bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of chloroplastic pyruvate dehydrogenase genes in rice leaf would potentially drive the in planta photorespiratory bypass for higher biomass
Authors: Rangan Parimalan , Wankhede Dhammaprakash , Subramani Rajkumar , Chinnusamy Viswanathan , Pathania Pooja , Bartwal Arti , Malik Surendra , Baig Mirza , Rai Anil , Singh Kuldeep
Published: May 2021

At ambient temperature (25–30 oC) and the prevailing atmospheric CO2 levels (380 ppm), installing the C4 photosynthetic machinery in a C3 plant would potentially drive away the photorespiratory process through a carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM), thereby preventing oxygenation reaction of Rubisco. Development of C4 rice is a global research priority, for enhanced water use efficiency (WUE) and yield. At optimal environment, the difference in the solar energy to biomass conversion between C3 and C4 plants is mainly due to photorespiration. So, photorespiratory bypasses are the potential alternatives than conversion to C4. Genetically transformed C3 model plants with photorespiratory bypass had demonstrated higher biomass (under same environmental conditions) than its wild type. Using a transcriptome approach, we report here the differential expression pattern for photorespiratory genes and chloroplastic pyruvate dehydrogenase (plPdc) gene between the leaves, peduncle, and the developing grain tissues in three rice genotypes. In addition to pyruvate, glycolate and glyoxylate also are the substrates for the plPdc gene product and hence a suitable candidate for photorespiratory bypass.
Preparation, morphology, crystal structure, energy gap and photoluminescence studies of Mn2+/Cr3+ doped ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Binu P.J. , Muthukumaran S.
Published: May 2021

Mn added ZnS (Zn0.97Mn0.03S) and Mn-Cr doped ZnS (Zn0.95Mn0.03Cr0.02S) nanostructures were synthesized by co-precipitation process. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the cubic phase with highest intensity along (111) orientation. The shrinkage of crystallite size from 36 Å (Zn0.97Mn0.03S) to 26 Å (Zn0.95Mn0.03Cr0.02S) and the influence of Cr and Mn on morphology, optical and photoluminescence characters in ZnS were investigated. The substitution of Cr in Zn-Mn-S lattice not only diminished the crystallite size and also produced more defect associated luminescent activation centres. The presence of Zn2+, Mn2+ and Cr3+ ions in Zn-Mn-Cr-S lattice was confirmed by XPS spectra. The elevation in energy gap by Cr addition was explained by Burstein–Moss effect and reduced crystallite size. The tuning of energy gap as well crystallite size of basic ZnS nanostructure by Mn/Cr substitution encourages these materials for modern electronic applications. FTIR spectra established the occurrence of Mn/Cr in Zn-S lattice by their characteristic bondings. The inclusion of Mn /Cr provides an efficient control over modification of various emissions which suggests their applications in organic light emitting diode materials.
Toxoplasmosis: An important risk factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of Covid-19 disease, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Flegr Jaroslav
Published: May 2021

Background

Latent toxoplasmosis, i.e. a lifelong infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affects about a third of human population worldwide. In the past ten years, numerous studies had shown that infected subjects have a significantly higher incidence of mental and physical health problems and are more prone to exhibiting the adverse effects of various diseases.

Methods

A cross-sectional internet study was performed on a population of 4,499 Toxoplasma-free and 786 Toxoplasma-infected subjects and looked for factors which positively or negatively affect the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and likelihood of a severe course of Covid-19.

Results

Logistic regression and partial Kendall correlation controlled for sex, age, and size of the place of residence showed that latent toxoplasmosis had the strongest effect on the risk of infection (OR = 1·50) before sport (OR = 1·30), and borreliosis (1·27). It also had the strongest effect on the risk of severe course of infection (Tau = 0·146), before autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, male sex, keeping a cat, being overweight, borreliosis, higher age, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Toxoplasmosis augmented the adverse effects of other risk factors but was not the proximal cause of the effect of cat keeping (in the form of higher likelihood of Covid infection and higher severity of the course of infection), which was observed especially in a subset of Toxoplasma-infected subjects (Tau = 0·153). Effects of keeping a cat were detected only in subjects from multi-member families, suggesting that a cat could a vector for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within a family.

Conclussions

Toxoplasmosis is currently not considered a risk factor for Covid-19 and Toxoplasma-infected subjects are neither informed about their higher risks nor prioritised in vaccination programs. Because toxoplasmosis affects a large segment of the human population, its impact on Covid-19-associated effects on public health could be considerable.
Effect of temperature changes on antioxidant enzymes, and oxidative stress in Nerita oryzarum collected along Atomic Power Plant sites
Authors: Ambekar Ajit , Sivaperumal Pitchiah , Kubal Priti , Kamala Kannan
Published: May 2021

