bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolutionary scaling of cellular traits imposed by the drift barrier
Authors: Lynch Michael
Published: April 2020

Significance

Owing to internal homeostatic mechanisms, cellular traits may experience long periods of stable selective pressures. Nonetheless, drift and mutation still conspire to generate significant variation in mean phenotypes among phylogenetic lineages. Provided there are classes of mutations with sufficiently small effects, even in the face of constant selection, variation in genetic effective population sizes will result in gradients of mean phenotypes with respect to organism size across the tree of life. Mutation is an important determinant of such patterns, even in the absence of directional bias. Thus, a substantial amount of variation in cellular features may be a simple consequence of lineage-specific differences in the power of drift rather than a reflection of adaptive divergence.
Website localization
Authors: Floros Georgios , Charalampidou Parthena
Published: April 2020

Traditionally, website translation has been considered a process moving from the global to the local, or from the major to the minor, and has largely been termed localization. Yet, the various meanings and interpretations of the term create the need for more specific terms that designate specific types of localization such as the cases where a locally generated website, created in a locale with ‘minor’ presence on the international market, needs to be provided in a language that is considered ‘major’ in cyberspace, e.g. websites into English as a lingua franca. In such cases, the website content transfer follows an opposite direction, i.e. from the local to the global. We would like to capitalize on the major-minor metaphor as a methodological tool for cases emerging as a quasi-opposite process to the prevailing conceptualization of localization, in an attempt to highlight differences which might justify new terminology. It will be argued that the concept of locale from which the term localization stems does not apply when a culturally undefined audience is addressed, and a new term will be proposed.
Crisis of political leadership in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipere Mike
Published: April 2020

Zimbabwe faces the deepest crisis of its time. The three main impediments to getting out of the crisis are, first, the current kleptocratic and dictatorial rule of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ZANU–PF party; second, the leadership and policies of the largest opposition party, the MDC; and last but not least, the operations of the World Bank and the IMF in Zimbabwe.
Different potential of mean force of two-state protein GB1 and downhill protein gpW revealed by molecular dynamics simulation*
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Guo Zilong , Yu Ping , Li Qiushi , Zhou Xin , Chen Hu
Published: April 2020

Two-state folding and down-hill folding are two kinds of protein folding dynamics for small single domain proteins. Here we apply molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to the two-state protein GB1 and down-hill folding protein gpW to reveal the relationship of their free energy landscape and folding/unfolding dynamics. Results from the steered MD simulations show that gpW is much less mechanical resistant than GB1, and the unfolding process of gpW has more variability than that of GB1 according to their force–extension curves. The potential of mean force (PMF) of GB1 and gpW obtained by the umbrella sampling simulations shows apparent difference: PMF of GB1 along the coordinate of extension exhibits a kink transition point where the slope of PMF drops suddenly, while PMF of gpW increases with extension smoothly, which are consistent with two-state folding dynamics of GB1 and downhill folding dynamics of gpW, respectively. Our results provide insight to understand the fundamental mechanism of different folding dynamics of two-state proteins and downhill folding proteins.
Semileptonic decays

in the PQCD approach with the lattice QCD input *
Authors: Hu Xue-Qing , Jin Su-Ping , Xiao Zhen-Jun
Published: April 2020

We study the semileptonic

decays in the framework of the Standard Model (SM), by employing the perturbative QCD (PQCD) factorization formalism combined with the lattice QCD input for the relevant transition form factors. We calculate the branching ratios

with

, the ratios of the branching fractions

and

, and the physical observables

,

and

. The “PQCD+Lattice” predictions for

and

agree with the available experimental measurements within errors. For the ratios

and

, the "PQCD+Lattice" predictions agree with the other predictions. For

and

, our theoretical predictions agree with the measured values within errors. Our theoretical predictions of the semileptonic

decays considered could be tested in the near future by the LHCb and Belle II experiments.
Probe chiral magnetic effect with signed balance function *
Authors: Tang A. H.
Published: April 2020

In this paper a pair of observables are proposed as alternative ways, by examining the fluctuation of net momentum-ordering of charged pairs, to study the charge separation induced by the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) in relativistic heavy ion collisions. They are, the out-of-plane to in-plane ratio of fluctuation of the difference between signed balance functions measured in pair’s rest frame, and the ratio of it to similar measurement made in the laboratory frame. Both observables have been studied with simulations including flow-related backgrounds, and for the first time, backgrounds that are related to resonance's global spin alignment. The two observables have similar positive responses to signal, and opposite, limited responses to identifiable backgrounds arising from resonance flow and spin alignment. Both observables have also been tested with two realistic models, namely, a multi-phase transport (AMPT) model and the anomalous-viscous fluid dynamics (AVFD) model. These two observables, when cross examined, will provide useful insights in the study of CME-induced charge separation.
Modification of the spectra of correlated charm-anticharm quark pairs in the quark-gluon plasma *
Authors: Ullah Ismat , He Min
Published: April 2020

Heavy quarks play an important role in probing the properties of strongly interacting quark-gluon plasma (QGP) created in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. We study the interactions of single heavy (charm) quarks and correlated charm and anticharm (

