bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical investigation of electroviscous flows in hydrophilic slit nanopores: Effects of ion concentration and pore size
Authors: Cheng Zhilin , Ning Zhengfu , Zhang Wentong , Ke Shizhen
Published: February 2020

Nanopores with various shapes are well developed in unconventional reservoirs, and the transport phenomena of solutions in these reservoir rocks are ubiquitous but have not yet been fully understood. This article investigates the flow characteristics of solutions in hydrophilic slit nanopores through the combination of a modified Poisson–Boltzmann (MPB) model and the modified Navier–Stokes (NS) equation. To account for the nanoconfinement effects on ion concentration and fluid viscosity, an electrochemical potential term is used in the MPB model and a varying viscosity model (VVM) is introduced in the NS equation. The model rationality is first confirmed, and then the influences of ion concentration and pore size on the transport capacities of solutions in nanopores are illuminated. In addition, the hydrodynamic features of liquids in nanopores and the limitations of this coupled model are discussed as well. The results show that the dimensionless apparent permeability of the slit increases with an increase in ion concentration and pore size. The relative contributions of the electroviscous effect (EVE) and VVM to the total flow resistance reveal different varying trends as ion concentration or pore size increases, which is greatly related to the surface charge density and the sign of the charged wall. Additionally, although the effects of EVE and VVM resulting from the nanoconfinement are considered, average velocities of fluids in nanopores exhibit a linear correlation with the pressure gradient, which cannot be used to explain the nonlinear flow mechanism occurring in tight reservoirs. Furthermore, we also compare the velocity difference between the classical PB and MPB models. We hope that the findings in this work can help improve our understanding of the characteristics of liquid flow in tight reservoirs and provide vital practical implications for diverse engineering applications.
A facile solution-combustion-synthetic approach enabling low-temperature PZT thin-films
Authors: Tue Phan Trong , Shimoda Tatsuya , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: February 2020

A low-temperature (≤450 °C) crystallization path for the solution-derived lead zirconium titanate (PZT) thin-film, the first choice for high-density ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanodevices, has been sought for long but with limited success. In this work, we report on a facile route enabling the crystallization of PZT thin-films at 300–450 °C by using a novel solution-combustion-synthetic (SCS) approach. The SCS precursor solution consists of metal nitrates and organic fuels (tricine and/or urea) as oxidizing and reducing agents, respectively. The essential aspect of this route is that the single and intense exothermic combustion reaction between the oxidizer and fuels occurring at 234 °C provides high self-localized thermal energy, which allows for the efficient conversion of the amorphous metal-oxide gel framework into final crystallized oxides even at very low externally applied temperature. Effects of annealing conditions such as temperature and time are systematically investigated. At optimized conditions, high-quality PZT thin-films are achieved with pure perovskite phase, large remanent polarization (∼37 µC/cm2), and small leakage current (∼0.1 µA/cm2 at 600 kV/cm). Furthermore, an application of the developed low-temperature PZT film for the ferroelectric-gate memory transistor is demonstrated. The potential integration of low-temperature processed PZT layers with other active components may redefine the design concept of classical nano-microelectronic devices.
Understanding the power of mucus to reduce drag
Authors: Mandel Savannah
Published: February 2020