Effect of heated effluent released from the Tarapur Atomic Power Station, India were investigated by analyzing the level of antioxidant enzyme activities on Nerita oryzarum. Seasonal variation of antioxidant enzyme (LPO, CAT, SOD, GPx and GST) were determined at six location. CAT increases in the pre-monsoon season (range of 0.12 to 2.1 mM of H2O2 consume/min/mg of protein) and LPO activities also increasing trend (range of 0.4 to 2.3 nM of MDA/min/mg) during same pre-monsoon at NIII and SII respectively. Enzyme values encountered high during pre-monsoon, which indicating that increased in temperature is resulting in increased activities. In experimental condition also (300C, 350C, 400C and 250C as control), antioxidant enzyme activities were in increasing trend due to raises of water temperatures. Present study was prima facie work related to physiological response of N. oryzarum related to heated effluent released from atomic power station and useful as baseline information for future research work.
Translation of a circulating microRNA signature of melanoma into a solid tissue assay with the potential to improve diagnostic precision and reproducibility
Authors: Laar Ryan Van , King Samuel , McCoy Richard , Saad Mirette , Fereday Sian , Winship Ingrid , Uzzell Catherine , Landgren Anthony
Published: May 2021

Background: Successful treatment of cutaneous melanoma depends on early and accurate diagnosis of clinically suspicious melanocytic skin lesions. Multiple international studies have described the challenge of providing accurate and reproducible histopathological assessments of melanocytic lesions, highlighting the need for new diagnostic tools including disease-specific biomarkers. Previously, a 38-microRNA signature (“MEL38”) was identified in melanoma patient plasma and validated as a novel biomarker. In this study, MEL38 expression in solid tissue biopsies representing the benign naevi to metastatic melanoma spectrum is examined. Methods: Nanostring digital gene expression assessment of the MEL38 signature was performed on 308 formalin fixed paraffin embedded biopsies of naevi, melanoma in-situ and invasive melanoma. Genomic data were interrogated using hierarchical clustering, univariate, and multivariate statistical approaches. Classification scores computed from the MEL38 signature were analysed for their association with demographic data and histopathology results, including MPATH-DX class, AJCC disease stage and tissue subtype. Results: The MEL38 score can stratify higher-risk melanomas (MPATH-Dx Class V or more advanced) from lower-risk skin lesions (Class I-IV) with an area-under-the curve of 0.97 (P<0.001). The genomic score ranges from 0 to 10 and is positively correlated with melanoma progression, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85 with stage 0 to IV disease. Using an optimised classification threshold of ≥2.7 accurately identifies higher-risk melanomas, associated with poorer outcomes and more intensive suggested clinical actions with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity. Multivariate analysis showed the score to be a significant predictor of malignancy, independent of technical and clinical covariates. Application of the MEL38 signature to spitz naevi reveal an intra-subtype profile, with elements of the profile in common to both naevi and melanoma. Conclusion: Melanoma-specific circulating microRNAs maintain their association with malignancy when measured in the hypothesized tissue of origin. The MEL38 signature is an accurate and reproducible metric of melanoma status, based on changes in microRNA expression that occur as the disease develops and spreads. Inclusion of the MEL38 score into routine practice would provide physicians with previously unavailable, personalised genomic information about their patient’s skin lesions. Combining molecular biomarker data with conventional histopathology data may improve diagnostic accuracy, healthcare resource utilisation, and patient outcomes.
Analysis of bus performance on the risk of traffic accidents in East Java-Indonesia
Authors: Suraji Aji , Djakfar Ludfi , Wicaksono Achmad
Published: May 2021

Bus transportation performance must be able to demonstrate safety performance capabilities, one of which is the condition of the vehicle. Therefore, to achieve bus vehicles' safety performance, research must be carried out to determine the causes of accidents. This study aims to determine the causes of accidents related to vehicle conditions. Some of the variables that are observed include brake, wheel, equipment, stability, and worthiness. The data collection method used is to collect secondary data on the incidence of accidents from each Resort Police Office in each district traversed by the intercity public bus route. The roads traversed by the public bus transportation routes between the cities that are the object of the study include Sidoarjo Regency, Pasuruan Regency, Probolinggo Regency, Mojokerto Regency, Madiun Regency, and Ngawi Regency. The analytical method to obtain mathematical modeling is to use Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results show that five factors analyzed, four main actors, cause intercity bus accidents, namely brakes, wheels, stability, and worthiness. The four factors are interrelated with each other, where these factors support each other and trigger accidents and obtained a mathematical model of the factors causing the accident which can be explained by two mathematical equations, namely PC1=0.61X1+0.70X2+0.46X3+0.63X4+0.72X5 and PC2= 0.47X1 0.17X2+0.76X3 0.26X4+0.31X5. The study results also illustrate that accidents caused by an inappropriate wheel are always followed by a breakdown of the braking system that is not functioning properly, and the wheel system consisting of wheel and brake conditions will be a problem triggering the accident
CFD analysis of the needle tip angle in Pelton injector on jet quality for the power generation
Authors: Taborda Daniel G. , Rio Jorge Sierra-Del , Perez-Alvarez Juan Diego , Cardona-Vargas Arley , Villa Daniel Sanin
Published: May 2021

