bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cocaine-induced sensitization and glutamate plasticity in the nucleus accumbens core: effects of sex
Authors: Catalfio Amanda M. , Fetterly Tracy L. , Nieto Allison M. , Robinson Terry E. , Ferrario Carrie R.
Published: June 2023

Background

The development and persistence of addiction is mediated in part by drug-induced alterations in nucleus accumbens (NAc) function. AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) provide the main source of excitatory drive to the NAc and enhancements in transmission of calcium-permeable AMPARs (CP-AMPARs) mediate increased cue-triggered drug-seeking following prolonged withdrawal. Cocaine treatment regimens that result in psychomotor sensitization enhance subsequent drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors. Furthermore, cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization followed by 14 days of withdrawal results in an increase in glutamatergic synaptic transmission. However, very few studies have examined cocaine-induced alterations in synaptic transmission of females or potential effects of experimenter-administered cocaine on NAc CP-AMPAR-mediated transmission in either sex.

Methods

Male and female rats were given repeated systemic cocaine injections to induce psychomotor sensitization (15 mg/kg, i.p. 1 injection/day, 8 days). Controls received repeated saline (1 mL/kg, i.p). After 14–16 days of withdrawal brain slices were prepared and whole-cell patch-clamp approaches in the NAc core were used to measure spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSC), paired pulse ratio, and CP-AMPAR transmission. Additional female rats from this same cohort were also given a challenge injection of cocaine at withdrawal day 14 to assess the expression of sensitization.

Results

Repeated cocaine produced psychomotor sensitization in both sexes. In males this was accompanied by an increase in sEPSC frequency, but not amplitude, and there was no effect on the paired pulse ratio. Males treated with cocaine and saline had similar sensitivity to Naspm. In contrast, in females there were no significant differences between cocaine and saline groups on any measure, despite females showing robust psychomotor sensitization both during the induction and expression phase.

Conclusions

Overall, these data reveal striking sex differences in cocaine-induced NAc glutamate plasticity that accompany the induction of psychomotor sensitization. This suggests that the neural adaptations that contribute to sensitization vary by sex.
Phase congruency based on derivatives of circular symmetric Gaussian function: an efficient feature map for image quality assessment
Authors: Chen Congmin , Mou Xuanqin
Published: June 2023

Image quality assessment (IQA) has become a hot issue in the area of image processing, which aims to evaluate image quality automatically by a metric being consistent with subjective evaluation. The first stage of conventional IQA model design is the quality-aware feature selection. Taking advantages of early visual feature, Phase congruency (PC) operates in frequency domain to measure local structures such as edges, corners, lines, etc., by computing the local amplitudes and local energies in multiple scales. Conventional local PC features are calculated with log-Gabor-based filtrations in several orientations, and usually combined with other features for IQA model design. Generally, a directional filter is sensitive to the changes on specific direction, and insensitive to other directions. This leads to multi-directional calculation and much time consumption in practical applications. Recently, researchers suggested that spatially circular symmetric filters, such as gradient magnitude (GM) and Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG), are highly efficient quality features and hence have been widely used in various IQA model designs. With the odd-symmetric and even-symmetric properties of GM and LoG operators, the two features are a suitable pair for PC compositions and can be computed uniformly by a Gaussian function with one scale factor. In this regard, we propose to combine GM and LoG signals to construct a new PC model with non-directional property. With ability to catch different types of distortions, the proposed PC feature can be promoted to a full-reference IQA model simply with average pooling or standard deviation pooling, and shows state-of-the-art performance compared with existing methods. Furthermore, our proposed PC algorithm can take the place of conventional PC component in well-known FSIM metric, which achieves improved performance and spends less in computation cost. This study suggests that the proposed circular symmetric PC feature is a highly efficient quality feature and can be exclusively used in IQA model designs.
Financial inclusion also leads to social inclusion—myth or reality? Evidences from self-help groups led microfinance of Assam
Authors: Maity Shrabanti
Published: June 2023

Microfinance is globally trusted for corroborating the upliftment of the rural vulnerable poor sections. It is looked upon as a means of credit-based poverty alleviation through financial inclusion. India also witnesses the same. In India, the self-help group bank linkage programme (SHG–BLP) is architected by NABARD in 1992 as a pilot project. The programme was mainstreamed in 1996 to link unorganised with the formal financial sector. In Assam, microfinance services are made available through SHG–BLP registered under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Central Assam is the epicentre of operative SHG–BLP. This backdrop motivates us to explore the contribution of SHG–BLP in financial and social inclusion of the marginalised rural people of central Assam. Two self-developed indices, viz., financial inclusion index and social exclusion index are constructed by applying Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The impact analysis is facilitated by the Propensity Score Matching method. The study concludes that the SHG–BLP is successful in ensuring financial inclusion and simultaneously also assists in reducing social exclusion among the stakeholders.
Dynamic change of the systemic immune inflammation index is a risk factor for patients with oropharyngeal cancer: a case control study and an additional HPV-status subgroup analysis
Authors: Gan XiaoChuan , Gou QiTao , Zhu Jing , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2023

Background

The study aimed to analyze the relationship between the dynamic systemic immune inflammation index (SII), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and the prognosis of oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Method

We retrospectively obtained the data for 131 patients treated with curative treatments and calculated their SII values based on results acquired approximately 9 months after the first treatment. The entire cohort was divided into groups according to dynamic SII and HPV infection, and their prognoses were compared.