Scientists use seaweed to mimic the mucus layer on fish skin. Using the immersed boundary method, they study how this layer reduces drag.
Assessing the status of a threatened island endemic, Ctenosaura oedirhina, on Roatán, Honduras
Authors: Goode A. B. C. , Pasachnik S. A. , Maple T. L.
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Context Organisms living in small, isolated populations with very restricted ranges are at high risk of extirpation due to various direct and indirect forces than mainland populations. Roatán spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura oedirhina) are endemic to the 146-km2 island of Roatán, Honduras. Harvesting for consumption, fragmentation of habitat and predation by domestic animals threaten the existence of this lizard. This species is federally protected in Honduras; however, enforcement is rare. These iguanas are also listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This species is geographically and genetically isolated into small subpopulations that are declining in density.
Aims To estimate the population size of Roatán spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura oedirhina) on the island of Roatán, Honduras.
Methods Distance sampling surveys have been used to monitor this species since 2012, and have been used to determine population density at five study sites. Estimates of density at those sites and across the island were used to calculate the population size of this species.
Key results The present study elucidates that the high-density populations remaining are declining. The current population size is estimated to be 3759 (95% CI=1406–12616) individuals within the study sites, with 730 additional iguanas potentially outside of the study sites.
Conclusions If the current level of decline continues, this species may become extirpated from some locations on Roatán, and go extinct in the wild. Although Honduras does have laws protecting this species and other wildlife, enforcement must be enhanced.
Implications Lack of enforced protection for this species allows poaching for consumption to continue, which has been shown to alter its distribution and cause increased adult mortality. Local customs value the consumption of this species, creating a delicate management situation. Recommendations include strategies that mitigate the threat posed by consumption and increase enforcement of the current laws, while acknowledging cultural traditions.
The process of Lewy body formation, rather than simply α-synuclein fibrillization, is one of the major drivers of neurodegeneration
Authors: Mahul-Mellier Anne-Laure , Burtscher Johannes , Maharjan Niran , Weerens Laura , Croisier Marie , Kuttler Fabien , Leleu Marion , Knott Graham W. , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: February 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded and aggregated α-synuclein (α-syn) into intraneuronal inclusions named Lewy bodies (LBs). Although it is widely believed that α-syn plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PD, the processes that govern α-syn fibrillization and LB formation remain poorly understood. In this work, we sought to dissect the spatiotemporal events involved in the biogenesis of the LBs at the genetic, molecular, biochemical, structural, and cellular levels. Toward this goal, we further developed a seeding-based model of α-syn fibrillization to generate a neuronal model that reproduces the key events leading to LB formation, including seeding, fibrillization, and the formation of inclusions that recapitulate many of the biochemical, structural, and organizational features of bona fide LBs. Using an integrative omics, biochemical and imaging approach, we dissected the molecular events associated with the different stages of LB formation and their contribution to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. In addition, we demonstrate that LB formation involves a complex interplay between α-syn fibrillization, posttranslational modifications, and interactions between α-syn aggregates and membranous organelles, including mitochondria, the autophagosome, and endolysosome. Finally, we show that the process of LB formation, rather than simply fibril formation, is one of the major drivers of neurodegeneration through disruption of cellular functions and inducing mitochondria damage and deficits, and synaptic dysfunctions. We believe that this model represents a powerful platform to further investigate the mechanisms of LB formation and clearance and to screen and evaluate therapeutics targeting α-syn aggregation and LB formation.
Sequence and structural determinants of ligand-dependent alternating access of a MATE transporter
Authors: Jagessar Kevin L. , Claxton Derek P. , Stein Richard A. , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: February 2020

Significance

The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family of transporters use ion electrochemical gradients to drive the transport of cytotoxic molecules out of the cell. This work investigated how binding of protons powers the conformational changes that enable transport by PfMATE, a MATE transporter from
Pyrococcus furiosus
. The results show that protonation induces large-scale reconfiguration of the structure that opens the central cavity to the cytoplasm where substrate could bind. Although not previously implicated in the transport mechanism, an intracellular glutamate primarily accounts for proton sensing, facilitating isomerization from periplasmic to cytoplasmic-facing conformations. Our findings correlate conformational changes with drug resistance activity of PfMATE and offer mechanistic details of proton-coupled multidrug antiport in the MATE family of transporters.
Ventral prostate and mammary gland phenotype in mice with complete deletion of the ERβ gene
Authors: Warner Margaret , Wu Wan-fu , Montanholi Leticia , Nalvarte Ivan , Antonson Per , Gustafsson Jan-Ake
Published: February 2020

Disagreements about the phenotype of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) knockout mouse, created by removing the DNA-binding domain of the ERβ gene or interruption of the gene with a neocassette (Oliver Smithies ERβ knockout mice [ERβ
OS−/−
]), prompted us to create an ERβ knockout mouse by deleting the ERβ gene with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We confirmed that the ERβ gene was eliminated from the mouse genome and that no ERβ mRNA or protein was detectable in tissues of this mouse. Overall the phenotype of the ventral prostate (VP) and mammary gland (MG) in ERβ
crispr−/−
mice was similar to, but more severe than, that in the ERβ
OS−/−
mice. In the VP of 6-mo-old ERβ
crispr−/−
mice there was epithelial hyperplasia, fibroplasia, inflammation, stromal overgrowth, and intraductal cancer-like lesions. This was accompanied by an increase in Ki67 and P63 and loss in DACH1 and PURα, two androgen receptor (AR) repressors. In the MG there was overexpression of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor, loss of collagen, increase in proliferation and expression of metalloproteases, and invasive epithelium. Surprisingly, by 18 mo of age, the number of hyperplastic foci was reduced, the ducts of the VP and MG became atrophic, and, in the VP, there was massive immune infiltration and massive desquamation of the luminal epithelial cells. These changes were coincident with reduced levels of androgens in males and estrogens in females. We conclude that ERβ is a tumor suppressor gene in the VP and MG where its loss increases the activity AR and ERα, respectively.
Frame-Constructional Verb Classes
Authors: Dux Ryan
Published: February 2020

While verb classes are a mainstay of linguistic research, the field lacks consensus on precisely what constitutes a verb class. This book presents a novel approach to verb classes, employing a bottom-up, corpus-based methodology and combining key insights from Frame Semantics, Construction Grammar, and Valency Grammar.

On this approach, verb classes are formulated at varying granularity levels to adequately capture both the shared semantic and syntactic properties unifying verbs of a class and the idiosyncratic properties unique to individual verbs. In-depth analyses based on this approach shed light on the interrelations between verbs, frame-semantics, and constructions, and on the semantic richness and network organization of grammatical constructions.