Fossil fuels are energy sources that supply a large part of the world's energy generation. However, they produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulates that increase global warming. For this reason, other forms of renewable energy such as hydropower have begun to be implemented through turbomachinery such as Pelton turbines, which significantly reduce these emissions since they are highly efficient turbines based on the use of natural resources (water). Pelton turbines are based mainly on three components for their operation, which are the Pelton injector, the bucket and the wheel. The injector is an important component in the energy transformation of Pelton turbines. Although to analyze its behavior, it is possible to use fluid dynamics (CFD) software to predict the trajectory of the flow through a solid or free surface. The objective of this work is to analyze by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) the incidence of the length and the needle tip angle of a Pelton turbine injector on the generated power. For this, an ANSYS 2020R2 computational fluid analysis software was used to study how the variation of the injector needle tip angle influences through the volume of fluid (VOF) method, starting from the generation of a commercial model with a tip angle of 60° and two (2) geometries of 55° and 75° respectively. Numerical results show a better performance for the 75° angle of 96 % and lower for the 55° and 60° with 94.1 % and 95.5 % respectively, whereby steeper angles achieve higher performances. In summary, the present study pretends to increase the power generation, in the face of phenomena occurred in the energy transfer. Although the performance of the injector in each angle configuration must be tested in practice
The comparison pack carburizing-nitriding SUS 316 with gas type Welding Grade and Ultra High Purity
Authors: Sulistiyono Bambang , Irawan Yudy Surya , Suprapto Agus , Soenoko Rudy
Published: May 2021

The paper discusses the comparison of pack carburizing-nitriding SUS 316 with gas Nitrogen. The purpose of this study was to increase the hardness and corrosion resistance of SUS 316.

The research used a pack carburizing-nitriding method with gas type Welding Grade (WG) and Ultra High Purity (UHP). The pack carburizing process uses teak wood activated carbon and barium carbonate as a bio-photo catalyst. The specimens were put into a Sealed Steel Container containing teak wood activated carbon, with a depth of 1 cm below the activated carbon's surface. The test material is then heated until it reaches 850 °C and is held for 1 hour in a heating furnace. Furthermore, the nitriding process, the specimen is put into a tightly closed nitrogen tube, then nitrogen gas flows until the pressure reaches 41 bar and is held for 24 hours. They are using Welding Grade (WG) and Ultra High Purity (UHP) gas types. Furthermore, microVickers hardness testing, optical microscope, and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) were carried out.

The results of the study include a. There was an increase in violence by 41.7 % for UHP and WG (17.3 %). b. The formation of nitride compounds and carbon dissipation on the specimen surface in the UHP carburizing-nitriding pack treatment is more than WG. The formation of a nitride layer is indicated by its fine and dense morphology and film bonding to the substrate. The chemical composition affects the diffusivity of nitrogen atoms in modifying the surface layer of the substrate. The higher the nitride compound formed, the smoother the substrate surface. Also, with UHP treatment, the lower the elemental content of Cr makes SUS 316 more resistant to corrosion. So that SUS 316 UHP can be recommended for use as an implant material
Examining the Invariance of a Measurement Model of Teachers’ Awareness and Exposure Levels to Nanoscience by Using the Covariance Structure Approach
Authors: TAN Şeref , IPEK Zeki , ATİK Ali Derya , ERKOÇ Figen
Published: May 2021

The main aim of this study is to examine the measurement invariance of the structural equating model constructed on the Awareness and Exposure subscales of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Awareness Scale (NSTAS) test for three teacher branches, three school types, and two genders by using the covariance structural analysis to test configural and metric invariances. The other aim of this study is showing how to use the IBM AMOS-24 software package with examples to address the issue of measurement invariance using the covariance structural analysis approach. Study sample was 1039 complete records gathered from science teachers with convenience sampling. Research data were collected in two stages. In the first stage, data were obtained from 624 teachers who participated to the study in the 2015-16 academic year. In the second stage, data were obtained in 2019 from 415 teachers via a link to access to the scale and all the instructions for the NSTAS in 2019. The covariance structures analysis was used to examine the measurement invariance of the scale. The comparative fit index was used to compare the measurement invariance in the measurement model. The study revealed that configural, measurement weight and structural covariance invariances were ensured for branches, school types and genders. Residual invariance was ensured only for gender. As a result, it was concluded that the NSTAS scale was not biased for teacher branches, school types or gender. NSTAS scale is recommended for the purposes of comparing branch, school type and gender groups.
On exotic consistent anomalies in (1+1)$d$: A ghost story
Authors: Chang Chi-Ming , Lin Ying-Hsuan
Published: May 2021

We revisit ’t Hooft anomalies in (1+1)dd
non-spin quantum field theory, starting from the consistency and
locality conditions, and find that consistent U(1) and gravitational
anomalies cannot always be canceled by properly quantized
(2+1)dd
classical Chern-Simons actions. On the one hand, we prove that certain
exotic anomalies can only be realized by non-reflection-positive or
non-compact theories; on the other hand, without insisting on
reflection-positivity, the exotic anomalies present a caveat to the
inflow paradigm. For the mixed U(1) gravitational anomaly, we propose an
inflow mechanism involving a mixed U(1)\times×SO(2)
classical Chern-Simons action with a boundary condition that matches the
SO(2) gauge field with the (1+1)dd
spin connection. Furthermore, we show that this mixed anomaly gives rise
to an isotopy anomaly of U(1) topological defect lines. The isotopy
anomaly can be canceled by an extrinsic curvature improvement term, but
at the cost of creating a periodicity anomaly. We survey the holomorphic
bcbc
ghost system which realizes all the exotic consistent anomalies, and end
with comments on a subtlety regarding the anomalies of finite subgroups
of U(1).
Mobile apps in retail: Effect of push notification frequency on app user behavior
Authors: Wohllebe Atilla , Hübner Dirk-Siegfried , Radtke Uwe , Podruzsik Szilárd
Published: May 2021