Results

The high SII group, particularly the persistently high SII group, had a poor prognosis, and static SII levels cannot fully reflect the prognosis of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. In HPV− patients, unfavorable dynamic SII and the site of tumor locating at the tongue base were all significantly associated with decreased disease-free survival. In contrast, no characteristic was presented as a poor prognostic factor for disease-free or overall survival in HPV+ patients.

Conclusion

Dynamic SII values are more comprehensive prognostic indicators for oropharyngeal cancer patients, particularly HPV− patients. It could imply that an HPV− oropharyngeal cancer patient who experienced unfavorable dynamic changes in SII should receive more frequent tests or more advanced therapies.
Review on age-related differences in non-visual effects of light: melatonin suppression, circadian phase shift and pupillary light reflex in children to older adults
Authors: Eto Taisuke , Higuchi Shigekazu
Published: June 2023

Physiological effects of light exposure in humans are diverse. Among them, the circadian rhythm phase shift effect in order to maintain a 24-h cycle of the biological clock is referred to as non-visual effects of light collectively with melatonin suppression and pupillary light reflex. The non-visual effects of light may differ depending on age, and clarifying age-related differences in the non-visual effects of light is important for providing appropriate light environments for people of different ages. Therefore, in various research fields, including physiological anthropology, many studies on the effects of age on non-visual functions have been carried out in older people, children and adolescents by comparing the effects with young adults. However, whether the non-visual effects of light vary depending on age and, if so, what factors contribute to the differences have remained unclear. In this review, results of past and recent studies on age-related differences in the non-visual effects of light are presented and discussed in order to provide clues for answering the question of whether non-visual effects of light actually vary depending on age. Some studies, especially studies focusing on older people, have shown age-related differences in non-visual functions including differences in melatonin suppression, circadian phase shift and pupillary light reflex, while other studies have shown no differences. Studies showing age-related differences in the non-visual effects of light have suspected senile constriction and crystalline lens opacity as factors contributing to the differences, while studies showing no age-related differences have suspected the presence of a compensatory mechanism. Some studies in children and adolescents have shown that children’s non-visual functions may be highly sensitive to light, but the studies comparing with other age groups seem to have been limited. In order to study age-related differences in non-visual effects in detail, comparative studies should be conducted using subjects having a wide range of ages and with as much control as possible for intensity, wavelength component, duration, circadian timing, illumination method of light exposure, and other factors (mydriasis or non-mydriasis, cataracts or not in the older adults, etc.).
On the origin and development of glioblastoma: multifaceted role of perivascular mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Ah-Pine F. , Khettab M. , Bedoui Y. , Slama Y. , Daniel M. , Doray B. , Gasque P.
Published: June 2023

Glioblastoma, IDH wild-type is the most common and aggressive form of glial tumors. The exact mechanisms of glioblastoma oncogenesis, including the identification of the glioma-initiating cell, are yet to be discovered. Recent studies have led to the hypothesis that glioblastoma arises from neural stem cells and glial precursor cells and that cell lineage constitutes a key determinant of the glioblastoma molecular subtype. These findings brought significant advancement to the comprehension of gliomagenesis. However, the cellular origin of glioblastoma with mesenchymal molecular features remains elusive. Mesenchymal stromal cells emerge as potential glioblastoma-initiating cells, especially with regard to the mesenchymal molecular subtype. These fibroblast-like cells, which derive from the neural crest and reside in the perivascular niche, may underlie gliomagenesis and exert pro-tumoral effects within the tumor microenvironment. This review synthesizes the potential roles of mesenchymal stromal cells in the context of glioblastoma and provides novel research avenues to better understand this lethal disease.
Corrosion of glaze in the marine environment: study on the green-glazed pottery from the Southern Song “Nanhai I” shipwreck (1127–1279 A.D.)
Authors: Zhou Benyuan , Ma Qinglin , Li Zhimin , Zhang Zhiguo , Li Naisheng
Published: June 2023

