bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hazard from Himalayan glacier lake outburst floods
Authors: Veh Georg , Korup Oliver , Walz Ariane
Published: December 2019

Sustained glacier melt in the Himalayas has gradually spawned more than 5,000 glacier lakes that are dammed by potentially unstable moraines. When such dams break, glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) can cause catastrophic societal and geomorphic impacts. We present a robust probabilistic estimate of average GLOFs return periods in the Himalayan region, drawing on 5.4 billion simulations. We find that the 100-y outburst flood has an average volume of 33.5
+3.7
/
−3.7
× 10
6
m
3
(posterior mean and 95% highest density interval [HDI]) with a peak discharge of 15,600
+2,000
/
−1,800
m
3
⋅s
−1
. Our estimated GLOF hazard is tied to the rate of historic lake outbursts and the number of present lakes, which both are highest in the Eastern Himalayas. There, the estimated 100-y GLOF discharge (∼14,500 m
3
⋅s
−1
) is more than 3 times that of the adjacent Nyainqentanglha Mountains, and at least an order of magnitude higher than in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Western Himalayas. The GLOF hazard may increase in these regions that currently have large glaciers, but few lakes, if future projected ice loss generates more unstable moraine-dammed lakes than we recognize today. Flood peaks from GLOFs mostly attenuate within Himalayan headwaters, but can rival monsoon-fed discharges in major rivers hundreds to thousands of kilometers downstream. Projections of future hazard from meteorological floods need to account for the extreme runoffs during lake outbursts, given the increasing trends in population, infrastructure, and hydropower projects in Himalayan headwaters.
Synthesis and characterisation of TiC reinforced CoCrFeNi composite by hot-pressing sintering
Authors: Zhang Guopeng , Wang Guifang , Yang Tianhai , Liu Zhongxia
Published: December 2019

Ti, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni and graphite powders were used to fabricate TiC reinforced CoCrFeNi composite by mechanical alloying and consequently hot pressing sintering at 1200°C for 1 h. Results indicated that Co, Cr, Fe and Ni powders were deformed, cold welded and crushed repeatedly during milling and an face-centred cubic-structured solid solution was obtained after milled for more than 10 h. Nano-sized TiC and micron-sized Cr7C3 type carbides were formed and embedded in the CoCrFeNi matrix dispersedly after sintering. The hardness and compressive fracture strength of the sintered composite reached 501 HV and 2.55 GPa, respectively, which could be ascribed to the presence of large amount of in-situ formed TiC and Cr7C3 type carbides in the composite.
The effect of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation on two-photon quantum random walk*
Authors: Zhang Zijing , Wang Feng , Song Jie , Zhao Yuan
Published: December 2019

In the optical quantum random walk system, phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation are two unavoidable decoherence factors. These two factors degrade the performance of quantum random walk by destroying coherence, and even degrade it into a classical one. We propose a scheme for the simulation of quantum random walk using phase shifters, tunable beam splitters, and photodetectors. This proposed scheme enables us to analyze the effect of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation on two-photon quantum random walk. Furthermore, it is helpful to guide the control of phase fluctuation and beam splitter fluctuation in the experiment.
How to balance China’s sustainable development goals through industrial restructuring: a multi-regional input–output optimization of the employment–energy–water–emissions nexus
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Wang Ke , Wei Yi-Ming
Published: December 2019

To effectively manage economic transition and pursue sustainable development, the Chinese government has promulgated a series of policies in the 13th Five Year (2016–2020) Plan (FYP), covering social security, economic growth, energy transition, resource conservation, and environmental protection. To balance the various 13th FYP policy targets, we propose a multi-objective optimization model based on multi-regional input–output analysis. The model integrates the management of employment, energy consumption, water use, carbon emissions, and pollutant emissions by determining a policy-dominated industrial restructuring pathway that would best achieve consistency in sustainable development policies, adaptation to the national industrial development trend, and regional equity among China’s provinces. Synergies and trade-offs among various policies are also discussed. Our optimization results show that an energy-consumption-dominated industrial restructuring pathway is the best solution, as it would satisfy various sustainable targets, facilitate (restrain) development of high-value-added (high-energy-consumption and high-emissions) sectors, as well as improve regional equity. Therefore, to realize sustainability, the energy policy should be prioritized when formulating an industrial restructuring pathway. Applying such a multi-objective optimization model provides policymakers with a comprehensive approach to support sustainable development policies.
Adaptation to uncertain sea-level rise; how uncertainty in Antarctic mass-loss impacts the coastal adaptation strategy of the Netherlands
Authors: Haasnoot M , Kwadijk J , van Alphen J , Le Bars D , van den Hurk B , Diermanse F , van der Spek A , Essink G Oude , Delsman J , Mens M
Published: December 2019