Push notifications are a core functionality of mobile apps and allow app publishers to interact with existing app users and send promotional content. Since every push notification can also interrupt or annoy app users, the frequency of push notifications is a critical success factor. This study investigates how different frequencies of push notifications affect the behavior of app users of mobile apps in retail. In an experiment with 17,500 app users, five different frequencies are tested over seven weeks, and the effects on real observed app user behavior are analyzed. The results show that as the frequency of the non-personalized push notifications increases, uninstalls increase, and the direct open rate of push notifications decreases. A significant influence on indirect opens cannot be proven. The results provide practitioners with important insights into the potential harm that a too high frequency of push notifications can cause. Furthermore, the results support the importance of relevant content tailored to the respective user.
The effects of quality control system on professional skepticism and its implications to audit quality with peer review as a moderating variable (A case study on Public Accounting Firms in Semarang)
Authors: Ridloi Hafidz
Published: May 2021

Purpose - This study aims to assess the role of CPA Firms related to the quality control system in maintaining the professional skepticism level of auditors affecting the quality of audits provided by the Public Accountants.Method - Population and samples used in this research were the whole auditors working for the CPA Firms in Semarang. The researcher collected the samples using a purposive sampling technique. The number of samples in this study was 31 auditors. The researcher collected the data using online questionnaires sent through email to each CPA Firm. Data analysis was conducted using a Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) with WarpPLS 4.0 software.Result - The results of this study indicated that the quality control system did not affect the auditor’s professional skepticism. Peer review did not moderate the quality control system. The auditor's professional skepticism variable has a significant effect on audit quality. Then, quality control system did not affect audit quality through auditor’s professional skepticism.Implication - To maintain audit quality, CPA Firms in Semarang needs to improve the competence, experience, and professionalism of auditors performing the audit assignments that the professional skepticism of the concerned personnel can be properly maintained.Originality - This study has presented a moderating variable in the relationship between peer review and quality control system affecting professional skepticism.
Speech, Thought and Writing Representation Modes in Jane Austenʼs Novel Sense and Sensibility
Authors:   University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Production and Management Trebinje, Kovacevic Maja
Published: May 2021

Bakhtin’s views (1980:127-130) on the importance of studying speech representation and its interaction with authorial context incited prolific research in various disciplines. The research presented in this paper is based on Bakhtin’s crucial claims about speech representation, and on the theoretical framework of linguistic stylistics (Kovačević 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015; Katnić-Bakaršić 2001) and representology (Kovačević 2015:253-254). The aim of this paper is twofold—to identify the types of speech, thought and writing representation employed in the novel Sense and Sensibility and to describe their interaction with the authorial context. The method applied is‘word by word’ analysis, where in the first stage the modes of speech, thought and writing representation are identified; in the next stage their interaction with authorial context is described. The modes of speech are classified and differentiated by combining the classifications of representation modes in Serbian and English (Leech and Short 2007; Semino and Short 2004; Kovačević 2013). The results of the analysis prove that Jane Austen employs the following modes to repоrt speech, thought and writing: indirect speech/thought/writing, narrator’s report of speech act/ thought act/writing act, expressive indirect speech/thought, free indirect speech/thought, direct speech (monologue, dialogue, polylogue), free direct speech, line of dialogue, fragmental quote, hypothetical speech, direct thought, free direct thought, direct writing, embedded speech/thought. Predominantly, the line of interaction between authorial speech and direct speech involves the former being parenthetically embedded into foregrounded direct speech, amalgamating with the free indirect thought/speech or having as an attachment a ”package” of different embedded modes of speech/thought/writing representation. Primarily indirect thought, free indirect thought, direct thought, and free direct thought are the modes employed to characterise Elinor Dashwood, while on the other side the modes of direct speech, free direct speech, free indirect speech and direct writing combined with numerous mimetic markers prevail in depicting her sister Marianne. It is through the stylistically effective transitions between these modes and their interaction with the authorial context that the total antithetical effect regarding the sense and sensibility principles is obtained on the syntactic-stylistic level.
Using Social Strategies in Teaching German as a Foreign Language at Primary School Level
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Philology and Arts, Nijemčević Perović Marija
Published: May 2021