) quark pairs with the medium constituents of QGP by performing fireball+Langevin simulations of the pertinent Brownian motion with elastic collisions. Besides studying the traditional observables, the nuclear modification factor and the elliptic flow of single heavy quarks in QGP for different thermal relaxation rates, we also study the broadening of the azimuthal correlations of charm and anticharm quark pairs in the QGP medium for different relaxation rates and transverse momenta classes. We quantified the smearing of

pair azimuthal correlations with an increasing thermal relaxation rate: while the (nearly) back-to-back correlations among

pairs are almost completely washed out at low transverse momentum (pT
), these correlations at high pT
largely survive the pair diffusion. This provides a novel observable for diagnosing the properties of QGP.
Prediction of possible exotic states in the

system *
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xie Ju-Jun
Published: April 2020

We investigate the

three-body system in order to look for possible

exotic states in the framework of the fixed-center approximation of the Faddeev equation. We assume the scattering of

on a clusterized system

, which is known to generate

, or a

in a clusterized system

, which is shown to generate

. In the case of

-

scattering, we find evidence of a bound state

below the

threshold with a mass of around 1700 MeV and a width of about 180 MeV. Considering

-

scattering, we obtain a bound state

just below the

threshold with a mass of around 1680 MeV and a width of about 160 MeV.
Scientific and technical problems of CNFC in two-component NPE and their solution in “Proryv” project
Authors: Rachkov V I , Adamov E O
Published: April 2020

Modern Nuclear Energetics (NE) based on Thermal Reactors (TR) with Uranium fuel in Open Nuclear Fuel Cycle (ONFC) has systemic problems that limit its further development: low utilization efficiency of extracted U, absence of ecologically suitable solution for long-lived high-level radioactive waste treatment and nonproliferation. Besides that one of the most serious barriers for modern NE development is the problem of competitiveness that is closely related to safety problem. Attempts to solve the safety problem by development of additional active means of safety protection led to the decrease of competitive ability of NE compared to organic power industry. Fast Reactors with inherent safety as the basis for the New Technological Platform (NTP) are to overcome the current development barriers. The near future transfer towards the two-component NE structure with Fast and Thermal Reactors and CNFC is the key direction of the nuclear energy development strategy. Reprocessing of spent fuel (SF) and recycling of accumulated Pu and unburned U in Fast Reactors fuels cycle allows to cut the need in natural U in 100 times and in 10 times the mass of heavy nuclei in long-lived high-level radioactive waste, which is one of the key means of ensuring ecological safety of NTP. This article presents the goals and means of achieving technological and ecological safety, political neutrality, resource stability and competitive ability of the New Technological Platform. Introduction
Role of fast sodium reactors in closure of the nuclear fuel cycle in the nuclear power system
Authors: Gulevich A V , Dekusar V M , Kamaev A A , Klinov D A , Moseev A L , Vasiliev B A , Vasyaev A V , Shepelev S F
Published: April 2020

Currently, nuclear society has recognized that further development of Russian nuclear power industry will be carried out under the two-component framework represented with thermal and fast reactors operating within the total closed fuel cycle. Several scenarios of the nuclear fuel cycle closure within Russian two-component nuclear power system (NPS) have been currently discussed among the industry specialists. These scenarios are based on various philosophies of the NFC closure (centralized NFC closed by thermal and fast reactors fuel or station NFC for closure of the fuel cycle of BREST reactors only), various fast reactor technologies and various types of the fuel used: UOX/MOX or mixed nitride U-Pu. The key difference is in different understanding of fast reactors role in NPS fuel cycle closure. This results in varying requirements to fast reactors and the terms of implementation of such requirements. This report focuses on the role of fast sodium reactors as a system-forming component of the future two-component nuclear power system operating within the total fuel cycle with thermal reactors.
Development of the general design of the industrial energy complex with CNFC
Authors: Zherebtsov A A , Mochalov Yu S , Shadrin A Yu , Zaikov Yu P , Gorbachev M K , Sokolov K A , Kisly V A , Goncharov D A
Published: April 2020

The article discusses the technological and project aspects of the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle of fast neutron reactors on the example of the conceptual design of the industrial power complex. The advantages of using combined SNF processing technology are noted. The advantages of creating a universal production of nuclear fuel for fast neutron reactors of different configurations are given. Hypothetical sites for the production of closed nuclear fuel cycle are considered.
Experience of implementation in NRNU MEPhI of the education program focused on training of specialists for “Proryv” project
Authors: Pershukov V A , Tikhomirov G V , Lavrukhin A A , Karpov S A , Sofronov V L
Published: April 2020

The educational program “Nuclear power technologies of new generation” was created at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI with the goal of selecting talented youth and organizing targeted training for specialists for Rosatom’s strategic project “Proryv”. The “Proryv” project is dedicated to the development of technologies for the transition to a two-component structure of nuclear energy based on thermal and fast reactors with a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The article discusses the experience of implementing this training program at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, educational technologies, and statistics on student enrollment and graduation. The possibility of extending existing experience to other universities implementing similar training profiles is also shown.
Nuclear power plants of low and medium power with SVBR-100 reactor facilities
Authors: Petrochenko V V , Grigoriev S A , Dedul A V , Komlev O G , Kondaurov A V , Toshinsky G I
Published: April 2020