The “Nanhai I” shipwreck is an important discovery in the underwater archaeology of China, and many ceramics have been unearthed. These ceramics are important material artifacts of China’s “Maritime Silk Road” and have considerable significance for the study of foreign trade in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279 A.D.). However, these ceramics have been buried in a marine environment for approximately 800 years and have all been corroded to varying degrees, with green-glazed pottery being the most severely corroded. In this study, the chemical compositions of five samples of green-glazed pottery and the corrosion morphology and mechanism of a representative sample were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results: The green glaze is a low-temperature silica-aluminum oxide-lead oxide (SiO2-Al2O3-PbO) glaze with copper ions (Cu2+) as the main colorant. The corrosion morphology is characterized by alternating silicon (Si)- and lead (Pb)-rich layers, a sharp reaction interface between the Si-rich layer and the pristine glaze, and a relatively high porosity of the Si-rich gel layer, which is formed by the accumulation of spherical hydrated silica colloidal particles. These features suggest that the glaze was corroded through an interface-coupled dissolution–precipitation mechanism and that the properties of the gel pores controlled the reaction kinetics. Fluctuations in the solution properties at the reaction interface produced the complex morphology of the gel layer, whereas changes in the dryness and humidity of the environment are not essential factors. The samples have been corroding in the marine environment for nearly a thousand years, and explorations of the corrosion morphology and mechanism could provide reference information on the corrosion of various ancient ceramics and glasses and a basis for scientific conservation of these objects.
Automated segmentation of choroidal neovascularization on optical coherence tomography angiography images of neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients based on deep learning
Authors: Feng Wei , Duan Meihan , Wang Bingjie , Du Yu , Zhao Yiran , Wang Bin , Zhao Lin , Ge Zongyuan , Hu Yuntao
Published: June 2023

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has been a frequently used diagnostic method in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) because it is non-invasive and provides a comprehensive view of the characteristic lesion, choroidal neovascularization (CNV). In order to study its characteristics, an automated method is needed to identify and quantify CNV. Here, we have developed a deep learning model that can automatically segment CNV regions from OCTA images. Specifically, we use the ResNeSt block as our basic backbone, which learns better feature representations through group convolution and split-attention mechanisms. In addition, considering the varying sizes of CNVs, we developed a spatial pyramid pooling module, which uses different receptive fields to enable the model to extract contextual information at different scales to better segment CNVs of different sizes, thus further improving the segmentation performance of the model. Experimental results on a clinical OCTA dataset containing 116 OCTA images show that the CNV segmentation model has an AUC of 0.9476 (95% CI 0.9473–0.9479), with specificity and sensitivity of 0.9950 (95% CI 0.9945–0.9955) and 0.7271 (95% CI 0.7265–0.7277), respectively. In summary, the model has satisfactory performance in extracting CNV regions from the background of OCTA images of nAMD patients.
Sentiment analysis classification system using hybrid BERT models
Authors: Talaat Amira Samy
Published: June 2023

Because of the rapid growth of mobile technology, social media has become an essential platform for people to express their views and opinions. Understanding public opinion can help businesses and political institutions make strategic decisions. Considering this, sentiment analysis is critical for understanding the polarity of public opinion. Most social media analysis studies divide sentiment into three categories: positive, negative, and neutral. The proposed model is a machine-learning application of a classification problem trained on three datasets. Recently, the BERT model has demonstrated effectiveness in sentiment analysis. However, the accuracy of sentiment analysis still needs to be improved. We propose four deep learning models based on a combination of BERT with Bidirectional Long ShortTerm Memory (BiLSTM) and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) algorithms. The study is based on pre-trained word embedding vectors that aid in the model fine-tuning process. The proposed methods are trying to enhance accuracy and check the effect of hybridizing layers of BIGRU and BILSTM on both Bert models (DistilBERT, RoBERTa) for no emoji (text sentiment classifier) and also with emoji cases. The proposed methods were compared to two pre-trained BERT models and seven other models built for the same task using classical machine learning. The proposed architectures with BiGRU layers have the best results.
Police of the psyche: the psychiatrist and psychiatry in Spanish punk songs
Authors: Pavez Fabian , Saura Erika , Marset Pedro
Published: June 2023

Previous research has revealed that stigma is not restricted to people with mental health problems but extends to the professionals involved in their care and treatment. Unlike other artistic manifestations, the study of the depictions of psychiatry in popular music is still a less-explored topic. This article addresses the subcultural portrayals of the psychiatrist and psychiatric treatments within Spanish popular music. The predominance of negative depictions of mental health professionals as social control agents was a striking finding, given the topicality that characterises punk music. It is suggested that the allegorical role assigned to the psychiatrist in such a specific narrative framework, marked by ideological factors, could potentially explain these findings. In contrast to other cultural manifestations that show a tendency towards more balanced views of psychiatric treatment and practice, the negative representations in Spanish punk songs seem to have evolved little over decades, reflecting outdated views of the psychiatric approach.
Virtue and Women's Authorship in Chinese Art History: A Study ofYutai huashi(History of Painting from Jade Terrace)
Authors: Blanchard Lara C. W.
Published: June 2023