Uncertainties in the rate and magnitude of sea-level rise (SLR) complicate decision making on coastal adaptation. Large uncertainty arises from potential ice mass-loss from Antarctica that could rapidly increase SLR in the second half of this century. The implications of SLR may be existential for a low-lying country like the Netherlands and warrant exploration of high-impact low-likelihood scenarios. To deal with uncertain SLR, the Netherlands has adopted an adaptive pathways plan. This paper analyzes the implications of storylines leading to extreme SLR for the current adaptive plan in the Netherlands, focusing on flood risk, fresh water resources, and coastline management. It further discusses implications for coastal adaptation in low-lying coastal zones considering timescales of adaptation including the decisions lifetime and lead-in time for preparation and implementation. We find that as sea levels rise faster and higher, sand nourishment volumes to maintain the Dutch coast may need to be up to 20 times larger than to date in 2100, storm surge barriers will need to close at increasing frequency until closed permanently, and intensified saltwater intrusion will reduce freshwater availability while the demand is rising. The expected lifetime of investments will reduce drastically. Consequently, step-wise adaptation needs to occur at an increasing frequency or with larger increments while there is still large SLR uncertainty with the risk of under- or overinvesting. Anticipating deeply uncertain, high SLR scenarios helps to enable timely adaptation and to appreciate the value of emission reduction and monitoring of the Antarctica contribution to SLR.
Mapping social-ecological systems archetypes
Authors: Rocha Juan , Malmborg Katja , Gordon Line , Brauman Kate , DeClerck Fabrice
Published: December 2019

Achieving sustainable development goals requires targeting and monitoring sustainable solutions tailored to different social and ecological contexts. A social-ecological systems (SESs) framework was developed to help diagnose problems, identify complex interactions, and solutions tailored to each SES. Here we develop a data-driven method for upscaling the SES framework and apply it to a context where data is scarce, but also where solutions towards sustainable development are needed. The purpose of upscaling the framework is to create a tool that facilitates decision-making in data-scarce contexts. We mapped SES by applying the framework to poverty alleviation and food security issues in the Volta River basin in Ghana and Burkina Faso. We found archetypical configurations of SES in space, and discuss where agricultural innovations such as water reservoirs might have a stronger impact at increasing food availability and therefore alleviating poverty and hunger. We conclude by outlining how the method can be used in other SES comparative studies.
Analysis of carrying capacity of agricultural land in supporting sustainable food self-sufficiency in Tegal Regency
Authors: Fuad A , Mulatsih S , Purnamawati H
Published: December 2019

Population growth and industrial development led to the conversion of agricultural land, and then disturb the food self-sufficiency. The objective of this research is to analyze the status of food self-sufficiency in Tegal Regency, estimated from Carrying Capacity (CC), using secondary data from BPS Statistics Indonesia. The formula of CC developed from a combined concept of the theory of Odum, Cristeiler, E Howard and Issard. The results showed that there were three Subdistricts in Tegal Regency, namely Balapulang, Pagerbarang and Warureja Subdistricts that were capable of self-sufficiency in food and were able to provide a decent life for their residents. The agricultural land carrying capacity in Tegal Regency was 1.62, which means that Tegal Regency is capable of self-sufficiency in food but has not been able to provide a decent life for its population. The carrying capacity of agricultural land is projected to decline to 1.34 in 2037. However, in 2037 Tegal Regency will remain self-sufficient in rice with the condition that it can maintain a trend of the population growth rate of 0.33%, rice consumption of 114.6 kg/capita/year, planting index (IP) 168% or 1.68 and rice crop productivity of 5.82 tons/ha per year.
Thermal spectrum characteristics of blue light flare irradiation and its impact on surroundings biotic and abiotic environment
Authors: Agusta H , Handoyo G C , Rusparyati E
Published: December 2019

A recent modification of flare light irradiation with a high-pressure system in blue light color has been causing performance improvement of the flare light so that it is more invisible at the daylight time and in the night as well. It has been reducing social complaints. Field observation was conducted in 2011 in Jambi. Blue light showed very low irradiation, illumination, quantum value and ultraviolet at the soil surface. Its surrounding thermal spectrum was recorded with an infrared thermal imager and its impact on ambient and soil temperature was found as insignificant. There was also found that latex production and understory vegetation biodiversity at the distance of 225-800 m from the radiation source was not affected by the irradiation
Identified solution management in the landfill with analytic network process
Authors: Ratnawati B , Yani M , Suprihatin  , Hardjomijojo H
Published: December 2019

The solution to solve these challenges is the waste management. The waste management is needed to solve starting from upstream to downstream. The waste management in downstream is in the landfill. The management Landfill not only manages solid waste but also waste water treatment. One form of waste water treatments in a landfill is the leachate treatment. The leachate treatment is a priority for management in landfill because it can reduce water, soil, air pollution in the landfill and the surrounding environment. In order to determine the best option among several alternatives to manage the leachate treatment, this research used Analytic Network Process (ANP) with three levels (actors, criteria, and alternatives). Secondary and primary data collection was carried out from April until June 2019 in Indonesia. Data were collected through a survey using questionnaire instrument. Participants of questionnaire amount of 20 people. The participants from lecturers, government, and society. The finding of this research showed that the leachate treatment using coagulation-flocculation was easier to be used in Indonesia.
The Hunting of White-tailed rat by Minahasa Tribe, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Laatung S , Fuah A M , Masy’ud B , Sumantri C , Dohong S
Published: December 2019