This approach is extended to a comparison of Change and Theft verbs, revealing unexpected lexical and syntactic differences across semantically distinct classes. Finally, a range of contrastive (German–English) analyses demonstrate how verb classes can inform the cross-linguistic comparison of verbs and constructions.
A study of the development of the Chinese correlative comparative construction from the perspective of constructionalization
Authors: Zhan Fangqiong , Traugott Elizabeth Closs
Published: February 2020

The paper addresses the emergence and development of the Chinese correlative comparative construction (CrCC) from the perspective of constructionalization. Most previous historical studies of the CrCC take a grammaticalization approach (e.g.,Long 2013), focusing mainly on morphosyntax alone rather than investigating syntax and semantics in an integrated way. However, the architecture of construction grammar requires approaching linguistic analysis with both form and meaning equally in mind. This approach suggests that what have sometimes been considered to be merely different formal expressions of the CrCC are in fact two different constructions, one correlative, and the other a simple incremental. We identify the critical contexts (seeDiewald & Smirnova 2010) that by hypothesis enabled the constructionalization of the CrCC, and point to the importance of considering network reorganization and multiple sources in the development of the simple incremental construction (see e.g.,Boas 2008;Van de Velde et al. 2013).
Model Evaluation: An Adequacy-for-Purpose View
Authors: Parker Wendy S.
Published: February 2020

According to an adequacy-for-purpose view, models should be assessed with respect to their adequacy or fitness for particular purposes. Such a view has been advocated by scientists and philosophers alike. Important details, however, have yet to be spelled out. This article attempts to make progress by addressing three key questions: What does it mean for a model to be adequate-for-purpose? What makes a model adequate-for-purpose? How does assessing a model’s adequacy-for-purpose differ from assessing its representational accuracy? In addition, responses are given to some objections that might be raised against an adequacy-for-purpose view.
Necessary Laws and the Problem of Counterlegals
Authors: Kimpton-Nye Samuel
Published: February 2020

Substantive counterlegal discourse poses a problem for those according to whom the laws of nature are metaphysically necessary. I discern two types of necessitarianism about laws: dispositional essentialism and modal necessitarianism. I argue that Toby Handfield’s response to the problem of counterlegals cannot help the modal necessitarian, according to whom all possible worlds are identical with respect to the laws. I thus propose a fictionalist treatment of counterlegals. Fictions are not limited by metaphysical possibility; hence, fictionalism affords the modal necessitarian the means to account for the apparent substance of counterlegals even granting the metaphysical necessity of the laws.
Quantum Randomness and Underdetermination
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey A. , Huttegger Simon M.
Published: February 2020

We consider the nature of quantum randomness and how one might have empirical evidence for it. We will see why, depending on one’s computational resources, it may be impossible to determine whether a particular notion of randomness properly characterizes one’s empirical data. Indeed, we will see why even an ideal observer under ideal epistemic conditions may never have any empirical evidence whatsoever for believing that the results of one’s quantum-mechanical experiments are randomly determined. This illustrates a radical sort of empirical underdetermination faced by fundamentally stochastic theories like quantum mechanics.
Hermione and the Secretary: how gendered task division in introductory physics labs can disrupt equitable learning
Authors: Doucette Danny , Clark Russell , Singh Chandralekha
Published: February 2020

Physics labs provide a unique opportunity for students to grow their physics identity and science identity in general since they provide students with an opportunity to tinker with experiments and analyze data in a low-stakes environment. However, it is important to ensure that all students are benefiting from the labs equally and have a positive growth trajectory. Through interviews and reflexive ethnographic observations, we identify and analyze two common modes of work that may disadvantage female students in introductory physics labs. Students who adopt the Secretary archetype are relegated to recording and analyzing data, and thus may miss out on much of the opportunity to grow their physics and science identities by engaging fully in the experimental work. Meanwhile, students in the Hermione archetype shoulder a disproportionate amount of managerial work, and also may not get an adequate opportunity to engage with different aspects of the experimental work that is essential for helping them develop their physics and science identities. We use a physics identity framework to investigate how students under these modes of work may experience stunted growth in their physics and science identity trajectories in their physics lab course. This stunted growth can then perpetuate and reinforce societal stereotypes and biases about who does physics. Our categorization not only gives a vocabulary to discussions about equity in the physics lab, but may also serve as a useful touchstone for those who seek to center equity in efforts to transform physics instruction.
Noise resilience of variational quantum compiling
Authors: Sharma Kunal , Khatri Sumeet , Cerezo M , Coles Patrick J
Published: February 2020