Yutai huashi (History of Painting from Jade Terrace), published in 1837, is rare among Chinese art-historical texts, not only for its focus on women painters of the imperial period but also for its female authorship. While the text preserves information on women who painted, its acknowledged author, Tang Shuyu, draws connections between women authors (defined broadly here to include both artists and writers) and virtuous women. First, her organization of the text's first five chapters foregrounds the social identities of women painters—a system that hints at their virtue. Second, biographies of women painters who are filial, chaste, and/or faithful appear throughout, but these qualities are emphasized in the “Separate Record” at the book's end, the only section with significant amounts of new writing. Third, the text positions Tang Shuyu as a woman of virtue herself. Tang compiled materials for her book with contributions from her husband, Wang Yuansun, and she establishes herself as a figure deferential to authority, a woman who begins most passages with a source citation and never develops a clear editorial voice. Scholars of the history of Chinese art increasingly use gender as a category of analysis to understand the accomplishments of women artists and patrons as well as representations of female figures. This article analyzes Yutai huashi's gendered subjects and discussions of gender roles as a means of examining both the contributions of women authors and the priorities of Chinese art-historical writers.
Minimally Invasive Posterolateral Transcavernous Transtentorial Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Benet Arnau , Salinas Ramon , Bustos Andrade Alberto , Mura Jorge
Published: June 2023

INDICATIONS: CORRIDOR AND EXPOSURE:

MIPLATTA uses a “key-exposure” concept aligning a small minipterional craniotomy with variations of extradural transcavernous transtentorial corridors to access the skull base.

ANATOMIC ESSENTIALS FOR PREOPERATIVE PLANNING:

Safety and efficiency depend on mastery of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and cavernous sinus (CS). Preoperative planning includes assessment of ACP pneumatization; tumor epicenter relative to the CS, ACP, and tentorium; and pattern of venous drainage (role of vein of Labbé).

ESSENTIAL SURGICAL STEPS:

1. Interfascial flap for facial nerve preservation.

2. Minipterional craniotomy with extradural anterior clinoidectomy.

3. Variable Transcavernous dissection according to the Hakuba method

4. Dural opening parallel to the Sylvian fissure.

5. Transtentorial with possible Kawase.

6. Closure with autologous graft into the clinoidal triangle and water-tight dural closure.

PITFALLS:

Incomplete release of the optic and oculomotor nerves during anterior clinoidectomy may lead to deficits. Insufficient caudal extent of the craniotomy may cause undue retraction on Labbé and a temporal lobe infarct. Thorough anatomic knowledge of the CS is a key for catastrophe prevention.

VARIANTS AND THEIR INDICATIONS:

1. Basic MIPLATTA with minipterional and extradural anterior clinoidectomy (Hakuba approach) for optic nerve decompression and parasellar lesions.

2. Extended MIPLATTA adds oculomotor nerve transposition and cavernous sinus peeling for middle fossa, sphenoid ridge, and giant clinoid tumors.

3. Full MIPLATTA adds Kawase and internal auditory canal exposure with endoscopic-assisted microsurgery for tumors invading the posterior fossa.

The patients consented to both surgery and publication of their images. Permission was obtained appropriately for the publication of the cadaveric images. The anatomic images and animations in the surgical anatomy section of the video are sole property of www.neurosurgicalanatomy.com and Neurosurgical Anatomy by Arnau Benet, MD, who shall retain copyright, and used with permission.
Endoscopic Extended Transsphenoidal Surgery Aiming for Radical Resection of Skull Base Tumors Involving Cavernous Sinus: Assessment of Resectability and Risks of Complications
Authors: Hanakita Shunya , Shin Masahiro , Hasegawa Hirotaka , Shojima Masaaki , Ohara Kenta , Shinya Yuki , Kawashima Mariko , Kondo Kenji , Saito Nobuhito
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Surgical resection of tumors invading the cavernous sinus (CS) still shows therapeutic challenges. For “nonadenomatous” skull base tumors invading in CS, there were only a few reports showing the outcomes of radical resection. Therefore, the outcomes of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) aiming for radical resection thus remain largely unknown regarding resectability and functional results of the cranial nerves.

METHODS:

We performed ETS aiming for radical resection in 35 skull base tumors involving CS (17 chondrosarcomas, 12 chordomas, 3 meningiomas, and 3 trigeminal schwannomas; median follow-up 36.5 months ranging from 12 to 91 months). Gross total resection (GTR) is attempted in all the cases for real-time findings from electrophysiological monitoring of the cranial nerves. When the tumor was strongly adherent to the cranial nerves or internal carotid artery, maximum volume reduction of the tumor was attempted.

RESULTS:

GTR was achieved in 28 patients (80.0%), subtotal resection in 3 (8.6%), and partial resection in 4 (11.4%). One patient experienced internal carotid artery injury during surgery. After ETS, 15 patients showed symptom improvement (51.7% in all 29 patients with preoperative cranial nerve symptoms, CNS). Four (11.4%) transiently developed abducens nerve palsy, and one required repair surgery for cerebrospinal leakage. In univariate analyses, extension to the lateral compartment of CS (P = .04) was significantly associated with reduced achievement of GTR. Previous transcranial surgery was associated with reduced possibility of improvement and worsening in CNS. Eleven patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery, at a median of 12 months after ETS. 32 patients (91.4%) did not show recurrence at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