The tradition of eating and trading wild animals (bushmeat) is said to have existed for thousands of years ago and has remained to this day. Forest rats are one of the wild animals which in recent times have been hunted and used meat for consumption. The phenomenon of scarcity and decline in the population of forest rats in their habitat in the forest area of North Sulawesi is thought to have begun. The objective of this study was to investigate the hunting activities of white-tailed rat by the Minahasa tribe, North Sulawesi from September to October 2018. The method used snowball sampling for selecting rat hunters as respondents. A total of 60 hunters were interviewed in two villages. Data were obtained using structured questionnaires surveys. The result shows that local people generally do hunting for hobby (55%). They are generally farmers, with low levels of education and income. They primarily use guns (4 8.33%) for catching rats, while the other use dog (23.33%), trap (8.33%) and all three (20%). Hunting time of white-tailed rat done during day and night. There are other types of wild animals that are hunted such as bat, bird, wild pig, snake, and squirrel.
Is forest remnants able to support bird community? Case in tropical lowland forest of West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Mardiastuti A , Mulyani Y A , Hasan M , Kaban A
Published: December 2019

Lowland tropical forests have undergone intensive fragmentation, resulting in the creating of many forest remnants. The aim of the research was to reveal how much tropical lowland forest remnant in West Java is able to support bird communities. The research was conducted during rainy and dry season in Dramaga and Haurbentes Experiment Forest (each covered 60 ha), by employing a standard point count method, for 5 days in each land use, using a 1.2 km transects of 5 points each (300 m distance) in April to October 2016. Shannon-Wiener (H’) and Jaccard’s similarity indices (SIJ) were calculated. The variation of species composition for both seasons was also compared. Bird richness was 30 species for Dramaga (H’ 2.72) and 39 species for Haurbentes (H’ 2.91), both seasons combined. SIJwas 0.39 (both seasons combined). Season had a significant impact on bird diversity and composition, where rainy season supported more birds in Haurbentes, but the opposite in Dramaga. Forest remnants were able to support the bird community, mostly small-sized insectivores, frugivores, granivores, and nectarivores. Small remnants were not able to support raptors (e.g., kite), medium to large-sized frugivores (hornbills, pigeon), medium-sized woodpeckers, as well as species preferred thick bushes and shrubs (e.g. babbler, starlings, crows, magpies).
Development of sustainable agricultural indicators at provincial levels in Indonesia: A Case study of rice
Authors: Mucharam I , Rustiadi E , Fauzi A , Harianto
Published: December 2019

The sustainability of the agricultural sector in Indonesia, especially the food crop subsector is currently faced with serious threats. It is necessary to develop indicators that can be used to measure the sustainability of the rice farming system in Indonesia so that it can be used as a reference for formulating agricultural development strategies to maintain its sustainability. This research focuses on developing indicators to measure the level of sustainability of rice agriculture at the provincial level in Indonesia. From the results of the literature review and focus group discussion (FGD), a list of indicator nominations was obtained which were then analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Based on the results of the PCA, four principal components consisting of sixteen indicators with a total variance value explained at 73.84% can be used as a reference to assess the sustainability of rice farming at the provincial level, namely: farmer exchange rate, rice productivity, ratio of irrigated land, cropping index, crop failure because of drought, population growth rate, access to financing services, chemical fertilizers, ratio of young farmers, village road access, agricultural extension program, local resource utilization, field extension staff, location-specific technology, extension institutions and farmer groups grade qualification. The list of indicators can be used as a reference for evaluating the sustainability of rice agriculture at the provincial levels in Indonesia.
The analysis of skin surface temperature and water vapor on volcanic eruption (case study: Mt. Kelud)
Authors: Noor A B S , Hidayat R , Perdinan
Published: December 2019

The post-volcanic eruption can be one of main factors in climate variability. The last incident of Kelud eruption had been occurred at 22:50 WIB, 13 February 2014. This paper aims to analyze the climatology of skin surface temperature (SKT), total column water vapor (TCWV), and mixing ratio at 500 mb before eruption from ERA-Interim and the processes before and after eruptions from Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model simulation. Global Forecast System (GFS) data was used for WRF as initial condition and boundary condition, while ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset was used as a comparison. Bias correction was used to adjust WRF output with ERA-Interim on SKT and TCWV. SKT interval between day and night ranges from 21-23°C (WRF) and 12°C (ERA-Interim). There are 56 SKT WRF and 5 SKT ERA-Interim anomalous day before eruption. TCWV anomalies from WRF have consistent variation with ERA-Interim and there are 2 TCWV anomalies exceed 2 standard deviation. There were no TCWV anomalies detected on ERA-Interim, but were detected on WRF 2 days before and 3 days after eruption above 2 standard deviations. Mixing ratio shows a downward trend before and after the eruption.
Measuring the potential of biomass, carbon storage, and carbon sink of forest cloves
Authors: Hariyadi  , Mahulette A S , Yahya S , Wachjar A
Published: December 2019