Variational hybrid quantum-classical algorithms (VHQCAs) are near-term algorithms that leverage classical optimization to minimize a cost function, which is efficiently evaluated on a quantum computer. Recently VHQCAs have been proposed for quantum compiling, where a target unitary U is compiled into a short-depth gate sequence V. In this work, we report on a surprising form of noise resilience for these algorithms. Namely, we find one often learns the correct gate sequence V (i.e. the correct variational parameters) despite various sources of incoherent noise acting during the cost-evaluation circuit. Our main results are rigorous theorems stating that the optimal variational parameters are unaffected by a broad class of noise models, such as measurement noise, gate noise, and Pauli channel noise. Furthermore, our numerical implementations on IBM’s noisy simulator demonstrate resilience when compiling the quantum Fourier transform, Toffoli gate, and W-state preparation. Hence, variational quantum compiling, due to its robustness, could be practically useful for noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. Finally, we speculate that this noise resilience may be a general phenomenon that applies to other VHQCAs such as the variational quantum eigensolver.
A synthetic optically pumped gradiometer for magnetocardiography measurements*
Authors: Zhang Shu-Lin , Cao Ning
Published: February 2020

Magnetocardiography (MCG) measurement is important for investigating the cardiac biological activities. Traditionally, the extremely weak MCG signal was detected by using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). As a room-temperature magnetic-field sensor, optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) has shown to have comparable sensitivity to that of SQUIDs, which is very suitable for biomagnetic measurements. In this paper, a synthetic gradiometer was constructed by using two OPMs under spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) conditions within a moderate magnetically shielded room (MSR). The magnetic noise of the OPM was measured to less than 70 fT/Hz1/2. Under a baseline of 100 mm, noise cancellation of about 30 dB was achieved. MCG was successfully measured with a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of about 37 dB. The synthetic gradiometer technique was very effective to suppress the residual environmental fields, demonstrating the OPM gradiometer technique for highly cost-effective biomagnetic measurements.
Finite-time Mittag–Leffler synchronization of fractional-order delayed memristive neural networks with parameters uncertainty and discontinuous activation functions*
Authors: Chen Chong , Ding Zhixia , Li Sai , Wang Liheng
Published: February 2020

The finite-time Mittag–Leffler synchronization is investigated for fractional-order delayed memristive neural networks (FDMNN) with parameters uncertainty and discontinuous activation functions. The relevant results are obtained under the framework of Filippov for such systems. Firstly, the novel feedback controller, which includes the discontinuous functions and time delays, is proposed to investigate such systems. Secondly, the conditions on finite-time Mittag–Leffler synchronization of FDMNN are established according to the properties of fractional-order calculus and inequality analysis technique. At the same time, the upper bound of the settling time for Mittag–Leffler synchronization is accurately estimated. In addition, by selecting the appropriate parameters of the designed controller and utilizing the comparison theorem for fractional-order systems, the global asymptotic synchronization is achieved as a corollary. Finally, a numerical example is given to indicate the correctness of the obtained conclusions.
High-performance synaptic transistors for neuromorphic computing*
Authors: Zhong Hai , Sun Qin-Chao , Li Guo , Du Jian-Yu , Huang He-Yi , Guo Er-Jia , He Meng , Wang Can , Yang Guo-Zhen , Ge Chen , Jin Kui-Juan
Published: February 2020

The further development of traditional von Neumann-architecture computers is limited by the breaking of Moore’s law and the von Neumann bottleneck, which make them unsuitable for future high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Therefore, new computing paradigms are desperately needed. Inspired by the human brain, neuromorphic computing is proposed to realize AI while reducing power consumption. As one of the basic hardware units for neuromorphic computing, artificial synapses have recently aroused worldwide research interests. Among various electronic devices that mimic biological synapses, synaptic transistors show promising properties, such as the ability to perform signal transmission and learning simultaneously, allowing dynamic spatiotemporal information processing applications. In this article, we provide a review of recent advances in electrolyte- and ferroelectric-gated synaptic transistors. Their structures, materials, working mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages will be presented. In addition, the challenges of developing advanced synaptic transistors are discussed.
Analysis of a dirty bomb attack in a large metropolitan area: simulate the dispersion of radioactive materials
Authors: Biancotto S. , Malizia A. , Pinto M. , Contessa G.M. , Coniglio A. , D'Arienzo M.
Published: February 2020

The potential for a radiological or nuclear attack has been widely acknowledged in the last two decades. The use of a dirty bomb by terrorist organizations is considered to be a credible threat for which policymakers and relevant security agencies must prepare. Radioactive materials are stored in thousands of facilities around the world and may not be adequately protected against theft. This article analyzes a hypothetical dirty bomb attack in a large metropolitan area, evaluating the radiation dose to the involved population. The dispersion of radioactive materials is simulated using HOTSPOT code, considering a number of possible radionuclides (alpha, beta and gamma emitters) and scenarios. The findings of the present study corroborate and extend previous research demonstrating that it is unlikely that the atmospheric dispersion of radioactive material contained in a dirty bomb would produce deterministic effects in the exposed population. The radioactive material would be dispersed into the air resulting in relatively low doses. However, depending on the situation, the explosion of a dirty bomb is likely to contaminate properties (rendering them temporarily uninhabitable), thereby requiring potentially costly cleanup. Furthermore, due to the general fear of radiation, pervasive psychological effects are expected.
Coastal margins and backshores represent a major sink for marine debris: insights from a continental-scale analysis
Authors: Olivelli Arianna , Hardesty Britta Denise , Wilcox Chris
Published: February 2020