ETS can achieve sufficient surgical resection in most of the patients, with acceptable neurological complications. For patients with CNS, ETS may offer the opportunity for improving CNS. We should also always prioritize avoidance of critical situations by preventing internal carotid artery injury.
Evaluation of Serial Intra-Arterial Indocyanine Green Videoangiography in the Surgical Treatment of Cranial and Craniocervical Junction Arteriovenous Fistulae: A Case Series
Authors: Yamaguchi Izumi , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Shimada Kenji , Yamamoto Nobuaki , Korai Masaaki , Miyake Kazuhisa , Miyamoto Takeshi , Sogabe Shu , Shikata Eiji , Ishihara Manabu , Yamamoto Yuki , Kuroda Kazutaka , Takagi Yasushi
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Intravenous indocyanine green (IV-ICG) videoangiography is commonly performed to detect blood flow in the microscopic view. However, intra-arterial ICG (IA-ICG) videoangiography provides high-contrast imaging, repeatability within a short period of time, and clear-cut separation of the arterial and venous phases compared with IV-ICG. These features are useful for detecting retrograde venous drainage (RVD) and shunt occlusion in arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether IA-ICG videoangiography can be repeatable within a short period of time and be useful for detecting RVD and shunt occlusion in cranial- and craniocervical junction (CCJ)-AVF surgery.

METHODS:

Between January 2012 and December 2022, 50 patients were treated with endovascular or surgical intervention for cranial- and CCJ-AVF at Tokushima University Hospital. Of these, 5 patients (6 lesions) underwent open surgery with IA-ICG videoangiography in a hybrid operating room. We analyzed the data of these 5 patients (6 lesions).

RESULTS:

There were 4/patient (median, range 2-12) and 3.5/lesion (median, range 2-10) intraoperative IA-ICG runs. IA-ICG videoangiography detected RVD in all patients. Clearance of IA-ICG–induced fluorescence was achieved within 30 seconds in all patients at each region of interest. After the disconnection of the fistulae, IA-ICG videoangiography and intraoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed the disappearance of RVD in all patients. There were no complications associated with IA-ICG videoangiography.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that IA-ICG videoangiography is repeatable within a short period of time before and after obliteration and can be useful for detecting RVD and shunt occlusion in cranial- and CCJ-AVF surgery. IA-ICG videoangiography also allows intraoperative DSA studies in a hybrid operating room. Considering the recent advancements in hybrid operating rooms, combining IA-ICG videoangiography with intraoperative DSA is a useful strategy for cranial- and CCJ-AVF surgery.
Highlighting the latest research: June 2023
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: June 2023

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail.
Charging into the Future
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: June 2023

Perfecting large-scale battery technology is high on the agenda for the Government. Stuart Nathan reports on the latest developments here and around the world
From Part to System: Next Steps for AM
Authors: Hague Richard , Tuck Christopher
Published: June 2023

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is moving beyond creating ‘dumb bits’ and evolving into a tool that can produce ‘smart technology’. Prof Richard Hague and Prof Christopher Tuck preview the next generation of AM technology
The Cars that Put Something Back
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

£30m initiative aims to make the case for vehicle-to-grid technology
Alstom Tests Autonomous Freight Trains
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

Trials planned for 100km route across the Netherlands
Bridge Pier Based on the Backbone
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

Spine-like structure is designed to withstand earthquakes
How Novel Materials Could Make Rolling Stock Lighter
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

Run2Rail project aims to revolutionise train design
Monitoring How You Clean Your Teeth
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

CDP's TruthBrush uses algorithms and miniaturised sensors
Emirates Deal Guarantees A380’s Future
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: June 2023

$16bn contract with Airbus paves the way for more superjumbos
In the Swim with the Microbots
Authors: Knight Helen
Published: June 2023

Bacterial propulsion used to assess potential of micromachines
Higher Brigade
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: June 2023

With wildfires apparently on the increase worldwide, can technology provide more aerial solutions for hardpressed firefighters?
Bright Side of the Tracks
Authors: Nathan Stuart
Published: June 2023

Imperial College researchers and others are envisaging a future of trains powered by photovoltaic energy.
Opinions of lecturers in music education department about assessment and evaluation of the violin and viola exams
Authors: Mustul Önder , Aksoy Yakup
Published: June 2023