Forest clove (Syzygiumaromaticum (L.) Merr& Perry) is a tree-shaped species that has been widely cultivated by farmers in its distribution area in Maluku. It grows relatively fast with large morphological sizes, giving it the potential of being a carbon sink plant. So far, information on the potential of biomass, carbon deposits, and carbon uptake of forest cloves is still limited. This study was aimed to determine the biomass potential, carbon deposits, and carbon uptake of forest cloves. It was carried out in the distribution area of Leihitu Subdistrict, Central Maluku Regency, from January to February 2019. The method used was a non- destructive one with a plot size of 20 x 20 m, chosen through purposive sampling and referring to carbon measurement standards, namely SNI: 7724 - 2011. Measurements were made on individual forest cloves and clove cropping systems. As a comparison, other land-use systems were used in the form of nutmeg gardens and mixed gardens. The study revealed a relationship pattern between the age of individual forest clove with biomass, carbon storage, and carbon uptake which were mathematically described as follows:y(biomass) = 0.7707(age)
2 - 2.3947(age); y (carbon storage)= 0.3622(age)
2 - 1.1255(age); y(carbon uptake) = 1.3294(age)
2 - 4.1306(age). The results showed that biomass in the 15-year-old forest clove cropping system averaged 73.67 tons ha−1 with carbon deposits of 34.63 tons ha−1, and carbon absorption of 127.08 tons ha−1. Those results were slightly higher than those in the nutmeg cropping system, but lower compared to those of the mixed garden systems. The 15-year-old nutmeg cropping system had an average biomass of 44.30 tons ha−1 with carbon deposits of 20.82 tons ha−1, and carbon absorption of 76.41 tons ha−1. Meanwhile, the 15-year-old mixed garden system had a biomass of 259.59 tons ha−1, with carbon deposits of 122.01 tons ha−1, and carbon absorption of 447.77 tons ha−1.
Chemical Plant in the Downtown: Study of Ammonia Release Causative Factor and Its Negative Impact towards Workers and Communities at XYZ Fertilizer Factory
Authors: Pratiwi D M , Utomo S W , Sudarna
Published: December 2019

Ammonia gas exposure to the environment that mainly caused by certain factors has the potential to bring negative impacts, particularly to workers and the community in terms of health issues. This study aims to analyse the factors that cause ammonia gas release and its negative effects on the workers and the community that lives near the factory. This study will use Hazard Identification Methods i.e Likelihood and severity scale to strengthened that findings in field observation, key informant interviews, and questionnaire. Based on the study, it was found that certain conditions that often caused ammonia gas release are located in ammonia storage tanks, cooling water reservoirs, and pumps and valves with an incidence rate of at least once per day. Meanwhile, certain conditions such as clogging, negligence, maintenance, and start-ups are scarce where the incidence rate is once in a year or even more. The impacts of ammonia occur in humans through inhalation and directly cause irritation, and respiratory problems that differ in each depends on the exposure duration and concentration level.
Survey of arsenic contamination in white rice in Aceh
Authors: Hanum F , Sudiarto D , Zakiah N
Published: December 2019

White rice as the major staple food for Indonesian people has the opportunity to be contaminated with chemical hazards. Research in the USA shows that arsenic is contained in rice. The arsenic emissions of 75% are estimated to originate from human activities, most of which are mining, fertilizers and pesticides. This study aims to determine qualitatively arsenic contamination of white rice consumed by Acehnese people and how to cook it. A total of 30 white rice samples were obtained from the Aceh Health Polytechnic of Ministry of Health employees who brought white rice for breakfast with the consideration that they come from various regions in Aceh. Arsenic analysis contamination in samples was carried out using arsenic test kits (brand: merckoquant). Using a test kit begins with standardization before being applied to the sample solution. Data collected is primary data, in the form of interviews using questionnaires about white rice cooking techniques and the results of analysis of arsenic contamination on white rice. The results showed that white rice consumed by the employees was safe from arsenic. This result confirms that the rice cooking technique in a household is feasible. Besides that the arsenic test was also carried out on white rice sold in stalls, the results were positive. This indicates that white rice is consumed by people in Aceh, there are those which are contaminated with arsenic. This study provides evidence that the contamination is still present in rice which has been processed into rice cooked, as a result of qualitative tests on white rice obtained from stalls. Arsenic contamination is not found in white rice processed in Aceh household.
Inventory study of plants collection in the Medicinal Thematic Garden, Cibodas Botanic Gardens
Authors: Nikmatullah M , Junaedi D I , Witono J R , Hendrian R.
Published: December 2019