The major purpose of this quantitative research is to investigate the frequency of social learning strategies used in teaching German as a foreign language within the population of primary school students of the higher grade (corresponding to the age of 11 to 14). Furthermore, the aim of this study is to explore the statistically significant differences between pupil’s gender, age, second language performance assessment as predictors and social learning strategies as dependent variables. The research was done during the first semester of the school year 2019 / 2020 with 218 students. The modified questionnaire Strategy Inventory for Language Learning designed by Rebecca Oxford, Likert and Guttman scale were used for data collection. The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficient of the modified scale was α = .89. The research data was analysed by a quantitative method with IBM SPSS 23 and the results revealed that the primary school learners employed social learning strategies with an average value of 3.30, which represents a medium frequency of use. Results have shown that female students tend to use social learning strategies more frequently than males (Mf = 11.05; Mm = 9.74) and their usage becomes less intense with age (М5 = 4.14, М6 = 3.69, М7 = 2.42, М8 = 2.39). Performance assessment is not contributing significantly to their frequency (rho = .18, p = .39). The Mann - Whitney U test is used to compare whether there is a statistically significant difference in the dependent variable for two independent groups: students in late childhood and students in early adolescence. Results have shown that the second group of students use rarer social learning strategies than the first. Therefore, older learners were exposed to the strategies input. The Wilcoxon signed - rank test was used to compare repeated measurements on a single sample to assess whether their population mean ranks differ. Results have shown that strategies input contributing statistically significant to the detected changes in a date caused by strategies input (z = - 5.24 , p = .01). The slight difference between arithmetic means (М1 = 3.22; М2 = 3.36) was explained with the Affective filter hypothesis Stephen Krashen developed in the 1980s. This paper points out the importance of using social strategies in teaching and learning German as a foreign language. Pedagogical implications refer to some important indicators of social learning strategies – symmetrical and complementary interpersonal communication and the use of cooperative learning principles in the classroom.
An Unlikely Hero: Reconsidering Michael Endeʼs Momo as a Divine Child
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Philosophy, Simurdić Iva
Published: May 2021

The Divine Child was introduced by Carl Gustav Jung as an archetype closely linked to the process of individuation. Beyond the realm of analytical psychology, this peculiar child figure has been observed in myths and folklore and eventually evolved into a literary archetype known alternatively as das fremde Kind (the strange/alien child). Numerous child figures have since been regarded as representations of this archetype, with the titular character of Michael Ende’s novel Momo (1973) being one of them. While her initial appearance is evocative of the Divine Child, over the course of the story Momo has to accept her fate as the chosen one in a battle against a mysterious foe, ultimately finding herself in the role of the hero of the story. This paper examines the traits of both the archetype of the Divine Child, as well as that of the Hero – including a variation specific to child characters – with the goal of reconsidering if Momo is truly exemplary of the archetype of the Divine Child. This is done with particular regard to Christopher Vogler’s observation that literary archetypes are character functions, rather than fixed types, and as such this paper will discuss how Ende’s protagonist is ultimately an example of this fluidity of functions.
Is America a „Sow that Eats Her Farrow”: John Updikeʼs Terrorist as a Bildungsroman
Authors:   Institute for Serbian Culture Priština/Leposavić, Milikić Magda
Published: May 2021

In this paper we analysed John Updike’s 22nd novel, Terrorist, to ascertain whether this novel could be viewed as a Bildungsroman. Our investigation is based on theoretical insights that Hegel, Lukács and Bakhtin offered on this literary genre; furthermore, we acknowledged some contemporary theories regarding this issue as well. By analysing characters and relations among them, narrative layers of the text and intertextual dialogue in Updike’s Terrorist, we strove to point out how Updike deconstructs this literary genre by showing a young man, Ahmad, who – under the influence of an imam – considers and plans to become a suicide bomber. Also, we indicated how the author’s approach to this sensitive topic is a nuanced one: the novel is militant only on surface.
The effect of temperature and digested sewage sludge cover over tailings on the leaching of contaminants from Ballangen tailings deposit
Authors: Lu Jinmei , Leiviskä Tiina , Walder Ingar
Published: May 2021

Dry covers can be applied above tailings to reduce and prevent formation of acid mine drainage and leaching of contaminants. Efficiency of covers is affected by different parameters, of which temperature change under climate change context is one. Here, a laboratory column leaching experiment was performed under four temperatures, 5, 10, 14, and 18 °C on unoxidized tailings from Ballangen, Norway. 600 mL of water was added to each column every second week and leachate was collected and analyzed for pH, salinity, alkalinity, concentrations of sulfate, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn. A thin layer of digested sewage sludge was added to columns after the 16th leaching cycle. In total, 21 leaching cycles were performed. Results showed low oxidation of tailings and therefore high pH and low salinity, SO42−, Fe, Ni, and Co in the leachates at leaching temperature of 5 °C. Addition of sludge cover slowed down oxidation of underlying tailings and decreased leaching of SO42−, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, and Zn from the tailings deposit, especially at relatively high temperatures. 10 °C is a threshold temperature, below which leaching is not affected by the cover addition so much. At a leaching temperature higher than 10 °C, the sludge cover addition can reduce the leaching of elements significantly.
Investigating the working efficiency of natural wastewater treatment systems: A step towards sustainable systems
Authors: Pinninti Ramdas , Kasi Venkatesh , Landa Sankar Rao , Rathinasamy Maheswaran , Sangamreddi Chandramouli , Radha Prasada Raju Dandu
Published: May 2021

