a “pre-posttest control design”. The research subjects were 46 patients with type 2 DM who were divided into two groups: the intervention and control groups. The research sample was selected by a purposive sampling technique. The intervention was conducted by giving 200 ml of yogurt bengkuang tape ketan hitam for two weeks. Meawhile, the statistical test used an independent t-test. The results showed that the samples did not have a difference in the mean blood glucose levels before and after the Yobetam treatment. The blood glucose levels of the control group were 4.9 ± 39.3, and those of the intervention group were -14.1 ± 52.1. However, the samples showed a difference in the mean MDA levels before and after the Yobetam treatment. The mean MDA levels of the control group were 0.16 ± 0.39, and those of the intervention group were 0.46 ± 0.37. The functional drink is expected to be an alternative to oral therapy.
The Application of an Artificial Dryer and Sun-Drying to Enhance the Quality of Red Chili Flakes Simplicia
Authors: Renate Dharia , Indriyani  , Simbolon Winda
Published: October 2022

Red chili flakes simplicia should have a color and an aroma resembling those of fresh red chilies. Long-term drying of red chilies at high temperatures and high humidity can produce undesirable color changes such as dried simplicia chilies and blackish brown chili flakes. This can be overcome by using artificial dryers or sun-drying combined with the provision of strong wind gusts to reduce temperature and humidity, avoiding substances that cause changes in color and aroma. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality characteristics of red chili flakes obtained from sun-drying, fanning, and drying using artificial dryers to overcome changes in the color and vitamin C content of red chili flakes. The research was conducted using the randomized block design with several treatments of drying methods, namely sun-drying, sun-drying with a fan blowing, drying in a tray dryer, drying in a tray dryer with a fan blowing, and drying in an electric oven. The data collected were analyzed by ANOVA and further subjected to a Duncan’s test at a 5% level. The results show that the highest yield (66.86%) was obtained from the drying treatment in a tray dryer with a fan blowing. The lowest water content (8.5%) was obtained from drying using a combination of sunlight and tray dryer. The highest vitamin C content (269.86 mg/100 g) was also found in the treatment using the combination of sunlight and tray dryer. The best chili flakes color was with a brightness value of 41 and a* and b* values of +52.6 and +42.3, which indicates a yellowish red color. The research concluded that a combination of sun-drying and fanning on red chilies resulted in good color of red chili flakes and that artificial drying using a tray dryer combined with fanning or sun-drying could overcome changes in the color and vitamin C content of red chili flakes.
Isolate Characterization and Amylolytic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Traditional Fermented Dadih
Authors: Elida Mutia , Agustina Agustina , Ermiati Ermiati , Desminarti Susi
Published: October 2022

This research aimed to explore, isolate, select, and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) potentially used as amylolytic bacteria from traditional fermented food “dadih”. Dadih was collected from Lareh Sago Halaban and Lintau, West Sumatera Province. The LAB was isolated by the streak method to obtain a uniform color and size colonies. The selected isolates were characterized by the reaction gram and catalase test. The result showed that isolates had the form of coccus, coccobacillus, and basil with gram-positive, catalase-negative, and endospore-negative reactions. The further characterization using the KIT API 50 CHL identified Lactobacillus plantarum (mH1), Lactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei (mL3), Lactobacillus plantarum (mH4), Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis (mH6), Lactobacillus plantarum (mH7), Lactobacillus plantarum (mH8), Lactobacillus brevis (mH13), and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp paracasei (mL14). The amylolytic and starch hydrolysis test showed that the isolates with higher amylolytic index ≥2 were Lactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei mL3, Lactobacillus plantarum mH4, and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp paracasei mL14. The Lactobacillus plantarum mH8 had a lower amylolytic index of 0.7. Therefore, the four isolates (mL3, mH4, mL14, and mH8) are potentially used as fermenting bacteria for high- carbohydrate food.
The Occurrence of Bacillus Cereus in White Pepper from Bogor, Indonesia
Authors: Nanteza Hasifa , Dewanti-Hariyadi Ratih , Nurjanah Siti
Published: October 2022

White pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a spice with earthy heat and an intense floral aroma widely produced and consumed in Asia. In Indonesia, it is commonly used to flavor dishes that require a spicy taste. However, white pepper can be contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms, such as Bacillus cereus, an endospore-forming bacterium widely grounded in soil and dust. The bacterium causes emetic and diarrheal syndromes and has been implicated in various foodborne disease outbreaks in different parts of the world. Currently, data pertaining to the occurrence of Bacillus cereus in white pepper in Indonesia is not available. This study aimed to isolate and assess the occurrence of Bacillus cereus in white pepper obtained from markets in Bogor, Indonesia. The study consisted of sample collection and preparation, isolation and enumeration of Bacillus cereus using Mannitol egg yolk polymyxin (MYP) agar, and confirmation by biochemical tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction to detect the gene encoding for16S rRNA. Of the 20 samples analyzed, 18 of them (90%) were contaminated with presumptive Bacillus cereus, and the highest concentration was 5.77 log10 cfu/g. The high counts of Bacillus cereus were probably attributed to the postharvest processing operations that the spice encountered. All the 15 tested isolates showed a clear band at the expected length of around 1686bp after being separated from PCR products on ethidium bromide-stained 2% agarose gel. This result confirmed the existence of Bacillus cereus in white pepper samples.
Physicochemical properties of instant beverage powders from red dragon fruit peel extracts with maltodextrin and cocoa powder as fillers
Authors: Trimedona Neni , Rahzarni  , Muchrida Yenni , Zebua Elva Amurita , Utama Rozi Satria
Published: October 2022

The peel of red dragon fruits contains a bioactive component, which is beneficial as a raw material to make instant beverage powder. The peel extract was combined with milk and a filler and then dried with a spray drying method. The study aimed to determine the characteristics of instant powder with a maltodextrin and cocoa powders as fillers. 15% filler of the total volume of liquid was added, and the treatment of ratio of maltodextrin and cocoa powders were P1 (15%:0%), P2 (14.5%:0.5%), P3 (14%:1%), P4 (13.5%:1.5%), and P5 (13%:2%). The results showed that the solubility of instant powder was 92.86-97.13% with a pH value of 5.73-5.96. The moisture content of powder was 3.95% -4.45%. Meanwhile, protein and fat contents were 8.23%-9.34% and 0.30%-0.84%, respectively. The highest total phenolic content of instant powder was 60.17 mg GAE/100g of the sample.