CBG’s plant collection managed and displayed in the garden based on the taxonomic classification system and thematic system. Plant collection that managed as a thematic system displayed and managed as a thematic garden. The aim of this study is to conduct an inventory study of CBG medicinal thematic garden collections and to do a literature study about the potential medicinal use of plant collection in CBG medicinal thematic gardens. Data collected through surveyed, checked and validated in the information system of CBG plants data collection from CBG Registration Unit. Recorded medicinal use of surveyed plant collection was identified by the literature study. Data were analyzed descriptively. The result of the study showed that there were 26 species from 23 genera and 22 families of medicinal plant species in CBG medicinal thematic garden. Based on ICD-10-WHO, CBG medicinal plant collections can treat 14 ICD-10-WHO diseases. From these 14 diseases, eight diseases can be treated by five CBG medicinal plant collections. These species were utilized as a medicinal plant by using part of the plant (root, leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, sap) or the whole plant through pounded or boiled processing, and mixed it with other ingredients.
Economic valuation of critical land
Authors: Pratiwi S R , Purnomo E , Usman S
Published: December 2019

The purposes of this research are to analyze and to identify the factors influencing the farmers’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) in reducing the impact of the critical land. The research method used to calculate the farmers’ WTP on the land restoration is the Willingness to Pay (WTP) Method, and The Ordinal Logistic Regression Method is used to analyze WTP’s influencing factors. The result showed that the farmers’ average of maximum WTP was IDR 21,196. This means that the farmers’ average of maximum WTP is lower than the average cost incurred by the farmers for the land restoration activity that was IDR 58,000. This indicated the low of farmers’ awareness in the efforts of doing critical land restoration. The independent variable with significant influence is the OWN (status of the land ownership) variable. The other variables that are positive and significant are income, age, education, long stay, and family numbers. The significant variables with negative impact are marital status, occupation, and land restoration activity. In general, farmers thought that the activities of repairing the degraded land were the role of the government. So that the efforts of farmers in recovering land are almost non-existent.
Business judgment rule application in company: a comparison based on the case in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Sudarna  , Najwan J , Muskibah  , Pratiwi  , Pratiwi D M
Published: December 2019

This article aims to analyze and compares the business decision in the value of justice in any case of the company losses according to the company law in Indonesia and Malaysia. Narrative review based on the study cases was used to make a comparison and conclusion regarding the problem. Based on several cases in Indonesian and Malaysian court regarding the director and non-director officer’s decision that leads to company loss, it has been proven that Indonesia did not implement the protection for the directors even the decision is proven for the sake of the company. This makes the directors and officers became hesitant due to the fear of not having protection against the lawsuit should their decision causing deprivation for the company. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the court has full protection for the director should their decision were proven for the sake of saving the company. Thus, it can be concluded that Indonesia has not fully implemented the business judgment rule compared to Malaysia.
Facile synthesis of zero valent iron and photocatalytic application for the degradation of dyes
Authors: Bhatti Haq N , Iram Zunaira , Iqbal Munawar , Nisar Jan , Khan M I
Published: December 2019

In the present investigation, Zero valent iron (ZVI) was synthesized using ferrous sulfate and borohydrate in the presence of EDTA and characterized by x-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The prepared ZVI catalytic activity was evaluated by degrading Acid Red 1 (AR1) and Acid Green 25 (AG25) dyes. The process variables such as pH, initial dye concentration, ZVI dose, contact time, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and temperature were optimized for maximum dye degradation. AG25 removal was 98% at pH 4, ZVI dose 0.2 g l−1, initial dye concentration 50 mg l−1, 90 min reaction time and 8 mM H2O2 concentration, whereas pH 2, ZVI dose 0.1 g l−1, 50 mg l−1 initial dye concentration, 8 mM H2O2 and 90 min were found to be optimum for AR1 maximum degradation of 91.60%. Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery kinetic model and thermodynamic study revealed the spontaneity and endothermic nature of the process. Results revealed that ZVI has potential to degrade the dyes and could possibly be used for the degradation of dyes in wastewater.
ZnO for performance enhancement of surface plasmon resonance biosensor: a review
Authors: Mei Gan Siew , Menon P Susthitha , Hegde Gurumurthy
Published: December 2019

This paper reviews Kretschmann-based SPR sensor utilizing ZnO thin films and nanostructures for performance enhancement. The advancement in surface plasmon resonance technology relies on low-cost, high sensitivity and high selectivity sensor. Metal oxide has been incorporated in SPR sensor to be used for detection of biological and chemical compounds. ZnO as one of the metal oxides is an attractive material due to its unique physical and optical properties. Numerous techniques for fabrication and characterization of ZnO on SPR gold substrate have been studied. The mechanism for gas and biomolecules detection depends on their interaction with ZnO surface, which is mainly attributed to the high isoelectric point of ZnO. There are several types of ZnO nanostructures which have been employed for SPR application based on the Kretschmann configuration. In future, the thin film and nanostructures of ZnO have potential applications for miniature design, robust, high sensitivity, and low-cost portable type of SPR biosensor to be used for on-site testing in real-time and label-free manner.
Enhanced thermal diffusivity of water in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles: a laser induced thermal lens measurement
Authors: Kumar Lekshmi P , George Nibu A
Published: December 2019