Globally, wastewater is a vital resource and requires appropriate treatment management strategies. Wastewater has become a major source of irrigation in the peri-urban areas of developing nations. With the increasing amount of wastewater generation, there are several complications in using treatment systems in terms of installation, operation and maintenance, and size in developing countries. Recently, natural treatment systems are gaining popularity due to less cost and maintenance and have been preferred in peri-urban settings. In this study, the working efficiency of the natural systems was assessed from case studies from Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The nutrient (Phosphorus and Nitrogen content) and organic matter removal efficiency of four natural treatment systems (NTS) having different operation, maintenance and loading rates were investigated. The study showed that natural treatment systems have good potential for peri-urban wastewater treatment. It was also observed that waste-stabilization based systems perform better than those based on duckweed and hyacinth plants. Regularly maintained and operated systems show removal efficiency on the order of 80% for organic and nutrients and performed better than others. The study indicates that decentralized, adequately maintained waste stabilization ponds (WSP) offer a viable, self-sustaining and eco-friendly alternative for wastewater treatment to supply irrigation water in rural areas.
The Impact of Hydrogenation Conditions on the Physical Properties of the
Degenerated Ni/Al Co-doped Diluted Magnetic Semiconductor Anatase
Nanoparticles
Authors: Dakhel Aqeel Aziz
Published: May 2021

:

Anatase (TiO2) nanoparticles co-doped with Ni/Al ions were synthesized by a thermoprecipitation
method. The samples were characterized by using X-­‐Ray diffraction and optical absorption
spectroscopy. The structural/optical investigations established the development of substitutional
solid solutions: TiO2:Ni:Al. The magnetization investigations were performed to study the
generated stable ferromagnetic properties of the samples due to the Ni2+ doping. To boost the created
ferromagnetic properties, Al ions co-dopings were employed to supply/densify the itinerant
electrons. It was planned to decide on the suitable hydrogenation conditions and temperature (TH),
which are necessary to create appreciable strength of ferromagnetic properties in the host co-doped
samples based on TiO2 for practical uses. The results established that the ferromagnetic energy
(Umag) was increased by ~240% and the saturation magnetization by ~140% with increasing of TH
from 400 oC to 500oC. The obtained Msat was higher by ~50 times than that previously attained for
Ni-doped TiO2. Such novel results were discussed and explained through the spin-spin Heisenberg
interactions.
Detecting Impending Stroke From Cognitive Traits Evident in Internet Searches: Analysis of Archival Data
Authors: Shaklai Sigal , Gilad-Bachrach Ran , Yom-Tov Elad , Stern Naftali
Published: May 2021

Background

Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality and disability. Common risk assessment tools for stroke are based on the Framingham equation, which relies on traditional cardiovascular risk factors to predict an acute event in the near decade. However, no tools are currently available to predict a near/impending stroke, which might alert patients at risk to seek immediate preventive action (eg, anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation, control of hypertension).

Objective

Here, we propose that an algorithm based on internet search queries can identify people at increased risk for a near stroke event.

Methods

We analyzed queries submitted to the Bing search engine by 285 people who self-identified as having undergone a stroke event and 1195 controls with regard to attributes previously shown to reflect cognitive function. Controls included random people 60 years and above, or those of similar age who queried for one of nine control conditions.

Results

The model performed well against all comparator groups with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.985 or higher and a true positive rate (at a 1% false-positive rate) above 80% for separating patients from each of the controls. The predictive power rose as the stroke date approached and if data were acquired beginning 120 days prior to the event. Good prediction accuracy was obtained for a prospective cohort of users collected 1 year later. The most predictive attributes of the model were associated with cognitive function, including the use of common queries, repetition of queries, appearance of spelling mistakes, and number of queries per session.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm offers a screening test for a near stroke event. After clinical validation, this algorithm may enable the administration of rapid preventive intervention. Moreover, it could be applied inexpensively, continuously, and on a large scale with the aim of reducing stroke events.
Penguatan Kapasitas Penyusunan Dokumen Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Desa di Banaran dan Brosot, Galur, Kulon Progo
Authors: Ratnawati Ratnawati , Sulistyani Ambar Teguh , Silalahi Oberlin
Published: May 2021