Installed power capacity’s share of the global nuclear power engineering is about 10% (both current and forecasted) or even less, while forecasted renewables’ one is above 50%. Large-scale development of nuclear energy technologies is curbed by the existing public opinion in relation to safety (including spent fuel and radioactive wastes handling), limited uranium resources, high capital costs and non-proliferation issues. Overcoming of the impediments is assumed to be based on the next generation nuclear energy technologies among them SVBR technology could be considered as a one possible option. The safety of SVBR NPP is ensured due to using chemically inert lead-bismuth coolant. Removal of uranium resource limitations is based on possibility to operate in a closed nuclear fuel cycle. The economic competitiveness is achieved due to using relatively small amount and relatively simple equipment for the reactor production. The non-proliferation is supported by the use of reduced-enrichment fuel and reactor core physics sensitive to unreported fertile material placement. Additionally SVBR nuclear energy technology can enhance their attractiveness by abilities to place SVBR NPP near to consumers, possibilities for multi-purpose applications, capabilities to operate in weak grids and in the load following modes.
Optimization of RW volumes from reprocessing of SNF from fast reactors. Fractionation options
Authors: Kascheev V A , Shadrin A Yu , Dmitriev S A
Published: April 2020

In this work, are analyzed the volume of vitrified radioactive waste generated during the processing of spent nuclear fuel from fast reactors (using the example of processing mixed uranium-plutonium nitride spent nuclear fuel from the BREST-OD-300 reactor).

The analysis showed

- there is a minimum acceptable volume of HLW from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, determined by the parameters of permissible thermal and radiation effects on the matrices used for RW utilization, as well as by the restriction on the chemical composition of the matrices, fixed in regulatory documents;

- the allocation of the fraction of minor actinides (MA) during the reprocessing of the fast reactor spent nuclear fuel significantly reduces the required volume of the matrix for disposal of HLW;

- the currently technically achievable level of MA (99.9%) and plutonium (99.975%) recovery during the reprocessing SNF allows reducing the time to achieve radiation equivalence of the generated RW and uranium feed used to produce mixed nitride uranium-plutonium nuclear fuel to 300 years;

- a complete rejection of the deep underground disposal of RW from SNF reprocessing (rejection of the formation of radioactive waste of the 1st and 2nd classes) is not economically justified, because leads to the need for the formation of a large volume of RW of the 3rd class;

- minimization of the RW volume to be deep disposed is achieved by a combination of fractionation (separation of the MA fraction) and the use of the principle of multi-stage processing of HLW, which assumes long-term intermediate controlled storage of HLW (50-60 years).
Photon mass attenuation coefficients, effective atomic numbers, CT numbers and density profiles of cured DSF-SPC-based Rhizophora spp. particleboard phantoms coupled with NaOH/IA-PAE at different concentrations
Authors: Samson D O , Mat Jafri M Z , Shukri A , Hashim R , Sulaiman O , Aziz M Z A , Yusof M F M
Published: April 2020

Rhizophora spp. (R. spp.) particleboard phantoms based on defatted soy flour and soy protein concentrate were fabricated using itaconic acid polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (IA-PAE) at different concentrations with the incorporation of NaOH. The results showed that the mass attenuation coefficients and effective atomic numbers of the particleboard phantoms at 16.59–25.26 keV photon energies were in good agreement within 0.88% and 0.01% of the XCOM values in water with p-values of 0.072 and 0.075. In addition, DSF-SPC-R. spp. phantom with 15 wt% IA-PAE content shows the nearest CT numbers, electron density, and density profiles to water substitutes at three CT energies. These results indicate the suitability of cured DSF-SPC-R. spp. particleboards as phantom materials for the selected X-ray energies.
Dose enhancement by bismuth oxide nanoparticles for HDR brachytherapy
Authors: Sisin N N T , Azam N A , Rashid R A , Abdullah R , Razak K A , Abidin S Z , Rahman W N
Published: April 2020

Escalation of biological damage through the induction of dose enhancement effect in radiotherapy cancer treatment by high-Z nanoparticles (NPs) has recently been the subject of growing interest. Hence, this study was conducted primarily to investigate the enhancement of brachytherapy (source Ir192) efficacy by bismuth oxide nanoparticles (BiONPs) on cervical cancer cells. Radiosensitization effect was tested against different size and concentration of BiONPs. After irradiation with radiation doses ranging from 0 to 4 Gy, the survival of the cell was quantified by clonogenic assay and presented in survival curves fitted using the LQ model. Dose enhancement (DE) factor was extrapolated from the curve at 50% of cell survival and calculated. The results marked out the dependency of DE on nanoparticles size and concentrations. The optimum size of BiONPs was found to be 80 nm with a concentration of 0.00025 mM, in which the DEF is 1.88. In conclusion, this study suggests that the induction of the DE effect is dependent on the size and concentration of the nanoparticles.
Modulatory difference due to injury pattern in the moderate-TBI brain: Effective connectivity of working memory from preliminary findings
Authors: Chai W J , Abd Hamid A I , Abdullah J M
Published: April 2020