Iron oxide nanoparticles are prepared using co-precipitation method and its thermal diffusivity as a function of concentration in distilled water is measured using laser induced thermal lens technique. The morphology, distribution and particle size are determined using SEM measurements. The elemental composition and optical properties of the sample are obtained from EDAX and UV–visible absorption spectra. It is found that the thermal diffusivity of the nanoparticle solution is larger than that of pure water at low concentrations but it is decreasing with increase in concentration of the nanoparticles. Variation of electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility of the same sample are also studied.
High cycle fatigue behavior of a dissimilar metal welded joint in ultra-supercritical steam turbine rotor
Authors: Wang Wen-Ke , Xu Zhen-Zhen , Zhu Bo , Zhang Xiao-Fan , Zhong Jie , Zhang Jian-Xun
Published: December 2019

The high cycle fatigue (HCF) property and microstructure of a dissimilar metal welded joint (DMWJ) for ultra-supercritical steam turbine rotor were systematically investigated in this paper. The DMWJ was fabricated using narrow gap submerged arc welding (NG-SAW) technique with buttering layer. Conditional fatigue strength of 30Cr1Mo1V (BM-1), buttering layer (BL), weld metal (WM) and 30Cr2Ni4MoV (BM-2) based on S-N curve was obtained by HCF tests at room temperature. The microstructure and second-phase carbide as well as fracture appearance of BM-1, BL, WM and BM-2 were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that the BL has lower fatigue strength, which are related to more content of the soft ferrite and less content of the hard carbide. The acicular ferrite represents better fatigue properties than massive ferrite due to barrier effect. Additionally, dislocation density sharply increases near the carbides, grain boundaries, and lath structures resulting in dislocation tangle after HCF test, which helps to improve the fatigue strength of the welded joint. The carbide precipitated, aggregated, and grown in the grain boundaries promoted crack nucleation, reduced the crack propagation rate and affected the crack propagation path.
PARP inhibitor-induced torsades de pointes in long QT syndrome: a case report
Authors: Segan Louise , Beekman Ashley , Parfrey Shane , Perrin Mark
Published: December 2019

Background

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors target pathogenic BRCA mutations in chemotherapy-resistant malignancies. PARP inhibitors cause modest dose-dependent QT prolongation in the setting of a normal baseline QT interval.

Case summary

We describe a case of PARP inhibitor-induced torsades de pointes (TdP) in an 86-year-old gentleman prescribed rucaparib due to chemotherapy-resistant, metastatic prostate cancer with pre-existing long QT, with an apparent dose-dependent increase in QT interval. The patient presented with syncope and recurrent TdP requiring direct cardioversion reversion (200 J biphasic) and an isoprenaline infusion (2 μg/min). There were no other QT prolonging agents and no electrolyte or metabolic disturbance to account for this arrhythmia. Improvement in QT interval was observed within 72 h of rucaparib cessation.

Discussion

PARP inhibitors cause a modest, dose-dependent increase in QT interval in patients with a normal baseline. The safety of PARP inhibitors in patients with pre-existing long QT has not been evaluated. This is the first reported case of rucaparib-associated TdP in a patient with pre-existing long QT, highlighting the amplified effect of this agent in individuals with pre-existing QT prolongation and the risk of fatal arrhythmias.
Gastrointestinal bleeding and the risk of colorectal cancer in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rasmussen Peter Vibe , Dalgaard Frederik , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Brandes Axel , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Dybro Lars , Harboe Louise , Münster Anna-Marie Bloch , Pedersen Lasse , Blanche Paul , Pallisgaard Jannik Langtved , Hansen Morten Lock
Published: December 2019

Aims

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GI-bleeding) is frequent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy. We sought to investigate to what extent lower GI-bleeding represents the unmasking of an occult colorectal cancer.

Methods and results

A total of 125 418 Danish AF patients initiating OAC therapy were identified using Danish administrative registers. Non-parametric estimation and semi-parametric absolute risk regression were used to estimate the absolute risks of colorectal cancer in patients with and without lower GI-bleeding. During a maximum of 3 years of follow-up, we identified 2576 patients with lower GI-bleeding of whom 140 patients were subsequently diagnosed with colorectal cancer within the first year of lower GI-bleeding. In all age groups, we observed high risks of colorectal cancer after lower GI-bleeding. The absolute 1-year risk ranged from 3.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–6.2] to 8.1% (95% CI 6.1–10.6) in the age groups ≤65 and 76–80 years of age, respectively. When comparing patients with and without lower GI-bleeding, we found increased risk ratios of colorectal cancer across all age groups with a risk ratio of 24.2 (95% CI 14.5–40.4) and 12.3 (95% CI 7.9–19.0) for the youngest and oldest age group of ≤65 and >85 years, respectively.