Pemerintah Indonesia telah mengeluarkan Undang-Undang Desa Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 tentang Desa (UU Desa) yang membuat desa menjadi arena pelaksanaan program pembangunan dari pemerintah, tidak lagi seperti pada beberapa waktu lalu yang menjadikan desa hanya sebagai lokasi program pembangunan. Konsekuensi dari posisi dan peran desa yang seperti itu adalah setiap desa diberi alokasi dana desa sebesar maksimal 1 milyar rupiah. Salah satu syarat untuk mencairkan dana desa tersebut adalah adanya Rencana Pembangunan Jangka Menengah Desa (RPJMDes), Rencana Kerja Pembangunan Desa (RKPDes) , dan Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja Desa (APBDes). Terkait hal tersebut, Pemerintah Desa Banaran dan Pemerintah Desa Brosot menghadapi masalah, yaitu belum mampu menyusun dokumen RPJMDes berdasarkan peraturan dari Kementrian Dalam Negeri. Untuk itu, dilaksanakan Program Kemitraan Masyarakat (PKM) yang bertujuan  memberikan penguatan kapasitas atau kemampuan kepada pemerintah desa dalam menyusun dokumen RPJMDes sesuai dengan peraturan yang ada. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, diselenggarakan pelatihan penyusunan dan dokumen RPJMDes, serta pendampingan, advokasi dan konsultasi dalam penyusunan dokumen RPJMDes. Melalui kegiatan PKM tersebut Pemeritah Desa Banaran dan Brosot berhasil menyusun dokumen RPJMDes tahun 2019-2024.
Sosialisasi Pemanfaatan Program Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) bagi Pelaku Usaha
Authors: Yuliawati Elly
Published: May 2021

Sawarna Beach Tourism offers an atmosphere of beautiful nature that is different from other tourist attractions in Indonesia. Given the distance of this location from the center of the City of Banten residents and the local tourism agency initiated a homestay that can be used to spend the night for local and foreign tourists. The homestay is able to provide a place to unwind, have a good sleep, eat well, take a bath and change clothes adequately. Therefore facilities and infrastructures homestay must continue to be developed and upgraded accordance with the times. The purpose of this community service is to direct business owners' homestay in targeting programs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from companies in the Banten province environment to develop their businesses. By providing CSR programs, companies can ethically contribute to the development of their social and business environments. This can be a solution to business continuity and sustainable strategic partnerships. The results of the training show the addition of knowledge and understanding, participants can find out about CSR and take advantage of opportunities from the company's CSR program in developing their businesses, know the stages and strategies in an effort to obtain funding for CSR programs, and most importantly there is a desire to try to take advantage of the Company's CSR programs in the environment around their region.
Penanganan dan Pemanfaatan Limbah Biomassa Sawit Ramah Lingkungan di PT Semen Baturaja
Authors: Irawati Denny , Lukmandaru Ganis , Sulistyo Joko , Sunarta Sigit , Listyanto Tomy , Widada Jaka , Supriyatno Nunuk , Rizal Yose
Published: May 2021

In order to meet the land requirements for housing construction of its employees, PT Semen Baturaja Tbk. (PTSB) opens approximately 27 ha of land which is estimated to have approximately 2700 less productive oil palm trees. The opening of the land will produce substantial palm biomass. One of the efforts to utilize palm oil biomass waste is by processing it into compost. Compost can be used for rehabilitation of ex-mine land by PTSB. So far, PTSB has no experience in the field of composting, therefore PTSB in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry, Gadjah Mada University produces compost from waste palm oil biomass. The method used in this service activity is socialization, participatory composting, and mentoring in the field. The output of this activity is in the form of palm biomass compost and knowledge about the technology of the composting process for PTSB. The amount of compost that can be obtained from 8 oil palm leaf mounds is 248.9 tons while that of the oil palm stem is 1,236.6 tons. Compost fertilizer after composting for 2 months has a C/N ratio of 13.7. The cost for composting is Rp. 591,405,000, with a potential profit of Rp. 6,093,232,500, -. The impact of knowledge on composting is saving on spending on PTSB to buy fertilizer for land rehabilitation and handling the problem of biomass waste.
Implementasi Teknologi Pemanen Air Hujan dan Drainase Vertikal untuk Konservasi Sumber Daya Air dan Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Air Rumah Tangga
Authors: Hardanto Afik , Ardiansyah Ardiansyah , Mustofa Asna
Published: May 2021

Open land degradation due to increasing of settlement area effect to water shortage (i.e. water recharging reduction and run off enhancement). Rain harvesting and vertical drainage approach could be an alternative solution. Additionally, rainwater is a potential water source for dometic water. The social empowerement program aim to increase our partner knowledge and ability on water reseource protection. The program was conducted in Kaliori Village, Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province. Some program were applied such as collecting the data of partner profile, counselling, dissemination of technology, and evaluation. Techology dessimination was conducted in one of member located around Kaliori Landfill. The result showed knowledge improvement of partner about water resource conservation including rain harvesting and vertical drainage approach. However, lack of the equipment performance due to longer dry periode during program. It could affect the partner motivation on approach replication. Partner knowledge improvement on water resource and the techonology (i.e. rain harvesting and vertical dranage approach) was expected to better habit on water resource conservation.
Pemetaan Kawasan Rawan Tanah Longsor di Kecamatan Gedangsari, Kabupaten Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta dengan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Budianta Wawan
Published: May 2021