Traumatic brain injury could cause cognitive deficits due to brain network disruption. The present study examined the effective connectivity of working memory in a group of moderate-TBI participants and making comparison with healthy controls. Group-level results of the n-back task with four levels of cognitive load (0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-back) identified activation in regions that corresponded with past literature of working memory, including the bilateral inferior occipital gyri, superior parietal lobules, and superior frontal gyri that were specified as regions of interest for subsequent dynamic causal model specification. The modulatory inputs were differentially defined in six models for every participant. Bayesian model selection directed to different winning models between the groups based on injury patterns. The moderate-TBI group with left hemisphere injury favoured connectivity involving a bottom-up left-to-right modulation, whereas the healthy group and TBI group with injuries involving both hemispheres preferred the connectivity model with a bottom-up modulation that is bilateral and bidirectional. The left-lateralized modulatory pattern reported in the moderate-TBI participants implies the role of the left hemisphere in attending to cognitively demanding tasks, especially in individuals with a disrupted neural network. Future studies could work on expanding the connectivity analyses based on the current finding.
SNRo, T1 and T2 characteristics of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) MRI slime phantom with different PVA/borax ratio
Authors: Tee H S , Yusoff A N , Yee Y Y , Manan H Abdul , Awang M N A
Published: April 2020

Eleven PVA slime phantoms with different PVA/borax ratios were prepared using PVA and borax solution. The phantoms were scanned using Siemens 3-T Magnetom Verio MRI system using spin echo (SE) and turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences to obtain axial T1 and T2 weighted images respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of all samples was calculated implementing the region of interest (ROI) analysis. The T1 and T2 relaxation equations were then fitted to the experimental SNR vs. TR and SNR vs. TE curves for saturation (SNRo), T1 and T2 determination. Despite different PVA/borax ratios, SNRo was found to be constant while T1 and T2 increased slightly for higher borax concentration. The slime phantoms fabricated in this study has the potential as an alternative to agarose gel phantom.
Assessment of internal radiation exposure of nuclear medicine workers using whole body gamma counter
Authors: Norhayati A , Suzilawati M S , Khairunisa Z Nur , Raymond Y T L , Azimawati A
Published: April 2020

The use of unsealed sources in nuclear medicine may cause risks of internal exposure to the staffs. From the Basic Safety Radiation Protection Regulations (BSRP 2010) under ACT 304, the radiation workers should be assessed frequently for both internal and external exposures in order to ensure the compliance of dose limit of 20 mSv/y, averaged over defined periods of 5 years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the internal exposure of radiation workers from nuclear medicine centres who might be exposed to the unsealed sources such as Tc-99m and I-131. A total of 13 radiation workers from two nuclear medicine centres were invited to perform the whole-body counting in Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Each worker was scanned using ORTEC Whole Body Counter (WBC), bed type for 2400 s counting time. The internal exposure for each radionuclide of interest was then evaluated based on the ICRP Publication 68, IAEA’s Safety Report Series No. 37 and BSRP 2010 in determining the committed effective dose. The results show that there is no internal exposure found for all monitored radiation workers, thus demonstrate that the radiation protection and safety were strictly implemented in these centres.
EEG neurofeedback for dyslexia treatment: Limitations and future directions
Authors: Othman Ernee Sazlinayati , Faye Ibrahima , Sundaram Muthuvalu Mohana , Naufal Mohamad Saad Mohamad
Published: April 2020

This study reviewed recently published scientific literature on the use of EEG neurofeedback for dyslexia treatment. Dyslexia is characterized as severe difficulty in spelling, reading, learning, memorizing as well as sequential activities. Traditional program designed to teach reading enhancement are mostly less effective or require intensive therapy over long periods of time. This research aim is to determine whether learning disabilities among dyslexic’s children can be improved by electroencephalography neurofeedback therapy. Some suggestive discoveries have been reported on the effectiveness of neurofeedback training to enhance learning performance. Due to the limitation in terms of sample size and single-band training protocol in neurofeedback research for dyslexia treatment, the association between neurofeedback training and improvement in learning disability has yet to be established. This review highlights several suggestions to help and accelerate future research.
Reduction in urban water use leads to less wastewater and fewer emissions:analysis of three representative U.S. cities
Authors: Gursel Aysegul Petek , Chaudron Camille , Kavvada Ioanna , Horvath Arpad
Published: April 2020

Electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with wastewater flows from residential and commercial water use in three major cities of the United States are analyzed and compared for the period 2010–2018. Contributions of unit wastewater treatment processes and electricity sources to the overall emissions are considered. Tucson (Arizona), Denver (Colorado), and Washington, DC were chosen for their distinct locations, climatic conditions, raw water sources, wastewater treatment technologies, and electric power mixes. Denver experienced a 20% reduction in treated wastewater volumes per person despite a 16% increase in population. In Washington, DC, the reduction was 19%, corresponding to a 16% increase in population, and in Tucson 14% despite a population growth of 3%. The electricity intensity per volume of treated wastewater was higher in Tucson (1 kWh m−3) than in Washington, DC (0.7 kWh m−3) or Denver (0.5 kWh m−3). Tucson’s GHG emissions per person were about six times higher compared to Denver and four times higher compared to Washington, DC. Wastewater treatment facilities in Denver and Washington, DC generated a quarter to third of their electricity needs from onsite biogas and lowered their GHG emissions by offsetting purchases from the grid, including coal-generated electricity. The higher GHG emission intensity in Tucson is a reflection of coal majority in the electricity mix in the period, gradually replaced with natural gas, solar, and biogas. In 2018, the GHG reduction was 20% when the share of solar electricity increased to 14% from zero in 2016. In the analysis period, reduced wastewater volumes relative to the 2010 baseline saved Denver 44 000 MWh, Washington, DC 11 000 MWh and Tucson 7000 MWh of electricity. As a result, Washington, DC managed to forgo 21 000 metric tons of CO2-eq and Denver 34 000 metric tons, while Tucson’s cumulative emissions increased by 22 000 metric tons of CO2-eq. This study highlights the variability observed in water systems and the opportunities that exist with water savings to allow for wastewater generation reduction, recovering energy from onsite biogas, and using energy-efficient wastewater treatment technologies.
Building new phase of IPM in Indonesia
Authors: Wiyono S
Published: April 2020

A milestone on plant protection in Indonesia was marked by establishment of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) since 1986 through Presidential decree Inpres no. 3 th. 1986. Moreover, IPM was implemented and has made a fundamental change in plant protection institution, farmer’s capacity and agricultural practices, and consequently rice pest’s problems. Furthermore, IPM was also implemented in horticulture and estate crops. During 33 years-historical journey of IPM, socio-political situation, global environmental problems and issues, science and technology has dynamically changed which affect IPM implementation. The paper categorized IPM development in Indonesia into three phases; emergence-growth, stationary and survival, and new phase of IPM. Every period has specific characteristics on: pest problems, science and technology, national and global environmental issues, human resources, role of plant protection institutions and mode of dissemination. A new phase of IPM is needed to make a strong and resilience plant protection system, therefore able to face and manage more complex problems plant pests, diseases under change of climate in the coming years, to secure food and agricultural productivity and sustainability. New phase of IPM absolutely need farmers field school, and enrichment of technology and approach including agro-ecology and landscape approach, biotechnology, information technology (IT), remote sensing and biosensor technology.
Insecticidal activity of nanoemulsion of Piper aduncum extract against cabbage head cartepillar Crocidolomia pavonana F. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Erlina L H , Lina E C , Reflinaldon  , Djamaan A , Arneti
Published: April 2020

Botanical insecticide nanoemulsion formulation is an insecticide with spontaneous emulsion system. Nanoemulsion formulation is an oil phase-in-water dispersion stabilized by a surfactant molecule which has size ranging from 50 nm to 500 nm. The oil phase consists ofPiper aduncumextracts and bioethanol, while the water phase consists of aqudest and emulsifiers. The experiment was conducted in Insect Bioecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas Padang from October 2018 to March 2019. The purpose of this research was to obtain nanoemulsion fromP. aduncumextract and to observe the activity ofP. aduncumnanoemulsion againstC. pavonana. Nanoemulsion formulation was prepared using spontaneous emulsification method then followed by toxicity test againstC. pavonanalarvae. Nanoemulsion formulations with high insecticidal activity were analyzed using Zetasizer Nano (ZS) Malvern for particle size and zeta potential. The results showed that particle size of AT.1 and BA.1 nanoemulsions were 141.1 nm and 172.5 nm respectively, and they were categorized as nano particles. AT.1 and BA.1 nanoemulsions caused mortality ofC. pavonanalarvae with LC95 value were 0.85% and 0.76%, respectively. Besides the toxic effect, the AT.1 and BA.1 nanoemulsions were also interfered growth and development ofC. pavonanalarvae.
Effect of cattle integration on the diversity of predatory Reduviidae in oil palm plantation, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Nazilah H , Sahari B , Prabowo R. , Buchori D
Published: April 2020

Cattle grazing activity in oil palm plantation is known to cause the loss of non-crop vegetation and may affect species richness and abundance of predatory insect. The objective of this research was to study the effect of regeneration time after grazing on species richness, abundance, and species composition of predatory insects in oil palm-cattle integrated plantation. Predatory insects were collected from 3 grazed blocks and 3 ungrazed blocks of oil palm plantation. The observations were conducted at 4 periods i.e. 1 day before cattle grazing activity, 30 d after grazing, 60 d after grazing, and 90 d after grazing. The result of this research showed that regeneration time after cattle grazing activity does not affect species richness but caused a decrease in abundance and changes in species composition of Reduviidae at 30 d after grazing. The most dominant morphospecies are Cosmolestes sp. and Reduviidae sp. 4. Recovery of understorey vegetation after 90 d provide a stable ecosystem for Reduviidae recolonization.
Bacillus thuringiensis propagated in bio-urine media as a biological control of termite Coptotermes curvignathus and armyworm Spodoptera litura
Authors: Pujiastuti Y , Gunawan B , Arsi  , Suparman  , Sulistyani D P , Sandi
Published: April 2020