Conclusion

In anticoagulated AF patients, lower GI-bleeding conferred high absolute risks of incident colorectal cancer. Lower GI-bleeding should not be dismissed as a benign consequence of OAC therapy but always examined for a potential underlying malignant cause.
Producing an effective care plan in advanced heart failure
Authors: Hill Loreena
Published: December 2019

An effective discharge plan is associated with better outcomes in advanced heart failure (HF) patients. Furthermore, a patient-centred care planning can improve patients’ satisfaction, quality of life, and enhance self-care. Telemedicine may allow optimized monitoring of advanced HF patients. Nevertheless, its implementation into clinical practice across European countries is still limited. This document reflects the key points discussed concerning effective management plans in advanced HF by a panel of experts during a Heart Failure Association meeting on physiological monitoring of the complex multimorbid HF patient.
Physiological monitoring in the complex multi-morbid heart failure patient - Introduction
Authors: Rosano Giuseppe M C , Seferović Petar M
Published: December 2019

Repeated physiological monitoring of comorbidities in heart failure (HF) is pivotal. This document introduces the main challenges related to physiological monitoring in the complex multimorbid HF patient, arising during an ESC consensus meeting on this topic.
Monitoring for sleep-disordered breathing in heart failure
Authors: Coats Andrew J Stewart
Published: December 2019

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is extremely common in heart failure (HF) and it carries with it adverse symptoms and impaired survival. Sleep-disordered breathing has two main types; obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA), which can overlap. The differentiation between CSA and OSA is important and is recommended in recent HF guidelines, by recommending a formal sleep study. The reason is that for OSA the main therapy is a positive pressure airway mask, whereas for patients with HFrEF and CSA this mask therapy actually increases cardiovascular mortality, and therefore alternative therapies are required, such as implantable phrenic nerve stimulation to improve sleep and related daytime symptoms attributable to the CSA. This article discusses the detection, screening, and monitoring of SDB in HF patients.
Implantable devices for heart failure monitoring: the CardioMEMS™ system
Authors: Volterrani Maurizio , Spoletini Ilaria , Angermann Christiane , Rosano Giuseppe , Coats Andrew Js
Published: December 2019

Several devices have been developed for heart failure (HF) treatment and monitoring. Among device-based monitoring tools, CardioMEMS™ has received growing research attention. This document reflects the key points of an ESC consensus meeting on implantable devices for monitoring in HF, with a particular focus on CardioMEMS™.
Remote monitoring and telemedicine
Authors: Volterrani Maurizio , Sposato Barbara
Published: December 2019

Telemedicine and remote monitoring represent more than the communication of health data via a ‘remote connection’. Modern systems can be stand-alone and can be equipped with the ability to acquire and summarize data in order to inform the patient, carer or health care giver. The information can be held locally or be shared with a health care centre. Contemporary telemedicine and telemonitoring solutions have shifted their focus, trying to work on a system which is ubiquitous, efficient and sustainable. Along with devices that collect and elaborate data, a new generation of plug and play sensors has also come to life, which with standardization can lower management costs and make introduction into practice more feasible. Multiple trials (TIM-HF, TEN-HMS and BEAT.HF) have reported varying outcomes, depending on the monitoring system and the background health care process. A special mention is necessary for home tele-rehabilitation programmes for patients with heart failure. Despite the progress obstacles remain, including adequate training, data ownership and handling and applicability to larger populations. This article will review contemporary advances in this area.
Estimating a cost-effectiveness threshold for health care decision-making in South Africa
Authors: Edoka Ijeoma P , Stacey Nicholas K
Published: December 2019

Cost-effectiveness thresholds are important decision rules that determine whether health interventions represent good value for money. In low- and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) one to three times per capita gross domestic product (GDP) per disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted has been the most widely used threshold for informing resource allocation decisions. However, in 2016, the WHO withdrew recommendations for using this threshold, creating a significant vacuum in South Africa and many countries that rely on results of cost-effectiveness analyses for making resource allocation decisions. This study estimates a cost-effectiveness threshold that reflects the health opportunity cost of health spending in South Africa using a three-step approach. First, marginal returns to health spending was estimated as health spending elasticity for crude death rates using a fixed effect estimation approach. Second, the opportunity cost of health spending was estimated as DALYs averted. Finally, a cost per DALY averted threshold was estimated as the inverse of the marginal product of health spending. We show that 1% of total health spending in 2015 (equivalent to approximately ZAR 1.54 billion/USD 120.7 million) averted 1050 deaths, 34 180 years of life lost, 5880 years lived with disability and 40 055 DALYs. The cost-effectiveness threshold was estimated at approximately ZAR 38 500 (USD 3015) per DALY averted, ∼53% of South Africa’s per capita GDP in 2015 (ZAR 72 700/USD 5700) and lower than the previously recommended one to three times per capita GDP. As South Africa moves towards implementing universal health coverage reforms through National Health Insurance by 2025, the adoption of a threshold that reflects health opportunity costs will be crucial for ensuring efficiency in the allocation of scarce resources. This study provides useful insight into the magnitude of the health opportunity cost of health spending in South Africa and highlights the need for further research.
The meaning of Hendon: the Royal Air Force Display, aerial theatre and the technological sublime, 1920–37*
Authors: Holman Brett
Published: December 2019