Marine debris represents a major threat for the environment. Plastic production is increasing exponentially and causing an unprecedented growth of plastic pollution entering the marine environment. Hence, a thorough assessment of debris accumulation areas is required to address the longstanding question about where is all the missing plastic. Most research on marine debris sinks to date has focused on oceanic gyres, the water column, seabeds and wildlife. Relatively little has focused on the potential of coastal areas as debris sinks. To address this knowledge gap, the spatial distribution of debris from the waterline to the backshore was modelled from a continental-scale dataset of coastal debris distribution from 635 surveys across Australia. Results showed that the distribution of debris is significantly correlated with oceanic and atmospheric processes (i.e. onshore Stokes drift and wind), and coastal usage for recreational activities (i.e. regional population and distance to the nearest road). Debris density and size increased from the waterline to the backshore, indicating that the backshore area represents an important debris sink, especially for larger sized items.
Comparison of zooplankton community structure in sea grass ecosystems of Panggang and Semak Daun Islands, Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia
Authors: Baihaqi F , Krisanti M , Simanjuntak C P H
Published: February 2020

Research on zooplankton assemblage is indispensable for understanding food web dynamics in marine ecosystems. In this study, we elucidated the composition, spatio-temporal distributions and community structure of zooplankton on the sea grass ecosystem of Panggang and Semak Daun Islands, Kepulauan Seribu National Park. Sampling was conducted monthly at fixed stations by vertical tows of 53 μm plankton net from February 2018 to March 2019. During the study period, a total of 52 genera belonging to 38 families of zooplankton were collected. Copepods and protozoans dominated in the zooplankton communities in both sea grass areas. No significant difference was observed in abundance of zooplankton between two sea grass areas of both islands (p > 0.05), however there were a relatively few significant differences of between day and night time catches of zooplankton (p < 0.05). Day time zooplankton was less abundant than night time. Canonical correspondence analysis underlines that zooplankton assemblages were significantly affected by environmental parameters such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and the percentage of sea grass cover. Moreover, the abundance and zooplankton assemblages were well matched with chlorophyll-a concentrations. Since early stage of fishes feeds directly on the zooplankton assemblage, our findings support that sea grass ecosystem plays an important role as a nursery ground for marine fishes.
Marine mini- and micro-shells from some coastal areas, Ao Plao, Ao Yai and Laem Tein Beach, Koh Kut, Trat province, Eastern Thailand
Authors: Bu-on S , Dumgrongrojwattana P
Published: February 2020

Marine minishells and microcells diversity from coastal areas, Ao Plao, Ao Yai and Laem Tein beach, Koh Kut, Trat province, Eastern Thailand have been investigated.From the 3rd to 9th of June, 2019. Specimens were randomly collected from sand sediment and debris in the sandy beach and rocky shore by handpicking. A total of 39 families and 81 species were recorded. At least 35 taxa are enlisted as a new record of the Gulf of Thailand.
Coastal vulnerability index aftermath tsunami in Palu Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Imran Z , Sugiarto S W , Muhammad A N
Published: February 2020

A significant impact of the disaster has influenced a rapid growth of economics for the Palu City 2030 framework. Discovering coastal vulnerability index value is needed to measure tsunami affecting the vulnerability risk and evaluate development plan in 2010-2030. This paper used spatial analysis to estimate coastal vulnerability index (CVI) before and aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. An assessment of CVI was carried out using seven physical parameters and integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to build into five categorized. The result has shown that there was an increased vulnerability risk from moderate to very high rank, where the total amount of area under pressure was 12.8 km2 (56.53%) and rose to 14,367 km2 (63.72%) after the tsunami hit. A coastal area of Ulujati-Mantikulore could be categorized into the very low risk-moderate class; meanwhile, along the region of West Palu, East Palu, North Palu, and Tawaili were indicated into the high-very high-risk class of vulnerability. This paper finding shows that it is needed a decision of policymaker on making a mid/long-term plan, and it should prioritize a precision disaster-based calculation to minimize the loss and damage by the disaster in the future.
Secondary productivity of small Crustacea, Neosesarma sp. in Bintan Island waters, Riau Islands
Authors: Krisanti M , Sofirma A , Hakim A A , Farajallah A , Wardiatno Y , Mashar A
Published: February 2020