Biological control using entomopathogenic bacteriaBacillus thuringiensisis in increasing demand because of its specific target toxicity, safe for natural enemies as well as pollinating insects. Propagation media forB. thuringiensisgreatly determines the success of spores number produced and toxicity level to insect pests. This study aimed to record the spore density of indigenous isolates of South Sumatera propagated in bio-urine and 5% molasses media and their toxicity level against termitesCoptotermes curvignathusand armywormSpodoptera litura. The research was conducted at Biological Control Laboratory, Plant Protection Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, UNSRI, from March to June 2019. The study was designed with Factorial Completely Randomized Design, using isolates as many as 3 isolates with 3 media treatments (bio-urine, bio-urine + 5% molasses, and Nutrient Broth) and 5 replications. The bio-assay used worker caste termites and 3rdinstar armyworms. The results showed that a mixture of bio-urine and 5% molasses produced higher number of spores compared to bio-urine media only. The use of NB as a control showed higher spore production compared to the 2 other treatments. The mortality rate of Coptotermes termite was higher than the mortality rate of armyworms. Death symptoms of insect pests were indicated by the presence of wet rot and color change (blackish).
The potency of carica (Carica pubescens Lenne & K. Koch) seed extract as repellent agent against mosquito vector of dengue (Aedes aegypti Linn.)
Authors: Anggraeni T , Laela N
Published: April 2020

The spread of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) in some countries around the world is related to the presence of its primary vector, Aedes aegypti. Prevention is generally carried out with the use of chemical insecticides but due to its negative impact, research in bio-insecticides needs to be done. One is in the form of mosquito repellent. This study aimed to determine the percentage repellency from carica (Carica pubescens) seed extract from the value of ED50 and ED99 as a repellent against Ae. aegypti and to identify the content of the compounds by using GC-MS analysis. Carica seed was collected from Dieng Plateu, Wonosobo District, Indonesia. Carica seed extract was made using maceration method with methanol solvents. The doses of extract given to the volunteer’s arm were 0.3, 1, 1.67, 2.33, and 3 mg/cm2, according to the standard set by WHO. Data were processed using IBM SPSS 23 application with a 95% confidence value. The result showed that carica seed extracts have percentage repellency with 48 ± 0.24, 51 ± 0.34%, 60 ± 0.16%, 68 ± 0.21%, respectively, from the smallest dose given. Statistically, there were no significant differences between all doses tested. Carica seed extract had an ED50 value of 5.241 mg/cm2 and ED99 value of 99.042 mg/cm2. The GC-MS test results showed that carica seed extract predominantly contained oleic acid and palmitic acid which were suspected to act as repellent agents against Ae. aegypti, and some other important compounds.
The usage of bacteria Streptococcus mutans as rat’s incisors fragility agent
Authors: Adliyah E , Priyambodo S
Published: April 2020

Rat incisors keep growing along with their life since there is no hole at the base of the incisor. The elongation of rat incisors can be controlled by rodent through gnawing activity. It may lead to several disadvantages, such as crop and furniture damages and even transmit some diseases to human. Rat teeth are also strong, therefore it can destroy hard objects. This research aimed to test bacteria Streptococcus mutans as rat’s incisor fragility agent. S. mutans suspensions were made into 4 different concentrations: control, 3x104, 3x106 and 3x108 cfu/mL. Each concentration was applied to the rats for 4 and 8 d, consecutively. The variables observed in this test were the hardness of the rat incisors and feed consumption. The result showed that the hardness of rat incisors and grain consumption were decreasing in all concentrations. The treatment indicated that the longer the bacteria infected rat incisors, the more fragile the incisors were. It affected their grain consumption as it was decreasing until 59.42% while their pellet consumption was increasing.
Effectiveness of pheromone traps for monitoring Zeuzera sp. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) population on Eucalyptus pellita plantation
Authors: Suheri M , Haneda N F , Jung Y H , Sukeno S , Moon H K
Published: April 2020

Zeuzera sp. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a group of moths which the larvae is drilling holes into the stems and branches of tree. This study was conducted to record the population dynamic of Zeuzera sp. and to control the pest in Eucalyptus pellita plantation. The first damage of Zeuzera sp. was detected in 2017 at the E. pellita plantation block 4 (1 clone) owned by PT Korintiga Hutani in Central Kalimantan. It was found in 2 clones of block 5 in 2018, as well as in 3 clones of block 6 in 2019, and the tendency of the damage appeared widespread. The damage caused the broken top crown, swolen stem, and frass around the bottom part of the plant. Primary observation showed that there were several species of Zeuzera. The pest control was carried out by installing of delta trap + pheromone of Zeuzera pyrina. This pheromone trap was installed in 40 severely damaged locations. Each location had 1 trap installed. The results of monitoring with delta trap + pheromone showed that only 1 species of Zeuzera was found to be attracted by the pheromone. The density of captured adult varied depended on the clones and time of installation. The number of adult captured in May to July 2019 was 911. In conclusion, Zeuzera sp. damage in E. pellita plantation was gradually increased, and integrated pest management (silviculture, mechanical, biological, chemical) was required to prevent the damage.
Screening and characterization of molecular markers for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) resistance to shoot borer pest
Authors: Aristya G R , Masyhuri H , Kasiamdari R S , Prabowo H , Husna N
Published: April 2020