The annual Royal Air Force Display at Hendon was a hugely popular form of aerial theatre, with attendance peaking at 195,000. Most discussions of Hendon have understood it as ‘a manifestation of popular imperialism’, focusing on the climactic set-pieces which portrayed the bombing of a Middle Eastern village or desert fortress. However, scenarios of this kind were a small minority of Hendon’s set-pieces: most depicted warfare against other industrialized states. Hendon should rather be seen as an attempt to persuade spectators that future wars could be won through the use of airpower rather than large armies or expensive navies.
Star power: Kirk Douglas, celebrity activism and the Hollywood-Israel connection
Authors: Shaw Tony , Goodman Giora
Published: December 2019

This article scrutinizes the actor Kirk Douglas’s pro-Israeli advocacy over six decades, both on the screen and off it, setting this within the contexts of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the links between Hollywood and Zionism. It looks at why and how Douglas supported Israel and considers what the star’s advocacy says about the history of celebrity activism and the interconnections between the American Jewish community, Hollywood and Israel. The article argues that Douglas was a major player in the special relationship that developed between Hollywood and Israel after 1948, one that, despite recent troubles, endures to this day.
Imagining the medieval face of battle: the ‘Malfosse’ incident and the battle of Hastings, 1066–1200*
Authors: Winkler Emily A
Published: December 2019

One hundred years after the battle of Hastings (1066), two historians wished to ask new questions about what the experience of the battle was like. Their approach – both sophisticated and seemingly modern – supplemented existing knowledge with imaginative recreation to fashion a fuller historical account of the battle. This article analyses the reporting of the ‘Malfosse’ incident, a deadly quasi-legendary episode in the encounter, in Wace’s Roman de Rou and the anonymous Chronicle of Battle Abbey, in relation to their sources and the Bayeux Tapestry. It argues that the prospect of historical detachment galvanized chroniclers into narrating the battle in a way that centred on experience.
Synergistic toxicity between tau and amyloid drives neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration in transgenic C. elegans
Authors: Benbow Sarah J , Strovas Timothy J , Darvas Martin , Saxton Aleen , Kraemer Brian C
Published: December 2019

Aggregates of Aβ peptide and the microtubule-associated protein tau are key molecular hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the interaction between these two pathologies and the mechanisms underlying disease progression have remained unclear. Numerous failed clinical trials suggest the necessity for greater mechanistic understanding in order to refine strategies for therapeutic discovery and development. To this end, we have generated a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing both human Aβ1-42 peptide and human tau protein pan-neuronally. We observed exacerbated behavioral dysfunction and age-dependent neurodegenerative changes in the Aβ;tau transgenic animals. Further, these changes occurred in the Aβ;tau transgenic animals at greater levels than worms harboring either the Aβ1-42 or tau transgene alone and interestingly without changes to the levels of tau expression, phosphorylation or aggregation. Functional changes were partially rescued with the introduction of a genetic suppressor of tau pathology. Taken together, the data herein support a synergistic role for both Aβ and tau in driving neuronal dysfunction seen in AD. Additionally, we believe that the utilization of the genetically tractable C. elegans model will provide a key resource for dissecting mechanisms driving AD molecular pathology.
Comparative effects of two injection paths on performance of a heat pump with a sub-cooler injection configuration
Authors: Tu Qiu , Guo Xiujuan , Zhang Lina , Shao Jingjing , Soldo Vladimir , Boban Luka , Ye Fanging , Deng Chenmian , Xu Yonghua
Published: December 2019

As one of the most promising and convenient heating service to replace coal-fired boilers and electric heaters due to its high energy efficiency, a heat pump has received more and more attention for the economical application and extensive research. The injection technology can be used to improve the heat pump performance. Currently, the injection ratio and pressure ratio are usually used to characterize the effects of injection styles on its performance. This is not conducive to its practical operation control because of additional cost increase. In this work, the effects of two injection cycles due to two injection paths were characterized with openings of a sub-cooling electronic expansion valve, comparatively tested and analyzed. Test results demonstrate that the heating capacities (Qh), electricity power (EP) and coefficient of performance with the refrigerant injection into compressor (CRI) are more than those with the injection into accumulator (ARI), and the overall effect with the CRI is positive because the Qh improvement outperforms EP increase. For example, the maximum Qh with the CRI at 55, 60 and 85 rps were 8.1%, 7.7% and 18.3% higher than those without the CRI, and 7.3%, 6.7% and 19.0% higher than those with the ARI. The thermodynamic model was used to analyze the experimental results and expound the mechanism of the influence of injection path on the performance of heat pump. This work provides guidance for improving energy efficiency in common areas and enhancing Qh in cold areas.