Neosesarmasp. is a species of Decapods from a family of Sesarmidae.Neosesarmasp. that has an important role in a food chain. The research aimed to estimate secondary productivity ofNeosesarmasp. based on ratio of production and biomass. The research was conducted in 3 stations in Bintan Bay, Bintan Island, Riau Islands. Preliminary research was conducted in August, and the main research was conducted in September, October, and November 2018.Neosesarmasp. was obtained by using modification of artificial substrate. Length and weight were measured and were analyzed to obtain length frequency distribution, length-weight relationship, and estimation of secondary productivity. The length frequency distribution ofNeosesarmasp. ranged from 1.2 to 5.2 mm; both males and female had growth pattern of negative allometric; and the highest secondary productivity (1.5392 gm-2y-1) was in Station 2 located near mangrove ecosystem as original habitat. The lowest secondary productivity (0.0730 gm-2y-1) was in Station 3 (offshore ecosystem). The conclusion of this study isNeosesarmasp. that found in mangrove ecosystem has the highest secondary productivity of another coastal ecosystem in Bintan Island waters.
Diversity of coral reef fish in the coastal water of Spelman Straits, Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Muis  , Kurnia R , Sulistiono  , Taryono
Published: February 2020

Spelman Strait is one of the potential reef fisheries. This study aims to examine the potential of reef fisheries in the Spelman Strait. The data used in this study are primary data to determine the abundance of reef fish and the use of PaST (Paleontological Statistics) tools to assess diversity, Evenness, wealth, and dominance indices. The results showed that live coral cover from all observation stations was 37.71%. The abundance of reef fish has been under pressure, the diversity index still has good but some families experience threats, the Evenness index value also still shows an even distribution but there are several families threatened, the wealth index still describes good species wealth, but the distribution is uneven, while the dominance index value illustrates that the condition of the coral reef ecosystem is under pressure. This condition is caused by destructive fishing so that the existence of some economically important targeted fish is threatened.
Study of giant clam resources for potential marine tourism in Morella Waters, Central Maluku
Authors: Rabiyanti I , Yulianda F , Imran Z
Published: February 2020

The giant clam is marine mollusk that lives in the coral reef ecosystem and is protected by CITES Appendix II has the high potential object as marine tourism. This study aimed to analyze the potency of clams, which are part of the coral reef ecosystem for the use of diving and snorkeling ecotourism with clams, as the main object in Morella. The parameters used for the analysis of the clam population are 1) density of clams; 2) diversity index and Tourism Suitability Index. There were five species of clams in Morella, such as Tridacna maxima, T. squamosa, T. gigas, T. crocea, and Hippopus hippopus. The widest distribution was shown by T. maxima. The highest population of clam in Lettang Beach was T. squamosa. The highest percentage of coral reef coverage was found at Lubang Buaya Beach at 81.10%, and the lowest was at Hallasy Beach at 55.53%. The highest diversity of reef fish species was found in Lettang Beach, with 197 species. All areas were suitable to be used as tourist attractions for snorkeling activities of clams and reefs. Whereas, Hallasy Beach, Lubang Buaya Beach, and Lettang Beach were suitable to be used for clam and coral attractive object of diving activities.
Seagrass existence after Sunda Strait tsunami 2018: Evidence in Tanjung Lesung region
Authors: Rahmawati A , Khalifa M A , Indaryanto F R , Adrianto L , Agus S B , Kurniawan F
Published: February 2020

The volcanic tsunami occurred at the Sunda strait at the end of 2018. Tanjung Lesung is one of the affected areas, and the seagrass ecosystem allegedly affected too. This research aims to determine seagrass existence in Tanjung Lesung after the tsunami 2018. This research was conducted from June until July 2019 with the same area as the previous study (before tsunami). Observation method using 20 × 0.5 m belt transect sized 50 × 50 cm quadrat. The transect was made perpendicular to the beach line. Seagrass species that were found outside transect also noted. This research found six seagrass species in Tanjung Lesung after tsunami 2018; there were Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, C. serrulata, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halophila ovalis, and Thalassia hemprichii. The most significant impact of tsunami 2018 for seagrass existence sighted in the west part of the cape. Seagrass in the previous observation point has already disappeared and replaced with rock, dead coral, and macro-algae.
Macroplastic distribution, abundance, and composition which flows to Cimandiri estuary, West Java
Authors: Taryono  , Pe E O L , Wardiatno Y , Mashar A
Published: February 2020

Mapping of macro-plastic distribution in the water bodies is important due to the potential of its chemical particle decomposition. Macro-plastic abundance is constituted by population activities which is not accompanied by adequate waste management systems. This study aims to assess the distribution, abundance, and composition of macro-plastic in the water stream of the Cimandiri River from the upper stream to the estuary area. This research was conducted from August to December 2018 using the garbage trap method, with monthly sampling. The results show that the average abundance of macro-plastic is 3.62 x 10-4 items/m3/second with the highest number is in Parung Kuda Station, and the average density is 3.17 x 10-3 kg/m3/second with the highest number is in the coastal area of Palabuhanratu Station. The research shows that plastic packaging is the most portions (42%) of all types of macro-plastic collected which is constructed of low-density polyethylene polymer.
Extraction and microencapsulation of tuna virgin fish oil with mangrove fruit extract fortified into extrusion cereals
Authors: Trilaksani W , Riyanto B , Syifa A L
Published: February 2020

Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn-3FA) originally from fish have been recognized plays an important role in improving health status. Fortification these LCn-3FAs into foodstuffs will enhance their nutritional and functional value, however, their vulnerability, particularly to oxidation, requires extra protection. The goals of the research were to produce tuna eyes extra virgin fish oil (EVFO) microcapsules rich in DHA protected by mangrove fruit extract as a natural antioxidant and to obtain an extruded cereal with EVFO microcapsules. EVFO was extracted using cool centrifugation, microencapsulated by maltodextrin and arabic gum, and the cereal was formulated as extrusion flake products. The proportion of EVFO extracted from tuna eyes was 10.3596±0.73%. Mangrove fruit extract had a strong antioxidant activity with IC50 of 53.28 ppm. The best microcapsules were gained from arabic gum-maltodextrin coating material and the addition of 4000 ppm of mangrove fruit extract, which had an efficiency value of 93.71%, and round shape with size 6.26 μAm. Cereal with 35 g serving sizes and the addition of 3.6% EVFO microcapsules contributed approximately 134 kcal, 100 mg DHA, and 125 mg omega-3 increasing the great nutritional value.
Morphometric character variation of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus Linnaeus, 1758) population in western and eastern part of Java Sea
Authors: Zairion  , Fauziyah  , Riani E , Hakim A A , Mashar A , Madduppa H , Wardiatno Y
Published: February 2020

The blue swimming crab(Portunus pelagicusLinnaeus, 1758) inhabits coastal waters with sandy or muddy substrates of Southeast Asia. Aquatic environment and fishing intensity might influence the variation in morphometric characters of species as a form of adaptation and might characterize the stock unit as well. This study was aimed to analyze the morphometric variation of the blue swimming crab (BSC) population in western and eastern parts of Java Sea as part of Fisheries Management Area (FMA 712) of Indonesia. The representative crab sample for both males and females were taken randomly from three different locations, i.e. East Lampung, Rembang, and Southern Madura Island. Those samples were analyzed with a method called “conventional morphometric method”. Result of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that 10 characters were significantly different between male and female crabs. The cluster analysis also showed that the crabs in East Lampung and Rembang had high similarities which tended to be close population, while Southern Madura’s crabs were seemed to be dissimilar. In addition, discriminant analyses also showed that the BSC population in Southern Madura was different from the other two populations, indicating that the BSC population of Southern Madura is a different stock unit.
Does Indonesia’s fisheries governance ready to achieve SDG’s 14? The role of multi-stakeholder in fisheries policy
Authors: Zulbainarni N , Indrawan D , Khumaera N I
Published: February 2020

Sustainable development goals (SDG’s) 14 in Indonesia has a target for fisheries and aquaculture conservation and sustainable production, and it integrates within a set of regulation of fisheries and aquaculture value chain. However, it is a challenge to have an engagement of stakeholders, especially business, practitioners following the Government of Indonesia’s (GOI) regulations for their readiness and preparedness. This research objective is to assess current Indonesia’s fisheries management and governance in sustainable development. The study was carried out based on a desk study, and it was combined using a focus group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interviews. The result linked to the possible impact on SDG’s 14. The results proved that the regulations and practices of GOI in sustainable fisheries were directed by business practitioners to achieve SDG’s 14. Indeed, the study also found that many business practitioners had limited readiness and preparedness on sustainable fisheries management engagement. It could be an obstacle for sustainable fisheries management and governance implementation, as it could not protect Indonesia from future biodiversity loss. The problem of imbalance between the SDG’s 14 goal and stakeholders’ readiness and preparedness could be improved by the support of the role of multi-stakeholders in national fisheries institutions. This study concluded that multi-stakeholders’ engagement is essential to achieve SGD’s 14.
Effect of high oxygen deficiency in nano-confined bismuth sesquioxide
Authors: Sanna Simone , Firodaliso Elisabetta Maria , Kasama Takeshi , Castelli Ivano E , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: February 2020

Bismuth sesquioxide in its cubic form, i.e. δ-Bi2O3, is the fastest oxygen ionic conductor known which has important applications in energy technologies. However, the material is unstable as it undergoes high-density polymorphic transitions and degradation. In this work, we show that δ-Bi2O3 can be stabilized both at high and low temperatures (T < 775 °C) under low oxygen partial pressure (pO2 < 10−5 atm), where the material is nanostructured in multilayered thin film coherent heterostructures with yttrium stabilized zirconia. Density Functional Theory calculation confirms such a form of metastability, also showing that high oxygen defect concentration favors the cubic phase. Moreover, high oxygen deficiency in the nanoionics leads to an unexpected ‘two-regime’ conductivity with high values (σ > 1 S cm−1 at 600 °C) at high pO2 and lower ionic conductivity (σ ∼ 0.1 S cm−1 at 600 °C) at low pO2. Ionic conductivity at low pO2 occurs with high activation energy (Ea > 1.5 eV), suggesting a drastic decrease in mobility for high concentration of defects.
Albert Camus: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Gloag Oliver
Published: February 2020