Trying to obtain reliable models for the assessment of instrumental performance in music education, which is a dimension of education, involves various challenges. The difficulties during the assessment become more complex, especially in instruments such as violin and viola, which require a large number of skills. The aim of this study is to determine how the assessment-evaluation process is carried out in violin and viola final exams in Music Education Departments in Turkey. The research is a qualitative study designed with a case study design. The study group consists of 22 lecturers conducting violin and viola courses in music education departments in 16 different universities in Turkey in the academic year 2022- 2023. The data collected through a semi-structured interview form were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis techniques. As a result of the study, it was seen that the participants mostly evaluated the students in the final exams with a commission consisting of string instruments instructors, however, a considerable number of instructors evaluated the students only by themselves. Most of the participants stated that they evaluated the students in the final exams on criteria such as violin viola grip, bow grip, application of bowing techniques, playing monophonic etudes, playing works or parts of works, musicality, physical setup, scale playing and arpeggio playing. The results that proper physical setup, proper violin viola grip and bow grip prevent physical problems, improve technical skills, contribute to correct intonation and increase tone quality are predominantly noticeable. It has been determined that playing scales and arpeggios creates a preliminary preparation for the etudes and pieces to be played by the student, applying different bowing techniques shows the level of the student, playing monophonic etudes provides technical gains and playing duophonic etudes contributes to intonation. It was concluded that playing a piece or part of a piece contributes to musicality, and playing with piano accompaniment enables the piece to be played in intonation, tempo and integrity by recognising its original form. In addition to these evaluation criteria mentioned by the participants, it was stated that students should be evaluated in terms of performance during the semester, attitude towards the exam, vocalization of maqam melodies, attendance to the lesson and awareness of the repertoire played in the exam.
Identification and characterization of Aspergillus niger causing collar rot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)
Authors: NGUYEN XUAN HIEU , NGUYEN THI MINH NGA , NGUYEN DUC HUY , NGUYEN QUANG CO , CAO THI THUYET , PHAM THI THUY HOAI , NGUYEN THI THU THUY
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Nguyen XH, Nguyen TMN, Nguyen DH, Nguyen QC, Cao TT, Pham TTH, Nguyen TTT. 2023. Identification and characterization of Aspergillus niger causing collar rot of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). Biodiversitas 24: 2556-2562. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an economically important legume crop in Vietnam and many other countries worldwide. Groundnut cultivation is affected by many biotic and abiotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, groundnut is attacked by many fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens. The most harmful fungal diseases are rust, stem rot, collar rot and other soil borne diseases. Collar rot caused by Aspergillus niger is one of the most important disease of groundnut extensive in Vietnam and worldwide. In this study, symptomatic infected plant samples were collected from nine different locations in Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces, Vietnam Isolated fungal species were identified on the basis of morphological characterization, and molecular level. The pathogenicity of fungal species was confirmed on the basis of Koch's postulates. The result showed that a total of nine fungal strains were isolated from infected groundnut samples. Morphological analysis results showed that all isolates exhibited A. niger characteristics, including black colony, biseriate conidia, hyaline conidiophores and sterigmata. Pathogenicity test showed that all nine A. niger isolates caused collar rot disease in groundnuts. Further molecular identification based on ITS1-4 region nucleotides comparison indicated that selected two isolates, namely QT1 and H17 belonged to A. niger. Further research should be done to find antagonistic microorganisms isolates for the bio-control of A. niger.
Short Communication: The effects of SO2 and NO2 fumigation on the chlorophyll of Parmotrema perlatum from Mt. Lawu, Cemoro Sewu, Indonesia
Authors: ROZIATY EFRI , SUTARNO SUTARNO , SUNTORO SUNTORO , SUGIYARTO SUGIYARTO
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Roziaty E, Sutarno, Suntoro, Sugiyarto. 2023. Short Communication: The effects of SO2 and NO2 fumigation on the chlorophyll of Parmotrema perlatum from Mt. Lawu, Cemoro Sewu, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2630-2637. Lichens are symbiotic organisms composed of algae and fungi. Lichens have long been recognized as bioindicators of environmental health. One of the lichen parts that will be affected by pollution is chlorophyll. The lichen thallus was fumigated with the gases from motor vehicle emissions. The lichens under study were Parmotrema perlatum (Huds.) M. Choisy, found in Cemoro Sewu Forest, Magetan, East Java. The categorization of vehicle emission exposure levels includes Level 0 (no fumigation, control group), Level 1 (1.5 hours), Level 2 (3 hours), Level 3 (4.5 hours), Level 4 (6 hours), Level 5 (7.5 hours) and Level 6 (9 hours). The fumigated thallus had already been examined with spectrophotometry. Sulfuric dioxide (SO2) was measured at 324 nm and 328 nm, whereas nitrogen dioxide and chlorophyll were measured at 645 nm and 663 nm. Each test was replicated three times (R1, R2, and R3). Level 6 had the highest NO2 and SO2 content. The highest NO2 content on thallus lichens was 4.00 at Level 6, while the lowest was 2.14 at Level 0 (Control). The highest SO2 content was 1.856 at Level 6, whereas the lowest was 0.231 at Level 0 (Control). The highest chlorophyll content of Parmotrema was found at Level 0, while the lowest was identified at Level 6 (0.245 µg ml-1). The highest content of chlorophyll b was 0.659 (Level 4), while the lowest was Level 6 (0.413 µg ml-1). The thallus Parmotrema responded positively to NO2 and SO2 exposure. Correlation tests between the four components, specifically fumigation, NO2, SO2, and chlorophyll, show a positive correlation between pollutants and chlorophyll.
Assessing the impact on growth and yield in different varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)
Authors: GUSTIAR FITRA , LAKITAN BENYAMIN , BUDIANTA DEDIK , NEGARA ZAIDAN P.
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Gustiar F, Lakitan B, Budianta D, Negara ZP. 2023. Assessing the impact on growth and yield in different varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens) intercropped with chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius). Biodiversitas 24: 2639-2646. Intercropping chaya and chili plants is advantageous as it can boost land productivity and increase farmer income. However, the growth of the chili plant is more likely to be hampered by the shade formed by the canopy of the chaya plant. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the response of chili to the shade of the chaya plant canopy and identify varieties that can thrive in intercropping systems. The experiment was arranged based on a split-plot design with a planting pattern as the main plot, consisting of chili monoculture, intercropping of chaya-chili, and intercropping of pruned-canopy chaya with chili. Three chili varieties, i.e., Rajo, Taruna, and Bara, were the subplots with four replications. Chaya plants were planted at a distance of 200 x 200 cm. Chaya-chili intercropping was done by inserting two rows of chili plants with a distance of 50 x 50 cm between rows of chaya plants. The results showed that chili pepper planted in an intercropping system exhibit an etiolation effect as indicated by a taller stem but with fewer leaves than the chili plants cultivated with a monoculture system. The shading effect of the chaya plant resulted in lower leaf temperature of the chili peppers in intercropping system. Pruning treatment on the shoots of chaya plants positively impacted the growth and yield of chili plants, which was indicated by an increase in biomass weight and fruit yield. The Bara variety was harvested two weeks earlier and produced higher fruit yields compared to Rajo and Taruna varieties. The growth and yield of chili plants were relatively comparable between the monoculture and intercropping system if the canopy pruning in chaya plants was carried out, especially in the Bara variety.