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is one of the main crops in Indonesia and is known as a sugar-producing plant. Sugar belongs to one of the 9 essential culinary ingredients in Indonesia. With the high demand for sugar the government in 2017 imported 109,147 tons of sugar or equivalent to IDR 823.8 billion to fulfill the demand. Efforts to increase sugarcane productivity are often constrained by complex pests that attack sugarcane shoots. One way to overcome it is to breed plant varieties that are resistant and of good quality. The purposes of the present study were to screen sugarcane shoot borer resistance gene using the molecular marker SacMPI-Like 3, to determine the phylogenetic relationship between MPI in sugarcane with other species in the family Andropogenae, and to determine the most effective molecular markers for detecting MPI. The primer was designed by using Primer3 Plus. DNA samples of 22 sugarcane varieties derived from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Biology Faculty of Gadjah Mada University were PCR-amplified using 3 selected primer designs. Results showed that all of the 22 samples of sugarcane DNA contained SacMPI-Like 3 ranged from 500 to 600 bp. Some of the samples were sequenced to obtain the arrangement of nucleotide bases for comparison with samples from the NCBI GeneBank. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that 3 large clusters were formed depended on the presence of MPI. The first cluster consisted of SacMPI1_PS_58, SacMPI1_PS_951, SacMPI2_PS_384, SacMPI2_PS_951, SacMPI3_PS_851, SacMPI3_PS_951, CA282462.1_SHC (Saccharum officinarum L.), XR002447315.1_ SB, XR002447314.1_SB (Sorghum bicolor), XR003227569.1 PH, XR003227568.1_PH (Panicum hallii) EU972719.1_ZM, NM001158424.2_ZM, EU960955.1_ZM, and EU951995.1_ZM (Zea mays). The second cluster consisted of XM024458314.1_BD (Brachypodium distachyon), CT827984.1_OZ, and XM026021872.1_OZ (Oryza sativa).
First record of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Indonesia and its occurence in three provinces
Authors: Sartiami D , Dadang  , Harahap IS , Kusumah YM , Anwar R
Published: April 2020

The occurrence of a new invasive pest species of corn, the fall armywormsSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Indonesia is reported. Survey in 3 provinces in Indonesia: West Sumatera, Banten and West Java were conducted from March to June 2019. The first record of this pest was in 26 March 2019 in West Sumatera. Larvae were collected from each of those locations and field symptoms of damage on corn in the field were observed. Larvae were brought to and reared individually in Insect Biosystematics Laboratory of Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University. Identification of fall armyworm employed morphological and molecular analysis. Identification of the larva based on morphological characters of larvae from 3 provinces confirmed the identity of the pest. The pest as fall armyworms, while the molecular analysis indicated that Banten samples belonged to the ‘rice strain’. Collected larvae from Banten were infected byMetarhizium rileyi. The infested plants in the field showed the typical damage symptoms caused by the fall armyworm.
Incidence of Soybean mosaic virus on soybean in Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Taufik M , Bande L O S , Hasan A , Rahayu M , Yusuf D N , Wulan R D R
Published: April 2020

There are several mosaic diseases commonly found on soybeans in Indonesia, including Southeast Sulawesi, which are thought to be caused by viruses. Mosaic disease caused by Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is considered as important disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of mosaic diseases, to detect SMV and to identify potential insect vectors. Field survey were conducted in several soybean production areas including Konawe, South Konawe and Kolaka. Virus detection was carried out by serological techniques using DAS-ELISA. Based on symptom observation, mosaic disease was found in all locations with incidence ranged from 38.46 to 64.00%. Variation of mosaic symptoms were recorded, involving yellow mosaic, mosaic with vein clearing, leaf cupping, curling, thickening and some chlorosis. According to DAS-ELISA, only 2.92 to 8.00% of field samples gave positive reaction to SMV antibody. This result indicated that other viruses might be associated with mosaic disease. Common virus insects vectors were found in the field, namely Aphis gossypii, Empoasca paraterminalis, and Bemisia tabaci.
Identification of the main virus infecting impatiens (Impatiens balsamina L.)
Authors: Diningsih E , Yanda R P , Soehendi R , Marwoto B
Published: April 2020