Albert Camus is one of the best known philosophers of the twentieth century, as well as a widely read novelist. Active in the first half of the twentieth century, his views contributed to the rise of absurdism philosophy, and his works have inspired numerous movies and are frequently referenced in contemporary politics. Albert Camus: A Very Short Introduction explores the life and work of a man full of contradictions, who occupied an ambiguous position in troubled and conflicted times. Following a broad chronological framework, it explores the major philosophical and literary works of Camus and analyses how the reception and popularity of these works are connected with contemporary political, social, and cultural issues.
Camus’s legacies
Authors: Gloag Oliver
Published: February 2020

What is it about Camus’s works that inspires so many to quote, discuss, and use them as inspiration for books, films, and songs? ‘Camus’s legacies’ suggests that one possible answer for Camus’s current popularity is that the abstract quality of his thought makes it transferrable. He speaks to an abstract awareness of nature and mortality, but does not tell his readers what to do with this awareness. Nor do his writings subscribe to any particular belief system. Of course, this abstract quality opens the door for attempts to ‘claim’ Camus, but it also leads to plenty of misunderstandings and many different interpretations, across the political spectrum and through the cultural realm.
1. The oceanic environment
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

The Global Ocean constitutes about 97 per cent of all the water that exists on our planet. It is divided into five regional oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern oceans. ‘The oceanic environment’ looks at the structural features of the oceans, the composition of the water, the temperature, the light sources, water pressure, gases, and the living environment they contain. It also discusses the movement of the water throughout the oceans: at the surface in a series of five enormous, roughly circular, wind-driven current systems, or gyres, and at deeper levels, which transports oxygen, nutrients, and heat throughout the oceans, moderating the global climate.
2. Marine biological processes
Authors: Mladenov Philip V.
Published: February 2020

Roughly half of the planet’s primary production—the synthesis of organic matter by chlorophyll-bearing organisms using light energy from the sun—is produced within the Global Ocean. The primary producers in the oceans are phytoplanktonic microbes suspended in the sunlit surface layer. These energy-fixing microorganisms form the basis of the marine food web, the network of pathways through which food energy is transferred to all the other organisms in the marine system including other microbes, zooplankton, fish, marine mammals, and, ultimately, humans. ‘Marine biological processes’ outlines the four main groups of marine microbes—bacteria, archaea, protists, and viruses—and discusses the factors affecting marine primary productivity.
A Feminist Methodology of Age-Grading and History in Africa
Authors: Decker Corrie
Published: February 2020

Age is an essential category of analysis for African history. For over a century, social scientists have emphasized the central role of age-grading in African cultures. Whereas most people in precolonial African societies assessed age in relative terms (juniors vs. seniors), European colonialism expanded the legal importance of chronological age. Gender mattered to both definitions of age. Faced with two incommensurable systems for understanding life stages—one based on relational (male) seniority and the other on chronological age—African women growing up during the colonial period found new ways to assert a sense of belonging among generations of women. I argue in favor of a feminist methodology that recognizes the broader trend among a generation of young women in Africa who employed conflicts over age to assert their maturity, and in doing so located themselves in their own histories. Identifying female age sets and generations thus offers new perspectives on how African girls and women make and remake history.
Variants in saposin D domain of prosaposin gene linked to Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Oji Yutaka , Hatano Taku , Ueno Shin-Ichi , Funayama Manabu , Ishikawa Kei-ichi , Okuzumi Ayami , Noda Sachiko , Sato Shigeto , Satake Wataru , Toda Tatsushi , Li Yuanzhe , Hino-Takai Tomoko , Kakuta Soichiro , Tsunemi Taiji , Yoshino Hiroyo , Nishioka Kenya , Hattori Tatsuya , Mizutani Yasuaki , Mutoh Tatsuro , Yokochi Fusako , Ichinose Yuta , Koh Kishin , Shindo Kazumasa , Takiyama Yoshihisa , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Yamada Masahito , Farrer Matthew J , Uchiyama Yasuo , Akamatsu Wado , Wu Yih-Ru , Matsuda Junko , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: February 2020

Recently, the genetic variability in lysosomal storage disorders has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Here, we found that variants in prosaposin (PSAP), a rare causative gene of various types of lysosomal storage disorders, are linked to Parkinson’s disease. Genetic mutation screening revealed three pathogenic mutations in the saposin D domain of PSAP from three families with autosomal dominant Parkinson’s disease. Whole-exome sequencing revealed no other variants in previously identified Parkinson’s disease-causing or lysosomal storage disorder-causing genes. A case-control association study found two variants in the intronic regions of the PSAP saposin D domain (rs4747203 and rs885828) in sporadic Parkinson’s disease had significantly higher allele frequencies in a combined cohort of Japan and Taiwan. We found the abnormal accumulation of autophagic vacuoles, impaired autophagic flux, altered intracellular localization of prosaposin, and an aggregation of α-synuclein in patient-derived skin fibroblasts or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons. In mice, a Psap saposin D mutation caused progressive motor decline and dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Our data provide novel genetic evidence for the involvement of the PSAP saposin D domain in Parkinson’s disease.