Morphological and molecular characteristics of Donax incarnatus (Bivalvia: Donacidae) from Badur Beach, Madura Island, Indonesia based on the COX1 gene
Authors: WIJAYA CATHERINE BERLIANA , AMBARWATI RENI , RAHAYU DWI ANGGOROWATI
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Wijaya CB, Ambarwati R, Rahayu DA. 2023. Morphological and molecular characteristics of Donax incarnatus (Bivalvia: Donacidae) from Badur Beach, Madura Island, Indonesia based on the COX1 gene. Biodiversitas 24: 2805-2813. Donacidae, a family of marine bivalve mollusks, has a high diversity of morphological traits, including shape and color pattern variations. However, these variations often led to errors in morphological identification, necessitating the use of molecular identification methods for accurate species identification and support. This study aims to analyze the morphological and molecular characteristics of Donax incarnatus Gmelin, 1791 collected from Badur Beach of Madura Island, Sumenep District, East Java Province, Indonesia, using the COX1 gene as a molecular marker. Morphological characterization was conducted through qualitative and quantitative observations, while sequencing results were analyzed using bioinformatics software. The results showed that the exterior color of D. incarnatus has three morphological variations, namely purple-black (OQ692130.1), yellowish orange (OQ692131.1), and white (OQ692132.1). Molecular characterization indicated that the similarity value of D. incarnatus with these variations ranged from 96.06% to 99.61%. At the same time, the alignment results of all samples with reference species and outgroups obtained five variations of nucleotide bases. The average genetic distance between D. incarnatus and the in group was 0.01. The phylogenetic tree results obtained using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Maximum Likelihood (ML)methods were categorized into two subclusters: D. incarnatus species from Thailand and the study sample from Badur Beach, Madura Island, Indonesia, were placed in the same cluster.
Review: Diversity, structure, and community composition of Bornean heath forest with a focus on Brunei Darussalam
Authors: IKBAL IRSALINA M. , DIN HAZIMAH H.M. , H. Tuah Wardah , Md Jaafar Salwana , AHMAD NORHAYATI , Sukmaria Sukri Rahayu
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Ikbal IM, Din HHM, Tuah WH, Jaafar SM, Ahmad N, Sukri RS. 2023. Review: Diversity, structure, and community composition of Bornean heath forest with a focus on Brunei Darussalam. Biodiversitas 24: 2814-2829. Tropical heath forests, a unique lowland forest ecosystem with high conservation value, are increasingly threatened by disturbances. Heath forests are characterized by trees of short stature and the presence of highly acidic, sandy soils with poor nutrient content. Bornean heath forests are widely studied for their diversity, structure, and community composition and are known to support endemics of high conservation value. Environmental factors and soil properties, such as topography, water availability, and nutrient status, are known to influence tree species diversity and forest structure of Bornean forests. However, factors influencing their community composition, including the role of seedling communities in influencing heath forest communities, are still not well understood. In particular, studies of tree diversity and community composition of heath forests in Brunei Darussalam have revealed high endemism and the presence of species with high conservation value. Anthropogenic threats to Bornean heath forests highlight the urgent need for an increased understanding of these forests and prioritization of their conservation. Increased insights into the ecological preferences of heath forest species are crucial for the successful restoration of degraded heath forests. The intact forest ecosystems of Brunei could provide opportunities for further ecological research on the plant communities found in these unique forests.
Length-weight relationships and condition factors of brackish water catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822) from three different estuaries, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: PAUJIAH EPA , DHAHIYAT YAYAT , HERAWATI TITIN , ISKANDAR ISKANDAR , HARYONO HARYONO , ZULFAHMI ILHAM , FAHRI FAHRI
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Paujiah E, Dhahiyat Y, Herawati T, Iskandar, Haryono, Zulfahmi I, Fahri. 2023. Length-weight relationships and condition factors of brackish water catfish, Mystus gulio (Hamilton, 1822) from three different estuaries, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2855-2864. This study investigated the biometric condition of brackish water catfish (Mystus gulio Hamilton 1822) collected from three different estuaries in Cianjur District, West Java Province, Indonesia. Data (class interval, growth pattern, and factor condition) were sorted based on time, location, and season. Water quality parameters measured include temperature, conductivity, TDS, hardness, resistivity, pH, DO, total oxygen, ORP, and salinity. The correlation between K-Value and water quality parameters was analyzed using multivariate analysis. Our results showed that the worth pattern of M. gulio was allometric, with condition factors value ranging from 0.904-1.042. There were variations in the growth patterns according to time, location, and fish sex. The lowest condition factor values were found in August for males and April for females. Meanwhile, the highest condition factor values were found for males on 4 June 2022 and 5 February 2022 for females. The NMDS analysis places the water resistivity and conductivity on a different axis from other environmental factors. The results of our study suggest that the estuaries in Cianjur District were adequate for supporting the survival and growth of M. gulio by providing food and suitable habitat.
Optimization of culture medium and bioformulation of rhizobial actinomycetes to enhance soybean plant growth
Authors: FATMAWATI UMI , QURRATA’AINI MEFTA RIZKI , ROSYIDI NOVIAN WILDAN , SARI DEWI PUSPITA , SANTOSA SLAMET
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Fatmawati U, Qurrata’aini MR, Rosyidi NW, Sari DP, Santosa S. 2023. Optimization of culture medium and bioformulation of rhizobial actinomycetes to enhance soybean plant growth. Biodiversitas 24: 2912-2918. Actinomycetes are a group of Gram-positive bacteria that are well-known for having plant growth-promoting activity. In an earlier study, Streptomyces sp. strain ASR 58 and Streptomyces sp. strain ASR 67, isolated from soybean rhizosphere, were found to be capable of producing Indole-Acetic Acid (IAA), dissolving phosphate, and stimulating soybean growth. Optimization of culture media and selection of carrier materials for formulation are necessary to maintain actinomycetes' cell viability and plant growth property stability. This study aimed to evaluate several culture media, determine the optimal carrier materials in actinomycetes formulation, and evaluate the effect of actinomycete bioformulation on the soybean plant growth in planta. The sugar potato broth medium was the best in increasing the cell biomass of ASR 67 and co-culture of ASR 58 and ASR 67 compared to other mediums (skim molasses and rice bran broth). The viability of ASR 58 cell (5.3 x 107 CFU/mL), ASR 67 (3.8 x 107 CFU/mL), and its combination of both (4.3 x 107 CFU/mL) was best maintained in talc powder carrier during 10 weeks of storage as revealed by the number of viable cells decreases. Applying ASR 58 and ASR 67 co-culture on talc powder formula enhanced soybean plant biomass four weeks after planting, including plant height, the number of leaves, and root dry weight.
Physicochemical properties in NOR tomato line MA 131-6-3 after treated with ethephon and calcium carbide induced ripening
Authors: KHAIRI ALFASSABIQ , MURTI RUDI HARI , IRWAN SITI NURUL ROFIQO , PUTRA EKA TARWACA SUSILA
Published: June 2023