Kecamatan Gedangsari, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta merupakan daerah yang didominasi oleh perbukitan dan sering mengalami tanah longsor. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pemetaan kerawanan tanah longsor di daerah penelitian dengan metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Parameter yang digunakan dalam pembobotan dan perhitungan AHP meliputi parameter jenis batuan atau litologi, kemiringan lereng, dan tata guna lahan. Hasil perhitungan pembobotan AHP menunjukkan bahwa kemiringan lereng menduduki peringkat paling tinggi, disusul oleh jenis batuan, dan tata guna lahan. Peta kerawanan tanah longsor menunjukkan bahwa Desa Tegalrejo dan Mertelu didominasi oleh zona kerawanan tanah longsor yang tinggi, sedangkan desa yang lain berada di zona kerawanan sedang hingga rendah. Hasil pemetaan ini dapat digunakan oleh masyarakat dan pemerintah setempat sebagai dasar tindakan mitigasi dan pengembangan wilayah.
Pelatihan Media Pembelajaran Lectora Inspire Model NBT–Plus pada Guru SMK di Kota Surakarta
Authors: Murtini Wiedy , Sawiji Hery , Murwaningsih Tri , Akbarini Nur Rahmi
Published: May 2021

In this era, the teacher is required to keep the following time development. Teachers’ skill in using technology-based learning media is very desirable. Considering the need analysis, a community service activity is conducted in the form of training for Vocational High School teachers in office automation and governance in Surakarta City. The objective of service was to increase references for learning media use to teachers. The method employed in this community service activity was a series of activities including preparation, training, and pemonitoran stages. The preparation stage was conducted through coordination of service team and partner, training was conducted all day by giving understanding on Lectora Inspire learning media, and pemonitoran stage was conducted through WhatsApp group functioning to monitor the work and to give the participants the space for informal debriefing. The output of this training activity is an increase in teacher skills in using learning media. Generally, the participants of training attended the activity enthusiastically and this training’s benefit could be seen from 95% participants arguing that the material of the training was relevant to the participants’ needs.
Pendampingan Penggunaan Produk Obat Halal yang Tepat Melalui Media Ular Tangga
Authors: Pristianty Liza , Murfarrihah Mufarrihah
Published: May 2021

Pemahaman tentang produk obat halal menjadi tahap yang menentukan dalam pengembangan sistem penjaminan produk obat halal di Indonesia. Pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan untuk memberikan edukasi mengenai penggunaan produk obat halal yang tepat kepada masyarakat. Pendampingan dilakukan oleh para apoteker dengan memberikan pelatihan dan edukasi melalui metode permainan "ular tangga sadar obat" yang dilengkapi dengan panduan bagi peserta, yakni kelompok Pengajian Aisyiyah Situbondo dalam memilih produk obat yang halal serta penggunaannya yang tepat. Hasil pendampingan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan rerata pengetahuan peserta tentang penggunaan produk obat halal yang tepat dari nilai rerata saat pre-test 14,05 menjadi 17,07 saat post-test. Dari hasil analisis uji beda diketahui terdapat perbedaan signifikan pengetahuan peserta tentang penggunaan obat halal yang tepat pada pre-test dan post-test, yakni dengan nilai α 0,00<0,05. Berdasarkan hasil tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa pelatihan dan edukasi mengenai penggunaan produk obat halal yang tepat dengan media "ular tangga sadar obat" efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan peserta tentang produk obat halal dan baik. Dengan demikian, diharapkan dapat terbangun masyarakat yang berperilaku benar dalam menggunakan obat.
Teknologi Pengoahan dan Pengemasan Produk Olahan Buah Naga Guna Peningkatan Jiwa Kewirausahaan Anggota Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga Kecamatan Ciracas
Authors: Roza Liszulfah , Suminten Nyai
Published: May 2021

Penelitian dalam pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberdayakan, memotivasi, dan mendorong jiwa kewirausahaan anggota Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga (PKK) Kecamatan Ciracas, Jakarta Timur. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara ditemukan bahwa anggota PKK tersebut belum pernah mendapatkan pelatihan tentang alternatif pengolahan buah naga, padahal buah naga kaya akan kandungan gizi dan beredar di pasaran dengan harga yang relatif murah. Oleh karena itu, perlu dilakukannya pendampingan terhadap anggota PKK Kecamatan Ciracas dalam mengolah dan mengemas produk olahan buah naga sehingga memiliki nilai jual dan layak untuk dijual secara komersil. Selain itu, pelatihan ini juga dapat memacu serta menumbuhkan jiwa kewirausahaan dengan memanfaatkan peluang yang ada. Salah satunya dengan memanfaatkan buah naga sebagai bahan baku produk home industri. Kegiatan ini menggunakan metode ceramah, sosialisasi, dan pelatihan. Pelatihan dimulai dengan memberikan informasi cara pengawetan buah naga melalui metode penggulaan, alternatif produk olahan buah naga, kategori produk yang sesuai dengan standar, informasi dan sosialisasi tentang pengemasan dan pelabelan yang tepat. Produk yang dihasilkan pada saat pelatihan ini berupa permen, sari buah, selai, keripik, sirup (biasa dan special grade), dan minuman instan buah naga. Evaluasi kegiatan dilakukan pada aspek input, proses, produk, dan kepuasan peserta. Kegiatan penelitian dalam pengabdian ini memberikan pengetahuan tentang potensi, manfaat, dan peluang usaha dari pengolahan buah naga karena sudah mampu memproduksi alternatif olahan buah naga secara mandiri.