One of the most important obstacles of growing ornamental plants, such as impatiens is disease infections, including those caused by viruses. Identification of viruses infecting impatiens was carried out in the IOCRI Virology laboratory using serological techniques and RT-PCR. Infected plants showed different symptoms involving mosaic, mottle, malformation, and wrinkles (frizz) on the leaves. The results of serological test using 5 antisera, i.e. Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) on leaf samples showed negative reaction. Bioassay tests carried out using 5 different symptomatic viral inoculums showed that only 2 inoculums (no.1 and 3), i.e. those with mosaic symptoms was successfully transmitted by mechanical inoculation to Chenopodium quinoa. Virus confirmation from infected C. quinoa was carried out by RT-PCR using specific primer for INSV, TSWV, and CMV. Amplification of viral DNA target was obtained only using specific primer for CMV. Therefore, we concluded that the causal agent of mosaic symptom found on impatiens plants in Cianjur is CMV.
Growth and viability of entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin in different alternative media
Authors: Afifah L , Saputro N W
Published: April 2020

At present, the use of synthetic chemical pesticides become a threat to the biotic and abiotic environment. The use biological agents such as entomopathogen may become an alternative in supporting integrated pest management. One of entomopathogenic fungus that has been used in controlling pests is Beauveria bassiana. However, a good alternative media for the growth of B. bassiana is required to produce more optimal conidia density and germination. This study was aimed to determine the effect of several media on the growth of B. bassiana and its conidial density. The method used in this study was compeletely randomized design with 5 replications. The experimental treatment consisted of PDA, maize, rice, and mungbean. The result showed that there was no significant differences among maize, mungbean, and PDA media in supporting the growth of B. bassiana, with the means of colonies diameter at 8.91 cm, 8.89 cm, and 9.00 cm, respectively. Moreover, the growth rate, conidia density, and viability of the alternative media were not significantly different with PDA. Therefore, further research to determine other alternative media for the growth and viability of B. bassiana is needed.
Rice sheath rot disease etiology and characterization of the pathogen
Authors: Afifah K , Wiyono S , Yuliani T S
Published: April 2020

Rice sheath rot disease in Indonesia caused by Sarocladium oryzae is currently become a major pathogen. The objectives of this research was to describe disease etiology and characterization of rice sheath rot pathogen. Characterization was conducted by isolation followed by morphology-based identification, and observation of rice sheath rot symptoms. The fungal colonies has 5 different morphotypes, namely KP, KP2, KP3, PW03, and PW3 which all were pathogenic to rice. Morphotypes of KP3 and PW3 colonies had yellowish color; while KP, KP2 and PW03 colonies had orange color. Microscopically conidia of KP, PW3, and PW03 had longer and thinner form; while KP2 and KP3 were shorter and wider. PCR confirmation using specific primer for S. oryzae resulted that all tested isolates were S. oryzae. The disease occured on uppermost leaf sheath enclosing the young panicles. The lesions appeared as oblong with brown margins and grey centres. The panicles infected by S. oryzae were chaffy, discoloured, and shrivelled. The incubation period of this disease was 3 to 4 d.
Endophytic fungi play important role in rice protection against brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Wiyono S , Prakoso B B , Santoso S
Published: April 2020

Endophytic fungi has both beneficial and detrimental effect on plants. Knowledge on the role of endophytic fungi of rice in relation to associated insect pests is limited. The research aimed to investigate the diversity of endophytic fungi of rice sheath and to examine its importance in rice protection against brown plant hopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens. The fungi was isolated from 2 regencies, Cianjur and Subang -West Java, with 2 cultivars in each locations, Ciherang and Pandanwangi. Cianjur samples were differentiated in 3 level of BPH infestation i.e. zero, low and high. Some predominant fungi were further tested their activity on population growth and nymph-adult survival of BPH in a greenhouse experiment. Number of isolated fungal species, diversity index and total colonization of endophytic fungi of rice from Cianjur was higher than Subang. Diversity index and total colonization of endophytic fungi of cv. Pandanwangi was higher than of Ciherang. Three predominant fungi in free-BPH rice: Nigrospora sp.1, Nigrospora sp.2 and Nigrospora sp.3, enhanced rice resistance against BPH, indicated by decreased of nymph-adults survival, non-preference phenomenon and decreased of population growth.
The production efficiency of herbicides in palm oil plantation in Sumatera and Kalimantan
Authors: Hakim D B , Hadianto A , Giyanto  , Hutaria T , Amaliah S
Published: April 2020

The presence of weeds in palm oil plantations have been widely known to result in a decrease in the quantity and quality of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), disruption to plant growth, increased pest and disease attacks, disruption of water use, and in general will increase the cost of farming. These systemic risks have been mitigated with the use of herbicides. The economic use of herbicides has a positive impact on reducing production costs, especially saving labor costs and time during land clearing and plant maintenance so as to increase farmers’ income and profits. The efficiency of palm oil production by using herbicides and other weed control alternatives and the determinants were analyzed with a production efficiency approach. Production functions explain the technical relationship between a number of inputs used with output in a production process in palm oil sector. The regression method was carried out by utilizing survey data of palm oil farmers in Indonesia’s palm oil plantation centers in Riau-, Jambi, Central- and West Kalimantan-Provinces. The results showed that the factors which significantly affect production efficiency of the sample consisting of age planting, glyphosate dosage, paraquat dosage, KCl fertilizer, and Dummy land area. Meanwhile, the use of paraquat, glyphosate, KCl, and urea was considered non optimal. Hence, it is recommended to add the use of herbicides to attain the optimization of production.