Abstract. Khairi A, Murti RH, Irwan SNR, Putra ETS. 2023. Physicochemical properties in NOR tomato line MA 131-6-3 after treated with ethephon and calcium carbide induced ripening. Biodiversitas 24: 3029-3037. Tomato fruit Postharvest Losses (PHL) from rotting, Physiological Weight Loss (PWL), inadequate nutrition, and other factors can lower fruit quality. Tomato is included as climacteric fruit which shows a significant increase in respiration and ethylene. The use of tomato with an extended shelf life due to genetic engineering, such as a Non-Ripening (NOR) tomato, can lower PHL. This experiment was carried out to evaluate physicochemical characteristics of NOR tomato fruit (lineMA 131-6-3 as result of selection F6)during postharvest after being treated by Ethephon (ET) (375, 750, 1,125, and 1,500 ppm), calcium carbide (CaC2) (5, 10, 15, and 20 gkg?1), and control. The experimental design was arranged in Randomized Completely Block Design with three replications.The ambient temperature was 28.30±1.75°C and relative humidity of 60.69±2.33%. The results showed the fruit ripening and physicochemical altered with CaC2 treatment, then followed by yellow but did not alter to the red color for all treatments. The value of reduction sugar, respiration, ethylene, PWL, and pH increased, meanwhile the fruit firmness decreased caused by CaC2. Furthermore, ET could increase rotting during storage.